Hal

About the Artist
Kiliney, Ireland’s Hal are a hymn to blissful isolation.

"We’re pretty removed from any band scene at all," says Dave, whose parents were a double act on Ireland’s folk circuit. "Every so often people will recommend a new album to me and I’ll play it for a couple of days or whatever. But I always return to the artists that I love – people like Harry Nilsson, Brian Wilson and Van Morrison."

"Every time we stick on the records we love," says Dave, the mouthpiece of the band, "we always hear something new. There’s an old Buffalo Springfield song called ‘Expecting To Fly’ that Neil Young wrote that he took a month to record because he wanted to get it just right. We’ve done that too. We’ve deliberated over a guitar sound that we know is in there somewhere and would make the song sound amazing." Needless to say, Hal are equipped to do just that. Aside from Paul, 23, whose first band this is, they bring years of experience to bear upon their songs. Dave, 26, has been in groups since his early teens, having joined a shoegazing outfit when he was 14. Stephen, 27, an ex-archaeologist, started even younger, gracing his first band aged just 12. He had referenced everyone from The Cure to Joy Division before, via a friend, he met Dave in the late ‘90s. Immediately, the pair struck up a rare songwriting bond, composing for two years every night, though both of them had day jobs, obsessing over each and every aspect of Hal’s sound.

"We’d hang around at my dad’s house, in his backroom," says Dave. "He’d come in sometimes and see us, a piano, a keyboard and piles of his dirty washing, and mutter something about us needing more lead guitar." Instead of heeding Dave’s dad’s advice the pair enlisted Paul, who’d cycle home, post-practice, from his father’s in Kiliney to his flat in the city centre, crashing out at 3am. The core of the group in place, they wowed The Sugar Club in Dublin, securing a gig a month until - six months into their schedule - Rough Trade beat a host of labels to their signatures. Since then they’ve enjoyed a spate of on the road adventures, touring with Doves, The Delays, Starsailor and Grandaddy, none of whom sound like Hal. Then again, who does?

Maybe the idiosyncratic nature of the band can be ascribed to Dave, who is lovably odd himself. Not only is he blissfully unaware of other bands ("People say to me, ‘Do you know this band and that band?’ And I’ve never heard of any them"), but he enjoys collecting postcards and badges ("I’ve got a very nice one of the zebra crossing at Abbey Road"); recording conversations which he slows down and/or speeds up, adapting them for use on his answering machine at home; and unearthing 18th century, er, gentlemen’s manuals. "I found this book called A Gentlemen’s Companion: A Guide To Victorian Vices, which is a collection of all these stories about brothels and what a good brothel keeper should have in her boudoir. It lists all the addresses of brothels in London, Amsterdam and Edinburgh, and what you could expect to get for your money. I read out a chapter every day when we were on tour."

Product Description
Hal are brothers Dave (26, lead vocals/guitar) & Paul Allen (23, vocals, bass), Steve Hogan (28, drums) and Stephen O’Brien (27, keyboards). All hail from in and around Kiliney, a town just south of Dublin, Ireland.

Hal’s debut album is populist and arcane, modern and timeless. Most groups aren’t endowed with a voice as breathtaking as Dave Allen’s, whose falsetto gives Hal’s songs a saintly luster and evokes the days when rock was sun-kissed. The harmonies he forges with brother Paul (it’s a blood thing, see Everly Brothers and the Wilson brothers) are warm enough to melt the coldest of hearts.

Hal,Hal,Rough Trade Us,British Trad Rock,Indie Pop,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Hal

Average customer rating: great music, great reissue fantastic whoa. Great Music for Halloween, very creepy Bleakest of Futures...

2001: A Space Odyssey - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1996 Reissue) Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Khachaturian | Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Ligeti, György | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 2001 - A Space Odyssey Stanley Kubrick's Clockwork Orange (1971 Film) A Clockwork Orange: Wendy Carlos's Complete Original Score The Ligeti Project II: Lontano / Atmosphères / Apparitions / San Francisco Polyphony / Concert Românesc - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Jonathan Nott Psycho: The Complete Original Motion Picture Score ASIN: B0000033WB Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

1. Overture: Atmospheres - The Sudwesfunk Orchestra, Ernest Bour
2. Main Title: Also Sprach Zarathustra (Thus Spake Zarathustra) - The Vienna Philharmonic, Herbert Von Karajan
3. Requiem For Soprano, Mezzo Soprano, Two Mixed Choirs & Orchestra - The Bavarian Radio Orchetra, Francis Travis
4. The Blue Danube (Excerpt) - The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbert Von Karajan
5. Lux Aeterna - The Stuttgart Schola Cantorum, Clytus Gottwold
6. Gayane Ballet Suite (Adagio) - The Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, Gennadi Rezhdestvensky
7. Jupiter And Beyond - The Bavarian Radio Orchestra, Francis Travis, The Sudwesfunk Orchestra, Ernest Bour, Internationale.
8. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey) - Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
9. The Blue Danube (Reprise) - The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Herbert Von Karajan
10. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey) - Sudwesfunk Orchestra
11. Lux Aeterna - The Stuttgart Schola Cantorum, Clytus Gottwold
12. Adventures (Unaltered) - Internationale Musikinstitut, Gyorgy Ligeti
13. HAL 9000 - Dialog Montage

