Progress

Amazon.com
Despite boasting an appellation better suited to a top-shelf flagellation magazine than an ear-scorching rock crew, the Los Angeles quintet Ultraspank pummel away with uncompromising metal belligerence. Their sophomore effort after changing their name from Indica in 1996 is a quantum leap forward from their eponymous 1998 debut. Leather-lunged vocalist Pete Murray careens from harmonic restraint to full-tilt throat abuse on the devastating "Crack." Incubus DJ Chris Kilmore joins the throng on "Stuck," which also benefits from the contributions of former Ozzy Osbourne knob-twiddler Peter Collins. Ultimately, Ultraspank relies on all-conquering force to steamroller listeners into abject submission. --Ian Fortnam

Progress,Ultraspank,Sony,Alternative Metal,Electronica,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Progress

Average customer rating: Linda Eder - Great Voice Not a voice.......an instrument the best female singer of the great american standards. The powerful and beautiful voice of Linda Elder Linda Eder shines with her Broadway album

Broadway, My Way Linda Eder Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Purists | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: By Myself: The Songs of Judy Garland It's Time Christmas Stays the Same It's No Secret Anymore Storybook ASIN: B000088E4T Release Date: 2003-02-18

Tracks:

1. I Am What I Am (from "La Cage aux Folles")
2. Anthem (from "Chess")
3. On The Street Where You Live (from "My Fair Lady")
4. What Kind of Fool (from "Stop The World I Want to Get Off")
5. Some People (from "Gypsy")
6. I'll Be Seeing You (from "Right This Way")
7. Gold (from "Camille Claudel")
8. Don't Rain On My Parade (from "Funny Girl")
9. The Impossible Dream (from "Man of La Mancha")
10. A New Life (from "Jekyll & Hyde")
11. Edelweiss (from "The Sound of Music")
12. Unusual Way (from "Nine")
13. Man of La Mancha (from "Man of La Mancha")

Amazon.com

The people who felt betrayed when Linda Eder covered several pop songs on 2002's Gold will be relieved that her follow-up, Broadway My Way, is a return to the Great White Way. As if to prove that she isn't limited to either the songs of Frank Wildhorn or ballads, Eder tackles some well-known show tunes. The ballads tend to be overwrought, so it's best to look for the uptempo numbers. The singer's take on "Some People" is technically fine but so va-va-voom showbiz that it lacks the deranged edge that makes the song so compellingly dramatic. Things work a lot better on "I Am What I Am": while Eder doesn't take it to the top (or rather over the top), this is as close as she gets to Mermanizing a number. Elsewhere, "Don't Rain on My Parade" (immortalized by Streisand) and "Man of La Mancha" are appropriately brassy and triumphant, with Eder roaring her way through both songs. Fans of both Eder and Wildhorn should note that the singer reprises her Svengali's "Gold," the title track from her previous album, and an excerpt from his long-in-the-works Camille Claudel. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

On the eagerly awaited Broadway My Way, Atlantic recording artist and acclaimed Broadway sensation Linda Eder performs classics including 'On the Street Where You Live' (from My Fair Lady), 'Edelweiss' (from The Sound of Music), 'Don't Rain On My Parade' (from Funny Girl) and 10 other great broadway songs performed in a whole new voice. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Linda Eder - Great Voice.......2007-07-06

This lady has one great voice. She can certainly sell a song. My only reservation about her is that she's a bit cocky. I think she could use some humility.

Not a voice.......an instrument.......2007-02-17

Unbelievable breath control, phrasing, and style. My 10 yr. old Granddaughter who heretofore has listened and loved the usual rap
and hip-hop, heard me playing this disc and begged me to buy her
one........and I did, and she plays it all the time, and to her
friends. Linda Eder exceeds the Streisand mystique by far.

the best female singer of the great american standards........2006-07-24

i am turning 60 years old this year. i went to my 1st.broadway
musical in 1960. over the years i have had the honor to see
almost all of the giants of american song, garland, streisand,
patti lupone, lena horne, betty buckley, barbaracook etc. in
"broadway, my way" linda eder cements her place as the best of the best. from an anthem like "i am what i am" to the lovely
"on the street where you live" captures you body and soul.
i loved this album, and don't ever miss a chance to see her live. JOHN POWER

The powerful and beautiful voice of Linda Elder.......2006-02-23

A great selection of songs. Tremendous amount of energy in Linda's voice. I just love it.

Linda Eder shines with her Broadway album.......2006-02-18

Wow! Linda Eder has an outstanding voice. She sells Broadway in the styles of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. After hearing this you will want more.

Average customer rating: Great Alternative Album Good stuff, i must say... Excellent One of the best nu metal albums ever! Great debut album

The Fake Sound of Progress Lostprophets Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Welsh Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Start Something Liberation Transmission Page Avenue Saturate We Are Not Alone ASIN: B00005QG8W Release Date: 2001-12-04

Tracks:

1. Shinobi vs. Dragon Ninja
2. The Fake Sound Of Progress
3. Five Is A Four Letter Word
4. ...And She Told Me To Leave
5. Kobrakai
6. The Handsome Life Of Swing
7. A Thousand Apologies
8. Still Laughing
9. For Sure
10. Awkward
11. Ode To Summer

Amazon.com

The Lostprophets CD booklet proclaims: "6 bored kids = melody-aggression-emotion-energy-intelligence." What it doesn't say, but should: "If you like Incubus, you'll like Lostprophets." The British outfit mines much of the same territory as their more thoughtful nu metal, new millennium brethren, mixing an earnest Incubus hippie vibe with Creed-like sincerity and dash a of Faith No More oddity and syncopation for a commercial, if not groundbreaking, sound. Vocalist Ian Watkins has personality and passion and the band's playing is crisp and dynamic. Turntables, loops, and keyboards lend depth and hip-hop flavor to the melodic, tightly wound rock. The 11 songs here are all uniformly strong and intense, if not always deep and unique. --Katherine Turman

Customer Reviews:

Great Alternative Album.......2006-12-19

Obviously not touching on the greatness of Start Something but still a Great debut from the welsh rockers. You can really hear the evolution from this into Start Something.
If you like We Are Godzilla, You Are japan and Ride on Start Something, then this album is definately for you.
Standout Tracks:
Shinobi vs Dragon Ninja
The Fake Sound Of Progress
Five Is A Four Letter Word
And She Told Me To Leave
Ode To Summer

Good stuff, i must say..........2006-11-02

This is just an amazing Cd through and through. The vocals are fresh and nice and lyrics are good. THe guitars are pounding and heavy oen moment and soft the next, same thing goes for the drums. Track 1,6, and 11 are in my view the best songs on this CD, escpecially track 1. This Cd is their best, though start something is pretty good too. Liberation TRansmission on the other hand isn't that great...but I wont get into that since I'm writing a review for Fake Sound of Progress.

