Shelter

Amazon.com
Singer Maria McKee, a small woman with a gigantic voice, has always had trouble finding the appropriate backup band and production style--on Lone Justice's second and final album, E Street Band guitarist Little Steven tries to turn her into the female Bruce Springsteen. He's partially successful: on the opening song, "I Found Love," McKee belts like a countrified Aretha Franklin, and each of her five successive "yeahs" sounds more explosive than the next. But while McKee's voice is timeless, the tinkly keyboards and thudding electronic drums make Shelter an '80s period piece. (Guitarist Shane Fontayne, who joined Lone Justice for this album, later performed in Springsteen's post-E Street backup band.) --Steve Knopper

Shelter,Lone Justice,Geffen Special Prod.,College Rock,Heartland Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Roots Rock

Shelter

Average customer rating:

An Old GEM
Sing it one more time...I didn't hear ya!
Arguably Leon Russell's Best studio album.
A pure primal bluesy rock n' roll voice and the funkiest of rock n' roll piano players.
Top class remix with bonus tracks

Leon Russell and the Shelter People
Leon Russell
Manufacturer: The Right Stuff
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Leon Russell
Carney
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Retrospective
Asylum Choir II

ASIN: B000002TYO
Release Date: 1995-07-03

Tracks:

Stranger In A Strange Land
Of Thee I Sing
It's A Hard Rain Gonna Fall
Crystal Closet Queen
Home Sweet Oklahoma
Alcatraz
The Ballad Of Mad Dogs And Englishmen
It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
She Smiles Like A River
Sweet Emily
Beware Of Darkness
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Love Minus Zero/No Limit
She Belongs To Me

Customer Reviews:

An Old GEM.......2007-03-09

Buy this and Asylum Choir II and you will have a taste of Make Love Not War Boogie from the mid 60s to the early 70s. Two of my favorite albums back then. They haven't lost a thing over 40+ years.

Sing it one more time...I didn't hear ya!.......2007-01-05

This follow up to Leon's self-titled debut album finds the Master of Space and Time in a more focused songwriting mood than before, and a slightly more polished overall sound. I wouldn't say it's better than his first one, since that had too many great songs to be truly topped, but Shelter People is certainly an album that grows on you. It is more consistently interesting than its predecessor. The songs are longer and more thoughtful. Leon Russell was an amazing album with a lot of awesome songs, but there's no doubt Russell was using the shotgun approach when it came to song styles. Just about everything plus the kitchen sink made it on the album. This is not the case on Shelter People. It starts with what is probably my all-time favorite ballad, "Stranger in a Strange Land." This unlikely album opener is the best song on the album, mostly due to Leon's outstanding vocal work. I have often wondered how a voice as unique and awesome as his could really exist, but every time I listen to his albums there it is again. "Of Thee I Sing" is another great song, much more upbeat (might have been a better opener than the ballad but whatever). The compelling piano work and backup singers give it loads of energy. The album moves along very solidly with one rockin tune after another until after "The Ballad of Mad Dogs and Englishmen." Things get a little less solid after this lovely tribute to the infamous Joe Cocker Rock and Roll road show of the same name. The songs are still good, but it just seems to lose some of its focus with a lot of experimental sounding cover songs from Dylan and Harrison. Regardless of its faults, Shelter People is, along with Leon Russell, one of the two "must have" Leon Russell studio albums.

Arguably Leon Russell's Best studio album. .......2006-05-09

During the time period of this album (1970 - 1972) Leon Russell was the top rock concert act in the world. Back in the day when most rock groups had four or five members, Leon Russell hit the road with no less than ten top of the line performers, including Derek and the Dominos bassist Carl Radle, and Rev. Patrick Henderson and Black Grass.

On Leon Russell and The Shelter, you get a studio recording that captures much of Leon's concert feel - but where you can understand the words, and the instruments are balanced well. I don't remember if the the personnel are the same, but the feel is right there! Starting with "Of Thee I Sing," and through to the end of the album you'll be looking for a flat peice of ground so you can dance. The piano work is awesome, combining Leon's Black Gospel style (he also played on some of Andrae Crouch's albums) with a bit of blues, honky and country.

If you're a musician, you'll want this album for the "utility licks" and turn arounds and the gold nuggets of playing that Leon throws out there. This album is the one I learned to play pianq from, by listening to it over and over and picking it out bit by bit.

All in all, it's a great selection of a genre of music that is timeless and will make you feel good - and you definitely won't get an inferiority complex as you sing along with Leon! It's about the feeling rather than having a velvety smooth David Gates (Leon also played with him, in the sixties, prior to Bread) voice. Get it!

A pure primal bluesy rock n' roll voice and the funkiest of rock n' roll piano players........2006-03-20

He has the insight, the purity of rhythm, the soul, the inspiration, the voice, and the musical sensibility to place him up there with the greats: Carl Perkins, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Hank Williams. Check him out on George Harrison's "The Concert for Bangla Desh" (where he steals the show).

