Prime Cuts

About the Artist
You have your workaday drummers who pop up on a variety of recording dates and then you have your signature drummers—the likes of Keith Moon, John Bonham, Neil Peart, and Mike Portnoy. You can’t help but wonder how this latter group might fare if they were to venture outside their self-made empires of style and sound.

Indeed, you wonder about Mike Portnoy, with his stage-engulfing Siamese Monster drumset and his penchant for creating complex drum parts irrespective of time signature: Where would he be without Dream Theater? After all, aside from making Portnoy a cult hero, that band facilitated his flamboyant style and extravagant drumkit.

The answer to our question lies in the forum provided by Magna Carta Records. Over the years, the label has provided Portnoy with a number of diverse playing environments. Some of them, such as Liquid Tension Experiment, have been wildly popular, so much so that cross-pollination has occurred between mother group and spawn. Others have been, at very least, provocative and musical. In all of them, the drummer’s essence shines, as is evident in the current collection of choice Portnoy-fed tracks.

That "essence" is something that lies at root of what it is to be a drummer. The vocation goes two ways: One faction is content to slug out a groove, foregoing any extras or artifice—often on a four-piece drumkit. The other insists on elaboration, ornamentation, and, for that purpose, gathers toms and cymbals as the seashore attracts polished stones.

Mike Portnoy represents the perfect marriage of the garage band enthusiast and the intellectual fusion artist. His exploration of that array of toms is as playful as it is artsy, just as his integration of timbales is as explorative as it is Latin. A few years back he told me, "I’m a drumset player, not a percussionist. My interest in percussion is more of an embellishment to drumset playing." Accordingly, whatever diverse instrument Mike brings home to his kit, he employs to good effect, creating brash melodic runs or rousing exclamations. Meanwhile, it’s relentless bass drums and washing cymbals—the heart of rock & roll. Portnoy gets to do it all. This is plain in Mike Portnoy: Prime Cuts.

Product Description
"Mad March", Mike Portnoy accompanies Dixie Dreg’s bassist Andy West. The drummer comes up from underneath, firing off barrages of double bass drums in challenging patterns that seem to complexify and invert themselves, injecting urgency into the apocalyptic vision. We don’t get far into Liquid Tension Experiment’s "Freedom of Speech" before we’re lighting up the wooden matches, especially as Petrucci’s first guitar solo nears its peak! This is romance-epitomized and, for Mike Portnoy, his finest hour. His drumming is built for the arena. Rapid-fire sixteenth notes on closed hi-hats are the showers in "Acid Rain", the pitter-pattering echoed by Levin and Petrucci at various junctures. "Endless Enigma" alternates from gentle to chaotic. The church-like cadence around the 2:00 point is a clever device, providing sanctuary and calm. A drum roll sets us up for "Chris and Kevin’s Excellent Adventure". Mike’s rollicking half-time shuffle is the perfect jaunty groove to complement a light-hearted, whistling theme. "Working Man", from the Rush tribute album of the same name, is as heavy as heavy gets, a musical migraine spiked by Lee’s seamless scintillating guitar. Portnoy chooses his spaces, filling them with double bass drum/tom clusters. All the while, he forges ahead with the heavy touch of his mentor. "By-Tor and the Snow Dog", another hats off to Rush, evolves into a screamer (at least once the vocal takes over) that is equal parts Geddy and Ozzy. Note the drum solos, ever increasing in intensity, interspersed between ensemble themes. "Another Dimension" is an effective Gage remix in which chattering snippets of instrument voices and atypical snare drum timbres provide a haunting backdrop. The Vapourspace remix introduces a steady stream of unusual undulating tones, then slowly pulls them back, dissolving them into a mist of white noise. "Three Minute Warning Edit" begins as a funky, organ laced jam, and graduates through various movements in the same key until it winds down—perhaps due to a warning that the two-inch tape is at the end of the reel! Portnoy’s opening contribution is joyfully bouncy, while his handling of the various transitions is brilliant. Such freedom, such compositional latitude! It reminds us why Mike Portnoy is the envy of the working drummer who enjoys no such free reign.

Prime Cuts,Mike Portnoy,Magna Carta,Neo-Prog,Pop,Progressive Metal,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Prime Cuts

Average customer rating: very original with righteous La Villa cover Prime time! It's Steve. What else can I say?

