title: Kwick-ness!

text:
Kwick was an Old School R&B unit from the very early 80's produced by Allen A. Jones (Bar Kays, Ebonee Webb.)  A remarkable note on Jones' production values is that he would cop the hit sound(s) of the day" by slightly altering melodies or basslines and rewriting them to sound like any of the current bands who were riding the charts fairly high at this time with hits of their own.

"Nightcruising," a song by Bar Kays from an album of the same title, sounds very close to Rick James' "Give It To Me, Baby" and "Freaky Behavior," a further single from the same album, is anOTHER Rick James sound-a-like of his smash hit, "Super Freak."  With Kwick, "I Want To Dance with You" closely resembles "Too Tight" by Con Funk Shun and "Shake 'Til Your Body Breaks," a direct cop of The Jacksons' "Shake Your Body Down to the Ground."

Although the Allen A. Jones trademark involves "copping" hit songs, the two albums which make up this twofer of a Funk unit which never truly received its due, exhibits a fresh, crisp, remastered sound courtesy of Expanison Records, U.K.

A further album entitled "Foreplay" boasted another seemingly "copped" single in "Stuck Up," which seems to have borrowed elements of Minneapolis Funk musings a la The Time and combined them with Midnight Star's hit, "No Parking on the Dancefloor" or Chocolate Milk's "Take It Off."  If early 80's Funk is what you love and crave, check out this twofer with a "Kwick"-ness!


title: One Light Was A Proven Beacon!

text:
When we talk about music that's both obscure and funky, one of the first bands that comes to mind for ME is The Quick aka Colin Campsie and George MacFarlane.

Best known for their HUGE Post-Disco/Funk hit, "Zulu" on Pavillion/CBS from 1981, they would follow a year later domestically (in the U.S.) with the equally as driving and funky, "Rhythm of the Jungle" on Epic/CBS Records followed by the brilliantly synthesized and percussive, "One Light in A Blackout" album.

By 1982, Disco was two years behind and a more electronically embellished Funk was presenting with Disco enhancements, but that leaned more heavily toward the underground synthesized R&B sounds of the day.

The Quick were very original; No one even sounded LIKE them and their music boasted production that was ahead of its time.  They even produced three tracks from Linda Lewis' "A Tear and A Smile," her sole Epic release as well as predated Madonna's breakthrough by only a year.  I could actually see them having worked WITH her had such an opportunity presented.

If you like your Funk pulsating and infused with tribal-ish percussion, seasoned with African-like chanting (for good measure,) a little New-Wave in the mix and a Blue-Eyed Soul approach, you will absolutely LOVE this album.  The Quick were to Post Disco formats THEN what Jamiroquai was to Neo-Soul in the following decade.  Noteworthy are "Sharks Are Cool, Jets Are Hot" and the aforementioned singles, "Zulu" and "Rhythm of the Jungle."  "One Light in A Blackout" was an early indicator of the direction Post-Disco/80's R&B and Funk were headed, and the light in THIS blackout:  a proven beacon.


title: A Third Kashif/Paul Laurence Jones-Produced Early 80's R&B Masterpiece!

text:
After three hit singles ("Take My Love," "Love's Comin' At Ya" and "Mind Up Tonight") from her previous two albums, "What A Woman Needs" and "The Other Side of the Rainbow,"  "Never Say Never" further cemented the fact that Melba Moore had a hit formula in place and a hit production team (Kashif and Paul Laurence Jones III).

Much like the aforementioned two previous titles, "Never Say Never" follows suit with equal parts of funk (my own personal favorites, the first single, "Keepin' My Lover Satisfied," "It's Really Love," and "Lovin' Touch") as well as with midtempo funk numbers ("Love Me Right," "Got To Have Your Love" and the title cut).  It's in one of the album's two ballads ("Livin' for Your Love,") that she would score a Top Five R&B hit courtesy of, at the time, Kashif protoge, LaLa (who would also be the composer/producer of a Whitney Houston jam entitled "Thinkin' About You" from Houston's debut album in 1984).  The album's truly monumental moment is in the closing RE-recording of an earlier gem from 1975, "Lean On Me," (written by Van McCoy) which is more lushly arranged and orchestrated than the original was and which features that same killer 25-second note at the end which she attributes to "circular breathing."

If you're a fan of her "What A Woman Needs" or "The Other Side of the Rainbow" albums (1981 & 1982), you will no doubt embrace and enjoy "Never Say Never."  It is, like the aforementioned titles, so characteristic of Old School R&B of the early 80's into which synthesizers were first being incorporated.  By way of new production techniques, kitteny and equally as leonine vocals, Moore takes yet another album to the top of the R&B charts where she truly belongs!


title: I'd give it zero stars if I could

text: A poor excuse for an album.


title: Japanese Disc of King Crimson Retrospective

text: King Crimson retrospective programmed somewhat chronologically featuring three different decades and band line-ups of Fripp's  increasingly complex progressive rock/jazz efforts. This is a very nice Japanese press I acquired recently at a relatively low price very good used. It is normally not recommended for US consumers because of the high price point. It is a good recording representative of the first 25 plus years of the career span, and is perfect for a one record casual fan. It is of some increased value that a few of the cuts are live, where most long-time fans think Crimson can be at their best...(and worst).... as is usually the case with progressive music. IMHO it makes it a true representation of what makes KC so great to listen to.


title: THE PITS

text: Andrea Bocelli cannot sing opera, with or without a mike. While more bearable than Michael Bolton or Sara Brightman, Bocelli simply does not  have the voice to sing opera. He should stick to singing sirupy love  ballads, and leave the opera to the pros. I have lost all respect for  Denyce Graves when I heard she will disgrace herself to join him in  Michigan Opera Theater's Werther...


title: Rip off, not a limited edition, but a extended edition, cheap case, CD  unnumbered !!!

text: The Music was 10/10, excellent, but I paid  a very serious premium  for a limited edition.. This is a unnumbered, unlimited number EXTENDED version. NOT LIMITED. I paid $65 in the end for a ordinary CD costing no more than any other, say $5. Also for a premium CD the presentation could not have been cheaper. a printed cardboard case. This SHOULD be been stated on the advert , when the case is not crystal.  I expected a chrystal case to protect this very, very expensive CD, but no. a cheap cardboard wrap. BUY THE CHEAP AMAZON $15 VERSION, EVEN WITHOUT THE EXTRA TRACKS, you have the very best music. A class piece of sound for the ears and mind.  I was fooled, not again, lesson learnt. I kept the CD as a reminder and the slow post and cost  to return it would have been a pain. I feel sorry for the musician, this was a label producers bad job done.


title: Una combinación increíble

text: Una combinación increíble de estilos y sonidos, clavecín-piano, classic-jazz.


title: not happy

text: vinyl has very deep scratcher on it looks like some one done it was a knive only a few songs with pay i got riped off


title: Wonderful worship CD

text: Great worship experience by Terry MacAlmon as usual. Love the title song especially - really uplifting.


title: Excellent Guidance for Happiness in Life

text: I loved the wisdom and Biblical focus! It immediately lifted my spirits by perfectly explaining how a loss of vision and hope deferred can sadden the heart. Having been married, I thought the marital information was awesome and absolutely accurate. I purchased an extra set to share with my family and friends!  I listen repeatedly as I travel to and from work. When I faced a challenging meeting with leadership at work, I listened to the section on "The Incredible Worth and Terrible Cost of Conflict."  It helped tremendously!  I wish the material were in print.  I am starting to transcribe the information!  I feel as if I am being mentored by a millionaire!


title: Twenty-five years later, I still remember one of the verses!

text: I grew up with a few of these as tapes. Twenty-five years later, I still remember one of the verses based on the memorable tune GT associated with it! I am happy to get some cds for my two young sons, and I also enjoyed a long conversation with the creator of it, who, unsurprisingly, conveys a strong love for God and His Holy Word. I definitely recommend these recordings for any child from toddler to preteen!


title: Forgotten Eagles Album from the country-western period.

text: One of my favorite Eagles Albums, with Doolin-Dalton, Desperado and other songs harking back to the outlaw days of the Old West.


title: "Classic Rock" Rocks!

text: Time-Life music did a phenomenal job with this series (Classic Rock), and this disc is a great beginning.  Sound quality on "1964" is very good and the anthology is a good mix of big hits and less familiar hits (like Hippy Hippy Shake and Do Wah Diddy Diddy).  This is a mix of mainstream Mid Sixties American Pop Rock (Jan and Dean, and the Beach Boys for example), the British Invasion (e.g., The Zombies and Peter and Gordon) and the Motown Sound (The Supremes).  All-in-all this disc gives you a great feel for Classic Rock in the Mid Sixties.  The entire series is really worth having.  Keeping with the series title, there is very little here that could be considered Bubblegum or pure Pop.


title: BILL PAYING BLUES

text: An excellent CD!  Especially an excellent CD to which to listen when you are paying bills on a gloomy Saturday morning, and you already have the "Bill Paying Blues."  This CD just goes and goes.  It contains 16 tracks and is a good long listening length.  It is being on a road and just letting it take you and getting lost.  The clarity is surprisingly amazing.  This CD has better sound quality than just about anything we listen to and hear today in 2015 with CDs, Movies, Videos, television, streaming and all the crap of hi-tek.  This is one CD that the listener can actually understand, pick out individual instruments and vocals and appreciate them.


title: GREAT RENDITIONS OF CLASSIC SCORES

text:
Okay, purists may balk about a CD that 'bastardizes' these classic symphonic film scores by rock interpretations, but I'm here to say that I love it - and I'm a purist.

Great music can be open to a variety of playing styles, and this IS great music, culled from such memorable film scores as THE MUMMY (1932), KING KONG (1933), THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935), THE WOLF MAN (1941), and GODZILLA (1954), as well as from TV shows like THE CISCO KID (1948) and THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (1951), among many more. The musicianship is excellent, combining Rock, Blues, Funk and Latino overtones while still doing justice to the original compositions. All 21 tracks cover a nice range of material, which makes for some diverse listening.

Being a huge fan of the scores from such film composers as Max Steiner, Franz Warman, Hans J. Salter, Frank Skinner and Akira Ikfube, I've often wondered how their music might sound if played with a rock beat, and this CD satisfies my curiosity to the fullest degree. I consider it a new way of appreciating music I've loved for many years. If you're also a fan and enjoy a variety of musical styles, give this disc a spin - you won't be disappointed. My only quibble: I want a volume 2.

