title: Brother Louie's In the House!

text: Last year I lucked into someone's online video posting of Mr. Nero's totally kickass rendition of "Brother Louie". I downloaded the file and patched it through my main system. Wow! My girlfriend heard me playing it, grabbed my hand and we boogied down through all of it! Though forever grateful to whoever uploaded it, we were upset to find that it was never issued onto CD. AND please, no low-fidelity iTunes mp3s for us audiophiles! This rendition of "Brother Louie" is way too awesome to deserve anything less than an expert analog transfer to CD. And that's what we finally have here on this superb sounding Dutton Vocalion CD!


title: Soul Calming

text: If I was stranded on a desert island, and could only bring once cd with me...this would be the one.


title: Essential if you can deal with the sonics

text: The sound is indeed pretty dreadful - it sounds like the microphone was plopped in the middle of the winds.  But the voices come across reasonably well, and the cast is fantastic - on balance, one of the strongest on record.  Nissen and Reining are absolutely outstanding, and the rest are at least good - I wish that the same could be said about many of the other available recordings.


title: Exciting performance, but a major casting flaw.

text:
Unlike other reviews here, I'm actually reviewing the pictured recording - the 1955 Vienna State Opera performance conducted by Böhm, with Mödl, Dermota, Weber, and Schoeffler.  The sound is decent monaural, and the performance is an exciting one.

The cast is mostly fine.  Schoeffler has never been a favorite of mine, and he's a bit past his prime here, but very effective, as is Ludwig Weber as Rocco.  Dermota is, predictably, a little light for Florestan, but manages the big solo fairly well, struggling only with the climactic high notes.  The problem is Mödl, who is not in good voice even by her not-so-lofty standard, and while she is certainly a passionate Leonore, the voice production is very, very hard to listen to.

So - worth hearing, but not something that I'll pull off the shelf a second time.


title: Immaculately played...and deadly dull

text: In short, this is the kind of Mozart playing I loathe - limited tonal palette, safe, unexceptionable tempi, lack of strong interpretive profile.  It's the sort of Mozart that some describe as "China Doll Mozart".  It makes nice background music, but if you want to hear Mozart as he deserves to be played, try Fazil Say, Aldo Ciccolini, Friedrich Gulda, Walter Klien, or Maria Joao Pires. Even Gould is more interesting, if controversial.  Better yet, seek out the recordings of Tuija Hakkila on fortepiano - she plays like her hair is on fire.


title: Even better than Schepkin's first recording.

text:
If Schepkin's previous recording of the Goldberg Variations deserves five stars (and it certainly does), this newer recording deserves at least six.  The new version has all of the same virtues as the earlier recording - especially virtuosity, ebullience, and imagination - but eschews some of the features of the first recording that might not wear well on repeated hearings.  And this new one is even better recorded,

It's really a shame that this CD is so hard to find at anything like a reasonable price.  I was fortunate - I attended a Schepkin concert, and this CD was being sold during intermission.  Even with the price of my ticket to the concert included, it  cost less than the Amazon Marketplace price.


title: Read the listing carefully!

text: I didn't, and because of my carelessness, I received only the second CD of what should have been a 2 CD set.  I'm amazed that Amazon permitted this listing.


title: why wasn't this album no 1

text: This album is awesome.  I have never heard such a complete and beautiful album of gospel songs.  Come on Down and I find no fault in you should have been no 1 hits.


title: Five Stars

text: I great collection of exposure.


title: Amazing

text: Great voice, great music, great lyrics...in other words: PERFECT!


title: Five Stars

text: Excellent


title: Exquisite voice

text: I regret not knowing this artist while she was still alive. Beautiful phrasing and lovely voice.


title: If you can find it, buy it!

text: After looking for something new to buy, I picked up Terminal Velocity and loved it.  I went to see what else John had done and found this gem.  Looks like out of print, you can find it if you search.  Compared to Vai and Satriani, I would put him closer to Steve Morse.  Sometimes these guitar focused instrumental albums get boring quick.  Not here.  Really an enjoyable listen with headphones or as background music working.


title: Great cd with ok Sound

text: These radio broadcast cds can be hit or miss.  I picked up Thin Lizzy Tokyo 1980 recently and instantly regretted it.<br />This is very listenable, but is not up to commercial release quality.  That said, the performance and setlist more than make up for it.  I would recommend good headphones,  a cold beer and sit back for a great show!


title: If you see it, buy it!

text: This is one of the best sounding concert cds I have ever heard, official release or bootleg!  Great separation of the guitars, this should be released as an official live album.  One of the best boot cds I own.  This blows World Wide Live away.  Great mix of Uli John Roth songs with the newer songs.  4 great sounding bonus tracks from 1980 included also.  You will not be dissapointed by this cd!


Quick shipping. Accurate listing and rating.


title: guilty pleasure #673

text:
ok, i admit it.  i'm a tom jones fan.  i always think he's going to lounge out, but then he rocks it outta the house.  on top of that, i love covers - particularly if it's a song that i like.  i love hearing a different  arrangment and spin.
this album's full of old chestnuts and new covers.  (and for you other tom jones cover fans make sure you buy  "reload" and album full of them - many with collabarations with  other artists).
since amazon didn't include the song list (there are 40  tracks on 2 cds), let me alert you to some of the songs that i hadn't heard  before:
"we can work it out" duet w/ chaka khan  "fever" "proud mary" "lady madonna"  "heartache tonight" "nine to five" "nights on  broadway" duet w/ paul anka (covering the bee gee's no less!)  "hot legs" duet w/ tina turner "lay down sally"  "you've got a friend"
and many more...


title: Great

text: Great


title: Absolutely beautiful music!

text: Such a beautiful voice, such incredible music!💕


title: It's interesting but get real...this sounds like practice time

text: I'm glad I bought it, but there really isn't one song on here that sounds better than LET IT BE except maybe Across the Universe, which is pretty much just John and guitar, lovely.  There's a slight blip on Let it Be, at least on my copy, it sounds like it's on the tape and not the disk, but it doesn't totally ruin it, so I can live with it.  I personally love all the behind the scenes noises,  Nothing on here is definitive.  People are constantly putting down Phil Spector's production on LET IT BE, but I really think he got the best out of what was there, slightly overproduced maybe but, come on! It's Phil Spector!  This is strictly for people like me who want behind the scenes noises, where you get to hear the boys playing around.  Like I said, there's not one song you can't find on some other collection sounding better, except maybe Across the Universe, and then just barely. (It wouldn't be worth the whole album) If you're not a total Beatle geek, you'd be wise to let it be.

user_id: AHWHVZBNANEXUTSTLJSBGYUWZRGQ


Excellent choice of brazilian standards in an intimate conversation-type recital. The choice of a simple, but masterfully played guitar just adds to the magistral interpretation by Morente who proves her versatility outside flamenco. The sound is airy and spacious as every good recording should be. A treat for audiophiles.


title: Great music!

