title: I'm Blue

text: Though the dispassionate reader definitely detracted, I think the story itself fell short. The characters were underdeveloped, and the main character particularly seemed over-sheltered, having minimal understanding of how her world worked, and few words to describe what she did know. The story seemed more of a prelude to a larger story, and had little story arc of it's own; the book ends when the character is called to action and offers no suggestion as to what that action might be. While it may appeal to other readers, it definitely did not meet my own expectations.


title: Five Stars

text: excellent product and service. Would definitely order again


title: Brilliant

text: This is the most played CD I own.<br />It illustrates stories of people of New Orleans in a complete work that incorporates so many different styles and expressions of music. The talent that produced & participated in the making of this show will blow your mind.


title: Better than expected

text: My daughter loves their music!  Better than expected.


title: Marvelous valedictory recording for RCA by Eugene Ormandy and HIS Philadelphia Orchestra

text: No need to dissect this recording with a lengthy review. Both performances are stunning and the recording, as one would expect from RCA, is exceptional. A marvelous close to a remarkable association between conductor, orchestra, and recording company. A keeper in every sense.


title: Marvelous fiddling by Stern and Oistrakh

text:
The five star rating above is for the marvelous fiddling of Isaac Stern and David Oistrakh in their performances of Vivaldi's double concertos for violin. I had the pleasure of owning this on LP. Grand to see it reissued so that it can be enjoyed again and again.

Three stars for the Four Seasons. Ormandy and the Philly Orchestra's accompaniment of then-concertmaster Anshel Brusilow's solos is stunning as usual: Ormandy was routinely celebrated for being one of the best accompanists a soloist could ask for. Brusilow's playing is full of life. The downer for me are the tempi of the Four Seasons: each is deliberate bordering on stodgy. Sigh.

Highly recommended for Stern/Oistrakh's playing.


title: Not as good as other Dorati/DSO CDs

text: I have other fine CDs by Antal Dorati and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (Stravinsky's "Firebird: and "Rite of Spring"; Bartok's "Miraculous Mandarin") that are absolutely staggering with regard to intensity of performance and fine sound. However, the current recording simply does not measure up to the level of performance/sound of the Stravinsky and Bartok discs. All in all, a disappointment. I am glad that I hung onto my CDs of these works by Szell/Cleveland Orchestra and Solti/Chicago Symphony.


title: SUPERB!

text: Very pleased with this purchase and with seller. Album and cover is in very good shape considering the age. Plays flawlessly. For $30.00 for a collectible like this, it is hard to find.


title: Five Stars

text: Love 2nd Chapter, love hymns.  Hymns I is a slightly better selection, but I play both.


title: Great buy! Great find!

text: Amazing buy exactly what I wanted and exactly what was describe, I would like to purchase more items from this seller, how can I link what they have to offer?


title: Found what I was looking for after many years of search.

text:
I remember hearing this masterpiece about 30 years ago over the radio, and took note of the title to buy it later. I was never able to find it maybe because the genre was too specific, or maybe it was a limited edition, or simply because it was never targeted outside the Japanese market.

This is exactly the CD I spent years searching for, and the quality is simply amazing. These are incredible compositions that combine Japanese traditional songs with Baroque style and instrumentation, played masterfully by the Vivaldi Ensemble (Tokyo). I was also impressed by the recording quality given it was recorded in 1978, there is no audible artifact or perceptible background noise or distortion.

The CD was sold as used, but really seemed like new, not a single scratch, and the artwork in absolutely perfect condition.


title: Among the greatest albums released by anyone, ever.

text: There needs to be some way people can hear this without paying such an exorbitant amount for the physical disc.


title: Love it!

text: I ordered this record because I had one from years ago, but it had gotten dirty and scratched over the years. I was so please when this record came in almost pristine condition. It played well and was wonderful to listen to!!!

user_id: AHAYXCOVSDGHEZTZESSEUIQCJKPA


title: MM is an awesome singer.

text: This album is good not great like her debut. Im obsessed with her first record. Nothing short of excellence. However, this did not cut it for me. I was really disappointed in most songs not going in the proper direction on this record. Not a bad, but could be better.


title: Awesome record!!! A gem!!!.

text: Awesome classic!!!.


title: Variety, voice, Cute

text: Love all of  Owen Mac's music.


title: This is not the 2 cd Rock This Way.

text: The songs listed in the first review are not on this version of Rock This Way. Amazon should offer a listing of the correct songs for this version and other CDs they don't provide track listings on.


title: Not funny at all

text: I LOVE the tv show Mrs. Brown's Boys...I have the box set. But this was made way before the show and it's not funny at all. The funniest part was when Mrs. Brown farted in the bath tub. I'm giving this dvd away.


title: Disappointed...

text: Description misleading was supposed to be Set of 4 cd's, only received 1. Seller stated item had wrong code on it, without me asking they apologized, refunded my money & let me keep what they did send.<br />Personally, I'd rather had the correct product. I'll give them another chance in the future, cause no body is perfect.


title: The Pop Side of the Womenfolk

text: This review will probably never be seen, because The Womenfolk have long been forgotten in the folk scene and RCA just does nothing with their albums This was an album when the folk music scene was changing and these 5 women added instruments in conjunction with their guitars and gave us some beautiful harmonies.<br />The songs are covers of Lennon McCartney, Richard Farina, Tom Paxton and other folk/pop artists of the era. Barbara Coopers leads and Leni Ashmores rich alto blend with the other three women to make such pleasant tunes. Although I prefer their folk songs- one-called "Bring Me a Rose" is updated in a pop fashion here, the sophistication of songs like "Meditation", "There is Beauty in the World", "The Last Thing on my Mind", and a haunting rendition of "Yesterday" confirm to me The Womenfolk were unique, charming and on their folk "live" albums, very funny. They broke up soon after this album was released.


title: Fantastic Collection!

text:
You don't need to understand spanish to enjoy this great collection.  This three disc collection offers great variety from some of the best duets in ranchero music history.  I'm guessing much of this collection is from the 1940s-1960s, which is considered the glory years of the ranchero genre, though the influences of many generations before helped shape this music.

When I listen to this music I feel like I'm sitting in an Arizona cantina in the late 1800s, sipping on a beer and just enjoying the early evening's entertainment before I head back to the High Chaparral.


title: Five Stars

text: Terrific mixture of great 60s music


title: GARBAGE

text: Binary Stars was the illest rap duo of all time. They're lyrist with a respectable image to potray. Dope beats, dope rhymes, what else do you need. Senims solo album is just a shadow of what he used to be. He's lyrics was dumbed down, his style isn't as smooth, and to top it all off spits ish that contradicts the silla we knew in Binary Stars. "Who said its all about the economy" in this album all he raps about is making money and shooting ak, also it turns out silla's athies(as it shows on the cover) and he blasphemies on every single track on this b****. i dont about the other reviewers but i got into underground hip hop to escape foos like that. If you want to listen to real hip hop, get yourself OneBeLo's new joint. he wont disappoint.


title: Great purchase...

text: Excellent! Very calming.


As Close to a Modern Jimmy Hendrix as it gets.
Try to find  Mind.Body.Soul  I beleive it's out of print.
Larry is a Team Ibanez guitars performer.  Quite hot..


title: good songs

text: some of the best quartets gospel singing you will hear


title: Five Stars

text: Great!


title: One of the best trance CDs of all time!

text: The title of this review says it all.  I actually keep a backup copy of this album in my safe, to ensure I will have it forever.  It's THAT good!


title: Great music, as always.

text: Trisha rarely disappoints.


title: great music

text: I first saw the Alpenzusjes on youtube. Their music is great , fun lively and make you want to party.


title: Great remasters

text: Great sounding remasters of two classic albums by one of the master singer/songwriters. Highly recommended for any Nyro fan or someone new to her music.


title: The Lady And The Legend

text: WOW!!! Two fabulous talents for the price of one!  I love this CD.  Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga's voices blend together so well. This collection  is a bonafide hit with many great tunes  that make you want to get up and dance.


title: Imagine Dragons are the Moody Blues for the 2000's

text: Simply said  I LOVE their music.


title: I love this music

text: Vincent and Catherine always  love the Music the Poetry Vincent belongs with Catherine


title: Five Stars

text: Magnificent


title: Fabulous!

text: Absolutely love this recording.


title: delicious cheese

text:
Unbelievable.  No, not the album, the fact that it is now 2004 and none of you cheese lovers have stepped in to give a review yet.

  If you can get a copy of this record, do it.  Very few small college town bands make it big (R.E.M.) but just as few are good enough to make it big yet just too far ahead of their time to catch on (B.H.O.C.)

  Put yourself into the time period, that is to say circa 1990-95, and remember what you liked to listen to...

did it include things like: Black Flag/Rollins Band, Public Enemy, maybe a little R&B, jazz, some hardcore acts, Frank Zappa? I don't know what the guys in Big Hunk listened to regularly but I heard a little of all of the above whenever I went to a show and every time I listen to the disc.

  In and around 2000 began the "fame time" of some hugely successful acts like Korn and others who fused a few musical styles to create their own. Big Hunk O'Cheese did the same with what I believe was a winning combination of talent.

  Ok, I don't claim to be some kind of music reviewing guru or something (so bite me if you are bored by this).  I'm just trying to say that after 12 years, I've never gotten tired of listening to this disc.  Can you say the same about your favorite college band?

PS:  Whoever the guy is who taped some of those B.H.O.C. shows (see: Cleveland, OH) - I have it on good authority that you exist - share the cheese, brother, share the cheese...


title: Music is great!

text: Copy guard is a bit too much! one disc does not work. Music is great!


title: Madison, Wisconsin’s Classic Bar Band

text: This band’s been around for 35 years and still has it.  The CD is great, but nothing compares to their live shows. If you get the chance, don’t miss them! They’re that good.


title: Muddy, Druggy, and Why?

text: This collection is like a drunk woman staggering out of a bar at 2:30 in the morning.  Lots of talented musicians, but all I could think as I listened to the CD was, “Gee, Joni, where’d you get the Qaaludes?”  Fortunately for me I have ten earlier recordings of her to remind me of how great she once was.


title: Not there yet, again

text:
Beautiful at times, but too enigmatic to be universal.  Tossed it into the recycling bin.  Not sure why they cannot be clear and direct in their intentions.  This current direction seems like a movie soundtracks for movies about people who like movie soundtracks.

Every 7 years or so they hit A home run.  the next "In Rainbows" may take a while.


title: Masterful

text:
Amazing collection of songs and perfromances.  Song choices lending to tributes to Elis, Chico, Milton, Tom, while throughout highlighting the amazing guitar and voice stylings of Mr Bosco.