Out of Fake Sound of Progress and Start Something, Start Something is definatly more catchy at first and you like it right away. Fake Sound of Progress, on the other hand, not so. Start something was the first of their albums I heard and I loved it. So then I checked out this CD. The first song was instantly a favorite. The openng riff was awsome and the whole song was just great for rockin out. But then after that, all the other songs just didn't catch my attention and I wasn't into to them to much. But after some more listens, this Cd grew on me. So while before I wasn't into this CD that much, now im obsessed with it. So don't judge this one on first listen because if your like me, it may need to grow on you.

Excellent.......2006-07-31

Recieved the CD, no scratched no damage to the case, excellent condition and prompt delivery

One of the best nu metal albums ever!.......2006-07-04

I first heard 'last train home' by lostprophets and instantly loved it. I then borrowed fake sound of progress and was surprised at the unexpected heaviness. I love most of the songs on the album as they are a great blend of hard nu metal, emo, and balladery. I also thought the guitaring sounded very original aswell as the combination of a clean guitar and a distorted guitar provided a real brilliant contrast.This was the best lostprophets album whereas the others are more commercial and not as aggressive( though they are still ver good) so I would recommend this as the lostprophets album to buy.Also, at concerts the fake sound of progress really gets the pits going!

Great debut album.......2006-02-25

I was introduced to this band a couple years ago by a friend and I really liked thier heavy sound with Shinobi vs. Dragon Ninja. So I bought this CD and was very impressed. The singer has a very distinct voice that switches from melodic to powerful screaming that keeps me interested. Plus they have real heavy guitar riffs that punch you in the face. I also own Start Something and this is much better I think.
Fav songs: Shinobi, Five is a four letter word, Kobrakai.

Average customer rating: Metal/Death/Power/Thrash etc= WOW! Finally a melodeath band with great growling and clean vocals Neither 5 stars nor the word best can describe this album it will not dissapoint um

Pitch Black Progress Scar Symmetry Manufacturer: Nuclear Blast Americ ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Symmetric in Design Under Reprisal Above the Weeping World Fiction Scattering of Ashes ASIN: B000F1HGVU Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

1. The Illustionist
2. Slaves To The Subliminal
3. Mind Machine
4. Pitch Black Progress
5. Calculate The Apocalypse
6. Dreaming 24/7
7. Abstracted
8. The Kaleidoscopic God
9. Retaliator
10. Oscillation Point
11. The Path Of Least Resistance
12. Carved In Stone
13. Deviate From The Form

Customer Reviews:

Metal/Death/Power/Thrash etc= WOW!.......2007-03-31

This CD Rocks! from beginning to end. I just found out about this band per chance reading reviews of CD's. I have been into Mercenary, Nevermore, Opeth, Dream Theater for awhile, this band is right there with them. Who says that Metal is dead? Some of my favorite tracks are the following: The Illusionist, Mind Machine, Dreaming 24/7, Carved Stone..just to name a few. I used to hate growling vox, but since Opeth has opened my mind to it as long as the music kix butt...then I always give it a chance...well this CD is definetly worth giving a chance if you love METAL!!

Finally a melodeath band with great growling and clean vocals.......2007-03-30

Scar symmetry's latest masterpiece entitled Pitch Black Progress is a fusion of soaring guitars flesh searing drums, wonderful death growls and clean vocals awesome guitar solos and truly outstanding keyboards if you don't like this something must be wrong with you this album has anything a true fan of melodic death metal and metal would want to end it buy this album you wont be
disappointed one last thought to resist is to not exist .

Neither 5 stars nor the word best can describe this album.......2007-03-13

Where are these guys from? This music is unbelievably GREAT. The musicianship shown on this record is top-notch.
I previously saw the promotion banner on myspace that says this music is for fans of In Flames and Soilwork. And that's not totally correct. I think Scar Symmetry is WAY better than the present In Flames and Soilwork.
Strongest vocal and growl and flying solos make this album undefeatable.
Highly Highly Recommended.

it will not dissapoint.......2007-02-12

this is easily one of the best metal CD's ever released. i swear, i get goosebumps from it on every song. i was a huge fan of their debut album symmetric in design, i found their lyrics to be thought provoking and their drum and guitar work to be a template for how metal should be made. since hearing their two albums i measure other bands up against them. easily one of the best metal bands to emerge out of swissmissland. the kaleidoscopic god will leave you slack jawed in awe and with the hair on the back of your neck standing up. the vocals are incredible, transitioning from a gutteral growl to one of the most melodic voices ive ever heard. the guitar and drum work is stunning and fresh. yes, i hear a lot of influence from other bands such as soilwork and dreamtheater, but only in the way of this is what soilwork and dreamtheater wish they sounded like. an amazing album from start to finish. GET IT!!!!

um.......2007-02-02

looking at some reviewers on here makes me quiver in fear this cd ain't that good.

Average customer rating: Another Masterpeice flawed but quite good this beauty in progress AN UNDERCOVER 'THRILLER'(michael jackson) All the Funk Without the Filth

Ancestry in Progress Zap Mama Manufacturer: Luaka Bop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: One Step Forward Les Nubians Presents Echos, Chapter One Princesses Nubiennes Zap Mama 7 ASIN: B0002SPQ40 Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Sweet Melody
3. Vivre
4. Bandy Bandy featuring Erykah Badu
5. Yelling Away featuring Talib Kweli, Common and "?uestlove"
6. Show Me the Way featuring Bahamadia, Lady Alma and "?uestlove"
7. Follow Me
8. Miss QN
9. Yaku
10. Ca Varie Varie
11. Alright
12. Cache Cache
13. Len n 5
14. Wadidyusay? featuring Scratch
15. Zap Bs

Amazon.com

Longtime Zap Mama fans may take issue with the direction Marie Daulne has taken the band. After starting out as a women's a capella group, Daulne started integrating instruments, rappers and programming on Seven, taking it even further on A Ma Zone. Now on Ancestry In Progress, the first ZM album in five years, it's Daulne with help from the Roots, Common, Erykah Badu, Taleb Kweli and others from the hip-hop and R&B community. Nonetheless, the band was always Daulne's, and she's in complete command here again. You still get to wonder at her ability to create weird vocal sounds. Her high raspy cat-like voice is as playful and rhythmic as ever, and her sense of harmony stills draws upon her African roots even if she chooses to put samples over the top. No doubt "Sweet Melody" is one of Daulne's catchiest songs, but other standouts include "Vivre" and "Bandy Bandy." Instead of the African jungle we get the urban jungle, but it's still beautiful music. --Tad Hendrickson

Album Description

The initial run of "Ancestry in Progress" will feature a bonus disc with four exclusive tracks!

Customer Reviews:

Another Masterpeice.......2007-07-02

I became a fan of Zap Mama after I heard the A Ma Zone album several years ago. I went back and bought all of their CD's and I like the fact that they all have their own vibe. Each one has it own musical style, that is not similar to the previous. So then I found Ancestry and Progress and once again Zap Mama has made another masterpiece again.