text: very good and very interesting! very original music, I love it! You will enjoy this cd a whole lot. Great music


title: Meet Willa the wannabe

text: What amuses me about this chick is that she is extremely similar to the supposed manufactured musical products she is constantly dissing (both in her music and in the liner notes of her CD). To be rudely blunt, this woman sometimes comes off as a bit of a b!tch (she even has the gall to put down one-hit wonders and poorly-crafted pop hits in "Tired." Excuse me, but has ANYONE in the states heard a single song of hers on radio? Uh-huh, me neither. If you have, it was the minimal hit "I Wanna Be Bad." And you probably heard it on Radio Disney or something). That aside, her debut does manage to produce a handful of decent but heavily disposable pop ditties. The aforementioned album opener is the best track here-and even that can't compete with the truly excellent music today (or the truly excellent music of the `90s). She warbles through some Britney-esque balladry towards the end of the disc, doing little to actually lift this crap off the ground. There are some moderately hooky cuts, but some of the lyrics are so ironically distasteful ("Tired of the blondes that look like me/Tired of you people saying `Britney'/I'm tired of the pop that should flop that should never be on TV and in your teen magazines"?), they're almost unbearable to listen to. At moments like that, Miss Ford just sounds like a ranting toddler who is upset that the other kids are getting more attention than her. She's desperately trying to prove her realness but just ends up sounding incredibly jealous of those she's complaining about. And her sugarcoated pop isn't any more deserving of the charts than any other teen queen out there, despite what she seems to think-she breaks absolutely no new ground, and honestly these tracks aren't nearly as infectious as those produced by Aguilera or Spears. Like Britney and Hilary, her vocals are subpar and incapable of hitting higher notes. And complaining about fame she hasn't even received yet? If this girl's mediocre sound doesn't turn you off, her unnecessary cockiness and foolish hypocrisy will.


title: Five Stars

text: my favorite c.d. thanks..


title: Masterpiece!

text: If you have a good stereo system, you will hear a slight hiss due to this being an ADD recording, but don't let that stop you from obtaining this wonderful performance.  The piano is superb!  The recording clear, clean, and of the highest quality.  The performance is captivating at the very least; spellbinding probably a better description.  Few pianists can touch this Russian master.  You won't be disappointed.


title: Somewhat of a disappointment

text: Not as great as the first season but very well done still very pretty lots of tracks.


title: Eerie and Haunting Trip to Another World

text:
I am simply ecstatic to have found this CD.  We had a cassette tape of this which someone made for us several decades ago.  We were in love with it then but since our friend neglected to write on the tape the NAME! we never knew what this ethereal music was called.  Once we lost the tape, we looked for this music off and on for years just guessing at the name. Finally, we typed in "Ancient Harps" on Amazon and lo and behold !  Here it is!!!!  Sincere thanks to the producers of this CD and to Amazon for enabling us to restore a lost treasure.

This music is other-worldly.  Its power may be deduced from the way it literally haunted us for years and, once restored to us, it was apparent that we had not forgotten a note of it.  That gives you some impression of the impact it makes. It is subtle but profound.

Unlike most modern music which "attacks" one with its pounding percussion and screeching guitar rifts, this music more or less "washes" over you and allows your imagination to fly to far-off or never-before-dreamed-of worlds.  It is less structured and linear - more fluid and amorphous. Think of it as music for the "Right Brain" or Intuitive Mind as opposed to any other music with which you may be familiar.  I have never heard anything as uniquely beautiful as this music.
Cannot recommend it highly enough.


title: Good and Evil

text:
The Western film: a truly American invention and in this new millennium a rare commodity. "Unforgiven" comes to mind and that was 10 years or so ago. There are others, of course but they are few and far between. There are Westerns that glamorize the Old West: "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" and those that don't: "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."
"3:10 to Yuma" is somewhere in between the two mentioned above and it is about the eternal struggle between good and evil, between the have and the have nots, between those that would uphold the family and those that would demolish it and those who would preserve the peace and those that would let chaos rule.
James Mangold ("I Walked the Line") has chosen to remake, revise, re-invent the 1957 Glenn Ford starring "3:10 to Yuma" with a sterling cast of Russell Crowe (as outlaw, train robber, Ben Wade), Christian Bale (erstwhile Batman as Dan Evans: everyman, ranch owner-going broke) whose life is turned upside down when he accidentally comes in contact with Wade while Wade is in the process of robbing a Pinkerton protected stage of all of it's loot.
Crowe dominates the screen as Wade. His Wade is mercurial, slimy, sexy, brutal...seemingly willing to do anything for the thrill of stealing and killing. Crowe plays Wade quietly even sympathetically but always in control even when he physically isn't. Crowe dominates, both physically and cosmically, every scene that he is in: he sucks the oxygen out of a room upon entering and, in the one sex scene of the film, his "prey" has no choice, nor does she struggle by the way, but to comply with his wishes. In fact, she wants it as much as he does.
Bale's Evans is downtrodden, desperate as well as desperately poor. He is days away from losing his farm and more importantly losing the respect of his family: the more important of the two in the world of "3:10." For in this world you are nothing without family and property and less than nothing if you lose it.
On many levels Wade and Evans connect: they look at each other and their expressive eyes tell us something akin to "there but for the grace of God go I." But way down deep inside each man, inside their cores, they are brothers who have merely taken different roads.
There is lots of violence, murder and even a little sex in "3:10" and perhaps it is even a bit long by 20 minutes but ultimately Mangold pulls all the various pieces together into a cohesive whole. But the real magic of this film comes from the premiere acting jobs of Russell Crowe, Christian Bale and a terrific Ben Foster ("6 Feet Under") as Charles Prince: a grotesque killing machine, more "Mad Max" than Jesse James who, against all odds plots to save Wade from destruction.


title: Spiffed Up

text:
I can clearly recall that Saturday night in 1997 when I first heard that Princess Diana had been killed. Strangely her death hit me pretty hard as if she were a part of my immediate circle of family and friends.

What had Diana meant to me and to millions around the world? And why did we all take her death so personally?

Stephan Frears' "The Queen" doesn't deal with these Diana questions much but her death is the engine that pulls this film along to its inevitable conclusion. What he does deal with is Queen Elizabeth's (a perfectly stiff-upper lipped Helen Mirren...a performance without irony and definitely one of respect) reaction, or more to the point, non-reaction to Diana's death.

Frears, best known for edgy dramas as in the terrific "The Grifters" and "My Beautiful Launderette" directs here with restraint and reverence which in most cases would translate to stodgy and dull. But Frears, ever the consummate artist treats the material with panache, taking advantage of the political, social and emotional nature of this situation to elevate the material to drama, riveting drama

 In 1997, Tony Blair (a dull, odd, Michael Sheen) had just been elected on a platform of change and modernism and meets with a wall that is the implacable Queen and the Royal family who are intent on adhering to tradition which meant that Diana, as no longer a member of the royal family, would not deserve a State funeral. But the English people, who loved Diana as well as People from all over the world persuaded, along with Tony Blair, Queen Elizabeth to change her mind.

"The Queen" is very well made and generally well acted though Alex Jennings who plays Prince Charles seems to be in a constant state of indecision and confusion and who perpetually seems to be smelling poop.