Amazon.com

This commemorative reissue of music from 2001: A Space Odyssey combines the Also sprach Zarathustra theme, various Johann and Richard Strauss segments, and a ballet suite by Aram Khachaturian--all of which prove how much Stanley Kubrick's film attempts to avoid the soundtrack clichés of most science-fiction movies. Instead of the expected sci-fi effects, there is a more ironic application of music that would be otherwise incongruous to the celestial settings. Here, "The Blue Danube" complements scenes involving weightlessness and descending spacecraft, while Gyorgy Ligeti's creepy "monolith" music connotes Armageddon more than interplanetary exploration. The tracks play as they had appeared on the original soundtrack release back in the '60s, but there is also previously unreleased supplemental material and a dialogue montage entitled "HAL 9000." --Joseph Lanza

Customer Reviews:

great music, great reissue.......2007-04-16

This is a great collection of music and I love the great mastering job that was done with this. The inclusion of the tracks from the original MGM soundtrack release are a great bonus. The liner notes include interpretations of the film and the music that are insightful.

I noticed that the music in the movie is mixed in surround sound, it would be great if they could release this on DVD-Audio or SACD surround. I'd buy it again!

fantastic.......2007-03-11

I have the old lp release of this music, what an incredible array of classical music, topped off by my personal favorite piece of music in the world, the blue danube waltz. Let yourself be carried away in deep space by this incredible score.

whoa........2006-09-04

"Atmospheres" was enough to make me buy this album. just try to imagine what eternity might sound like. okay, now you know exactly what Atmospheres is. wow. who else could having captured the feelings that are in this score? this is above talented. this is above genius. this is above avand garde. this is too good to be labeled as anything at all.

Great Music for Halloween, very creepy.......2006-03-17

I bought this CD to use for a haunted house program, the music will creep you out.

Bleakest of Futures..........2005-10-08

The atonal, unsettling atmosphere of much of the music of Ligeti is fitting to the bleak vision of a human future reigned by nothing but cold technology and of humans drained of emotions except for the deepest animalist fear originating from our inner reptilian brainparts which have not changed for over millions of years. The incongruity of Johann Strauss' lovely 'An der schönen blauen Donau' with the cold technicality of spacefaring as depicted here could not be more complete, but what a perfect find on Stanley Kubrick's part! It makes the uneasiness and confusion even greater. And then, to top it of, the complete and flabbergasting irony of using Richard Strauss' Fanfare for the 'rise of Man' in his 'Also Sprach Zarathustra': what a great destiny for 'Man' indeed, this bleakest of bleak visions of the future!
As a soundtrack for '2001: A Space Odyssey' this music together on one album is just great.
And besides, this soundtrack has indeed, like so many others I guess, made me aware of the genius of Ligeti, which otherwise might have gone unnoticed for me.

Average customer rating: Hartman Johnny Hartman - the gold in the dross Takes you back to a special time and place The Bridges of Madison County all time favourite album - but put it in the vault !

The Bridges Of Madison County: Music From The Motion Picture Dinah Washington , Johnny Hartman , Hal Mooney and His Orchestra , Barbara Lewis , and Irene Kral w/ the Junior Mance Trio Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Bridges of Madison County Hartman for Lovers Collection: 1947-1972 John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman The Bridges of Madison County ASIN: B000002MZS Release Date: 1995-05-30

Tracks:

1. Doe Eyes (Love Theme From The Bridges of Madison County) - Lennie Niehaus
2. I'll Close My Eyes - Dinah Washington
3. Easy Living - Johnny Hartman
4. Blue Gardenia - Dinah Washington
5. I See Your Face Before Me - Johnny Hartman
6. Soft Winds - Dinah Washington
7. Baby, I'm Yours - Barbara Lewis
8. It's A Wonderful World - Irene Kral
9. It Was Almost Like A Song - Johnny Hartman
10. This Is Always - Irene Kral
11. For All We Know - Johnny Hartman
12. Doe Eyes (Love Theme From The Bridges of Madison County)(Reprise) - Lennie Niehaus

Customer Reviews:

Hartman.......2007-02-28

The real reason to get this cd and the follow up cd is to get the tracks of Johnny Hartman. I've also been trying to find tracks w/ the underrated guitarist Al Gafa; he backs Hartman on some of these tracks -- a real find. Any jazz junkie should attempt to score these two cds.

