The National

Amazon.com
The National make sturdy American music, the sort of stuff that's built out of solid songs, radio-ready hooks, and tasteful, efficient arrangements. The CD's earnest, straight-ahead material is often country-flavored, but it can also evoke '80's rock anthems. Matt Berninger sings of the heart's travails in a sensitive, manly way that recalls fellow romantics like Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen. He's equally adept at packing a slew of words into a single vocal phrase or milking a single word for dramatic effect. The guitar-bass-drums lineup is nicely abetted by the occasional piano line or synth flourish. There isn't room for surprise or eccentricity on this album; everything here is completely worked out and professionally crafted. But that's one reason this disc will appeal to people with a taste for well-made rock. --Fred Cisterna

Art Voice (Buffalo, NY), June 2001
"…most definitely…my favorite rock record of the year…penned in smoke an unusually sucessful case of soul-searching."

The National

The National,The National,Brassland Records,Alternative Country-Rock,Indie Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter,Urban,Whiskeyed, wearied alt-rock intellectuals with a penchant for wistful melodies and existential angst. Water serves as an extended metaphor for loving, losing, and growing up. Think: Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Tindersticks, and Guided By Voices.

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The National

Average customer rating: best album from a great band Hypnotic and lush slow show Speechless... Love at first listen..this is one beautiful album!

Boxer The National Manufacturer: Beggars Banquet Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sky Blue Sky The Reminder Mirrored Sound of Silver Our Love to Admire ASIN: B000O5AYCA Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Fake Empire
2. Mistaken For Strangers
3. Brainy
4. Squalor Victoria
5. Green Gloves
6. Slow Show
7. Apartment Story
8. Start a War
9. Guest Room
10. Racing Like a Pro
11. ADA
12. Gospel

Amazon.com

With Boxer, the National have reached four albums into their increasingly lauded career, never hurrying the tempo, never over-reaching in volume or instrumental density. Instead, the quintet's balanced on a pin, emotionally austere, if not utterly downhearted, finding brilliantly dusky ways for Matt Berninger's lovelorn voice to mesh with a pair of unobtrusive guitars and, here, an occasional phalanx of piano, horns, and strings. The tunes roll off slowly, Berninger's lyrics hugging the instruments with a sad brawn, rough-hewn as the drums and bass toy with angularity (try "Mistaken for Strangers," for one) but end up woven by that voice. Drummer Bryan Devendorf presses the songs forward repeatedly, as on "Start a War," where he gently thumps the time as the acoustic guitars frame and dot the melody, coalescing as the drums starkly chisel the melody. Nary a distortion pedal is harmed on Boxer, giving the National a magnetism so forlorn that you can't stop listening. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

The follow-up to 2005's "Alligator" is filled with lush arrangements and sees the band incorporating new instrumentation and expanded musical elements such as piano, trumpet, and more prominent background vocals.

Customer Reviews:

best album from a great band.......2007-07-25

I don't listen to much mainstream music (preferring orchestral) but I gave The National a listen because the members are friends of my brother. I loved their music, which amazingly seems to get better with each album. Boxer continues this trend.

There are plent of comments above about the music, so I would like to comment on the lyrics, which I think demonstrate a far greater maturity than what one typically hears on the radio. There's a focus on the mundane of everyday life and frequent poetic abstract imagery that makes it very fun to sing along.

Hypnotic and lush.......2007-07-22

I'm a new fan of The National but the strength of this album has convinced me to get their back catalog. Having just heard snippets of different songs I was unprepared for how much stronger their songs are in the context of the whole album. The first time I popped the album in I was taken back by the deep baritone of Matt Berninger's voice coming through my speakers. Ten seconds later the deep hypnotic drawl of his voice had grabbed me and dragged me deep into the National's sonic landscape. "Fake Empire" starts out catchy and strong and while the drums initially sound as if the drummer is pounding away to the wrong song, it quickly coalesces into one of the best tracks on the album. Another early favorite is the quiet, beautiful "Start a War" with one of my favorite chord progressions of all time. Overall the whole album is a somewhat subdued affair although the phenomenal drumming of Bryan Devendorf drives the music forward with intensity and urgency. Easily a pick for one of the top 10 best of 2007.

slow show.......2007-07-22

"29 years" ago (Slow Show)... actually, 3 years ago I came upon this majestic piece of music craftmanship titled "Wasp Nest" while surfing the Net. Wow! Ithought to myself what a great song that was, champagne glasses and all. Come this year, I stumbled upon this beatiful CD titled Boxer by the same band who wrote "Wasp Nest". Honestly, it is just absolutely perfect. I rarely buy CDs lately, but The National has done such a magnificent piece of art which made me reconcile with all the lost feelings I had about the music industry these days.... hands down, this is the CD to buy this year thus far. My prediction is that it will occupy the number #1 spot in many critics' lists at the end of the year (alongside LCD and Feist.) Well done guys! Keep up the good work!