It's been 9 years since that August night in Paris but if anything Diana's fame is bigger now than ever. "The Queen" does nothing to diminish Diana's fame and of course, she will always remain young and beautiful in our eyes and memories. What "The Queen" does though is to buff up the tarnished reputation of the English Monarchy by making them as human-like as any film has ever done. And that is not an easy task to perform.


title: The Clash of Titans

text:
One of the great things about George Clooney's "Good Night and Good Luck" is that you need not know anything about Senator Joe McCarthy or Edward R. Murrow to appreciate the importance and drama of their 50 year old conflict played out on TV in the every home, every night here in the US and around the world a half century ago.
Gloriously shot in evocative black and white and expertly directed by George Clooney with a sensitive eye towards the 1950's milieu of this story:  stock footage of McCarthy is seamlessly and cleverly blended with new, "GNAGL" is made as contemporary and palpably current as this morning's newspaper.
David Strathairn plays Murrow as a conflicted man: inexorably drawn to the pursuit of truth and the uncovering of those that would attempt to obscure it yet always aware that his position as television's conscience requires of him a certain amount of decorum. His portrayal is marked by both a frantic restraint and a quiet passion that speaks to the very best in all of us.
"Good Night and Good Luck" is a daring, sophisticated movie that holds its audience in the highest regard: never once dumbing down its cogent story in order to win us over. It is a film that demands a lot of us, but our payback is in the invaluable and irrevocable currency of understanding and tolerance.


title: 2 1/2 Stars: Howling Wolf

text:
"Cry_Wolf" is director Jeff Wadlow's first film and it many ways it shows: an over-eager sensibility permeates the simple story of a murderer on the loose at a ritzy boarding school. Like many novice directors, Bauman is eager to show us all that he has learned his entire life about making films and this is especially apparent in the frenzied editing and lack of focus of the screenplay: several of the key scenes lack forward propulsion because the words stop them dead in their tracks.

One thing that Bauman has right, though is the production, all phases of which: camera, lighting, mood are right spot on. This film is gorgeous with Bauman favoring the deep dark rich colors over pastels which perfectly set and hold the scenes and the action that unfolds.

Also, though we've seen the plot of this film many times, Wadlow and writer Beau Bauman manage to come up with a few good plot twists though the big surprise ending would have had more effect if the editing had been tighter.

The acting is okay to good with the veterans like Anna Deavere Smith (in too brief a performance) and Gary Cole coming off best.

"Cry_Wolf" is a good film but it could have been better. Wadlow is talented and has got the basics of production down. Next time though, he needs to pay closer attention to the finer details of the screenplay.


title: First Rate

text:
This is a very interesting collection of modern Catholic music --a clear contemporary feel, a solid classical base, literate and meditative lyrics.  Each piece is unique and somewhat experimental, some work better than others.  Some are more open to relistening, others are for rarer occasions.  It is all however quite serious and, consistent with Waddell's Cistercian context, to a degree austere.

It ought to have a wider audience.  Yet the music itself has a quiet confidence that will surely eventually claim its own day.


title: This is sweet, beautiful, charming and lively music from Tchaikovsky.

text:
There was an old joke on the show Frasier way back when. I can't remember the context, but Frasier remarks to his brother Niles, "Remember when we used to think that Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture was the greatest piece of classical music ever written?" And Niles responds, "My God! Were we ever that young?" (I miss that quality of comedy writing today BTW). Anyhoo, I too have had that kind of experience with Tchaikovsky's music, but it wasn't with the cannons and bells of 1812. It was with his rarely heard incidental music to the Russian play Snegourotchka, or The Snow Maiden. When I was young, eons ago, I went totally nuts over this music. I thought it was sweet, beautiful, charming, lively and very underrated. I marveled at how this masterful work had slipped through the classical music net of greatness and been all but forgotten. And so I recently decided to once again listen to music I had not heard since the 20th century. And wouldn't you know it, I had the same reaction that Niles had. My God! Was I ever that young?
  To be honest, this is sweet, beautiful, charming and lively music from Tchaikovsky. It is a setting of the same play that Rimsky-Korsakoff set to a far more well known opera. It is also based on the same folk tale that Disney got their grubby little hands on and turned into the sappy musical film Frozen. But I now wonder what it was that drew me to this music in the first place, because after listening to it again, I'm hard pressed to see where that glow was that has apparently worn off. Tchaikovsky often had very mixed feelings about his compositions, especially right after he had completed them. I can see why in this case. For what it's worth, this recording is the standard, with Neeme Jarvi and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra along with soloists and chorus. It's nice music to listen to when you grow tired of Romeo & Juliet, 1812, the Pathetique, Capriccio Italien, Marche Slave, the Nutcracker and the like. Just don't expect blinding glory. Expect very pleasant music and the definitive recording of said nice music. For some people that's enough, and I think it might be for you.
  Now if you will excuse me, all this discussion of 90's sitcoms brings a hankering in me to watch that great lost episode of Friends: The One where Phoebe conducts Schoenberg's Variations for Orchestra.------------------------PEACE


title: Bright Gem, Missing a Star

text:
This IS a marvelous opportunity for those who have been but briefly exposed to the magic that is Celtic Woman to get ALL of the works currently published under the 'CELTIC WOMAN' banner, as well as solo works (Yes, these women were marvelous before the collaboration!) by Chloe Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Celtic harpist Orla Fallon, and the always exciting violinist/fiddler Mairead Nesbitt.
  The only flaw in this collection is the lack of a solo effort by Hayley Westenra, and MORE IMPORTANTLY, Maev"s outstanding solo album which predates her involvement with Celtic Woman, entitled "SILVER SEA"
This album is a marvelous collection of sea/ocean themed songs sung as beautifully as one would expect of Maev's voice, but at a time when her largest public exposure was her vocal work with Anuna and the Riverdance Choir-Find Silver Sea and extend your exposure to the works of Celtic Woman


title: Tiny Stories

text: Buyers should be warned that this album has a lot more talking than singing, but fans of Tiny Tim will enjoy the sweet, endearing stories Tim tells about each of the songs he has written.<br />This album is exclusively  songs Tim wrote himself, and he sings them accompanied only by his ukelele.  The earliest of the songs were written in the early 1940's, the latest in  the mid-1990's, and almost all were written to girls and starlettes he had  a crush on.  His casual style of storytelling makes you feel like your  listening to a friend, and was a lot of fun to listen to.


title: It's 35 minutes, folks

text:
It's great to have a large piece of a classic Johnny Carson Tonight Show telecast from the '60s. It would be even greater to have the whole cake, with the all the icing. But, alas, (it seems) somebody decided to freeze only a few slices - yes, this show only survived because a kinescopic copy was made for the Armed Forces Television Network - apparently only about half the show. My fond recollection of a mini-skirted Judy Carne's funky dance number from that show must remain a fond recollection - her spot is strictly an interview. C'est la vie.
Ofcourse this talent-packed occasion has been heavily referenced on many JC retrospectives. The Dean Martin-Bob Hope-George Gobel section, seen in a much longer take, now re-emerges as good, clean fun, less than hilarious; alot of boozy lounge jive, driven mostly by Dino's off-kilter mutterings.
A note-for-note transcript could never do the thing justice. It's the infectious beat and the audience rapport that really sells it.
Simply put, it was something different - Johnny just lets it ride. Or gives us that impression. He joked about losing control, but he must have known something special was taking place.
The color video is a little harsh, which is to be expected, covering various generations and mediums. Audio is a bit rough. In fact, the rousing musical opener, drummers Louis Bellson and Buddy Rich taking it way uptempo, is difficult to appreciate. (At least over my relatively *inexpensive* system).
Maybe more of these bits and pieces will turn up. (Fellas, will ya look again for Judy's dance segment?...Sock it to me!....).


title: Soupy Live in a nightclub in the 1980's !

text: If you watched The Soupy Sales Show on TV when you were a kid, you will love this LP:  Soupy telling stories and jokes about his TV heyday in front of a live nightclub audience.  He is in top form here, and it's a very good quality recording.....