Highly recommended.


title: Great reading of a fantastic book!

text:
I first fell in love with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings in 6th grade. That love hasn't faded over the ensuing 40 years. This audiobook - and the companion for LoTR - do the original full justice. Rob Inglis is a master of voice and characterization - and he brings the book fully to life.

I do wish that this were available on MP3; transferring the disks to iTunes is a bit cumbersome. But if you're looking for a fantastic listening experience, this is more than worth that minimal effort.


title: Good CD!

text: Briefly, if you've ever enjoyed any artist's hard work, you should be gracious enough to say so.  Essentially, I liked about 80% of Elan's CD (i.e. didn't care for the 'Sexual Healing' and 'Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing' - both were relatively easy).  Lastly, Elan should stay mindful, the more challenging to create and play, his listeners will greatly  appreciate and support his efforts.  Looking forward to hearing his next project.


title: The Dreamer is my favorite version.

text: Exquisitly done and preserved. The Dreamer is my favorite version.


The sound quality on several key tracks is poor. I agree with other reviewers who believe that they seem to be recorded from a vinyl album in not great condition.


title: Classic Sounds!

text: A complete treasure to hear plus it came with an information booklet to help one orient themselves to the history of the score.


title: excellent cd set contains so much of glen miller's music ...

text: excellent cd set contains so much of glen miller's music much of the songs I never heard before. if you like glen miller's music, then this cd set is worth every penny.- T.H.


title: Broadcaster Murrow vs. Senator McCarthy - 1954

text:
This film deals with 1950's journalism and politics. It depicts the CBS News investigation of Senator Joseph McCarthy. Done by CBS television's "See It Now" unit, the program sought to show how Senator McCarthy was misusing his investigative power.
Senator McCarthy claimed he was trying to find Communists within the government. So far as is known, he didn't find any Communists but he gained a lot of public attention for his investigations.
The film - done from an inside perspective at CBS News - is a period piece, but rather an interesting one. It shows how much sweat and toil went into producing the story on McCarthy and its aftermath.
Edward R. Murrow and "See it Now" produced what has come to be recognized as a historic documentary. Told in flashback from 1958, when Murrow gave a speech critical of the broadcast industry, this is a film well worth seeing.


title: BARRY AT HIS GORGEOUS BEST

text:
John Barry's beautiful romantic themes get the deluxe treatment in this newly released complete soundtrack recording of the 1986 movie.
This would be his third teaming with Francis Ford Coppola, following his scores for "Hammett" (82) and the Grammy winning "The Cotton Club" (84).  Kathleen Turner won a well deserved Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her fine portrayal of the title character, playing a 42 year old woman facing a marriage breakdown, attending her 25 year high school reunion only to find herself transported back in time to her senior year and thus in a position to alter her own destiny.
A gorgeous film score, maybe a little repetitious, but for Barry fans it's a must with the unforgettable and unmistakeable romantic melodies that made Barry  one of the all time great film composers.  As a bonus , you also get Buddy Holly's immortal main title hit plus source cues featuring Dion & The Belmonts, The Marshall Crenshaw Band, a touch of Borodin and even a Nicolas Cage rendition of "He Don't Love You".  Plus a booklet with great photos and insightful notes on the music and John Barry by noted film music critic Jon Burlingame.


title: A ROLLICKING ALFRED NEWMAN

text: Very much in the tradition of Erich Wolfgang Korngold which is a bit unfair because just about every swashbuckling adventure film is going to be linked to the great Warner bros. composer of "Captain Blood" and "The Sea Hawk". "The Black Swan" (1942) was, vaguely based on the Rafael Sabatini novel, and featured  a stellar cast headed by the dashing Tyrone Power, a stunning Maureen O'Hara and a wonderful supporting cast led by Laird Cregar, Thomas Mitchell, George Sanders and Anthony Quinn. And the music as you would expect from one of the all time greats, Alfred Newman, captures all the excitement and thrills of a rousing pirate adventure which includes a wonderful choral arrangement of the sea chantey he created with Charles Henderson: "Heave Ho!".  This robust  and stirring music score won Newman a well deserved Academy Award nomination. This beautifully presented CD comes with a 24 page  booklet filled with gorgeous photos from the film and informative notes on the production (by Rudy Behlmer) and a complete guide to the Newman music (by Jon Burlingame and Ray Fiola). A credit to all concerned!


title: THE INCOMPARABLE BERNARD HERRMANN

text: When the Alfred Hitchcock Presents show went to one hour, thus creating The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, it allowed not only writers and directors more scope to develop extended story lines but also the opportunity for composers to construct music scores to fully compliment the episodes.  And who better than the great Bernard Herrmann to create some compelling, awe-inspiring scores for this classic show which ran from 1962 through 1965.  Herrmann scored seventeen of the shows, nine of which appear on this three disc set, comprising some two and a half hours of spell minding magic. The genius of one of cinema's all time greats lifting television music to a new level!  A limited edition release by Varese Sarabande, grab it while you can because this type of item has a habit of sky rocketing in price value on the collector's market.


title: DELIGHTFUL JAMES HORNER SCORE

text: Residents of a Florida retirement community suddenly discovering the fountain of youth thanks to some alien pods is the crux of this charming 1985 Ron Howard film.  With a cast of classy veterans like Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Jack Gilford, Maureen Stapleton and Gwen Verdon and Brian Dennehy as an alien, how could you go wrong?  A warm, humanistic fantasy-drama, "Cocoon" is helped enormously by a delightful James Horner music score.  Lyrical, exuberant music, this romantic orchestral score with a nice piece of big-band swing included is just perfect for the film.  His first collaboration with Howard, this is one of Horner's best of his early scores. Although I wouldn't rank Horner as one of my favorite composers, I am beginning to appreciate his work more and more and as this is one of 24 Horner soundtracks I have, he must be doing something right!


title: MEMORABLE SCORE BY ELMER BERNSTEIN

text: The years 1962-1963 produced some of Elmer Bernstein's greatest film scores.  Following "Birdman of Alcatraz", "To Kill A Mockingbird", "Walk on the Wild Side" and "The Great Escape" came this little gem from the obscure and generally forgettable "Rampage."  This big-game hunt adventure drama set in the Malay jungle featured Robert Mitchum, Jack Hawkins and Elsa Martinelli  involved in the usual  romantic triangle. It was also Sabu's last film. Bernstein's music is terrific with a lively "Big Cat" opening song with lyrics by Mack David and about ten minutes of "Hi Fi" music which starts the soundtrack off superbly. There's some 78 minutes of fantastic Bernstein music on this CD.  To quote Jeff Bond in the liner notes: " ... its mix of source, ethnic and Hollywood traditions, and the film's wild range of moods, Elmer Bernstein's indelible musical personality shapes the entire endeavor into a cohesive composition. Romantic, exciting and infectious, the score is a lost classic now rescued from obscurity."


title: EARLY JERRY GOLDSMITH GEMS

text:
Don't be put off by the titles of these two so-so movies, both released in 1964.  You're in for a very nice surprise by the marvelous music produced by the great Jerry Goldsmith in his early forays into feature film scoring.  To be honest, Goldsmith had been around for quite a while with a rich grounding in television scoring (i.e. when television music was a class act!) and had scored a dozen or so films including an Oscar nomination for "Freud" but this was just before he hit it "big" and the rest  of course is cinematic history.
A generally mediocre film, "Shock Treatment" is graced with a stunner of a soundtrack. Being set in a mental asylum gave Goldsmith a terrific opportunity to use a lot of experimentation with electronics and his creepy, weird and unsettling music is a fantastic listening experience.  A little reminiscent of some of his "Thriller" music, this score is an absolute gem and high praise to Intrada for getting it at last on CD.
"Fate is the Hunter", the better known of the two films, is about an investigation into a plane crash and has only about 14 minutes of music but is noteworthy for a very attractive main theme which dominates the score with many variations. There's also a song, penned by Don Wolf and sung by Jerry Wright.
Two very different soundtracks but vital items if you are a Jerry Goldsmith fan. Is there anyone out there that isn't?


title: THRILLING FILM GETS SUPERB ROZSA TREATMENT

text: A rip-snorter of an adventure yarn based on the Ken Follett best-seller, "Eye of the Needle" has the added advantage of having a superb Miklos Rozsa score to compliment it.  Set during World War II, the film is an exciting, pulsating espionage thriller with a perfectly cast Donald Sutherland as a German spy working in London ruthlessly trying to find out where and when a massive Allied troop invasion of occupied France is to occur.  Rozsa's music is full of his usual brilliant touches with exciting, suspense filled themes mixed  with lush and beautiful romantic interludes.  A very typical  Rozsa music score which means a great Rozsa listening experience for lovers of the film and film music fans in general.  There is nothing new on this CD release from the 1981 soundtrack LP record; just 41 minutes plus of thrilling music. You won't be disappointed!


title: "SHANE" SCORE - VICTOR YOUNG'S MASTERPIECE

text: I don't think Victor Young ever wrote a bad film score.  And with "Shane" he reached the pinnacle of his brilliant career. This has got to be one of the most beautiful film scores ever and his main theme, "The Call of the Faraway Hills" has to be one of the loveliest pieces ever composed for film.  Simply dumbfounded how this gorgeous music (and so appropriate to the film's story) didn't even win an Academy Award Nomination !!!  Admittedly I am a little biased as I consider this George Stevens film  as near perfect a film there is and it sits in my top five all time  favorites.  We've waited a long time to get the complete soundtrack released and thanks to La-La Land Records we have it now in all its glory.  It also comes accompanied by a terrific 24 page booklet filled with photos and informative notes on the film and music by Jim Lochner.  Sixty-six minutes of unforgettable music from one of the greatest movies ever made!


title: EXCELLENT MOODY SCORES BY ROSENMAN AND FIELDING

text: Two distinctive soundtracks on the one CD linked by the fact that both films were made by cult director Don Siegel. "Hell is for Heroes", a good 1962 war film boasts a brief (16 minutes) but very effective score by Leonard Rosenman, a fine modernist composer probably best known for his James Dean connection via his great scores for "East of Eden" and "Rebel Without a Cause" and later for dual Oscar wins for adapting the music for "Barry Lyndon" and "Bound for Glory".  Although brief, "Hell" is a dark and moody piece with a nice touch of military music background.  Following this Rosenman went on to achieve more praise by scoring the t.v. war series "Combat".<br />"Escape from Alcatraz" (1979) was one of the last scores composed by the brilliant Jerry Fielding ("The Wild Bunch", "Straw Dogs", "The Gauntlet", "The Enforcer", "The Outlaw Josey Wales").  This is quite a unique work where Fielding used an electro-acoustic form (and to quote the accompanying booklet by John Takis)  "involving sonic manipulations beyond the normal spheres of melody, harmony and meter". This gives the film a very eerie atmosphere, well in keeping with the somber mode of this well-made Clint Eastwood vehicle.  During his early career,  Fielding suffered at the hands of HUAC which robbed music lovers of a more prolific film output from him but over recent years we have been fortunate in having so much of his excellent but lesser known work  being released by Intrada and other dedicated film score companies and they are all wonderful discoveries.


