A Tribute to Brian Wilson

A Tribute to Brian Wilson

Editorial Reviews

Brian Wilson
"I love your CD! Thanks!"

Product Description
Includes three bonus tracks previously unavailable on the independent release.

A Tribute to Brian Wilson

A Tribute to Brian Wilson,Cameron Michael Parkes,Varese Records,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop


A Tribute to Brian Wilson

Making God Smile: An Artists' Tribute to the Songs of Beach Boy Brian Wilson
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • RIsky Project Gets it Right
  • Phil Keaggy Makes The Album...
  • I Love It, but...
  • Best Beach Boys Tribute
Making God Smile: An Artists' Tribute to the Songs of Beach Boy Brian Wilson
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Silent Planet
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000069RO6
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

  1. Your Imagination - Tom Prasada-Rao & Amilia k Spicer
  2. Good Vibrations - Phil Keaggy
  3. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times - Sixpence None The Richer
  4. I Know There's An Answer/Hang On To Your Ego - Aaron Sprinkle
  5. Love and Mercy - Randy Stonehill
  6. Help Me Rhonda - Kevin Max & Jimmy A
  7. Heroes and Villains - Phil Madeira
  8. Add Some Music To Your Day - Kate Campbell
  9. 'Til I Die - Doug Powell
  10. In My Room - Jason Harrod
  11. This Whole World - Dolour
  12. Vegetables - Terry Taylor
  13. Don't Worry Baby - Derrick Harris
  14. Wouldn't It Be Nice - Jan Krist
  15. Pet Sounds - Brooks Williams
  16. Lay Down Burden - Jane Kelly Williams
  17. Surf's Up - Rick Altizer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars RIsky Project Gets it Right.......2006-01-07

A project like Making God Smile wherein a wide variety of artists undertake covers of an outstanding artist's material is risky. There is plenty of room for people taking something we are used to hearing a certain way and butchering it in the name of noveau creativity. Happily, Making God Smile does just the opposite. What you have in this collection is a fresh take on a wonderful (and sometimes surprising) collection of Brian Wilson tunes -- both solo and Beach Boy era stuff. Some is fairly close to the original prototype, such as Phil Keaggy's take on "Good Vibrations" while others have taken tremendous liberities with the material (for example, a "Help Me, Rhonda" that swells with angst underneath a slightly techno sound). There is a straight-ahead country/folk reading of "Put Some Music in Your Day" and a fun version of "My Favorite Vegetables" by the former frontman for Daniel Amos. But the real stunner that (in my humble opinion) actually outdoes the original is Rick Altizer's take on "Surf's Up" that updates the sound of the classic version on SMiLE nicely while speeding up just a tad so as to make it even more compelling.

If you are a Brian / Beach Boys fan, you will want a copy of MGS for your collection. It gives respect to the original artist in the best kind of way and will cause you to hear familiar favorites and a few lesser-known gems in a whole new way.

4 out of 5 stars Phil Keaggy Makes The Album..........2003-03-19

The album is pretty good, and I'm glad to see these talented artists get together to celebrate this man's music, which has been so influential, even to Paul McCartney. Phil Keaggy, the greatest guitarist on the planet, compliments Brian Wilson's song with his own brilliance, yet stays true to the song without deviating too much from it. Kevin Max is a fantastic singer, but needs to find a style that better suits his talents. I wished I sang like him, but his talents are being wasted in his attempts to stay with the popular culture's current trends of hip-hop and R&B. Sixpence deliver the second best performance on the CD. If You're a fan of these artists, I'd recommend it. If You're a fan of Brian Wilson, You may be rightfully hesitant to invest money in a CD that may frustrate You, as covers are not always true to or nearly as good as the originals that You Love so dear...

3 out of 5 stars I Love It, but..........2002-09-07

Admission: I am a DIE HARD Brian Wilson fan, and I love the concept of this album. That said, I'm not particularly crazy about most of it. For me, the absolute highlight is "Your Imagination" (5 stars); it's very creative and brings a different/fresh light to a great tune. Although I'm not as crazy about it, "Help Me, Rhonda" also sheds new light on a great tune - I give him creativity points. Unfortunately, for me, the rest of the tunes are nicely done re-makes, with little to add. Granted, the original versions of these songs were so well produced, it's hard to find new things to say. If you like these artists and you would like to hear their voices singing Brian's tunes, you will love this. If you are expecting imaginative takes on his tunes, you will be largely disappointed. I personally think this would have made a better single-CD set. 'Don't mean to be sour (I'm not), 'just want you to know what you're getting.

