Shangri La (CD & DVD Audio)

Product Description
The fourth solo excursion from acclaimed singer-songwriter-guitarist Mark Knopfler, Shangri-La is perhaps his most rocking album since his halcyon days in Dire Straits. Knopfler offers an idyllic earthly refuge for the sophisticated rock fan with Shangri-La, originally issued in September 2004 and presented here in a special CD+DVDA package.

Shangri La (CD & DVD Audio),Mark Knopfler,Warner Bros / Wea,Adult Contemporary,Album Rock,England,Folk-Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Scotland

---

Shangri La (CD & DVD Audio)

Average customer rating: Disappointing! A horrible dud! Shangri-La Mark's trademarked tone and sarcastic wit are fully in tact. Simply awesome Nobody does mellow like Knopfler

Shangri-La Mark Knopfler Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: All the Roadrunning The Ragpicker's Dream Sailing to Philadelphia Golden Heart One Take Radio Sessions ASIN: B0002VKZL6 Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

1. 5.15 A.M.
2. Boom, Like That
3. Sucker Row
4. The Trawlerman's Song
5. Back To Tupelo
6. Our Shangri-La
7. Everybody Pays
8. Song For Sonny Liston
9. Whoop De Doo
10. Postcards From Paraguay
11. All That Matters
12. Stand Up Guy
13. Donegan's Gone
14. Don't Crash The Ambulance

Amazon.com

Mark Knopfler isn't afraid to drop names. The heavyweight Cassius Clay laid low, the man who made burgers and fries into big business, the kings of rock & roll and skiffle are among the motley assortment who pass through Knopfler's fourth solo album. Recorded in Malibu with a tight crew of steadfast Knopfler sidemen, Shangri-La (the title comes from the studio where the entire set was recorded) chronicles the foibles of the acclaimed and the adrift, all delivered with the nonchalant grace that has marked Knopfler's music since Dire Straits emerged in the late '70s. Seven of album's 14 originals clock in at between five and seven minutes. That's Knopfler in a nutshell--don't rush things, but don't loose the thread, either. As a songwriter, Knopfler has a storyteller's eye for minutiae, which he delivers with practiced nuance. He overreaches here and there ("Song for Sonny Liston" fails to capture the pathos of the menacing fighter), but also pulls off a few career highlights (the understated crime-drama opener "5.15 a.m."). --Steve Stolder

Album Description

The fourth solo excursion from acclaimed singer-songwriter-guitarist Mark Knopfler, Shangri-La is perhaps his most rocking album since his halcyon days in Dire Straits. A four- time Grammy winner who has sold some 110 million albums worldwide with that group and solo — and whose signature guitar sound, instantly recognizable vocals and smart lyrics have made him one of rock's most admired artists — Knopfler offers an idyllic earthly refuge for the sophisticated rock fan with Shangri-La.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing! A horrible dud!.......2007-07-25

Loved Dire Straits, I was very much looking forward to this album. Hate it, it plods and there's a dearth of interesting guitar work. The second-worse album in my entire collection! Bad enough to have kept me from buying any current original album for two years.

If you're still interest in Mark Knopfler solo, try the Dire Strait/Mark Knopfler "Private Investigation" - the second of the two discs is all Mark Knopfler, and a lot more interesting than this dud, although I'm still not a fan. Better yet is the first disc - classic Dire Straits!

Shangri-La.......2007-06-18

I love Mark Kopfler and Dire Straits. I like this CD. I am especially fond of "Boom, like that", "The trawlerman's song" and "Back to Tupelo".

Mark's trademarked tone and sarcastic wit are fully in tact........2007-05-19

I've read that much of Mr. Knopfler's work is too derivative of other artists. I had to laugh because when I heard the opening keyboard riff to "Everybody Pays", I immediately thought of "Whiter Shade of Pale". But, at the end of the day...so what?? All popular music is derivative-this is a fact of life.

This album illustrates what the maturation of a great artist/musician is really about. The themes are more weighty, the music more subtle and textured, the mood somewhat laid back. When you listen to this recording, you are listening to the voice of experience. Mark understands his vocal limitations and doesn't bother to push the boundaries. He also understands that a few well-placed hammer-ons, bends and pull-offs are all you need to state your case on the guitar. Too many musicians have a tendency to over-play their instruments...like a chatty salesman whose afraid that he might not close the deal (he keeps talking to avoid any uncomfortable lulls in the conversation).

If you begin to disect this record, you will find shades of J.J. Cale, Chet Atkins and Bob Dylan (as usual). Mark has a somewhat nasal, raspy delivery in his singing, as well as a certain wry wit and literacy in his lyrics. This is where the Dylan comparison comes from. But Mark is a better musician, and that's that (although Bob's a better poet,not to mention a 60's icon/innovator). Now, Mark's finger-picking style does owe a debt of gratitude to Chet Atkins-a great country/blue-grass guitar player. However, Mark takes it to another level, and also shows an affinity for blues and rock which Mr. Atkins simply never possessed. J.J. Cale, another great artist with similar sensibilities, seems to lack Mark's accessibility and overt sarcasm (see "Industrial Disease", "Money For Nothing", "Heavy Fuel", "My Parties", "Don't Crash the Ambulance", etc.). And, again, Cale cannot match Knopfler's virtuosity on the guitar either (he's pretty good, but never played ANYTHING on par with the solo/fills heard on "Sultans of Swing"-to name one example).