Top class remix with bonus tracks.......2006-02-28

I had a tape of the original recording in the 70's that is now long past its use by date. This remix is excellent, each instrument is bright and clear with no loss at the bass end (and no tape hiss). The liner notes list the performers on each track and the recording details. Not important for everyone but necessary for those who are interested in the music makers. This CD is a must for Leon Russell fans and comes with three bonus tracks each performed in Leon Russell's unmistakable style.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful entainment
Beyond words ...
Magnificent voices, songs and arrangements
Not their best album
Excellent !!

Sacred
Irish Anonymous , Joe / Sprague, Billy / Carroll, Bruce Beck , Nicholas Brodszky , Gregorian Chant , Henri F. Hemy , Chuck / Shamblin, Allen Jones , Charlie Landsborough , John Newton , Stuart Townsend , Traditional , Irish Traditional , Shaker Traditional , Stevie Wonder , Arnie Roth , Orchestr Ceská Filharmonie , Anthony Kearns , Finbar Wright , and Irish Tenors
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Heritage
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Ronan

ASIN: B000A2GP2K
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Deus Meus
Be Thou My Vision
Morning Has Broken
My Love
If I Can Help Somebody
My Forever Friend
Shelter Me
Amazing Grace
To Do Your Will
Hail Glorious St. Patrick
How Deep The Father's Love
Lord Of The Dance
There's No Cross
I'll Walk With God
Salve Regina

From the Label

Sacred marks John McDermott's first recording with the Irish Tenors since rejoining fellow original member Anthony Kearns and Finbar Wright (who actually replaced McDermott in 2000). The Irish Tenors live up to their reputation as "gifted interpreters" with this collection, covering a wide range of spiritual material. Sacred was produced by the Irish Tenors' long-time musical director, Arnie Roth, who has also worked with Charlotte Church, Diana Ross, and Art Garfunkel. The album was produced in Prague at the Rudlofinum and ICN Studios.

More Recommended Titles

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Ellis Island
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Rough Guide to Irish Music
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Customer Reviews:

Wonderful entainment.......2007-07-25

We love the Irish Tenors. They are so great. We saw them in person and enjoyed the evening

Beyond words ..........2007-03-22

Having only recently discovered The Irish Tenors, nothing here was a repeat to me. And, even if it was, I can't imagine being disappointed.

If you are open to the idea that music can be a vehicle for a moment of sublime and sacred ecstacy, that may help convey what I find difficult to put into words.

While I live continuously and constantly in Our Father's presence, a music album such as this can certainly heighten the moment with Him.

Magnificent voices, songs and arrangements.......2006-06-17

This is an extraordinary collection. The songs are irresistible, the voices incredibly powerful and filled with appropriate emotion, and the orchestra is very simply great. You'll want to buy this album for others. Simply beautiful. A pure joy.

Not their best album.......2006-02-27

For the most part this is an enjoyable collections of sacred music. However the inclussion of "Lord of the Dance" and other modern tunes are dreary no matter who sings them.

Excellent !!.......2005-10-26

I recently went to a concert to hear The Irish Tenors. They did several songs from this CD and it was great. If you like John McDermott as much I do then you must have this CD. This is a triple good CD with 3 top tenors.

Average customer rating:

Ahh..
The gift
Doesn't sound like the debut because it's a different band,
A letdown
Not to be passed by...

Shelter
Lone Justice
Manufacturer: Geffen Gold Line Sp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Lone Justice
Maria McKee
You Gotta Sin to Get Saved
Peddlin' Dreams
Ultimate Collection

ASIN: B000000OYF
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

I Found Love
Shelter
Reflected (On My Side)
Beacon
Wheels
Belfry
Dreams Come True (Stand Up And Take It)
The Gift
Inspiration
Dixie Storms

Amazon.com

Singer Maria McKee, a small woman with a gigantic voice, has always had trouble finding the appropriate backup band and production style--on Lone Justice's second and final album, E Street Band guitarist Little Steven tries to turn her into the female Bruce Springsteen. He's partially successful: on the opening song, "I Found Love," McKee belts like a countrified Aretha Franklin, and each of her five successive "yeahs" sounds more explosive than the next. But while McKee's voice is timeless, the tinkly keyboards and thudding electronic drums make Shelter an '80s period piece. (Guitarist Shane Fontayne, who joined Lone Justice for this album, later performed in Springsteen's post-E Street backup band.) --Steve Knopper

Customer Reviews:

Ahh.........2007-02-19

Sing to me. I can't get Belfry out of my head. You Lone JustiCe rider. A woman against the world is what this sounds like. Holy Shiite Batman..I think I want to own the world and take up much of the darkness with my love. I wonder if Sarolta has this. It might be good..(Wink..)I love this. The tiny woman with the big guitars and voice and drums and heart. Kind of like a Tom Petty "Southern Plantation" kind of album. Don't come around here no more..Love to those freakin rockers and Maria who saved my lifE tonight if I have a crises! Love..Ahh..Is it a strong enough expression? I wanted to buy a poetry book. But I just wanted inspiration. And here it is.."Inspiration"'s the song that put Maria on aN undeniable sacred place in the hearts of the loving life changers of ths worlD!