5 out of 5 stars Best Beach Boys Tribute.......2002-08-01

I am not a fan of tributes. Too often, the album is nothing more than an attempt to piggyback on an established artist's fame and sell a record company's own artists in the process. In addition, they so often fall flat as either mediocre attempts to duplicate the originals OR musically so out of kilter as to be disrespectful to the originals. This tribute avoids both extremes.

This is stunning record, often bettering Brian Wilson's originals. For example, the shiny power-pop rendition of "I Know There's An Answer" from Pet Sounds, melding the unused "Hang On To Your Ego" lyrics, is absolutely joyous. Aaron Sprinkle -- practically a one-man producer/band, nails the song, making it contemporary and yet still respectful to the original.

And this is how it goes throughout the 17 tracks included here. Phil Keaggy absolutely nails "Good Vibrations", and while it doesn't veer from the original formula, he meets the challenge of a daunting song well. Kate Campbell does a beautiful folk-country rendition of "Add Some Music To Your Day." And while there's not a single surfing song here, there's much from Pet Sounds and the late 60's/early 70's Beach Boys records, as well as covers of three songs from Brian Wilson's solo records, and frankly, these versions -- by folkie Tom Prasada-Rao ("Your Imagination"), Christian music's Randy Stonehill ("Love and Mercy"), and folk-pop singer-songwriter Jane Kelly Williams ("Lay Down Burden") -- are (dare I say it??) superior to Wilson's own renditions. And I must say that D.C. Talk's Kevin Max (in arguably the most creative interpretation) brings U2 to "Help Me Rhonda!" Can you imagine? No, you can't, but believe me, it works.

The producers even toss in a campy version of the silly "Vegetables" from the aborted "Smile" album for hard-core fans (though that's one I generally skip over). From power-pop to folk-pop there's a beautiful consistency to this record.

Bottom line: If you are a purist who cannot abide the Beach Boy originals being tampered with, go buy Beach Boys Classics because you won't be able to tolerate this record or any tribute for that matter. But if you want to hear a contemporary album that demontrates the continuing vitality of these songs in a new era, get this record. You'll be glad you did. The packaging, the 24 page color booklet with loving tributes to Brian Wilson by the artists, and the beautiful cover (inspired, of course, by the original Smile cover), are icing on the cake. This is my pick for the album of the Summer of 2002!
A Tribute to Brian Wilson
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Very interesting
  • one of the best tribute cd's ever
  • Interesting For The Major Fan Only
  • Won Won Wonderful Interpretations
  • GREAT CD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A Tribute to Brian Wilson
Cameron Michael Parkes
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006FFRRU
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

  1. Intro (My Prayer)
  2. Gonna Hustle You
  3. Number One
  4. I Do
  5. She Rides With Me
  6. Wonderful
  7. Wind Chimes
  8. Vegetables
  9. I Went To Sleep
  10. Little Children
  11. Ill Bet Hes Nice
  12. Almost Summer
  13. Solar System
  14. A Day In The Life Of A Tree
  15. I Wanna Pick You Up
  16. Everything I Need
  17. Sweet Mountain
  18. Saturday Morning In The City
  19. Vegetables Alternative Version
  20. Spirit Of Rock And Roll

Album Description

Includes three bonus tracks previously unavailable on the independent release.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Very interesting.......2006-04-10

I've been a Beach Boy fan since they started and when they
split up I kept on being a Brian Wilson fan whose CD's and
DVD's I have been purchasing all. Of course I did not know
what to expect when I bought it from Amazon since the artist-
Cameron M. Parkes- was totally unknown to me. At first I
didn't like it too much, but after listening to it over and
over I must admit it's quite catchy. Highlights with no
doubt are the songs "Number One, She Rides With Me and Spirit
of Rock & Roll".
The first two were unknown to me although, after investigations,
I bought the original recordings that appear on a very special
CD called "The Pet Projects-Brian Wilson Productions" released
by the wonderful ACE label and also available on Amazon. I
certainly recommend this CD with 23 songs produced in the
early 60's by Brian.
The Spirit of Rock & Roll was sung by the Beach Boys once at
their 25 years anniversary in Hawaii(1986) at the end of the show
and I loved it but never found it afterwards on any Beach Boy
or Brian Wilson recording until I saw the title on this
tribute CD reason enough to immediatley buy it. I must say
that thanks to these 3 songs + some others I really found it
worthwhile. I don't give it 5 stars because too many "covers"
are from what I call the "dark days" when most of the Beach
Boys songs were written while they were "stoned"(late 60's).