  The captivating, transcendent take of "Agnus Sei" with Bituca is alone worth the price of admission.


title: Forgotten '80's gem

text:
I found this band through the completely random purchase of their first vinyl EP when it first came out--I liked the cover.  Didn't' like it on first listen, so tried it again and suddenly it all made sense--amber colored sunlight pouring through rain-darkened clouds and punctuated by bursts of thunder and lightning.

This, their first full-length, sounds like that too. Wonderful songs like Yonder, A Honey Sky are raw and exultant and full of sunlight, while others like Maeven are haunting and shadowy.  A Flower and A Stone, another stand-out, shows off their ability to rock in their own dramatic way.  The only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5 is the production doesn't always let the fullness of their sound come through as well as it does on their later albums.  As a result, some songs like the instrumental Tickled Whale sound, in my opinion, a little brittle.  But the fault is not their musicianship or song-writing.

I have heard Caterwaul compared to Siouxsie & the Banshees, or "The Cocteau Twins on speed" as one friend of mine said.  They've been called Goth, Dark Alternative, and lots of other things, and I suppose those are all fair enough descriptions.  But at the end of the day, there is plenty of something in their sound that is uniquely theirs.  Betsy's voice is a thing of wonder to hear--some find it too unusual for their ears, but give it a chance and you too will hear the magic.  Rarely has a band's name fit their sound so perfectly.


title: A breath of fresh air

text: Soltis tells a familiar story -- the Bach cello suites -- in a brilliant new voice, putting solid technique in the service of exquisitely creative phrasing and ornamentation.  She plays them in Baroque setup and styling, with a highly unusual yet coherent and satisfying interpretation.  I recommend this CD to folks both familiar with the suites and unfamiliar, alike.


title: Great Artist

text: We have other of his CD's and like his music.


title: good but a little damaged

text: i got everything that was supposed to come but the some items were a little damaged :(


title: AMAZING ALBUM

text: LOVED EVERYTHING!


title: one of the best albums i've ever bought!

text: album packaging is perfect, the best in the game! songs are so amazing too!


title: Authentic recordings

text: This is a wonderful CD with authentic recordings of the theme/beginnings from old time radio shows. My copy  was in excellent condition. FYI: One issue for me is that all 90 selections are on one track. Because of this, it's not usable for what I wanted it for: a memory game for seniors.


title: Five Stars

text: These are super funny to listen to over & over again, just a little overpriced, I think.


title: Five Stars

text: Love this CD and I share with others.


title: Very cool, complicated music

text: I'll start of by saying I can't stand Cynic. The vocals are annoying and thats probably the main reason why I like this album so much. There's usually a lot going on in these songs, and you can really hear how, even though the artists may be playing kind of quick and complicated, it's always organized and you can tell they're professionals. Some parts in the album get a little too happy and it sounds kinda cheesey.. my brother said it sounds like what they play in Sonic games when you finish a stage haha. But overall it's very good. Couple this with "Animals as Leaders" and you can have some very cool instumental rock playlists.<br />I was Very dissapointed to learn that there will not be a sequel to this album :(


title: Beautiful album, poor shipping

text: [[VIDEOID:2600c2206af310d99c59b28bd26b30e3]] The album is amazing, every song is a bop and the members are so talented. I love the inclusions! Unfortunately the album got a little banged up in the top right corner which creased all the pages in the same spot.

attachment_type: IMAGE


Five Stars


title: great music

text: I was glad to find the CD.  Price was very reasonable.  Delivery was prompt.  It was a pleasant surprise to find it on Amazon.


title: Five Stars

text: I play it all the time


title: Loved it

text: Do not have much to say other then I really enjoyed this movie. Very definatly better then Episoide 1.


title: Five Stars

text: Really nice recopilation


title: Five Stars

text: I love this CD!!  A definite reminder of the 60's 70's rock.


title: Great music

text: I enjoyed the music.


title: Tumble Down

text: This is an amazing artist and I've been waiting for this release for a long time.  He has a very soulful voice and anyone who enjoys blues will enjoy Marcus.


title: Five Stars

text: I just made the mistake of ordering two of them which is 1 too many/


title: Hands down my favorite album!!

text: This particular album is one of greatest treasures. I lived with Don & Dana the summer before this was produced and was hanging out on their porch (as a young teenager does) when Kathryn arrived. I dearly loved the music they all created and was THRILLED when my Dad gave me a signed copy of this album!!! :O<br />I was even more thrilled when he converted it onto a CD! It’s now a part of my iTunes library & I can listen to it as often as I like!! (-;


title: Beautiful music

text: Beautiful, etherical music from the 1960s.  Makes one want to curl up on a rainy day.


title: TRACK LISTING & COMMENT

text:
Visage is a very good band but another greatest hits !! The last collection purchased was "The Face: Best of Visage" and the mixes are good (like a lot of remixes with vocals-not too dubbed out). then again dub versions can be good for certain kinds of electronic music, it varies !!

Would like to see a release with a best of including their video's like Ultravox, Yello, Depeche Mode, OMD, Billy Idol, and so on.... The next expectance would be a nice collectors box with everything and rare stuff unreleased.

Until then, Yep! another hits collection for you to buy and enjoy (If desired!)

Track Listing on CD

1. Mind of a Toy [Dance Mix]
2. In the Year 2525
3. Fade to Grey [12" Single Version] [Version]
4. Tar
5. Night Train
6. Malpaso Man
7. Moon Over Moscow
8. The Damned Don't Cry
9. The Anvil [BBC Session 1982]
10. Can You Hear Me? [BBC Session 1983] [Live]
11. We Move [Dance Mix]
12. Wild Life
13. Pleasure Boys
14. Beat Boy
15. Frequency 7 [Dance Mix]


title: Great New Electro Alternative Remix EP 4 White lies (2010 Release)  !!

text:
1 )  Nothing To Give- M83 Remix  Remix - M83  6:23
 2 )  Farewell To The Fairground- Rory Phillips White Horse Mix  4:54
 3 )  Death- Chase & Status Remix  Remix - Chase & Status  4:53
 4 )  A Place To Hide- Autre Monde Remix  Remix - Mirrors  6:22
 5 )  Unfinished Business- Jorge Elbrecht Of Violens Remix  4:14


title: Five Stars

text: five stars, what else needs to be said


title: Five Stars

text: Love allll da songs. 995% billion satisfied.


title: Perfect

text: He loves it.


title: Five Stars

text: Phenomenal !

user_id: AHBUPAYWAXQRRKJKZDVFWWHNZYUQ


title: Great Soundtrack

text: This is just what I wanted. Always loved playing these games and enjoyed the music.


title: Five Stars

text: Sooo good


title: Great cd

text: Great cd from a great band.


title: original Selena Album

text: This is truly a Original selena Album. Thanks.


title: Five Stars

text: An awesome new album by my favorite group ever; fascinating stories, beautiful lyrics and "arsekicking" music. A must have!


title: Didn’t work on a regular car cd player.

text: It didn’t work on my regular car CD player


title: The best Jerry the best...

text: Absolutely the greatest bags for vinyl records!!


This is one of the  best worship cd's I have ever listened to. I bought this because I wore the other one out! And I will buy another when this one wears out. You love to worship the Lord. You will be in his presence through the whole CD!! I recommend this very highly!!!


title: Happy home schoolers

text: I was buying this set for a friend and she was very happy to get them in such good condition. I never have had a bad experience on Amazon and it is sellers like this one that make it possable!! Thank you!!!


title: Five Stars

text: love to hear it


title: Kay Scarpetta is no Eve Dallas

text:
I started this series because I will soon need something to take the place of JD Robb's Eve Dallas series. I'm not sure this will suffice. The story was ok, and the narration (from the audio book) was ok. It just didn't suck me in and excite me the way other books do. Plus, there were a bunch of 'date stamps' throughout the story. I know it was written a while ago, but it still bugged me to hear about watching a VHS, or the modem for an intranet connection and the constant chain smoking of almost every character. I suppose I was thinking that such a popular series would have been edited and updated by now.

Overall, it's an ok read, but Kay Scarpetta is no Eve Dallas!


title: Colocar papel de burbujas

text: El álbum llego afortunadamente bien sin embargo les recomiendo colocar más protección


title: Five Stars

text: Awesome. Came brand new and undamaged.


title: good choices, predictable sound ....

text: I loved this CD when it was by Black Velvet Flag. Seriously, he does make some great choices of covers, and they're pretty good, but I'm beginning to think that punk and pseudo-punk songs don't work too well in the lounge style. Especially when he's obviously making fun of the songs and the style.  If you're really interested in good lounge covers, get the "Lounge-A-Palooza" CD. If you're interested in bad (in a good way) lounge covers of punk songs, check out Black Velvet Flag. At least they've included TSOL's "Code Blue".


title: Amazing Album

text: This album came right on time and in perfect condition! It was well took care of and the little handmirror is soooooo cute! I love this so much and I adore ATEEZ. I would definitely buy from this seller again!


title: Stan loona

text: As described 👌🏻 stan Loona


title: Not an album. It's a work of art.

text: Do you love Rock music? This is a must have. If you love Blues This is a must have.


title: Loved it! My daughter had this worship collection many ...

text:
Loved it! My daughter had this worship collection many years ago...
I'm so glad I purchased this CD. it brought back many memories.
Terry Clark is a gifted musician.


title: Five Stars

text: This is the best CD! I use it during my prayer time.


title: Balfa Brothers

text: I have purchased several recordings of the Balfa Brothers and have enjoyed every single one of them. You can never go wrong with them. Of course, buyer beware, that you would be purchasing music that is delivered in the original style, completely sung in French Creole, with fiddle, accordian, washboard, etc. Some people look for the more flashy modern style of Zydeco, which this is not.


title: Stick to her French Coloratura arias and you won't be disappointed.

text:
I was excited at finding this album. I have been a fan of Sumi Jo's for a couple of years and think that her voice is perfectly suited for French Coloratura. Her pitch is right on target. Her interpretation of that genre is amazing.

I wish however that I had not found this Crossover Album that has made it hard for me to listen to her any more without a shudder. Here she sings a number of American songs seemingly without any sense of the musicality of the pieces. Her English is not up to par with the standard set by many other renowned interpreters. She does not maintain her own vocal standards for staying on pitch. The songs' emotional impact was totally absent. They do not flow well -- I really wanted to hear her but could not continue to listen because of the lack of credibility of her rendition.