Johnny Hartman - the gold in the dross.......2007-02-26

The best thing about Clint Eastwood's 1995 tearjerker, "The Bridges of Madison County," is the soundtrack. Although most of the album (other than Eastwood's syrupy "Doe Eyes" which appears twice on the disk) is listenable, it's the recordings of Johnny Hartman that make this disk indispensable. Hartman, who has to be considered on the short list of the greatest male vocalists of all time, recorded the material heard here for the now out-of-print album, "Once in Every Life," on the Bee Hive label in 1980, three years before his untimely death at age 60. The album, a late masterpiece surpassed only by his 1963 collaboration with John Coltrane, has never been released on CD but Eastwood has done us all a huge service by releasing the entire content of the album spread out over two disks (this one and its sequel "Remembering Madison County"). Hartman's voice, a smoky baritone, is perfectly suited to the mature romantic ballads he performs here with a very complementary sextet. Hartman recorded some of the tracks, notably "I See Your Face Before Me," earlier in the mid 50s also. On the soundtrack he sings the song at a slower tempo, shading it with nuances earned over the many years he had lived with the lyrics. His renditions of the aforementioned song, "It Was Almost Like a Song" and "For All We Know" may well be the definitive versions.

This is an essential purchase for anyone who loves male jazz vocals.

Takes you back to a special time and place.......2007-01-10

This CD is filled with many warm memories of a great movie and a great time.There are no weaknesses in this collection of songs;just pure pleasure.

The Bridges of Madison County.......2006-08-24

My husband and I have watched this movie over and over and we have listen to the music driving along and I'll turn to him and say "RRRRObert....you wanna F_ _ _ on the linoleum one more time" We just laugh..If you seen the movie as much as we have you will understand. Great cd. It definatly sets a mood you cannot, nor ,want to escape. Pour a brandy,sit close and the music will do the rest.

all time favourite album - but put it in the vault !.......2006-01-25

I bought this album after seeing the movie( what 10 yrs ago?) We were only 30 at the time and still listening to Inxs and George Michael etc... so had never even heard of Johnny Hartman!!) Well 10 years and 3 kids later we are completely addicted to this album. My husband knows that if this is on when he gets home it will be in a very nice evening indeed.About two years ago we lost this cd - probably on a weekend away - and spent another year trying to replace it. There wasnt a single music store in Australia that had a new or second hand copy in stock. Where did they all go ?? I ended up ordering it from the U.K. - it took 3 months and cost $30 ( approx $50 us). Needless to say we have several copies of it now and continue to play it constantly. We now own various Hartman/Washington albums but the mix on this album ( plus we are big fans of Clint's) just seems to be perfect. Sublime.

Average customer rating: My 3rd copy of this CD... I hope this one lasts. Great Hits Package Almost as good as the real thing. The Hits by Hal Ketchum Hal Ketchum Has Guts!

The Hits Hal Ketchum Manufacturer: Curb Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Past the Point of Rescue The King of Love Lucky Man Sure Love Every Little Word ASIN: B000000DDV Release Date: 1996-05-07

Tracks:

1. Small Town Saturday Night
2. Mama Knows The Highway
3. I Know Where Love Lives
4. Past The Point Of Rescue
5. Someplace Far Away
6. Sure Love
7. Satisfied Man
8. Hang In There Superman
9. Five O'Clock World
10. Hearts Are Gonna Roll
11. Stay Forever
12. I Miss My Mary
13. That's What I Get For Losin' You
14. Wings Of A Dove

Customer Reviews:

My 3rd copy of this CD... I hope this one lasts........2007-06-27

If you like Hal Ketchum you should already have this CD... If you are new to Hal, get this CD. This is my 3rd copy - I have played the CD's so much they wear out. This one I am downloading to my computer and playing on my iPod in hopes of saving the CD.... I love every song.... I usually play this when I am cleaning house because all the music is upbeat and fun :)

Great Hits Package.......2007-06-12

I first discovered Hal Ketchum when I bought the album "Every Little Word" from a bargain bin. I have been a fan since my first listen to his music. He has a great voice and sings with so much feeling. One of those rare artistes who never puts out a bad album. This hits package is excellent with a great choice of songs and very good sound quality. Highly recommended!!

Almost as good as the real thing........2007-05-04

I was lucky enough to see Hal Ketchum in a small club not long ago, packed with all ages and all types who mouthed every word to every song and totally worshipped this singer. It is easy to see why. His songs are little nuggets of priceless story telling and emotion. His voice is perfect for the songs, and even if you are not familiar with his music, he is a super performer who will keep you entertained. This album is just like being there.... I can say that if you are new to Hal's music or want a CD that captures his songs and his voice perfectly, this is it. I have listened to this album many times since seeing him live and it always brings me back. Highlights are #1- Small Town Saturday Night which anyone who has been young in a small town can connect to, and #3- I Know Where Love Lives, which is a beautiful love song. #14 Wings of a Dove and #8 Hang in there Superman, are also songs to treasure. At this point in my life, I am getting rid of a lot of CDs due to a lack of space and the sad fact that I do not have as much time to listen to them anymore, but I will never part ways with this lovely CD. If you can not get to see Hal Ketchum live, get this CD. And if you just like great music (I am a John Prine, Steve Goodman, Robert Earl Keene fan, too), add this to your collection. You will not be sorry.