Prime Cuts Steve Morse Manufacturer: Magna Carta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Major Impacts, Vol. 2 Bloom Major Impacts Split Decision Live in Baden: Baden Germany March 1990 ASIN: B0009CTVDQ Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

1. Heightened Awareness
2. Prognosis
3. La Villa Strangiato
4. The Clap
5. Quantum Soup
6. Busybodies
7. Led On
8. Air On A 6 String
9. Wooden Music

Album Description

A collection of Steve's finest work from his Magna Carta sessions Bonus: 11 minute video interview with Steve. Steve Morse performing with Terry Bozzio, Dave LaRue, James Murphy, Mike Portnoy, John Petrucci, Van Romaine, Jordan Rudess, Billy Sheehan and Mark Wood.

Take almost anything Morse does on these compositions, whether it's the ever-darting, constantly modulating ostinato on "Heightened Awareness", or the thematic line from "Busybodies", or perhaps the dense layers of "Wooden Music". You will notice that melody always takes precedence. Mind you, you' ll also get a good dose of speed and heightened articulation: Perhaps this is what happens when a left-handed player turns the guitar around and plays it the "right" way. It places his stronger hand on the neck, promoting dexterity—and adding a certain "meat" to the tone. Morse's lines don't whither or trail off. Of course, this is very much a conscious effort and has much to do with his right hand picking virtually every note—not a lot of slurring going on! Also key to his unique sound is the design of his instrument, one that has evolved from the early years when he employed multiple pickups to catch every string nuance.

Steve wears his southern influences on his sleeve. While his tone speaks of the blues greats, it also twangs of the country. Listen to the way he handles the Yes standard, "The Clap". No question, Morse can hang with the likes of Albert Lee any day.

Aside from deep country and that Dixie funk, Morse exhibits a huge variety of guitar influences, from Steve Howe to John McLaughlin, the latter who seemed to define for a generation the proper ratio of jazz to rock. Then there's this pervasive baroque thing, almost Mozart like in its staccato phrases and Bach like in its serenity—evidence, perhaps, of Steve's classical studies in Florida (check out "Air on a 6-String" or the figure that begins around 00.50 on "Prognosis"). No wonder he used to typify his work as "modern chamber music"!

Customer Reviews:

very original with righteous La Villa cover.......2007-05-10

If for no other reason, buy this strictly for the La Villa Strangiato cover. It is obvious to me that Steve uses this song as a warm-up; for he effortlessly shreds this composition from top to bottom in a truly unique and fresh way. I never thought it possible to improve on this song; but somehow Steve's guitar aggressively explores a new dimension - all in the spirit of the Rush original.

Aside from this cover, almost all other songs layer creative and fresh musical compositions that both sound good and demonstrate Steve's amazing musicianship.

Other talented guitarists aim to prove their worthiness by cramming a bazillion sixty-fourth notes into each passing measure. Steve knows better.

Prime time!.......2005-11-14

I just bought "Prime Cuts" and "Rapture of the Deep" by Deep Purple (featuring Morse on guitar). Both albums are enjoyable in different ways. "Prime Cuts" shows off Steve's guitar work on this instrumental disc. "Rapture of the Deep" shows Steve blending in with the other musicians of Deep Purple. A powerful rock album.

"Prime Cuts" = 4 1/2 stars
"Rapture of the Deep" = 5 stars

It's Steve. What else can I say?.......2005-07-08

While not the best way to get started on your collection of Steve Morse's music, for those of us who have everything else, it is a way to hear a cut or two you may not have.

I didn't have the RUSH tribute cut in my collection, for example.

Any Steve Morse cut is worth having.

By the way, I just got to see Deep Purple again and that may be another way to add to your collection of Steve's music. All of their material from the last 10 years is heavily laced with Steve's influence.

Average customer rating: A great cross-section Strange selection of "best" ST songs amazing! Duh! Suicidal Tendencies - 'Prime Cuts:Best Of' (Sony)

Prime Cuts: The Best of Suicidal Tendencies Suicidal Tendencies Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lights...Camera...Revolution! Join the Army The Art of Rebellion How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today Feel Like Shit Deja Vu Controlled by Hatred ASIN: B000002BWZ Release Date: 1997-06-03

Tracks:

1. You Can't Bring Me Down
2. Join The New Army
3. Lovely
4. Institutionalized
5. Gotta Kill Captain Stupid
6. Berserk!
7. I Saw Your Mommy
8. Pledge Your Allegiance
9. Feeding The Addiction
10. I Wasn't Meant To Feel This/Asleep At The Wheel
11. Send Me Your Money
12. No Fuck'n Problem
13. Go Skate! (Possessed To Skate '97)
14. Nobody Hears
15. How Will I Laugh Tomorrow

Customer Reviews:

A great cross-section.......2006-12-06

"Prime Cuts" is a best-of album so, you either like ST or you don't. Being a 20-year ST fan, I love having a cross-section of their material. (Personally, I was surprised the "Controlled by Hatred" didn't make the cut (no pun intended). If you're not a ST fan, then this is a great introduction. They never really made it big but they had some great material. Any interest in skater-thrash or metal? If so, ST is for you.

Strange selection of "best" ST songs.......2006-11-16

This album only gets three stars from me because I genuinely believe they could have gone for a much better "best of" selection than they did. Gotta Kill Captain Stupid and Lovely wouldn't touch my top 20 ST songs. Having said that, it's still ST so it's gotta be great.

amazing!.......2006-11-08

I had this album years ago when i was in high school, for some unknown reason (young and stupid is probably a good guess), i sold it. For years i've missed the sounds of ST and wished i had it still. I'm glad i bought it again.

Duh!.......2006-01-03

Pedants would be forced to admit that this band is class. They're awesome live and are still trying to keep it real despite the detractors who want to criticise everything these guys do! Suicidal have provided just about everything to music and never get the appreciation.

At least they were bothered re-recording songs instead of just re-releasing them. The quality of music is high.

The variety is awesome.

Suicidal Tendencies - 'Prime Cuts:Best Of' (Sony).......2005-12-16

Well,what do you know?I was rummaging through some CD's I haven't heard in awhile and I came across this.'Prime Cuts' features tunes from five out of eight(at the time of this release,anyway)S.T. albums,plus two new songs "Beserk" and "Feed The Addiction".I've never been all THAT huge of a Suicidal fan,but I've always liked some of their better known material,here like "Institutionalized",their total ass kick-in-the-groin "Pledge Your Allegiance" and "How Will I Laugh Tomorrow".An added bonus to this disc is the art that appears on the back cover.Top of the line punk/thrash.Check it out.A should-have.

Average customer rating: Groover Rocks! Final album to start with A Must An honorable collection of a late great Great Grover !

"Grover Washington, Jr. - Prime Cuts: The Greatest Hits 1987-1999" Grover Washington Jr. Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ultimate Collection Winelight Mister Magic Feels So Good Soulful Strut ASIN: B000034CZG Release Date: 1999-12-07

Tracks:

1. Take Five (Take Another Five)
2. Sacred Kind Of Love
3. Only For You (Siempre Para Ti Sere)
4. Please Send Me Someone To Love
5. Strawberry Moon
6. Summer Nights
7. Heat Index
8. Next Exit
9. Blues For DP
10. Soulful Strut (The Top Down Version)
11. The Love In His Infant Eyes
12. The Night Fantastic
13. Protect The Dream

Amazon.com

Washington's Columbia material wasn't quite as rapturous as his landmark records from the '70s (most notably Inner City Blues and Mister Magic), which minted the template for the smooth jazz. But Prime Cuts offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of a surprisingly adventurous period in the soulful saxophonist's career, which was tragically cut short by his death at age 56 in late 1999. There are classic Washington grooves like "Strawberry Moon" and his version of Brubeck's "Take Five," both songs showcasing his luminescent tone and sinuous inflections. "Only for You" and "Summer Nights" pour soothing horn phrases over lively percussion, while "Blues for D.P." puts Washington in a more straightforward, postbop setting with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Grady Tate. Of the three previously unissued tracks, "Heat Index," suffers from a stilted arrangement and not enough bottom-tone organ; a new rendition of "Soulful Strut" is marvelous but only marginally different than the original; and "The Night Fantastic" is a relatively standard workout enhanced by Washington's dulcet modulations and quickly punctuated crescendoes. The closer, "Protect the Dream," delivers the giddy eddies and melodic swoons most listeners now associate with Kenny G--except that Grover's are invested with twice as much soul. --Britt Robson

Customer Reviews:

Groover Rocks!.......2005-08-30

I'm new to Jazz and I'm only familiar with Kenny G's music, so I decided to explore contemporary jazz. This is my first Grover Washington cd and I have to say that Grover is probably one of the best contemporary jazz artist. I just love his style; you won't be dissapointed.