5 out of 5 stars one of the best tribute cd's ever.......2005-01-29

after listening to this cd numerous times i think this was a labor of love for cameron michael parkes.in my opinion most of the tribute cd's i have heard are actually trashings of great songs.i.e. the kinks tributes.mr.parkes avoids the usual collection of hits and gets into some of brian and the beach boys best and most obscure songs.all done with reverance to the original recordings.i must add this cd is for the most devoted brian wilson/beach boys fan.sad to say it may be wasted on the casual listener.

4 out of 5 stars Interesting For The Major Fan Only.......2005-01-22

Well this is a fascinating find to say the very least. Varese Sarabande has issued this cd and it is afan's dream come true for several reasons. The first and foremost amongst these is that of the 21 featured tracks, only one "Almost Summer" made the Billboard Hot 100. This song was not even credited to the Beach Boys but to Celebration featuring Mike Love and is reasonably hard to find. This song peaked at #28 on the charts, and this seems to point that Cameron Michael Parkes is not only a hardcore Beach Boys fan, but one that seems to have obtained access to some of the band's more obscure recordings. Some of the songs that "Number 1", "The Spirit Of Rock And Roll" and "She Rides With Me" I have heard much about but have never heard and for me this was enough to buy the disc. As for the performance, it is good, but nothing overly exceptional. This is definately a set designed for the die-hard Beach Boys fan, and they will most likely like it, but also wish they had the originals of the rarer songs.

5 out of 5 stars Won Won Wonderful Interpretations.......2005-01-21

This CD almost transcends its own genre. As well as being a superb tribute, it is a brilliant work in its own right. Should I have heard of Parkes before now? Not sure...but I'm delighted to have come across him and this album.
As you can see, the track selection is eclectic, and includes - perhaps comprises - a number of obscure BW compositions. For fans, this is a rare treat - meaningful, intelligent interpretations (not copies)of the great man's music. It is like slipping into a comfortable old pair of shoes - familiar, yet still very soothing.
For me, the undoubted highlight is "Day in the Life of a Tree" - Parkes beings a new life to a quirky/brilliant Wilson composition.
I also loved both versions of Vegetables, and I'm glad the slower version didn't end up on the cutting room floor.
Fans will be delighted at the way Parkes slips snippets and riffs from one song into another - one example is the closing chorus of "Gonna Hustle You," where he sldes in "the new girl in school."
Indeed, there is more than a slight Jan & Dean sound to some of the tracks - see the album notes for expanation.
For those less acquainted with BW's music, the album will be something of a surprise - not a "Fun Fun Fun" or "Help Me Rhonda" in sight - just 21 tracks of beautifully arranged joy.
The liner notes are a real bonus - both the introduction by Parkes, and his track-by-track guide. (Though, to be picky, doesn't Dean Torrence on Barbara Ann count as a non-member lead vocal?)
And finally, of course, a typically succinct endorsement from the man himself.
Thank you Cameron Michael Parkes.

5 out of 5 stars GREAT CD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-12-08

This cd is sooooooo gooood I love it and I am a kid. Great for christmas. So make the right idea and by this cd.
Add Some Music to Your Day: 1970 Symphonic Tribute to Brian Wilson
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Gary Usher was brilliant
  • Not-So-Hot Elevator Music
Add Some Music to Your Day: 1970 Symphonic Tribute to Brian Wilson

Manufacturer: Poptones
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005J9N2
Release Date: 2002-01-08

Tracks:

  1. Caroline No
  2. You Still Believe in Me
  3. Busy Doin' Nothin'
  4. Pet Sounds
  5. Fall Breaks and Back to Winter/Good Vibrations/Heroes and Villains
  6. Warmth of the Sun
  7. God Only Knows
  8. Please Let Me Wonder
  9. Friends
  10. In My Room

Album Description

Subtitled 'A 1970 Symphonic Tribute To Brian Wilson'. Recorded by Gary to cheer up Beach Boy Brian Wilson after his breakdown following the 'Smile' sessions. He aimed to prove he was not just a pop writer but a classical composer as well. Featuring versions of Beach Boys songs. Poptones. 2001 release.

Album Details

A 1970 symphonic tribute to Brian Wilson.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Gary Usher was brilliant.......2003-01-04

Gary Usher's tribute to Brian Wilson is brilliant. It is indeed easy listening, but what's wrong with that? It's a great album to do the dishes to, it's beautiful. If they did indeed play this music at the grocery store I'd be quite happy about that! Gary Usher not only wrote the classic "In My Room" with Brian Wilson, but he also is responsible for what I believe to be one of the best production jobs in the history of popular music, "The Notorious Byrd Brothers" by The Byrds.