Speechless..........2007-07-20

I had heard Alligator and thought it was great, but....
From start to finish this is the most excellent, most wholly beautiful album I have heard in a long long time.
THE BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR. bar none.
The first time and everytime after I listen to this I feel as though I have been hit by a bus.
I just didn't think music could make feel like I did when I was young(er) but I was wrong.

Love at first listen..this is one beautiful album!.......2007-07-09

Beautifully crafted and tempered gem by a band reminiscent of Tindersticks. "Boxer" is a special album...rich, lush and atmospheric baroque pop. Every track is a keeper. In my top 5 for 2007.

Average customer rating: Totally grand Could they really have gotten better? Great CD! Why haven't I heard of these guys before? This album is definitlet JBT's BEST! Eclectic and energetic

Grand National John Butler Trio Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | 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 International | 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: Sunrise Over Sea Three Food in the Belly Live at Saint Gallen Roses & Clover ASIN: B000N3ST4S Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

1. Better Than
2. Daniella
3. Funky Tonight
4. Caroline
5. Good Excuse
6. Used To Get High
7. Gov Did Nothing
8. Groovin' Slowly
9. Devil Running
10. Losing You
11. Nowhere Man
12. Fire In The Sky
13. Gonna Take It

Album Description

The pigeonholes that exist have long been a bad fit for John Butler anyway. Roots band, protest band, jam band, groove band . . . these labels may or may not have applied in the past, but the John Butler Trio of 2007 has come too far and seen too much to sit in anybody else's niche. "GRAND NATIONAL" is more about love than injustice, more about ass-shaking than finger-pointing, and more about maintaining the funk than any particular hairstyle. It's an album of sharp focus and wide variety that matches and surpasses monumental expectations.

Customer Reviews:

Totally grand.......2007-06-21

My 1st exposure to this Trio was not by radio but from a live TV performance on the legendary German Rockpalast show. I was totally gobsmacked. The music is very tight and together, and the guitar playing is in a league of its own. There is a great mix on this CD with many moods catered for. BY FAR my most favourite track is the 100mph track "Funky tonight". It starts off with incredible 12 string guitar playing and the rhythm section matches in every way. I looked on the sleeve notes to see what instruments were played, but I didnt see a "Didgeredoo" (Aboriginal blow pipe). I could have sworn it was used. The closest I can compare John Butler to is Ben Harper. A great CD. Check it out, and all his other stuff. This is my 1st listen of him, but by no means my last

Could they really have gotten better? .......2007-06-01

I first heard the John Butler Trio on KGSR Radio in Austin, TX. They played at SXSW Music Conference and the ACL Music Festival after that. They've got a funky Aboriginal sound that's totally their own. I honestly didn't think I'd like anything more than "Sunrise over Sea" but I obviously was wrong.

There aren't any political statements here, just good, solid rocking fun. If you haven't heard them, start with this CD.

Great CD! Why haven't I heard of these guys before?.......2007-05-28

I first heard the John Butler Trio on XM radio's XM Cafe. I like this CD because the songs are upbeat, nearly all of them are good, they do not all sound the same, and the disk passes the criteria of I like listening to it over and over again. My music taste runs from O.A.R., Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews, some Beck, to the first (not the most recent) Maroon 5 disk, etc. so you get an idea... suggest you listen to the sample clips and if you like them, try it - you'll like it!

This album is definitlet JBT's BEST!.......2007-05-18

How can you call "Daniella" an embarrasing track? Are you crazy, that is one of the best tracks on this album! Nonetheless, every track is unique and extremely catchy. This is rad feel-good music that makes you wanna move your feet for sure. Great third outing by John Butler and his always rotating trio. Its great because each album has a different cast of musicians that cater to that specific style. Definitely one of the best albums so far for 2007.

Eclectic and energetic.......2007-05-15

Though I think it's too early to coronate "Grand National" as the best effort by the John Butler Trio, I think one could argue that it is their most consistently musical effort to date. Augmenting John Butler's whiplash playing of his acoustic guitars with a fuller array of instruments layers the band's sound, and his trio mates really step up as well.

Sometimes the marriage of rock `n roll and social and environmental injustices either smacks of self-righteousness or ceases to be graceful and fluid. For the most part, Mr. Butler sidesteps those hindrances yet he does stumble a bit on the awkward, even embarrassing second track Daniella.

But it's pretty easy to put those sorts of moments in the rearview mirror when the JBT hits full throttle on Funky Tonight, the kind of song that energizes the inner whirling dervish in us all.

If I were to sum it up in two words, I would offer eclectic and energetic.

