Paul & Paula - Greatest Hits [Import]

Product Description
Contains the hits Hey Paula, Come Softly To Me, Pledging My Love and 28 more tracks from this duo. .

Paul & Paula - Greatest Hits,Paul & Paula,Action Music,Popular Music,Rock/Pop

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Paul & Paula - Greatest Hits [Import]

Average customer rating:

Paul Potts [United Kingdom]: One Chance Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco... The Best of Italian Opera Puccini - Turandot / Franco Zeffirelli - Marton, Domingo, Mitchell, Plishka, Cuenod - James Levine, MET (1988) The #1 Opera Album The Most Famous Opera Arias ASIN: B000SKO0OY Release Date: 2007-07-30

Tracks:

1. Nessun Dorma
2. Con Te Partiro (Time To Say Goodbye)
3. Amapola
4. Ognuno Soffre (Everybody Hurts)
5. Caruso
6. Nella Fantasia
7. Por Ti Sere (You Raise Me Up)
8. A Mi Manera (My Way)
9. Cavatina
10. Music Of The Night

Album Description

2007 debut album from the winner of the first season of Britain's Got Talent. Potts' winning performance of Puccini's 'Nessun Dorma' is now one of the most watched clips in You Tube's history (10 million+). The album includes that track as well as the equally captivating 'Time To Say Goodbye', a Spanish version of 'My Way' and Italian version of REM's 'Everybody Hurts'. 12 tracks. RCA.

Product Description

This Unassuming Man, a 36 Year Old Phone Salesman from South Wales and Amateur Opera Singer, Stepped Up to the Microphone on Simon Cowell's British Itv Show "Britain's Got Talent" and Literally Stole the Show. Many Anticipated Another William Hung, but Instead Got a Caruso! the Performance Brought the Entire Audience to their Feet, Even Winning High Praise from Cowell Himself. Potts Went on to Resoundingly Win the Competition! his is a Real Rags to Riches Tale, Having Been £30,000 in Debt and Suffering Years of Bullying and Recovering from a Serious Motorbike Accident. His Winning the Competition Got Him Signed to a Lucrative Recording Contract and He Gained Considerable Media Exposure all Over the World. This Debut Album Naturally features the Piece He Auditioned with (Puccini's "Nessun Dorma") as Well as his Heart Stopping Version of "Con Te Partiro/Time to Say Goodbye", the Song He Sang in the Finals, Originally Made Famous by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli.

Average customer rating: Disappointing A solid effort MUCH better than "Chaos & Creation" and "Drivin' Rain" More of the Same - Magic and Maturity rip off

Memory Almost Full Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Hear Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur Live In Dublin Lost Highway It Won't Be Soon Before Long ASIN: B000P2A242 Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Dance Tonight
2. Ever Present Past
3. See Your Sunshine
4. Only Mama Knows
5. You Tell Me
6. Mr. Bellamy
7. Gratitude
8. Vintage Clothes
9. That Was Me
10. Feet In The Clouds
11. House of Wax
12. The End Of The End
13. Nod Your Head

Amazon.com

"Many years from now" must have seemed like an understatement to 16-year-old Paul McCartney, wondering if he'd still be needed or fed at the age of 64. As it turned out, all doubt as to the latter had ceased by his 22nd birthday (though few could have predicted he'd end up washing down those meals with the liquid pride of Seattle). As to the former? Now that McCartney, as of the date of this album's release, has reached that mythic age, his greatest work is 40 years behind him, his solo peak over 30 years gone. Does the world need a new Paul McCartney album? The answer is yes, at least as much as it needs anything else that passes for music these days. With Memory Almost Full, Macca is back. No, it's not Ram or Band on the Run. It might not even be Flowers in the Dirt--in 1989, he had a full band, the support of Linda, and Elvis Costello as a collaborator. Here, he's on his own. Literally: on the majority of the tracks, everything but the strings is multi-instrumentalist Paul. But the surprise is that it's one of his freest, loosest affairs in years, sonically reminiscent of the Tug of War/Pipes of Peace era with nods to Abbey Road in the album-closing medley, McCartney's gravelly tones on "Gratitude," and 2007's version of "Her Majesty," the palate-cleansing "Nod Your Head." It's a surprise because of the album's inescapable sense of retrospection ("Ever Present Past," "Vintage Clothes," "That Was Me") and even a bit of weariness. The next-to-last song is "The End of the End," after all, in which McCartney tells us about what he'd like to happen "on the day that I die." (He wants "songs that were sung/to be hung out like blankets/that lovers have played on/and laid on while listening to songs that were sung," and will likely get his wish.) But it never gets overwhelming, for McCartney mostly resists his tendency to get plodding and maudlin. In fact, Memory Almost Full must be the most sanguine album made during the dissolution of a marriage since...well, ever. "What went out is coming back," he sings in "Vintage Clothes," and from the sound of things, that may not be just wishful thinking. What's past is prologue; if we're lucky, what to come may be McCartney's late renaissance. --Benjamin Lukoff

Album Description

The 13 new songs on Memory Almost Full are performed entirely by Paul McCartney (excluding strings) and produced by Grammy Award-winner David Kahne (The Strokes, Sublime, Bruce Springsteen and more).

More Paul McCartney

Band on the Run

Ram

Wingspan: Hits and History

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2007-07-26

I was really excited to get my hands on this CD -- even paid the Starbuck's price!!!! Not worth it. And I am a hardcore Beatle-McCartney fan. Nothing really new or exciting or reminiscent here. Sad.

A solid effort.......2007-07-25

I'm not going to over analyze. Do I generally like the CD? Yes. Are there at least a few songs I like? Yes. Will I play it again? Yes.

It seems most negative reviewers make the mistake of comparing this album to past works. Comparing this to Ram, or something 30+ years old is silly. This is not, and is not meant to be, the same. The one comparison I'll make is I do like this better than Chaos and Creation. Word is Paul began this album after Driving Rain, but put it on hold to do Chaos. This does seem like a successor to Driving Rain. So I'd say if you liked that CD a little, you'll find a few things on here you'll like. If you did not like Chaos that much, give this one a chance- the songs are much more catchy and memorable than most of Chaos. Do not expect the successor to Chaos, and for Pete's sake, do not expect this to sound like Band on the run!