title: Makin' Love by Floyd Robinson

text:
I was a kid when first hearing Floyd Robinson's song 'Makin Love' on the radio. Back then, The Top Hits 100 included all genres. This song was considered Country, back then. Eventually we heard it called 'Rockabilly' along with artists such as Buddy Knox (Lovey Dovey) and Buddy Holly (Not Fade Away) and many more.
  Floyd was from Nashville and signed by Chet Atkins on RCA Label. The single hit #20 on July 20, 1959 RCA Label #7529.
  Though it was banned  from air play do to the paranoia phase of the FCC, our radio (2 stations) KRIZ and KRUX must not have received the telegram or it was late. They played this song often.
  We loved Floyd! He was a very talented guitarist and songwriter, This album has 28 tracks and they're all enjoyable to hear even now, so many years later.
CD's are still precious to me, as many songs of the past are NOT offered to download anywhere or are not the original tracks.
These are!
Many thanks to Golden Sandy Records in Alabama and Mr. Greco.


title: Five Stars

text: I was looking for this for over 40 years!


title: Five Stars

text: SLAYER greatest hits !!!!


title: Five Stars

text: Excellent cd.


title: Five Stars

text: This a cool AMON AMARTH cd, very cool you should buy it immediately.


title: The 5 CD set is truly a great set of music for those of us who like ...

text: RCVD this on 12/23/16 and placed in Win media player which auto rips all my CDs for me.. The 5 CD set is truly a great set of music for those of us who like the "good Ole days." BUT the labelling of the tracks is horrendous.  1. The first 3 discs are tracked like the mfg. had SHUFFLE WHILE RECORDING. You will need to enter the correct info manually as there is no way it is going to match what is says on your display of tracks on your media player OR  printed track info on the master list on the back of the packaging.  When Auto added to your music collection.. 3 will be added as I'LL BE SEEIN YOU AND  THE OTHER  2  WILL added to your playlist as  SONGS THAT WON THE WAR.. SO you will need to look in two different directories to find all 5 CDs. OR reenter all with the same name???  IF this kind of thing doesn"t annoy the devil out of you then you can still love this set for the sheer $ value and quality of the set.  I am finding  more and more of this with Amazon and Quality Control.  I has been getting worse over the last few years and I guess this is another example of loss of quality control in favor of monetary gain.  the music 5 stars packaging 3 stars..


title: Three Stars

text: I did not order the right CD


title: Five Stars

text: Excellent - three hours of pure entertainment!!


title: very happy to have

text: received a ok


title: singing dogs later recordings

text: i had this at one time.  glad to obtain it again


title: great

text: glad to have it


title: Five Stars

text: received good condition


title: Five Stars

text: received in excellent condition


title: From Motion Picture Promoting WW II effort

text: From the 1940's motion picture featuring many stars of the war time era singing songs they didn't otherwise record  Paul Nehrich  6/22/15


title: A CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN ALBUM

text: This is Australian music at its finest. An exuberant and honest album, this was proof that a teen band could give value for money both in the music and the lavish packaging of the vinyl LP. From the catchy commercial sound of the title track to Braithwaite's superb ballad Lady of the Night, not to mention classic album tracks Blueswalkin' and Can't Find True Love this release is highly recommended. The only bum track is the last track, a drunken chorus which almost ruins the album. But the beauty of buying the CD is that you can program the player to skip the song altogether. It reminds me of The Beatles white album where you had to dart for the stereo and turn it off quickly before Revolution 9 and Good Night came on. And yes, you can compare this album with the white album. It is a mystery why this group never made it overseas. They are truly up there with Little River Band, The Seekers, Air Supply and INXS.


title: The cream of Australian music

text: One of the prized posessions in my CD collection is Graeme Connors' first release, the classic North album from 1987.  With the dreamy, evocative anthem A Little Further North Each Year it brings back memories of classic holidays in northern NSW and Queensland.  It touches a nerve in every Australian, heading north to paradise in the sun and wishing we could stay there forever away from teachers and the boss.  Best Till Now includes that classic song and Let the Canefields Burn as well as selections from Connors' illustrious career since then.  It's a pity North has been deleted because it is an album that deserves to be in every Australian's record collection.  Buy Best Till Now and listen to the track A Little Further North Each Year and I dare you to be unmoved.  It brings back memories of the golden era of classic holidays in the sun before things became complicated.  How I wish I could go back there again.<br />>>FOLLOW UP - Since writing this review the North CD has been reissued.


title: Not for first time buyers

text: There is one thing to be said about the Anthology series - if you haven't bought The Beatles before, DO NOT BUY THESE CDs.  Not yet, anyway.  This series is complementary to an existing collection of Beatles albums.  The  main reason for buying these CDs is to compare these outtakes and alternate  versions with the ones that appeared on their original albums.  This  particular volume is probably the best as it contains the original  Quarrymen single (In Spite Of All the Danger) and a killer version of Love  Me Do (the master tape of which went missing for more than 30 years).  I'm  not too impressed by Free As A Bird and Real Love which could only be a  poor attempt to recapture past glories - you can't have The Beatles without  Lennon alive.  To sum up, these albums are a must for any Beatles  collection.


title: I'm Satisfied

text:
I have oversee-ordered music LP(analog) for the first time.
However the package condition of LP is very good.
I can enjoy the music of Mel Torme very much in a good sound.
Also I got this LP very soon than the date shown in the pre-condition.
I could introduce the party they love the jazz/pops vocal
Mel Torme's wonderful voice of "She's Leaving Home" by the Beatles.
I'm Very HAPPY!!


title: Five Stars

text: Exactly as expected


title: Five Stars

text: Exactly as expected.


title: Five Stars

text: Just as expected, thank you.


title: Five Stars

text: CD as expected, thank you.


title: Five Stars

text: Terrific recording by a premier group.


title: Music bringing you closer to the Lord

text: Wonderful music that gives you peace, tranquility.  Brings you closer to the Lord when you allow the Holy Spirit to use you to Praise the Lord.


title: Spirit filled piano music

text: Wonderful CD to hear over and over again and never get tired of it.  Brings you closer to God through worship.


excellent collection.  recommended to all Savannah fans


title: Four Stars

text: Good cd!


title: I don't know what is a headline.

text: I thought it was a song book, not an album.  But I may keep it.


title: CATS: THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING REMASTERED

text:
In many ways Cats was a turning point for Andrew Lloyd Webber. At the beginning of the 80-is he was already a hugely successful musical theatre composer, thanks to his work with the lyricist Tim Rice on "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Evita". In the early 1980-is he decided to part ways with Rice and many people predicted him a quick downfall, even more so when he decided to use T. S. Eliot's book of children's poetry called "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" as a basis for his next musical.  He used then a relatively unknown musical director Trevor Nunn and Gillian Lynne as a choreographer. Cats was imagined as a mixture of pop songs and ballet; by that time an unseen combination for a musical, so it is no wonder that Webber and his producer Cameron Mackintosh had trouble finding financial backup. The show opened in London and became a phenomenon in its own right. It closed in London after exactly 21 years of running in May 2001. The same thing happened when the show came to Broadway in 1982; it closed after 18 years of running, in 2000.