Average customer rating: I Would Say The National Are The Most Underrated Band In America Fabulously Seductive, Wonderfully Different Now you can add another band to your top five list. A Nice Suprise excellent guitar work

Alligator The National Manufacturer: Beggars UK - Ada ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Reminder Sky Blue Sky Mirrored Sound of Silver Yellow House ASIN: B0007LCNKM Release Date: 2006-04-03

Tracks:

1. Secret Meeting
2. Karen
3. Lit Up
4. Looking For Astronauts
5. Daughters Of The Soho Riots
6. Baby, We'll Be Fine
7. Friend Of Mine
8. Val Jester
9. All The Wine
10. Abel
11. Geese Of Beverly Road, The
12. City Middle
13. Mr. November

Amazon.com

On their third recording, the National strikes a delicate balance between light and dark, fast and slow, American and British. While their sound is undeniably tinged with darkness, it isn't gloomy or depressing. This impression is mostly due to Matt Berninger's deep baritone, which brings to mind such sensitive, but manly Brit vocalists as Scott Walker and Stuart Staples of the Tindersticks. The National, however, are American. Formed in Brooklyn in 1999, the quintet hails from Cincinatti and doesn't sound much like a New York Band (Interpol, the Strokes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, etc.). Instead, they could be Midwestern or even Canadian in the way they combine alt-country, chamber-pop, and post-punk angst, like Toronto's Royal City or Montreal's Arcade Fire. Often compared to Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, and Tom Waits, the National's music is actually faster-paced and has a lighter, almost jaunty touch. In other words: they rock. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Album Description

These five Cincinnati friends recorded two albums for Brassland before signing to Beggars Banquet. Their last effort, "Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers", was touted as one of the year's best by Rolling Stone and other magazines. On "Alligator", Matt Berninger's potent baritone still intones about matters fraught, funny, and sad; about record collections, missing persons, and medium-sized American hearts. "Startling and subtly affecting, The National creeps in like the killer in a bleak gothic novel. Strings tremble, hearts break, and each smoldering song brings a harrowing tale of new pities"--Magnet.

Customer Reviews:

I Would Say The National Are The Most Underrated Band In America.......2007-06-17

I discovered this album in 07 after hearing their 07' release Boxer ( which is another excellent album) and wish I would have listened to long before, because track for track not much albums are this strong. The Geese of Beverly Road is probably my favorite followed by Abel and then closely by every other track on the album.

Fabulously Seductive, Wonderfully Different.......2007-05-30

Love the velvety baritone of the lead vocalist backed by highly talented musicians. Initially loved the track "Abel" alot, but the rest have grown on me as well. Different and unique indie sound.

Now you can add another band to your top five list........2007-01-17

Yes, it's true, this band will change your music tastes. I think I can difinitivy tell everyone I know, and some that I don't, " are you ready to listen to some amazing music?". I know that this music hits me in some ways that not everyone will relate to, but, even the lyrics' subject matter is familiar ground, and always, I begin to reminisce, as if I have been listening to their music for decades; An old stand-bye. Yes, it's true, they are on my top five... You can mellow out, or rock out with your...-; With all the varying degrees of tones, from gently flowing and well- layered tracks. National newbies can start out with Secret Meeting or Daughters of the Soho Riots. Then, you will advance towards amazing emtional pieces like Val Jester or Geese of Beverly Hills. Okay, so you buy it, you love and are like what's next. Here's the good part;
Their earlier album Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, is at least three to four times better. Now you're glad I told you to buy it.ah-huh

A Nice Suprise.......2006-12-06

The last few years, I have been purchasing a TON of new albums. Most of them coming from word-of-mouth or wading through endless Amazon reviews. Out of every 10 or so purchased, 1 is normally good, warranting repeat listens. Alligator is most definetly the latter. I purchased it on a whim, not really expecting too much - but, I was pleasantly suprised upon my first few listens. I had been avoiding the album (you know how it is - for whatever reason). For me, it was the cover art, and the name of the band. Superficial, I know. But again, after popping this disc in the car CD player, it didn't move - for TWO months. It is one those albums, which many of the best are, where your favorite song can change from day-to-day. Where you might find yourself listening to one particular song on repeat, two or three times in a row. If you require melody, it's there a plenty. Just slightly disguisged under the brooding, baratone voice of the lead singer. He can however sing some infectious hooks that will truly get imbedded into your head and subconscious. Also, not the type of music you must mute or turn off when your *main-stream* friends hop in the car. I have gotten "who is this?" from those whose musical tastes have not evolved past local FM radio commercialized, over-marketed rock/rap/pop music. My apologies for not delving into exact descriptions of the songs and style, but this review is for those who are "on the fence" like I was, and just need a little shove. You know all those albums you buy and want to huck out the window after a listen or two? This is NOT one of those. It's a keeper. I'm stealing this motto from another Amazon reviewer, but I give a 5-star rating to an album, which, if I was to lose tomorrow, I would re-purchase asap. This, for me, is a independent classic, easily in the top 10 of modern rock albums I have been exposed to.

excellent guitar work.......2006-09-17

I've heard a lot of strange comparisons between this band and others (Nick Cave, Joy Division). I don't hear it. Maybe Mark Lanegan and American Music Club. I do hear a great band with with two excellent guitarists and a pretty good singer who hits a few flat notes here and there. The songs are good and memorable, especially "Friend of Mine" and "Karen". The lyrics are very interesting and unpredictable, but the work of the two guitarists who pluck interesting intertwined high notes more than they strum power chords is what really makes this band and this album great.