As I said, a solid effort worth repeated plays that I'm glad I purchased.

MUCH better than "Chaos & Creation" and "Drivin' Rain".......2007-07-23

I am a life-long McCartney fan, and I evolved along with Macca, from the early 70s solo/Wings albums (including the underrated yet brilliant "Wings Wild Life" album) through the 80s and 90s and now the 21st century. I never understood the critical acclaim for either of the 2 previous albums "Drivin' Rain" and "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard", which I thought were simply unremarkable, even boring.

"Memory Almost Full" (13 tracks, 42 min.) is, thankfully and FINALLY a return to form for Macca. The opener (and single) "Dance Tonight" is reminiscent of "Hope of Deliverance" (from that other underrated album "Off the Ground"). "Only Momma Knows" rocks harder than anything Macca has done in the last 15 years, and sounds great. "You Tell Me" is a great understated song, reminding me of the 1970 "McCartney" album sound. Much is made of "Gratitude" (an ode to Heather Mills?) but it's one of the weaker tracks here actually. On the second half of the album, there are a number of shorter tracks, such as "Vintage Clothes" and "That Was Me", the latter reminding me of the "Ram" sound, Macca makes his point musically, and moves on, and it sounds great. The next-to-last track "The End of the End" is the exclamation point on the album, Macca looking forward to what will happen when he goes up into the Big Blue Sky, very moving and touching but not sappy, and a perfect cap of the album. The last track "Nod Your Head" sounds out of place after that, but rocks!

In all, I couldn't be more happy with this album. Macca is now 65 but "Memory Almost Full" proves that he is STILL relevant, and unlike "Chaos & Creation" and "Drivin' Rain", this is an album I will actually play again.

More of the Same - Magic and Maturity.......2007-07-23

Someday - probably long after the passing of every currently living generation - the music of The Beatles will be appraised in ways uncolored by our particular cultural associations and expectations. When that happens, "Memory Almost Full" could well be appreciated as just another example of the production that we can evaluate only in the afterglow of the different manifestations of Beatlemania.

Anyway, that's how I see it right now. These songs have all the strengths - and all the weaknesses of any work by that Sixties band. And if you're sad that we'll never hear certain voices harmonize again or experience the creative twists of those special collaborations, you just might hear part of that same sadness in these songs too. It's there in the weariness of "Dance Tonight" and the lyrics and melodies of songs like "You Tell Me".

If you feel angry and cheated by what the years have swept away in their passing, you just might find your bitter, bewildered, resentment echoed in "Only Mama Knows". Of course, those of us who can remember seeing the Fabs live on Ed Sullivan do not tend to associate dark thoughts with their music despite songs like "Helter Skelter", "For No One" or "I'm Down". One reason for that is that sadness and anger were mostly there as counterpoint. And humor was rarely absent.

"Mr. Bellamy" is nothing but a Beatles Song. It's perfectly strange with that odd, Liverpuddlian balminess that's in addition to the craziness of the title character, proud, isolated and driven by his own "delusionary state" to the verge of self-destruction. But it's also beautiful in ways both comforting and eerie.

If future generations find value in the music of the Beatles, it may be because they were so successful in blending and transitioning between emotions and tones in so many surprising and gratifying ways. Their dissolution as a band must have been caused in part by the impossibility of their continuing to meet the ever-rising expectations that each success brought about.

Thirty years after the breakup, the expectations have hardly subsided. No effort by Paul or Ringo can escape their impact. What's especially impressive about "Memory Almost Full" is both how Paul is able to face these expectations so directly and how he surmounts them - almost like a champion surfer riding a fast, tall whitecap until landing agilely on his feet with his board now held high.

There's plenty of fun and whimsy. There are some beautiful pieces of melody. There are some arresting affects such as a chorus in "Feet in the Clouds" that manages to sound both angelic and robotic at the same time. Maybe some bits seem too "light" and maybe some seem to be trying too hard to be "heavy". Still, the album hangs together on its own merits as much (or more) than any Beatles album where virtuosity and versatility were always more emphasized than thematic consistency. These songs are pretty much all about the passing of the years with touches of triumph, generosity, and nostalgia intermingling with feelings of loss, bewilderment and thrashing angst.

There was a time when I somehow felt cheated that time and tragedy had made it impossible for me to ever experience new Beatles music. This is a great creative effort by a complex, driven, and astounding talent that helps me understand (in several ways) how wrong that feeling was.

rip off.......2007-07-21

I not only was "painfully bored" but felt terribly ripped off! Sir Paul was probably in need of some fast cash to pay off Heather is the only thing I can think off that would make him put this one together. Sorry, but I normally love everything he does but this one really fell flat.

Average customer rating: I love the music on this disc nedenny Must have

The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition Les Paul & Mary Ford Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Les Paul & Mary Ford - All-Time Greatest Hits 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Les Paul The Jazz Collector Edition: Les Paul Trio Very Best Of Les Paul & Mary Ford American Made World Played ASIN: B0009IW9CU Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

1. Dialog & In The Mood - Les Paul & Mary Ford
2. Lover - Les Paul
3. Nola - Les Paul
4. Tennessee Waltz - Les Paul & Mary Ford
5. Mockin' Bird Hill - Les Paul & Mary Ford
6. How High the Moon - Les Paul & Mary Ford
7. The World Is Waiting For the Sunrise - Les Paul & Mary Ford
8. Whispering - Les Paul
9. Just One More Chance - Les Paul & Mary Ford
10. Tiger Rag - Les Paul & Mary Ford
11. In The Good Old Summertime - Les Paul & Mary Ford
12. Meet Mister Callaghan - Les Paul
13. Lady of Spain - Les Paul
14. My Baby's Comin' Home - Les Paul & Mary Ford
15. Bye Bye Blues - Les Paul & Mary Ford
16. I'm Sitting on Top of the World - Les Paul & Mary Ford
17. Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You) - Les Paul & Mary Ford
18. I Really Don't Want To Know - Les Paul & Mary Ford
19. I'm A Fool To Care - Les Paul & Mary Ford
20. Whither Thou Goest - Les Paul & Mary Ford
21. Hummingbird - Les Paul & Mary Ford
22. Brazil - Les Paul
23. Case of the Missing Les Paulverizer (Medley from Radio Show): Avalon/Hawaiian War Chant/Where or When/I'll See You in My Dreams - Les Paul & Mary Ford

