The 12 tracks on One All proffer a more organic, rougher-hewn take on Neil Finn's solid classicism. While Crowded House's populist folk-pop tugged as many purse-strings as it did hearts, Finn's solo career has been characterized by nothing more strident than the soft shuffle of gentle understatement--as if the antipodean troubadour feared his former muse would be insulted by any attempts to out-pop the relentlessly tuneful House. Not that this follow-up to 1998's patchy solo debut, Try Whistling This, is in any way underwhelming. The swirling effects and treated guitars of "Rest of the Day Off" hint more at latter-day Split Enz and even, occasionally, Oasis, than Crowded House. Unfortunately, there is also a sense that the addition of such sonic accoutrements may be little more than a ham-fisted attempt to add techno-savvy flesh to basic, traditional bones--with "Hole in the Ice" and "Secret God" imbued with dubious guitar solos and irritatingly superfluous backing vocals (courtesy, bizarrely enough, of former Prince demoiselles Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman) that merely serve to detract from the music's warm-hearted core. Nevertheless, Finn's long-running lyrical concerns--love, loyalty, and, predominantly, self-doubt--have never been expressed more adroitly. --Sarah Dempster
One All,Neil Finn,Nettwerk Records,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,New Zealand,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter
One All
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Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast)
Benny Andersson , Julian Poole , Jenny Galloway , Nicolas Colicos , Paul Clarkson , Bjorn Ulvaeus , Lisa Stokke , Eliza Lumley , Melissa Gibson , Siobhan McCarthy , Louise Plowright , Jenny Galloway , Bjorn Ulvaeus , and Stig Anderson Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000031WEN Release Date: 2000-10-17 |
Tracks:
- Overture/Prologue
- Honey, Honey
- Money, Money, Money
- Thank You For The Music
- Mamma Mia
- Chiquitita
- Dancing Queen
- Lay All Your Love On Me
- Super Trouper
- Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
- The Name Of The Game
- Voulez-Vous
- Entr'acte
- Under Attack
- One Of Us
- S.O.S.
- Does Your Mother Know
- Knowing Me, Knowing You
- Our Last Summer
- Slipping Through My Fingers
- The Winner Takes It All
- Take A Chance On Me
- I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do
- I Have A Dream
Amazon.com
Put together by Abba's own Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! manages to cram over 20 of the Swedish supergroup's songs into a threadbare plot. It goes a little like this: Young Sophie is getting married and she's trying to identify which of three men is her father. That's about it. Wisely, the musical doesn't mess around with the songs, save for the insertion of some dialogue or for having some of them performed by a man (it works amazingly well). Abba fans will jump on this import of the London production, but traditional fans of musical theater should consider it as well. After all, Andersson and Ulvaeus's songs have always felt as if they were more than isolated pop gems and actually belonged to a longer narrative. --Elisabeth VincentelliCustomer Reviews:
Mamma Mia.......2007-03-22
Mamma Mia Musical CD.......2007-03-21
JUST GREAT MUSIC.......2007-03-08
Mamma Mia.......2007-01-29
Not good at all.......2007-01-09
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One for All
Peter Criss Manufacturer: Megaforce ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000RIHBI4 Release Date: 2007-07-24 |
Tracks:
- One For All
- Doesn't get better than this
- Last Night
- What a difference a Day Makes
- Hope
- Faces in the Crowd
- Send in the Clowns
- Falling All over again
- Whisper
- Heart behind these Hands
- Memories
- Space Ace
Album Description
Best known to the entire world as The Catman, a founding member and original drummer of the legendary KISS, Peter Criss has returned with his latest musical project, ONE FOR ALL, a collection showcasing his far-ranging talent as a skillful singer-songwriter and his vast range as a gifted vocalist. Intensely personal and autobiographical, ONE FOR ALL, is a song cycle of variously styles, profoundly rich ballads that touch on all aspects of Peter's life, looking back at his legendary music career while also turning within to reflect on family and friends. It's the latest chapter in a life story that has given us one of rock's greatest legacies.Customer Reviews:
Peter Criss Out of Control for sure.......2007-07-26
This CD belongs in the litter box........2007-07-26
But this album is horrible.
Not because the songs are lighter.
Just because they plain suck.
Peter Criss states that he self produced it. It sounds like it.
Lyrics are horrible.