So you may wonder what it's all about.  It's quite simple really. Many people say that Cats hasn't got a story. It's certainly true that the plot is very simple and that's part of the appeal for the audiences. We are presented with a group of special cats, known as Jellicle cats. They meet once a year to decide who among them is worthy to get a chance to be reborn and start a new life. Since we meet them at that precise night, each of them tells us about their lives and habits through the musical numbers. There is one character among them, Grizabella the Glamour Cat, once of great beauty, but now an ugly and dilapidated thing, because at some point in her life, she decided to leave the others in her tribe and get to know the outside world; a move which eventually led her to prostitution. Because of that she is repeatedly rejected by other cats when she tries to make an entrance and compete as a candidate for a new life, determined to change her life style and pursue a happy life style she once knew. So besides the fact that we meet all kinds of different characters that often have characteristics very similar to human ones, Cats at the same time is a wonderful story of redemption and forgiveness. Besides the story the audiences loved the excellent choreography and dancing together with beautiful and distinctive feline makeup each character of Cats had. It is a show that is suited for the young and the old.

This cast recording captures the somewhat changed show that transferred from London to Broadway. Some lyrics have been cut in the process and overall the score has more of a pop touch rather than the classical one on the London recording. Some numbers have been re-orchestrated completely, like `Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer'. Despite the fact the new orchestration suits the song better, the whole number works better when sung by its two protagonists and not Mr. Mistoffelees. Some other changes worth noting is the fact that `Growtiger's Last Stand' has much slower tempo and the wonderful `Ballad of Billy McCaw' has been omitted completely (an utter shame) and replaced with an opera pastiche.

There are many great songs a listener will enjoy. Some of them are: "Old Gumbie Cat", about a nice and warm house cat; "Rum Tum Tugger", a naughty and never satisfied cat, "Bustopher Jones", an aristocrat among cats, "Skimbleshanks: The railway cat" and many more. Of course, by far the best known of all the songs and melodies from Cats is "Memory", which, I dare to say, is among the top five songs Andrew Lloyd Webber has ever written and one of the best known and most beautiful songs ever to be found in musical theatre. It is preformed by Grizabella character here played by Betty Buckley who won a Tony Award for this performance. Buckley plays the character tough and strong and so is her rendition of this song. It makes a nice contrast to Elaine Paige on the London recording, though Paige's take on the song remains my personal favourite, due to dreamy and almost desperate sound of her wonderful vocals. One of the drawbacks a careful listener will notice on this recording is a rather unnecessary trumpet addition during `Memory' solo melody in the song.

The cast performance here is mixed. There are some really good improvements over the London recording. Ken Page's warm voice shines like sunshine as he plays his benevolent Old Duetoronomy. Harry Groener as Munkustrap and Terrence Mann as Rum Tum Tugger are also much better than their London counterparts. On the other hand, there are some disappointments. In particular, Donna King as Bombalurina and Wendy Edmead as Demeter fail to deliver the charming `MaCavity: The Mystery Cat'.

This recording here is almost complete, with only a short narrative song missing. It is remastered, so the sound quality is excellent. It comes with a libretto, a booklet with the basic info and few pictures, plus it is neatly packed in a slip case.

Overall, I would still recommend the London recording over this one, due to the extra lyrics, overall better orchestrations, `The Ballad of Billy McCaw' and Elaine Paige's Grizabella. This Broadway recording makes a nice addition to see how the show evolved during the transfer.

It should also be mentioned that in 1997 `Cats' has been filmed for a DVD in London's Adelphi Theatre. This unique edition features the score played by the 80-piece orchestra and has Elaine Paige and Ken Page reprising their original roles. With time, Ms. Paige's vocal abilities have matured and her best rendition of "Memory" can be heard in that DVD. So to enjoy CATS in all its glory, that DVD, also available here at Amazon, is a must-have.


title: Lovely Music

text: Very nice selection of classical music.  Very pleasant as background music for a gathering of friends.  All of the same genre, all light ad airy so no blasting out of heavy, somber music while enjoying our tea.  Perfect for creating a relaxing ambiance.


title: Five Stars

text: Good mix of many of her greatest hits.


title: Greatest Hits Packaged with His Last Good Original Material

text: History could have just been a greatest hits album, stock full of the music that made Michael Jackson the “King of Pop.”  Instead this mega release contains 15 major hits n disc 1 and 15 brand new recordings on the second disc, some of which would be added to the definitive Michael classics.  Obviously the first portion of this package is the better of the 2, choosing which tracks are the best is near impossible, they are all smash hits. Beginning with “Billie Jean” the classics are all here; “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Remember the Time,” are just some of the titles featured in this hit parade. The original material is also quite good here, in my opinion his last really exceptional recordings.  In the mid 90’s Michael was an icon but it was baby sister Janet dominating the charts, the two joined forces for the first release from History. “Scream” is a solid though unremarkable track; it does not give either artist the chance to truly shine.  The accompanying video though is worth watching just for the short dance break the siblings do in unison, their dancing styles though different mesh well and the energy is palpable. Most of the new material is focused on social and environmental issues, and there are good songs here if maybe a bit of overkill.  “They Don’t Care About Us” is a standout with Michaels vocals backed by a chanting background. “You Are Not Alone” was a breakout hit from this compilation.  The best track is the most simple and pure. “Smile” needs no gimmicks it relies on the purity of Michael’s voice. He just sings the melody, no auto tune, no crazy effects. Michael and his voice, it is a great way to end the album, to remember to just smile and appreciate the simple things.


title: Fast shipping

text: Item as described fast shipping

user_id: AEEVOKELWXKFFUUSYJMFAUANPBPQ


title: Five Stars

text: Item as described .. fast shipping


title: Japan Version

text:
1. The Light Overture
2. Man with a Mission
3. Identity in Christ
4. Golden Times
5. Finally Free
6. Generation of the Brave
7. Standing on the Rock
8. Metal Opus 1 in C# Minor
9. Are You Ready for the Power
10. Flaming Youth  04:24
11. Point of Know Return (Kansas cover)  *
12. End of the World (Gary Moore cover)  *
13. Pray for Japan  *

* Japanese Bonus Tracks


title: Don't break the circle it must keep going on and on.

text:
01. NIGHT OF THE DEMON (1988 REMIX) [From: Night Of The Demon]
02. INTO THE NIGHTMARE [From: Night Of The Demon]
03. FATHER OF TIME [From: Night Of The Demon]
04. DON'T BREAK THE CIRCLE (1988 REMIX) [From: The Unexpected Guest]
05. THE SPELL [From: The Unexpected Guest]
06. SIGN OF A MADMAN [From: The Unexpected Guest]
07. THE PLAGUE [From: The Plague]
08. NOWHERE TO RUN (ORIGINAL MIX) [From: The Plague]
09. BLACKHEATH (ORIGINAL MIX) [From: The Plague]
10. TOUCHING THE ICE [From: British Standard Approved]
11. FROM THE OUTSIDE [From: British Standard Approved]
12. HEART OF OUR TIME [From: Heart Of Our Time]
13. CROSSFIRE [From: Heart Of Our Time]
14. LIFE ON THE WIRE [From: Breakout]
15. BREAKOUT [From: Breakout]
16. HOLLYWOOD [From: Breakout]
17. ENGLAND'S GLORY [From: Breakout] (Not on this Japanese release, oddly was on the English/UK release)

~ Tracks 1 - 11 are from Demon's first 4 albums.
~ Tracks 12-17 are AOL with Graham Bonnet-type powerful singing.