Customer Reviews:

I love the music on this disc.......2007-07-14

Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford are legends in jazz music. My favorite track on this disc is "I'm Sitting On The Top Of The World." Nobody could play the electric guitar as masterfully as Les Paul. Mary Paul's voice is so sensual on the track "I'm A Fool To Care." I love this track. "Tennessee Waltz" and "Vaya Con Dios" are classic romantic tunes. These tracks makes me think of someone special. "In The Mood" is another excellent song that puts me in a great mood. "Bye Bye Blues" is an uptempo track that stands out as one of the best here. "I Really Don't Want To Know" is a pretty song. I love the tenderness in Mary Ford's voice on this track. This disc is filled with great music.

nedenny.......2006-07-04

This must be one of the best CD's available letting new comers to LP&MF hear some of their best tracks from the 50's and they have not dated since then. Unfortunately CAPITAL in their wisdom have omitted others which should have been included. I can name but a few:- La Rossita - Mac the Knife - Three little words - Magic Melody - Hold me in your arms - Old Mexico - What is this thing called love - Walking & Whistling Blues - I'm Jealous - By the light of the Silvery Moon - Chicken Reel. and I'm sure there's more. So it looks like we'll have to wait till Les reaches his 100th Birthday before we see a Box Set.
I am tempted to wait - that's if I can manage to live as long as Les. He's doing great, and I hope he will still be playing when he reaches 100! Well done mate!

Must have.......2005-11-02

The recordings sound very modern. You can't tell this wasn't recorded yesterday; just listen to the samples. Les Paul had an inimitable guitar style. The man was the master, and teamed with the easy, lilting style of Mary Ford AKA (Iris) Colleen Summers (who started out in Western music), how could they not score? This music, while a product of its era, is timeless. This is perfection. This is the stuff dreams are made of. I usually review Classical music, but what can be more classic than this?

I only regret that a box set is not available, since I love everything that Les Paul and Mary Ford ever waxed. A particular favorite of mine that is missing is the Hawaiian love song, "The Moon of Manakoora". It is every bit as beautiful as the version recorded by Alfred Ahola Apaka, the crooning voice of Hawaii, and is recorded better. There are other notable omissions that I won't tire you with here, but this is the best set available until a box set is released. Absolutely wonderful music making. Curl up to the fire and warm with it; You'll love how it gets you in the mood.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Period Music La Vie en Rose

La Vie en Rose: La Mome Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Voice of the Sparrow: The Very Best of Edith Piaf Edith Piaf: 30th Anniversaire Edith Piaf: Her Greatest Recordings 1935-1943 Eternelle: The Best Of Piaf - Her Story, Her Songs ASIN: B000MEYIBG Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Heaven Have A Mercy
2. Milord
3. Rien De Rien
4. La Foule
5. Cri Du Coeur
6. La Vie En Rose (English version)
7. Padam Padam
8. Mon Dieu
9. L'Hymne A L'Amour
10. Mon Manege A Moi
11. Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien
12. L'Eveil
13. Mon Legionnaire (piano solo)
14. Lisieux
15. La Mort De Leplee ("Mon Legionnaire")
16. Apparition
17. L'ABC
18. L'Arrestation ("Mon Legionnaire")
19. L'Idylle
20. Derniere Nuit
21. Mon Homme (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)
22. Les Momes De La Cloche (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)
23. Les Hiboux (interpreted by Jil Aigrot)
24. Fascination (interpreted by Maya Barsoni)
25. Il M'a Vue Nue (interpreted by Mistinguett)
26. La Poupee
27. Vie En Rose (accordeon)

Amazon.com

As befits the soundtrack of a music biopic, most of the heavy lifting here is done by the movie's subject: iconic French singer Edith Piaf. She was the Gallic Judy Garland, a natural performer who overcame one personal tragedy after another and was never more alive than on stage, forging an uncommon bond with both material and audience. Since actress Marion Cotillard lip-synchs in the film, the first 11 tracks on the CD are by Piaf herself, and give a good overview of her biggest hits (though we get the English version of the title track) and her feverish, ultra-dramatic style. But Piaf wasn't only a tragedienne of song: Her lighter side is represented by "Rien de Rien" and "Mon Manège à Moi," which she infuses with wonderful flair. Tracks 12-20 are made up of Christopher Gunning's richly symphonic original score (check out "La Mort de Leplée"). The last third of the album offers Piaf without Piaf, with contemporary singers Jil Aigrot and Maya Barsoni performing her songs (apparently because the originals' poor sound quality meant they would have stuck out in the movie). Watch out, however, for Mistinguett's hilarious "Il m'a vu nue," a slice of French music-hall history preserved in amber. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Official motion picture soundtrack to the film La Vie En Rose, the dramatic real-life story of French chanteuse Edith Piaf, starring Marion Cotillard and Gerard Depardieu. This release contains 27 tracks featuring 11 of Piaf's most popular songs remastered including "La Vie En Rose", "Hymne A L'amour" "Milord" and "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien", plus the original score by Christopher Gunning.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Period Music.......2007-07-20

Having seen the movie La Vien Rose, I knew I had to get the CD. Both are terrific. If you haven't listened to or seen the movie I suggest you do both. Excellent music/performances. Bill

La Vie en Rose.......2007-07-06

The soundtrack to the movie by the same title is excellent. The restoration was superb. The voice of Edith Piaf is masterful.