The Hits by Hal Ketchum.......2006-03-15

I love Hal Ketchum's music and the fact that he composes most of what he records. I have seen him live on stage and really enjoyed him. I already had most of his music on cassette, but needed a CD to play in my mini-van.

Hal Ketchum Has Guts!.......2005-07-27

After seeing Hal live in Austin, TX at One World Theater an old favorite became my new BEST CHOICE for original songs and the deepest most honest voice ever put to music. Hal is a hit with me and it's not the Small Town Saturday Night that put him on the map that shows his abilities like Satisfied Mind and others you may not have heard yet. Get this CD now, you won't be disappointed at all.

Average customer rating: not all of the music from the film is on this CD I have paid for the product, but not received it Local Hero only good if you like the film One of the best soundtracks... EVER

Local Hero (1983 Film) Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1980s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Local Hero Music By Mark Knopfler From The Film Cal Princess Bride Screenplaying (Music from the Films ...) Golden Heart ASIN: B000002KYZ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. The Rocks & The Water
2. Wild Theme
3. Freeway Flyer
4. Boomtown
5. The Way It Always Starts
6. The Rocks & The Thunder
7. The Ceilidh & The Northern Lights
8. The Mist Covered Mountains
9. The Ceilidh: Louis' Favourite Billy's Tune
10. Whistle Theme
11. Smooching
12. Stargazer
13. The Rocks & The Thunder
14. Going Home (Theme Of The Local Hero)

Amazon.com

This soundtrack (along with Ry Cooder's for Paris, Texas and Ennio Morricone's for Once Upon a Time in America, to name two other examples) is the kind of music that CDs were made for. Some of it is so delicate, so quiet, that it could disappear underneath the rumble and noise of a vinyl LP. You'd never know this was the score to a comedy--even a gentle wisp of a comedy like Bill Forsyth's picture. Some of it could pass for Scottish- flavored ambient music by Brian Eno. "The Rocks and the Water" seems to rise up like the tide with electronic calls that suggest the music of whales or dolphins. The sound of the sea whispers behind several atmospheric tracks, but Knopfler's guitar is also featured up-front some of the more overtly melodic tunes. The overall impression is luminous and evanescent as the Northern Lights. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

not all of the music from the film is on this CD.......2007-04-14

Great movie.
However, if you liked the music as it was played by the little band featured in the movie, you will not find that music on this CD.

And that is what a soundtrack should be.
All of the music, esp. if it's good, from the movie on a CD.

This soundtrack is more a Mark Knopfler CD and not the complete soundtrack from the movie "Local Hero".

A good example of a great soundtrack CD is the Tom Petty music from the movie "She's the One".
That CD has all of the music from that movie without exception.

The other reviewers here talking about the great "scottish folk music" on this CD are just wrong.
In the movie "Local Hero" there are fine examples of it, but on this soundtrack, there are only little snippets of it.

I have paid for the product, but not received it.......2007-01-21

I got the message that it was shipped for a month ago, but it has not arrived.

Local Hero .......2006-08-23

This track captures the spirit and essence of Ireland and its Celtic atmosphere. The sound of seas crashing on rocks and shore and roar of distant thunder. Although there is a variety of different themes with each track the haunting traditional Irish themes are just so powerful and moving. I loved this CD. The music is fabulous. I am a great fan of Mark Knopfler. He is so talented.

only good if you like the film.......2006-08-19

I have always loved this movie. The theme...would you give up your materialistic and safe world for passion, simplicity, honesty, etc? Have we created a perfect world that once we leave it and view from it the outside, may not be that perfect? Would you leave it all behind to live on a coastal Scottish town? Is killing yourself for the imposed luxuries really worth it?

Knopfler's theme to the movie re-creates the utopian vibe of the movie. The theme is done in a variety of styles and tempos.

I would imagine that anyone that owns this is in a somewhat cult of enthusiasts for this beautiful yet quirky film.

One of the best soundtracks... EVER.......2006-03-14

In 1983, at the height of the Dire Straights' reign of pop music ("Money for Nothing"), Dire Straights lead song writer Mark Knopfler scored the soundtrack of a delightful "little movie that could" called Local Hero.

"Local Hero" (14 tracks, 43 min.) creates the atmosphere of the Scottish scene in which the movie is set, in which a US expat is sent to convince a small seaside town to sell their interest in a beach so that a "big bad" US oil company can explore ir for oil. The mostly instrumental soundtrack is superb from start to finish, creating a wonderful mood. The opener "The Rocks and the Water" sets the stage, just superbly brought of what the Scottish seaside is like. Knopfler's guitar virtuoso gets a workout in a couple of tracks, but it never deteriorates from the overall mood. Other outstanding tracks include "The Mist Covered Mountains", gently bringing in a local band playing a sorrowful yet hopefull tune, and "Stargazer", in which you can just see and smell the open Scottish sky. There isn't a single weak track on the album, frankly. This album remains a soundtrack by which others should be measured by.