My favorite songs are Sweet Melody, Bandy Bandy, Miss Q-N, and Yaku. Yet, I like the entire album. I feel that this album really hits a different mark so that it can't really be called World and at the same time it is not R&B, it is somewhere in between. I really use the use of vocals, but also good instrumentation in the songs. After hearing A Ma Zone then hearing this album I would have never expected an album like Ancestry in Progress and I really appreciate that. I can't wait until the next album comes out.

flawed but quite good.......2006-02-02

Skillful yet seemingly effortless tapestries of sounds and voices. Male rapping that actually works as an effective counterpoint to the abundance of "sister energy". Songs that are ephemeral yet anchored in subtle ways, this is a daring yet confident step forward for a project that is, essentially, "The Marie Show" now. Not that that's a bad thing. The male vocals off-set the more cloying aspects which until now popped up far too often. While I admire the manner in which discordant sounds are thrown into the mix, I do wish Marie would be a BIT less self-indulgent with the spoken word parts (as in SHOW ME THE WAY) and (seemingly) affected pigeon English. Oh, well, at least she's shown more decisiveness on when to actually end a song. Overall; breathtaking and unclassifiable. This may sound like over-thinking things, but, I truly enjoy the songs, just hope to see Marie continue to grow up and out of herself. She is SO talented.

this beauty in progress.......2005-09-09

You know how you feel when you sitting on the beach in front of the sea, with the fresh clean breeze gently blowing through your hair. You know how it feels to have that piece of milk chocolate melt gently in your mouth as it mesmerizes all the taste buds on your tongue.
That is what this lady does to you ear drum. Her music is sweeter that honey. And who better to colab with than with Miss Badu herself.
This lady has got magic in her vocal cords and tranquility in her lyrics. My poor soul was starved of good and original sound and she fed my soul. That is the way it should be after all music is intended to be food for the soul

AN UNDERCOVER 'THRILLER'(michael jackson).......2005-04-28

I havent loved this many songs on one cd since Michael Jackson's Thriller. No joke or exaggeration. The only difference iS that this isn't sugercoated pop music for the masses...that's why it's an "undercover Thriller".. It's different, but absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Buy it, love it, live it..Read all of the other perfect reviews. They are true... Peace.

All the Funk Without the Filth.......2005-04-02

It's been a long dry spell since Amazone and this is worth the wait. The album is clearly a follow-up to Amazone, yet the style is refined a little more, so it is not simply Amazone II, the Sequel.

Each composition here is like a little window opening on a slice of life. The blending of the languages brings home, yet again, the universality of music. There are differences between peoples, but this difference is something to share and enjoy, not to separate us into disparate spaces. Whatever your background, you can feel a part of the scenes presented.

The spoken words take me back to the beginning of what is now called rap, to true street corner poetry. Unlike most of today's rap, there are no words you don't want young kids to hear. Instead of degrading women and reducing them to objects to be abused, we are instead reminded that "She is someone's daughter" and to be revered as she is made of "Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water". No malice, no hatred, only love of the highest order. Pure poetry, not gutter rap.

The vocals are perfectly blended and the harmonies are tight. These women blend together a vocal synergy that must be heard to be experienced. The rhythms, capable of standing alone, reinforce the musical magic woven into the tapestry of their sound.

If you truly believe we are one people spread across a small planet, this album will speak to your soul. If you've never been exposed to music like this, you'll be amazed. If you're already a fan of Zap Mama, you won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating: Excellent Material for Ms. Upshaw. Keeps Getting Better The Barber alone is worth five stars Buy this disc...twice! Dawn Upshaw, vocal actress extraordinaire

Knoxville Summer of 1915 Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Menotti | Menotti, Gian Carlo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Upshaw, Dawn | ( U ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Barber, Samuel | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Upshaw, Dawn | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Forgotten Songs: Dawn Upshaw Sings Debussy Long Time Ago - Copland / Dawn Upshaw & Thomas Hampson Voices of Light Barber: Knoxville Summer of 1915/Dover Beach/Hermit Songs/Adromache's Farewell Angels Hide Their Faces: Dawn Upshaw Sings Bach and Purcell ASIN: B000005IZ3 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Knoxville: Summer Of 1915
2. The Old Maid And the Thief: Act I, Scene 6: What A Curse For A Woman Is A Timid Man
3. Mirabai Songs: I. It's True, I Went To The Market
4. Mirabai Songs: II. All I Was Doing Was Breathing
5. Mirabai Songs: III. Why Mira Can't Go Back To Her Old House
6. Mirabai Songs: IV. Where Did You Go?
7. Mirabai Songs: V. The Clouds
8. Mirabai Songs: VI. Don't Go, Don't Go
9. The Rake's Progress: Act I, Scene 3: No Word From Tom

Amazon.com essential recording

Barber's Knoxville, Summer of 1915 is a setting of a lovely chunk of prose text by James Agee describing an evening from his childhood. An accomplished singer himself, Barber's vocal writing is expert, and this work must rank as one of the finest examples of the art of word-setting in any language. Barber perfectly captures the conversational quality of the text, while at the same time clothing the words in an atmosphere of gentle nostalgia. It's a masterpiece that Dawn Upshaw sings with keen insight and lovely tone. The remainder of the program is creatively chosen as well, making this one of the finest vocal recitals available by an American singer. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Material for Ms. Upshaw........2006-04-26

'Knoxville: Summer of 1915' is a performance of a selection of operatic pieces by Americans such as Samuel Barber or Europeans transplanted to the United States, such as Igor Stravinsky. Ms. Upshaw shines with material, which is good for her, since she is just slightly out of her league with the material covered by the likes of Renee Flemming on the operatic front and Ute Lemper and Lotte Lenya on the Euro/American popular musical stage.

Like any good sampler, this recording's strongest draw is the fact that it makes one interested in tracking down the complete works by Barber, Menotti, Harbison, and Stravinsky. And, while the package includes all lyrics, everything is in perfectly clear English. A perfect addition to other American classics such as 'Porgy and Bess'.

Keeps Getting Better.......2005-03-02

I have had this disc for years, and I'm more impressed with it as the years roll by. I bought it for Barber's "Knoxville, Summer of 1915" which is a glorious piece of music caught here in a luminous performance. I didn't initially warm up to the Harbison songs, but they have grown on me over the years to the point that I listen to them far more often than the Barber now. I think it just took me a while to absorb Harbison's style and understand how deftly and ingeniously he uses it to take the listener into Mirabai's world. Not to be missed!

The Barber alone is worth five stars.......2004-01-16

People are always saying that they find a particular piece of music is "haunting." For me Barber's "Knoxville: Summer of 1915" is such a work. Dawn Upshaw's reading of this great American masterwork is the best I have yet heard. She won her first Grammy Award for this recording - and deservedly so. If you're a fan of either Upshaw or Barber you'll want to add this beautiful CD to your collection.