Final album to start with.......2004-11-23

This is definitely one of the ones I'ma keep into my collection sooner or the other. This is great start for him since he was with Columbia Records. Like to say this, this is one of his final compilation CDs before he passed just a week after it was released. It was sad to hear that he died from a heart attack while performing a segment for the CBS Saturday Early Show on that day. I was 15 when that happened. So maybe does he left us a lot of legacies he left behind. Even he not's here anymore, he still lives on. He's my inspiration to follow which I said.
This is highly recommended to those who want the real Grover.
Rest in Peace, Grover. Your spirit lives on in us.

A Must.......2000-09-21

Grover Washington Jr was a Class Act.His Music is Timeless&this Set Showcases His Depth&Tone To His Instrument.unlike The Watered Down Junk that gets called Jazz Today I Won't Name Names Because everyone in the Know Knows who it is or Groups.This Music here is Straight from the Soul&Heart.it has Passion&Drive.He Creates Different Styles&Combines them into one.a Must for Fans of True Musicianship&Creativity.

An honorable collection of a late great.......2000-07-28

One of the founding fathers of the "smooth jazz" genre, pioneering the blending of jazz with pop and R&B elements, Grover Wsahington consistently produced work of a high order: strong choice in material, enticing arrangements, and rich, soulful saxophone work. This collection sums up twelve years with Columbia Records neatly but thoroughlly.

His takes on classics were always exciting, and Washington breathing new life into Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" and the standard "Please Send Me Someone to Love" are no exceptions. But even the newer compositions sounded timeless, whether it was the sensual rhythmic vibe of "Only for You (Siempre Para Ti Sere)," the head-bobbing infectiousness of "Soulful Strut," or the sheer beauty of "Strawberry Moon," a gorgeous composition that has rightfully established itself as a classic smooth jazz cut. And then there's "Sacred Kind of Love," a duet with Phyllis Hyman that is the epitome of bittersweet: it's hard not to wonder, a bit sadly, what Washington and Hyman might have stood to accomplish if they were alive today. Still, hearing them pair up at the height of their artistry is a priceless thrill.

Throw in two tracks recorded especially for this collection before Grover's untimely passing (the slick and inviting "Heat Index" and "The Night Fantastic") and you have a satisfying compilation of one of jazz's most beloved saxophonists. If soul and technique are the meat of musical recordings, these are prime cuts indeed.

Great Grover !.......2000-06-15

A collection of award winning tracks in the inimitable style that was Grover's unique hall mark. A truely great talent and a benchmark in modern jazz. Once again his passion for truely great music shines through in this celebration of his most vibrant work.

A must for all Grover fans - truely golden !

Average customer rating: The Archies sing Sugar, Sugar. very grovy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Decent Quality, but... A budget collection of the bubblegum hits of the Archies Sugar, Sugar

Archies - Greatest Hits The Archies Manufacturer: Prime Cuts ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Bubblegum | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists General | Rock | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Absolutely the Best of the Archies Tommy Roe - Greatest Hits [MCA] 25 All-Time Greatest Bubblegum Hits: The Ultimate Bubblegum Collection One Hit Wonders The Best of the Ohio Express: Yummy Yummy Yummy ASIN: B000002V5D Release Date: 1995-07-14

Tracks:

1. Sugar Sugar
2. Jingle Jangle
3. Bang Shang-A-Lang
4. Rock N' Roll
5. You Little Angel You
6. Feelin' So Good
7. Don't Touch My Guitar
8. Inside Out, Upside Down
9. A Time For Love
10. You Make Me Wanna Dance

Customer Reviews:

The Archies sing Sugar, Sugar........2005-09-11

When I was serving my country in South Viet Nam, I would hear this song every morning at about the same time. It would make me smile and think about the one I loved back in the states. I grew to love this song very much and still do. It's a shame that the stations do not play fun music like this on a regular basis.

very grovy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-02-22

cool,grovy,great,fantastic this cd is good you can hear the classic song of sugar,sugar,but the others are good too, dont forget jingle jangle,bang shang-a-lang,rock 'n' roll and the other songs

Decent Quality, but..........2004-11-25

There are better collections out there but it's good to hear "Time For Love" on this one. At least until the 'official' release comes out.