The best known track remains the very last one "Going Home (Theme of Local Hero)", which is as close as you'll get to the Dire Straights' sound, and it inevitably appears on Dire Straight live and compilation CDs. But it is the anamoly on this gorgeous soundtrack. This album was originally released in 1983, when I bought it on vinyl, and I bought it when the CD came out in 1990. Isn't it about time for a re-release on remastered sound?

Average customer rating: Ton of Fun Burt : Please return to Broadway Promises, Promises Original Cast CD a stunner of a score Great '60s sound!

Promises, Promises (1968 Original Broadway Cast) Burt Bacharach , Hal David , and Jerry Orbach Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: They're Playing Our Song (1979 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Carnival (1961 Original Broadway Cast) The Happy Time (1968 Original Broadway Cast) Applause (Original 1970 Broadway Cast) ASIN: B00080EU7G Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Half As Big As Life
3. Upstairs
4. You'll Think Of Someone
5. Our Little Secret
6. She Likes Basketball
7. Knowing When To Leave
8. Wanting Things
9. Turkey Lurkey Time
10. A Fact Can Be A Beautiful Thing
11. Grapes Of Roth
12. Whoever You Are
13. Where Can You Take A Girl?
14. Christmas Day
15. A Young Pretty Girl Like You
16. I'll Never Fall In Love Again
17. Promises, Promises

Amazon.com

In the late '90s, Burt Bacharach--thanks to a boxed set, new collaborations, and numerous reissues--just keeps popping up. And for good reason: his music is nostalgic, filled with great melodies, and instantly recognizable. For many, he's the essence of pop. Promises, Promises, the composer's 1968 Broadway collaboration with lyricist Hal David, is based on the 1960 Billy Wilder film, The Apartment, written by Neil Simon. Jerry Orbach's performance as Chuck Baxter is powerful (it also won him a Tony Award), and though some of the music in Promises, Promises is dated, it's simply infectious. As Fran Kubelik, Jill O'Hara (Hair) performs reflective numbers such as "Whoever You Are" and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again." Bacharach's title theme (a hit for Dionne Warwick) sounds better than ever here--both performed instrumentally and sung by Orbach. At 45 minutes, it's a short listen, but for fans of Bacharach or Broadway, it's highly recommended. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Ton of Fun.......2007-03-06

This musical is unique in the Broadway literature, having been written by Burt Bachrach and Hal David. Bachrach was the king of pop composers in his time, and he assembled a score that still is infectious and listenable. Almost all of the songs in this score truly advance the plot and help to further define the characters.

I'm sorry that I can't be as generous in my assessment of the singing, particularly that of the late Jerry Orbach. Don't get me wrong...he sings with great energy and characterization, but his intonation is quite sketchy in several numbers. He does shine in "Half as Big as Life", but sort of goes downhill from there. Jill O'Hara has a voice that may be polarizing to several listeners. Her style and aesthetic fit very well with the aesthetic of the late 60's and early 70's. It's sort of a Joni Mitchell meets Minnie Mouse sound. She has her own intonation issues.

But, there are several great moments. The pit orchestra was just fabulous, as were the offstage female voices. The production was very well conducted. The ensemble plays in a very relaxed, jazzy style, but they are always on top of the beat. The solo trumpet was worth whatever they payed. The music in general is outstanding, particularly the overture.

Despite the intonation issues, the cast does bring great energy to the production numbers. Jill O'Hara's ballads ("Knowing When to Leave" and "Whoever You Are") are showstoppers. Orbach's "Half as Big as Life" and "She Likes Basketball" were energetic and fun. His duet with Marian Mercer ("A Fact Can Be a Beautiful Thing") will make you smile. Edward Winter's ballad ("Wanting Things") was poignant and well-sung. "Where Can You Take a Girl?", sung by the four Coastal Life execs, was snappy, brisk, and funny. I would have liked to have seen it done live.

In the end, music is not about perfect. It is about performances that touch you, and that are genuine. That's why this CD is a good addition to your collection.

Highly recommended.

Burt : Please return to Broadway.......2007-01-03

One of the better scores from a 60's musical.

Promises, Promises Original Cast CD.......2006-11-10

It's nice to have this lively Burt Bacharach score on a CD. I was the show back in 1969, and listening to the CD brought back memories of a good time in the theatre.

a stunner of a score.......2006-10-13

PROMISES PROMISES was based on the popular Billy Wilder film "The Apartment", jazzed up with an energetic score from Burt Bacharach and Hal David (their sole musical theatre effort).

The story concerns a meek young man called Chuck Baxter (played by Jerry Orbach), whose working relationship with his boss, J.D. Sheldrake, is tempered by his infatuation with J.D.'s mistress, Fran Kubelik (Jill O'Hara). The story was quite grim and pessimistic in "The Apartment" with a bittersweet Wilder/I.A.L. Diamond screenplay, but the subsequent PROMISES PROMISES featured a new book from Neil Simon (still riding high on his successful and long-running "Barefoot in the Park" and "The Odd Couple"), and the story was prettied-up for the Broadway musical stage. The overall tone and shape of the original story remained but certain areas were streamlined and adapted around the Bacharach/David score.