title: ANOTHER COMPLETE JERRY GOLDSMITH GEM

text: For film music lovers who have only heard this score via the LP or the earlier CD version, you are in for a delightful surprise with this release of the complete score.  Not only do you get the original United Artists soundtrack album on this 2-disc set but an extended 51 minutes of the actual soundtrack music plus another 18 of extra and related Goldsmith music.  "Train Robbery", a very under rated 1979 Michael Crichton adventure (also based on his novel) set in Victorian England is exciting and great fun featuring terrific lead performances by Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland.  The great Jerry Goldsmith with his entertaining, jaunty and 'locomotive-inspired" rhythms adds immensely to this unusual crime caper's enjoyment.  Also an excellent stand alone film score.  Music lovers rejoice, another Goldsmith gem presented in its entirety.


title: Boston Pops Sampler

text:
BMG has digitally reprocessed a complete 1958 "Living Stereo" recording by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra that gives a good sampling of the variety of music Fiedler programmed during his 50-year tenure (1929 to 1979) in Boston.

This album even features the original color photograph with Fiedler and some pretty women at a formal tea party.  It remains a delightful and enjoyable collection of light classics and even selections from popular films and musicals.

The Boston Pops Orchestra is drawn from members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and still gives many of its concerts in Boston's Symphony Hall.  A long tradition has been the Esplanade concerts on the Charles River.  Although pops concert began in the late nineteenth century, it was Fiedler who really popularized them through recordings, broadcasts, and even telecasts.  Beginning in July 1935, the Pops recorded for RCA Victor, a relationship that continued until the late 1960's.

The classical selections on this CD include a rare stereo recording of the overture to Michael Balfe's "The Bohemian Girl," an operetta that was adapated for a Laurel and Hardy feature film released in 1936.  The overture features many of the familiar tunes from the operetta and those familiar with the film will recognize them.  It is extremely well-played by the orchestra.

A special treat is a wonderful performance of the overture to Otto Nicolai's opera "The Merry Wives of Windsor."  This showcases the Boston strings and includes some very sensitive and virtuoso playing by the orchestra.  The only recording that may rival this one is Sir Thomas Beecham's recording for Columbia.

Fiedler excels in two familiar pieces from the operettas of Franz Lehar, "The Merry Widow" and "The Count of Luxemburg."  These fully capture the Viennese spirit and have all of the ebb and flow typical of Lehar's music.

Another rarity is Bolzoni's "Minuet," a piece that Toscanini often programmed.  It really showcases the string players.  Interestingly, Toscanini and Fiedler were friends.  Toscanini expressed his admiration for what Fiedler was doing and called him "Arturo" since they actually share variations of the same first name.

"Hernando's Hideaway" from the musical "Pajama Game" is delightfully performed.  There is considerable whimsy and energy in the performance, too, of music that has recently been revived on Broadway.

For the 1955 film adaptation of William Inge's "Picnic," the popular tune "Moonglow" was combined with the film's theme to create a new tune, which was a highlight of the film when Kim Novak danced at the climax of the festivities (after being crowned a beauty queen).  This is yet another rare recording by Fiedler.

Fiedler was at the height of his powers in Boston when these selections were taped in Boston's Symphony Hall in the spring of 1958.  The album was quickly released later that year as RCA Victor flooded the classical market with a number of stereo LPs in its three-channel "Living Stereo" process.  It remains a very enjoyable album and the sound still amazes the listener.


title: If you like Baba Sehgal...get ready!

text: If you are one of those Baba Sehgal fans that have liked him since the massive Thanda Thanda Pani came out, then do yourself a favor and buy this album. Receiving it as a bday gift back in 1993, it's held up in terms of Baba's freestyle rhymes and absurd lyrics. Nonetheless, it's got something for everyone... club bangers, slow jams, songs about nothing. And that's what makes it great. Plus it comes with Shweta and Johnny Joker's tracks...but Baba alone is worth the price of purchase. Highly recommended!


title: The quality of Wilkerson

text: This cd, is fantastic, my first never heard of him,  recommended by a friend of mine,  very good


title: Three Stars

text: needs mountain music back-up


title: wane raney featuring the delmore brothers

text: this disk is a huge work of junk!!!!if you are looking for the good old original work of these excellent old time execlent artist, you will be very disiponted!!!this disk has been overlayed with modern type instruments!!!and they are chargin a huge price for this piece of junk. I really feal riped off. I mean relly ripped!!!!


title: Four Stars

text: Nice.


title: Great

text: Grate


title: Don't believe what has been said about the videos

text: I've seen a lot of people b*!;:'ing about the videos. I'm not sorry but everything looks immaculate!! Worth every penny! I haven't listened to the discs as I bought this for the DVD. Trust me when I tell u! This is the hottest Janet DVD I've ever seen & yes I do love the All For You special edition but if ur a Janet fan a little or a lot u will not be disappointed!


title: Great selection of memories !

text: Chill out and listen to REAL music !! Those were the days of peace & love and we need today!! Very pleased with this cd great purchase!!


title: Interludes: Rain and Thunder.

text: Just exactly what I  wanted. Had this on cassette many years ago and enjoyed it a lot then. Glad to have it back.  Fast shipping,great service.


title: Good alternative

text: I bought this on mp3 and like the variety . The album starts out pretty heavy ( conquer) and slowly gets extremely light with lonely road as kind of a blues ballad. Over all pretty cool for indie


title: Review for 2 DVD/4 CD Version (London To Vegas Box Set).

text:
First...this can be had for a much cheaper price elsewhere. I paid about $33 with tax for mine.

These materials were all released as individual DVD and CD releases and a dual DVD release. So the material is available in numerous forms. Just as I was about to start buying all those releases, I noticed this box set was available.

It arrived in what looked like a custom shipping box that was made for this product. It was well protected.

The company that manufactures this box set is out of Germany, and they have done similar treatments to a variety of music releases in the rock field. I have a similarly packaged set, of the same construction, for the Moody Blues - The Polydor Years. Its really quite nice.

The Def Leppard London to Vegas DVD/CD set features a trifold gatefold sleeve, which houses the two DVDs, and the 4 CDs. The artwork is nice, incorporating the Union Jack, and the US flag, in a nice graphic arrangement. Next is the hardcover book of the same dimensions as the gatefold sleeve. It features high quality photos of box the London and Vegas shows, as well as album credits and track listings in the back of the book. The books cover is similarly themed as the rest of the packaging. I'm a sucker for clever packaging, and this is a really nice set in that regard. its not the highest quality in the world. I've had similarly packaged stuff before, the adhesives sometimes give out, and stuff comes loose. But I have learned to take better care of stuff like this. My Everly Brothers 2 CD Reunion Concert set, is made by the same company, I think... and the paper covering began to peal off after a few years, the adhesive seemed to dry up and stop holding stuff together. So I take that into consideration with these type of sets. I'm sure they improved the process over time.

Now on to the material on the discs. The DVDs are excellent. The picture quality is top notch. The sound is near perfect. The 02 show obviously features Hysteria performed in its entirety, with a few additional songs as encores at the end. It is good in just about every way. A bonus feature called Hysteria: Then and Now features the band discussing the making of the album, the lifespan of the album, and celebrating it in this performance.

The accompanying two CDs feature the exact same track listing, and sounds absolutely amazing. Def Leppard have their concerts down to a science, and recreate their catalog with incredible precision.

The Vegas DVD is equally beautiful, capturing the band in excellent form. Its more of typical DF concert, spanning their career. What I like about the Vegas set is that they were there for a while, and could afford to spend the time and effort in expanding their typical touring set up. They didn't have to worry about setting it and tearing it down everyday, so it was grander in many ways. It looks very cool on camera, and incorporated clever touches that you don't get to see on an average tour stop. This show covers considerably greater ground than the 02 show, as it wasn't highlighting one album. So you get most of the hits and then some. By now, DL has an incredible catalog, which they mine and change quite often. They do a good job of including hits, album favorites, deeper cuts, and a few newer tracks. This set also includes a mini four song acoustic set, on a second stage extension, another benefit of being in one place for an extended period.

The sound, right across both concerts, is stunning...if I didn't already say that. This is an excellent set all the way around. I have attempted to collect music, that I have had previously on LP, cassette, and CD...with box sets similar to this. And some of my favorite artists are putting out some great releases, that sort of collect up all their works, in a set, or volumes of sets... And Def Leppard are no exception. The collections featuring their early years, and studio albums are great. It can get expensive.... But its also expensive if you set out to buy it all individually. And these sets usually give you enough extras to make it worth it.

This set also comes in Blu-Ray, and you can get the audio portion on vinyl. I highly recommend it, no matter which one you go for.


title: Good stuff!

text:
I bought this cd at a flea market in Pasadena, Ca. many years ago. I've always been a big fan of the Animals and the British Invasion in general. This particular release seemed to be a semi-official release from Sweden. It was basically a printing of a BBC radio broadcast.... minus the commercials. Between songs, a BBC radio personality sets up the upcoming track with a bit of history and what was going on with the band, around the time each track was recorded. These segments also include interview snippets with Eric Burdon. The Animals visited the BBC numerous time from 1964-1968.
I know there is an expanded version of the bands BBC recordings out there... I have not heard that one, and I don't know if it contains the in between talking bits. It plays like a radio rock-u-mentary, and I find it really enjoyable. All songs are really good, featuring strong performances. I highly recommend getting this edition if you can get your hands on one. While this, oddly, does not feature House Of The Rising Sun.... it does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the album. Still plenty of familiar songs and hits to be solid from beginning to end.