The gift.......2004-11-29

Back in the late eighties, early nineties, I was going through a transition in my taste in music. I was discovering new music that my peers in high school would never listen to. It was definitely an alternative to the metal and r&b/hip hop music that they listened to. One of the greatest discoveries was Lone Justice's "Shelter". I bought the cassette version not long after I heard the country-ish title track on a local radio station. What really stood out for me was the keyboards in this particular song. I still love listening to "Shelter" to this very day. I really didn't care for the opening track "I Found Love". It was one of the weaker tracks on the album I thought. It lacked the lush melodies of "Shelter" and "The Gift" (another great song). Maria McKee's vocals are a bit high pitched but compare her to Britney Spears, Maria sounds like Maria Callas. Maria McKee definitely had a distinct voice all her own that you rarely hear nowadays in music. The album itself doesn't really have one particular sound. At times it sounds rather country-ish with a little folk thrown in for good measure, and other times it is more rock. Some of the songs worked for me, and some like "Beacon" and "I Found Love" didn't work for me. Nevertheless, Lone Justice did have a sound of their own.

Doesn't sound like the debut because it's a different band,.......2004-06-22

And that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Someone decided to ditch the original members of Lone Justice after their killer 1985 debut and start all over with Maria McKee alone. Like I said, having Maria around is never a bad thing, but I wonder why they decided to issue this album as Lone Justice? This is really the first Maria McKee solo album and in that vein it's just fine. Gone are the inspired country-punks of 1985, and believe me, they'll be missed, but this album stand up pretty well all on it's own. High points are I Found Love, the title track, Reflected (On My Side), Wheels and Dixie Storms, but there isn't a bad apple in this bunch.

A letdown.......2003-12-16

The first Lone Justice album was a masterpiece. It was consistent and cohesive. But for a few songs, this one is, in contrast, an incoherent letdown. I'll never forget seeing this band perform in person or on SNL during the "Shelter" tour. They were distilled energy, absolutely brilliant, and Maria McKee prowling the stage or bouncing in place was ready to devour the world and the audience. "I Found Love", the first track on this CD, was the highlight of their shows. Despite the overproduction here, it remains a great song, and Lone Justice was one of the musical high points of the 80's. Maybe that doesn't say much, but I'd put the early Lone Justice in the same class as the early Pretenders or Pixies, without the commercial success of the former or the fan base of the latter. I thought one reviewer's comparison with Patti Smith's band was apt - Maria McKee shook up rock in the mid-80's for me about as much as Patti Smith did in the mid-70's.

Of course, Maria McKee turned out not to be a rocker at heart, and Lone Justice was soon gone. You can hear them fading on this CD. At the time, I didn't enjoy this recording much, with its departure from the band's original fiery sound, though "Shelter" and "Dixie Storms" seemed like good enough ballads. With the passage of time, listening to it today, it seems more consistently interesting, with moments of true pleasure in many songs, though none beyond the first are much more or much less than mediocre lyrically or musically. Bottom line - this doesn't begin to measure up to the first Lone Justice album, but then Lone Justice fans like me might think that Maria McKee's later, quieter work doesn't measure up to this CD. It's a middle ground or a transition point.

The reviewers below mention many good points about listening to "Shelter" in the 21st century. The production makes it sound dated, unlike their debut album. The quality of the songs is inconsistent. This was a stunning band live, but this recording didn't come close to capturing their sound. Still, underneath, there is Maria McKee's voice and passion. She is in fine voice here, and even if this was a poor Lone Justice album, hearing her remains worthwhile. If you're a fan of her later work, this may be a good addition to your collection. If you know the band only from the first Lone Justice album, this may be a disappointment. Then again, for $7 you really can't lose.

Not to be passed by..........2003-03-24

Let's get it out of the way - this is not Maria McKee's best record. However, it is far from being a bad record. Some of her most accessible songs and uplifting work is here.

I think Maria must've had her eyes on the pop prize, and in 1986, that meant dressing up your sound in whacking drum machines and icy synthesizers. Yet, if you're willing to cut through that mess, there's some very rewarding stuff here. Her producers replaced the country-rock of the first Lone Justice record entirely. The rock that results, however, results in letting her voice and lyrical ambitions reach to heights not possible in the old milieu.