Many, many embarrasing moments.
I personally like the "tender, emotionally aimed" tribute ONE FOR ALL complete with a drum roll and Peter yelling "Look Out"! Yea, Peter, that fits this song perfectly.
I am a KISS fan and will buy any music these guys put out. This is bad. At least buy it at Best Buy and get an autographed copy.
The long wait is finally over and..........2007-07-26
I've been a life-long KISS fan. As a matter of fact, in 1978, Peter's solo album was my favorite. There are at least four unheralded ballads on that '78 release. I even went so far as to order the huge button from the merchandise order form included with each of the four KISS solo records. Peter's first album after KISS, Out Of Control, was also a favorite of mine, but after that, it all got murky.
One For All was never to be a rocker. It was widely known that Peter Criss was doing a "ballad" album. Fine. But this is, at times, painful to listen to.
Peter's voice is all over the place. Call it emotion, call it what you will, his vocal performance on this record is horrible. Musically speaking, there are a few great moments. They are few and far between though. And Peter's drumming is lackluster at best. But for me, it's just how badly he sings these songs that shocked me the most. I could easily buy into the "emotion" arguement here, but c'mon...on every track?
Maybe next time he'll bring in an outside producer? I believe strongly that if he had worked with another set of ears and someone with other ideas, this could have been great.
Buy it and judge for yourself, but be aware that this is a very slow, plodding and difficult recording to get through in one sitting.
This Must Be A Joke!.......2007-07-26
Shockingly horrible.......2007-07-25
I bought this for a host of reasons, the biggest of which was just plain curiosity. I certainly didn't have any hopes of actually liking it. Peter's not a songwriter, he's a sub-par drummer (how a guy can play drums for 50 years and still stink is actually quite impressive), and his vocal range is limited. But I was curious--and it was worth $12 to hear what Peter had put together.
I am stunned. Amazed. Totally floored at how truly awful this album is. Gene Simmons once said that Peter's '78 solo record was proof that the guy behind it just didn't have a clue. Ditto on this one.
To Peter's credit, he apparently could care less that KISS fans will probably trash this record, since it is about as far removed from KISS as it could possibly be. So kudos to Pete for just doing what he wants to do. I guess when you produce the cd yourself and issue it on your own label, you can do whatever you want. Good for him.
There's really nothing at all that's good about this disc with the exception of the recording quality. Outside of that, however, the songs are jaw-droppingly horrendous, the lyrics are awkward and trite, and the vocals are absolutely weak in most places. To me, this sounds like lite R&B mixed with slow, melancholy show-tunes. It's almost impressive in it's awfulness.
Maybe Ace's looooong overdue cd will be a little better. Regardless of how good or bad it is, I'll buy that one too, just out of curiosity.
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Battlestar Galactica: Season One
Daniel McGrew , Ken Stacey , Lillis Ó Laoire , Melanie Henley Heyn , Michael Now , and Raya Yarbrough Manufacturer: La-La Land Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0009Q0F5U Release Date: 2005-06-21 |
Tracks:
- Prologue
- Main Title (US Version)
- Helo Chase
- The Olympic Carrier
- Helo Rescued
- A Good Lighter
- The Thousandth Landing
- Two Funerals
- Starbuck Takes On All Eight
- Forgiven
- The Card Game
- Starbuck On The Red Moon
- Helo In the Warehouse
- Baltar Speaks With Adama
- Two Boomers
- Battlestar Operatica
- The Dinner Party
- Battlestar Muzaktica
- Baltar Panics
- Boomer Flees
- Flesh And Bone
- Battle On The Asteroid
- Wander My Friends
- Passacaglia
- Kobol's Last Gleaming
- Destiny
- The Shape Of Things To Come
- Bloodshed
- Re-Cap
- Main Title (UK Version)
Album Description
Presenting the original soundtrack from the first season of Sci Fi Channel's critically acclaimed, top-rated television series starring Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Katee Sackhoff. Composer Bear McCreary's dynamic score ingeniously melds orchestra, vocals and synth into an emotional experience that ranges from full-throttle action to soul-stirring drama. Packed with more than 78 minutes of music, this is a comprehensive collection of the very best musical moments from this amazing sci-fi drama's first season. Features both U.S. and U.K. main title themes and includes exclusive liner notes.Customer Reviews:
Good companion for Battlestar Fans.......2007-05-07
Captures the feel of the show.......2007-04-11
Awesome Soundtrack.......2007-04-11
BSG.......2007-04-10
Agree with everyone else.......2007-03-28
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The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - The Complete Recordings
Howard Shore Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000BNI90O Release Date: 2005-12-13 |
Tracks:
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Prologue: One Ring ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Shire
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Bag End (Featuring ...)