Quick let me listen again to her singing "La perle du Brésil - Couplets du Mysoli" -- here her bel canto delivery is astonishingly beautiful and sets a very high standard for others to attain.


title: Wonderful!

text: Wonderful performance throughout.


title: yeah marco!!

text: for people who dig progressive rock hybrids... marco's compositions are really cool!!!


title: A Timeless Classic Bob & Tom CD

text: A great addition to my collection of Bob & Tom CDs.


title: Excellent Item

text: Excellent sound quality and packaging. Well worth the price.


title: Kid Rocks!

text: Great album. Explicit, unexpurgated and completely original!


title: Five Stars

text: Anything Glenn Miller is top shelf


title: Japanese Baby M

text: Got it


title: The best Inca musicians in the world.

text: Runa Pacha (Wind Rhythms) is the best Inca band out there. I have seen them perform live many times on the street at a local music festival. Contemporary and highly original arrangements of traditional melodies. The truly stand out among the other Inca musicians.


title: Straight playing.  Wow!

text: This is some much better that the "Best Of" two CD set.  I'm not a Clapton fan but have been won-over by this CD.


title: 5HINee 4ever

text: Great CD. Of course, its SHINee ;)<br />I'm a very happy Shawol.


title: Five Stars

text: Fits full size cello. No problems.


title: Five Stars

text: an absolute classic


title: Thanks

text: Brand new just what I needed.


title: Not all of the songs that were on the originally released cds are present in this bundle package.

text: I like the convenience of this economically priced package. One of the jewel cases was cracked but the cd itself doesn't seem to be affected.


title: Love This Album

text: I absolutely love this album.


title: Awesome Album

text: Love this album!


title: Pretty

text: One of the prettiest photo book I’ve seen! They’ve definitely put sm work into this, i love the gold detail on the side of the books. Got this for my friend’s birthday, and he loved it! He got a photo card he doesn’t have yet so we were pretty hyped about that


title: Happy to find this CD!

text: Was so glad to find this CD! The Kyiv Music Mission no longer carries this CD, yet it has a beautiful rendition of “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” among other beautiful pieces.


title: Tom Petty

text: I enjoy Tom Petty. This cd is really good and has most of his popular songs with a good mix of others. Quick, safe shipping. Thank you.


title: Five Stars

text: Loved it!


title: Feel good vibes but sad lyrics😅

text: I thought this album wonderful with catchy beats and thoughtful lyrics. The lyrics are in contrast with the beats. The growth of B.I lyricism showed. All songs are just so relatable. I enjoyed this album thoroughly.


title: Disappointed.

text: I'm really disappointed. 3/4 records are fine, but of course the one I wanted the most out of the set is scratched, badly on both sides.


title: Lenny and Me

text: This is a great album.  Each song is original.  Good sounds, good rhythms, all band members make a great sound together.  I'd like to see this get around.  Others need to hear these moving words, funky tumes and really great sounds.


title: Sounds from Heaven

text: This music is anointed. Minister Daigle will blessed you this original song.


title: but not his best.

text: Interesting CD, but not his best.


title: Good but not great.

text: I prefer the actual Lilith Fair albums, not this one from Starbucks' selections of what they think is good.


title: Not satisfied!

text: I got the the dark magician girl the dragon knight. However, it was not the right artwork as in picture shown.


title: Great music!!!

text: I love this CD!


title: Received quickly and packaged well

text: Christmas gifts


title: Awesome sauce

text: Perfect condition. I had this album on a cassette tape from when I was a baby. So glad i found in CD format!


title: So happy to finally have this

text: Came super fast and very well packaged so it was in perfect condition. That’s what I always look for most with my Kpop collection. Put the Hallateez poster up RIGHT away.


title: Ateez Love

text: Got the red version. Came super carefully packed and in pristine condition. Makes my atiny heart super happy!


title: Awesome buy.

text: This was an amazing buy. Not only did I get stuff inside the sealed album but I also got 3 pictures and a huge poster that was not included in the sealed album. Love it.


title: Bravo!

text: Marvelous! I had the pleasure of experiencing a live performance of the orchestra, and the CD is great.


title: Great dancing music

text: This a great CD to exercise or dance to. Lot's of good rhyme. I love the thick cardboard box not the plastic jewel case that breaks!!


title: As good as it gets

text: The CD is fine, clear , good sound.


title: Disappointed

text: The CD had a problem. The second song is the instrumental version and it stops twice, weird.


title: Ramon Ayala CD

text: This cd was very good grew up with this album


title: I love Beyoncé

text: I love Beyoncé


title: Black Swan is a hit

text: Love this group. Excited to see more.


title: Awesome.

text: If I Were a Boy is a stunning performance by Beyonce. And admit, You love Sinlge Ladies when no one is watching :P


title: Wonderful

text: Arrived on time and it sounds great.  I'd lost my original copy a long time ago and it's nice to have it back in my collection.


title: REAT CD

text: LVED THE SONGS AND THE SAX PLAYER IS GREAT!!!!!!


title: My Favorites CD!

text: I had this LP when I was a teenager and it was given to me by my boyfriend, now husband, when I was 15.  My album was destroyed in one of our moves, and I have been searching for it ever since.  I was thrilled to finally find it on Amazon and I bought the last one!  This brings back memories!  I have always been a fan of Paul's but this was my absolute favorite of his music.  Thanks Amazon!


title: Still Believe Still Believe -AWESOME!

text: Still Believe is an awesome CD! I love the sound of Kim Walker's voice!! She was at my church a few weeks ago and I wish I brought my CD so she could have signed it.


title: Excellent music from some of Boston's finest bluegrass musicians.

text:
This is an excellent bluegrass album from some of Boston's finest bluegrass musicians - Howie Tarnower on mandolin, Matt Glaser on fiddle, Lauck Benson on banjo, Flynn Cohen on guitar, Andy Hall on dobro and Eric Levenson on bass.
My favorite tracks are Randall Collins, Roll on Muddy River, and Springtime in Heaven.
There is a bonus track written by Howie called "The Mechanic's Shrug" which features guest vocals by Tom and Ray Magliozzli, aka Click and Clack, on NPR's Car Talk show.
Andy Hall has since gone on to play with the popular bluegrass band the Infamous Stringdusters. Matt Glaser is now the artistic director of Berklee College of Music's American Roots program. And Flynn Cohen plays with the group Analivia. Great music from an influential group of musicians.


title: Fantastic 2 cd house set

text: One of my favorite English house mix cds. It sounds as good today as it did 23 years ago. An eclectic mix of vocal gems with hard driving beats.


title: Tasty

text: Great Selection of Live Performances.


title: good music

text: good music


title: great music

text: great music


title: One of Laurindo's Beautiful Music Albums

text: This Album has a lot of Beautiful Music on it with Strings. I'm patiently waiting for this to get released to Digital Music so I can download the song Fool from it. I recommend this album.


title: ... Disc with Rap and hip hop songs and other crap! But I am very happy with Disc 2 ...

text: Disc 1 Song title did not match play list Someone  rerecorded the First Disc with Rap and hip hop songs and other crap! But I am very happy with Disc 2 Been debateung what to do about


title: It's Lollipop Time!

text:
Corn Mo looks like someone put Sam Kinnison on the cover of a Jim Steinman album.

Corn Mo sounds like Tiny Tim singing in the style of Neil Innes or Meat Loaf, performing music that could well be described as Bonzo Dog Band, with lyrics penned straight from They Might Be Giants.

In short, if you like They Might Be Giants...strike that.  If you LOVE They Might Be Giants, you will probably like Corn Mo.  It is surreal, passionate, goofy, and overall a delightful departure.  It is what used to pass for Alternative, back when TMBG and Barenaked Ladies were inventing it.

The album's strong points are "Lollipop Time, Busey Boy," and "Being A Star Captain."  They might still be available at Corn Mo's web site for free.  But that's not to cheat the rest of the album.  It is strong, but slightly lopsided, hence the one star deduction.  In the same way that "My Favorite Place to Drown" (Michael Leviton) and "Women In Technology" (White Town) were inconsistent, the rest of the album is not as complex as the three aforementioned songs.  It almost sounds like most of the album was recorded with just Corn Mo playing accordian and piano (and maybe a drum or two), and then the other songs were performed with more or less a full band.  But don't take my word for it, head over to his site and check out the album for yourself.  At the very least, he scores major points by having 2 minute "samples" of his songs!

I prefer his "full band" sound.  The instrumentation is reminiscent of carnival music, and Mo's passion really delivers through his vocals.  If his style is in chrysalis, I can't wait to see the butterfly that emerges in his next album!


title: In the begining

text:
Let us first establish who Silke Bischoff is.  It began as a duo of Felix Flaucher (vocals,lyrics,music) and Axel Kretschmen (music,sounds). The name comes from that of a victum in a major hostage situatuion in 1988.  Their music is a gothic,folk,synth hybrid.  Giving a wide selection of styles.
  This is their debut release officially titled "Silke Bischoff".  The full title however is "This is the new religion.Listen to Silke Bischoff".  It was released in 1992 by SPV,INRI,and AM music.  The cover of art of an average goth holding a knife are followed by many others holding different weapons.  All photos are taken and arraged by Felix ,and the models are also members of the Silke Bischoff family.
  As for the music of this record.  It's the darkest I've heard form them.  The songs have a really haunting gothic vibe to them.  along with deep male vocals.  Which remind of depressed crys.  Not all the songs are sung dark and deep however.  Five out the total 11 traks  are sung in a bueatiful soothing voice ( three of which are acoustic versions of songs that are already on this album).  Its amazing how Felix can change his voice. You would not believe it was the same guy.
  Favorite tracks include " I dont love you anymore acoustic", " On the other side ", "The church bells and razor blades"  and last but most important " Hold me".  Which is the saddest song I've ever heard.  The best thing about Silke Bischoff is how they can perform songs that people can enjoy the sound of.  Yet also relate to the lyrics.  Some songs tell storys and its easy to follow along.  You'll be so hooked.  your not just listening to a cd. your being told storys.  Some might even relate to your life.
  All in all I recommend the whole Silke collection.  Which consist of five albums.  All with original photos of the family which seems to grow.  Silke is still around to this day.  just under the new band name 18 Summers.  So you know they are good if they have made it for the past 12 years.  Anyway you would really enjoy this band.  I did.
Kenneth Suttles


title: I treasure this!

text: This was very rare and special! ♥🥰


title: Incredible discovery!

text:
At first I was a bit skeptical when I bought this album, but when I played it I was blown away! Astrid Hadad has to be one of the most underrated and talented mexican cabaret divas out there (well, aren't all cabaret divas underrated anyways?) Beautiful songs, cuban, mexican and forgotten melodies come together to make up a masterpiece! Her best album.