Cases in point: "The Gift" and "Inspiration" revel in their reaches for a higher plane. On "Inspiration" especially, Maria's voice is the vehicle that's going to take you there. Her career is full of vocal high points, but this one stands out. She stretches her voice to reach over the rock wall and succeeds mightily. It's like Tina Turner battling Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" on "River Deep Mountain High-" the artistic tension between the clash of styles results in amazing work.

Maria's songwriting stays on point, as well. "Shelter" should have been the hit that made her rich, but...the same thing that's wrong with radio today was the same thing that was wrong back then. "I Found Love" is a stomper, and "Dixie Storms" closes the record sweetly.

The "Maria McKee" record is probably the best distillation of her sound, but you won't go wrong with this one. Get it now before it goes out of print.

Blunted in the Bomb Shelter Mix
Average customer rating:

SESSION TUNES!!!

Works as a conceptual piece...Not for everyone

Rewind selekta !!!

Blunted in the Bomb Shelter Mix
Madlib
Manufacturer: Antidote
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Shades of Blue

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Special Herbs: The Box Set

ASIN: B00006RYH6
Release Date: 2002-10-28

Tracks:

A Place In The Sun
Flat Foot Hustlin'
Jingle Lion
Walk Rastafaru Wat
Destruction Sound Battle
Public Jestering
A Better Version
Bad Da
Black Magic Woman
Throne Of Blood
Lottery Spin
Star Trek
Want Me Cook
Free Man
Man In The Street
Don't Deal With Folly
I Love Marijuana
Stop The Dubbing
Free From Chains
Sensimelia
Mission Impossible
Golden Chickens
Herth Vendor
Babylon Deh Pon Fire
Shaft
Sipreano
Girl Of My Dreams
Rhythm Pleasure
Cocaine
Love Life
(Only Rasta Know The) Voice Of Jah
Teacher, Teacher (Teach The Children)
Dj's Choice
King Tubby's Special
Reggae Makossa
A Rougher Version
Cool Down Version
Space Flight
On The Move
Guns Of Navarone
Popcorn
None Shall Escape The Judgment
Freedom Style
Starvation
African People

Customer Reviews:

SESSION TUNES!!!.......2005-05-26

Hence the title, getting blunted to this cd is truly an experience esp. if you dont have all the dopeass underground reggae/dub that madlib got his hands on..all tracks mix together seemlessly and you never have to skip a track. blaze the trees and bump this cd.

Works as a conceptual piece...Not for everyone.......2003-06-10

This one was highly anticipated. Almost lived up to expectations. Lots of wild sound effects distorts an otherwise amazing collage of singles. Eventually, when you can totally sink into the hodgepodge -- like when you're driving -- the assortment of bells and whistles coheres into something really unique and pretty special. Terrific headphone experience, but not the first choice for social listening.

Rewind selekta !!!.......2003-02-12

Exelent selection of some of the best reggae/dub classic. The record includ 45 songs mixed by the Mad Kid.
We allready knew is trumendous ears for rap, soul, jazz and and funk, well check out this album, this guy must have the most incredeble record collection ever.

Average customer rating:

Eternal heartfelt gratitude for this amazing offering
Rasa Shelter
Edgy, hypnotic improvisations
Masterful.Beautiful.and truly Amazing.

Shelter
Rasa
Manufacturer: New Earth Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music
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Dakshina
An Ancient Muse

ASIN: B0000C2389
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Guaranga Karuna
Ar Koto Kal
Narada Muni
Jaya Radha
Panduranga
Arunodaya
Dainyatmika
Vaishnava Vijnapti

Amazon.com

Rarely have prayers to Krishna sounded so serene and so sensual at the same time. This is the fourth album from Rasa, the duo of singer Kim Waters and multi-instrumentalist Hans Christian. Overall, there's little to differentiate this disc from the other three. Waters sings Indian chants and prayers in a voice that is soothing and serene, like velvet smoke curling around these adapted melodies. Using sophisticated programming, cello, electric bass, Indian sarangi, and Swedish nyckelharpa, Christian embeds her voice in translucent layers. Each time he touches an instrument, adding it to his textured arrangements, it's like unlocking the key to a serpentine journey. He also brings the rhythms slightly to the fore, reinforcing the tablas of Girish Gambhira with subtle electronica grooves. But there's no thud-thud, four-on-the-floor sell-out to a dance music subset. Waters's voice is so serene and the grooves so relentlessly languid that Shelter becomes like a long bath. Soothing, even enlightening, but the skin gets wrinkled if you stay with it too long. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Eternal heartfelt gratitude for this amazing offering.......2004-03-28

Once upon a time in the 80's, a series of chants came forward out of Arizona. These were called, "Healing Sounds of the Ancients" and they reflected the successful attempt of devotional musicians to touch into the love of Source via a Master and translate this energy into music. I have not heard (or felt) the effects of such an accomplishment since...until Rasa's Shelter. This album invites the listener to put everything aside and lift off into the energy of absolute love. The album can be examined for its technical merit (which is superb); it can be compared to earlier albums (also excellent) or other artists. For me, it stands alone as a consummate "heart-opener." I just ordered 15 copies for participants at a workshop I'm giving next week......