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Very Old Friends
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Flaming Red Hair
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Farewell Dear Bilbo
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Keep It Secret, Keep ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/A Conspiracy Unmasked
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Three Is Company
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Passing of the Elves
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Saruman the White
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/A Shortcut to Mushrooms
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Strider
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Nazgul ...
Tracks:
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Weathertop
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Caverns of Isengard
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Give Up the Halfling
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Orthanc
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Rivendell
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Sword That Was ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Council of ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Great Eye
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Gilraen's Memorial
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Pass of Caradhras
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Doors of Durin
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Moria
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Gollum
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Balin's Tomb
Tracks:
- Khazad-Dum
- Caras Galadhon (featuring Lament for Gandalf, performed by Elizabeth Fraser)
- The Mirror of Galadriel
- The Fighting Uruk-hai
- Parth Galen
- The Departure of Boromir
- The Road Goes Ever On (part 1)
- May It Be (composed and performed by Enya)
- The Road Goes Ever On (part 2. featuring In Dreams, perfomed by Edward Ross)
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Khazad-D
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Caras Galadhon ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Mirror of Galadriel
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Fighting Uruk-Hai
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/Parth Galen
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Departure of Boromir
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Road Goes Ever ...
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/May It Be
- Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring/The Road Goes Ever ...
Amazon.com
As fans of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy know, each film exists in two versions: the theatrical one and the extended one that appeared on DVD. This luxurious box set--which also comes with a detailed essay on the movie's musical themes--features the full extended score, so many cues not on the CDs of the individual movies are included. Granted, the majority of listeners will be perfectly happy with the shorter versions of the scores--it's a safe bet that most people can live without hearing, say, Ian McKellen's 35-second-long ditty "The Road Goes Ever On" at the beginning of "Bag End," or Viggo Mortensen's performance of his own composition, "The Song of Lúthien," within the track "The Nazgûl." But if you're a completist and/or a devotee of Howard Shore's pounding tympani and overwhelming choral compositions (featured particularly prominently on disc 3, a large chunk of which is devoted to a battle scene), then this set is a dream come true. Audiophiles should note that the fourth disc, a DVD, offers the score in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Fire up those speakers so the whole shire can hear. --Elisabeth VincentelliAlbum Description
An epic film score receives epic treatment with The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring/Complete Recordings. Released for the first time on CD, the complete score for the first film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy contains more than 180 minutes of music on three CDs plus a DVD-Audio disc of the entire score in Surround Sound. Breathtaking and majestic, the 2001 Oscar and Grammy winning score compsted by Howard Shore also includes Enya's Oscar nominated "May It Be." For fans of any of The Lord of the Rings films, the Fellowship of the Ring/Complete Recordings is an essential experience.Customer Reviews:
Beautiful.......2007-06-15
Awesome.......2007-06-12
Excellent Music tracks from Movie.......2007-05-03
Complete?.......2007-04-07
Great Collection, Poor Packaging.......2007-04-03
My only complaint is the somewhat flimsy cardboard box that houses the contents of this musical treasure. Mine came damaged, and considering the price, I expected better packaging. This is a minor quabble on my part and NO, I havent returned it due to the fact that the music itself Is what I truly treasure, It just would have been nicer to have recieved it undamaged.