Buy this disc...twice!.......2002-07-20

Extraordinary!! This has got to be the definitive Knoxville--rich, touching, elegant and as close to perfect as it can probably ever be. Upshaw has the perfect voice for this work, and she gives it all the loving attention that it requires. This is a performance of Knoxville that will make you weak in the knees. For the Knoxville alone, buy this disc....twice! There is, however, just a little bit of downside here. The other works on this disc just aren't very captivating.

Dawn Upshaw, vocal actress extraordinaire.......2002-01-01

This is the CD that made me fall in love with Dawn Upshaw's singing. I had heard her before and admired her work, but this disc made me a real fan. As it's one of her early recordings, her voice is somewhat "fuller" than on later work; she later started moving the voice "forward," simplifying the sound. Either way, her immense talent for communicating the essence of the text is the outstanding aspect of all her work. It's amazing how she can sound angry, desperate, hopeful, melancholic, all while producing a beautiful sound and tackling all the vocal challenges of the music she's singing. She inhabits the characters, the narrators, of each of the pieces on this disc, and makes it more than just a collection of songs or arias.

I want to make special mention of the Harbison _Mirabai Songs_, as it seems to have been maligned somewhat in other reviews here. This was the work that most kept me coming back to this disc when I first bought it. I think it is a masterpiece, and one of Harbison's best and most important works. (Apparently I'm not alone in my admiration of the piece, because I've heard it on a number of live concerts in recent years, so it seems to be having a successful performance life.) Harbison's song cycle is by turns exciting, sensual, driving, longing, beautiful. The orchestration for the small ensemble is masterful (as Harbison's efforts at scoring always are), and Upshaw expresses all of Mirabai's complex emotions enchantingly.

The _Rake's Progress_ aria also deserves individual comment. In this engrossing example of Stravinsky's neoclassical style, Upshaw assumes Anne's air of fierce determination, and brings the disc to an absolutely thrilling climax on a concluding high C.

All of the music on this terrific CD is very accessible, and the performances are stellar. The recorded sound is very clear and immediate, as one would expect from Nonesuch. It's one of my favorite discs in my entire collection, and would probably be so for the Harbison and Stravinsky alone.

Average customer rating: Ultraspank's Best Album Criminally ignored and forgotten electronically based metal-nothing more or less Ultragreat Down hill

Progress Ultraspank Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ultraspank Lo-Pro Lifer The Deadlights Our Time With You... ASIN: B00004TH85 Release Date: 2000-05-30

Tracks:

1. Push
2. Crumble
3. Stuck
4. Feed
5. Smile
6. Click
7. Jackass
8. Crack
9. Invite Yourself In
10. Thanks
11. Left
12. Where

Amazon.com

Despite boasting an appellation better suited to a top-shelf flagellation magazine than an ear-scorching rock crew, the Los Angeles quintet Ultraspank pummel away with uncompromising metal belligerence. Their sophomore effort after changing their name from Indica in 1996 is a quantum leap forward from their eponymous 1998 debut. Leather-lunged vocalist Pete Murray careens from harmonic restraint to full-tilt throat abuse on the devastating "Crack." Incubus DJ Chris Kilmore joins the throng on "Stuck," which also benefits from the contributions of former Ozzy Osbourne knob-twiddler Peter Collins. Ultimately, Ultraspank relies on all-conquering force to steamroller listeners into abject submission. --Ian Fortnam

Customer Reviews:

Ultraspank's Best Album.......2006-07-24

Now I enjoy Ultraspank a lot. Let's just face the facts though; their new one is by far better than their first one. Someone had reviewed that "Progress" was mostly screaming and that is simply wrong. I'm not a huge fan of the screaming metal to begin with. That's one of the main reasons why I only like a few tracks off of Ultraspank's first album. Their first one is way more full of screaming then "Progress" is. "Progress" though is awesome. This has to be one of my most prized cd's in my collection. From the beginning it takes hold and doesn't let go. The album has so much variety to offer from the catchiness of "Feed", to the anger of "Jackass", to the techno club beat of "Click" or even the softer "Where". My favorite tracks though are "Smile", "Click", and "Where". Here are my track ratings...

1. Push - 9.5/10
2. Crumble - 8.5/10
3. Stuck - 9/10
4. Feed - 10/10
5. Smile - 10/10
6. Click - 10/10
7. Jackass - 7.5/10
8. Crack - 9.5/10
10. Thanks - 7/10
11. Left - 9/10
12. Where - 10/10

Overall: 90% A-

It's a pretty awesome cd after a just okay first release. It's one of my favorites to listen to every now and then when I get sick of my other music. Yes, it does sound a bit like Tool but the band really still does have a sound of their own that makes them what they are, Ultraspank.

Criminally ignored and forgotten.......2006-05-26

When I search for new music, one of the sure-fire attributes that draws me into a band is a dichotomy or juxtaposition of styles. I like bands that have more than one speed. I like singers who can belt out a blood-curdling scream and sing just as well. I especially like bands that write songs where the structure reflects the human condition. In short, I like music that contains (and therefore evokes) more than one emotion.

I like Ultraspank.

With this their sophomore effort Ultraspank achieved what I consider to be a perfect mix of solid hard rock and electronic/industrial. There are a couple of songs on this album that could work just as well in a trendy dance club as they would (and did) at a metal show.

The key here is Pete Murray's vocal ability. To be quite frank, the guy is unparalleled (check out Lo-Pro to see more of his softer singing side). He can scream low, he can scream high, he can sing, he can harmonize, and he can write a hell of a hook. On top of it all, he has a very unique delivery and an extremely smooth voice. A lot of the time it sounds like he's simply talking over the music. Don't be fooled; what he's doing is very difficult and takes tremendous vocal control. "Click" is an excellent example.

The rest of the band certainly aren't anything to take for granted. Simple but effective drumming, knife-sharp and dynamic guitar work, and solid grooves laid down by the bass all make this release what it is: an excellent musical journey through territory that hadn't really been approached.

The mood of the album is another striking aspect of this release. The songs run the gamut from angry-as-hell ("Crumble") to depressed ("Smile") to energetic and almost happy ("Click") to incendiary and accusatory ("Invite Yourself In") to conservatively hopeful ("Where"). To be clear I'm not talking about lyrical content, but simply the feel that the music has.

There are a lot of reasons that this is not a perfect album. Yes, as much as I hate to admit it, they're basically Nu-Metal (although some people have labeled them industrial, I think that's way off base). No, the music is not nearly as creative as it could have been and not as experimental or heavy as their self-titled debut. Yes, they broke up and, as far as I know, will never get back together. No, not every song on here is special or even good. Really, if I could give more accurate ratings, "Progress" would probably be a 4.7 or so.

Those things aside, this is a cd that touches my natural desire to hear more than just a single emotion expressed in song form without pissing me off by being gimmicky. There's no rapping and the electronic elements are not in the form of scratching or sound samples from movies. Everything is very musical and goes toward improving the song in question. These guys really knew how to write attractive music as well as excellent hard rock. Considering they only got to release two discs before breaking up, I'd say they accomplished a hell of a lot. It's worth picking up if you're looking for a different take on the hard rock/radio rock/Nu-Metal scene. While it's a good thing that the Nu-Metal sound is dying, it's unfortunate that a few of the really enjoyable bands got sucked down with it. Buy "Progress" and show your friends that not every band born of the mid to late '90's sucked ass.