 Track List:
 1. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
 2. Gonna Sen You Back To Georgia
 3. Bring It Home To Me
 4. See See Rider
 5. We've Gotta Get Outta This Place
 6. Heartbreak Hotel
 7. Worksong
 8. It's My Life
 9. Corrina, Corrina
10. Inside Looking Out
11. Sweet Little Sixteen
12. Jailhouse Rock
13. Paint It Black
14. When I Was Young
15. San Francisco Nights
16. Monterey


title: Missing some

text: Where is “Shake Your Pants” and “Alligator Woman”???


title: Just like the 3 albums b4 this new 1 ("The Diving ...

text: ........... Just like the 3 albums b4 this new 1 ("The Diving Board", "The Captain And The Kid", and "Peachtree Road"), this 1 also has the original band and Bernie Taupin continues 2 write ALL the lyrics 4 Elton John and is frankly damn good at it....... Elton and company, U STILL got it!!!!!!!!!!!


title: My favorite drummer (Neil Peart of Rush) produced this as well ...

text: ........... My favorite drummer (Neil Peart of Rush) produced this as well as volume 2 and BOTH are excellent if U dig this genre as eye dew!!!!!!!!!!!


........... For any Dazz Band fan, this is a must have CD... It's got a megamix of their hits as well as the individual hits, a really gr8 new track titled "Nasty Boogie", & their very 1st single when they were known as Kinsman Dazz ("I Might As Well Forget About Loving You" which I had as a 45 single)...........


title: Five Stars

text: a Classic!!!!


title: Great companion to volume one!!!!

text:
20 years ago we bough the cassette version of Volume One. We loved its tranquil beauty and  I searched for it when CD's came out, but I could never find it. AT LAST.... I found it and also VOLUME 2...... Both are beautiful. Get them before they disappear again.

Great companion to volume One!!!!


title: Had it as a tape

text: I wanted it in CD form.  I came as the supllier said it would.  Excellent variation in selection of songs.  Would recommend these CD's to anyone who likes smooth jazz


title: Five Stars

text: Very good


title: Likes

text: The C.D. is great very happy with it.


title: Five Stars

text: came in great shape ,, much thanks


title: Five Stars

text: Album came in perfect shape


title: Five Stars

text: Record came in perfect shape


title: Five Stars

text: Record in perfect shape


title: Four Stars

text: Received record in very good shape, thanks again,


title: Lauren Hill CD

text: I love this cd, it was in great condition. I haven’t stopped listening to it yet.


title: I love this CD

text: I love this CD! If you like great blues you will love Danny's version for sure. He has a really soulful, heart driven sound. The spiritual message is an added blessing, but even the unbeliever will find this to be a  great listening experience.


title: Good Gospel Food!

text: John Shea provides a very insightful and enjoyable walk through the Gospel of Mark.  His insights will be of interest to those that are new to the Gospels as well as those that have been studying it for years.  Many of his observations are drawn from narrative criticism and provide a new appreciation for the direct and spiritual approach Mark's Gospel.  I'm on my third time through the tapes just to try to take in all the good material!  This is a good tape series for your own growth and they'd make a good adult or high school youth bible study resource!


title: Lovely songs by a lovely voice

text: Susan has a lovely voice, and her choice of songs (celtic & songs of the sea) are perfect. Would definitely buy again!


title: A big disappointment

text: Disappointing.  Not for the singing, which was great as always, but the selection of songs didn't include some of the songs I bought it for.  I had watched several videos of the group doing Christmas songs. and I was expecting most of those to be on the CD.  Some of the songs they did, I didn't even like.  Should have looked for the list of songs before I bought it.  Don't know  if I will even bother to listen to it again.


title: great deal!

text: LOVE this set of 4cds!! Listening to these songs sung by the original artists brought back wonderful memories.


title: Five Stars

text: good songs


title: Five Stars

text: GREAT


title: Bridging the Gap of 80's New Wave & 90's Alt Rock

text:
Obscure band from Texas and usually not my cup of tea but like anything in life there will always be exception to ones rules if enough effort is made.
Well here you have a quartet of musicians who where probably well tuned into 80s new wave and pop rock where the echoes of Sting's Police and early U2 is surely a medium this bands channeled for the release. From the opening track you can hear the chiming echoes guitar ala Andy Summers, tight dynamic drumming and the vocals which are very much in the Sting/Jim Kerr aka Simple Minds style of singing.
Another thing that really threw me off the cliff is that these lads are religious and dont hide it in the tracks titles and lyrics however the music doesnt come off as preachy or pretentious this is really good 80s influenced alt rock without the negativity of grunge toxicity.  What you get here is well composed upbeat rock sounds done with good intent and artistic merit.


title: Within Reason Now Called Subtle Shift

text: A side project of ambient/electronic musician Alpha Wave Movement. The project name has been changed to Subtle Shift please search for Subtle Shift if your interested in any of the previous releases Subtle Shift, Transient Broadcasts or Farshadow. This is an ambient/dub project and no longer under the name of Within Reason(which is a hard rock outfit in the US).


title: Immersive Ambient Electornica

text:
Biome is a music project conceived by Gregory Kyryluk, who has a passion for textural, cinematic and emotional ambient electronic music.

Recently, he released “The Shores of Temenos,” an exciting new album that combines the diverse range of digital sounds with the beautiful organic feel of drone music.

The sound of this release is refreshingly unpredictable, yet warmly familiar, offering a great example of the artist’s growth and creative process.

The album has a really crisp production tone, which enhances the listening experience, as well as highlighting the natural perks of Biome’s charismatic production aesthetics. The low end is punchy and direct, while the top end is silky and smooth, allowing the sound to fill the room, even when listening to it on tiny laptop speakers! Whether you enjoy this production on your best headphones or on a smaller system, you will have the chance to enjoy a world-class sound, that fuels the appeal of this release. In this genre, the ability to create immersive sound design is vital, and Biome excels at this task.

With stunning melodic layers and edgy arrangements, Biome will capture your imagination and fill your head with tuneful music that will certainly make its way through your favorite heavy rotation playlist.


title: A Time Trip Back to Classic Euro Bleep and Bloop Electronica

text:
No reviews..probably few people know who or what this cd release is about so I will share my limited exposure(I just recently purchased this!).
First off this is mid 90s electronic music a nice balance of some down-tempo acid based tracks wrapped within semi ambient blippy material.
Dandy Jack released a few albums/cds on the Rather Interesting label which I believe was owned or operated by genius electronic maestro Atom Heart(Uwe Schmidt) loosely associated with Fax Germany(now defunct RIP Mr. Namlook!).
The opening track is a smooth operator combining chime laden synths with repetitive bass-lines motifs, arpeggiated notes and all supported by 4/4 kick. There is plenty of variation on this disc and nothing is really too monotonous, Jack tends to keep it "rather  interesting". Other tracks can be a little more aggressive but nothing like the really hard techno that was spilling out of Belgium and Germany during the same time period.
If you enjoy your music downtempo and in and of the classic 90s era European landscape this should suite your listening venue quite apply.


title: East Meets West In A Delicate Trio Of Talented Jazz Voices......

text:
Right off the bat I am a Bill Evans fan(the late pianist) so the trio setting is hardly a landscape my ears have not traversed tho I am NO expert on reviewing jazz.
So with my interests and faults set aside I picked this cd up a year ago and have enjoyed it numerous time when the urge to move away from all the electronic and progressive rock comes a' calling.
The music is subtle yet dynamic with a cyclical focus on group interplay, you can hear these wonderfully talented musicians feeding off one anothers energy on tracks like the eastern tinged Eastynato. Erskine having played with the late Joe Zawinul understands flexibility in the rhythm department. Erskine delivers on the skins using snares and cymbals to accentuate Livingston's bass movements and Szabos arpeggio runs on the ivories.
Szabo plays with eloquence and functionality never playing too much and with an almost zen like understanding of how to get the melodic point across without academic mindset taking control of a particular composition. As a pianist he pulls from Evan's in his airiness in the ballads and perhaps from the European Nordic influences of Bobo Stenson. I especially how eastern European melodies are permeated with tact thru some not all of the compositions.
I look forward to the next release by this trio!


title: Heavenly Lap-Steel Music Imported From the Cosmic Corridors

text:
Imagine Larajii's style of improvisation on processed electrified string instruments(hes recorded on Eno's EG records for those not familiar) but instead transferred to the lap steel guitar.
This is long form instrumental music and from what I hear probably totally improvised which makes this recording that much better. Erath runs his lapsteel thru all sorts of outboard processing such as loopers, choruses and reverb creating a very dense and wonderful ambient music on par with previous mention artist. There elements of darker, deep drones as well as higher frequency pitch bends etc. I enjoy that resounding echo effect he tends to use. Erath has a penchant for using space to add depth to his music something I admire.
If you like your lap-steel music countrified like your biscuits I suggest you seek your music elsewhere, however if you like your music taken out of context of said genre, twisted into a new compositional landscape check this cd out. Its inexpensive and worthy of anyone's library in need to more relaxing mind-altering instrumental tunage.


title: Experience a Wrath of Good Psych Music

text: Just discovered the Wrath of James and have to interject with more comparison Renaissance. Theres a tad of classical and jazz influences but the harmony vocals which are very present on the lp remind of what early Annie Haslam fronted Renaissance was able to accomplish. Very polished with an very "spacey" dreamy edge. I do not usually lean towards vocal music much less with a psych edge but this release is head and shoulder above much of what passes in the mentioned genre as good music. The music here is top notch as are the musicians and their use of then available technology to get the point across mainly visiting dreamland on a psychedelic carpet.<br />Moody, reflective, uplifting, mind expanding music with no added "psychedelics" required for your voyage.


title: Overview

text:
The free form and neatly structured outcome is subtle and tranquil, taking on slow turns and shapes as it progresses in a fluid, transparent tapestry of soft shimmering and slow morphing (drone)textures. It's not exactly meditative, but harmonic with a certain soothing, minimal current running underneath.

I recommend listening to "Architexture of Silence" with a good pair of headphones and at low volume to get the full aural pleasure.

Bert Strolenberg, Sonic Immersion


title: Fantastic 2-CD set!

text: I love Kokomo and this is GREAT!!!


title: Great!

text: One of Stills BEST!


title: Five Stars

text: Very good


title: Five Stars

text: Excellent!


title: The one and only need to get your finances straight.

text: I bought this as a gift, which I do pretty commonly. I know this product and its great.


title: A reissue of the Voiceprint disc from 1990. About ...

text: A reissue of the Voiceprint disc from 1990. About an hour all together it is Daevid Allen and sideplayers performing Drone music in natural environments as I recall.


title: Filled A Void

text: This is the second release from th Jazz Fusion Ensemble, Canoneo. I found a promotional copy used at a record store around 1986. Music lovers were starved for new fusion records! This album filled the void!


title: Toby and Lynn

text: Frederic Hand is a virtuosos. He is not necessarily a house-hold name. His mix with classical and jazz music and style is flawless throughout this CD. "Toby and Lynn" is a personal favorite!! An EXCELLENT spin!


title: I expected too much.

text: Disappointed, but then, it was not his later, more polished work.  I would never buy it if I heard some of the songs first.


title: Amazing..... But just not enough

text:
I love this. I LOVE IT. The music is brilliant, and every time I listen to it, I just get sucked right back into the story.