Rasa Shelter.......2004-01-05

It's Like a beautiful love story
a Devotional love Between Krishna and Radha
Passionate yet subte This Cd Is worth Buying
For.

Edgy, hypnotic improvisations.......2004-01-02

This, Rasa's third studio recording, finds them with a new label, more contemporary beats, and a wider range of approaches to their distinctive fusion music. Hans Christian and Girish Gambhira weave exotic instrumental tapestries on cello, sarangi, nyckelharpa, sitara, bass, usu, frame drums, shakers, synthesizers, tablas and mridangam as Kim Waters' light, mellow voice floats above them, singing devotional songs derived from the Indian tradition of Vaishnava. For only three musicians, even with overdubbing on multiple tracks, this incarnation of Rasa has a rich intensity of sound. Some of the tracks on "Shelter" are truly striking, such as the deep and moving "Gauranga Karuna", the ever-developing "Jaya Radha", and "Narada Muni, with its explorations of harmonic complexity and cool duets for strings (I'm betting it's the Indian sarangi and Scandinavian nyckelharpa playing, but they blend so well it's hard to tell!). "Arunodaya" is another interesting one--a bouncy, cheerful piece that seems to reinvent "Jiv Jago", a track from two albums ago, albeit in another key. The other selections, however, seem to revert back to Rasa's debut album in a different way--despite the addition of more contemporary backup techniques, the compositions lack that satisfying sense of harmonic and textural progression developed in the group's second recording, "Union". To be fair, this may be by design, since the music is designed to be a meditational aid, but when listening to songs that are so lushly and interestingly textured, I suppose I find more inspiration in being musically moved than musically lulled. If you like the work of Rasa, you may also enjoy another world fusion group with similar qualities: Vas, with singer/hammered-dulcimer player Azam Ali and percussionist Greg Ellis.

Masterful.Beautiful.and truly Amazing........2003-11-07

although this is their latest release, it is the first rasa album i've heard. and i adored every lovely second of it. since then i've purchased the 'live in concert' album and immediately fell in love with it as well. rasa has quickly become a personal favorite - i can't wait to see them live!!

Average customer rating:

Badelt's most underrated effort
4.5 Stars for Klaus Badelt's Most Underrated Score
4.5 Stars - Beautiful!

Ned Kelly
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decadance UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Ned Kelly
Beat The Drum
The New World
Pan's Labyrinth
Kingdom of Heaven

ASIN: B000091A6Y
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

Shelter For My Soul - Bernard Fanning
Saving A Life
Ned Kelly
Destiny
The Light
Julia
Stringybark Creel
Back Home
Moreton Bay
Doomed
Outlaws
The Jerilderie Letter
Father
The Glenrowan Inn
Remembering Ned Kelly

Album Description

2003 soundtrack to the film starring Heath Ledger, Orlando Bloom, Naomi Watts and Geoffrey Watts. The soundtrack features a very warm and original folk song by Powderfinger's Bernard Fanning. 15 tracks. Decca.

Customer Reviews:

Badelt's most underrated effort.......2005-11-09

If you're any kind of film score fan, then you need to pick yourself up a copy of this album - even if it is second hand. The biggest problem with this album is that it isn't so readily available in the US as it is in Australia, and that does an injustice to Klaus Badelt, who here presents us with some extremely engaging and touching music.

The score is written mainly for a fairly decent sized orchestra with a strong emphasis on the strings, with the brass acting only as an accent on the strings, as evidenced in the third track 'Ned Kelly' where we have the main theme stated in full. It sounds so cliched, but everytime I listen to this track it sends shivers up my spine. Every single time. I love it!

The album also features two songs performed by Bernard Fanning. The first 'Shelter for my Soul', opens the album and fits in quite nicely with the themes and tone of Badelt's work (Badelt wrote and arranged the strings for this piece as well). The second piece is a traditional Australian folk piece called 'Moreton Bay'. Like the review below states, because this song is right in the middle of the album, it really detracts from the experience of Badelt's work, and should have been saved for the end of the album.

Badelt has written some very bittersweet themes that are both hopeful and mournful by turns. I believe Badelt is underrated for the many electronic and synth-influenced scores he has produced, but the writing in tracks such as 'Ned Kelly', 'The Light', 'Back Home' and 'The Jerilderie Letter' only confirm that he is a very deft hand at writing for a full orchestra. His solos are beautifully placed as well - an Irish whistle is used only occassionally, but is most appropriate when it does show up, and roots the score in its Australiana setting. The score also features viola and trumpet solos that are generally featured during the more character-driven moements of the film (of which there are many) and make for a fairly intimate score at times.