Best songs: "Canta, canta", "Al Uruguay", "Sobre Una Tumba, Una Rumba", "Si La Vieran", "Virgen de Media Noche" and "Pecadora".


title: Great song, Rare CD

text:
"Underneath The Stars" was only released as a promo CD single in the U.S. in 1996. The tracklist is:

1. Underneath The Stars

2. Underneath The Stars (Drifting Re-Mix)

3. Underneath The Stars (Drifting Re-Mix w/o Rap)

The remixes were done by The Track Masters and feature re-sung vocals by Mariah over a darker, more urban beat. This CD is rare and this is the only way you can get these remixes.


title: Fascinating Look Into Jaco's Style Development

text:
I wholeheartedly disagree with the only other reviewer here.
This collection of songs provides a marvelous glimpse into Jaco's development as a musician. To think that he was getting so much freedom in the context of Funk/Top-40 bands such as Woodchuck and the C.C. Riders in the early 1970's is quite amazing.
If you are a Jacophile, you need to get this CD. It's as simple as that.
Highly recommended.


title: Better Than Empire

text: 'Attack of the Clones' is not only the best movie of the summer, but the best movie of the Star Wars saga. The reasons are plain & simple: Plot progression & character development. 'The Phantom Menace' set the stage for the next five films & that means 'Clones' had to push the protagonists further along, which it did quite nicely. Since we regretably know how it all ends, it's good to see that build up & consistancy. Anakin retains his 'special gift' & quick temper & it's VERY easy to see where he's going. His conflicting emotions & very dark sense of humor reflects Vader in every scene (look at the way he's standing while watching the sunrise on Naboo). Amidala is a typical over-worked woman attracted to the bad boy, though she knows it's a mistake. She's beautiful, but she'll soon be sad, just how Leia remembers her in 'Return of the Jedi'.<br /> The action sequences are better than anything we've seen & the humor is a nice touch. If anyone has their doubts about 'Clones', I think they should open up the original Star Wars novel & read the prologue. It's all there. Emotional, action-packed, & visually stunning, 'Clones' is the best.


title: THE Native American Queensryche Album

text: This album by my favorite Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band of all time is absolutely superb. This is where Geoff's voice is his best and most clearest of all of Queensryche's albums. You can hear every chord in his  awesome voice belt out the notes and lyrics at the awe-inspiring listener.  The songs leave me in shock, period. From '9:28 A.M.' to (Anybody  Listening?) 'Someone Else?'......it is an absolute masterpiece. I can't say  that any of these songs are worse than any other song on the album, but  'Lady Jane' is just mindblowingly awesome. You get totally into this song,  as did I, my brother, and my father as well. My brother was begging for  more 'Lady Jane'. The album has many American Indian notes, sounds, and  quibbles that are a joy to listen to, especially in the title  track,......superb, awesome. An insult not intended, but all of Oklahoma  should buy this album............and the rest of the world.


title: A breath of fresh air....

text:
This is Donna's sophomore album, following her 1992 MCA debut which featured Just a Dream-written and produced by Madonna-and featuring Madonna on vocals.
Donna steps out from that dance/pop album to an ethereal approach to her music, and it works, she is a great lyricist, and her cover of Amazing Grace really shows off the voice that she has.
Originally released in 1999 under an independent label, Donna finally got a big label to release it in the States last year, but the copies sold out and now you'll have to look on her official website to obtain the album.
Go Talk To Mary, Hold Me Now, On And On are the highlights on this album, a definite must for anyone who likes music that is laidback, not overproduced and has a point....


title: Genesis

text: Great album by Genesis


title: must-own piece of musical genius.

text:
So I don't write a lot of reviews for Amazon products anymore, too busy and all that, y'know...but la dee da, I'm wandering around and I stumble across THIS! and so I am inspired to write something brief to share my love for this wonderful little disc.

Sometimes you hear new music and it completely changes your paradigms. I came across Luc Ferrari and musique concrete in my earliest explorations of the avant-garde, and I wasn't sure what to expect. To say my mind was blown would be an understatement. "Presque rien no. 1" (1970) was the first thing I heard, and its magic completely enthralled me. It basically uses recorded sounds to tell the story of a fishing village "waking up," and it's so beautiful and intense and wonderful. Of all the masterpieces composed for magnetic tape (might be a short list, eh?), this is perhaps the most profound of all to me. How can something so...pedestrian, capture one's interest so intensely? Such was Ferrari's uncanny ability -- to combine unpredictability with a harmonious substructure in such a way is really remarkable. The other "Presque rien"'s, also on this disc, are likewise wonderful, especially "Presque rien avec filles" which is widely considered a musique concrete classic. Then there is "Music Promende", another musical epiphany. This one uses snippets of city life, folk-music, military parade, political speech, and more, polyphonically combining these elements into a real COMPOSITION -- although the sounds are environmental recordings, they have been very carefully arranged to create their own organizational principle that feels utterly intuitive and compelling. As far as the avant-garde is concerned, this music is eminently listenable and pleasant, and downright beautiful at times. Recommended not as a good cd to buy, but as a musical treasure that can change the way you appreciate the music of our world.


title: So fun it hurts.

text:
When a CD sports a sticker warning of poor sound quality, your first instinct is to run away. But please make an exception for Nick n' Neal's double live album. All Spock's Beard fans need to have this, because it's just too fun to be without. While Spock's Beard was touring Europe, guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse and drummer/vocalist Nick D'Virgilio performed several gigs in Holland and Germany. Recorded entirely off the board, sound quality is raw and the energy is undiluted. You'll hear Spock's Beard songs, a bunch of cover tunes, and some surprises along the way.
For those unaware of Nick D'Virgilio's versatility, this album may surprise some people. Anyone who has heard him play with Spock's Beard knows he's a great drummer. The Beard also hinted at his singing ability because Nick would usually cover the high notes Neal himself could never hit. Here, Nick sings a bunch of songs on his own, demonstrating his precision and range. He actually has a very powerful voice, and what's more...he plays a mean guitar! Listen to him perform the tricky acoustic interlude of "The Doorway" here. It's pretty impressive (as Neal says, "In case you didn't know, this is the _drummer_ of Spock's Beard").
These two discs are so fun you might be in pain by the end. Some members of Dream Theater even stop by for a jam on "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". How about that! Listen to the rowdy bar crowd sing to the German drinking song "Mein Kleine Gruner Kaktus". The audience sings Alan Morse's part on "June" to make up for that missing factor. When Nick breaks a string on "The Good Don't Last", Neal keeps the crowd entertained with a goofy Irish folk song. All throughout these two CDs, Nick n' Neal are relaxed, energetic, and they pass their enthusiasm smoothly onto the listener.
Sure, maybe it's a novelty, and you won't be listening to it too often. Still, no one can deny the fun captured on these discs. It's a treat for Spock's Beard fans.


title: Some mediocrity, but solid on the whole.

text:
Queensryche has evolved considerably over the past 20 years of their prolific careers. They've gone from fiery heavy metal in the days of their EP to the lush rock-opera of Operation: Mindcrime, to the sublime perfection of the commercially successful Empire, to their current status as a generic rock band. In the middle of these last two phases comes Promised Land. Compared to the remarkable accessibility of Empire, Promised Land is a little more difficult to appreciate. Living up to the amazing success and quality of Empire is nearly impossible, and I do not envy Promised Land for what it tried to do.
The problem lies in the fact that Promised Land's excellent songs are not as densely packed as those on Empire. Most of the songs are good, but not all the songs are excellent. There are moments of mediocrity that drag the album down from levels of excellence. The superlative production alleviates some of the boredom associated with the passable tracks, as do the thick wall-of-sound arrangements. However, interspersed amonst the middling pieces are some of the best tracks they've ever recorded, including some of the finest lyrics. The acoustic balladry of "Bridge" made for a lucrative single that deserved all its enjoined success. The sad, thoughtful "Out of Mind," the ominous "Lady Jane," and the hard rock trappings of "Disconnected" are all great. The true standouts are the stormy title track, with those monstrous arrangements and the harrowing tone, and the moving closer, "Someone Else?" The latter is the most un-Ryche song they've ever done, consisting only of piano and Geoff Tate's emotive vocals. The memorable piano riffs, thoughtful lyrics and Tate's passion are what makes this one special. Tate even strains on a note...guess he's human after all! Without the songcraft to elevate it to greatness, the production helps.
A good Queensryche, almost a great one. Still, it can't touch the monolithic status of Mindcrime and Empire. In terms of songcraft, those albums are the band's best.


title: Most Wonderful Pop Music

text: Finally, this 18 years old (!) record is available on CD! WHo cares, you might ask. Well "No Sense Of Sin" is not just any pop album of the eighties. It's one that really stands out, and continues to have its own magic even in the new millenium. Unfortunately, the "Lotus Eaters" didn't become pop stars at this time, despite their surprise hit-single "The First Picture Of You". Yet they aren't a "single hit wonder". The entire album is full of stunning pop songs with great melodies and wonderful vocal and instrumental arrangements. The mood of this album is clearly contemplative and unobtrusive throughout. If you like balladesque, smooth pop music, this record is about the best you can get.


title: love her

text: She has SUCH an amazing voice, and every track is so pretty, but the sparse arrangements are a little cheesy. It's not a proper showcase for someone who is just so, so talented.


title: like fixing a hole in a waterfall in heaven

text: While Frances did not write this song, her voice is so well-suited to this song. The lyrics are impeccable. There is something very sexy and sultry about her voice that makes everything in this song and everything about it fall into place. It is also one of the most gorgeous tracks she's ever recorded. Also stand outs on this single are the two songs she has written herself. Shining Light is Beatles-esque, while Be Wild My Little Child is reminiscent of James Taylor's composing style. I could not recommend this more.


title: not a Stranger to the Rain

text: I really love this single. I think that it high lights Frances Ruffelle'a amazing voice. This is a song from "Children of Eden," but I think that it was an extremely well-thought idea to make it a single. It's such a strongly composed song, and this arrangement of it is well-suited for Frances and as a single. I honestly didn't mind shelling a large amount of  money for it. I also really, truly love the unreleased track "In Another World" that she had written. I don't think Frances gets enough credit for how all her talents. Also, the cover is beautiful. I wish she would re-lease this digitally so that everyone could be able to appreciate it!


title: polished a-sides banished to b-side land

text: What a fantastic little EP! Charlotte Martin is one of my favourites and it is a crying shame that these beloved songs ended up on an EP instead of a proper album. Every song off this EP is a master of a non-LP tracks.  Every track on this EP shines with its own star. Really a magnificent piece of work. Galaxies is gorgeous, Many Rivers is reworked from Test Drive Songs, but is incrdible. Fan favourite, "I'm Normal, Please Date Me." appears in here as 'The Stalker Song,' a hilarious vaudeville-esque tune. All in all, well worth the purchase.


title: Songs of the Banjoman

text: Daroll Adams is not as well known as he should be in th US. This CD is a rare and wonderful look at some of his work. If you like Folk Music this is a must own.


title: KILLER!!!

text: When John Simon's Journey came out in '72 my college roomy threw it on the turntable and we wore it out over months listening to it over and over and over and over.  Last week in January 2017 John Simon's name somehow found it's way into my larynx and told my old friend that we had to get that album again.  Just downloaded it and read all about John Simon who has had a killer career in music. This album is still as fresh as it was all those years ago.  Killer sidemen, this album was recorded in two days and it is just FANTASTIC.  I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


title: engelbert

text: after seeing engelbertin live concertin NY,  he sand a special song called  How I love You,  and it brought the house down and it was just so emotional, that I had to find that song on a cd and this one had it, so  I dont know why he never put it onmore of his cdsXXX ps


title: 112 & Mase representing Bad Boy Records

text: This is a nice piece of work from the gentlemen of Bad Boy Records, known as 112.  This is the first single from their Room 112 album, and what a way to start it off.  One listen to the song and you will rush to buy the album.  "Love Me" features (then)label-mate Mase and the sound of them collaborating truly brings out that "Bad Boy sound."  If the tune sounds familiar, that is because it is sampling a Luther Vandross song, which was also sampled by Heavy D.  "Love Me" has to be one of my favorite songs by the group 112.

user_id: AGCKLFIBTANZLKWCFCICHBXNITLA


title: Capitol started this series a few years ago...

text:
Captiol started this series (Vol. 1 & 2) a few years ago. It was their attempt to issue, on CD, the US configurations of the Beatles' albums.
Sadly, now that the Apple Boxes (both Stereo & Mono) have been released, we probably WON'T be seeing a "Vol. 3"; Too bad...