Standout Tracks:
Crumble
Stuck
Feed
Smile
Click
Left
Where

electronically based metal-nothing more or less.......2005-01-01

ultraspank,when they were in session,were fronted by pete murray,now the lead singer for lo pro, and a phenomenal singer and screamer.with ultraspank,pete screams more than he needs to,causing his voice to not shine like it should.the music is pretty good, laced with lots of weird effects and intros."push" is a heavy opener while "left" tones things down a bit for a seemingly mellow rock track that sounds like something from the 80's.not a bad disc, but just not really my style.if you liked the first one, you will love this cd,because the production is much better and so is the music quality.

Ultragreat.......2004-10-23

I bought this CD used, at a now defunct record store after listening to the 1st song. I figured WTH, it was only $5.00

Ultraspank and Nothingface changed the way I listen to music. I always had a rule of thumb where I would listen to each CD at least 3 times before passing judgement, and I'm damn glad I did. I have done nothing short of wearing this CD out!! It has been 1 of those "gotta have on the trip" CD's because each song has its own identity to it.

Although the band has broken up, I will continue to burn the candle listening to Progress.. ITS THAT GOOD!

Down hill.......2004-09-20

Well, I loved ultraspank. It was awesome and mainly unuiqe. When progress came out I was listening to it and The guitar remained awesome but this album has little singing. its like all screaming, and even when he comes in, his awesome uniuqe sound was lost....He was to ordinary if you know what I mean. (sounded like other bands)Ill still always love ultrspank the most :)

Average customer rating: Rises to the top of the heap Exquisite! An essential version An example of great English opera! What a fun performance!

Stravinsky - The Rake's Progress / Bostridge · York · Terfel · von Otter · Howells · LSO · Gardiner Igor Stravinsky , John Eliot Gardiner , Ian Bostridge , Bryn Terfel , London Symphony Orchestra , Monteverdi Choir , Anne Sofie von Otter , Anne Howells , Martin Robson , and Julian Clarkson Peter Bronder Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Alban Berg: Wozzeck (Opera in 3 Acts) - Franz Grundheber / Hildegard Behrens / Wiener Philharmoniker / Claudio Abbado Verdi: Macbeth Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano Britten - Peter Grimes / Pears · C. Watson · Pease · Brannigan · J. Watson · Elms · Studholme · Kells · R. Nilsson · Lanigan · G. Evans · D. Kelly · ROH Covent Garden · Britten Stravinsky: Works for Piano ASIN: B00000JSAL Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

1. The Rake's Progress: Prelude
2. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Duet And Trio
3. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative
4. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Aria
5. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative
6. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative And Quartet
7. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative
8. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Duettino
9. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Recitative
10. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 1 - Arioso And Terzettino
11. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Chorus
12. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Recitative And Scene
13. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Chorus
14. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Recitative
15. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Cavatina
16. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Chorus
17. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 2 - Chorus
18. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 3 - Recitative
19. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 3 - Aria
20. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 3 - Recitative
21. The Rake's Progress: Act I - Scene 3 - Cabaletta
22. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Aria
23. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Recitative
24. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Aria
25. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Recitative
26. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Recitative
27. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Aria
28. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 1 - Duet-Finale
29. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - [Introduction]
30. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Recitative And Arioso
31. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Duet
32. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Recitative
33. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Trio
34. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 2 - Finale

Tracks:

1. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Aria, Baba's Song, Aria
2. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Recitative
3. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Pantomime
4. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Recitative - Arioso - Recitative
5. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Duet
6. The Rake's Progress: Act II - Scene 3 - Recitative
7. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Ruin Disaster. Shame
8. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Recitative
9. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Aria
10. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Aria, Recitative
11. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Duet
12. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 1 - Stretto-Finale
13. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Prelude
14. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Duet
15. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Recitative
16. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Duet
17. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Duet
18. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 2 - Duet
19. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Arioso, Dialouge, Chorus
20. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Recitative
21. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Arioso
22. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Duet
23. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Recitative
24. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Lullaby
25. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Recitative
26. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Duettino
27. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Finale - Recitative
28. The Rake's Progress: Act III - Scene 3 - Finale - Mourning Chorus
29. The Rake's Progress: Epilogue

Amazon.com essential recording

This release makes one wonder if there is any music John Eliot Gardiner can't conduct well. Here, for what is probably the first time on CD, Gardiner goes for Stravinsky, and while a nitpicker might point out that Rake is Stravinsky's "Mozartean" opera, let's face it--it's real Stravinsky. Gardiner manages the composer's angles and strange rhythms superbly, and he concentrates on the lower instruments as well (the engineers assist nicely throughout), leading a fleet, ironic performance of this tough work while underlining the score's sweetnesses as well. It doesn't hurt that he has the finest cast available: Bryn Terfel's Nick Shadow is amazingly nuanced, and only once or twice does the great bass-baritone do his infamous "whispering act." He's positively chilling in the graveyard scene. And what can one say about Ian Bostridge as the titular rake? When he says, "I wish I had money!" in Act I, he's Everyman; he wins us over and we feel for him no matter how stupid he is. He's a bit stressed at the very top of his range in the one or two forte passages, but considering how clever this artist is, it wouldn't be a surprise if he's doing it on purpose. Deborah York is such a fine Anne--singing with clean, white, innocent tone--that she even outdoes Dawn Upshaw's splendid portrayal. Anne Sofie von Otter sings Baba's music impeccably (and in unaccented English), but, as usual, she seems more distinguished and artistic than moving. This set is now at the top of the pack; if you've been wondering about this opera and were wondering when and where to get your feet wet, go no further. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Rises to the top of the heap.......2005-09-18

I must confess that this is a revised review. I originally had a negative impression of this recording of The Rake's Progress because it seemed flimsy compared to the composer's own recording on Sony, with a callow Rake (Ian Bostridge) and a technically unperequipped Anne (Deborah York). But I overlooked some absolute positives: Terfel's definitive Nick Shadow, which really has no competition on disc, Gardiner's ultra-clear conducting of detail, which again has no equal and is greatly aided by DG's completely transparent recording. In the end thise virtues win out, and even though I like every ohter Anne on disc (Judith Rankin, Dawn Upshaw, and Sylvia McNair come to mind) better than York, she isn't enough of a reason to demote this performance. It's still rather cool and lightweight, but that's a perfeclty valid way too interpret Stravinsky's pastiche of 18th century style.