If you don't expect any big, racey action writing, and are after an orchestral score with heart, then Ned Kelly comes highly recommended.

4.5 Stars for Klaus Badelt's Most Underrated Score.......2003-11-01

I first heard the music to Ned Kelly when I travelled to Australia and watched the movie. While I was a tad dissappointed, I went out and bouth the CD immediately, and have been moved like no other score can do ever since. Klaus Badelt has been one of my favourite composers since his VERY early work on Extreme Days, but I found this CD to be something completely different. In the tracks such as Ned Kelly and my personal favourite, The Glenrowan Inn, Badelt uses such a tragic heroic musical theme that stands outside the movie as a work of art. Like the first reviewer stated, this is not typical action-music fare, which I can't get enough of, but it is so beautiful, haunting, and moving that I swear you will not be dissappointed by this score, although you might be by the movie.

4.5 Stars - Beautiful!.......2003-05-09

This is the music composed by Klaus Badelt for the 2003 released film 'Ned Kelly'. Klaus Badelt was also responsible for the music from The Time Machine, The Recruit and K-19: The Widowmaker and has a steadily increasing catalogue of very successful solo scores under his belt now. Don't expect the usual Media Ventures synth and percussion assault (which I love to death) but do expect some of the most well written film music of the last year or so. Synths have been used through the score, but the bulk of it is performed by a real orchestra and several solo instruemtns have beenemployed as well (violin, viola, cello, trumpet, flutes and pipes)

The music he has written for Ned Kelly is, in a word, beautiful. The film wasn't intended to be an action romp through the countryside of Victoria, but instead it made an attempt to reflect on Kelly's feelings, emotions and reasoning behind some of his actions, and Badelt's score suits this view perfectly.

The CD contains two songs by Bernard Fanning (lead singer/songwriter from the Australian band Powderfinger) and the disc opens with his track 'Shelter For My Soul' which is used in the end credits of the film. It's a well constructed piano piece that speaks about how actions have consequences. Badelt has also lent a hand on this piece by arranging the accompanying strings. This leads us into the next two tracks 'Saving a Life' and 'Ned Kelly' which are performed together to form one nine minute piece that sets up the main themes for the rest of the disc. It is a very bittersweet theme that brings to life the mistakes Ned makes, but the guilt and sorrow he feels for what he has done and the path it has led him to. It's a very moving theme and while it isn't a bombastic orchestral assault, it is very powerfully performed. These two pieces nearly have me in tears I find them so moving :P

'Destiny' is a very sombre theme that is used to set up that sense of foreboding in the film. It incorporates the use of an irish pipe which gives us a sense of the Kelly family's Irish ancestry, but the instrument isn't over used which was a sensible decision from Badelt. 'The Light' is a more upbeat piece which again uses the irish pipes in a very uplifting cue, and 'Julia' isn't the sweet feminine theme you'd usually associate with similarly titled pieces. The sense of foreboding picks up here as the orchestra builds on the theme set up in the previous piece.

'Stringybark Creek' features the solo trumpet and flute amongst the orchestra for a slower interpretation of the two main themes at the beginning of the disc, while 'Back Home' features more of the irish pipe from 'Destiny' and some short violin passages before it drops to a solo trumpet passage and the first of the real action cues from the film.

'Moreton Bay' is the second track offered by Bernard Fanning, and this is the only really dissapoint piece on the album. It is a reworking of a traditional Australian folk song and while the style has it's place some scenes of the film, it is totally out of context on this CD, especially in the middle of the disc. Bernard Fanning also probably wasn't the best choise either, but he is Austraian, and lends that particular quality to his viocal performance. This is where the album lost half a star for me.

From this point on, the situation the Kelly Gang finds themselves in is growing darker, and the score reflects this change by turning some of the themes upside down and. There is still that bittersweet theme running through out, but it is perhaps more accuate now as Ned realises that what he has done, even if he didn't want to or was forced todo it, is going to have consequences he can't escape. 'Doomed' and 'Outlaws' nicely capture the gang on the run and trying to find a way out as the law gets closer and closer to them.

'The Jerilderie Letter' is the scene in the bank where the hostage are offering up names to call the governer. It begins lightheartedly, but as Ned's speech get progressivly more serious, the tone of the music matches and the piece ends on a sharp rise.

'Father' is simply a short piece of reflection and quite before the storm of 'The Glenrowan Inn'. The piece charts the whole end scene from the gang arriving at the inn and anxiously waiting for the poilce, to the shoot out itself, and then the aftermath the next morning and Ned makes his last stand and is finally captured. Again, this piece is another watery-eyed experience for me. The album ends with 'Remembering Ned Kelly' which is a simple two minute solo from the viola. Again just a very retospective piece.