...Much has been written over the years about Capitol's original hap-hazard release of the Beatles' material, and the fact that they added an echo to their masters to give them a more "Americanized" sound...
But for better or worse, THIS is how WE in the United States know the Beatles. I may shut a lot of people off by saying this, but I actually prefer THESE to the Apple Boxes.

One trick Capitol did on these issues was to put both Stereo AND Mono versions of the albums on each disc.
ADVICE: Forget the Stereo - Go right to the Mono!!! It really has a fuller, richer sound!

As for the "echo", to me it just adds to that big beat sound; Listen to "I Feel Fine" on the Apple Boxes and it'll certainly sound clean, but a bit vacant... On the U.S. Release, it's SO much more robust with that reverb added!
ALSO: Even though the "brick" configuration of Vol. 1 seems to be out of print, it and the "brick" of Vol. 2 are the preferred "user-friendly" way to go (forget the "long boxes", unless you like stuff falling on the floor - see other reviews!).

As for the contents of a possible Vol. 3, here's some potential contenders:
1). "The Beatles Story": A 2-LP documentary Capitol released around the time of "Something New", it's never been issued to CD. Admittedly inaccurate and dated, it's still an interesting time capsule from that era. The trick would be making it fit on a single CD.
2). The "Hard Day's Night" Soundtrack: Even though it's a United Artist's release (and this series IS called "The Capitol Albums"), Capitol/EMI now owns United Artist/Liberty, so maybe it could be considered. It's another one that's never been issued to CD. For Completists, it's a way to get George Martin's instrumental background music.
3). The controversal "Yesterday And Today" LP. Volumes have been written about this U.S.-only release, most especially about it's original "Butcher Cover".
4). The U.S. version of "Revolver"... although the only difference between this and it's U.K. counterpart is the elimination of "I'm Only Sleeping", "And Your Bird Can Sing" and "Doctor Robert", used on the aforementioned "Yesterday And Today" release.

While we're at it, here's a potential line-up for Vol. 4:
1). Magical Mystery Tour
2). Hey Jude
3). Live at the Hollywood Bowl
4). The Beatles' Raraties

Capitol Records, if you're reading this, consider continuing the series!


title: Love this Disc set!

text: Love this Disc! Being an Import is that much better!


title: Five Stars

text: Great CD. Bought it as a gift and my friend loved it. May purchase one for me as well.


title: 1960's Toronto based gay Nashvillian soul singer cruelly ignored. Pictures at 6.

text:
I arrived in Toronto in 1963. A 14 year old immigrant from Brighton, England. Jackie was a staple on the Toronto music scene from the time I landed until the decade came to a close. The live portion of this CD captures Jackie and the Frank Motley band perfectly. It is very reminiscent of James Brown without being copycat. These guys definitely had a sound of their own. Don't Play That Song is as good as version as I've heard. And I have Ben E. King, live, on vinyl, from 1962; a record that I have always loved. Jackie's take on the song equals Ben's. Any Other Way, got it on 45 way back, is a great song. Should have been an international hit. Pretty adventurous for 1963 "tell her that I'm happy, tell her I'm gay, tell her I wouldn't have it any other way".

CBC online has an extremely interesting radio doc about Jackie. [...]

Allmusic, which has acres of stuff about obscure and relatively talent-less artists, has nothing on Jackie! Weird. Very hard to explain. Without being paranoid I would pose the question - had JK lived and performed in Detroit instead of Toronto would he have been so cruelly ignored. No matter. We, John, Larry and I, we do remember.


title: Under-appreciated, gone but never forgotten

text:
Tammi Terrell, Kim Weston, Chris Clark and The Velvelettes were all Motown artists who were more talented than they were lucky.  Thanks to Amazon and UK spectrum the talents of these seemingly forgotten artists can now be appreciated once again - this time on cd.

Of course Tammi Terrell will always be remembered for her duets with Marvin Gaye. In referring to her as forgotten I am thinking of her solo work, recorded at Motown between 1965 and 1968. I vividly recall taking the bus and subway downtown to buy my soul singles during the mid sixties. There were two relatively large stores (by the limited standards of those days - no music "megastores" existed!) that stocked Motown, Atlantic and Stax-Volt. Often the stores would have to place special orders for me. Listening again, after all these years, to I Can't Believe You Love Me and Come On And See Me, I am bewildered, just as I was forty years ago, that they hardly made a dent in the charts.

This cd contains the two aforementioned singles along with sixteen other songs, several previously unreleased. The sound, instrumentation, lyrics and vocals are, generally speaking, reminiscent of  Motown sound of 1960-65 than 66-68. Perhaps this explains Tammi Terrell's relative lack of singles success.


title: Philly's Soul once again a true winner: Carol Riddrick

text: I wish I could give this cd more stars....Oh, I guess I can 10 stars. Carol Riddrick "Moment Like This" is one of my favorite cd's right now 2007 Love every single track. I first notice this wonderful artist featured on Larry Gold's and Musiq's cd. And then caught her live singing background for Jill Scott. I knew once the cd was released it was going to be placed in my collection. Please! if you love beautiful lyrics, and a superb soulful voice don't sleep on this one.


title: Totally Awesome!!!!!!!!

text: WOW!!!!!This is one of the best cd's of 2004 so far.....Lalah Hathaway Outrun The Sky is Totally Awesome...all 13 cuts are outstanding work of art.....If you are force to buy one cd in 04 this should be the one...The girl is Bad!!!!


title: Five Stars

text: perfect


title: Great! I can't wait for volume 2 to come ...

text: Great!  I can't wait for volume 2 to come out.


title: Love this DVD

text: As always anything by Dolly is superb. Love this DVD. Kalle from London


title: Jazz singer

text: First off, I love Kay Starr. I already had this cd, but when I new it was coming out in the mini paper album sleeve I had to have it. I'm a big fan of these and have replaced many of my CDs with these. The sound quality is much better, you can get this cd a lot cheaper, but over all the sound and mini lp sleeve make this a must buy<br />Kalle


title: Guitar sounds so intensely and artfully textured you can almost smell and taste them

text: If you love delicious electric guitar sounds with outstanding use of complex timbre ... I've always been in heaven whenever I've heard Ava Mendoza play, though.


title: Delightful

text: Subtle, beautiful, delicate duets. For me this and the fabulous and jaw-droppingly wonderful Twine Forest duo recordings with Wadada Leo Smith [[ASIN:B00G1V14SE Twine Forest]] seem to be on an even higher plane of creativity than Sanchez' earlier  recording projects. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed.


title: It's Moby--Always Great!

text: It's Friggn Moby....Oh Lordy Lordy if you want to dance your ass off and just move your feet....and maybe even feel a live for a moment ....Enjoy any and all Moby!  I saw Moby life ---everyone involved in the band or anyone who helps out.....all amazing!  Thank you Moby for always creating great works!


title: Great singers backed by some cracking musicians.

text:
Very good highlights album of the first,and probably strongest, rock opera. Hair spawned no less than 5 hit singles covered by The Cowsills, Oliver, Three Dog Night, Nina Simone and The 5th Dimension.

This album has some great singers backed by some cracking and spirited backing musicians.


title: Four Stars

text: Interesting and a listen to the early years !


title: Four Stars

text: all good !


title: OMG Thanks!

text: I bought 2 other Gregory Porter Cds from other sellers, trying to procure the song, "Holding on" Ft. KEM. This is it !!!! Thanks for offering it. I am so happy. Perfect everything from the seller ❤<br />DVD included as a bonus....omg


title: Monica Naranjo is an amazing singer.

text: I like the compilation of the videos. But, the sequence of the songs are a mix, like put in a mixer an prepare a cocktail. But, She is a wonderful singer, very versatil. And great voice. Great for Spain!


title: Five Stars

text: that cd every time i want<br />thank you


title: GO GO GO

text: GROOVE COVERAGE ARE GREAT!<br />AFTER,,GOD IS A GIRL'' AND ,,MOONLIGHT SHADOW'',NOW THEY HAVE THEM OWN SONG,AND IT IS ALSO GREAT.SONG HAVE GREAT TEXT,MYSTIC MELODY,GREAT RHYTHM,NICE VOICE FROM VERENA....


title: NO ANGELS BEST SONG

text: THIS IS GREAT COVERVERSION.<br />NO ANGELS ARE GOOD GROUP,AND THIS IS THEM BEST SONG.


title: Willa Ford Is Here To Stay!

text:
I'm sure that all of you have already heard the song, I Wanna Be Bad. The song rocks and is probably one of the best on this album.Willa Ford has a good voice and the hip hop pop style fits her very well.The standout tracks on this cd are: I Wanna Be Bad, Ooh Ooh, Tender, Prince Charming, and Dare. Here is a track listing and my rating of each song:
I Wanna Be Bad: 5/5 stars, This song is awesome!
Did Ya' Understand That 4.5/5 stars
Ooh Ooh: 5/5 stars,Great song! Good Beat To It!
Tired: 5/5 stars, I absolutly love this song! The part where she mentions Britney is great and creative!
Joke's On You: 4/5 stars
Tender: 4.5/5 stars, The only ballad on this album and it is good!
Don't You Wish: 4/5 stars
Prince Charming: 5/5 stars, I really like the part where she raps!
Somebody Take The Pain Away: 4/5 stars
Haunted Heart: 4.5/5 stars
Dare: 4.5/5 stars, Creative song!
Overall,This a great album! If you liked the single, I Wanna Be Bad, then you will like this Cd! Go out and buy it if you haven't already!