And what a score it is! It's almost criminal that a score can be so enjoyable. PROMISES PROMISES is filled to the rafters with memorable melodies, and performed so perfectly by a company headed by Jerry Orbach and Jill O'Hara. O'Hara definitely has the classic 'Bacharach voice', an instrument ideally suited to his jangling melodies and inward ballads. "Knowing When to Leave" and the wrenching 11 o'clocker "Whoever You Are", are given definitive readings. Orbach joins Marian Mercer for the fun "A Fact Can Be a Beautiful Thing". Edward Winter, playing Chuck's conflicted boss J.D. Sheldrake, scores heavily with "Wanting Things". Bacharach's dance arrangement for the "Grapes of Roth" sequence is inspired. Which brings us to the choreography...

PROMISES PROMISES featured routines from the then up-and-coming choreographer extraordinaire Michael Bennett; and his future "Chorus Line" stars Donna McKechnie and Baayork Lee lead the manic dance number "Turkey Lurkey Time". McKechnie (playing Vivien Della Hoya) would be the only cast member to reprise her role in the subsequent London production starring Betty Buckley and Tony Roberts. Incidentally (and quite controversially), PROMISES PROMISES was the first Broadway musical to employ the use of body-microphones (at the request of Bacharach who wanted the vocals and orchestra mixed perfectly). Right or wrong, a new era was dawning for musical theatre, and PROMISES PROMISES was at the very forefront. The show opened and ran for 1,281 performances at the Shubert Theatre.

Following a brief CD release from Rykodisc, the good people at Varese Sarabande have reissued the original 1968 Broadway cast album (in beautiful remastered sound) for a new generation to savour.

[Varese Sarabande 302 066 647 2]

Great '60s sound!.......2005-09-23

It's really great to have this cast recording available again! And so appropriate, given the passing of Jerry Orbach, that one of his best performances can again be purchased.

When I think of the sounds of the 1960s, the Beatles and the Beach Boys come immediately to mind. BUT - the music of Bert Bacharach (often with the wonderfully honest and unsentimental lyrics of Hal David) is almost the "official" soundtrack for the period of the second half of that decade. Promises, Promises is a snapshot of that time, when corporate life was almost exclusively dominated by men, sexual liberation was coming on fast, and New York was (or thought it was) the cultural center of America. With this outstanding Broadway cast recording, you can't go wrong! Great to be able to stop playing my sadly worn vinyl LP!

Average customer rating: past the point of rescue Hal- Nothing Better Great! Excellent mood music. Classic Album by a classic songwriter!

Past the Point of Rescue Hal Ketchum Manufacturer: Curb Special Markets ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sure Love The Hits Every Little Word The King of Love Lucky Man ASIN: B000000D09 Release Date: 1991-05-07

Tracks:

1. Small Town Saturday Night
2. I Know Where Love Lives
3. Old Soldiers
4. Somebody's Love
5. Past The Point Of Rescue
6. Five O'Clock World
7. I Miss My Mary
8. Don't Strike A Match (To The Book Of Love)
9. Long Day Comin'
10. She Found The Place

Amazon.com

With this 1991 album's opener, "Small Town Saturday Night," Hal Ketchum served as perceptive a slice of Americana as country radio had tasted in years. While he didn't pen this hit, its accompanying album (his second and best) shows he could write songs with salt-of-the-earth perspective and easy-going charm, whether dealing with the melancholia of love or the simple pleasures of relationships. He's not an especially original songwriter, nor does he cultivate a rooted country sound, but he has the common touch and a just-shy-of-smooth delivery that's effective on "I Know Where Love Lives" (another hit) and "Old Soldiers." --Roy Francis Kasten

Customer Reviews:

past the point of rescue.......2007-01-11

Hal Ketchum is one of the finest country and western singers and consistently delivers excellent albums like this one. It is a shame that he is overlooked in favour of the new style artists with image but no talent.

Hal- Nothing Better.......2004-11-05

I have every album Hal Ketchum has ever done. To me there is no one better. His voice has a richness and range that cannot be surpassed. He is a master writer, guitar player and singer that transcends any certain category to attach him to. One minute its country, the next a little soul, the next pop etc. A master story teller and usually there is a spiritual side to his music. He can tell a story like no other and you know that he has lived them as well. Well done, Hal!

Great!.......2004-07-10

"Five Oclock World" and many other great songs on this one. This CD is a hidden treasure and I'm suprised it didn't get more airplay!!

Excellent mood music........2002-06-28

I love country music that has a bit of soul and most of the work on this album has just that.

With all of the Shania's out there it is nice to hear a piece of work that just doesn't rely on typical country twang, over-produced drivel.

This is good country.