Music-5
Packaging-3
*for the record I had rated this Item 5 stars not the 3 stars that is showing at the top of my review*
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Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001
Barenaked Ladies Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005R1Q8 Release Date: 2001-11-13 |
Tracks:
- The Old Apartment
- Falling for the First Time
- Brian Wilson
- One Week
- Be My Yoko Ono
- Alternative Girlfriend
- It's Only Me (The Wizard of Magicland)
- If I Had $1000000
- Call and Answer
- Get in Line
- It's All Been Done
- Jane
- Lovers in a Dangerous Time
- Pinch Me
- Shoebox
- What a Good Boy
- Too Little Too Late
- Enid
- Thanks That Was Fun
Amazon.com
Electrifying performers and pure-pop songwriters of the highest order, Toronto's Barenaked Ladies have emerged over a decade as that strangest of beasts. They'll never land a dishy cover story in Mojo Magazine, but as they reflect on those ribald years between 1991 and 2001, the five can allow themselves wry smiles, knowing that sometimes, just sometimes, the cream rises to the top. In addition to familiar radio staples such as "Pinch Me," "The Old Apartment," "Jane," "Alternative Girlfriend," and the ubiquitous "One Week," there's a trump card on All Their Greatest Hits that will prove irresistible to completists: the Ladies' buttery, acoustic version of Bruce Cockburn's "Lovers in a Dangerous Time." Recorded eons ago for a Cockburn tribute disc that almost immediately went out of print, the song has until now been a rare and highly coveted collector's item. Two news songs--"Thanks That Was Fun" and "It's Only Me (The Wizard of Magicland)"--were recorded specifically for this collection, while two others ("Brian Wilson" and "What a Good Boy") are captured live. But what really brings this album home is, ironically, "If I Had $1,000,000." One of their very first hits cut as the Ladies were learning to dovetail their so-called "acoustic hip-hop" into slicker pop sensibilities, "$1,000,000"--a simple knock-kneed love song with harmonies so tight they're practically braided--is a snapshot of a band with all the pieces in place just as the planets were about to align. --Kim HughesCustomer Reviews:
Awesome.......2007-07-12
Musical SUNSHINE Baby!!.......2007-03-14
Six years (?) after the fact, the SpiritWorld is graced with this FANTASTIC cd-of 19 tracks, thank you very much-GET IT NOW!!
I was only familiar with the high inducing 'Falling For The First Time' track that's on the Malcolm in the Middle soundtrack, and only vaguely familiar with a few of the others, so I come to this as a newbie and I LOVE IT!!
Their quirky loquacious lyrics are funny, smart, smiley, honest and paranoid, the music is played with heart, it's beautiful and even the slower tracks you can snap to. A couple of the tracks are live versions which makes a nice change to the polished studio feel and it's sweet because you can hear the fans singing along in the background.
I can honestly say there's not a Homer's favorite brand of beer track on here; they're all FABOO, and some that are the faboo-est include the aforementioned Falling..., If I Had $1000000 and the spectacular Pinch Me.
I'd like to buy a doll house, use a shrinkomatic on these guys and have them play for me every time I opened the door. Or we could all just live together. I am so getting their entire back catalog and all their new and future ones, which, considering I'm more of a soundtracks girl, is saying a lot.
Lyrics aren't included in the booklet, but you do get a funny little story behind each song, and besides, they sing clearly enough, and you won't be able to stop playing it either, so you'll pick up on the words.
Bottom line: I HIGHLY recommend this, especially if you have a red cadillac and are going for a road-trip across America. Even just in your head. It's like pure musical sunshine.
A great album filled with hits at every turn!.......2007-02-23
As a rule, "best of" compilations tend to be littered with bad songs, but BNL really nailed it with this fantastic collection of songs. If you've heard and enjoyed any of their music, you owe it to yourself to check this one out!