The only detriment, in my eye, is that it just isn't enough. There is so much more music to the game. It includes a large number of tracks (I've included them below), but it hardly even defines the ocarina songs. I was hoping to hear individual movements for each, and I was a little disappointed that it didn't. There is a medley of the ocarina songs, but it just.... wasn't enough.

Also, it is merely a symphonic piece. Meaning, somehow, in some other dimension, that it is composed of only string instruments (and of course, the ocarina, and a bit of piano). Again, I'm not sure why. Some of the songs, you don't even notice, because in the game they are mostly string anyway. But some, like the Hyrule Field, Kakariko Village, Zora's Domain, and Gerudo Valley, have key parts that are played by non-string instruments (or, at least, non-violin/etc. string instruments). So, it just sounds so much different than the actual game. This may not matter to some people, but for some reason it's just a big deal to me. EVERYTHING is covered by the violin/viola/cello/etc. instruments. And I feel like it just kind of takes away from the overall effect of the original recordings used in the games.

Overall, though, it is a WONDERFUL CD, and I would definitely recommend it to all LoZ fans. Despite its fault, I have enjoyed it immensely and listen to it a lot. (However, it is cheaper on other certain *cough* auction sites *cough*e*cough*bay. :)

1. Title (the opening sequence song)
2. Kokiri Forest
3. Hyrule Field
4. Hyrule Castle
5. Lon Lon Ranch
6. Kakariko Village
7. Death Mountain
8. Zora's Domain
9. Gerudo Valley
10. Ganondorf
11. Princess Zelda
12. Ocarina Medley
13. The Legend of Zelda Medley

attachment_type: IMAGE


title: Good Value

text: This is a two CD set that gives you great value for the price. It's mixed well and sounds bright and clear. Most of the songs are clubby or hip hop, but a few rock songs are mixed in. Great CD for driving or nostalgia.


title: Major Composer Neglected, at Least in the U.S.

text:
The Don Quixote of Roberto Gerhard (1896-1970) sounds nothing like that of Richard Strauss, but there's a place for both.
Gerhard is from Barcelona, is Catalan.
His music is distinctly Spanish,  but don't expect any castanets or echoes of flamenco.  His greatest influences are his teacher Pedrell, Schoenberg for his later music, Stravinsky, and, in my opinion, Mahler in the way Gerhard wrote continuous melodic lines tossed from instrument to instrument.  His music has marvelous tone color and rhythmic excitement.

These works come from Gerhard's earlier and middle periods,  before he  took up serialism.

In addition to the imaginative ballet Don Quixote, the program on this recording includes Pedrelliana, in honor of Gerhard's teacher, also Albada, Interlude and Dance.

Don Quixote is the most major work on the disc, taking up around 45 minutes.  It shows a Stravinsky influence, including bi-tonality, biting rhythms, and great color.  Imagine Petrushka but with the flavor of Northern Spain.

The Symphony Orchestra of Tenerife
performs very capably, playing not only with accuracy but great spirit.

The sound engineering is excellent, and all I can add is that this CD gets my top recommendation.


title: Does Not Meet High Expectations but Worth Having

text:
There's a report from NPR on why this project sat for 45 years,  plus the CD has excellent liner notes that explain what went awry.

Unfortunately,  the original master recordings deteriorated somewhat in the 45 years between now and the 1977 tapings, plus, only 2 tracks were mixed.  This leaves us with an uncompleted and not totally satisfactory recording.  Far Out Recordings did include a disclaimer with the CD, which states that the label did everything it could to improve recording quality, and the songs are listenable, just not what one would hope for.

Another disappointment:  Despite the fact that  Claus Ogerman produced the recording, there's really not that much of his arranging here.  He did some leading in and some filling in, but, overall,  it's not nearly as complete as the work he did with Jobim and others.

So, what does go right on this release?  Well, there's a beautiful rendition of one of Joyce's finest songs, Misterios, and the 11 minute Feminina is lively and exciting, plus it was mixed and has good sound.
Perhaps the best song of all was written by Mauricio Maestro--Ciclo Da Vida.  Joyce contributed guitar and overdubbed vocals to Ciclo, a song based on the whole tone scale. It's a wonderful, otherworldly composition.
Music in the next life should be as well-written and performed as this.

Overall, an imperfect project but Joyce listeners can still be thrilled it's finally seen the light of day.  Recommended, with the above cautions.


title: Technically Fine, of Course, but Self-Indulgent

text:
Here's a minority opinion:
Sinatra's total agenda for this outing was (1) to be cool, and, (2) to be hip.
If that's all you require, then disregard this review.

Now think of some others who sang with the Basie band--Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, and especially Joe Williams. What sets them apart from Sinatra?
Well, they had just as much swing, they were just as cool, and they were just as precise.  AND,  they sang with a depth of feeling missing from Sinatra, whose unspoken message through all this seems to me to be "Aren't I great?!!"

Hello Dolly (what a wretched song for Basie's band to be subjected to)
is perhaps the worst offender.  Sinatra ends it with a smug tribute to Louis Armstrong which reeks of insincerity.
But on nearly all songs Frank focuses on himself, not the lyrics.

I have no criticism of the Count Basie band or of Quincy Jones's arrangements.

So, if you must have this recording, buy it with the understanding that it's not about the music--it's about Frank amusing himself and letting listeners know how great he thinks he is.

Seriously,  try listening to Joe Williams with the Basie band.  There's just as much musicianship but Williams has depth of feeling and humility apparently beyond Sinatra's grasp, at least on this CD.


title: Varied Set But With One Great Selection

text:
The Aranjuez adaptation doesn't compare to both the original or to the Miles Davis/Gil Evans version.  The Romances for Saxophone and Orchestra, even though by Patrick Williams, are likewise mundane and not close to other sax/string forays such as Focus by Stan Getz or Cityscape by Michael Brecker.

The one reason to get this CD is the inclusion of Tom Scott's La La Land, surely one of the greatest funk/fusion numbers ever written.  Is it just me or is there a 12 tone row in the background in this?  Regardless, it's one of the most creative, atypical, and
at the same time one of the hippest pieces of its type.  Also, the band plays the stew out of it.

Of the other selections,  Star Eyes is very pleasant.

An uneven CD,  to say the least, but, again, a must for La La Land.


title: Wonderful Score

text:
1.  This was limited to 1500 copies only, yet there is one available now (9-13-18) for $13.00.
2.  Henry Mancini could surprise listeners with insightful, sensitive scores which sounded
  little like his more popular music.
3.  NIghtwing is such a score--beautiful, featuring Native American flute soaring over very close string
  harmony, sometimes with harp.  The writing also features strings combined with french horns, and at
  the risk of being redundant, it is gorgeous. Those who know the music of Claus Ogerman may find Mancini's string writing and overall
  darker sound here to be reminiscent of Ogerman.
4.  Recorded sound is quite satisfactory.
5. The only minus is the inclusion of two brief country music instrumentals at the CD's end.  I don't think they were even in
the film, nor do I think they are Mancini's work, but
the music that is definitely Mancini's takes up 41 minutes of the recording, and the country
numbers only take up about 3 minutes.

The film was not well received, but never mind that when considering this soundtrack--it may not be typical but it is still one of Mancini's finest.

Highly Recommended.


title: Finnish Fusion, Superbly Done

text:
This is one heck of a CD.  The recording was done direct to digital and has clarity and real presence throughout.

Pekka's Tube Factory is best categorized as jazz fusion but that hardly tells the story, as the fusion does not involve nearly as much R&B or funk as, say, Weather Report.  Still, these numbers really groove, with a solid display of Latin and African rhythms and influences,  and harmonic imagination.  The opening track, 'Aksell and the 11th Dream', features a unison sax and guitar line which is full of sassy attitude and aggression.  It's not only catchy, it's very sly.

Synthesizers and keyboards are wonderful on the entire disc, as is percussion.  Imagine music which has defiance, harmonic complexity, but a Scandinavian 'coolness' and the ingredients are in place to appreciate these performances.

I've never been much into jazz fusion but I'll surely make an exception for this group. Listeners who like Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays, as well as an occasional ECM label type of European introversion ought to like this.

Highly recommended, and their other CD on Naxos, 'Opaque' is just as good as this one.
P.S.  Look this up under 'Pekka Pylkkanen' and there's one available for
just a few dollars, much better than the $16.00 price here.


title: Definitive Performances for both Persichetti and Ingolf Dahl

text:
While I'm less interested in the Magnus Lindberg Gran Duo as well as the Mendelssohn Overture, this recording does have the best Persichetti Masquerade and the best Dahl Sinfonietta I have ever heard.  Other recordings of the Masquerade aren't even close to this one; while the others are tentative in comparison, the Marine Band's performance brims with attitude and confidence.  Precision is razor sharp; blend and tone are exquisite.  Tempos are just right.

The Dahl Sinfonietta, one of the finest original Concert Band works of the 20th century, sparkles here like a rare and delicate jewel.  The 2nd movement (Pastorale), which I previously thought to be a bit uneventful, receives gorgeous treatment, turning out to be quite involving

Other works included are Warren Benson's The Leaves Are Falling and Hill-Song No.2 by Percy Grainger.

Some Concert Bands have great ensemble sound but fall slightly short on precision.  Some have precision but a sound that is overly bright.
The Marine Band has none of these problems and, in fact, has no problems at all.  To my ears, they are a completely flawless ensemble.

Recording quality is exceptional, which only adds to the recommendation.


title: Only for Certain Tastes

text:
The Leipzig Radio Symphony plays with precision,  but how well listeners respond to this rendition of the Bruckner 8th will depend on their tolerance for poor intonation, especially in the brass.  The intonation could just be an approach to playing, since use of wide vibratos does contribute to the sound.  Regardless,  after hearing this, I am definitely ready to hear the same work done by
either Vienna or Berlin.  (I went with this because of low price but am now ready to make a more serious investment.)