Classic Album by a classic songwriter!.......2001-10-11

Hal Ketchum's debut on Curb records offers up quite a succulent dish of Texas country at it's finest. Ketchum can write, and there's nothing better than a writer who performs his own material. You are guaranteed to get the best interpretation in this collection of ten songs, seven of which are written by Ketchum. The artist's talents are evident in the songs "Somebody's Love," "Long Day Comin'," and "She Found The Place," which was recorded previously as "Bobbie's Song" on Ketchum's independent album release, THREADBARE ALIBIS, on Watermelon records in 1986. "Old Soldiers" features Kathy Mattea singing background; "I Miss My Mary" is the reflection of a bar fly as he sees his true love fade away; and "Don't Strike A Match (To The Book Of Love)" tells of haunting dreams caused by a lover's leaving. "Past The Point Of Rescue" and "Small Town Saturday Night" are the hot tickets on the CD. I guess that's why Curb was smart enough to release them as singles and push the CD to the sales it achieved. This is by far my favorite Hal Ketchum CD.

Average customer rating: Great sound and great song! Along with the Good Vibrations are my favorites My dad loves it Great Album! Beautiful singing; clever arrangements

The Kings Singers - New Day John David , Peter Christie , Cy Coleman , Warren Casey , Bob Barratt , John Lennon , Lionel Richie , Don Schlitz , Hal David , George Harrison , Jim Jacobs , Benny Andersson , Paul McCartney , Michel Legrand , Barry Manilow , Ed Welch , Harry Robinson , Daryl Runswick , The King's Singers , Gordon Langford Quartet , and Cliff Hall Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD King's Singers | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music King's Singers | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The King's Singers Original Debut Recording The Beatles Connection: The King's Singers Good Vibrations Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers Watching the White Wheat: Folk Songs of the British Isles; King's Singers ASIN: B000002RQO Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. You Are The New Day
2. Nouveau Poor
3. Three Times A Lady
4. What's In A Tune?
5. You'd Have To Be A Rosie
6. Can't Buy Me Love
7. Singapore Girl
8. 'Sweet Charity': The Rhythm Of Life
9. The Gambler
10. It Was Almost Like A Song
11. Here Comes The Sun
12. Hush Little Baby, Don't Say A Word
13. 'Grease': Money, Money, Money-Summer Nights
14. The Summer Knows
15. Could It Be Magic

Customer Reviews:

Great sound and great song!.......2007-05-19

I loved the song "A New Day" after hearing it on the radio. I tracked it down and ordered the CD. All the songs are terrific.

Along with the Good Vibrations are my favorites.......2007-05-15

Own it! It's all worth it!
"You are the new day" is my personal favorite song.

My dad loves it.......2007-02-13

If he likes it then I am happy. Not my cup of tea. I like the idea that there where some Beatles tunes. Dad is 57 I am 36 might be the difference in age. NOt sure. Just not my cup of tea

Great Album!.......2006-04-22

I was very amazed when I first heard this album. Their sound is like no other. They are so unique that you can't compare them to other acapella groups.

I can say that their sound is better than a mixed choir because even though the King's Singers is only composed of 6 members. Their sound volume can beat a 30 member choir due to the quality of their voice.

My favorite is "It Was Almost Like A Song" because of the countertenor's very light voice. The baritone part was also awesome as he dominated the scene when he took the melody.

Overall, great album. This has to be one of the King's Singers best albums released. All songs are great that you can't resist missing a moment on listening it.

Beautiful singing; clever arrangements.......2002-06-14

I have been a fan of The King's Singers since their debut recording thirty years ago. New Day is one of my favourite albums. It has the terrific optimistic song "New Day," but many other wonderful tracks.

"Can't Buy Me Love" is sung as if it had been written by one of the Renaissance madrigal writers when he was in a very good mood. There are other up tempo tracks like this one, including Abba's "Money, Money, Money" and "The Rhythm of Life," but the CD also includes some romantic, lush singing in songs such as "Three Times A Lady," "The Summer Knows" and "It Was Almost Like A Song."

The clever arrangement of Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic?" begins with an extract from a sombre Chopin Prelude in C minor.

Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Hal's UK Release

One More Midnight ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hal Ketchum - Video Collection The King of Love Past the Point of Rescue Every Little Word Fearless ASIN: B000MG1ZLU Release Date: 2007-04-24

Customer Reviews:

Hal's UK Release.......2007-06-09

Hal's newest CD "One More Midnight" was released this year in the UK. I don't understand the record business, so I have no idea why it hasn't been released yet in the US. The bottom line is it's worth ordering! There are several tracks I feel are worth routine radio play and could even be hit for Hal. From the uptempo "One More Midnight", "Little Red Dress" and "One of the things" to well-written (and sung!) "Alamo" to the haunting and mesmerizing "Poor Lila's Ghost", there is something for everyone. Hal has always been one of Country's best. This CD reaffirms that.