Exquisite!.......2004-07-08

THE RAKE'S PROGRESS is not only one of my favorite operas, but one of my favorite works of music. This may seem strange, as Stravinsky's neoclassical operatic morality fable is considered by many to be a cold, cerebral work. But quite on the contrary, THE RAKE is a jewel-like score full of lyricism (often of a Broadway-like accessibility), warmth, razor-sharp wit, and crystalline beauty - all of which John Eliot Gardiner and his forces bring out marvelously in this recording. Listen to the exquisite trio in Act II Scene 2 - perhaps the most beautiful number in the opera - and you'll see what I mean. Ian Bostridge's sensitively sung Tom Rakewell has just the right vocal personality - boyish, innocent, eager, and vulnerable. His and Deborah York's pure-toned voices are an extraordinary match: hear them blend seamlessly in their duets or the trio. Bryn Terfel's vivid, boisterous Nick Shadow and Anne-Sophie Von Otter's subtly witty Baba complete the cast. Conductor Gardiner uses his expertise in early music to emphasize THE RAKE's 18th-century roots and "chamber" texture. THE RAKE falls into the class of what I might call private favorites - works that are not universally "popular" but hold an extraordinary attraction for me personally. Both the Auden/Kallman libretto and Stravinsky's music are endlessly fascinating, and this CD has become the perfect means for me to enjoy them.

An essential version.......2004-05-27

The music of Stravinsky's wonderful opera THE RAKE'S PROGRESS is a surreal juxtaposition. While it is unmistakably 20th-century, it also hearkens back to 18th-century opera. But the 18th-century references and motifs are often presented in a distorted, ironic light, as if viewed through an acerbic modern lens. In this recording, John Eliot Gardiner conducts the score little differently than he would conduct Handel or Mozart. He draws crisp, clean playing from the orchestra, with livlier tempos, classical-style phrasing, and the lean, spare sound that we associate with "period" performance. The result is that the music sounds both classical and bitingly modern - the perfect combination for this quintessential work of Neoclassicism. I will not elaborate on the soloists, who are all excellent and stylistically match the orchestral playing. This is an essential version of this Stravinsky masterpiece to own.

An example of great English opera!.......2003-05-21

I have never been a fan of opera in English. However, I am a fan of Stravinsky and my favorite operas are those by Mozart. After hearing that Stravinsky used Don Giovanni, Cosi fan tutte, Le nozze di Figaro, and Die Zauberflote (four of my favorite operas) as inspiration, I couldn't resist.

The Rake's Progress is very "Mozartean", and the influences of Don Giovanni and Cosi fan tutte are plain as day. The score is light, fun, and beautifully played, sung and conducted. I have all the other available recordings of The Rake and this is hands down the best one. It's so vibrant and wonderful. The casting is exceptionally.

If you want a great recording of a great English language opera, snatch it up!

What a fun performance!.......2002-04-26

This recording receives an interesting criticism. One of the heresies of the early music / authentic performance practice crowd is that these guys take the score reading TOO LITERALLY. Now, with this recording Gardiner takes it on the chin because some of the notes are not exactly what Stravinsky wrote.

Well, I know the score, too. And I am a Stravinsky nut. But I also love to be convinced musically and this performance is full of energy, life, and singing that seems to delight in the music and the music making. The orchestra plays like they are having FUN. One example is Tom's early aria when he sings "The world is so wide" The orchestra plays a descending run purely and cleanly yet we can hear the neighing of horses. Then Tom sings, " Come,wishes be horses; This beggar shall ride!" Great stuff!

If you want to learn to love opera and are an english speaker you can really go a long way with this wonderful opera and this wonderful recording. Don't worry about those who take severe stances on this or that point. That is purity as a vice. The point is the music and the music has a lot to do with the notes, but not EVERYTHING to do with the notes. But, by the way, they hit nearly all of them and the times they make alternative choices they aren't making mistakes, they are making choices. And the funny thing is, we know Stravinsky wanted his music performed exactly the way he wrote it, but this piece is modelled on eighteenth century opera where they would expect to make choices and the music as "necessary". Well, what does that mean for this piece? But this is too arcane an argument.

The fact is the music is a treasure and this performance is a delight.

Average customer rating: great album Surprisingly good the average talent pool is getting way to full Different. Amazing Energy

In the Name of Progress Fingertight Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bitter Shovel Above the Noise Cul-De-Sac Beginnings Dead Generation ASIN: B00008QSA1 Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Fear In Me
2. Bellevue
3. Guilt (Hold Down)
4. At War
5. Speak In Tongues
6. 515 Mellus
7. Nathaniel
8. Things Have Changed
9. Emo This
10. Shut Up
11. Surface
12. Resurface
13. The Orient
14. Bla Bla Radio
15. Magical

Customer Reviews:

great album.......2005-03-18

I think that this band is great and very original. I don't hear too many bands like them and they have a unique style. Here is a list of my rankings of the songs.

1. Fear In Me (10/10) F'n amazing song and a great album opener.
2. Bellevue (9/10) Another really good song...it has a different pace and is one of their more melodic songs.
3. Guilt (9/10) The single off the album and is a very good song.
4. At War (8/10) Excellent singing and pretty fast-paced.
5. Speak In Tongues - (9/10) Awesome song with a great chorus.
6. 515 Mellus - not much to rate (35 seconds long)
7. Nathaniel (10/10) Best song on the album along with Fear In Me.....not a hard song but its an ill song.
8. Things Have Changed (8/10) pretty good, regular fingertight song.
9. Emo This (7/10) Decent song but not one of their best.
10. Shut Up (9/10) Good song with some nice parts to it.
11. Surface (7/10) Another fast-paced song but its pretty good.
12. Resurface (7/10) Pretty good song
13. The Orient (8/10) No lyrics but its a pretty cool little interlude.
14. Bla Bla Radio (6/10) ehh
15. Magical (9/10) Awesome slow-paced album ender with great singing.

Surprisingly good.......2005-02-11

The number one complaint that I have heard so far is that the band doesn't sound original. But really, with the exception of the next great band, who is original? The songs on here are quality. They are great for spacing out during a car trip or something. There is nothing on here that will deeply effect your life, but there are some good songs on here none the less. "Shut up" and "emo this" come to mind. If nothing else look at it this way, they aren't overly popular so if you know about this band then you must be into the alt/rock scene. So for a good album by a band that can play and sing, why now just pay the quarter for it used. You won't regret it.

the average talent pool is getting way to full.......2004-08-22

Here we are with yet another band that lacks any originality. Ofcourse the lyrics are different from other bands but then again, that's why we have copyrights. Two stars for their efforts as it is hard to have originality in this day and age however that doesn't excuse them for making very average music. Not bad but not good either. This band will be just another band needing exposure to masses before other bands of the same caliber do in order to survive. To sum up...AVERAGE.

Different........2004-06-28

I've seen some reviews of people who think this is a metal album because Fingertight have toured with metal bands. If you think that, you will be disappointed. This is an alt/rock album. All the songs on this CD sound very differnt from one another (that's a good thing). If you like any form of rock and are open minded to different genres of music, I think you will like this CD. Get it used if you want and see for yourself.