What is NOT a matter of opinion here is recording quality:  This sounds like it was recorded in a room not much bigger than the
orchestra itself, plus it is really dry.  Dry recordings can be good if they allow more orchestral detail to come through,  but with this the complete absence of any sense of large hall adds to negative impact.

Recommended only if you consider the vibrato-laden and intonation optional sound in the brass to be idiomatic, and even then
the poor recording is going to get in the way.


title: Billion Dollar Brain as it was meant to be heard

text:
The only CD version of Billion Dollar Brain before this new Screen Archives release was a Czech import which took the music directly from the LP, preserving the latter's inferior sound.  It is with great pleasure to report that this newly remastered release of 'Brain' is outstanding, with sound that for the most part could have been recorded yesterday.  Richard Rodney Bennett's score used a large battery of percussion--timpani, gong, bongos, xylophone along with the usual snare and bass drums--and we now get to hear these, plus some great brass writing, the indescribably eerie ondes  martinot, and piano, all in sound with great range and presence.  For those unfamiliar with the score, Bennett shows influences from Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich, but the music never sounds borrowed.  It is the work of someone who has studied these composers well enough to absorb what they do, and then use his own considerable talent to distill their work.  Billion Dollar Brain is one of the Harry Palmer thrillers starring Michael Caine.  Much of it is set in Russia, and the coldness, bleakness, and dangers of cold-war era Soviet intrigue really come across in the music.
A great score, with presentation which does it justice.

Others may like Roy Budd's The Final Option more than I do.  Budd's work shows good craftmanship, but too often, at least here, sounds like Lalo Schifrin on an off day.  And, he didn't write all the music for the film.  The remainder of the score was done by Jerry and Marc Donahue utilizing an electronics format.  It may work with the film but by itself it's awfully cheesy.  Some of Budd's music registers well but ends too soon.  The suspense sequences come off best.

Billion Dollar Brain alone is well worth the price of the disc, and since it has been given a limited printing of 1000 copies, anyone who likes Bennett's work should get this now.


title: 5 Stars for Takemitsu, 3 for Walton

text:
The BBC music magazine which this disc accompanied has more detailed information about these pieces and performances. The CD notes are sketchy.

Walton's Symphony No. 1 receives an average performance here.  There are occasional precision problems in the orchestra.  The one other recording I have of this work is with Paul Daniel and the English Northern Philharmonia on Naxos, and Daniel's performance is the more polished of the two.  The most annoying part of the BBC recording isn't the orchestra--it's the audience. Since this is from the Royal Albert Hall in London, it would be reasonable to suppose that the audience had some knowledge of both classical music and concert etiquette, but after the first movement of the Walton Symphony there is  widespread applause. Then, after being respectfully quiet at the end of the 2nd and 3rd movements, the audience erupts into a loud ovation approximately ONE-HALF second after the finale, which really ruins everything. Maybe we don't have a monopoly on boorishness here in the U.S. after all.
The Takemitsu Percussion Concerto, entitled From Me Flows What You Call Time, is much more successful. For one thing, the different audience is very quiet until the end and observes a respectful interval before clapping. Takemitsu's writing is exotic but has Western influence as well, possibly from Anton Webern.  I couldn't identify all the percussion solo instruments, but steel pans are prominent.  Takemitsu's use of the pans immediately disperses any association we might have of pans being an "island music" instrument.  His writing for them evokes mystery and an otherworldly sense of place.  Vibraphone and marimba are also featured.  The orchestra plays sparingly but adds most unusual colors.  Takemitsu's music here does not get into a rhythmic groove; there are many suspended sounds and the work is kaleidoscopic. Both orchestra and soloists were really into this piece and the performance does bear evidence of the commitment of players and conductor. Duration of the Concerto is 30 minutes and it's fascinating throughout.

In short, this CD is well worth obtaining for the Takemitsu, perhaps not for the Walton.  Recorded sound is vivid and natural.


title: One of the best albums Mana has produced!

text:
For Moi Dix Mois' first offering it is quite the treat.I wasn't sure what to expect since I was used to Seth's vocals,but Juka does a decent job.All through the album you get a real heavy offering of riffs and fast paced drums.I think a few times the keyboards will make a few metalheads shrug because they probably don't like harpsichords,but I personally love them and wish they were employed more often,but Mana strikes the perfect balance in this debut album.

I first fell in love with songs like "La dix croix" with its trippy harpsichords and "Pessimiste" with the excellently gothic keyboards,harpsichords and vocals."Pessimiste" has these cool keys that are a bit repetitive.but in a unique way that builds up the energy of the song.As time went on I started to appreciate "front et baiser" with its cool intro that quickly builds up to a galloping style of drumming paired with Juka's vocals and then the keys that build a sense of speed and urgency.Very few parts of the song slow down(break) so you can realize how fast the rest of  "front et baiser" is.Basically this song grabs you and takes you on a high speed ride through mana's insanity."Ange" has a slower build up then the majority of the album,but after the atmosphere is set and the thunder claps we get to the good stuff.I find this song is better when preformed live,but the drums and the keys do the talking as there are many keyboard solos.

"Solitude" has really grown on me and from the intro to the outro it's just pure excellence.The drums are really cool and from time to time the cymbal is employed which seems to be rare on this album and adds an element to "Solitude" that is hard to describe.The keys kick ass on this song,nuff said.Juka seems to get kind of emotional on this one and his vocals are really top notch.The bass is quite good and really shines through,but cannot overpower Mana's guitar.Really all I am trying to say is that "Solitude" is the crown jewel on the album and one of Moi Dix Mois' best songs,period.Another excellent song when preformed live.

"Détresse" has a really cool intro with smashing drums that work with the Synths to give you a sense of foreboding.The keys kick in from time to time and Juka does some good clean singing on this song.The drums go from smashing to galloping which is another reason I dig this song.Similar to "Front et Baiser at times,but that isn't a weakness.The ending is pretty good and ethereal."Dialogue Symphonie-x" is this album's finale and an excellent song when played live.The energy displayed is inspiring and the synths are at their finest.The drums during the intro are just as powerful as "Détresse" and I find it quite impressive how Mana can do so much,but at the same time a lot of the songs remain similar.Again it is not a negative thing as most Black metal is repetitive,but it just makes it harder to describe when it comes to this album.I find myself almost saying the same thing over and over.....I only mentioned my favorite songs,but you also have "tentation" and "Priére" which I feel deserve honorable mention.I really think that for $15 you get a great gothic symphonic metal album which will take you on an eerie journey.

Also even though K is not on this album,I feel it is my duty as a Moi Dix Mois fan to wish him well in the afterlife as he has passed away as of 5/19/2014.RIP K we will miss you!!!!


title: Great seller, fast shipping!

text: Gift for my daughter, she absolutely loves it. Shipping was faster than expected and without any issues. Thank you!!


title: Five Stars

text: Pleasant and easy to listen and relax to music.


title: Five Stars

text: Good thanks again


title: Epic

text: I really hate the way that we, as an internet society, have misused the word "epic" lately.  When Burger King makes you a quad stacker it is not "epic".  Nor was it "epic" when you got really hammered and tried to ride the dog.  I say this because, when describing the music of Susumu Hirasawa, the only word that comes to mind is "epic".  My first memory of this album was driving at 4 AM and hearing "Archetype Engine" and swearing that the sound was being generated from miles out.  Hirasawa's vision of a future Thailand is at times thrilling, scary, and overwhelming.  If you thought his soundtracks were good - just wait until you get to the real stuff.


title: There is only one song on this CD that is ...

text: There is only one song on this CD that is worth listening to, Evil Women, that is the only reason I bought the CD.


title: CD!!

text: Please Note: This is a CD. Picture is of an album and I know I looked for CD format before ordering..  $19 is a Great Deal for double vinyl Yes album, not so much for a CD.  But, if you're looking for a CD this may be for you.  Also, beware of Amazon mixed reviews. Thay ARE NOT item specific.


title: Excellent, comprehensive overview of Handel's works

text:
Philips offers a comprehensive overview of the works of George Frideric Handel, featuring a variety of conductors (Marriner, Maazel, Colin Davis, etc.)  This 2-CD set includes 43 tracks spanning over 2.5 hours, and provides an excellent introduction to Handel.  The "hits" are here: "Solomon - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba," "Water Music," "Messiah," and "Music for the Royal Fireworks." Equally impressive are (relatively) lesser known works such as "Chaconne in G," "Zadok the Priest - Coronation Anthem," and "Serse - Largo."

Handel's versatility will astound the novice listener. His compositional virtuosity and ingenuity transcend a variety of arrangements and tone colors, including works for full orchestra, chamber pieces, oratorios, and music for harp, piano, organ and guitar.

The recordings are top-notch and the performances are consistently excellent. Despite spanning nearly three decades of recorded works, the production values are remarkably cohesive; this compilation is a masterpiece of digital mastering.

If you're willing to invest a little extra money and time to familiarize yourself with one of the all-time great composers, "The Best of Handel" will reward you with years of enjoyment.  I was a casual fan of Handel before receiving this CD as a gift nearly four years ago. Now, Handel ranks as one of my favorites (along with Beethoven, Bach and Chopin) - thanks largely to this brilliant compilation.


title: Moody One-Track Masterpiece

text:
Keiji Haino is essentially one of those uncategorizable artists, who changes styles, directions, projects, and collaborators as unpredictably as a hummingbird. About the only thing that seems to be consistent is a penchant for extremely long, semi-unmeaningful titles (the current disc being an exception). As such, it is more necessary than usual to rely on reviews of his work, unless you are simply pre-inclined to buy anything he puts out.

"Affection" is a single, 58 minute long, live performance from early in his recording career (1991) consisting primarily of guitar and vocals with a lot of cave-like reverb.  Occasionally, you may find Haino's guitar playing described as "mauling". As a kind of uninhibited, free form noise-jazz, "mauling" gives the entirely wrong impression, especially when there are so many guitar shredders out there.  Similarly, "noise-jazz" might be misleading as well.

"Affection" does not maintain one mood throughout its 58 minutes.  The beginning features a more or less repeated single chord, with Haino's often falsetto wail rising up over it with emotional effectiveness. At the outset, one might call the piece "lyrical," if only because its mood is somewhat restrained--one might even imagine in places that this is a solo album by Sigur Ros' lead singer.