Average customer rating: I love this CD but it's incomplete! missing many songs from the film can't find song song??? THANKS Emilio

Shallow Hal Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: There's Something About Mary (Soundtrack) Me, Myself & Irene (2000 Film) Shallow Hal Kingpin: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Back to Then ASIN: B00005R8GQ Release Date: 2001-11-06

Tracks:

1. Members Only - Sheryl Crow
2. Good Fortune - P.J. Harvey
3. Wall In Your Heart - Shelby Lynne
4. Sweet Mistakes - Ellis Paul
5. Afterlife - Rosey
6. Baby, Now That I've Found - The Foundations
7. This Is My World - Darius Rucker
8. Summer Days - Phoenix
9. After The Gold Rush - Neil Young
10. Lonely Girls - Lucinda Williams
11. Countryside - Randy Weeks
12. Going Going Gone - Palo Alto
13. Love Grows -Edison Lighthouse

Amazon.com

Love or hate the Farrelly brothers' excessive comedies, you've got to admire their taste in music. Most notably that means their placement of Jonathan Richman at the center of There's Something About Mary, but don't forget the best of Me, Myself & Irene's Steely Dan covers. Shallow Hal, their smartly conceived romance starring Jack Black and a fat-suited Gwyneth Paltrow, scores with a soundtrack album conceptually driven by strong-willed, full-hearted women's song--Shelby Lynne's "Wall in Your Heart," PJ Harvey's "Good Fortune," Rosie's "Afterlife." Not everything here is as worthy; Sheryl Crow's stab at '80s nostalgia, "Members Only," is a weak joke, while Darius Rucker (Hootie and the Blowfish) is unlikely to start a '90s-nostalgia craze with his solo "This Is My World." --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

I love this CD but it's incomplete!.......2006-10-18

First, I love the film Shallow Hal so much that I was thrilled to get the compact disc collection of music but even though I read some of the reviews that they were missing songs. I can't help that but I would have bought it anyway. I would have loved to hear the final song on the closing credits but regardless I still love this music especially Darius Rucker's song, This Is My World. I thought that should have been released for Shallow Hal film and I bet that it would have gotten nominations for best original song. I think it could have been a contender for that award. I love Shallow Hal, the film, and I would have been grateful to have the complete collection but it's not my control so I'll give it 4 stars for now.

missing many songs from the film.......2006-08-07

A soundtrack gets its power from the combination of images with the song. There were a lot of great songs from the movie yet they are not on this lame soundtrack. The soundtrack is okay, the best songs are from Sheryl Crow and Hootie but the songs that are most memorable from the film are missing.
I understand that there were probably licensing issues precluding use but that is what makes the soundtrack good...to re-live the euphoria from the film.

can't find song.......2006-07-10

what was the song that came at the end after Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes). something like "starting a new religion" or "they called me DUDE" or something like that

song???.......2005-12-30

what song is played right after the darius rucker song when they have woken up together and she then leaves the building, its a soft song.

THANKS Emilio.......2004-10-20

I was interested in Edge of the Ocean" by Ivy once I heard it in Shallow Hal. BONUS, it's a FREE MP3 download here on Amazon from Chillout Voices V.2!

Average customer rating: A Delightful Collection!

Got a Date with an Angel Hal Kemp Manufacturer: Asv Living Era ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music New Orleans & Dixieland Jazz | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Dixieland | Jazz | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Melody from the Sky Remember Me That Old Feeling Plays 22 Original Big Band Records The Best of Hal Kemp and His Orchestra ASIN: B0000DJENE Release Date: 2003-12-09

Tracks:

1. How I'll Miss You When Summer Is Gone
2. Moonlight Saving Time
3. Forty-Second Street
4. Shuffle Off To Buffalo
5. For All We Know
6. Got A Date With An Angel
7. Lullaby Of Broadway
8. Dodging A Divorcee
9. In The Middle Of A Kiss
10. With All My Heart
11. The Music Goes 'Round And Around
12. The Touch Of Your Lips
13. Gloomy Sunday
14. There's A Small Hotel
15. When I'm With You
16. Star Fell Out Of Heaven
17. This Year's Kisses
18. Where Or When
19. Remember Me?
20. Lamplight
21. In Dutch With The Duchess
22. Love For Sale
23. In An Eighteenth Century Drawing Room
24. So You're The One
25. It All Comes Back To Me Now

Customer Reviews:

A Delightful Collection!.......2005-12-16

This is a delightful album. I don't know how ASV Living Era does it, but once again they have created a wonderful collection of 1929-1940 songs, this time by Hal Kemp & His Orchestra. The selection and arrangement of the songs is impeccable and the sound quality is superb. Every single song is a delight, so I'll just highlight a few, such as Forty-Second Street, Shuffle Off to Buffalo, Lullaby of Broadway, When I'm with You, This Year's Kisses and Remember Me? I highly recommend this uplifting CD. Thanks again, ASV Living Era, for your flawless compilations!

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1. Headlines and Deadlines - The Hits of A-HA [Import]
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4. I, Jonathan
5. Katharine Whalen's Jazz Squad
6. King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents in Concert [Live]
7. Klaatu/Hope
8. Life on a String
9. Lipstick, Lies & Gasoline
10. Live from Austin, TX [Live] [Original recording remastered]

Rap Music

rap music

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