A budget collection of the bubblegum hits of the Archies.......2004-01-13

This budget collection of the "Greatest Hits" of the Archies only has 10 tracks recorded by faux-group spawned for the Saturday morning cartoon show. This is a decent collection of bubblegum music ("bubblegum" music was labeled as such because of its childish qualities, mass production values, and instant disposability), but since the Archies put out six albums you might want something with more sticks to get longer lasting flavor. I never watched the cartoon show (and read the comics only when every other comic book in my cousins' house had been consumed) so all I really remembered was "Sugar, Sugar," which is, of course, the one Archies' song that everybody remembers. I vaguely recalled there was another "hit" from the group, which turned out to be "Jingle Jangle" (well, gee, that should have been obvious).

Anyhow, everything in the Archies oeuvre might not be here, and certainly one has to be in the mood for this distinctive subset of pop music, but this is pretty good bubblegum music: "Bang Shang-a-Lang" could be your next guilty pleasure song. Most of the songs are written by Len Barry and Andy Kim, and performed by Ron Dante (who co-writes a couple as well). This is not first-rate bubblegum music, which would be Tommy James & the Shondells (and some stuff by the Monkees", but once you get to the second tier this is as good as it gets. Besides, Wilson Pickett did a soul cover of "Sugar, Sugar," so there must have been some pink gold here.

If you really like bubblegum music than the greatest hits albums by the Archies and Tommy Roe would be the only collections of individual artists in this genre worth having. Everything else worth having, such as "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy" by the Ohio Express and "Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" by Edison Lighthouse, you can pick up on one of the various bubblegum hit collections.

Sugar, Sugar.......2002-12-16

Sugar, Sugar is the only song on the whole CD which is GREAT. The Other songs sound like [garbage]!!!!!!

Average customer rating: Interesting Mike Portnoy's Prime Cuts The name guaranties perfection...The label no honor mike portnoy's prime cuts???

Prime Cuts Mike Portnoy Manufacturer: Magna Carta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dream Theater - Score: 20th Anniversary World Tour Live with the Octavarium Orchestra Systematic Chaos Prime Cuts Systematic Chaos Drum Nation, Vol. 2 ASIN: B0009UC7IY Release Date: 2005-06-28

Tracks:

1. Mad March
2. Freedom Of Speech
3. Acid Rain
4. Endless Enigma
5. Chris & Kevin's Excellent Adventure
6. Working Man
7. By-Tor And The Snow Dog
8. Another Dimension
9. Three Minute Warning Edit

Album Description

"Mad March", Mike Portnoy accompanies Dixie Dreg's bassist Andy West. The drummer comes up from underneath, firing off barrages of double bass drums in challenging patterns that seem to complexify and invert themselves, injecting urgency into the apocalyptic vision. We don't get far into Liquid Tension Experiment's "Freedom of Speech" before we're lighting up the wooden matches, especially as Petrucci's first guitar solo nears its peak! This is romance-epitomized and, for Mike Portnoy, his finest hour. His drumming is built for the arena. Rapid-fire sixteenth notes on closed hi-hats are the showers in "Acid Rain", the pitter-pattering echoed by Levin and Petrucci at various junctures. "Endless Enigma" alternates from gentle to chaotic. The church-like cadence around the 2:00 point is a clever device, providing sanctuary and calm. A drum roll sets us up for "Chris and Kevin's Excellent Adventure". Mike's rollicking half-time shuffle is the perfect jaunty groove to complement a light-hearted, whistling theme. "Working Man", from the Rush tribute album of the same name, is as heavy as heavy gets, a musical migraine spiked by Lee's seamless scintillating guitar. Portnoy chooses his spaces, filling them with double bass drum/tom clusters. All the while, he forges ahead with the heavy touch of his mentor. "By-Tor and the Snow Dog", another hats off to Rush, evolves into a screamer (at least once the vocal takes over) that is equal parts Geddy and Ozzy. Note the drum solos, ever increasing in intensity, interspersed between ensemble themes. "Another Dimension" is an effective Gage remix in which chattering snippets of instrument voices and atypical snare drum timbres provide a haunting backdrop. The Vapourspace remix introduces a steady stream of unusual undulating tones, then slowly pulls them back, dissolving them into a mist of white noise. "Three Minute Warning Edit" begins as a funky, organ laced jam, and graduates through various movements in the same key until it winds down—perhaps due to a warning that the two-inch tape is at the end of the reel! Portnoy's opening contribution is joyfully bouncy, while his handling of the various transitions is brilliant. Such freedom, such compositional latitude! It reminds us why Mike Portnoy is the envy of the working drummer who enjoys no such free reign.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting.......2007-07-05

Title says it all: "Interesting" ( takes a drummer to understand that statement typed about 'Prime Cuts' ) A keeper here though!! :-)

Mike Portnoy's Prime Cuts.......2005-08-03

Mike Portnoy shows his stuff on this album. Great collection of tunes, showing musicality and taste. I recommend to anyone!