Slowly, but surely, the piece crescendos, losing its lyrical quality, edging toward more jagged guitar repetitions, and complete with feedback accents. At 14'00", the guitar tone definitely changes, more like something one might have heard from Pink Floyd in 1969, but whatever space odyssey is present here ultimately owes more to Acid Mothers Temple than Pink Floyd.  In the main, the vocals are still in high register, wailing accent-type that have dominated so far; there's even something that resembles a chorus, seriously messed up by haunting feedback echoes.

At 19'30", Haino forgoes everything about the preceding mood and begins unleashing an Acid Mothers Temple wall of guitar noise that is hard to credit as a solo, but solo it is. It hardly lasts long enough, and gives way to quieter material again after three minutes.

It would hardly do to try to catalog all of the moods from there on out. There are several, and the piece ends on a satisfying loud, noisy guitar mess.  Throughout, there is a great deal that is (necessarily) repetitious, and all-in-all the vocals do not vary as much as is often the case on other Haino discs.

And yet, in the final analysis, this early disc by him is one of the ones I find myself most frequently listening to, and all the way through. In the world of free form "jazz" or "improvisation" or whatever one wants to call it, there is frequently a great deal of self-indulgence that passes itself off as interest. It may be that this disc is no exception, but to my ear, all of the episodes, and the whole arc of the piece from start to finish, hang together in a way that makes it more than the sum of its parts.  Certainly, the variations in sound, the noisiness of the more aggressive sections, are themselves entertaining; even the narrow range of vocals Haino adopts seems to act like an anchor for the whole piece; as if that is the part that provides a thread of continuity.  At the very least, the sound-mass at the end is a tour de force of live performance.

Amongst the many and varied discs by this artist, I find something exceptionally worthy and intriguing about it. Even if I can find no better way to characterize it, I can still whole-heartedly recommend it.


title: Word of Caution, and a Very High Recommendation

text:
Before mentioning any of the music here, one should note that the CD image included here claims to be the 9 disc set, while the editorial review mentions only Disc 1.  I did not buy my copy from Amazon, and I can only assume that this is indeed the full 9 disc collection. If you are in doubt, however, it can't be a bad idea to call Amazon to check.

Second, something to note is that all of the performances here are live, and were recorded over a four month period. Specifically: Sonatas Nos. 1,2,3,4 were recorded on the 10th of January 1984 * Sonatas Nos. 5,6,7,8 were recorded on the 11th of January 1984 * Sonatas Nos. 9,10,11,12 were recorded on the 18th of January 1984 * Sonatas Nos. 13,14,15,16 were recorded on the 25th of January 1984 * Sonatas Nos. 17,18,19,20,21 were recorded on the 22nd of January 1984 * Sonatas Nos. 22,23,24,25,26 were recorded on the 4th of March 1984 * Sonatas Nos. 27,28,29 were recorded on the 7th of March 1984 * Sonatas Nos. 30,31 were recorded on the 11th of April 1984 * and Sonata No. 32 was recorded on the 11th of March 1984.

As a result, there is some variability in the recording quality (notably in the sound of the piano, though overall it is very good), applause at the end of each sonata, and, of course, the inevitable coughs from the audience. Counterbalancing this is the immediacy and "on-the-fly" musical creation of live playing. If you are interested only in a uniform, "studio-clean" recording with potential second takes, then this might not be the disc for you. Nevertheless, even then there are exceptionally good reasons for getting this pressing.

The main strength of the collection, of course, is Nikolaeva's playing. Best known for her magisterial readings of Bach, one might certainly attempt to quibble over whether or not she can be that good with respect to Beethoven as well. In point of fact, to play a comparison game with other full cycle recordings, or even individual performances by other acknowledged masters, misses the point somewhat.  The sheer fact of the matter is that one can only be glad that Nikolaeva has graced the world with this total set.

There is not just far too much music, but far too much music making, here to review individually. Comprising more than 10 hours in all (making for only $9 per disc), what is continuously apparent throughout is the intense pianism Nikolaeva exhibits. For one, her training in contrapuntal music makes the the accents and melodies ring out with a particular brilliant sharpness, but it is even more frequently that her musical sensibility causes music to come flaring out of the speakers with more joy and life than one has ever heard from Beethoven before.

And in fact the more or less "four sonatas recorded per night" on each disc creates a certain wholeness to each night of performance that is a plus on each disc. It is difficult to put one's finger on this exactly, but the sense is almost as if Nikolaeva is aware, not only of each interpretation that she brings to each sonata, but also each one in the company of those that accompany it that night.  This is something one does not get with any other full cycle recording that I am aware of.

The joys of the organization of the recording aside, it seems necessary to at least make some specific observations of the playing itself. And if I select the rightly world-famous Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor ("Moonlight"), it is solely for the sake of its general familiarity to most listeners of Beethoven.

Since Beethoven explicitly dictates tempos, one encounters far less variability than with Bach. 99% of the time, Nikolaeva sticks with such tempo indications, varying ever so slightly for effect.

Thus, the evocative first movement (marked "sostenuto") is, indeed, sustained by Nikolaeva. She maintains an evenness throughout the movement that is rarely encountered. By evenness I mean the dynamic range is compressed, without losing expressiveness or being monotonous, and even the singing melody line is a bit more muted than one usually finds.  The effect of this is a more sustained (I don't mean that as a pun) mood than is typically found with this movement.  Instead of being a journey, as it were, the movement is more like a mood--or to be even more precise, like the reflection of the moon on the surface of a rippling lake in the middle of the night.  It's a very deft, very evocative reading of an almost infinitely recorded piece.

As a result, the bright, bouncy middle movement pops out with even more joie de vivre than is typical as well.  Throughout this very short, but not slight, piece, Nikolaeva blends together crisp staccatos and smooth phrasing.  Here also one finds particularly that note of Nikolaevan genius, joyfulness. All throughout the collection, it is as if in the most neglected and obscure portions of Beethoven's sonatas that she brings the most light. Thus, this is a particularly shining reading of that piece perched precariously between two compositional giants.

The third movement enters attacca, sweeping (more than roaring) up out of the brightness of the last movement.  After the initial arpeggios, Nikolaeva shows her hand, and opts for a slightly down-tempo reading of the next measures, with a touch of rubato to emphasize the passage.  At first listen, it sounds almost as if she is just working her way through it, but as the movement progresses, the logic of it becomes clearer and clearer (most of all in the repeat).  The transition to the second theme is exceptionally smoothly handled, and the deftness of touch throughout is not just spot on, but a sheer physical delight to listen to. Subtle shifts abound as well throughout the repeat, making it a genuine revisitation, and not just a repetition.  In the passage with the skittery theme in minor thirds, the left hand is handled with exquisite deftness, as is the opening of the development section. Also in the development, a very distinct separation is affected between the left hand and the right hand, so that the right hand is almost floating, completely detached, like a cloud above the deep melody. A rather amazing pianistic moment.  And when the recapitulation starts, Nikolaeva makes the contrasting moods come through with a sense of narrative or theatricality that I have not found in other readings of this movement.  It is as if, like a brilliant playwright, she truly mines the material that has gone before to make, and remake, statements implicit in the piece. Or again, the accelerando at the beginning of the coda has genuine, breath-taking excitement to it--followed by another careful mood shift, that brings out the final passages with, again, more musical interest than I usually find.

It is this exquisitely, cunningly attuned pianistic sense that makes Nikolaeva's readings of each sonata ultimately so satisfying (lighting up entirely, for instance, the second movement of Sonata No. 15, which can sometimes become dulled down into something like a mere etude, through a crystal-crispness of playing and slight tempo increase).  One hears the cliche frequently enough about technique in the service of true pianistic sensibility--this is no cliché with Nikolaeva.  One might say that a better reading of this or that sonata may be located out there--that is why we are fortunate to have so many recordings of this great music. Meanwhile, Nikolaeva brings so much joy, both musical and emotive, to the music that the price for this full set seems entirely a bargain.

If you have no other full sonata cycle, rest assured that as your first, it will not be a mistake. This is as good of a place to start as any, if not more so. And if you already have a full cycle, the pianism alone of Nikolaeva makes it worth purchasing.


title: This Rocks Hard from Start to Finish.  This Isn’t Popular Because Why?

text:
This cd goes great in rock and prog mixes.  It has been in the mix of my hundred disc changer now for a few years (at least 4). The local rock station WPXE could probably have played Soul Sirkus and been a part of making a new band popular.  The problem with Soul Sirkus is that they never got the promotion necessary to make it big.
World Play, the band’s only album to date has a few well know session names in it, such as it Neal Schon, Jeff Soto (temporarily sung) and Deen Castronovo, both of which played in the mega popular band Journey.  Also, that this music has music that was salvaged from an album with Sammy Hagar is apparent.  Just listen to the album through, it sounds like it could have been one of Hagar’s best works.  I can only guess that Sammy Hagar walked away from this group to have a chance to play with the guitarist Joe Satriani, in Chicken Foot.  This album is better than Chicken Foot, IMHO.
This band makes also me think of Van Halen, or Chicken Foot.  The singer sounds like somewhere between King’s X and Van Hagar.
Honestly, Soul Sirkus probably would have gone under my radar had not Virgil Donati played on tour with them, replacing Deen Castronovo.  Donati is one of my heroes, as I champion the underground virtuosos in progressive metal, jazz, and rock.
Last, but not least, if you like the harder side of Van Hagar –Van Halen with Sammy Hagar on vocals -, then get this album.


title: Years Ago What Came to Mind Is: Loads of Promise

text:
I count myself as blessed to have been with God Forbid since the beginning.  I remember going to a show in NJ when hardly anybody was there.  I showed because I thought their demo Matt played for me had promise.  Reject the Sickness is a follow up 1st real album that slams as hard as any band out there, especially those that walk the metalcore genre.
I remember talking with Dallas at a party near Rutgers University in Jersey and he was like, "We want to play hardcore shows because people are more into the music."  He described how playing metal shows was like going to assembly of people that stood still with a scowl on their face and were boring.  To a certain extent I agree with that.  For example, starting a pit or any movement at all at Dimmu Borgir's first USA show was futile.
One can't neglect the heaviness of Reject the Sickness.  This album is far heavier than Slayer's Reign in Blood.  Certainly, Dallas wasn't meaning to disrespect metal bands like Slayer, that much is clear!  Around that time I had recently seen Slayer live in Jersey, and believe me the crowd had no shortage of movement, and that is not what he was speaking out against.  Thus, it is such, following in the way of their forefathers like Slayer, God Forbid instead of being a follower became heavier than their predecessor.  Slayer did the same thing with Venom, and Venom did the same thing with Black Sabbath and/or Deep Purple.  And, it is no doubt to me that every band has its influences.