2 out of 5 stars Not-So-Hot Elevator Music.......2001-09-06

This really is an elevator music album, literally. It's not a symphonic take on Brian Wilson/BB music, though it does utilize a small section of the LA Symphony. It's music made for grocery shopping. Not one of Gary Usher's finer moments, though he did have many worthy projects as a writer and producer throughout his career. This one is worth skipping; you won't listen to it more than once, I guarantee it.
The String Quartet Tribute to the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great sounding accompaniment piece to Pet Sounds
The String Quartet Tribute to the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds

Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007GP6R4
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Wouldn't It Be Nice
  2. You Still Believe In Me
  3. That's Not Me
  4. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
  5. I'm Waiting For The Day
  6. Let's Go Away For Awhile
  7. Sloop John B
  8. God Only Knows
  9. I Know There's An Answer
  10. Here Today
  11. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
  12. Pet Sounds
  13. Caroline No
  14. Hang On To Your Ego

Product Description

1. Wouldn't It Be Nice
2. You Still Believe In Me
3. That's Not Me
4. Don't Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
5. I'm Waiting For The Day
6. Let's Go Away For Awhile
7. Sloop John B
8. God Only Knows
9. I Know There's An Answer
10. Here Today
11. I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
12. Pet Sounds
13. Caroline No
14. Hang On To Your Ego

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great sounding accompaniment piece to Pet Sounds.......2005-07-17

This album is great to listen to if you, like me, have listened to Pet Sounds millions of times and want a new variation on it. The Angry String Quartet does a great job recreating this amazing work of art, and brings to light the orchestral genius of Brian Wilson's musical and vocal arrangements. The Quartet extend most of the songs, and it is a bit awkward getting used to at first ( having listened to the original songs so many times), but in the end, it is a pleasant change.


"The String Quartet Tribute to the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds" is an interesting, and ultimately, satisfying listen. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to hear Pet Sounds in a different light or would like to understand why so many people have found Brian Wilson's music to be utter genius...and just about anyone else.
Smile for Me: A Symphonic Tribute to Brian Wilson
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Gary Usher's tribute to Brian Wilson
Smile for Me: A Symphonic Tribute to Brian Wilson
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sound City Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002CX1UC
Release Date: 2004-08-16

Tracks:

  1. Caroline, No
  2. You Stil Believe In Me
  3. Busy Doin' Nothin'
  4. Pet Sounds
  5. Medley: Fall Breaks And Back To Winter, Good Vibrations, Heroes & Villians
  6. The Warmth Of The Sun
  7. God Only Knows
  8. Please Let Me Wonder
  9. Friends
  10. In My Room

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Gary Usher's tribute to Brian Wilson.......2006-09-20

This CD is a one of a kind musical experience. It sounds like it belongs in an organic grocery store or maybe on an elevator. You get an assortment of memorable melodies such as Caroline No, Busy Doin Nothin, and The Warmth of the Sun rather than the hits of the Beach Boys. The medley on Fall Breaks And Back to Winter/Good Vibrations/Heroes and Villains is fun. Enjoy the music!
STARFLOWER: Celebrating The Spirit of Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent and exciting music
  • INDEPENDENT CD SALUTES ENDLESS SUMMERS
  • Where are the melodies? Where is the harmony?
STARFLOWER: Celebrating The Spirit of Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Medicine Park Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004WLOK
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

  1. Sunflower - Reynold Philipsek
  2. Today - 3tripper
  3. Hip Hop & Pop - Big Fresh
  4. Dates - R. Stevie Moore with Dave Gregory
  5. Can't Feel Sad - Tom Getter Slack
  6. California - synchro1
  7. Kloreen - Mitch Friedman
  8. Beach Glass Intro - SNG
  9. Beach Glass Bouquet - SNG
  10. Riptide Lullaby - Billy Marsh
  11. Dewey Decimal System - R. Stevie Moore
  12. Space Pilot Astrud Star - Charlie Zayleskie
  13. Dandelion - John Ferenzik
  14. Please Send Boat - R. Stevie Moore
  15. Maximum Love Vibes - Chris McKenna & GG1
  16. The Tie-Dyed High Tide Radio Reprise - synchro1 & the Starflowers
  17. Earth, My Body - Moogy Klingman

Album Description

'Starflower' celebrates the spirit of Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys with some progressive cosmic pop striving to elicit a musical vibe strong enough to live by all summer long. 17 tracks including three from R. Stevie Moore, one being 'Dates' with a special appearance on guitar from Dave Gegory (XTC) and 'Earth, My Body' by Moogy Klingman (Utopia). Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent and exciting music.......2002-04-19

Now we're talking about the disc that looks like it was made specially for this radio show. It's dedicated to the genius of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, and contains a whole BUNCH of names that are absolutely new for me. The only name that is well known here is Dave Gregory, former member of XTC. He is here together with R Stevie Moore doing a overhaul of Making Plans For Nigel entitled Dates. The whole record is increadibly up-to date and just sounds amazing. Brian Wilson would be probably very proud when he hears the record.