title: 2 missing songs.

text: If this was an ultimate collection where was "mum" & "killer blow"?.


title: Best American Music cd!!

text: Thank you for this great cd. I bought this to use at patriotic meetings when recorded music is a necessity. This contains several songs that will fit your patriotic gathering. I love it!!


title: Bottle It Up

text: I brought "Bottle It Up" by Sara Bareilles.  Don't get me wrong.  The music is good, but buying "Little Voice" would have been a better purchase.


title: Easy Listenin"

text: There are 12 selections. 0 56775 08052 DDD<br />Summer Wind, From here to eternity, love and marriage, witchcraft, what now my love, that's life, My way, somethin' stupid, september in the rain, I only have eyes for you, high hopes and It was a very good year. Love them all!


title: Easy listening

text: There was no album cover photo. I have the album.It has the picture faces of all 3 sisters.That along is wonderful.


title: Wow...Dr. Hook and Willie Nelson are Legends

text: There are many legends of country music in this collection of great singing artists. They have captured so many favorite songs that I can't pick one because I love them all. You can't go wrong buying this CD for your country music collection. It's not often that you find Dr. Hook and Willie Nelson in the same collection. I thought that was amazing.


title: Three Stars

text: it's okay


title: Rollins Band always bringing it!

text: We all know Rollins Band sounds awesome in the studio. Well live Henry and Company do not disappoint.  Just full on high energy assault in your face all the way up to Henry telling the crowd good night. I have to say it gave me chuckles hearing Henry's James Brown imitations sprinkled throughout the show. It was cute. I love that Henry threw in the middle of "Move On In" the "Gratitude" song . It is so killer. You will not be disappointed. If your a fan of Rollins Band or just really good music period. Get this album.


text: This is truly a great pressing of a great album. The sound is crisp and clear, just like the color of the record. There is some surface noise which can be quite prominent at times, which is not ideal. However, those moments are few and far between. Overall, the quality of this album - the music, the packaging, the sound - is phenomenal. I highly recommend this set to any Alabama Shakes fans, and anyone who is looking to expand their record collection.


title: Medulla in Maroon

text: A beautiful pressing of a beautiful album. However, customers should note that for some reason, "Desired Constellation" is listed as the fourth track on Side B - it is actually the first track on Side C.


title: The Way this Album should be presented!

text: Just the way this landmark album should be done! The ONLY thing that would have made it any better would be a dvd of the concert (Which i missed at the last minute!!) Beautiful packaging and lots of extras! And the ORIGINAL cover which i much prefer! If you love this record you will love this package. Maybe only for collectors though.


title: My stepfather is Bill Lee....ugh

text: Bill is my #2 Dad as he referred to himself...he was not a good guy


title: The New Recordings.

text: Nice CD and the sound is great.  I'm not a fan of a few of the songs chosen.  I think this is a neat concept and would be nice on a few of Frank Sinatra's Columbia tunes that were a little more popular.  Worth the purchase though.


title: Great singer.

text: This man came from the town where I live. I knew him and liked him. He was a nice man.


title: Great singer and a very special man.

text: I live in White Eagle's home town and knew him. I was glad to find a copy. He had a wonderful voice.


title: The studio albums are much better. For die hard completists only.

text: Meh, nothing really new here. Alternate versions of Beatles’ songs. Nothing revealing. Recording quality is so-so. The studio albums are better.


title: GREAT

text: Very well done and great improvements in the footage. I am not going to take a star away from what is released but there could have been more new stuff. I hope they release more Syd Floyd audio and video. Prominade was found from April 67 and there is plenty more too that could not doubt get unearthed. I still give it 5 stars though as what is there is great. If you missed out on buying this than you really missed out.


title: Five Stars

text: Good listen


title: I do not know why I have not heard of ...

text: I do not know why I have not heard of this person, however I belive he will be huge in the field of jass.


05-12-2915  Here is pianist Alfred Brendel along with Maestro James Levine and the Chiago Symphony Orchestra in a 1983 recording of performances of  all 5 piano Concerti of  Ludwig von Beethoven.  The appearance of these artists on the Philips label surprised me somewhat as Levine has been with DGG for several years now, and he has a history of much work for RCA.  Brendel's career has been seemingly, almost exclusively a Philips partnership, with an occasional foray with VOX.  I am  unsure as to whether or not the CSO has recorded with this great Dutch Company before, or not, but was pleased to see it, nonetheless.
  Recorded before an adoring and disciplined Orchestra Hall audience, these compositions run a total of 2:53:19, spread over 3 CDs along with the usual fine, but brief booklet that sports a really cool image of the great man himself, Ludwig van Beethoven.

  ARTISTIC REACTIONS AND IMPRESSIONS
  As I have stated elsewhere in other reviews, Alfred Brendel is my all-time favorite pianist and certainly one of the Century's finest.  His interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and Mendelssohn are some of his trademark composer's, but there is also much to say for his Liszt, Brahms, Bach and some Schumann.  His strength, however is in those first three composers I mentioned.  Much of it id due to his skill and artistry at the late Classicists and early Romantics.  I have only one regret in the years I have listened to this marvelous artist, and that is my wife, Thelma and I only heard him in some Liszt and a few Mozart concerti in live Chicago performances.
  The five Concerti seem to have been presented in numerical order as the applause after each work, though brief in the discs, builds to a high level upon completion of the "Emperor."  This allows us to appreciate the regard with which he is held in the Windy City, something bordering on Idolitry.  L.O.L.  No, seriously, I heard Mr. Brendel  play the Liszt 2nd a long time ago, a long time ago,  and, for some reason, it is the only performance I can recall.  Maybe there were others but I'm not sure.
  In any event, this 3 CD box set from Philips is a real catch and a welcome addition for anyone's library, regardless of the others in a large and excellent field.  I also own the Fleischer. Szell quintet, and seek the sets of Rudy Serkin, Perahia/Haitink, Barenboim. Klemperer and will probably buy the hard to find Gilels/Jochum on EMI as a "historical" reading.  But, for sheer quakity, all around, this Brendel/Levine combo is my leader at the present time.  Take my advise and add it to your shelves,  as you will not be disappointed.
  As always, best wishes for months and years of listening pleasure and happiness.  God bless all, Tony.
  A. M.  D.  G.


04-19-2015  Here is the rarely heard, and even les recorded St. Cecillia Mass by Charles Gounod.  It is presented by solists Barbara Hendricks, soprano---tenor Lawrence Dale, and baritone jean-Philippe Lafont.  They are assisted by Choeurs of Radio France, with the New Philharmonic orchestra of the French radio under Georges Pretre. The Mass was recorded at Salle Wagram, Paris on ecember 20/21, of 1983.  Elapsed timing is 45:57, for this EMI rendition.

  ARTISTIC EVALUATION
  Having first heard the St. Cecilia Mass over 3 1/2 decades ago, I have retained my admiration for it, along with that wonderful voice of the soprano, Barbara Hendricks.  This young lady from Arkansas  attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating at age 20 with a double major in Chemistry and Mathematics----Stunning, in and of itself.  However,  this immensely talented gal then went on to the Aspen Music Festival/School, and then to Julliard,  studying under Jennie Tourel, with master classes led by Maria Callas.  She then received a second bachelor's Degree, this one in music.  This pushes her off the charts on the "WOW METER."
  Miss Hendricks, in her later years, has turned to performing jazz, and has rendered her talents in the aid of international refugee relief.  A noble cause, to be sure, she began her career singing lots of Mozart, Handel and some coloratura operas as well as unusual digressions into Stravinsky, Puccini and even Mahler's "Das Lied."  I have not heard any f these, however, so I will refrain from commenting.  What I have heard, are such "honey-voiced"
treats as this recording and her simply rapturous "Four Last Songs,"  with an, unfortunately impatient Wolfgang Sawallisch, both for EMI.  As to the Strauss, on my shelves, she shares top honors all-time with Lucia Popp, as both of these ladies out seduce even the legendary Elizabeth Schwarzkopf.  Another "Wow."
  As to the composition itself, Gounod recalls for us some Berlioz, which at first dazzled me, but I e


title: often told me about Cassidy's acerbic treatment of this fine Maestro. My first and only hearing of him ...

text:
03-18-2015  Here are the Bavarian  Radio Symphony  Orchestra with Rafael Kubelik  conducting Bruckner 4TH symphony in E flat major. The recording dates, I believe, from 1981, but I'm not totally sure. It is 66:55 long, making it one of music's longest 4ths.