Average customer rating: Sousa's marches OK, But Not As Good As the Original Sousa Marches, MC Band This is so great! A Great Sousa Collection

Sousa's Greatest Hits John Philip Sousa , and United States Marine Band Manufacturer: Altissimo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stars & Stripes Forever and the Greatest Marches The Military Band: Salute to the Services Salute to America Fiedler's Favorite Marches 40 Famous Marches ASIN: B0000296U6 Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

1. The Stars And Stripes Forever
2. The Bride Elect
3. Semper Fidelis
4. King Cotton
5. Sound Off
6. The Washington Post
7. The Gladiator
8. National Fencibles
9. Jack Tar
10. The Thunderer
11. Sabre And Spurs
12. The Royal Welsh Fusiliers
13. El Capitan
14. The Gridiron Club
15. Manhattan Beach
16. Man Behind The Gun
17. The Invincible Eagle
18. The Gallant Seventh

Customer Reviews:

Sousa's marches.......2007-06-28

Excellent CD! I'm happy with the speed in which it arrived at our home.

OK, But Not As Good As the Original.......2006-08-12

It's OK, but doesn't have the quality of Sousa's original songs which were also played by a United States Marine Band.

Sousa Marches, MC Band.......2006-08-04

I was totally happy with the CD. It was everything I expected it to be. Thanks Much

This is so great!.......2005-03-27

This music speaks to my inner being, my father was a Marine with the ETC, and it was not an easy time. Music like this helped him think about how the best things in life are two doors down on the left, just a shade away from peace. I love this music, track 13 speaks to me so much that I am not sure if I have the time to listen as much as I want to! Such great music!

A Great Sousa Collection.......2004-12-15

These recordings seem to date from the 1960s and reflect a style of play that is impossible to find today. Some people might consider the sound to be too bright, the entrances too aggressive. But I think this is more authentic for Sousa than what one generally hears today. Sousa himself is known to have preferred "enthusiastic" entrances from his players, to have favored an "orchestral" sonority for his band and to have played his marches in strict tempo with no ritards or tempo changes. That is what you have on this disc, which features the Marine Band under Lt. Col. Albert Schoepper, who also conducts on Volume 3 of Altissimo's Sousa Original series.

Average customer rating: Beethoven for Babies Nicest classical CD I have found for my baby (& me) Ode To Beethoven Pseudoscientific crap, but some of the music is good here Nicest classical music CD I've found for my baby (& me)

Beethoven for Babies Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Bagatelles | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach for Babies The Mozart Effect - Music for Babies - Playtime to Sleepytime Build Your Baby's Brain Mozart for Mothers-To-Be: Tender Lullabies for Mother and Child The Mozart Effect: Music For Babies: Nighty Night ASIN: B000009OU6 Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. Six National Airs With Variations, Op. 105: The Cottage Maid (Welsh)
2. Six National Airs With Variations, Op. 105: The Last Rose Of Summer (Irish)
3. Six National Airs With Variations, Op. 105: Chiling O'Guirg (Irish)
4. Six National Airs With Variations, Op. 105: English Bulls (Irish)
5. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: St. Patrick's Day (Irish)
6. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: O Mary, At The Window Be (Scottish)
7. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Oh, Thou Are The Lad Of My Heart (Scottish)
8. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Fur Elise
9. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor ('Pathetique') - Adagio cantabile
10. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: String Quartet No. 13 In B-Flat - Alla Danza Tedesca. Allegro assai
11. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Piano Sonata No. 7 In D - Menuetto (Allegro)
12. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: The Creatures Of Prometheus - Finale. Allegretto
13. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Piano Sonata No. 18 In E-Flat - Menuetto (Moderato e grazioso)
14. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Piano Sonata No. 20 In G - Tempo di menuetto
15. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Symphony No. 8 In F - Allegro scherzando
16. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Symphony No. 9 In D Minor ('Choral') - Ode To Joy
17. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Piano Sonata No. 15 In D ('Pastoral') - Rondo (Allegro ma non troppo)
18. Ten National Airs With Variations, Op. 107: Symphony No. 6 In F ('Pastoral') - Hymn Of Thanksgiving