Their debut album, "Night Of The Demon", was released in 1981. After their 1982 follow up album, "The Unexpected Guest", the band experimented beyond the NWOBHM sound and moved the band in a more melodic direction whilst still retaining the more traditional heavy metal black magic lyrical style. "The Plague" aimed for more of a  progressive sound, adding keyboards to the album's sound. Lyrically the band also changed direction, switching to a more overtly political style that was to characterize their albums for the rest of their career. The Pink Floyd influenced "British Standard Approved" (1984), released on the small independent Clay label, was not a huge commercial success, and with the death of guitarist Mal Spooner it seemed the band would break up. Though Demon didn't break up, this compilation gives a decent sampling of the first six albums.

The first two Demon albums "Night Of The Demon" & "The Unexpected Guest" are considered the most classically NWOBHM. After these two albums Demon went progressive and then a few albums down the line became somewhat poppy/AOR. As of 2012 the band is still going strong and though the back catalog is not represented on this disc beyond 1987 it is a good starting point.

1985-1992[edit]

The following release Heart of Our Time (1985) showed that the remaining members of the band were determined to continue, and it was the start of a new songwriting partnership between Hill and Watts. Although the album is regarded as the weakest of the bands releases, it paved the way for the critically acclaimed Breakout (1987)


title: Great Underrated German Heavy Metal!

text:
Invader were among many great mid-eighties Teutonic thrashers. No party posers, no glam nonsense, pure, unadulterated metal is delivered on "Children Of War". Straight ahead metal, galloping speed with a heroic singer true to the metal cause. The production is also quite good, put on your headphones and blast! We do get a nice break with the intro to "Land Of The North" and the "power ballad" Days Of Sorrow" ... which closes the disc in excellent style.

For fans of: Breaker, Tyrant, early Gravestone, melodic but heavy with some Halford-ish screams at times ... for those who enjoy unique vocals as in bands like Sacred Steel.


title: Higher and Stronger

text:
5X - CARMEN MAKI'S 5X

1. Fantasy

2. Sunny [Bobby Hebb cover]

3. Be My Sun

4. First Time

5. Love Is Fading

6. Gunner

7. Fever

8. Higher and Stronger

9. Love Confession

Original Release Year: 1983 (Reissued 2013)

Label: Eastworld

CD Catalog #: BTH054

Made In: Japan

Includes: Full lyric sheet

Band:

Carmen Maki - Vocal

George Azuma - Guitar

Kinta Moriyama - Bass

Jun Harada - Drums

~ 5X's long and storied history begins in 1981 with the founding of this seminal Japanese hard rock band by legendary guitarist and Japanese music scene icon George Azuma. Between 1981 and 1983, 5X released three very fine albums on Toshiba EMI/Eastworld, leading up to the harder edged Carmen Maki's 5X - with a mix of hard driving metal anthems also balanced with a slower song or two.

The original 5X members were George Azuma, veteran vocalist Carmen Maki, bassist Kinta Moriyama and drummer Jun Harada.


title: Rough Late Period NWOBHM

text:
FAST KUTZ - BURNIN'  (Original Release Date: Ebony Records, 1987)

1. Burnin'

2. Midnight Love

3. Looking For Love

4. Dead Or Alive

5. Driving Me Crazy

6. Play With Fire

7. Girls Gone Bad

8. Fight To Be Free

Line-Up:

Kenny Nicholson - Guitar

Keith Davison - Vocals

Paul Fowler - Drum

Nev Percival - Bass

~ Originally released by Ebony Records in 1987, this British band were just a little too late to be called NWOBHM, but we'll throw 'em in there anyway, as their sound and vibe is the pure essence of those heady and glorious days. Hmmm, comparisons a drunken Grim Reaper (I mean that in a good way) ... very cool guitar shredding, now trying to match Mr. Grimmett on vocals is a bit tough; Keith does his late NWOBHM best. To me at times he sounds like a more energetic, wider ranged Biff Byford (of Saxon fame ... of course).

For all you metalheads whom are familiar with "The Ebony Sound" an acquired tastes at best. Since I am familiar with THAT sound I just EQ it ... usually add some mid-range and super high end. Anyway Ebony had some KILLER bands such as Rankelson, Savage, Holland, Hammer, Demon Eyes. Grim Reaper was the big winner both in sound quality and later a deal with RCA. Anyhow, I do like many of the unrestrained Fast Kutz guitar soloing. As far as "grab me by the balls"-type song catchers .... "Driving Me Crazy" does come across as something like early Raven mixed with some slower first album Metallica riffage (yes, I have headphones on - it's there). Many of the songs are very powerful ... in the same way another Ebony Records band (Dealer) were. Long live The New (or Late) Wave Of Heavy Metal. Would be curious of how the actual bands sounded in the Ebony Studios before the "Ebony Mix" was used?

 I always get a laugh at the AC/DC-ish "Girls Gone Bad" .... obviously the band were fans of the Australians ... but it only shows on this song. "Fight To Be Free" comes across as 10 times heavier than "Girls Gone Bad" ---- "Fight..." really goes into overdrive both the opening, total riff tonnage and I swear I can hear bits of "Shapes Of Things" done Gary Moore style mixed in here.


title: Don't Take It So Hard

text:
After the "Heavier Than Thou" album the band took a break of sorts and performed under the long winded "band" name of "Canedy, Feinstein, Bordonaro & Caudle" ... basically The Rods with Rick Caudle on vocals. "Hollywood" was a much lighter proposal than the less than sophisticated "The Rods" approach, this new project nonetheless saw keen sales but Canedy was still busing himself as a producer, working on Roxx Gang. This "Hollywood" project would be the last recording The Rods had done ... following a 25 year break in 2011 The Rods have released a new album called "Vengeance".

This album has very smooth, but has powerful vocals. Some songs, indeed could have been radio hits. The closest comparison I could come up with is Rough Cutt ... when they do their slower songs.

Artist: Canedy, Feinstein, Bordonaro & Caudle - Hollywoood (The Rod's Project)
Album: Hollywood
Genre: Melodic Metal/Melodic Hard Rock
Year Of Release: 1986
Play Time: 44:36
Label: Passport Records
Country: USA

1. Prisoner of Love
2. Love Is Pain
3. Tokyo Rose
4. Make Your Move
5. Mississippi Queen (Mountain cover)
6. Heat of the Night
7. All American Boys
8. Don't Take It So Hard
9. Money


title: "For every action there is an equal and opposite satisfaction"

text:
DEALER - FIRST STRIKE  (Ebony Records, 1986)

1. When Midnight Comes

2. Victims Of The Night

3. Son Of A Bitch

4. Epitaph

5. Choose Your Weapon

6. Bring the Walls Down

7. Final Conflict:

  - Part I: Prologue

  - Part II: Conflict

  - Part III: Genocide

Pete Gentil - Bass, Backing Vocals

Steve Tarrant - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals

Trev Short - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

Ashley Jon Limer - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals

Andy "Blip" Powel - Drums, Backing Vocals

Key Points: Ebony Records were one of the classic minor league labels of the NWOBHM era, focusing on up and coming mid-eighties bands mostly from England, though a few Euro bands crept in as well. Similar to labels such as Metal Blade, Ebony Records started out releasing compilations of unsigned acts, a few of which went on to record albums with the label (one notable band that did appear on a comp but later went on to bigger things on another label was Mercyful Fate). Many of the releases were produced in house by label founder Darryl Johnston, giving several of the albums a similar low budget style that nevertheless was part of the charm of the NWOBHM period. A lot of the bands released one or two albums and never amounted to a lot, but there were a few gems in there, including Savage's classic Loose 'N' Lethal, all 3 Chateux albums, 2 Blade Runner albums, 2 Rankelson releases, the wonderful (but French) bands Nightmare & Demon Eyes, Hammer, Syron Vanes, Samurai. Touched, Hammer. Fast Kutz and the sadly under-rated Dealer. While the biggest band to emerge from this label would almost certainly be Grim Reaper, who was snapped up by the major label RCA on their way to a successful worldwide career; almost all the bands mentioned had their own charm and appeal to those who were "bangin'" in the mid 80s.