  ARTISTIC IMPRESSIONS AND THOUGHTS

  Back IN THE EARLY 1950'S, Rafael Kubelik was Music Director of the Chicago Symphony, 1950/51, I think, but came up against heavy criticism from the local press, especially the powerful Claudia Cassidy, who is credited with "running him out of town."  My lone music teacher, my Uncle Tom, retired History professor from Notre Dame, and a Holy Cross priest ( the founders of the university back in 1840,  often told me about Cassidy's acerbic treatment of this fine Maestro.  My first and only hearing of him was at a matinee performance in 1973, 0r 74 and he led the CSO in this work.  I also remember the very warm and sincere reception he got by just coming out on stage.  As I also remember, the applause at the end was equally enthusiastic and complimentary, so I pressed my uncle to be sure he wasn't exaggerating  Cassidy's damage.  He wasn't, and I felt confident of his take on the matter.
  As for this recording of the Bruckner 4th, the opening movement is a long, stately and grand 19:22, setting the standard for a big, sweeping work and the way it should be done, as well.  There is here, and throughout the entire work, plenty of room for these wonderful melodies to roam, stretch and dance within a secure corral, like a spring colt or calf.  Never are any of the musical fragments pressed or crammed together, but given lots of airiness around each note.  The perspective is that the orchestra has depth and a core, as opposed to the flat wall of sound onne gets from most recordings.  Even here, in the early 80's, we have a more concert hall impression than the contemporary competition.  And, the conpetition is fierce and plentiful.  Names like Klemperer, Solti, Karajan, Sanderling, Walter and a host of others, immediately come to mind.  All have their attributes, but few have the grace of Kubelik.  The great Andante, serves as the slow movement, and it's architecture is one of a huge edifice, almost like a cathedral-----a cathedral of sound.  It climbs to great heights, crosses massive vaults and floats downward in the most gracefi=ul manner, this listener felt uplifted every time I heard this CD.  It never ceases to amaze me and with each hearing, I almost think it is my first, not my 41st, or 81st, nor even my 131st!!!  L.O.L.  A really good recording can easily tolerate repeated scrutiny.  HOWEVER, there is a sound problem, which I'll cover a bit later.
  When I first and only hearing of Kubelik, it was with the CSO on a matinee concert in 1973, or 74 and the audience, mostly retired folks like me, now, gave him a warm, loving and tender ovation as he appeared at the podium.  he famous "hunting " Scherzo was next and a year or two earlier Daniel Barenboim recorded the 4th for DGG, with the CSO, in May of 1972.  His Scherzo woke up the audience and inflamed the critics.  "Way too fast, terse, cold and out of place," they complained.  I was not really familiar with his recording as for several years later but I found it hard to swallow as well.  Since then, I've tempered a bit, but still dislike this licitly-split treatment.  If I were a conductor, I would never imitate Barenboim, on this issue.  Kubelik's Scherzo has bounce, grace, and affine trio, even though the overall speed is on the slower side and I prefer a bit more pressure on the "gas pedal."  His trio is quite good, perhaps the best trio the composer ever wrote.
  But, the finale is another thing.  Big, expansive, open-aired and majestically played by the Bavarians, this final movement runs a 21:28, making it one of the longest finales on record, by anyone.  the episodic flavor of this movement is not exaggerated here, nor is it over emphasized, but presented in a true perspective, as a natural landscape, with it's dull sections (though very few) and their exciting moments of mountainous beauty and tonal color.  There is more mystery in this final section than at the beginning of the whole work, over 45 minutes heard earlier.  The job of build and tapering done by Kubelik is exceptional and merits praise, but for veteran listeners like myself, there is the long shadow of Cassidy looming overhead.  This is unfair, as her opinion is but only one.  A skillful and talented one, nonetheless, but only a single voice against the masses.  Why this all came about, I likely will never know, but that doesn't concern me.  Overall, this is a fine performance, but that sound problem I mentioned earlier is still a mark against this Columbia recording.  The sound lacks sufficient lower to mid-range power, as well as perspective a to just where is the orchestra.  Miking seems an issue and the airiness around the individual instruments  lacks consistency.  It almost seems as if strict attention to minute detail took precedent over the general view acquired from a total replay using focused ears.  Too much micro- management, and not enough macro-management, appears to be the culprit.  Still, I am able to listen through this interpretation, because the sonic and engineering errors, surprisingly for me, are things I seem to be able to minimize in my hearing.  Perhaps my 40 some years in front of a stereo has  something to do with it, yes, I think so.
  I do recommend this reading by Rafael Kubelik  despite this audible stumbling block, just concentrate as best you can, and my guess is you'll be rewarded nicely.  I give Maestro Rafael a good 4.25 stars, deducting .5 to .75 for the occasional sluggishness of the tempo and lack of excitement, plus a whole 1.0 star for the production team's short-sightedness, at the quality assurance desk.  if you can get it for a good price, I'd say go ahead with it, but not for a high or excessive amount.  The very best wishes to you and many hours of satisfying listening, and, as always, God bless you and yours.  Tony.
  AMDG!!!


title: A Schubert 9th for each Library

text:
02-28-2015  The grand old Symphony from a grand old man.  Everything about this powerful  and eloquent Schubert 9th is measured, stately, noble and stage-worthy.  The late maestro conducts the Bavarian Radio Orchestra in a  a live recording from Munich back in 1997.  Sony's acoustic is warm and full with careful and not too close miking on the winds and brass especially.

  ARTISTIC AND INTERPRATIVE IMPRESSIONS

  Giulini's gate and pacing in large-scale  romantic works has always been on the slower side, some say "stuffy, stodgy, and boring."  I disagree.  I feel this great Italian Maestro took us by the hand and led all into a musical landscape of grace, eloquence and privileged personal intimacy with the composer, whomever it was, Schubert, Beethoven , Brahms or Bruckner  or Mahler.  CMG almost seems to be inviting us to play along with his musicians and I can picture him guiding us through one, after another, transition phrases with the care of a scout leading his soldiers safely through an enemy minefield.  We arrive safely and joyously on the "other side."
  Speaking only for myself, I'd follow Carlo Maria Giulini ANYWHERE and have only two quibbles from his concert  repertoire.  His L.A.Phil. reading of the "Pathetique," and his much earlier Bruckner 7th on DGG.  Neither seems very exciting and dramatic but I NEED SMORE CLOSE SCRUTINY before I make a final  judgment.  Also, I'm embarrassed to admit I  haven't ventured into his large  operatic catalog, but like most of the chamber works of Haydn, Shostakovich, Mozart, Bach and so many others, these gems remain under my "Christmas Tree" of new works for me to discover and learn.
  In closing, this is a very fine Schubert 9th, one worthy of any  man's library shelves, and will yield years of satisfying and fulfilled listening.  I award this Sony 4 FULL stars and a very high recommendation.  Other notable 9ths come from Wand (both with Berlin AND with Hamburg), Levine/CSO, Solti/CSO, Klemperer, Karajan and Walter, these final 3 containing some rough acoustics but classic readings.  ENJOY.
  God Bless you all, Tony.  AMDG!!!


title: beautifully played and sung by all with Maestro Somary's experienced ...

text:
08-30-2014  This is the only recording I am aware of with the legendary English Chamber Orchestra on the Vanguard label.  It's the only one I own, arriving 3 days ago and bought for, are you sitting down? a mere $0.01 from Zoverstocks of London.  WOW!!!  AND, IF THAT'S NOT ENOUGH, IT IS A RECODING OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE Bach St. Matthew Passion, vocal, choral and orchestral categories as follows:  Soprano Elly Ameling, alto Birgit Finnilae, tenor Seth McCoy, bass-baritone Benjamin Luxon, Earnst Halfliger (Evangelist), baritone Barry  McDaniel(Jesus), and the Ambosian Chorus, the Desborough School Boy's Choir and the ECO under Johannes Somary.  The total timing is 68:30, spreading over 16 tracks and the booklet is a one page in English summary of this masterpiece.  It was recorded in Henry Wood Hall, but the date is undisclosed.  Still, this is a splendid release, beautifully played and sung by all with Maestro Somary's experienced leadership making the real difference between this disk and the legion of St. Matt excerpts releases.
track #1 is the "overture/prelude" to the work with the chorus entering at about the 01:32.  The pace set by Somary is stately, dignified and devotional, and I was immediately touched by the sentiment I heard in this opening 9:05. The sound of the ECO is exceptional, almost of an "original instrument" quality, and their rocking swaying tempo fits the drama perfectly.  Unfortunately, the organ is faint but present, and detectable on this very early Saturday morning, as I use my headphones so as to not wake my wife.  If listening through speakers, this instrument might be harder to hear, but be advised, nonetheless.  I also thought the men's voices particularly strong, and liked that very much.
  Track 3 features a duet for soprano and alto with a few choral interjections added for dramatic effect.  their entry is with gusto and an smooth increase it tempo, depicting the arrest f Jesus and the soldiers leading him away to face Pilate.  The smoothness of this duet is quite beautiful with a creamy flow to the lines and the shouting comments from the chorus periodically shatter this sad, but tranquil scene.
  These highlights present us with 3 "dramatic recitatives," and the first of this trio  is the track #4"Petru aber sass draussen im Pallest" running for only 1;07 but packed with drama and expression.  Sung by tenor Earnst Halfliger, this Sylabaic chant style emphasizes the concise and individual syllables of the text with great clarity and impact.  Not as good as Peter Schreier's exquisite vocal skills, Halfliger, nonetheless, sings eloquently and with emotion and power.  he is a more than merely adequate Evangelist.  .
  I could go on an analyzing  this Vanguard disk in great detail but it would only result in a very long review.  So, suffice it to say, this very, very good disk now will prompt me to seek out the complete recording.  To put it bluntly and honestly, this Vanguard release is quite good and deserves a spot on you shelves because of it's high quality singing, the vocal/choral parts are not that far from being of a divine nature and Bach is surely smiling as this music plays.  With n real idea of what this music actually sounded like, the English Chamber Orchestra performs as well as I believe I have ever heard them do.  The conducting of Maestro Somary is, of course, at the apex of this sublime rendition.  I have a few other St. Matt's highlight recordings, but this one is a run away winner leaving the field in the dust.  So, don't you be left in the dust, but grab yourself a copy ASAP and enjoy this moving, touching and dramatic material.  A clear, and super fine 5 star rating with my highest recommendation.  Not to be missed.  Good luck and happy listening.  God bless us, everyone, Tony.  AMDG!!!


08-30-2014  As if we could go back in time to Beethoven's day, and be a fly on the wall, hearing the first performances of this great pair of Symphonies, this Nimbus CD, bought for the ridiculously low price of $0.49 "used" brought a smile to my face immediately.  Roy Goodman's traversal of the Symphonies of Beethoven has produced fine readings with original instruments but also, with original performance standards and methods of playing.  That sweeping string laden romantic touch is abscent in the 9 works and we get a chance to hear them as the composer and his audiences did, over 200 years ago.  These two symphonies premiered together on the evening of C+December 22, 18005, along with the 4th Piano Concerto, the composer as soloist, and 3 movements from the Mass in C, the aria "Ah, perfido," and the "Chotral Fantasy."  The hall in Vienna was frigid  and the listeners were impatient at the programs length but Beethoven's captive audience, let's face it, witnessed THE Beethoven concert of a lifetime, if they had only been able to look into the future.
  After the second listening to this CD I started to accept the 5th more than on it's first spin.  There, it seemed too mild and tame, but with a tad more volume it began to assert itself as the powerful and exciting work it has always been.The 6ht, on the other hand offered a nice contrast with it's celebration of nature, it's sunny outlook, even amidst the T-storm as Goodman played these works from a literal point of view.  Leading the Band note for note according to the score, we got a straight forward rendition of both of these masterworks, and alsmost as I think, the great composer would have wanted.  That fly on the wall analogy has credence here on this fine nimbus release, as well as in the other symphonies in this cycle.  Here any music in the original instrumentations and original manner of playing is always a treat as so many conductors take excessive liberties with the music, mostly by beefing it up to a glossy romantic sheen, that is plseant to the ears but at opposition to the intellect.  The scholarly approach needn't be stuffy, as the English consistently have proven in Haydn, Bach, Mozart and this Beethoven.
  In the FYI department, the 5th and 6th Symphonies runs a reasonable 35:13 and 40:37 respectively, and were  recorded on May 7,1983 ( Birthdays of Tchaikovsky and Brahms) and August 10, 12 of 1987, both in All Saints Church, Tooting.  The enclosed booklet, as iit always is with the Hanover Band recordings is scholarly, informative and entertaining.  A very nice and worthwhile package from the folks at Nimbus, nd a fitting addition to my ongoing Beethoven cycle.  Thus far, I lack only the 1st, 2nd and 8th Symphonies but I am ordering them now..So, don't you be lacking these excellent readings in fine sound and very reasonably priced at under $1.00.  A great bargain for some great music.  God bless you, all, Tony.  AMDG!!!