This record is a subtle, relaxed (and sometimes brooding) affair which focuses on moral decay, lost opportunities, lost innocence, bad business deals, tax dodging, physical illness, bad politics, class injustice and various other absurdities of life...the essence of the blues. It doesn't burn like Dire Straits' "Making Movies" or aim for the market sweet-spot like "Brothers In Arms"...it just smolders. Give it a listen. You'll find some tasteful, rootsy guitar work, and some folk-rock style songs featuring interesting narratives. Warning: don't look for any jolly songs about love/sex, syncopated dance rhythms or nifty synthesizer/drum loops-Britney Spears has this covered already.

Simply awesome.......2007-05-07

I am an unabashed fan of Mark Knopfler and was looking forward to the release of this album. Mark has exceeded even his high standards with this album with every track a winner. If you can listen to this album and not feel better for the experince you should probably book yourself into a funeral home as you are probably dead. Fantastic.

Nobody does mellow like Knopfler.......2007-03-10

I don't often write reviews about music, but after listening to this one for two years, I feel it's become a part of me. This is Mark Knopfler at his mellow finest: some of it soothing and tuneful, some of it gritty and bluesy, all of it down-to-earth and honest, and none of it boring or pretentious. The lyrics are always intriguing, and the guitar, though not as flashy as his earlier work, is unmistakably Knopfler (with a hint of Carlos Santana in the closing number). The CD flows beautifully, the backing musicians are top-notch and the sound quality is flawless.

Average customer rating: Pure Shangri La AMAZING CD !!! This album really stinks The best album Stevie has ever made... one of her best

Trouble In Shangri-La Stevie Nicks Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Icons | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Street Angel The Wild Heart The Other Side of the Mirror Bella Donna Rock a Little ASIN: B00005AXEL Release Date: 2001-05-01

Tracks:

1. Trouble In Shangra-La
2. Candlebright
3. Sorcerer
4. Planets Of The Universe
5. Everyday
6. Too far From Texas
7. That Made Me Stronger
8. It's Only Love
9. Love Changes
10. I Miss You
11. Bombay Sapphire
12. Fall From Grace
13. Love Is

Amazon.com

Rock enchantress Stevie Nicks strips off the shawls, scarves, and most of the rest of her trademark witchy esoterica for her first album since 1994's rather precious Street Angel. Seemingly more comfortable in her skin, Nicks also settles more comfortably into her croaky, lived-in voice, and is a stronger presence for it. While Trouble in Shangri-La was produced in part by Sheryl Crow, Nicks also tapped the talents of John Shanks (Melissa Etheridge) and Sarah McLachlan producer Pierre Marchand (McLachlan adds her haunting pipes to "Love Is"). Also on hand are Dixie Chick Natalie Maines (on the rockabilly-like "Too Far from Texas"), and the ubiquitous Macy Gray growls on "Bombay Sapphire," a blistering, hard-charging track that recalls the best moments of Fleetwood Mac. Other standouts on the album are the unflinching, autobiographical "Fall from Grace," recorded at punk rock speed, and the winsome "Everyday," with its elegant, soulful lyrics. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

Pure Shangri La.......2007-05-22

God bless this crazy witchy woman - I have loved every single thing this woman has ever done and I'm not alone. Along with legions of fans, Courtney Love, Billy Corgan, Natalie Maines, Sheryl Crow have all talked about her influence and in most cases recorded versions of her songs. Trouble In Shangri-La was her "comeback" album if you will, her first since 1994's ill fated Street Angel, which though it had all the mystique of Stevie was lacking some of the raw passion we have come to expect from Stevie. Well, that wasn't the case with this album which included Crow singing on "Sorcerer", Maines singing on one of my favs - the country twinged "Too Far From Texas", plus beautiful and poignant lyrics of the first single "Everyday." This is one album I can listen to (and did when it came out) over and over and over....

AMAZING CD !!!.......2007-05-18

I LOVE Stevie and Fleetwood, but out of all the compilations to date, this one is by far the greatest from Stevie. The mix on 'Love Is' with Sarah McLachlan is outstanding, as is 'Bombay Sapphire' and all the rest, a well rounded album worth a full listening!

This album really stinks.......2006-11-24

On Trouble in Shangri-La, Stevie Nicks' voice sounds like that of a post-menopausal smoker who garggles daily with razor blades. It seems she needs to come up with some incantations to restore her decaying body or else just give it up. If you like this album you will like the lastest by Stephen Hawking...

The best album Stevie has ever made..........2006-11-21

Where do I begin? This album has been like my best friend at times. It has its flaws, but the flaws are easily forgotten because its real, and its everything you would expect from a Stevie Nicks album.

After the precious and inconsistent 'Street Angel' was a commercial and critical disapointment, Stevie's star seemed like it is fading. But after the succesful 1997 Rumours line-up reunion, The Dance, Stevie's star began to rise again. Releasing 'Trouble in Shangri-La' confirmed Stevie's place in Pop and Rock history, proving that a woman in her 50's can still make a better record than most modern artists.

This album could not be any better, and hopefully this is not the last we will hear of Ms. Nicks, because, like fine-wine, she only gets better with age.

Key tracks: Fall From Grace, Trouble in Shangri-La, Sorcerer, Planets of the Universe, I Miss You.

one of her best.......2006-11-14

I read a review written by someone who was rating Stevie Nick's "The other side of the mirror" and at that time the person wrote that she would never produce another album that was as good or as popular as "Bella Donna". That had to be before she produced "Trouble in Shangri-La". I can't speak for record sales but I think that artistically this has to be one of her best albums. Every song on this album is great and as good as Bella Donna was, This has to rate as one of her most fantastic albums. I actually like the "Wild Heart" better than "Bella Donna", but if you are a true fan of Stevie Nick's this album should amaze you. Go out and buy it now.