DEALER

Cirencester, Gloucestershire hard rock band Dealer was rooted in the 1978 formed Axe Victims, this antecedent outfit featuring vocalist Trev Short, bassist Pete Gentil and drummer Malcolm Hanselman. Suffering membership changes, the band evolved into Lone Wolf. However, due to the formation of a London based act of the same title, fronted by the high profile figure of ex-Iron Maiden singer Paul Dianno, the further revised title of Dealer was struck upon. Shortly afterwards, Hanselman was replaced by Andy Powell. Dealer scored national media by appearing on the HTV television programme 'Best Band West' and scored valuable supports to Gary Moore and Motorhead.

Singer Trev Short, guitarists Steve Tarrant and Andy Jones with bassist Pete Gentil performed on the 1983 single 'Better Things To Do' issued on the Windrush Records label. A three song demo was recorded the following year containing 'The Final Conflict', 'Money Is Your Passport' and 'Looking For A Reason'. Guitarist Andy Dunne was enrolled but soon vacated his position, being substituted by a then 17 year old Ashley Jon Limer.

Dealer's solitary album emerged on Hull's Ebony Records in 1987, after which frontman Trev Short was replaced by female vocalist Julie Gove. Dealer folded in 1988. Subsequently, Trev Short, bassist Pete Gentil, guitarist Ashley Jon Limer and drummer Andy Powell went on to form the more melodic Vandamne and in 1996 Limer appeared as a guest musician on the Chain debut album and later turned up on the Sack Trick spoof albums.

Interest in Dealer has resulted in the private CD pressings 'Boogie, Booze & Birds', a collection of 1982 recordings, 'Dealer Live', recorded in concert at Level 3 in Swindon, 'For Old Times Sake', a set of 1988 studio cuts, 'One More Time', also compiling tracks laid down in 1988, and 'Bootlegged: Studio Demos', from the band's 1984/85 era.

However, Dealer has been immortalized on vinyl by the good bands / "not so great label" Ebony Records. "First Strike" is high class NWOBHM!! Original released on vinyl by Ebony Records in 1986. A great piece of Heavy Metal from a band whom could have gone the route of Grim Reaper if their cards had been dealt as well! Because of the "Ebony" sound - Grim Reaperfs "See You In Hell" comes to mind when thinking of Dealer. Both the sound of the music, the production & the song writing.

Well, N.W.O.B.H.M. afficionados are surely familiar with the name Dealer. It was the well-known Ebony label which released their one and only album called "First Strike" in 1986. According to singer/part time rhythm guitarist Trevor Short: "Ebony gave us five days to record and mix "First Strike" and to be honest we weren't happy with the album. The N.W.O.B.H.M. didn't exist when we started out. We just wanted to play heavy metal (as we knew it). It was more a matter of timing, we got labeled as N.W.O.B.H.M. coz we were British and played heavy metal. Don't get me wrong, it was good for us and we certainly didn't mind. But we just did what we did and we liked dressing up."


title: Inferior To Few

text:
Cyclone was a thrash band from Belgium that formed in the early-80's and spent a few years releasing demos and a couple of compilation tracks before their debut full-length, "Brutal Destruction", was released in 1986 by Roadrunner Records. It seems that many (Most?) fans of the band largely prefer their debut, perhaps because it's been much easier to find over the years, or simply because it was released by a prominent label, I'm not sure. What I can tell you is that anyone who prefers "Brutal Destruction" over the band's second and final album, "Inferior to None", is completely wrong in every way. "Inferior to None" was released four years later in 1990 by a small Belgian label called Justice Records, after the band underwent several lineup changes and a shift towards a much crunchier and more in your face sound that completely destroys every single song on their first album without question.

Apparently Justice Records was undergoing financial trouble and this ended up being a very limited edition release without much promotion, which is just criminal given the band's progress. Admittedly the production's a tad on the muddy side, but not to the point that it detracts from the listening experience (I actually love the almost over the top guitar tone), so the entire album's packed with thick, churning thrash that has more of a Bay Area thing going on in terms of the style (and quality) of the riffing. But the vocals are solid, the songwriting's stronger than many comparable American bands of the time period, and when all is said and done this is probably one of the most underrated and overlooked thrash metal records of all time as far as I'm concerned. Only nine tracks in a little over 45 minutes, but it's all gold. I just can't understand why this album hasn't been discussed more often what with the whole "thrash revival" that's been going on for several years now!?

Despite having allegedly been bootlegged at one point, getting your hands on this CD won't be easy."Brutal Destruction" was most recently reissued by Metal Mind, but I can't fathom why the far superior (pun only mildly intended) "Inferior to None" hasn't been properly reissued since the band's demise. Get it if you can find it.

That being said, the internet will, of course, allow you to enjoy this outstanding material through other means. I'd still love to see this gem receive a proper reissue, though. Metal Mind should start looking further beyond the Roadrunner back catalog! (< aversiononline.com)


title: One of two

text:
Can get confusing when two tribute CDs exist? "A Tribute To Mercyful Fate - Curse Of The Demon" was released in 2000 on the Dwell Ministries label). I did NOT want this one but the one with the Withering Surface cover of "The Oath" on it. This was titled Mercyful Fate Tribute and was released by Listenable Records in 1997.

01-Luciferion - Black Funeral
02-Sacramentum - Black Masses
03-Gardenian - A Dangerous Meeting
04-Snowy Shaw - Evil (Live)
05-Armageddon - Desecration Of Souls
06-Emperor - Gypsy
07-Withering Surface - The Oath
08-Misanthrope - Doomed By The Living Dead
09-Dimension Zero - My Demon
10-Immolation - Satan's Fall
11-Dark Tranquillity - Lady In Black
12-Deceased - Nuns Have No Fun
13-Notre Dame - Into The Coven

As expected Immolation's take on "Satan's Fall" was "different" the rest were done by predominantly Swedish bands ( a french and American band were also included along with the sole representation on the compilation.) Withering Surface the sole Danish band did a decent job on "The Oath")(although the recording levels could have been a little higher).

For the past two years or so, it seems like black and death metal bands have been recording more covers than their own material. I shall not let myself be tempted to make a complete summary of tribute CDs that have appeared of late, for I am sure you know quite a few yourself. However, this tendency has resulted in at least a handful of thoroughly listenable (no pun intended, honest!) albums. Thankfully, this French (Listenable Records being a French label) tribute to King Diamond and his compatriots falls into that category.

This quite long CD offers Mercyful Fate covers by bands the likes of Luciferion ("Black Funeral"), Snowy Shaw ("Evil", a really extreme version), Emperor ("Gypsy"), Misanthrope ("Doomed By The Living Dead"), Immolation (a technically perhaps inferior but otherwise god-damn heavy version of "Satan's Fall", hell yeah!) and Dark Tranquillity ("Lady In Black"). Michael Denner, no longer in Mercyful Fate himself due to parental obligations, plays along on "Into the Coven" with the band Notre Dame....