Average customer rating: Adolescent pop shlock Has some good pop hooks but boring Tell you what! This sure will have ur EYES OPEN Love this album Excellent rock/pop music

Eyes Open Snow Patrol Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: How To Save A Life Final Straw Under the Iron Sea Sam's Town Grey's Anatomy, Vol. 2 ASIN: B000F3UADO Release Date: 2006-05-09

Tracks:

1. You're All I Have
2. Hands Open
3. Chasing Cars
4. Shut Your Eyes
5. It's Beginning To Get To Me
6. You Could Be Happy
7. Make This Go On Forever
8. Set The Fire To The Third Bar
9. Headlights On Dark Roads
10. Open Your Eyes
11. The Finish Line

Amazon.com

Snow Patrol are frequently compared to Coldplay in the press, which seems strange as they write far better songs and do not appear to be quite so self-hating, nor as rich. Their delightfully dour little pop songs do touch on the melancholic side of things, but the lyrics are wonderfully slice-of-life descriptions. Singer/lyricist Gary Lightbody gives a shout-out to Sufjan Stevens when on the punchy "Open Your Eyes" he sings, "The anger swells in my guts." Perhaps a better comparison would be American indie-rock act Sebadoh? Regardless, this band continues to surprise. If you went to see this mixed Scottish/Irish group on tour after hearing their wistful, breakout third album Final Straw, you might have been a bit confused by the rock juggernaut confronting you. Eyes Open is their most straightforwardly rock record yet, and thanks in large part to producer Garret Lee, it's their best. If there was ever perfect music to get lost to while driving around confused about a relationship, this is it. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

"There are swaggering bands, bands who are in your face. And then there are bands who get hold of you somewhere else. I think it's a heart thing, an intimacy thing. Like you know them and they know you. I think we are one of those bands." So says Snow Patrol singer and chief songwriter Gary Lightbody.

And all the proof you'll need is Snow Patrol's new album Eyes Open, a collection of songs which more than makes good on the promise of its predecessor, 2004's two million selling Final Straw.

Values: beautiful powerful songs underscored by some of the most poignant and telling lyrics in rock. Eyes Open is Snow Patrol's post card from the cliff edge. It's going to be hard to ignore these songs in 2006.

Customer Reviews:

Adolescent pop shlock.......2007-07-17

Could there be a more instantly forgettable group than Snow Patrol? I mean, let me guess -- you heard a couple of songs, they sounded cool, you bought the CD and played it a few times, and how often to you play it now? Ever? Mgawsh, they become so tiresome so quickly. You'll notice how fast even their hits get dropped from radio playlists? The DJs got bored too.

Has some good pop hooks but boring.......2007-07-09

A couple of years ago one of my favorite songs on the radio was Snow Patrol's "Run". The song was addictively melodic. I could not get that song out of my head. Last year they did it again with the single "Chasing Cars". I finally got around to checking out their latest album EYES OPEN. I can't deny that the band has talent in writing catchy pop/rock songs however they have yet to demonstrate that they are capable of diversifying their bland, dull, and predictable pop/rock sound. The cd starts off pretty good but halfway through the cd, the quality of the songs goes south for me. Ballads like "The Finish Line" are pretty weak. I find the vocals on this particular track quite grating on my nerves. I did like the song with Martha Wainwright on vocals. That was a lovely song. Overall Snow Patrol reminds me why I find "alternative" music so wimpy and annoying. Let me just say Snow Patrol is NOT indie rock. It's kinda hard to be considered indie rock when you are on a major recording label.

Tell you what! This sure will have ur EYES OPEN.......2007-07-04

Ok, I really do love Snow Patrol, so when I heard that their new album was out, and heard Chasing Cars on Grey's Anatomy, I really had to get it.
and I was not disappointed. The style is quite different than Final Straw, their previous album, but that made me like it even more. I think it's more alternative rock (more rock) than the last album.
Personally, my favorite song is Hands Open, which is the second song on the cd. All of the songs are preformed by Gary Lightbody . The 8th song on the cd is called Set the Fire to the Third Bar, which is preformed by both Gary Lightbody and Martha Wainwright. This is another of my fav. songs, because both singers harmonize really well together, making it sound awesome.
I love this kind of music, especially Snow Patrol, cause the lyrics are easy to understand, and really make you thing. So take the time to sit back and listen.

Love this album.......2007-07-03

I love this album. I was enamoured of the Chasing Cars song from radio and decided to check out the rest of the CD. I am very pleased with the purchase. In addition to Chasing Cars, You're All I Have and Shut Your Eyes are standout songs. I plan to check out the older albums from Snow Patrol.

Excellent rock/pop music.......2007-06-30

Snow Patrol dishes up a very good pop/rock album. It reminds me of the style of Gin Blossoms and Vertical Horizon. The music ranges from the edgy "You're All I Have" to the ballade "You Could Be Happy". The latter is sung over what sounds like a music box. Personally, the best of the album is the desperate "Set Fire to the Third Bar" about a couple separated by a distance that longs for each other. What is equally satisfying is that there are no bad songs on this album. It remains evenly good with spikes of greatness.

The highlight of the band is singer Gary Lightbody. He's not going to win any awards, but he is a very competent singer that sounds good in front of the full band to over a simple acoustic guitar. His voice is pure with no signs of studio manipulation or massive overdubbing to mask intonation or tonal issues.

The lyrics on the album are very good. They would be great as a teenager pining over love lost or broken. But, Gary stays away from the common cliches, sappiness, or just stupidity. Instead he has penned some smart lyrics for a genre not known for smart lyrics.

The production on the album is perfectly fine. It could use a bit more brightness and a little more bass. It comes across as slightly flat but EQ seems to fix it pretty well. Otherwise it was recorded clean without overproduction. It sounds like this band should be able to reproduce its sound pretty well live.

Overall I give Snow Patrol's Eyes Open a 20 out of 25, or B+. It's relatively disposable music that is well done and deserves a few months in your CD player.