Average customer rating: Completely Under Rated - It Rocks - One of Their Best On Auto-Pilot Quite Different from the other Four Come on amazon, add a zero star rating It's no wonder they didn't release another album after this

Shangri-La Dee Da Stone Temple Pilots Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: No. 4 Tiny Music...Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop Stone Temple Pilots - Purple Core 12 Bar Blues ASIN: B00005JYEA Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

1. Dumb Love
2. Days Of The Week
3. Coma
4. Hollywood Bitch
5. Wonderful
6. Black Again
7. Hello It's Late
8. Too Cool Queenie
9. Regeneration
10. Bi-Polar Bear
11. Transmissions From A Lonely Room
12. A Song For Sleeping
13. Long Way Home

Amazon.com

Shangri-La Dee Da may not be STP's most commercial outing, but the disc's 13 tracks comprise a satisfying aural journey despite its lack of quick-fix hits along the lines of "Sex Type Thing" and "Wicked Garden." From the dark, grinding rhythms and obfuscated vocals of "Dumb Love" to the lovely "Wonderful" to the buoyant power pop of "Days of the Week" to the edgy and disturbing "Coma," myriad facets of the lineup's musical temperament are explored. "Bi-Polar Bear" hints at STP's humor, though Shangri-La is by no means lightweight; singer Scott Weiland's passionate and personal lyrics--especially on a touching ode to his infant son, "A Song for Sleeping"--are affecting and apt. The fifth outing from this California crew who've survived grunge and thrived in its aftermath is masterful and mature effort from a band who've spied some light at the end of their tunnel. --Katherine Turman

Customer Reviews:

Completely Under Rated - It Rocks - One of Their Best.......2007-07-25

This album and No. 4 both have great rocking songs that are in a similar vein to Velvet Revolver. Shangra is completey under rated and I don't know why cause the songs are well crafted and rock pretty hard. If you like hard rock, why would you dislike this album?

On Auto-Pilot.......2007-03-29

Well, being that I absolutely love STP anyway, it was going to be hard for me to give this anything less than 5 stars. True, this album is remarkably different from their previous efforts, but in no way is it inferior. In fact, I think that it is excellent in the sense that they showcase that they can not only pump out the usual hard rocker (Dumb Love, Long Way Home) but that they have also progressed and can show different sides (Hello, It's Late, Too Cool Queenie). Yeah, this album for the most part has more "soft" singles than their other albums, but still, IT'S GOOD!!! I mean, come on! Led Zeppelin's third album was "softer" than anything they'd done up to that point, but I doubt any Zep fan would pan it just because it didn't have an over abundance of radio-friendly hard rocking tunes. I love their soft side just as much as their gritty, no holds barred approach to music. Folks, this is a good album, and sadly, the last this great quartet gave us. If you like STP, it is more than worth purchasing.

Quite Different from the other Four.......2006-12-23

I can see why some STP fans reject this album. It is quite a bit softer and more mellow than any of their previous four. And I have to admit that some of the songs sound a tad uninspired, kind of that, we are contracturally liable for one more album kind of sound. I think that political events in the band at this time probably prevented them from coming up with something great. Out of my love for the band, I will go no lower than a 3 rating. I just think it was hard to carry on at the level that they were at for so long.

Come on amazon, add a zero star rating.......2006-12-17

I couldn't even get through it. Gave it away the day after I bought it and felt bad about ripping off the person I gave it to. This CD just plain blows.

It's no wonder they didn't release another album after this.......2006-11-18

On the special edition of "Thank You" I enjoyed the music clips that were played over the DVD menus. I found out that the music came from this album so I gave it a listen and I'm none to happy to report that Stone Temple Pilots fans won't like this album.

"Days of the Week" is alright. It's a catchy song and it gets you pumped for another album by them but the rest of the album is terrible. The music clips which I refered to are just the introductions to the songs which change after the first seven seconds into empty, yet overblown songs which don't have any replay value.

Then, there's a syrupy ballad in the mix too which makes me lose a bit of respect for Scott Weiland and co. seeing as how it doesn't belong at all. I know Scott Weiland was going through a lot of stuff but c'mon, nobody wants to hear a ballad at that level.

I definitely learned my lesson and that's simply that Stone Temple Pilots fans should avoid this.

Average customer rating: Where is the interview? Mediocre DVD mix Five Star Album, Two Star DVD-A Mixing Ricardo's Review Almost the perfect test disc for any DVD Audio system

Shangri La (CD & DVD Audio) Mark Knopfler Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sailing to Philadelphia (CD & DVD Audio) Running on Empty (CD & DVD Audio) Brothers In Arms - 20th Anniversary Edition Best: 1991-2004 (2 CD & DVD Audio) Love (CD + Audio DVD) ASIN: B00069A5GY Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

1. 5:15 A.M.
2. Boom, Like That
3. Sucker Row
4. The Trawlerman's Song
5. Back to Tupelo
6. Our Shangri-La
7. Everybody Pays
8. Song for Sonny Liston
9. Whoop De Doo
10. Postcards from Paraguay
11. All That Matters
12. Stand Up Guy
13. Donegan's Gone
14. Don't Crash the Ambulance

Album Description

The fourth solo excursion from acclaimed singer-songwriter-guitarist Mark Knopfler, Shangri-La is perhaps his most rocking album since his halcyon days in Dire Straits. Knopfler offers an idyllic earthly refuge for the sophisticated rock fan with Shangri-La, originally issued in September 2004 and presented here in a special CD+DVDA package.