Amazon.com

For the parent looking to ease their child into a familiarity with classical music, this is a very well chosen set of Beethoven works. It begins with a generous selection of airs composed late in the composer's life. The presence of the flute as the lead instrument on these selections has a soothing quality that moves the ear in an ideally subtle way, especially as it gives way to the more excited piano sonata pieces. Zoltán Kocsis's reading of "Pathétique" is followed by Claudio Arrau's take on the 7th, 15th, and 18th sonatas and Sviatoslav Richter's lyrical take on the 20th ("Pastoral"). Programmed amidst the piano pieces, which are great studies in dynamics and musical spacing, are some fine orchestral snippets, none longer than five minutes. The collection does a fine balancing act, condensing works that don't inherently lend themselves to shortened renditions and carefully managing moods, entry, and egress to each segment. This is fine anthology work. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven for Babies.......2007-05-21

My baby and I really enjoy this CD. It is so fun to feel the baby get excited when I play it. I have a pillow speaker and just place it right up against my stomach. It evens helps me to get in a nap or just rest for a while.

Nicest classical CD I have found for my baby (& me).......2005-09-01

This is a very pleasant CD to listen to, and I think the quality of the music is excellent. I enjoy listening to this with my 10 month old son, and we also listen to the radio and lots of modern music. I recently purchased 5 of the classical "Baby Einstein" CDs and I consider them to be inferior to this Beethoven for Babies CD. The Baby Einstein are very synthesized sounding and I think they are annoyingly mellow and kind of dopey. This Beethoven CD is beautiful. In fact I'm going to buy 1 or 2 more from this series.

Ode To Beethoven.......2005-05-13

The actual reason I bought this cd is for "Fur Elise" but it turned out to be much more than I bargained for. Before road rage sets in while sitting in a traffic jam during rush hour, play this. If you need to take it easy and escape from your reality, play this. Need something to play at work that's not explicit or offensive, play this. Of course, it's not Beethoven himself, but if you need some quiet time, play this. Even while you read, you could play this. If you want some authenticity to your collection, get Beethoven for Babies.

Pseudoscientific crap, but some of the music is good here.......2004-05-27

The 3 stars is only because the hucksters that put this together at least had the decency to tracks featuring Arrau & Richter on this CD. A lot of these "turn your baby into a genius with classical music" CDs and tapes feature only lousy musical performances from hack musicians you have never heard of.

That having been said, if you are stupid enough to believe any of this "Mozart Effect" horse manure --- which continues to have no support in any sort of controlled test environment --- then your babies will probably inherit your limited intellectual capacities & no amount of Beethoven & Mozart will ever be able to help them.

If, on the other hand, you are introducing Junior to classical music, you could do worse --- but you could also do better. Go get Arrau's complete Beethoven sonatas & concerti, get the Berg Quartett's complete Beethoven quartet cycle, and get John Eliot Gardiner's complete Beethoven symphonies --- just for a start. Also, don't stop with Beethoven & Mozart. My 9-month old daughter gets a diverse exposure to a thousand years of music, and very little is off limits. She got acquainted with the Bartok Quartets within her first couple of months, and it doesn't look like we have created an axe murderer or anything like that.

Anyway, if you want to create a classical music lover, do it right and go the distance, rather than doing it piecemeal with CDs like this. Your baby may still be a moron, but at least will be a moron with exquisite taste.

Nicest classical music CD I've found for my baby (& me).......2003-11-23

This is a very pleasant CD to listen to, and I think the quality of the music is excellent. I enjoy listening to this with my 10 month old son, and we also listen to the radio and lots of modern music. I recently purchased 5 of the classical "Baby Einstein" CDs and I consider them to be inferior to this Beethoven for Babies CD. The Baby Einstein are very synthesized sounding and I think they are annoyingly mellow and kind of dopey. This Beethoven CD is beautiful. In fact I'm going to buy 1 or 2 more from this series.

Average customer rating: Beethoven Collection Amazing! An excellent introduction to beethoven's symphonies. Beethoven Collection Top music!

Beethoven Collection: Symphonies Nos. 1-9, Complete Recording (Box Set) Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Vivaldi Favorites 25 Bach Favorites 25 Beethoven Favorites ASIN: B000001VVY Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Allegro con brio
2. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Andante con motto
3. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Scherzo - Allegro
4. Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Finale - Allegro
5. Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Adagio - Allegro vivace
6. Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Adagio
7. Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Menuetto, Allegro vivace Trio: un poco meno allegro
8. Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Allegro con brio
2. Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Marcia funebre. Adagio assai
3. Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Scherzo-Allegro vivace
4. Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Finale-Allegro molto
5. Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Allegro vivace e con brio
6. Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Allegretto scherzando
7. Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Tempo di menuetto
8. Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegro ma non troppo
2. Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Andante molto mosso
3. Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegro
4. Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegro
5. Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegretto
6. Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
7. Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Larghetto
8. Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Scherzo Allegro
9. Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Allegro molto

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Poco sostenuto - vivace
2. Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Allegretto
3. Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Presto - Assai meno presto
4. Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Allegro con brio
5. Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
6. Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Andante cantabile con moto
7. Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Menuetto (Allegro molto e vivace)
8. Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Finale Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso - Beethoven
2. Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Molto vivace - Beethoven
3. Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Adagio molto e cantabile - Beethoven
4. Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Presto - Allegro assai - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven Collection.......2007-05-14

I just got this for my brother-in-law as a gift and he loves it!