Average customer rating: I've been Very Critical... Memory almonst full 65 and still going strong Good music, poorly engineered recording Time to retire and rest on your laurels

Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition] Paul McCartney Manufacturer: Hear Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Traveling Wilburys (2CD/1DVD, Deluxe Edition) Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) Paul McCartney - The Space Within US Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur The U.S. vs. John Lennon ASIN: B000PMLFRU Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Dance Tonight
2. Ever Present Past
3. See Your Sunshine
4. Only Mama Knows
5. You Tell Me
6. Mr. Bellamy
7. Gratitude
8. Vintage Clothes
9. That Was Me
10. Feet In The Clouds
11. House of Wax
12. The End Of The End
13. Nod Your Head

Tracks:

1. In Private
2. Why So Blue
3. 222
4. Paul talks about the music of Memory Almost Full

Amazon.com

"Many years from now" must have seemed like an understatement to 16-year-old Paul McCartney, wondering if he'd still be needed or fed at the age of 64. As it turned out, all doubt as to the latter had ceased by his 22nd birthday (though few could have predicted he'd end up washing down those meals with the liquid pride of Seattle). As to the former? Now that McCartney, as of the date of this album's release, has reached that mythic age, his greatest work is 40 years behind him, his solo peak over 30 years gone. Does the world need a new Paul McCartney album? The answer is yes, at least as much as it needs anything else that passes for music these days. With Memory Almost Full, Macca is back. No, it's not Ram or Band on the Run. It might not even be Flowers in the Dirt--in 1989, he had a full band, the support of Linda, and Elvis Costello as a collaborator. Here, he's on his own. Literally: on the majority of the tracks, everything but the strings is multi-instrumentalist Paul. But the surprise is that it's one of his freest, loosest affairs in years, sonically reminiscent of the Tug of War/Pipes of Peace era with nods to Abbey Road in the album-closing medley, McCartney's gravelly tones on "Gratitude," and 2007's version of "Her Majesty," the palate-cleansing "Nod Your Head." It's a surprise because of the album's inescapable sense of retrospection ("Ever Present Past," "Vintage Clothes," "That Was Me") and even a bit of weariness. The next-to-last song is "The End of the End," after all, in which McCartney tells us about what he'd like to happen "on the day that I die." (He wants "songs that were sung/to be hung out like blankets/that lovers have played on/and laid on while listening to songs that were sung," and will likely get his wish.) But it never gets overwhelming, for McCartney mostly resists his tendency to get plodding and maudlin. In fact, Memory Almost Full must be the most sanguine album made during the dissolution of a marriage since...well, ever. "What went out is coming back," he sings in "Vintage Clothes," and from the sound of things, that may not be just wishful thinking. What's past is prologue; if we're lucky, what to come may be McCartney's late renaissance. --Benjamin Lukoff

Album Description

The 13 new songs on Memory Almost Full are performed entirely by Paul McCartney (excluding strings) and produced by Grammy Award-winner David Kahne (The Strokes, Sublime, Bruce Springsteen and more).

This beautifully-packaged, deluxe limited edition also comes with a 2nd disc that contains 3 unreleased bonus tracks and audio commentary by Paul McCartney describing the music, 6 foldout color postcard-sized photos, and full lyrics.

More Paul McCartney

Band on the Run

Ram

Wingspan: Hits and History

Customer Reviews:

I've been Very Critical..........2007-07-25

....Of Macca's last 2 CD's. Both of which I found very little to add to my all time Macca list. The return of "Driving Rain's" producer David Kahne to the board made me apprehensive as I did not like what he did (or did not do to "Driving Rain") meaning I felt most of the songs on DR were sloppy.

Here, after the better "Chaos" CD comes what has been to become known as "MAF!" I've really waited the month or so to listen to this one and I've decided this...

1.) Dance Tonight: Charming
2.) Ever Present Past: No...
3.) See Your Sunshine:...Errr...no
4.) Only Mama Knows: Nice rocker
5.) You Tell Me:....too draggy
6.) Mr. Bellamy: What's this? Great track!
7.) Gratitude: Ugh..didn't like it immediately...No.
8.) Vintage Clothes: Very Good.
9.) That Was Me: Like it...a lot.
10.) Feet in The clouds:...okay
11.) House Of Wax: What Is This?! I LOVE THIS SONG! Very different from anything I think I've ever heard Macca do. Very cool. My favorite track on this CD.
12.) The End of the End: Wow. Very thought provoking.
13.) Nod Yor Head: Rocking closer....it's alright.

The bonus tracks (In Private, Why So Blue & 222) could easily replace the songs I downed. I've always wondered if both this one and Chaos would have been much better if Macca GREAT touring band had played on all the tracks. i think by him doing everything it tends to loose flavor.

Just my opini-onion.

I like Dance Tonight, Mr Bellamy, Vintage Clothes, That Was Me and I love House of Wax.

Memory almonst full.......2007-07-22

Typical McCartney material. Great to listen to in the car - gets your feet tapping and makes you sing along to it.

65 and still going strong.......2007-07-22

This is a great album. Buy the deluxe edition; the interview with Paul on the bonus disc alone is well worth the price.

Good music, poorly engineered recording.......2007-07-18

I must admit that I'm somewhat surprised by the number of negative reviews I've seen for this album. I thought Paul came up with some good melodies here. The musicianship is first-rate. Paul's voice is in pretty good shape. Sure, there are times when the lyrics could've been better, but that's typical McCartney. Folks, if you didn't like this album at first, try listening to it a bit more. I think it's a heck of a lot better than most of the pop/rock being produced today. And let's not even talk about rap and hip-hop (yuck). This CD set contains songs that are fun to sing, complete with melodic twists and variations in tempo. You wouldn't think those would be such rare qualities in today's music, but they are.

I agree with the reviewer who was critical of the recording. One of the worst examples is "Only Mama Knows". Most of the song is pushed to the absolute limit of CD volume. There's no actual clipping indicated when the track is viewed on a good audio editing program, but it sounds like there was clipping at some stage of the recording/mixing process. The effect of this is distortion and almost no dynamic range. I suspect a remastered version of this album will be issued years from now, and the volume problem will be fixed. And, yes, I'll probably be foolish enough to buy it.