The name guaranties perfection...The label no honor.......2005-07-23

When I first came across this CD, I was confused. If you do not know yet, Mike Porntoy, when recording his DVD, asked permission to include some LTE and Dream Theater songs in it. Elektra Ent. gladly said yes for DT, but Magna Carta (Prime Cuts label)told him he had to pay them royalties for Liquid Tension. Unbelievable! Portnoy said that Magna Carta would never make another penny with his name, but apparently, they managed to do so with this CD. I would also like to point out that in Porntoy's website, Prime Cuts is not in the discography.
Despite the fact that this label has no respect to such a drum god, the CD does fulfill expectations, the majority of songs being from Liquid Tension Experiment. The first song, which was a project of Andy West (Dixie Dregs) called Rama 1, was recorded when Porntoy was initiating to have issues with the label. Once the rivarly began, Mike told Andy not to include his name on the cd, thanks to MC.
The two Rush covers and one ELP is Portnoy at his best, respecting the work of the two legendary drummers, but giving it his special signature.
The rest of the songs of LTE are masterpieces, with unsurmountable performances from Portnoy, Petrucci, Rudess and Levin. Although the Another Dimension re-mix is horrible. The original song is a classic, but the mix is dull, you can barely understand what you're listening to. The only low-point of this album.
******Bottom Line******
-If you are interested to know this prodigy's work, buy it. It's a good place to start. Although I should recommend also buy the Liquid Tension cd's, and check out from Dream THeater Scenes From A Memory and Images and Words.
-If you are a die-hard fan, and are familiar with all his work, it's your call. You've probably heard most of what's here; nevertheless, I remind you that Magna Carta has no shame, no honor...they're only interested in making money for themselves, not even the musicians.

mike portnoy's prime cuts???.......2005-07-22

I give this cd 5 stars only because it's MIKE PORTNOY!!! A good mix of songs (original and covers) performed by top players in music.You might be better off making your own mix of Mike's performances instead of this one,but otherwise a decent purchase.Also,NOT ENDORSED BY MIKE HIMSELF.SHAME ON MAGNA CARTA!!!

Average customer rating: The Best of The Chi-Lites Brunswick All the big British and American hits Sound Bites!! This is a shell game ...

The Best of the Chi-Lites The Chi-Lites Manufacturer: Prime Cuts ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | R&B General | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | R&B General | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soul General | Soul | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of the Stylistics The Very Best of the Spinners Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes - Greatest Hits The Very Best of the Originals Best of Delfonics ASIN: B000002VA1 Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

1. Oh Girl!
2. Give It Away
3. Stoned Out Of My Mind
4. I Found Sunshine
5. Homely Girl
6. A Letter To Myself
7. I Want To Pay You Back
8. Give More Power To The People
9. Have You Seen Her
10. We Are Neighbors

Album Details

Repackaged and Reissued. Includes the Track "Are You My Woman", which Beyonce Sampled on her Massive Hit "Crazy in Love".

Customer Reviews:

The Best of The Chi-Lites.......2007-03-09

The CD was in excellent condition, a good addition to my collection.

Brunswick.......2007-03-09

Can you help me find the original recording on "Stoned Out of My Mind" by the Chi-Lites. Most of the C.D.'s are the Brunswick re-recordings. Thankyou.

Russell M. Wilson Jr.

All the big British and American hits.......2005-03-21

Hailing from Chicago, the Chi-Lites took a while to find success but their efforts eventually proved worthwhile. Eugene Record, a singer-songwriter-producer, dominated the group, which achieved an American breakthrough hit with Give it away in 1969 although they did not enter the British charts until 1971, when they had a minor UK hit with For God's sake give more power to the people - a very different record from the soulful ballads that they are best remembered for.