Tracks:

Shelter From The Storm
Roxanne
U R The 1
If Your Man Doesn't Treat You Right
Subway Slam
Wanna Believe
From The Soul
You're My Only Love
Hey Jude
Marathon Man
If Your Man Doesn't Treat You Right (Instrumental)
Shelter From The Storm (Instrumental)

Album Description

Smooth jazz saxophone player covers 'Roxanne' and 'Hey Jude'on this album originally released in 1997.

Customer Reviews:

Romance.......2003-06-01

"Shelter" is one of our favorite CD's, is has all the elements of romance and love for both men and women. We choose the title song for our wedding. Thank you for the pleasure this CD has brought us.

Average customer rating:

What's Not To Like?
Excellent
As Advertised!
Impacting Blues
Best of the Shelter Years is exactly that

The Best of the Shelter Years
Freddie King
Manufacturer: The Right Stuff
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Getting Ready...

ASIN: B00004TLZF
Release Date: 2000-06-20

Tracks:

Going Down
Five Long Years
Palace Of The King
Same Old Blues
Walking By Myself
Living On The Highway
I'd Rather Be Blind
Reconsider Baby
Big Legged Woman
Lowdown In Lodi
Me And My Guitar
Woman Across The River
Help Me Through The Day
Boogie Man
I'm Ready
Please Send Me Someone To Love
Ain't No Big Deal On You
Guitar Boogie

Customer Reviews:

What's Not To Like?.......2005-08-19

I bought this CD primarily, because I don't own any other Freddie King CD's, had decided to try him out and this was the only one available at my local record store.

Having listened to it for several days now I can write a one word review: FANTASTIC!

I've read the other reviews concerning this CD and have learned that Freddie, like most other musicians, apparently evolved and changed stylings somewhat over time. The work during his Shelter Records time certainly does have a 70's sound. And it does have a definite Leon Russell footprint, in production and sound, including Leon's signature piano tinklings and his gospel-esque background vocals on many cuts. But what's wrong with that? The answer is: Absolutely Nothing!

This CD is great from start to finish. Freddie unleashes some wonderful guitar riffs and his vocals are straight from blues heaven.

In short....... if Freddie's early stuff is half as good as his efforts later in his career, than I'm in for a quite treat when I can locate some of them.

Point is; you can't go wrong with this CD. Shelter era, Pre-Shelter era..... It's all Freddie King!

Excellent.......2005-04-07

I absolutely love this album. Track after track King proves himself to be a blues guitar giant who had much influence over the next generation of guitarists. One important factor that makes many of these songs as good as they are is that King's voice is marvelous and does a great job of supplementing his guitar work. His guitar phrases are beautifully done. King's sound is really nice- it's almost a tight sound, and very invigorating. I love ninety percent of the tracks on this album, it's one of those albums where each song really is great, track after track. I highly recommend this album.

As Advertised!.......2003-04-19

Yes, as another reviewer mentions, I also prefer the older Freddy King stuff... BUT, I could not live without 'Goin'Down', and _this_ cd is the best place to have it on. These truly are the best Freddy tracks from the Shelter period,( the tracks that I skipped over before are gone now), and the new mix is noticeably better. To complete the rehab, the pamphlet notes,(by Bill Dahl, who also compiled the set), are more complete and worthwhile than anything on the originals.

Impacting Blues.......2002-11-01

I got this album simply because there was a quote from Eric Clapton on the cover saying that Freddie King was an essential influence on his guitar style. As noted in other reviews, this is quite apparent. The CD offers some great songs and passionate blues and is highly recommended for those interested in quality blues. My favorites are "Woman Across the River," "Going Down," and "Palace of the King" (since I was born in Dallas myself!!) This is a great album, don't overlook it!

Best of the Shelter Years is exactly that.......2002-09-14

This is a hard CD to review. On the one hand, if this was all I knew of Freddie King, I'd say it was very good. On the other hand, if you know of his recordings for King/Federal, this definitely pales in comparison.

The songs are largely covers, which is strange as King showed himself, in his earlier recordings, capable of writing blues classics all on his own. Some kind of hilarious cover-tune nadir is reached when they take John Fogerty's country tune, "Lodi," and turn it into a fast shuffle. Freddie insists on singing, "Stuck in Lowdown again," instead of Lodi, thus accounting for the song title "Lowdown in Lodi."

Another minus: the instrumentation and recording reeks of the 1970s; no reverb, flat drum sounds and (shudder) strings a' la' B.B. King's "The Thrill is Gone" on some songs. Leon Russell made sure his keyboards were right up there in the mix, too; not so much that they overwhelm Freddie King's guitar and vocals, but he's definitely trying to prove he's there.

Another drawback is the 70's funk touches on some tunes, which make it sound like Freddie's trying to encroach on Albert King's 70's territory. The problem is that the musicians here aren't terribly funky. Albert had Stax's house band when he went toward the funky blues, where Freddie here has to contend with guys who sound like they would be more at home on a J.J. Cale record.