Customer Reviews:

Where is the interview?.......2006-11-10

I have played both discs on my High End Pioneer system, and I am under the impression that there is an interview on the DVD-A.
Can't find it.
Any ideas please.
Being a Lonnie Donegan fanatic this is the first mention of him by a musical artist.
The first on the British scene with American spirituals Lonnie turned them into great hits before any of the big names of the sixties arrived.
Thanks Mark

Mediocre DVD mix.......2006-06-12

I must say to begin with, Ragpicker's Dream and Shangri-La are, in my humble opinion, the BEST recordings Mark has ever put out. So the plain ol' CD stereo mix of Shangri-La is excellent! However, as somebody used to the amazing mixes of Elliot Schiener on the Steely Dan DVD-A's, the 5.1 mix of Shangri-La, I must say, is pretty pathetic. I don't think it's the fault of the mixer, however, I mean, how do you expect to stretch the sound across 6 speakers when sometimes, there isn't even 4 instruments playing? 75% of the album is just Mark, his guitar, and a drum machine. So there's a lot of echo... often the back speakers have nothing going on at all. I dont think this album was ever meant to be in surround. HOWEVER, depending on how you have your speakers set up, it can be a lot better. When I first bought the DVD, my set up was the typical LEFT/CENTER/RIGHT in front, REAR LEFT/RIGHT in behind, a sub under my chair... try putting all 5 speakers right in front of you. If you have speaker stands, or a tall desk, put the front speakers about 3 feet above your head, put the rear speakers on the floor. Then play all of your DVD-A's... it gives you a whole new dimension to the music you never would've known was there! AND makes this Shangri-La DVD much worth buying.

Five Star Album, Two Star DVD-A Mixing.......2006-04-01

Can't say enough about this album. I got it as traditional CD several months ago, and it is, by far, the best music I've bought all year. Due the sparse selection of DVD-A, I was thrilled to see it offered here in this format. The positive reviews on the mix were even more encouraging. I've got a dedicated DVD-Audio player run through a Pioneer 135 watts per channel amp running Klipsh KG 5.5 mains and comperable center, surrounds and sub. -Not a totally high-end system, but it'll hold its own.
I have to say that I was disapointed when I heard the album for one reason: Knopfler's voice is 95% relegated to the center channel. Perhaps it's a matter of taste, but there is way too much separation between voice and instuments. The idea of 5 channel separation is a wonderful thing when done right -any Donald Fagen, Hotel California, but there's a fine line in the mixing between perfection and annoying. In my opinion, this one crosses that line. Some may love it; to me, it's unbalanced and makes for a frustrating listening experience.
-Brian

Ricardo's Review.......2006-03-09

A very tasteful album. Each song has a nice story to tell and the musicianship on the album is second to none. The surrownd sond is set up like you were sitiing in the middle of the band. Mark Knopfler's guitar playing is adventurous and beautiful. There are some good Rock songs (Boom Like That), blues (Song for Sonny Liston), and ballads. All in all an excellent record and one that should be included in everyones library. Nice extras with a "making of the record" segment and 4 good videos.
I guarentee you will enjoy this record!

Almost the perfect test disc for any DVD Audio system.......2005-03-10

I'll skip the superlative merits of the songs themselves as I've covered that already, and tell you that with Knopfler you always get a GREAT sounding album. Enhanced with the DVD Audio format, it is almost too good to be true. Assuming you have a passion for well played, tasty guitar licks, it doesn't get any more sublime or sound any more intimate than this DVDA. I'd swear I can hear the strings being plucked! The balance throughout the disc is extraodinary, the dynamics letter perfect. The intimacy acheived and the presence and separation of the music is what is so incredible about this format and in the case of Knopfler, he takes the format to its optimum. Positively, I highly recommend this disc. As good as the first release was, this is just so much better. I can hardly wait for LOCAL HERO and RAGPICKER'S DREAM, CAL and TELEGRAPH ROAD.

Average customer rating: What happened? The best Joker's Card, the Wraith. the end of time will consume us all One of their best - no questions asked. Well, the bonus Gathering footage was cool...

Wraith: Shangri-La Insane Clown Posse Manufacturer: Psychopathic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rap Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Carnival of Carnage The Ringmaster The Riddle Box Hell's Pit - Version 1 The Calm ASIN: B0002XEDJE Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

1. Walk Into the Light
2. Welcome To The Show
3. Get Your Wicked On
4. Murder Rap
5. Birthday Bitches
6. Blaaam!
7. It Rains Diamonds
8. The Staleness
9. Hell's Forecast
10. Juggalo Homies
11. Ain't Yo Bidness
12. We Belong
13. Cotton Candy & Popsicles
14. Crossing The Bridge
15. The Raven's Mirror
16. The Wraith
17. The Unveiling

Customer Reviews:

What happened?.......2007-01-06

I love ICP, but honestly, what happened with this cd? It has a couple good songs, but seriously, Hell's Pit should've been the 6th joker's card.

This cd sounds completely different. It's more rock than anything. Weird Rock... sorry J and Shaggs, 3 stars.

The best Joker's Card, the Wraith........2006-09-26

First off, I'd like to say that anyone listening to this album that hasn't heard ALL of the other Joker's Cards has no chance of liking this album. Sure, you'll like a track here and there, but only once you've heard all the others will you fully understand how excellent of an album this is.

This being the last Card and all, ICP obviously had a lot of ideas over the years for this album, so it's very well rounded. There are all types of songs on here, like humor, meaning, and even an interesting story.

There is another album done by ICP called "The Wraith", but that's Hell's Pit, and this is Shangri-La, so it'll be focused on heaven. Plus some songs using the style that the Insane Clown Posse is generally known for, like "Birthday B*tches", "Get Ya Wicked On", and "Cotton Candy & Popsicles". I'm not going to say much more about this album, as a lot of it will be up to you to find out yourself after listening to everything else first.