title: Truly's hidden treasure

text: This is a short B-sides and rarities collection that has some interesting songs as well as some gems. Truly had no shortage of good songs and its not surprising there some to be had here. Included are the gems "Aliens on Alcohol", "I Hit Ignition", and the rough demo "Queen of the Girls". This is a U.K. only release, so it will most likely be imported, but nonetheless is worth the price.


title: A great collection of largely unknown 1980's songs

text: I got this at a yard sale, erroneously thinking it was a Smiths tribute CD. But as it turns out, I really like every song except for track 10, which oddly reminds me of Oasis.


title: Five Stars

text: Rock on a great collection of songs


title: Four Stars

text: Album surfaces were a bit dirty but once cleaned it played well


title: Four Stars

text: One of many excellent late 60's early 70's samplers from WB/Reprise


title: Guh-ril-ah Ray-dee-oh

text: In a very funny, deconstruction of comtemporary music, teen angst is given a Bosa Nova lounge beat by Richard Cheese and his combo. Andy Williams style-vocals inflect a bit of humanity into the tough-as-nails songs of Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against the Machine, U2 and Radio Head. This is a work of exquisite irony that gets better and better with every listen. If you like this, may I suggest that you seek out the lounge act Kiki and Herb, who do a wicked version of Radio Head's Exit Music (For a Film).


title: Five Stars

text: Exelent


title: evan

text: I enjoyed this... I  liked it and I would recommend this others .<br />Good seller . would buy from again .


title: Five Stars

text: ok


title: Good runner-up

text: While this album is not quite on par with Murmur and Reckoning, its still an enjoyable album. Some songs are more memorable than others (Feeling Gravity's Pull, Driver 8), count this one as a very good listen.


title: curiously flat, perhaps it's me

text:
IQ is one of several very good, or great, Pommie Prog bands which have chugged along for 30 years, whilst never achieving a deserved commercial success.
This says a lot for the comtempt that the Major recording companies had for bands, and potential listeners.
Which continues in their desperate attempt, through commercial television, to tell US what we must like and buy.
Dismaying is that this is working, at least in the short term.

Meanwhile, we have IQ, Pendragon, Marillion, Mostly Autumn, and a gaggle of other sterling acts struggling through on their own, or independent labels, and finding better recognition off-shore.

I've come to like IQ, after uncertainty with the firsty few listenings.
"Frequency" is excellent, "Subteranea" similarly brilliant, though so different.
I like Peter Nicholl's fragile, even plaintive singing, the often virtuosic guitar work, the better than solid druming and base. The lyrics are a challenge, but, who really cares.

So to the "Wake" live.
Recorded in a very small venue, in continental Europe, I found that the performance lacked sparkle. On film, this is not a great band to watch.
The sound is all well recorded, clean, though with no real ambience.
The playing is all one would expect of chaps playing (hopefully with the odd rest)for 30 years. The music comes from very early in the life of IQ.
The filmic component seems limited, and unimaginative.

The whole thing comes across as a really good rehearsal, that someone thought to film.

To be fair, I have a very large collection of bands in concert. Very few of these come up to scratch as visual art forms.
(Except Zeppelin's "Celebration Day", which is a tour de force)
One for IQ aficionados.


title: Five Stars

text: my favorite band


title: SEP 24

text:
My favorite song on this album is Nie przejdziemy do historii which according to Google, translates as We do not go down in history. The album it's from, Trzy Korony, is Poland's excellent contribution to the pantheon of classic albums released in 1971, like Led Zeppelin IV and Who's Next.

The song is like two different songs intertwined. It starts out like some kind of phantom howling on a dark windy night, Krzysztof Klenczon's voice all reverbed, guitars raw and heavy. Vocals wail across the first verse as layers of intense guitars blast in from all around, bass and drums adding strength to the mix.
Then everything calms down and it feels like we are entering a little village during a festival, raising our beer glasses and singing along with an old folk song.
And then we return to the crazy rock explosion we first encountered. This goes on, back and forth, until the end.

I only know a little bit about Krzysztof Klenczon, but I have heard a lot of his music and most of it is great. He was a part of the classic group Czerwone Gitary (Red Guitars), Poland's Beatles. He died in Chicago in 1981, from injuries resulting from being hit by a drunk driver. What a stupid way for this amazing artist to die.


title: FEB 8

text: Jimi Hendrix sang, "I want to hear and see everything." That's how I feel about music. It seems like whenever I think I'm familiar with everything in the history of 20th century music, something new reaches my ears. A song on this album, Ella Tiene el Cabello Rubio (by Albert Band), in English it means 'she has blonde hair', is a driving mess of spikey guitar chords, punctured tire bass lines, and somewhat under the radar swirling organ. The vocalist is wild, I love how the intensity of his voice builds through the verses. He starts out fairly subdued, then his voice rises and he sounds like he's about to throw a tantrum. I'd be like, Hey dude, just calm down OK? I can't help you if you are going to be all crazy. I wish I could say this at my job! In Spanish, too! The guitar solo starts around :53 and is truly warped. These guys were from the great city of Barcelona, and this song appears on the amazing compilation Andergraun Vibrations.


title: JAN 31

text: Yeah, just drop that bass bomb on me, guys. Kind of similar to the two note opening of Jailhouse Rock, but descending in tone and really heavy and sludgy. Wow, that bass is so classic. And the great Don Van Vliet growling his way through. This was Captain Beefheart's first single.


title: JAN 10

text:
This group did a song called Chowon-ui bich (Light Meadow), in 1972. For me, it was a case of musical serendipity. I first heard this song in a small restaurant in Sangju, South Korea in 1998. I sat at a table hypnotized by the vocal harmonies, the guitar, organ, the haunting mood, kind of similar to the Moody Blues. I persuaded my Korean friend to ask the restaurant staff what the song was. I was so excited by it that they ended up just giving me the cassette. It was a budget compilation of Korean pop tunes from the 70s. Although I now possessed the song, no one told me anything about it, like its title or the group that performed it. Oh well, I was just glad to have it. The mystery remained unsolved for many more years.

I eventually figured it out via the information superhighway, thanks mostly to a great blog about Korean Psych and Acid Folk music. The group, He 6, released a couple of decent albums, but this song will always have a magical hold on me.

I still have the cassette in a box in my basement, the song that came on after this one has some guy whistling. Alas, there were no other songs on the cassette that had any effect on me.


title: I work with two women...

text: who, when combined, would look just like the woman on this cover. Anyways, this is a fantastic album. I saw these guys the other night in Portland and they completely rocked. Trio of drum bass guitar, led by the amazing Imaad Wasif. heavy riffs, great hooks and chord changes, great vocals. I really like the songs 'Halcyon', 'The Oracle', and 'Abyss'. I hope more people get around to checking this band out, they deserve to be heard. Finally, OK I'm gonna say it, this reminds me a lot of Jeff Buckley, not just in the vocal delivery but also in the great musicianship.


title: no surface, all feeling

text:
Ultra Audience is the sole document of ambient / noise group Ultra United, and thus evidently quite the labor of love.  There is a lot of passion in these 9 tracks, each which is accompanied by a  picture or short poem in the beautiful, colorful booklet, raising the question of whether the album is meant to follow some kind of vague, abstract concept.  The poems are often in stilted, cliched rhymes, but they lend a very personal air to the music and overall the packaging is undoubtedly marvellous.  I spotted a used copy in a local record store, having never heard of this group or album, instantly gravitated towards it and ended up buying it.  For something by a group so obscure and likely made on a low budget, it sure looks great.

Many groups that blend the genres of ambient and noise are jam bands of sorts, letting abrasive textures take over their music when it suits the flow of the improvisation.  This is where "Ultra Audience" differs...  it is obviously solitary, composed music, and is almost totally focused on textures of sound as expressors of emotions.  Which movements on the album should employ volume and harshness has been carefully chosen.  Accompanied by the poetry inside the booklet the message, the album seems to say, "This is how I have felt during my life.  Listen, and if it's unpleasant...  Now you know how it was for me".  So much ambient music focuses on the cosmic, but this musician is not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.  The poems reference the happenings of a life we have no hope of further access to, but leave the music with this general sense of significance in the context of a life.  This comes at the cost of some more angsty cheesiness in the vein of the woman sexily exhaling cigarette smoke on the cover, but this can be mostly avoided if you put the booklet down.

Each track is its own notably different textural realm, separated from the others by at least 10 seconds of silence. Some of the noise tracks simply rest in a suspended state, ("From Consciousness to Nowhere" and "The Volunteer", accompanied in the booklet with the phrase `life in a locked groove') mimicing the feeling of being stuck in a depressive rut.  These are the album at its most unpleasant.  One can feel they endure the noise, a humourless grey sheet that brings back every dismal rainy day, for a reason.  This is not a nihilistic album, as is obvious in the very dramatic synth pieces (similar in style to Vidna Obmana, vintage Steve Roach or even some old Skinny Puppy instrumentals), like "The Quiet Riot" and "Sunset".  These tracks have wonderful, sensitive melodies, but are few and far between on this album.  "Physical Initiation", with its abrupt lurch into static life, is a well placed opening gesture.  "Scrape the Sky" contains aggressive analog synth squalls that are like a storm.  Only "The Incendiary Lover", led by a needlessly distorted synth line that makes the track sound incredibly cheap and sequenced, really gets any criticism from me.

The noise textures are not volatile bursts of furious feedback, rather they are cold digital distortion created through DSP.  They have less depth than analog noise often does, and on their own, the sounds are rather uninteresting, but by the end of each of the rather lengthy tracks they are densely intertwined in such a way as to be mesmerizing to me, although they may still be unlistenable to some people.  I feel the dullness of the textures reflects the stagnation of desensitization and apathy.  As Maurizio Bianchi said, sound "to work on complete realising of the modern decadence".  The highlight of the album for me is the absolutely transcendent closer "Snow Muzak" which after beginning with 4 minutes of silence, uses its digital cleanliness to evoke an unnaturally simple, glistening surreal dimension not too far removed from the work of Gas or Oval.

"Ultra Audience" is a solid album that succeeds in bringing the genre of ambient to a more personal, immediate and narrative place, as well as integrating it with elements of digital noise.  It had to grow on me, as it's very slow moving music.  Fans of minimal ambient music should pick this up if they see a copy.  4 stars.