Time to retire and rest on your laurels.......2007-07-18

To say that I am disappointed in this compilation of McCartney music is an uderstatement. What was Sir Paul smoking when he conceived this idea? He has written these stupid essays and sung them into songs. And the essays are terrible and mindless.

Sir Paul, you are 64 and I will still send you a valentine, if you stop writing trashy music. And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. This one is sad.

It is time to retire and rest on your laurels.

Average customer rating: Pure Folk Excellent for country song lovers Fab Folk Trio's Best One of the best Folk groups in America.. Peter, Paul, &Mary

The Very Best of Peter, Paul & Mary Peter Paul & Mary Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Revival | Folk | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Folk Music | Children's Music | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Mamas & the Papas - Greatest Hits The Best of Simon & Garfunkel John Denver - Definitive All-Time Greatest Hits Kingston Trio Greatest Hits The Very Best of Judy Collins ASIN: B0009YA39U Release Date: 2005-08-23

Tracks:

1. Early In The Morning
2. 500 Miles
3. Lemon Tree
4. If I Had A Hammer (Single Version)
5. Where Have All The Flowers Gone
6. Puff, The Magic Dragon
7. The Cruel War
8. This Land Is Your Land
9. Blowin In The Wind
10. Stewball
11. Dont Think Twice, Its All Right
12. For Lovin Me
13. For Baby (For Bobbie)
14. The Times They Are A Changin (Live)
15. Early Mornin Rain
16. Leaving On A Jet Plane
17. I Dig Rock And Roll Music
18. Too Much Of Nothing
19. The Great Mandala (The Wheel Of Life)
20. Day Is Done (Live/Single Version)
21. El Salvador
22. Wedding Song (There Is Love) - Noel Paul Stookey
23. Follow Me - Mary Travers
24. Weave Me the Sunshine - Peter Yarrow
25. Dont Laugh At Me

Album Description

One of the most enduring acts in American music, Peter Paul And Mary both defined and transcended the 1960s folk revival. The trio's passionate commitment to peace and social justice made them the conscience of an era as they soulfully communicated political concerns through music in an unprecedented way. At the same time that they reached millions with their social message, they acheived phenomenal mass popularity.

Customer Reviews:

Pure Folk.......2007-07-21

Loved this CD. I grew up listening to this group and they sound wonderful on this record. "I Dig Rock and Roll Music" and others make this a great listen. Mellow out with P, P, & M.

Excellent for country song lovers.......2007-07-05

Songs are of high standard. However, the quality of the CD is substandard to the ears of an audiophile fan. Background of the recordings has a bit of noise, not absolutely clear. Overall, a good CD for a sunny day.

Fab Folk Trio's Best.......2007-06-20

You know you're gettin' real old when you have a conversation with 20-something (or even 30-something) friend and you mention Peter, Paul & Mary and the person just gives you a blank stare. I got to thinking about the Fab Folk Trio because the political climate is...well, let's just say--unfortunate (with eerily similiar 1960's overtones.) I also got to thinking about Peter Yarrow's song "The Great Mandala" (on this CD.) Trouble was, for some reason I thought Richie Havens wrote it & that P, P & M were chorus backup--so I kept looking for the original and for lyrics with all the wrong information (yes, sometimes I am prone to air-headedness.) Once again, Amazon comes to the rescue in the end. In fact, I'm beginning to feel like a walking billboard for Amazon--hint, hint--any comps gladly accepted.

Anyway, I held back a star just because there were a couple of songs omitted, such as the trios' haunting rendition of "Polly Vaughn" that I would really have like to have seen included. Oh well, I've been told 'you can't have everything." How 'bout 4 and 1/2 stars?

Hearing "The Great Mandala" again made the search well worth while. It is one of Peter, Paul & Mary's most dramatic & uncompromising hits.

Peace.

Blonde on Blonde
Reflections in a Crystal Wind
High Flying Bird
We Shall Overcome: Complete Carnegie Hall Concert
Readings by Jack Kerouac on the Beat Generation
Step Forward: The Next Generation
The Best Of The Beat Generation
The Essential Dave Brubeck

One of the best Folk groups in America.........2007-05-17

This is one of the best folk groups in our country. The best in the world although, goes to an Australian group that did everything better than Peter, Paul, and Mary. The Seekers.

I remember listening to PP&M in 74-75. The songs had a magic quality to them, and they are still good. Time hasn't dimmed their quality much.

Peter, Paul, &Mary.......2007-05-13

This is by far The Very Best of Peter, Paul, and Mary. I enjoyed every cut, and often found myself singing along. ( in the privacy of my car ) I would recommend this album to any baby boomer and to their children and grand children

Average customer rating: great compilation - particularly for a car trip Sweet and Simple Paul Simon Redux

The Essential Paul Simon (2 CD/DVD) Paul Simon Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Best of Van Morrison Volume 3 Traveling Wilburys (2 CD / 1 DVD) The Police (2CD Anthology) Live In Dublin Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur ASIN: B000Q677EA Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Mother And Child Reunion
2. Loves Me Like A Rock
3. Me And Julio Down By The School Yard
4. Duncan
5. Kodachrome
6. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover
7. Slip Slidin' Away
8. Gone At Last
9. Something So Right
10. Late In The Evening
11. Hearts And Bones
12. Take Me To The Mardi Gras
13. That Was Your Mother
14. American Tune
15. Peace Like A River
16. Stranded In A Limousine
17. Train In The Distance
18. The Late Great Johnny Ace
19. Still Crazy After All These Years

Tracks:

1. Graceland
2. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
3. The Boy In The Bubble
4. You Can Call Me Al
5. Under African Skies
6. The Obvious Child
7. Born At The Right Time
8. The Coo, Cool River
9. Spirit Voices
10. Adios Hermanos
11. Born In Puerto Rico
12. Quality
13. Darling Lorraine
14. Hurricane Eye
15. Father And Daughter
16. Outrageous
17. Wartime Prayers

Album Description

In celebration of Paul Simon's Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress, The Essential Paul Simon brings together all of his hits and favorite tracks in the most expansive, solo career-spanning compilation issued for the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.