Amazing!.......2007-01-24

Having Beethoven's Symphonies in one, very affordable, set is heaven! The recordings are clear and crisp. Each symphony is truly a masterpiece from the very soft tones of the woodwinds to the thundering sounds of horns. It is amazing to listen to certain passages of Beethoven and realize the genius and otherworldliness of his talent.

An excellent introduction to beethoven's symphonies........2007-01-11

The sound is excellent, and the musicianship and conducting is excellent.

Beethoven Collection.......2006-07-23

Beethoven is my favorite composer. No matter how upset or tired I am, his music calms me down, just like a big, gentle hug.
But the cheap CDs have poor quality. And the good ones are too expensive for me. When I found this collection, with such a good price on Amazon.com, I couldn't believe it. Shortly after I purchased it, I received it. The quality is great. I am enjoying it. Thank you

Hoda

Top music!.......2006-07-19

Everything else you can get over, but classical music like Beethoven is stuff you just can't get sick of. A whole collection of Beethoven's Symphonies for such a small price, Wow!. Classical music is so relaxing and peaceful that you can't go wrong with spending time chillin out to this pure classic. The symphonies are great but after this you've got to go get the sonata's etc and I guarantee you won't be dissapointed!

Think about it, they don't call it classical for nothing.

Average customer rating: Audio beauty and magnificence, Maria Callas sublime Good "Best Of" The Very Best of Maria Callas Classic Callas

The Very Best Of Maria Callas Maria Callas Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bellini, Vincenzo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gluck | Gluck, Christoph W. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Maria Callas, the Voice of the Century The Most Famous Opera Arias The Best of Italian Opera The Most Famous Opera Duets The #1 Opera Album ASIN: B00005Y1YQ Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

1. Carmen: L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle
2. Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
3. La Wally: Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana
4. Samson Et Dalila: Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
5. Tosca: Vissi D'arte, Vissi D'amore
6. Andrea Chenier: La Mamma Morta
7. Le Nozze Di Figaro: Porgi Amor
8. Orphee Et Eurydice: J'ai Perdu Mon Eurydice
9. Aida: Ritorna Vincitor!
10. Adriana Lecouvreur: Respiro Appena... Lo So L'Umile Ancella
11. Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di Vedremo
12. Norma: Casta Diva
13. Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
14. Louise: Depuis Le Jour
15. La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi
16. La Gioconda: Suicidio
17. La Forza Del Destino: Pace, Pace Mio Dio!

Customer Reviews:

Audio beauty and magnificence, Maria Callas.......2007-03-31

There are moments on this recording that are virtually audio heaven.
Ms. Callas' voice goes beyond the normal concept of beauty.

sublime.......2007-02-14

she is an angel , a voice without parallel , a collection very interesting of arias from different masters.

Good "Best Of".......2007-02-09

Maira Callas was never a favorite of mine, but she is notable as a passionate, (but sometime shrill to my ears) performer. This collection is a good single record tribute to her operatic legacy.

The Very Best of Maria Callas.......2006-08-20

Second on my list for CDs that should be recommended for people who want to start on a long trail of Callas to the Carmen with Gedda and Prétre. This has perhaps the best excerpts of all time from Maria Callas. The 'Ritorna vincitor' and 'Una voce poco fa' are to be treasured. Any long-time Callas fan will find this CD of little to no interest, because anything they haven't heard before, there's a better, low-audio-quality version of somewhere. 4 stars for that reason.

Classic Callas.......2006-07-11

Countless assessments of Maria Callas' life and career, as well as re-issues of some of her definitive recorded performances have been fueled by the 25th anniversaary of her tragic and prophetic death alone in her Paris flat on September 16, 1977. One of those such discs, this 17 track retrospective compilation from the archives of EMI is among the best. Every character she portrays is bought to life by her incomparible ability both vocally and emotionally. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: one of my Top 3 bought Sad Songs...after to listening to "alligator" 1,000 times. absolutely amazing Masterminds A great discovery

Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers The National Manufacturer: Brassland Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank The Reminder Shut Up I Am Dreaming New Moon Yellow House ASIN: B0000C8AOY Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Cardinal Song
2. Slipping Husband
3. 90-Mile Water Wall
4. It Never Happened
5. Murder Me Rachael
6. Thirsty
7. Available
8. Sugar Wife
9. Trophy Wife
10. Fashion Coat
11. Patterns of Fairytales
12. Lucky You

Album Description

For a band that's been compared to Joy Division, Leonard Cohen, Wilco, and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, the National sure sounds a lot more like the Czars or Uncle Tupelo on this sophomore album Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers. The band focuses on slow atmospheric songs, it's when it kicks out the jams that the music is the most compelling.. With so many influences rearing their heads and ample musical chops in the bag, the National might not be masters of any one genre, but it creates a fine amalgam nonetheless. Brassland. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

one of my Top 3.......2007-05-03

The first song is low...talks about personal weakness and how to hide your feelings from another. Mentions strangers ("you're just another one of them"), death and unknown men.