Norms One.......2007-01-20
It's Barenaked Ladies, how could you go wrong!.......2007-01-03
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Carousel (1956 Film Soundtrack)
Shirley Jones , Claramae Turner , Robert Rounseville , Cameron Mitchell , Barbara Ruick , Robert Rounseville , Richard Rodgers , Oscar Hammerstein II , and Gordon MacRae Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005A7XD Release Date: 2001-03-13 |
Tracks:
- Introduction - Gordon MacRae/William Le Massena
- Main Title: The Carousel Waltz - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
- You're A Queer One, Julie Jordan - Barbara Ruick/Shirley Jones
- When I Marry Mr. Snow - Barbara Ruick
- If I Loved You - Shirley Jones/Gordon MacRae
- June Is Bustin' Out All Over - Claramae Turner/Barbara Ruick
- June Is Bustin' Out All Over Ballet - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
- Soliloquy - Gordon MacRae
- Blow High, Blow Low - Cameron Mitchell
- When The Children Are Asleep - Robert Rounseville/Barbara Ruick
- A Real Nice Clambake - Barbara Ruick/Claramae Turner/Robert Rounseville/Cameron Mitchell
- Stonecutters Cut In On Stone - Cameron Mitchell
- What's The Use Of Wond'rin - Shirley Jones
- You'll Never Walk Alone - Shirley Jones/Claramae Turner
- Ballet - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
- If I Loved You (Reprise) - Gordon MacRae
- You'll Never Walk Alone (Finale) - Shirley Jones
- Carousel Waltz (LP Version) - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
Amazon.com
Richard Rodgers always considered Carousel his favorite score, even though it didn't generate the number of popular hits of some of the other shows he produced with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Their adaptation of the Ferenc Molnar play Liliom is marked by three especially sublime moments. "The Carousel Waltz," Rodgers's alternative to the traditional Broadway overture, serves as an orchestral backdrop to the opening scene and is one of the best miniatures ever written for the theater. "If I Loved You," which establishes the romance of carnival barker Billy Bigelow (Gordon MacRae, a late replacement for Frank Sinatra) and nice girl Julie Jordan (Shirley Jones), is a musical minidrama in which the pair's discussion of how they are not in love reveals just how much they are in love. "Soliloquy" is Billy's powerful solo that foreshadows the action to come in Act II. Add the inspirational anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone," and you have Rodgers and Hammerstein's most extraordinary, near-operatic score. On the soundtrack for the 1956 film, MacRae and Jones are in exceptional voice (following their success in 1955's Oklahoma) and the orchestra sounds glorious, but unfortunately some of the numbers were shortened, most notably "If I Loved You." Extensive production notes, an interview with Jones, and a synopsis are included. --David HoriuchiCustomer Reviews:
AWESOME!!.......2007-05-12
MacRae and Jones soar in this tragic R&H musical.......2007-02-11
MacRae shines vocally as Billy Bigelow, bringing an open-hearted musicality and sincerity to his stout-hearted portrayal. MacRae stands out in Billy's pivotal Soliloquy, which some reviewers have considered one of the finest vocal performances of the 20th century. He is well-partnered by Shirley Jones, who lends her tender voice and personality to her portrayal as Julie. Listen to the chemistry they exude during the pivotal If I Loved You duet, as if they're overcoming their shyness and drawing sustenance from each other with their love. The supporting cast also gives its all in performing their roles. Claramae Turner's hearty Nettie brims with sincerity, warmth and tenderness, and she leads a rousing rendition of June is Bustin' Out All Over and renders You'll Never Walk Alone touchingly. Barbara Ruick and Robert Rounseville are superb as Carrie and Mr. Snow, although I admit I would have liked a little more humour. I also admit I would have liked Cameron Mitchell as Jigger to sound more sinister, like Fisher Stevens did in the 1994 Broadway revival recording. But even as it is, everyone sings gloriously and is given sumptuous backing from Alfred Newman's superb arrangements and the 20th-Century Fox Orchestra, when it shines out in the ballets.
If I'm adding to the praise of these critic-proof performance, you'll wonder, why am I giving only 4 stars? Well, it's because the extra sound effects from the unreleased sequences tend to jar after a while. I know some of you are complaining that the dance sequences are plagued by extraneous sound effects and noise. I share the same feelings too and also wish that the producers had utilised the original studio pre-recordings for a sumptuous listening experience. However, let us at least be grateful that Didier Deutsch and his production team have made these unreleased sequences available on a soundtrack CD reissue. At least it's a step in the right direction before the entire canon of R&H film soundtracks (yes, including South Pacific and The Sound of Music) gets its due as deluxe 2-CD sets, complete with underscore.
However, don't let this gripe dissuade you from buying this soundtrack. It offers a complete musical experience that one could only dream of in the previous CD reissues of the soundtrack. And it demonstrates the element that Rodgers & Hammerstein were discovering in their musicals.
Great Music.......2007-01-04
Response to David Pabian's review below.......2004-06-30
My review was not in error, as Mr. Pabian expects. The review was for the original CD release, not this expanded version. Amazon lifted it out of that spot and dropped it here, which of course makes it anachronistic. Why they did it without reading it is certainly an inept decision.