I do recommend this, but only after you hear all of ICP's other work.

the end of time will consume us all.......2006-05-31

this is by far one of their best albums in the world,the others are the restof the albums. here is a list of what i think each songs.

1. walk into the light,(9/10) the best intro
2.welcome to the show,(6/10) has a good melody
3. Get ya wicked on, (7/10) excellent chorus
4. murder rap, (8/10) nice flow into the song
5. birthday bitches, (10/10) f###ing funny ass song
6. BLAAAAM!!!, (11/10) j and shaggy kicks ass on this song
7. it rains diamonds, (7/10) good song
8. thy staleness, (8/10) awesome intro to the song
9. hell's pit, (10/10) had song stuck in my head for weeks
10. juggalo homies, (12/10)the best song everrrrrrrrr!!!!
11. ain't yo bidness, (10/10) another song stuck in my head
12. we belong, (8/10) descent song
13. cotton candy and popsicles,(9/10) very funny song
14. crossing the bridge, (10/10) j and shaggs at their best
15. the raven's mirror, (8/10) usuall icp
16. the wraith, (13/10) tied with homies for the best song
17. thy unveiling, (14/10) blew my mind away with rhe song and the coolest rock guitar riff ever!!!!!

One of their best - no questions asked........2006-05-15

First off, I would like to say that I don't know what everybody hates about this album because this is the one where they explain everything, and more. It's different, but it's the meaning that counts. Also, look at albums like Carnival of Carnage - it was an empty album by itself, but everyone liked it once they knew what ICP was up to. Getting to the good about this album, it leaned a little more toward rock than the other ones did, but it's the most meaningful and conceptual. Plus, they add fun tracks here and there, like Murder Rap. The tracks on here aren't pointless. This album is ICP's vision of heaven, and it also tells everything about the Dark Carnival. If you look at the other version of the Wraith (Hell's Pit), then you will find that both of these albums are visions of heaven and hell, both of which are very bold visions, at that. This version of the Wraith was for the Juggalos who actually understand the viewpoints of the music, and Hell's Pit is for the rest of the world (in the words of Violent J, a place for those who chose to give a f**k less.) Personally, I think Shangri La and the Amazing Jeckel Brothers are the best albums by ICP. Here's the order of the cards best to least in my opinion:

The Wraith (Both)
The Amazing Jeckel Brothers (Tied with the Wraith)
The Ringmaster
The Riddle Box
Carnival of Carnage
The Great Milenko

If you want to know the meaning of everything after hearing the joker's cards, get this album - it's worth it.

Well, the bonus Gathering footage was cool..........2006-04-30

I need to get this out of the way before I go on with the review: I'm reviewing this album not as a Juggalo. I haven't been down with ICP since the very beginning when they were Inner City Posse. I haven't followed them through their entire career, collecting every album on every format possible, buying all the shirts and hats, or reading their comics. I've only been an ICP fan for about 5 years in all honesty. I haven't heard all their albums, but I like what I have heard. So know that this won't be a biased review where I go "if u liek da ICP u hav 2 luv dis". Truth be told, I couldn't wait for this album to come out. Rumors that this would be their final album, that there'd be another version to come out a week later, there were tons of rumors. On the Gathering of the Juggalos bonus disc that came with mine, Violent J finalized everything. It was unfortunate that I didn't get to hear that until I got it with the album here. But after giving Shangri-La a listen when it first came out, and still trying to get into it, I just can't give this album 4 or 5 stars. It's not that good. The music sounds cheap, the rhymes lack substance, there's hardly any Shaggy (something I've noticed since Jeckel Brothers), and J sounds bored for the most part. Add in that the album's too long for its own good, and you've got something that you kind of have to force yourself to listen through, and a sad end to one of this generation's most controversial music acts.

The album starts out good- an introduction to the carnival by the same zany high-pitched voice (sounding like Invader Zim) that's been in a lot of ICP's albums. The music for this track is ok, but when J and the others start to sing the chorus and sound bored off their asses, I began to worry. To be honest, none of the songs are memorable up until Birthday B*tches, where the good is outweighed by the bad. There are really only a couple of good tracks on this album. Most of them sound the same, have this dreary "rock" guitar riff going on, and J has the same tone in his voice in nearly every track. It took them how many years to do this, and this was the best they could do? Maybe another year in the studio could've helped. You know how you usually get a laugh or two out of most ICP tracks? Yeah, there's none of that until Birthday B*tches. And that song's only about 2 minutes long. After that, Blam!! is a pretty cool track hindered by the damn guitar riffs in the background. Skip ahead past the filler tracks and make it to Homies, which is an overall nice song about ICP's buddies who've been with them, and who will always be true friends. This is a great track, but it does start to suck when Twiztid kicks in. Ain't Yo Bidness and We Belong are two of my favorites on the album, and should've been placed near the beginning to make up for the sub-par tracks after the intro. Crossing the Bridge is excellent. It has yet another "rock" riff, but it's not annoying! It adds a lot of mood with scratches and open frets as J talks about how him and Shaggy have never had it easy. This is an inspiring track to say the least. More filler after this, but the final track: The Unveiling, is something that no one expected. I don't know if I should say what the Dark Carnival really is or not, for those who haven't heard by now, but it's not what you're expecting, especially that it's ICP who reveals what it is. This had many "true fans" freaking out and leaving ICP for dead. Honestly, I was kind of pleased to find out what it was. It shows that they have a side to them we didn't know about all along.