The second is completely different, in tone, in tempo. Full of energy & screams. Talks about being lonely ("she's lonely, man"), ghosts, haunted ("by an important life you could have led").. OK, same doleful content, but a lot more upbeat and forms a beautiful contrast to the first song.

I highly recommend this band because it's not typical Alt Country. No. Beautiful violins--it's more like a combination of continental classical mixed in with heartfelt American art-nouveau. Allez-y et achetez-le.

bought Sad Songs...after to listening to "alligator" 1,000 times........2006-11-12

If you have listened to "Sad songs..." once it may not click, but it'll whet your music curiousity. I have to say it, although cliche, it is The National's "The Wall". Pieced toghether song by song with a purpose. One of my best listening experiences ever was playing "sad songs..." and "Cherry Tree" at high volume in my living room with a nice glass of Sapphire and ice.
I laughed, I cried, and caught a good buzz...
You should buy this album if you like true musical talent and thoughtful, intellegent lyrics. This album reverberates on another level.
Buy this album, or Cherry Tree, or Alligator, love it, then go see them live.

absolutely amazing.......2005-11-27

Songs 2 through 9 are some of the best stuff The National has done. Slipping Husband lodges in your head and refuses to leave. I kind of wish it had been the first track on the record. Cardinal, Track 1, has 3 am feel that seems misplaced as the first song but who cares this CD has Husband, Murder Me Rachel, 90 mile water wall (best title ever) etc...

Masterminds.......2005-10-28

Excellent band. Saw them live somewhere in europe a couple years ago and wasn't impressed. Man have they evolved. Buy it, become a better person.

A great discovery.......2004-12-13

The title of this album is misleading. It could be called Funny Songs for Angry Lovers ....or Dirty Songs for Sad Lovers....lyrically, the songs explore different sides of relationships and there is a lot of levity..... song titles like Trophy Wife and Sugar Wife make me think the album title may be intended as a joke. Though who can say. Whatever the case, this is an interesting, intense album.

There are quiet acoustic and electronic ballads like the frst song Cardinal Song and one of the last, Patterns of Fairytales ....but also totally blistering, raging rock songs like Murder Me Rachael and Available. I am partial to the latter....but I think they wouldn't be as effective without the quiet, beautiful moments. As far as influences, there are some hints of americana in the Wilco sense in spots (like 90 Mile Water Wall) but also Joy Division in other songs like Available. I was turned onto the National by a friend who is also a fellow Nick Cave fanatic, but I can't really compare them to any specific Cave era or album. I am more reminded at times of Leonard Cohen and even Silver Jewsand Wilco.

Average customer rating: Please, Mr. Barry, I Want Some More! A Big Fan AN UPDATED JOURNEY TO THE PAST. Beautiful Music, Blooper In Text On Jewel Case Somewhere in Time

Somewhere In Time (1998 Re-recording) Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Somewhere in Time (Collector's Edition) Somewhere In Time: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Great Movie Love Themes: Five Star Collection Out Of Africa: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack Somewhere In Time ASIN: B00000AFYL Release Date: 1998-09-08

Tracks:

1. Somewhere In Time - John Barry/John Debney
2. Old Woman - John Barry/John Debney
3. Grand Hotel - John Barry/John Debney
4. Ninteen Twelve - John Barry/John Debney
5. Thanks - John Barry/John Debney
6. June 27th - John Barry/John Debney
7. Room 417 - John Barry/John Debney
8. The Attic - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
9. Near The Lake - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
10. Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody On Theme Of Paganini - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch/Lynda Cochrane Pno
11. Is He The One? - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
12. A Day Together - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
13. Rowing - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
14. The Man Of My Dreams - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
15. Razor - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
16. Total Dismay - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
17. Coin - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
18. Whimper - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch
19. Somwhere In Time (End Credits) - John Barry/John Debney/John Debney/Royal Scottish National Orch

Customer Reviews:

Please, Mr. Barry, I Want Some More!.......2007-02-22

There is no doubt that the soundtrack of Somewhere in Time contains some of the most beautiful music on Earth - thanks in great part to Rachmaninoff. I was so excited to see this re-recording with its promise of more music. I was less excited when I listened to it, simply because I wanted - and expected - more. While some of the gaps have been filled in from the original recording, the new pieces - some a mere 1:30 in length - left me wanting still more. That said, however, I would still opt for this recording over the original simply because you do get to hear more of Mr. Barry's - and Rachmaninoff's - exquisite music.