Gummed up an Original.......2003-06-10
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One Size Fits All
Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention Manufacturer: Zappa Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000009SM Release Date: 1995-05-02 |
Tracks:
- Inca Roads
- Can't Afford No Shoes
- Sofa No.1
- Po-Jama People
- Florentine Pogen
- Evelyn, A Modified Dog
- San Ber'dino
- Andy
- Sofa No.2
Amazon.com
The pinnacle of his jazz-rock work of the early '70s, One Size Fits All boasts some of the most memorable songs of Frank Zappa's career performed by one of the most beloved Mothers of Invention lineups ever assembled. This cast of musicians' musicians--including George Duke, Ruth Underwood, and Johnny 'Guitar' Watson--blasts through the groovy sci-fi world of Inca Roads, the hyper-charged blues rock of "Pajama People," the lounge majesty of "Sofa" and concert mainstays like "San Ber'dino" and "Florentine Pogan." An integral part of any Zappa Collection. --Andrew BoscardinCustomer Reviews:
Zappa still has not been outplayed!.......2007-04-22
Zappa's best album of the 70's.......2007-02-25
One Size Does Fit All..........2007-01-12
5 estrellas.....no hay mas???????.......2006-09-26
It's been said before but I'll say it again...Zappa's best!.......2006-08-20
How to pull off a feat of making the best of a 60+ discography? Simple. Write some great lyrics, work on some impossible songwriting textures, techniques and tempo changes and hire a virtuoso musician that adds up to almost every popular instrument known to man.
If I'm exaggerating, I apologize, but stating this album for what it's worth, well then: It's worth the price and then some! In only nine tracks, Zappa and the Mothers of Invention (though this is the last title to include), they pull off a flurry of genres that, when combined together in the right way, makes a leviathan of an album! You have the jazzy, 9-minute opener "Inca Roads", for example. This is one of my favorite Zappa tracks, and included are some impossibly fast marimba/flute work, funny lyrics and a 2-minute plus guitar solo from the man himself! Actually, I love the solo here, not only because it shows how talented Frank Zappa was, but it's memorable, almost to a lusty extent if I may be so bold. I can't get enough of this track, and neither will you if you're looking for some classic Zappa.
"Can't Afford No Shoes" is a pretty basic, amusing and straight-ahead rock track with a great guitar/drum/piano combo and lyrics that will make you laugh. Both the "Sofas" are jazzy and romantic; the second one includes lyrics in German, which makes sense, considering Frank Zappa is German. However, I must admit I like Sofa No. 1 a bit more.
Even though I normally give a track-for-track review of most of the albums I review, and I've left you hanging to see how some of the other songs are, I think I'll just let you find out for youself. After all, there's nothing wrong with a surprise, and it's important to get the heads-up on songs like these for yourself. But if you wanna get into Zappa, this is a positive MUST-BUY.
Overall: A few words to describe this album: Epic, Fantastic, Timeless, Romantic, Lyrically Witty, Instrumentally Dazzling, and at the top of the Zappa tapes (I refer to Frank's work as "the Zappa tapes" with my guitar teacher sometimes). To speak in a direct way, I, like many other Zappa fans, consider this to be one of the greatest Frank Zappa albums you're gonna get. So, if you are interested in a number of music genres, are looking for something that's not your typical rock album, or just want to discover the magic and the genius that is Frank Zappa, add this to your list and I hope you'll love it. I know I did!
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All One
Krishna Das Manufacturer: Triloka Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000A1IOKC Release Date: 2005-08-23 |
Tracks:
- Calling From Afar
- Refuge in The Name
- Rock in a Heart Space
- Township Krishna
Amazon.com
A recording likely to delight enthusiasts and perplex the uninitiated, All One is a 54-minute, four-part suite rooted in devotional yoga and dedicated, as the liner notes explain, to the "Sacred Names...revealed to us by the Great Beings who manifest Truth." All One presents four essentially seamless tracks in which the Hare Krishna mantra is repeated over and over, yet with gradual fluctuations in musical context, ranging from a worshipful near-drone to a jangly, celebratory sort of pop. (Note: Absorbing so much lyrical repetition may require an especially enlightened state of mind.) Krishna Das, a native New Yorker born Jeffrey Kagel who embraced Indian spiritual pursuits in the late 1960s, is the production's unifying force, half-singing, half-groaning the names and eliciting joyful replies from a 70-voice choir in recurring call-and-response patterns. Among the recording's numerous participants are bassist and co-producer Walter Becker of Steely Dan, co-producer Jay Messina (who has worked with Aerosmith), and drummer Rick Allen of Def Leppard, though their contributions are transparent in the mix of many other musicians. Instead, the focus is on the repetitious chants of Das (who also plays harmonium) and the sense of connectedness and oneness they aspire to engender among all listeners. --Terry WoodAlbum Description
"All One" is Krishna Das' first new studio recording in two years. Featuring Walter Becker and Def Leppard's Rick Allen, "All One" is a Mantric suite in four movements. "All One" covers musical ground from western classical music to South African township music.Co-produced by Walter Becker, "All One" features a 20 instrument orchestra and 70 voices. Other musicians included on this recording are longtime Krishna Das sideman Ty Burhoe and guitarist/composer David Nichtern.