Amazing Energy.......2004-04-05

Without a shadow of a doubt, Fingertight is in possession of one of the most entertaining frontmen of all time. The lead singers did swantons from the PA Kit into the stage. They never stood still for a quarter of a second, even for slow songs. Definately buy this album, it is great.

Average customer rating: All-American Fun A great listening pleasure. Better than some other selections I wish I could give more than 5 stars This music needs a lot less diva Bringing American opera to the forefront

Renée Fleming - I Want Magic! ~ American Opera Arias George Gershwin , Carlisle Floyd , Leonard Bernstein , Douglas S. Moore , Bernard Herrmann , Gian Carlo Menotti , Igor Stravinsky , Samuel Barber , André Previn , Metropolitan Opera Orchestra , James Levine , and Renée Fleming Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herrmann | Herrmann, Bernard | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Menotti | Menotti, Gian Carlo | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Previn, André | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Fleming, Renee | C to G | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Renée Fleming Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss Reneé Fleming & Jean-Yves Thibaudet - Night Songs (Fauré, Debussy, Marx, Strauss, Rachmaninov) Renée Fleming: Bel Canto Renée Fleming - Signatures ~ Great Opera Scenes / Sir Georg Solti ASIN: B00000AFR4 Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

1. Wuthering Heights: I Have Dreamt
2. The Ballad Of Baby Doe: The Letter Song
3. The Medium: Monica's Waltz
4. Porgy And Bess: Summertime
5. Porgy And Bess: My Man's Gone Now
6. Candide: Glitter And Be Gay
7. Susannah: Ain't It A Pretty Night
8. Susannah: The Trees on the Mountains
9. The Rake's Progress: No Word From Tom ... I Go, I Go To Him
10. VANESSA: He Has Come, He Has Come
11. A Streetcar Named Desire: I Want Magic!

Amazon.com

Like Dawn Upshaw's The World So Wide on Nonesuch, this program is such an inviting cross section of American opera of the last 50 years, you wonder why more of it hasn't been recorded. Composers include Carlisle Floyd, Douglas Moore, Samuel Barber, and Gian Carlo Menotti, whose childlike "Monica's Waltz" from the otherwise lurid opera The Medium is a highlight. Old favorites are here, such as Gershwin's "Summertime." And new favorites, too: Andre Previn's forthcoming "A Streetcar Named Desire" graciously offers Straussian lushness and bitonal wind-instrument details suggesting Blanche DuBois's mind departing from reality, all sounding remarkably true to Previn's pre-World War II upbringing in Berlin. This dramatically alert arioso isn't so melodically memorable but makes all necessary dramatic points eloquently. Though she performs vividly throughout, Fleming often lets her vocal tone overwhelm articulation of the words--a middling drawback. And comedy is not her thing: Bernstein's "Glitter and Be Gay" is way too hammy. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

All-American Fun.......2007-01-01

I love this CD. It's so incredibly American. It features American lyric soprano Renee Fleming singing American opera arias. Ms. Fleming is capably accompanied by the Met orchestra, America's best opera orchestra, conducted by another distinguished American, Maestro James Levine. The only way this CD could be more American is if it were released on July 4th, with two baseball tickets included. I'm grateful that Decca made this release.

This CD starts out very strong with a gorgeous aria "I have dreamt" from "Wuthering Heights". I've never seen this opera nor heard of this opera. If the opera is half as good as the aria, I would love to see it. Renee cruises through "The Letter Song" from "The Ballad of Baby Doe" with heartfelt interpretation. "Monica's Waltz" is not one of my favorite arias in the world, but Ms. Fleming sings it beautifully.

Here's where we depart, and the reason I gave this CD only 4 stars. First, Renee sings two arias from "Porgy and Bess": "Summertime" and "My Man's Gone Now". Renee's voice is way too rich and lush for these arias. Listen to Renee sing it, then listen to the gold standard, Leontyne Price. You'll see what I mean. Renee's rendition of "My Man's Gone Now" was just way too pretty. The score calls for some extended glissandos, which are supposed to be wails of grief. Renee sang the glissandos beautifully, but no grief was in sight. Her next choice "Glitter and Be Gay" from "Candide" is just not a good choice for her. I think even Renee would tell you that a voice like hers is just not right for Cunegonde. This aria (and role) calls for a smaller voice. [...].

Then Renee reminds me of why I love her in the first place, by returning to two arias from "Susannah", a signature role for her. Her performances of "Ain't it a pretty night!" and "The trees on the mountains" are too good for words. She completely understands this role, and communicates the mood in these arias right through your speakers. Just imagine how good it must be live!

Renee closes with "No word from Tom" (The Rake's Progress), "He has come, he has come!" (Vanessa), and "I want magic! (A Streetcar Named Desire). I wish more opera companies would produce "The Rake's Progress". This is a wonderful opera by an "adopted" American composer, Igor Stravinsky. The aria from "Streetcar" is kind of an odd choice to close this CD, but Renee did premiere the role of Blanche in this Previn piece with the SF Opera. So maybe it's not so strange after all.

Highly recommended for fans of Renee Fleming, and those who need to add some good old American opera to round out their Puccini collections. This is a nice performance record by a woman surely destined to be one of the greatest lyric sopranos in history.

A great listening pleasure. Better than some other selections.......2006-04-05

'I Want Magic' sung by superstar mezzo Renee Fleming, backed by James Levine and his Metropolitan Opera Orchestra follows the same pattern of severa of Fleming's other releases, in that there is one widely known and very familiar piece (Gershwin's 'Summertime' from 'Porgy and Bess') plus many less familiar pieces.

The theme of all the pieces is that they are arias from American operas, all in English. And, I get a lot more from this selection than I do from, for example, her recording of Shubert Lieder. One thing I learn is how totally typical is Leonard Bernstein's piece from 'Candide', which sounds like it stepped right out of a production of 'The Fantasticks'. Gershwin's two great songs, on the other hand, are icons of American music and even Herrmann's movie song from Wuthering Heights makes Bernstein's song sound ordinary.

But, the album is really all about Fleming's realization of these songs, which is simply nothing less than spectacular. While I tend to prefer hearing works 'in situ', Fleming's talent is so great that hearing her do eleven pieces out of context is worth it. The album is also more interesting than the average collection of Lieder in that it has the backing of a major American dramatic orchestra.

Better than average Fleming choice.

I wish I could give more than 5 stars.......2005-09-30

This recording is truly wonderful! I really feel that American composers have written some incredible things. I think that American opera is much better than British opera, with the exception of Benjamin Britten. My favorites on this track are actually all of them, but if I had to choose, I would pick: "No word from Tom" (The Rakes Progress, Stravinsky), "Ain't it a pretty night" (Sussanah, Floyd), "Glitter and be Gay" (Candide, Bernstein), and my absolute favorite "Monica's Waltz" (The Medium, Menotti). This is such a great album. Some of Renee's diction isn't completely clear, but that's opera. In order to acheive a beautiful sound, especially in English, certain vowels need to be altered. ESPECIALLY for the soprano voice. When singing so high, certain vowels and consonants need to be altered a bit. Anyway, it's an incredible album!!