Acutally, the beauty of the record is that it doesn't imitate Brian Wilson's style. It only exploits Wilson's childlike curiosity for new things and therefore, we get a ultra modern product full of nicely written songs and small experiments, beatifully arranged and quite appropriatelly entitled Starflower.

Although novelty experiments take a large part of the record and sound very pleasent, I still prefer more structured songs like Hip Hop and Pop by Big Fresh or even some more daring pop songs like Mitch Friedman's Kloreen. Straght-forward hit are provided by John Ferenzik in his adorably catchy Dandelion and also by Reynold Philipsek and opening theme Sunflower directly dedicated to the same name Beach Boys album. Definitely the beachboyiest song is Today and comes from a band called 3Tripper. Album simply kicks ass and it's the most serious cadidate for my favorite album this season. I will definitelly try to contact each participant of this album and explore their works further.

Disc is available through Medicine Park Records and it's their second release. The first one was a similar edition dedicated to Todd Rundgren. I wonder how that one passed un-noticed by me ;)...

4 out of 5 stars INDEPENDENT CD SALUTES ENDLESS SUMMERS.......2000-11-25

Excerpts of an article from The Daily Oklahoman (August 18, 2000):

They sure don't make albums like they used to. That's especially true of "Starflower", a shimmering summertime soundtrack celebrating the spirit of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys.

It features 17 tracks by 14 different artists, including former XTC guitarist Dave Gregory and ex-Todd Rundgren / Utopia keyboardist man Mark "Moogy" Klingman.

Contributors to the "Starflower" project submitted their songs to Medicine Park on recordable CDs or Digital Audio Tape. Medicine Park then forwarded those to San Mateo, CA, where the album was mastered by Jim Whittemore.

Whittemore's alter ego is synchro1, the "group" that supplied "California" and "The Tie-Dyed High Tide Radio Reprise," two of the album's trippier forays into techno territory.

"Although most of the songs do succeed in containing that Beach Boys vibe, there may be a few that fall short in that area," says Medicine Park's Toby Thomas.

"However, I hope that the songs evoke a youthful summertime joy or present a certain spiritual element that somehow works altogether."

Thomas' hopes are realize on R. Stevie Moore's three tracks, "Dewey Decimal System" "Please Send Boat" and "Dates", the last featuring former XTC guitarist Dave Gregory. All three recall Brian Wilson's "Pet Sounds" / "Smile" period of stately, complex melodies and elaborate, electronically enhanced instrumentation that sometimes sailed into quirky, psychedlic seas.

Other standout sun-and-surf moments are heard in the layered harmonies of "Sunflower" by Minneapolis-based Reynold Philipsek; on the cosmic hang-ten anthem "Today" from Hawaii's 3Tripper; and on South Carolinian Billy Marsh's "Riptide Lullabye," which doesn't sound anything like the Beach Boys but still has a melody, multi-tracked vocals and blazing guitar passages that soar into the big blue sky.

1 out of 5 stars Where are the melodies? Where is the harmony?.......2000-10-11

I must admit that the recent spate of Beach Boy rereleases has certainly whet my appetite for more of the great music of Brian Wilson and his band. I bought this disc with hopes high that it would offer some of the gorgeous Beach Boy - inspired pop of Jeff Foskett, or the wonderful homage of The High Llamas' GIDEON GAYE.

Unfortunately, there was little of that old Beach Boy magic to be found on STARFLOWER. Many of the tunes are stilted, neo-Baroque pieces ala latterday XTC, displaying none of the Beach Boys' penchant for crafting melody. And the Boys' wonderful vocal prowess is nowhere to be found on this collection. Some tunes on STARFLOWER (such as Moore and Gregory's "Dates") do show some promise, but these rare moments are undone by a deadly combination of poor vocals and haphazard production. Worse yet, the entire set lacks energy, a key ingredient in the best works of the Beach Boys.

STARFLOWER was a real disappointment. Fans of the Beach Boys would be better served by purchasing Jeff Foskett's sunny pop CDs. I also highly recommend Jeff Larson's SUNFLOWER-like WATERCOLOR SKY and the High Llamas' SMILE-influenced GIDEON GAYE and HAWAII discs.
Jimmy Sparks & the Blizzard
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Jimmy Sparks & the Blizzard

    Manufacturer: Jimitrax
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000CA82WG
    Release Date: 2005-07-12

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