Customer Reviews:
Best of its Genre.......2007-07-07
One of the best yoga CD's.......2007-04-14
Review of Krishna Das.......2007-01-12
Very nice to listen to........2007-01-10
Your Heart will be Opened...to Yourself.......2006-10-16
Average customer rating:
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Mendelssohn: Elijah
Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0002XV31A Release Date: 2005-02-15 |
Tracks:
- Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
- Overture
- No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
- No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
- No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
- No.4: If With All Your Hearts
- No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
- No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
- No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
- Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
- No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
- No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
- No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
- No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
- No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
- No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
- No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
- No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
- No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
- No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
- No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
- No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
- No.20: Thanks Be To God!
Tracks:
- No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
- No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
- No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
- No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
- No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
- No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
- No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
- No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
- No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
- No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
- No.31: O Rest In The Lord
- No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
- No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
- No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
- No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
- No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
- No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
- No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
- No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
- No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
- No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
- No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
- No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.
THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.
That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.
All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.
Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03
Average customer rating:
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An Introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen
Deryck Cooke , Georg Solti , Wiener Philharmoniker , Anita Valkki , Berit Lindholm , Birgit Nilsson , Brigitte Fassbaender , Christa Ludwig , Claire Watson , Claudia Hellmann , Dame Gwyneth Jones , Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau , Eberhard Wächter , George London , Gerhard Stolze , Gottlob Frick , Grace Hoffmann , Gustav Neidlinger , Hans Hotter , Helen Watts , Helga Dernesch , Hetty Plumacher , Ira Malaniuk , James King , Jean Madeira , Joan Sutherland , Kirsten Flagstad , Kurt Böhme , Lucia Popp , Marga Höffgen , Marilyn Tyler , Maureen Guy , Oda Balsborg , Paul Kuen , Régine Crespin , Set Svanholm , Vera Little , Vera Schlosser , Waldemar Kmentt , Walter Kreppel , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000424H Release Date: 2005-09-13 |
Tracks:
- Of All Great Musical Compositions... (Examples 1-4)
- The Fundamental Symbol... (Examples 5-11)
- Returning Now To The Nature Motive... (Examples 6, 12-16)
- A Number Of Further Motives... (Examples 5, 17-21)
- A Second, Much Smaller Family... (Examples 22-25)
- So Much For Nature. (Examples 26-38)
- The Cause Of The Deterioration... (Examples 39-44)
- The Other Transformation... (Examples 45-48)
- Several Other Motives... (Examples 49-52)
- Two Further Motives... (Examples 41, 53-61)
- The Basic Motive Associated With The Spear... (Examples 62-68)
- Along Another, More Complex Line... (Examples 69-72)
- In Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 69, 73-75)
- Returning Now To Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 76-79)
- Love Is Another Of The Central Symbols... (Examples 80-83)
- Later In The Same Scene... (Examples 84-87)
- Freia's Motive Has Two Independent Segments... (Examples 88-91)
- The Label 'Flight'... (Example 92)
- When Fasolt, In Scene Two Of Rhinegold... (Examples 93-98)