This music needs a lot less diva.......2005-09-18

Renee Fleming has a glorious voice, and there's not a note here that isn't ravishing. Decca's engineers have caught the voice very well, and Levine's conducting is all it could be. The problem? Well, having her sing Summertime and My Man's Gone NOw was a bad idea, not only because both are cliches. Felming has a hard time sounding emotionally natural. She tends to apply her incredible voice with diva-like self-consciousness and play-acted emotion far too often.

Which means that her CD recitals are hit-and-miss. Glitter and Be Gay is a disaster here because she tries to be funny and winds up being self-conscious and embarrassing. But the big aria form Susannah, a role Fleming sings at the Met, is perfect. I expected a lot more adventurousness from this American collection, since Felming is, after all, an American singer. But it's mostly overplayed, like Puccini in English, sobs and all. I enjoyed the voice, but after a while the mannerisms became tiresome.

Bringing American opera to the forefront.......2005-01-20

American opera is not as well-known to many people because it can be complex, both musically and dramatically, and requires amazing vocal technique to sing things that sound simple. Fleming's recording highlights some familiar arias (the Susannah arias, for example) as well as some that are almost unknown. If you are an opera fan, and especially if you want to learn more about American opera, this CD is a great place to start. My favorite: Glitter and Be Gay, from Bernstein's Candide. Wow.

Average customer rating: Don't underestimate those "unknown" Operettas!! A few details Wonderful set, if a little inconsistent at times.

The Complete Gilbert & Sullivan (Box Set) Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Brannigan, Owen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan Gilbert & Sullivan - Operettas / Pro Arte Orchestra · Sir Malcolm Sargent Gilbert & Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore / Trial By Jury - David Hobson, Anthony Warlow, Colette Mann, Tiffany Speight, John Bolton Wood, Richard Alexander, Opera Australia, State Theatre, The Arts Centre Melbourne Operas of Gilbert and Sullivan Gilbert & Sullivan - Master Collection (Opera World) ASIN: B00008LJEO Release Date: 2003-05-13

Customer Reviews:

Don't underestimate those "unknown" Operettas!!.......2005-07-07

This is, as far as I know - the only way of buying the "official" recordings of "The Grand Duke" and "Utopia" - which seem to be otherwise out of print!! Several of the others are not that easy to get either.

In any case - most people getting this set will already have the Mikado, and very probably Pirates and Pinafore for that matter, so you're really getting it for the others.

So just for the record - someone has to say this!

The Mikado is (of course) a wonderful piece, but it enjoys its long running status as the most successful of all the G&S operettas very largely for "extra-musical" reasons. It is visually so wonderful, with all those great authentic costumes, and the whole idea of satirising English institutions by pretending they are Japanese is of course brilliantly funny.

Again, Pirates and Pinafore enjoy a lot of their acclaim simply because we have heard them so often. And at least part of the initial success of these (admittedly very funny and entertaining) pieces was the vogue for "nautical drama" on the popular Victorian stage.

Iolanthe, Ruddigore, and Yoemen are all MUCH stronger musically than any of what another reviewer here keeps calling the "trilogy". Patience, Princess Ida, and the Gondoliers all excel either "nautical" operetta, at least musically, although not, perhaps, the Mikado. And I have had a lot of fun listening to my recording of the Sorcerer - although I think most at least of the other G&S operettas are even more interesting.

As for "Trial by Jury" it is really another thing altogether - but in its kind the most perfect thing either Gilbert or Sullivan had anything to do with!

This leaves Utopia and the Grand Duke.

Both of these were produced after the long running friendship between G&S had soured, and they have been sadly neglected ever since. Utopia is none the less both musically beautiful and very funny, and well worth taking an effort to come to grips with. The main point of the satire (which many commentators and reviewers seem to miss) is the way that the English language and British (especially English) institutions were being adopted, often rather uncritically, by countries around the world (most, but not all, of them members of the British Empire, of course). India is perhaps the country Gilbert had most in mind, but you could set it in any of a dozen other countries. The residual problems this has left in the post-colonial world ensure that this work is still far from dated. In some ways this operetta is about globalisation! What could possibly be LESS dated than that!

The Grand Duke, on the other hand, is a bit of an odd man out - I suppose you still have to say it is the weakest of all the G&S efforts. It's the ONLY one that didn't score a very respectable run on its first outing. Surprisingly, however, if an attempt is made to duplicate the musical and (especially) dialogue cuts that G&S would have done themselves if they had not by this time been at each other's throats all the time, a very entertaining piece can be made of it. I was very agreeably surprised by the Ohio Light Opera recording, which does just that - and I am coming round to the idea that the only thing really wrong with the Duke is that it is too long.

ANYWAY:

For all people (especially callow youth) who remain convinced that G&S only wrote three operettas worth listening to - all I can say is, buy this set, and give the lesser known ones a chance. Make sure you have a libretto in your hands as you listen, of course. It may even just need a single hearing in some cases, but otherwise, be patient. In the meantime, you really cannot have any conception of what you are missing.

A few details.......2004-03-28

This 24-CD album consists of 12 plastic cases, each with a thin booklet giving background and plot summaries for the works on its 2 enclosed CD's. Most of the album consists of 15 operettas, 2 of which (Cox and Box, The Zoo) have texts not by Gilbert and 7 of which (The Sorcerer, Princess Ida, The Mikado, Ruddigore, Yeomen of the Guard, Utopia Limited, The Grand Duke) omit most of the spoken dialogue. Before listening to any of these operettas that you don't know well, you'll want to obtain a copy of its text so you can read along and not miss any of the words or the wit.

Wonderful set, if a little inconsistent at times........2003-07-07

If you thought that the Sargent set of G&S opera recordings was gargantum enough, then this D'Oyly Carte cycle is even more gargantum. Although it is more expensive (because of the four extra operas that the Sargent cycle did not include), this complete 24-CD set is like a joy to behold. There is a debate as to whether this is better than the Sargent cycle, but I like to think that this is a delight from first disc to last, because of the idiomatic sense of polish that these recordings seem to have, and are given a life that makes them able to breathe well. This is all thanks to Isidore Godfrey and Royston Nash's conducting. I know that the performances may not be entirely consistent (this is evident when you compare the performance and recording quality of Mikado and Pirates with those of Gondoliers and Pinafore), but this is only a matter of personal preference. The 1960s performances were given more sumptuous and well-detailed recordings than the 1970s recordings, made when the performing style was not so fresh. But anyway, I still think that this is definitely a good buy for anyone who loves G&S. Even with the consistency of Sargent's cheaper EMI set, I would still say: do go ahead to invest in the set because of the liveliness and style in this complete G&S cycle that Sargent never (hardly ever) tackles. The only thing is: I would also like to suggest complementing it with the 1957 Decca D'Oyly Carte recordings of Mikado and Pirates, recently released by the Sounds on CD label, so that these recordings can do justice to the enormous spirit of these operas.

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