Customer Reviews:

great compilation - particularly for a car trip.......2007-07-14

I have a lot of Paul Simon CD's so you could say I didn't really need this two CD set. However, I make a 3 hour car trip a couple of times a year and when I saw this I immediately thought how great it would be to have these two CD's in the changer in the trunk for my next road trip. Its sort of a "greatest hits" but with some songs I've never heard before as well. It covers a long span of years and my only complaint is that it does not include the incredible song "Homeless".

Sweet and Simple.......2007-07-03

When it comes to music right now, there just really isn't anything that is actually exciting. While there are so many acts that just seem to get by on gloss like Beyonce', Britney Spears, and Usher, there just really isn'y anything anymore about songs and artists that just comes from the simplistic words themselves. There have been acts that have made great records, they just missed the cut when it comes to sales last year from Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Paul Simon. Although Paul has been recognized with great acheivements in music on his own, as a member of Simon & Garfunkel, he has truly made the music of our times, and this collection shows it.

The 2007 Essential Paul Simon is a double album reflection of what made Paul Simon's solo career so dynamic and universal. This was made in honor of his recent inagural Gershwin Award for Song, as well as his 35th anniverasry as a acclaimed solo artist. This collection follows in suit very nicely, and expands the effort delightfully that was made so well on his last solo hits package, 2002's On My Way. The songs here flow very nicely, and have all been remastered very well. All of his classics are highlighted here including the guilty pleasures 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, You Can Call Me Al, The Boy In The Bubble, as well as down to Earth gems like Mother and Child Reunion, and his Oscar-nominated Father and Daughter from the Nickelodeon animated film The Wild Thornberries Movie, and his recently overlooked track Outrageous from his overshadowed 2006 album Surprise. This version also add in on the fun, by including some great music videos of his work and craftsmanship in songwriting like Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes, and a rendidtion of the Simon & Garfunkel gem, Mrs. Robinson from the classic 70's The Dick Cavett Show.

All in all, The Essential Paul Simon really captures a delightful reflection on a career that has acclaimed for so many years, and also does a wonderful job at reintroducing one of the most legendary artists of the past five decades. If you haven't heard any of Paul Simon's music, than you really don't know what you've missed from a great icon like Paul. I absolutely recommend this hits collection a whole lot. You can still call him Al, but just call him a legend.

Album Cover: B+

Songs: A-

Price: A-

Remastering: A-

DVD: B 1/2+

Overall: B+

Paul Simon Redux.......2007-06-29

This is Paul simon cut right to the bone with no filler whatsoever! I enjoy everything on this collection and The Capeman stuff is good to finally have on cd! I compare this to the Traveling Wilbury's Collection that was recently released also w/ a DVD!! It's all very familiar but worth revisiting over and over again!

Average customer rating: Greatest Hits? YESSSSSSSSSSSS great album Some Glaring Omissions! Refreshing! What a great sound

Les Paul & Mary Ford - All-Time Greatest Hits Les Paul & Mary Ford Manufacturer: EMI Special Products ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best Of Les Paul & Mary Ford The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Les Paul The Jazz Collector Edition: Les Paul Trio Chester & Lester ASIN: B000002TF2 Release Date: 1995-11-01

Tracks:

1. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise
2. Tennessee Waltz
3. Mockin' Bird Hill
4. I'm A Fool To Care
5. Bye Bye Blues
6. Vaya Con Dios
7. Meet Mr. Callaghan
8. I'm Sitting On Top Of The World
9. Smoke Rings
10. My Baby's Coming Home
11. In The Good Old Summertime
12. Whither Thou Goest

Customer Reviews:

Greatest Hits? YESSSSSSSSSSSS.......2007-04-16

Perhaps at the time, these were considered their greatest hits. I've had my LP and CD for a very long time. I can't even remember. I love it. She was like an angel singing with herself. They seemed to adore one another on the TV show. She - so beautiful - and he - just beaming at her.
Maybe it's time to do another greatest hits and call it "More Greatest Hits". Other singers do it. And maybe all of us didn't agree with their first "greatest hit". Hey, you guys out there who do these kinds of things, what's taken so long?

great album.......2007-02-09

Every fan of Guitar music will appreciate this Album.
Les Paul is not only a great Guitarist he is an inventor of modern recording technology.
Dual track recording and his use of up to eight tracks made him an music industry icon.
Mary Ford's strong clear voice makes this duo complete.
A great Album!

Some Glaring Omissions!.......2005-08-06

I'm a huge fan of Les Paul and after reviewing the track list on this CD, I don't see how anyone in their right mind could call it an "all time greatest hits" collection.

While tracks such as "Mockin' Bird Hill", "The World is Waiting for the Sunrise", and "Vaya Con Dios" among the duo's best loved and best known songs, I find the omission of "How High the Moon", one the their biggest hits, to be unforgiveable. Equally astonishing is why "Dry My Tears", the theme song of Les & Mary's 50s radio show, and "Cryin'", arguably the best song Mary Ford has ever sung, were excluded. I would much rather have had those tracks included in the disc than the cover version of Patti Page's "Tennessee Waltz", and the ersatz "Meet Mr. Callaghan". It's also hard to understand why the only Les Paul solo instrumental track on this disc is "Bye Bye Blues". "Lover", the song that propelled Les into the spotlight, and "Nola", a song that enjoyed worldwide popularity, were inexplicably left out.

While this is a decent collection of the work of Les Paul and Mary Ford, it is definitely NOT their all time greatest hits. The record label ought to be sued for false advertising.

Refreshing!.......2004-12-31

I've just discovered this pair, and I'm so sorry I haven't heard them until now. Being a jazz vocalist, I'm always looking for challenging material. I have a few CDs in this genre, but the styling, and caliber of the musicians puts my other CDs to shame. I suspect k.d. lang has borrowed styling from the likes of Mary Ford, as their voices seem to lilt in the same fashion. Les Paul's ability makes me wonder if there are more than two or three guitars playing simultaneously. Many of these cuts are very subtle in their exhibition of complicated material. For those so inclined to listen, it's an auditory adventure.