- A Little Later In The Interlude... (Examples 99-103)
Tracks:
- The Other New Motive... (Examples 104-109)
- There Are Several Independent Love-Motives... (Examples 110-114)
- The Characters In Whose Lives... (Examples 115-120)
- One Further Motive Belongs... (Example 121)
- The Sword Motive Recurs... (Examples 122-130)
- Ironically, This Phrase... (Examples 131-135)
- Closely Associated With Gutrune's Motive... (Examples 136-140)
- Here We Come To The End... (Examples 141-146)
- Complemtary To This Symbol... (Examples 147-149)
- One Last Central Symbol... (Examples 150-157)
- One Further Motive Connected... (Examples 158-161)
- There Are One Or Two Motives... (Examples 162-168)
- These Motives Of Alberich And Mime... (Examples 169-171)
- Quite A Number Of The Subsidiary Motives... (Examples 172-176)
- Besides This Family Of Motives... (Examples 177-180)
- Our Final Example... (Examples 10, 181, 182)
- In The Final Scene Of Gotterdammerung... (Examples 181-183)
- Even More Masterly... (Examples 184-188)
- Now If We Return... (Examples 189-191)
- This Masterly Way... (Examples 192, 193)
Amazon.com
When Wagner set the Ring to music, he intended the orchestra to act in the fashion of a chorus from a classic Greek tragedy--setting the mood and commenting on the action. In order to allow a nonverbal musical line to reflect on the plot, Wagner developed a psychologically and musically complex symbology to communicate his thoughts to the listener. From the beginning the Ring has spawned numerous written commentaries on the relationships of the motif structure, but by using examples from the Decca Ring recording, Deryck Cooke's thoughtful spoken commentary is by far the most accessible guide for either the fledgling Ring enthusiast or the seasoned veteran. --Christian C. RixCustomer Reviews:
Ring introduction critique.......2006-11-04
FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE.......2006-08-16
It wasn't the first time this has been tried. The famous HMV sets from the late 20's also included recorded examples of over 100 motifs. (These, by the way, are available as part of the Pearl reissue of those wonderful HMV recordings). What that set lacked was the wonderful insights as well as the approachability of the talk by Deryck Cooke. Cooke was a great and much missed musicologist - a Mahler expert responsible for the performing edition of the Tenth Symphony still most played today, a fascinating explorer into the nature of music's basic building-blocks in his excellent book, The Language of Music, and an inspiring and elucidating critic of Wagner's work as shown by the fascinating book he left unfinished at his death, I Saw the World End.
On these CDs he does much more than list the leitmotifs and identify them as calling-cards. He shows the amazingly integrated and organic growth of the musical material that Wagner uses throughout his vast work. He demonstrates how motifs can change their sense and meaning as they evolve through the drama. And he shows how the complex combinations of motifs can radically advance both the musical and the dramatic narrative of the piece. There are even places where he corrects the misinterpretation of some of the motifs that had become ingrained from early commentators' false labels.
This set should engage and enlighten anyone with an interest in Wagner's huge and inexhaustible tetralogy. Do give it a try - no matter how far down the road to Wagnerianism you are.
Welcome back to a classic analysis.......2006-05-28
If all you want is dilettantish baby food, there are plenty of dumbed-down Wagner commentaries on the market, stretching from Anna Russell's famous monologue (which doesn't pretend to be anything other than a parody aimed at morons) to the latest standard-issue "Wagner-was-a-Nazi-boo-hiss" feuilleton (which, unfortunately, does). Without reasonable score-reading skill you will find Cooke useless, however diligently you have ploughed through Marx, Jung, Freud, or other gurus purportedly relevant to THE RING. Cooke expects you to use your brains and your musical sense. Quelle horreur. At today's BBC his "elitism" would render him unemployable.
Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle.......2006-05-15
Bottom line, buy this set and study it if the Ring has captivated you as it has countless others. The presentation is dry, but sticking with it brings measureless and longlasting rewards.
Very Functional.......2006-03-19
Rap Music:
- One [Import]
- Party Animals
- Paul Simon - Greatest Hits: Shining Like A National Guitar [Import]
- Pushing the Senses [Enhanced] [Import]
- Quick Step & Side Kick [Original recording remastered]
- Resolver [Explicit Lyrics]
- Rock & Roll Is Dead [Import]
- Sex Is Not the Enemy [CD-single] [Import]
- Shazam [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered] [Import]
- Silk Purse [Import]
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Brazilian Baroque: Terra de Santa Cruz
Best of the Sun Years [Import]
Book of Thugs: Chapter AK Verse 47 [Explicit Lyrics]
Chemistry [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
All Perro's Go To Heaven [Explicit Lyrics]
Bach: The Six Motets, BWV 225-30/Jesu, Meine Freude Fantasia