I wanted to like this album. I tried to kid myself and say it was one of their best when it first came out (aw c'mon, I was 17 at the time) mostly to not seem like an outcast to my other ICP fan friends. But after that initial listening, I've seen it for what it really is, and that's sheer averageness. But one of the main reasons to get The Wraith when it first came out was to get one of two variants: one with a bonus concert and the other with the Gathering speech. I opted for the Gathering footage because of how awesome it was to see J going over ICP's history in a literally once-in-a-lifetime event perspective, and talking about when the album was going to drop and what its name would be. From what I hear, the bonus concert version was pretty lame. The guys screwed up on some songs, and the audio quality was poor. I haven't seen it yet, and don't really want to, especially given how awesome the Gathering is. I'm sure you can download either one by now since it's been almost 4 years since the album came out. Also, the booklet for Shangri-La is probably the best of all the Joker's Cards. It has lots of cool photos of J and Shaggy (even one with Alex at the end) in angel outfits while carrying bloody weapons. Also included is the story of the Butterfly which J's mentioned for many years now.

Maybe the "real Juggalos" can kid themselves and add deeper meaning to this album than what's really there, but truth be told- this is a terrible album to claim as a Joker's Card, and a terrible start if you're new to ICP. Go for Carnival of Carnage, Bizaar, The Riddle Box or even *GASP* The Great Milenko for some of their finest stuff. I haven't heard Hell's Pit yet, and don't really want to since it's the sequel to this album, only "darker". That means they'll be trying too hard if you ask me. Only pick this one up to hear the select few good tracks or if you -need- all the Joker's Cards.

Average customer rating: A Master's Touch "Brazil & Shangri-La is the best of the best ~ Percy Faith" Music Of Brazil/Shangri-la

Music of Brazil!/Shangri-La! Percy Faith Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Easy Listening | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Malaguena Passport to Romance/Mucho Gusto! More Music of Mexico Viva!: The Music of Mexico/Exotic Strings Bouquet/Bouquet of Love Great Folk Themes: American Serenade ASIN: B000060OXT Release Date: 2002-02-19

Tracks:

1. Brazil (Aquarela Do Brasil)
2. Delicado
3. Tu Sabes
4. Ba-Tu-Ca-Da
5. Amorada (Brasileirinho)
6. The Bandit Theme From "O Congaceiro"
7. Baia
8. Tico-Tico
9. Little Dreamer (Tutu Maramba)
10. Maxixe (Dengoza)
11. Atrevido (Bem Te Vi Atrevido)
12. The Minute Samba
13. Shangri-La
14. Kashmiri Song
15. The March Of Siamese Children
16. Stranger In Paradise
17. Cherry Blossom
18. Song Of India
19. Mountain High, Valley Low
20. Beyond The Reef
21. The Moon Of Manakoora
22. And This Is My Beloved
23. Sayonara
24. Return To Paradise

Customer Reviews:

A Master's Touch.......2005-05-30

Buy this CD ...you'll love it. Anyone who thinks all Percy Faith recordings are "elevator music" should listen to Brazil. From the first track, it would blow the doors off the elevator and set everyone inside to rocking to the rhythm. The orchestra never sounded better... especially the brass. I can't imagine anyone listening to this album without having his or her spirits lifted... it's truly exuberant. The second album on this two-fer is lush Percy Faith at his best. Shangri-la will carry you away on wings of strings. It's been one of my favorite LP's.... but vinyl, for all its authenticity, does not have the fidelity that this CD offers. Sony did a fine job in putting these albums on CD. Bravo Sony! but more than that Bravo Percy Faith and the magnificent musicians in the orchestra!

"Brazil & Shangri-La is the best of the best ~ Percy Faith".......2003-06-28

When you hear strings running the scales and counter melodies blending with that unmistakable style "Percy Faith Touch", you know in an instant you're in for the best of the best. Duke Ellington was so taken with Faith's arrangements, that he was would give anything to able to arrange in that fashion.

The two albums from the '60s that left such an impression on me are the two inclusive "Music of Brazil!" and "Shangri-La!", both favorites within my vast collection of Mr. Faith's career. Each and every tune is take with tender loving care in arrangements, performance and most of all the love of the project. Take for instance the fact that this Canadian loved Latin Music and it showed. Much like the ultimate Latin album "Malaguena:Music of Cuba", originally released in 1969, the excitement and color from Faith's awesome arrangements is long famous in orchestration and arranging Cuba and Latin-American melodies. For the listener it is enormously invigorating and rewarding, each cue is able to soar into infinity. There isn't another composer/arranger/musician that I know of that had this talent in all three categories.

Many highlights ~ "BRAZIL", "TU SABES", "BAIA", "LITTLE DREAMER" and of course the one that started it all "DELICADO", remember when this was released and made the charts, with the harpsichord resounding.

The opening track "SHANGRI-LA", is perfection within the realm of lush-arranging, so flawless ~ "STRANGER IN PARADISE", another example of the "Faith Touch", so effortless, you feel like you're floating on a cloud ~ "SONG OF INDIA", always a favorite of mine, as you travel the strings keep drawing you nearer and nearer, beautiful adaptation by Mr. Faith ~ "THE MOON OF MANAKOORA", can almost hear the ocean waves upon the beach, with the moon romantically peeking behind the clouds in the nights sky.
Highly recommend to ALL fans of Percy Faith, thank you Collectables for releasing this collection from the vaults of Columbia Records ~ so listeners sit back, enjoy and enjoy a small part of Maestro Percy Faith fabulous career!