08-01-2014  For a long time, the top recording of the Brahms was, for me, the Perlman/Giulini/Chicago reading, and that is still the case.  However, instead of a close second place by, say Szyring, Heifitz or maybe Hahn, I bought this performance by Nigel Kennedy supported by Klaus Tennstedt and the London Philharmonic.  My lone quibble regarding this sublime reading is EMI's fault, not Kennedy's.  Only 46 some minutes on this disk, we should of had more from the soloist, or maybe an overture or two from Brahms.  Overall, record companies do give us our money's worth, so this rare shortcoming can be easily dealt with.  How is the music?
  The Violin Concerto in D by Johannes Brahms is, without doubt, his very best work in that genre.  In fact, I'd go so far as to call it THE #1 violin concerto of all-time.  Better than Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Beethoven or even Mozart's last  pair, #4 and #5.  Why?  Just listen.  This music is magisterial, smooth, intensely lyrical, dramatic and in a very subtle manner, virtuoso.  It requires a master musician and/or performance to pull it off properly, and that is exactly what Messers Kennedy and Tennstedt do.  Recorded at Abbey Road studios in late August of 1990, Kennedy and "his favorite conductor," Klaus Tennstedt give the Brahms the special treatment, by simply playing the music as it is written.  Therefore, all the quality comes through as intended by the composer.  Having consulted with Joachim, Johannes's lifelong friend, about the technical aspects of the composition, the resulting final work presents the listener with grand sweeping melodies, nimble left hand work and what I hear as a downright "regal, imperial" sound.  Almost festive, and mostly sunny, as is so much of this great composer's work.  there is also a genuine sweetness present, and not sugar coated by visceral.  I t became clear to me, after a couple of listenings that these two men obviously love and cherish this work, as their collective attention to detail is almost too much to follow.  Such refinement and poise, for a young fiddler, I was filled with admiration from the very beginning.
  Know for his slow tempi Tennstedt sets an expansive and fluid pace, with the radiance of the music emerging naturally and never needing an engineer's "help."  The edges of the phrases are all smoothed and honed for a snug fit.  Like an ancient Roman stone arch, say in a church or aqueduct, the individual pieces are shaped, molded and tapered for the perfect fit, without the need for concrete or cement, though at some time available to the builders.  Still, the architect's skill is the decoding factor, as it is here concerning Kennedy and Tennstedt.
  An example of the care taken in this reading lies in the final 6 plus minutes of the piece.  Kennedy's cadenza, written by the soloist ( markedly inferior to Joachim's), nonetheless steps forward at about the 20:17 point and remains a solo idea until the piano orchestra re-enters at 23:58, ever so gently and then surges upwards for the finale at 26:17.  The finale is glorious and luminous, pulsating with the confidence of a great composer.
  The central Adagio is 11:19 long and features the rapturous lead oboe of David Theodore, gently supported by his colleagues in the LPO winds.  When Kennedy enters it is a tad more boldly than does  Perlman, but the difference is very minute.  In fact, this recording is so close to the wonderful Perlman/Giulini trek that either one would do for many listeners, but if you're like me and you want the very best, then I suggest them both, but definitely don't omit the Perlman, regardless of price.  I must say, Kennedy's playing here in this ultra tender Adagio is marvelous and must be heard to be believed.
  The concluding Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace, has that peppy and energetic Hungarian style Brahms loved so much and used so frequently.  The pace is quite comfortable as set by Tennstedt, certainly not frantic nor wild, which this Slavic material can become .  All through the 8:18 of this last movement, we can easily follow the soloist as he never disappears within a cloud of sound.  Both of our artists build this movement with suspense, excitement, and anticipation that is fulfilled well by the end.  I found myself silently clapping and whispering for "more!"  A delightful performance that will give you years of satisfaction and pleasure.  The Brahms D Major IS the great violin concerto of history and if I were a conductor, I'd play and record it more than once, but the question is with whom I would do this.  Perlman still has, no doubt, lots of terrific music left in his tired body, wracked as he was by polio for virtually, his entire life.  He was struck at age 4.  There is also always Hahn, Shaham and Vengerov, all still young enough to tackle this epic work.  Well, I'm NOT a conductor but an impassioned listener L.O.L., and I have my favorites and this recording is close to my list of favorites, and that, for me, is significant.  Do not pass this one up, but buy your copy ASAP and start enjoying this fine recording.  You won't be disappointed in the least.  till then, I wish you many hours of great listening, God bless you, all, Tony.  AMDG!


title: Mozart's greatest Masses, plus the Divine Requiem

text:
07-27-2014  In his brief life Wolfgang Amadeus wrote some 50 works for the Catholic Church, between age 10 and 25, until, of course, his death interrupted Requiem, finished by friend and pupil, and present during it's writing, Franz Xavier Sussmayr, after a visit from Constanze Mozart.  For the most part, we have attributed the final sections to this associate of the great composer, the "Sanctus", "Benedictus", "Agnus Dei" and the final "Lux aeterna" and "Cum sanctis tuis."  The Requiem is found on CD #2 in this Philips twin pack I picked up here on Amazon for, what I suspect was a pittance, compared to other sites.
  Sir Colin Davis, R.I.P., leads the London  Orchestras (LSO--BBC)  in performances given in February 1971 for the K.317 and 427, and in September 1967 for the K.626 Requiem.  Both Helen Donth, soprano and tenor Ryland Davies sing in all here works and the choirs are the Alldis and LSO Chorus.  Davis, of course, conducts the entire project in a raversal of the major liturgical works by the composer, for Philips.
  First up is the "Great" c-minor Mass, K. 427, left unfinished after the Benedictus.  As is, the Mass runs a bountiful 52 plus minutes, and perhaps most who have heard didn't know it had been left incomplete, anyhow.  The opening choral statement of the Kyrie is bold, dramatic and foreboding---quite theatrical, as we can thank the Italian operatic tradition the composer was infatuated with, having written both Don Giovanni and Le Nozze di Figaro.  In fact, I'll take this aopening part over the much more popular Kyrie from the Requiem any day.  Davis's sense of dramatic sweep is impressive and highly suspenceful and the vocal somersaults by Miss Donath add refinement tothis nearly 7 minute long entry segment.
  By far, the 26:45 long Gloria, far surpassing even the Bruckner f-minor "Great" Mass in 1868, is stunning in it's 8 part construction.  Throughout this multi-segmented composition, the soloists all get ample time to display their wares.  Helen Donath and the choral/orchestral forces at Sir Colin's fingertips, pour forth much feeling and from track #6, forcing me to agree with a previous reviewer  this idea of his humanity, cited earlier.  This is an example of Sir Colin's attempt to bridge the gap from the very traditional, to the "new" Catholic Orthodoxy regarding Church music.  We can hear, but more importantly, feel and experience  the trend towards the Romantic Age, with the aid of dramatic ideas, exemplified by Beethoven, politely countered by "papa"  Haydn, and a steadfastness from Gounod, Faure and on to Bruckner.
  The Mass in C, the so-called "Coronation" Mass K.317 is generally festive and celebratory, it music bursting forth with much energy and sunlight.  Even in the Kyrie, we do not yet heard the pleading and petitioning, and the Gloria comes off as a rousing opening movement for Soprano and Chorus, featuring the John Alldis Choir.  Colin Davis' directing is exuberant and cheerful.


title: MORE PERFECTION FROM BRENDEL---WQHAT ELSE WOULD ONE EXPECT???

text:
03-23-2014  FOR THE past 40-45 years< have been a self-taught music listener, and collector of recordings.  In my on and off years of attending concerts, I have few regrets, but one of them isa this.  I only heard Alfred Brendel live once, and that was in a Liszt Concerto, I think the #2, with the Chicago Symphony, my hometown Orchestra. Alfred Brendel has been wowing audiences all over the globe for m ore than a mere 45 years and I do have a modest collection of his recordings.  This one, of the complete Impromptus of Schubert is one of my favorite ones.  I do not believe there is a finer Beethoven/Schubert pianist working today.  Perhaps Mitsuko Uchida can "stay with him," bit I'm not really sure.  They are, after all, simply two different artists, both terrifically talented, to be sure, but, in the end, just plain different. Listening to these pieces fill my living room is one thing, but using headphones, for that "fish bowel" scrutiny is quite another.  The amazing thing is, Brendel passes that test with flying colors.  His touch on the keys is absolutely the best I have ever heard, and when he plays, both Beethoven and Schubert smile with approval, I'm quite sure.
  This late, mature octet of medium length piano pieces, written as  somewhat spontaneous works, are a simple premise.  Either you get them, or you don't.  Brendel not only "gets them," but he NAILS them, and throws down the gauntlet to all other pianists with a recording as good as any on the market, at any one time.  I turn to these works when I want to hear the absolutely best keyboard performances, as a soloist.  As a set of "complete" Impromtus, these pieces run about 71 add a half minutes, with the second set a much longer 44:08 by itself.  Personally, i prefer the first 4 over the second group.
  Mr. Brendel taped these Impromptus between 1972 and 1975 and they were digitized in 1995by philips his life lioong recording company, demonstrating the excellent partnership they have enjoyed as they have given music the "prima voce" of pianists.  I cannot think of anything they didn't do right and I bought this CD in September of 1011, a week after the horrible attacks on our country.  Although he is considered an Austrian, Brendel was originally from Moravia, most recently part of the Czech Republic and has probably visited every major or even minor musical center in the world.  This music, by Schubert, is great stuff and appeals to humans of all cultures and tastes, hence it is truly, an international language of beauty, poetry, technique and songlike melody.  Schubert's late compositions are noted for their, sometimes, unbearably touching poignancy and feeling, and these works, in the hands of a master, certainly deliver that message.  They are pensive, dreamy, cathartic, gleeful, sad, happy peaceful and disruptive.  In short , they cover just about every emotion and viewpoint of the human experience.  Audiences sit rapt when this man plays and I simply hope and pray that the good Heavenly Father grants me a chance,  health permitting, to hear him, live once more, before I depart this world.  the 3 attached short pieces adding an additional 121 or so minutes to the album, are pleasant and self explanatory.  If you are one of those lucky few who have never heard this great pianist, the finest of the 20th Century, boy do I envy you!!!  You are in for the treat of a lifetime, and then some.  Add him to your collection and I guarantee you'll not be miffed, but deeply pleased.  Best wishes for years of wonderful sound and grace with this music on your shelves.  God's blessings to all, and thank you for reading my humble and awe-struck review----your comments would be much appreciated!  Tony.