A Big Fan.......2006-11-07

I have enjoyed the music from this movie since it came out. After not hearing the CD for years I came across it again and have been so pleased with the music. The selections are great. If you are a fan of the movie or Rachmaninoff - this is sure to please!

AN UPDATED JOURNEY TO THE PAST........2006-11-03

John Barry contributed magnificently to the atmosphere and artistic quality of SOMEWHERE IN TIME, the film based on a Richard Matheson novel about a man travelling to the past to meet again with the love of his life/lives. Haunting music, sometimes romantic others misterious, are basic to this tragic tale starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. This re-recording captures every musical moment of the original partiture on digital sound. A must for the film fans, which are legion!

Beautiful Music, Blooper In Text On Jewel Case.......2006-09-05

I bought a 20th anniversary DVD copy of this movie last weekend, and just bought this CD today. It plays the soundtrack as beautiful as it was played in the film. One litte blooper on the box list of tracks. Track 7 is called "Room 417". In the film, Richard (played by the late Christopher Reeve) stays in Room 416 at the Grand Hotel. Except for that, this is a music set for a beautiful dream. I only wonder if I fall asleep listening to it, will I wake up 1912? Time will tell I guess. ;-)

Somewhere in Time.......2006-08-04

Hauntingly beautiful music. If you loved the movie, the CD brings it all back without the picture. So, you can listen at work, or in the car, and visually transport yourself back in time.

Average customer rating: Music to your ears... Very relaxing to listen to Outstanding program Andre Rieu's Tuscany "Tuscany" is one of Andre Rieu's best shows! Excellent CD!

Tuscany Andre Rieu Manufacturer: Denon Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Respighi | Respighi, Ottorino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Rieu, Andre | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Respighi, Ottorino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rieu, Andre | ( R ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Live In Dublin Romantic Moments At The Movies The Christmas I Love The Flying Dutchman ASIN: B0002SXIQ8 Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

1. Romance Anonyme - Jeux Interdits
2. I Love You
3. Italiana
4. Barcarolle
5. La Paloma
6. Lagune Waltz
7. Intermezzo From Cavalleria Rusticana
8. Roses From Tyrol
9. Chanson d'Amour
10. O Mio Babbino Caro From Madame Butterfly
11. William Tell Overture
12. Opera Medley
13. Italian National Anthem
14. Light Cavalry
15. Ode To Joy From Symphony No. 9

Customer Reviews:

Music to your ears..........2007-04-05

I can't say enough about this musician. The music will sooth your soul. A must have for your car CD player, it will help you through the traffic :}

Very relaxing to listen to .......2007-03-07

I'm a new fan to Andre Rieu. I didn't start getting into his music until I caught his Christmas special on my local PBS station last year. I found his performances highly energetic and playful which is rare in this often serious musical genre. After catching a repeat performance of "Tuscany", I decided to make the cd version my next Andre Rieu purchase. Whenever I listen to "Tuscany", I can easily see Andre Rieu performing with his orchestra. His skills as a violinist is exquisite. He is very subtle and is never out of tune. "Tuscany" begins with three of the most beautiful classical numbers I have ever heard. The beautiful orchestral melodies puts me at ease. I wished that the cd included "The Rose" (the Bette Midler tune) that can be seen on the dvd. I loved the operatic version. It would have been a nice addition to the cd. Of all the operatic numbers my favorite has to be "Ode to Joy". I have to admit though the singers have a terrible tendency to caterwaul on the songs which can be quite disconcerting for these ears. On the other hand the same can be said about a lot of opera singers as well as modern pop singers. There wasn't a single song on the cd that I didn't enjoy listening to. Andre Rieu's love for music really does shine through his music here. I hope some day I will have the opportunity to see him perform live. I don't think nothing can compare to seeing this talented artist live. Until then his cds will do nicely.

Outstanding program.......2007-02-10

What wouldn't I give to have been enjoying this magnificent program in that beautiful square in Italy? Fantastic performance of unbelievabe quality and program choices. I wouldn't trade this DVD for anything.

Andre Rieu's Tuscany.......2007-01-10

Haunting melodies taking you to the hills of Tuscany where this concert was originally held. Plays well while travelling as well as at home.

"Tuscany" is one of Andre Rieu's best shows! Excellent CD!.......2007-01-10

I'm an Andre Rieu fan and can definitely review this CD as one of his best! It was well-recorded with good sound quality, and you can hear the excitement of that evening in Tuscany as you listen to this CD. I would also recommend the DVD/Video of that performance.

Rap Music:

1. The String Quartet Tribute to a Perfect Circle
2. The Thorn In Mrs. Rose's Side/Children Of Light
3. The White Knight of Soul 1959-72: Get Down With It!
4. Too Dark Park
5. Walk Between the Raindrops
6. War Babies [Import]
7. Watchfires
8. We Are Gathered Here Today
9. What's Next to the Moon
10. Whole New You

Rap Music

rap music

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