Total Time: 74.28 on 24 Tracks ~ Collectables 6898 ~ (2/19/2002)

Music Of Brazil/Shangri-la.......2002-03-03

Shangri-la is one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard.This album rates up there with American Seranade which I hope Collectibles will reissiue.Shangri la features songs from Asia and the Orient.All songs are just with the orchestra although on a few of them the womens wordless chrous is evident especially on Shangri-la.All songs on this album are very lush.I don't care about Music of Brazil although it has some good songs on it,because I have the imported cd Viva/Music of Brazil from the Uk.If you don't have viva. I also recomend this title.It has music of mexico.Liner notes for both Shangri la and The Music of Brazil are included here.Once again just as with the other Percy Faith reissues collectibles released, most of these songs by Faith are on cd for the first time.No arranger could conduct music like Percy Faith with the exception of Mantovani who I also have on a lot of cds.If you like beautiful music this cd should be in your collection.

Average customer rating: Couldn't ask for more simply the best Shangri La By Mark Knopfler Le grand maestro est de retour ! The album's great, the DVD is a con job

Shangri-La Mark Knopfler Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: One Take Radio Sessions All the Roadrunning ASIN: B00049QP74 Release Date: 2004-10-11

Tracks:

1. 5.15 A.M.
2. Boom, Like That
3. Sucker Row
4. Trawlerman's Song
5. Back to Tupelo
6. Our Shangri-La
7. Everybody Pays
8. Song for Sonny Liston
9. Whoop de Doo
10. Postcards from Paraguay
11. All That Matters
12. Stand Up Guy
13. Donegan's Gone
14. Don't Crash the Ambulance

Tracks:

1. Bonus Material [DVD][*]

Customer Reviews:

Couldn't ask for more.......2006-02-04

Picked this up for the DVD-Audio and I am not dissapointed. I saw another review that said the songs are incomplete and are in Stereo... they're complete and in full surround sound (it needs to be selected in the Set Up menu). Sound quality is great. I don't really care about extra features like interviews and lyrics - 5 stars for being a great album and great sound quality. I've been to Mark Knopfler concerts that had much poorer sound than this disc!

simply the best.......2005-10-09

mark knopfler is a craftsman, a technician and a bottomless reservoir of talent and finesse. He is the greatest ever.

Shangri La By Mark Knopfler.......2005-09-08

How can you go wrong with Mark Knopfler? He is an
excellent Guitarist and entertainer.

Le grand maestro est de retour !.......2005-05-09

Un retour réussi pour l'ex-leader de dire straits. Du grand Mark Knopfler, tant au niveau de son jeu de guitare toujours aussi génial, que de la qualité de ses mélodies. Un incontournable !

The album's great, the DVD is a con job.......2005-01-25

First off, the only reason this package gets four stars instead of five is the fact that the DVD accompanying it is a real con job!!

The video's anamorphic widescreen and the sound is Dolby stereo, but we only get interview snippets with Mark and his new band that run for about 30 minutes. Oh sure, there is terrific footage of them playing and recording live in the studio (including an unreleased track called "Summer Of Love") but none of the songs are complete!!

The album itself is great, stuck in the same groove as "Sailing To Philedelphia" (which isn't a bad thing) and features great songwriting as usual - just check out the lyrics for "Boom Like That", "Trawlerman's Song" and "Whoop De Doo".

The playing is laidback and intense, and Mark does get in a few of his trademark licks. Recommended.

Average customer rating: One of the Very Best Groups of the 1950's Shangri-La by the Four Coins Terrifc harmonies from a long forgotten group.

In Shangri-La The Four Coins Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Four Aces' Greatest Hits Moments to Remember: Very Best of the Four Lads Best of the Crew Cuts Capitol Collectors Series: The Four Preps The Four Freshmen - Capitol Collectors Series ASIN: B0000008UP Release Date: 1995-04-24

Tracks:

1. Shangri-La
2. Memories Of You
3. Heartache Street
4. Lovers' Island
5. Manhattan Serenade
6. The Curly-Headed Kid In The Third Row
7. You're Breaking My Heart
8. This Life
9. Ting-A-Ling Telephone
10. New World
11. I Will Never Be The Same
12. Maybe
13. I Love You Madly
14. My Anxious Heart
15. Rio Rita
16. We'll Be Married
17. That's The Way
18. My One Sin
19. The World Outside

Customer Reviews:

One of the Very Best Groups of the 1950's.......2006-01-25

I collected all their 45's and as a teen in the 50's I wore
some of the records out and kept buying new ones.
The Four coins are from Cannonsburg PA outside of pittsburg.
same town as Bobby Vinton.
Their voices are magnificent and their music the best
I had a collection of the four coins 45's approx
100 and I lost them all due to Katrina..I collected for years
and I sure I would never find the 45's I had.
This cd is wonderful it contains all of their hit songs

Shangri-La by the Four Coins.......2001-02-17

I was very much a fan of the Four Coins when I was young and have been looking for an album by them for a long time. I always loved their music. Shangri-La was always one of my favorites, along with many others offered on the album. I was fortunate enough to meet them many years ago as my husband was a close friend of theirs.

Terrifc harmonies from a long forgotten group........1999-05-09

Prior to acquiring this CD, my only exposure to the music of the Four Coins was "Shangri-La". As one who appreciates great harmony, I have always enjoyed the offerings of such artists as the Vogues, the Lettermen and the Fifth Dimension among others. I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this CD. Almost every cut is enjoyable. Among my favorites are "My One Sin" and "We'll Be Married in the Church in the Wildwood". Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Brilliant Excellent Fresh and Groovy Run Don't Walk A brilliant album

Shangri-La West Jesse DeNatale Manufacturer: Jackpine Social Club ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Soul Parade Ways Not to Lose West Orphans [Fold-out Digipak with 24-page booklet] All the Roadrunning ASIN: B0009HBPRG Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

1. Twilight King
2. Rosie
3. Riding Gloves
4. Angel Baby
5. Sister Lucy
6. Bohemian Ghosts
7. All in the Name
8. Shangri-La West
9. Saint William
10. Greenfield Lane

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2006-07-26

My wife and I saw Jesse open up for Jonathan Richman in Des Moines a couple years back. Quickly bought the album and immediately fell in love with it. Have stayed in love with it for hundreds of listens and thousands of hours. One of the best albums I've ever heard. Just bought "Sould Parade", and am counting the hours until it arrives...