1972 proved to be a big year for the Chi-Lites, yielding Have you seen her (a top three hit in Britain and America) and Oh girl (a number one American hit, though only a top twenty UK hit). Their last major American hit came with Homely girl but (after a slow start) their success in the UK continued until 1976. Homely girl, It's time for love and You don't have to go all made the UK top five, as did a re-issue of Have you seen her (just over three years after its original chart run).

This compilation contains all the important Chi-Lites hits from both sides of the Atlantic.

NOTE - This review is posted on more than one Best of Chi-Lites CD. My review refers to the British compilation on the Kent label.

Sound Bites!!.......2000-08-19

I agree with the last review. This recording is terrible!! The sound quality is horrendous. I should have sent it back upon receipt.

This is a shell game ..........2000-06-08

This is a RERECORDING of the music. DO NOT BUY THIS unless you want ridiculous "digitally recorded in 1995" versions of great songs. It sounds absolutely terrible.

Average customer rating: Prime Cuts: Best of Collection (Don Williams

Prime Cuts: Best of Collection Don Williams Manufacturer: S&P Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Definitive Collection 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Don Williams, Vol. 2 The Best of Don Williams Don Williams - Greatest Hits 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Don Williams, Vol. 1 ASIN: B0002ZDVL8 Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

1. Old Coyote Town
2. Heartbeat in the Darkness
3. I'll Never Be in Love Again
4. I Wouldn't Be a Man
5. What's the Score
6. We've Got a Good Fire Going
7. Desperately
8. She's a Heart Full
9. Another Place, Another Time
10. Then It's Love
11. Seta

Customer Reviews:

Prime Cuts: Best of Collection (Don Williams.......2007-02-13

Wonderful CD and arrived in excellent condition. Thank you so much!!

Average customer rating:

Prime Cuts: The Greatest Hits 1987-1999 Jr. Grover Washington Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music ASIN: B000050HVF Release Date: 2000-11-07

Tracks:

1. Take Five (Take Another Five)
2. Sacred Kind of Love
3. Only for You (Siempre Para Ti)
4. Please Send Me Someone to Love
5. Strawberry Moon
6. Summer Nights
7. Heat Index
8. Next Exit
9. Blues for D.P.
10. Soulful Strut [The Top Down Version]
11. Love in His Infant Eyes
12. Night Fantastic
13. Protect the Dream

Average customer rating:

Prime Cuts, Vol. 2 Various Artists Manufacturer: Sheffield Lab ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Prime Cuts: Gourmet Selections Sonic Detour Schemes & Dreams The Name is Makowicz (Ma-Ko-Vitch) Passions: Baroque & Renaissonce Duets ASIN: B000008T3E Release Date: 1995-11-07

Tracks:

1. Sweet Georgia Brown - Harry James And His Big Band
2. Schemes & Dreams - Pat Coil
3. Foggy Mountain Breakdown - McNeely-Levin-Skinner Band
4. Happy Feet - Freeway Philharmonic
5. I Will Find You There (Jam) - Michael Ruff
6. Lonely Nights - Clair Marlo
7. Tim Will Bring You Love - Bill Champlin
8. My Heart is Offered Still To You - Madrigals of SBHS
9. Rhapsody in E Flat - Lincoln Mayorga
10. Appalachian Spring (Excerpt) - The Moscow Philharmonic

Average customer rating: Captures the era

In the Mood Glenn Miller Manufacturer: Prime Cuts ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 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: Moonlight Serenade (RCA) Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track ASIN: B000002V4F Release Date: 1995-07-14

Tracks:

1. In The Mood
2. Sunrise Serenade
3. Tuxedo Junction
4. Song Of The Volga Boatmen
5. String Of Pearls
6. Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree
7. American Patrol
8. Indian Summer
9. Begin The Beguine
10. Pennsylvania 6-5000

Customer Reviews:

Captures the era.......2007-06-11

The first track, "In the Mood", is touted (like the others) as the original recording. This version/recording (I've heard others by his band) is the best one. The tempo is faster (very appropriate for swing) and this version absolutely nails the piece. The quality of all the recordings is very good (I worried about that because of the age of the recordings). Whether you just want to listen, or you're looking for a good dance CD (to do Swing, Foxtrot, etc.), this is the one to get! It's great!

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6. Small Faces [Original recording remastered]
7. Soul Deep
8. Staring at the Divine
9. Streets of Love/Rough Justice [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Limited Edition] [Import]
10. Sunflower

Rap Music

rap music

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