What a great sound.......1999-08-25

I am so happy that Les Paul and Mary Ford records are available. I love this one.

Average customer rating: Shining like a national guitar! Has there ever been a finer album? How do you make a good CD better? Paul Simon and the world make beautiful music together..... Graceland

Graceland Paul Simon Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Rhythm of the Saints Surprise Still Crazy After All These Years There Goes Rhymin' Simon The Best of Simon & Garfunkel ASIN: B0002EQ7E2 Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. The Boy In The Bubble
2. Graceland
3. I Know What I Know
4. Gumboots
5. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
6. You Can Call Me Al
7. Under African Skies
8. Homeless
9. Crazy Love Vol. II
10. That Was Your Mother
11. All Around The World Or The Myth Of Fingerprints
12. Homeless (Demo)
13. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
14. All Around The World Or The Myth Of Fingerprints

Amazon.com essential recording

The melding of South African styles and Simon's trademark sensibility made for one of the most intriguing albums--not to mention commercial hits--of the '80s. At once lively, thoughtful, gorgeous, and tough, Graceland acknowledges splits both in South Africa's social fabric and in Simon's personal life (the title track is a clear descendant of the earlier "Hearts and Bones," a song about the singer-songwriter's brief marriage to Carrie Fisher). Humor is hardly absent from the mix, though; witness the addled "I Know What I Know" and the fable-like "You Can Call Me Al." --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Shining like a national guitar!.......2007-07-21

Graceland is probably Paul Simon's last largely received work amid a truly prolific, terrific musical career. Although his most recent album "Surprise" is deservedly garnering much attention, "Graceland" will remain timeless forever. Its difficult to say difinitively which is Paul Simon's best solo album, afterall there are so many great ones. I am partial to "Hearts and Bones" and "You're the One" myself. Its like trying to pick the top five most magnificent crown jewels from the Tower of London! But this one must find it's way to a comfortable spot in anyone's top 5 of Simon.

Opening with "The Boy In the Bubble", I must confess not one of my favorite tracks, however a good song and universally well liked; it begins with a drumming of accordion unusual for Simon but well used throughout Graceland. This, morphed with a core beat that can't help but remind one of something strangely disco create a sound that, at the time, must have been cutting edge for Paul. Its unusual to me, but it works. Following is the title track, perhapse the best one in Simon's illustrious career, "Graceland". This is a fine song and if you haven't heard it in it's entirety, you should. These sample tracks are good, but you can only descern so much from them. "Graceland" deserves for everyone to hear it once, afterall when you mention Paul Simon to someone they will ultimitely say something like "Oh yeah, Graceland right?" His last, best song. "I Know What I Know" is humorous, entertaining Simon's more comical side as we all know he has one. Great fun, and slightly African sounding. "Gumboots" is perhapse even more fun, one of my favorites here. The lyrics, the reappearing, wheezing accordion in the background. It's just one of those fun songs. In the next track Simon puts on a slightly straighter face for "Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes". It openes slow and vocal, just Simon and the appearing Zulu singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo with which he collaborated in this album for the slight African feel. A really cool song, and if you're lucky enough to purchase this album version with extra tracks, the demo with dominant base guitar is better. Many people will say that "You Can Call Me Al" is a 'weird' song. Maybe so, but you have to agree that it's also good. Like so many of these songs it is once again fun. "Under African Skies" and "Homeless" are the two predominately African style songs, both calm and enjoyable. "Homeless" is particularly good where we get the best view of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. "Crazy Love vol. 2" is graceful with it's guitar chords, and lyrics are as good as usual. "That Was Your Mother" skims the surface of cajun zydago influences of Simon and his version is also quite good, the same with "All Around the World".

And that's it save for the bonus songs, which are all demos and all enjoyable. This album piloted the group of foreign sounding musical themes that ensued, followed by "The Rhythm of the Saints" (South American), and "Songs From The Capeman" (Puerto Rican). I recommend checking them both out if you like Graceland. With a great artist like Paul Simon, you aren't bound to come across too many rotten apples!

Enjoy.

Has there ever been a finer album?.......2007-07-17

Paul Simon peaked with this masterwork. He will never return to this form.

"Graceland" is without equal. "Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes" is an idiosyncratic tour-de-force. "You Can Call Me Al" -- well, you already know that one.

If I had to rate all the CDs in my collection, this would be in the top three or four. It's so far beyond Simon's prior works, and so much better than today's dreck, it's difficult to explain.

How do you make a good CD better?.......2007-07-12

Just let Paul Simon remaster it and add a few new redone tracks just for kicks! This is, perhaps, one of the top 100 greatest CDs of all time. Many times when artists(or "record companies") go back and "re-issue" good albums, they make them worse. Most times it's better to leave well enough alone. This is the exception. The remastering brings forward all the great and varied sounds of this album and the extra tracks are just a treat! Highly recommended!

Paul Simon and the world make beautiful music together............2007-06-08

GRACELAND was such a great concept, and it made an even better album! I am so glad that Paul Simon pursued the beautiful idea to meld his songwriting abilities, vocals and distinctive sound with the sounds of other great musicians like Lady Smith Black Mambaza (from South Africa) and Los Lobos (a Mexican-American band, melding Mexican flavor with soul/rock and roll). It sounds terrific.

All of the songs are beautiful for different reasons, but I will give you a few good reasons to skip around on your copy of the CD. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" (featuring LadySmith Black Mambaza) is a cross between calypso, rock and South African high life, "You Can Call Me Al" is straight up, one of the most enjoyable bits of storytelling and Caribbean flavored tunes I have ever heard, "Homeless" has a killer introduction by Lady Smith, once again, and "All Around The World" warmly adds Los Lobos into the mix, for a great album closer. The only sad note is that the music is over way too soon.

Graceland.......2007-05-13

The product is what I expected. It arrived on time and in the condition advertised.

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1. Paul Weller - Modern Classics: The Greatest Hits
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6. Resigned [Enhanced]
7. Roger the Engineer
8. Say What You Mean
9. Script for a Jester's Tear [Import]
10. Shadows Collide With People

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