Excellent.......2004-12-31

This is a great CD. This guy has talent. Love all songs especially Shangri-La West. Reminds me a little of Dylan, Springsteen, and a few other artists but he is unique. You won't regret this CD, buy it if your looking for something new.

Fresh and Groovy.......2003-07-19

I saw Jesse DeNatale at the recently renovated Cafe du Nord in San Francisco a few weeks ago. It was spine tingling. I couldn't get a few of the songs out of my head. I bought this CD and am listening to it right now. It's just one of those CDs you'll like hearing from the first time you play it.

Run Don't Walk.......2003-05-04

Musicians still write great songs, but few still make great albums. Jesse does both and Shangri-La West is one of those rare gems I've heard over the last ten years that never left my CD player once I hit play. I own hundreds of other CDs where I have no idea what exists beyond track five, but this one was memorized start to finish within a week. Previous comparisons to Dylan, early Springsteen, Van Morrison, Tom Waits, and other icons are no mistake, but also no substitute for Jesse's raw originality. The company of those iconic likenesses only help those who have already heard Jesse express with words the deep levels these songs reach musically. You just have to hear it. Somehow, he's already earned veteran status with just one album.

A brilliant album.......2003-05-03

If you're like me you've been feeling lately like the music scene has been utterly stale. There just hasn't been that much out there worth listening to that captures either your heart or your imagination. Well, this CD might very well restore your faith. Part rootsy growl, part sweet whisper, Jesse DeNatale's voice will stay in your head and his CD will stay in your player. His tales of love and loss casts a spell, evocative of such artists as Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Robbie Robertson and Van Morrison without being the least bit derivative. Personal favorites are "Riding Glove" and "Bohemian Ghosts." Check this CD out - you won't be sorry.

Average customer rating: Weird and wonderful!!

Wattle & Daub Strapping Fieldhands Manufacturer: Shangri-La ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000218Y Release Date: 1996-06-10

Tracks:

1. The Author In Her Ear
2. Song Of Mourning Dove
3. Ben Franklin Airbath
4. The Oath
5. Chronicle Of A Tortoise
6. Tickled With Olive Branch
7. Lunar Diversions
8. Blue Kangaroo
9. Soundshapes
10. Scuttled Kayak Odyssey
11. Rose Seed
12. Abandoned By Demeter

Amazon.com

You've heard Guided by Voices' lo-fi retro rock. You've heard Pavement's smarter-than-thou indie-rock. You've heard Tortoise's postmodern art rock. But have you heard the psychedelic carnival/marching band/glam/skiffle/prog rock of Strapping Fieldhands? If not, Wattle & Daub, the Philadelphia five-piece's first CD (after four years of LPs, EPs, and 7-inches) will be just the fix for your quirk-rock jones. The group has all the prerequisites to make it your new favorite-band-that-your-friends-never-heard-of: like GBV, the Fieldhands are Anglophiles, mostly over age 35, who prefer the tape hiss of home recording and make songs with strange titles ("Scuttled Kayak Odyssey," "Ben Franklin Airbath") and even stranger reference points (Lonnie Donegan, Syd Barrett). Best of all, with a sound that approximates Pavement imitating Herman's Hermits doing a cover of Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35," the Fieldhands manage to create seriously art-damaged music while still remaining loads of fun. --Roni Sarig

Customer Reviews:

Weird and wonderful!!.......2000-12-22

Middle aged, drunken pirates singing surreal pop songs just for you! Welcome to the world of the Strapping Fieldhands. If you like your music eccentric, literate and catchy, I highly recommend this. These guys must have huge record collections which obviously include the Clean, Beatles, early Pink Floyd, T Rex, the Fugs and other psychedelic/folk/garage classics. The songs on this record are all memorable, if not remarkable. Apparently recorded at home and in the studio, most tracks have distinguishing flourishes of strings, tin whistles, and whacked-out guitars. The singer sounds world weary and slightly intoxicated as he croons his bizarre fables and observations of some mythic, parallel universe. Despite these and other intentional avant-garde-isms, most of the songs are very catchy and quite humorous.

Rap Music:

1. She Loves You
2. Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance [Enhanced]
3. Straight on Till Morning
4. Stricken [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
5. String Quartet Tribute to Relient K
6. Subdivisions: A Tribute
7. The Best of Pure Prairie League
8. The Fundamental Elements of Southtown
9. The Myth of Red
10. The Nylon Curtain [Enhanced] [Original recording remastered]

Rap Music

rap music

Recommended Music:

Sound Off [Import]

Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; The Miraculous Mandarin; Stravinsky: Petrushka; Agon; Fireworks

Brilliant [Import]

Music: Live Recordings from the Louisiana Hayride [Live]

Best of 60's Surf

BPI Soundtrack

Fire Is Coming

Beautiful Creature [Import]

At the Court of Mwami Ruanda

Beethoven: Symphonies no 5 and 7 / Ashkenazy (Penguin Music Classics Series)

Back to Back [Import]

All the Way [CD-single] [Import]

Best of Euro [Box set] [Limited Edition]

Just.Live (Soul.Full His.Story)

The In Sound