Overall it's really shocking how much this resembles an Eric Clapton record from the 1970s. If you were to find someone who had never heard of Freddie King, and play this album and any one of Clapton's mid-70's albums back to back, they might be forgiven for thinking it was all the same guy.

But...Freddie King performs magnificently. His vocals are in top form and his guitar playing is stellar. I feel like a curmudgeon for even pointing out the flaws in this, simply because none of the blame for the flaws lands on Freddie. He does what he does best, which is sing and play guitar like an angel.

So, let's sum up: this is not as vital or as essential as Freddie King's recordings for King/Federal records, not by a long shot. But if you prefer your blues on the rock & roll side, are fond of mid-70's Eric Clapton, or are curious to hear how Freddie King evolved/devolved (according to your opinion) during his Shelter Records period, this would be a good choice, because it would be a lot easier to get through this than the original three albums that this is drawn from.

This may well be the best of the Shelter Records years, but don't confuse it for the best of Freddie King. That title goes to CD's like "Let's Hide Away And Dance Away," and "Freddie King Sings," both of which you should get before you invest in this.

But, again, Freddie King is in top form vocally and instrumentally here, so it's a very hard call. Anyone who is a Freddie King fan, but hesitates to invest in his flawed later work would probably find this CD to be all they would need of his music from the 70's. And those who fell in love with Freddie during his nonstop tours with rock stars in the 1970s will dig this deeply. I would still recommend the King/Federal work over this, but "The Best Of The Shelter Years" still has its strong points.

Gimme Shelter: Invictus Sessions
Average customer rating:

Almost excellent!

Former Detroiter and Ruth Copeland Fan

Gimme Shelter: Invictus Sessions
Ruth Copeland
Manufacturer: Castle Music UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Why Can't We Be Lovers: The Invictus Sessions

ASIN: B00006F2XW
Release Date: 2002-10-07

Tracks:

Prologue - Child Of The North
Thanks For The Birthday Card
Your Love Been So Good To Me
The Music Box
The Silent Boatman
To William In The Night
No Commitment
I Got A Thing For You Daddy
A Gift Of Me
The Medal
Crying Has Made Me Stronger
Hare Krishna
Suburban Family Lament
Play With Fire
Dont You Wish You Had (What You Had When You Had It)
Gimme Shelter

Album Description

Full Title - Gimme Shelter - The Invictus Sessions. 2002 two-fer for British born blues folksinger. Combining her 1969 debut album, Self Portrait with 1971's I Am What I Am, both originally released on the Invictus label & featuring George Clinton's Parliament as backing band. 15 tracks including her cover of the Rolling Stones' 'Gimme Shelter'. Castle. 2002.

Album Details

With Personnel of the Calibre of Eddie Hazel, Bernie Worrell and Dennis Coffey, this is a Must for Funk Fans. Both Ruth's Invictus Albums Appear on this Newly Packaged CD, which Updates and Expands Upon an Old Deepbeats Title. The Artwork Had Been Improved as Has the Sound Quality with More Visual Material with the Color Booklet.

Customer Reviews:

Almost excellent!.......2005-10-13

This Ruth Copeland collection is a good one with excellent remastering for stereo. All of the songs are here except "Madam Butterfly". Why they left it out is a complete mystery to me. That is the main reason I could only give this cd 4 stars.

Former Detroiter and Ruth Copeland Fan.......2004-07-09

I was so happy to come across this CD. I have all three of Ruth's early albums, even have a 45. Particularly relevant in today's political climate is "The Medal" - touches my heart. I also love "Crying". Her voice speaks to me with such soul. Very talented and underrated artist.

Average customer rating:

'Shelter Me'; a little slower, but still The Waifs.

Shelter Me
The Waifs
Manufacturer: Compass Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001MDQIU
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Heart Lies
People Who Think They Can
Shelter Me
Lest We Forget
Smith St
Time To Part
Sound The Alarm
Stuck
The River
Spotlight
Attention
Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

'Shelter Me'; a little slower, but still The Waifs. .......2004-10-22

For any seasoned fans of The Waifs (or anyone out there with a predilection for folksy girl duets sporting brilliant guitar skills and voices to boot), 'Shelter Me' will be no departure --and no disapointment -- from what you've heard before. The album weighs heavily on The Waifs accoustical appeal. The majority of the songs carry themselves without backbeat or excessive instrumentation -- mostly it's just the girls, their guitars, and the usual, typically wonderful songwriting that comes from Josh Cunningham, the third member of this stellar folk ensemble. The title track 'Shelter Me' is a gorgeous, magnificently charged piece that will leave you reeling, "Take me now where shelter be/ before there's nothing left of me." Vikki's final track 'Spotlight' is a pure gem, emotional and raw but utterly beautiful. 'Attention' finishes the album well with that familliar Waify energy and pulse, almost blue grass, almost country, but totally wonderful.

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