Because preciously few bands can hope to attain a vocal style like King Diamond's, most of the songs use grunting, which sounds interesting. "Satan's Fall", for example, sounds a lot more evil than it ever did! Added to that the fact that the CD is well-designed, with plenty of old Mercyful Fate pictures, and we have here something that is definitely worth getting.

As EvilG put it: "No one can overestimate the influence Mercyful Fate has had on metal music. The straightforward Satanic/mythological lyrical content of their songs, the corpse paint, and the "1 song, 100 riffs" approach to composing music (and, well, being Scandinavian), was a combination to appear later in what evolved to be black metal (as opposed to King Diamond's unique vocal style which remained more or less unique for the band). Their pre-split '80s releases - one mini-album and two full-lengths - remain legendary even today, having achieved cult status as some of the '80s most groundbreaking underground albums.

Hence, most of the songs covered by the bands on this Listenable Records compilation are from that period. Since death metal and black metal as we know them today are both quite different from Mercyful Fate's musical style, a majority of the cover versions display a significant change, which always guarantees at least an interesting result; the thing is that most of them are very good, too. Some bands, however, decided to stick to the original and to introduce only minor changes, such as the vocals and some variance in the speed or in some fills, and the results are fairly standard. Examples for that would be Sacramentum's 'Black Masses', Armageddon's 'Desecration Of Souls' and Deceased's simple-but-effective 'Nuns Have No Fun'.

Luciferion enhances 'Black Funeral' with some haunting keyboards and an intro, with Snowy Shaw (ex-Mercyful Fate and King Diamond drummer, now in Memento Mori) and Sharlee D'Angelo (Mercyful Fate) as special guests (Shaw does vocals - something like a marriage between King's vocals and a black metal screech. And he does it very well, too). Gardenian does a very good, faster, yet also doomier somehow, rendition of the classic 'A Dangerous Meeting'. In 'Evil' we encounter Snowy Shaw yet again, this time playing all instruments and doing vocals, as a 'one man band', and the whole song mixed as live... very different from the original this time, with the intro from 'The Oath' and some riffs from other songs as well; totally chaotic too, and one of my favorites on this CD (especially with the "countdown" thing Snowy does...hehe). Emperor do 'Gypsy' with a lot of prominent keyboards and a very convincing imitation of King's wail... however, this song suffers in the sound department (in the tradition of Emperor) - the drumming for example sounds way back in the mix while not being as chaotic as the usual Emperor fare. Withering Surface cover 'The Oath', without the intro (which jumped ship to 'Evil'), and do a good job at that, heavy and melodic, while Misanthrope do an intensely blackened version of 'Doomed By The Living Dead' with some very good keyboard work. The only two songs on this CD originally from the post-reunion '90s Mercyful Fate, 'My Demon' and 'Lady In Black', performed respectively by Dimension Zero and Dark Tranquility, reek heavily of Gothenburg sound - melodic double-guitar riffing and the 'insane' kind of vocals; both songs are done well. The only cover on this album which fails miserably is Immolation's take on 'Satan's Fall', which is also much shorter than the 11-minute original; a muddy death metal rendition that doesn't befit the song, especially vocals-wise. The final track is 'Into The Coven' by Notre Dame, another lineup featuring - surprise! - yes, you guessed it, Snowy Shaw. This is another favorite of mine here, a very atmospheric 10-minute version of the song done very differently (Female vocals in places. And in French. And references to other songs, once again). All those with appreciation and admiration for MF should check out this album; black metal fans who for some reason haven't heard the band yet should also find interest in this."

attachment_type: IMAGE


text:
Metal Prisoners (Various Artists) - Mausoleum Records, 1983

5 Way Split with the NWOBHM bands Chinawhite, Seducer, Factory and
Ace Lane plus the Belgian band Acid.

1. Chinawite - Blood On The Streets
2. Seducer- Call Your Name
3. Acid - Demon
4. Factory - You Are The Music
5. Ace Lane - Never The Same
6. Chinawite - Ready To Satisfy
7. Seducer - Survivor
8. Acid - Heaven's Devils
9. Factory - The History Of The Turkey
10. Ace Lane - Emotion


title: SYAR - DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR

text:
Syar was a Harrogate based act that were dogged by a good deal of ill fortune in their formative years. Formed in 1981, Syar's January 1982 demo attracted the attention of a German producer, who put Syar into the studio to record a debut album 'Deep In The Night'. Problems ensued when the studio bill could not be met and Syar were forced to use these sessions purely in demo form. These demos attracted the attention of CBS Records, but interest soon cooled. At this juncture, independant Future Earth Records offered the band a deal, which in turn led to a European deal with Mausoleum Records. The album was retitled 'Death Before Dishonour', and released in 1984.

SYAR - DEATH BEFORE DISHONOUR

1. On The Streets
2. Speeder
3. Find The Angel
4. I'm Taking Off
5. Death Before Dishonour
6. High Flyer
7. Judgement
8. Taking A Gamble
9. Warriors
10. Trailblazer
11. Deep In The Night

.... For lovers of all things NWOBHM.


title: Awful sound quality - BUT some good shredding guitar

text:
GARDIAN - VOYAGER & FUSION (2001 - Millenium Eight Records)

  1) Instrumental Intro

  2) Voyager

  3) Across The Universe

  4) Run To The Light (Early version of One Of A Kind)

  5) In A World Without Love (Early version of World Without  Love)

  6) I Am Here (Tony sings and plays guitar on this track)

  7) Prisoners Zone

  8) Look To The Future

  9) Hyperdrive (Early version of the re-recorded bonus track for First Watch)

10) When The Time Is Right

11) Marching On (Early version of the re-recorded bonus track for First Watch)

12) Spiritual Warfare

13) Miracle Of The Galaxy (Early version of Miracle)

14) Living For The Promise (Early version of Livin' For The Promise)

15) Eclipse (Not on First Watch)

16) Rock In Victory (Early version of Rock In Victory)

17) Step To The Light (Very early version of One Of A Kind)

18) Armored Defense

19) Your Love Looks to the Future

* = Fusion - Rock In Victory (EP) (1984) (Six song EP - but not sure if it is all here?) (I believe only the last three songs are from RIV.)

? = Gardian - Voyager (1987) (How many tracks on this? Don't know what tracks are from this, and where or what the other tracks Tony Palacios plays on are from (maybe a demoed First Watch tape or something?)

* = From the California Metal (Comp.) (1987)

? = Demo versions of songs that later ended up on First Watch stuff. Not sure which were on Voyager?

- James Isham was the lead guitarist on Rock In Victory, Tony Palacios was the lead guitarist on all other tracks.

 To the best of my ability I only assume Tony is playing on all the flashy George Lynch type guitar stuff. Couldn't find the track listings for Rock In Victory or Voyager. It sounds like Tony's playing on everything except the last 3 tracks (17-19).

- They did say that many of the same songs appear on both Rock In Victory & Voyager ... so I believe only half of Rock In Victory is on here?

- So overall this sounds like s**t - BUT some good shredding guitar solos are "hidden" in the mix. Would have been nice if Millenium Eight Records had spent a few bucks "cleaning" this up ... Tony shreds!


title: 1983 Scandinavian metal

text:
Here's the missing track list:

(1)Howl in the sky
(2)Fools
(3)Summerlove
(4)Weekend)
(5)Biscaya
(6)Singing in harmony
(7)Sunrise
(8)Walls
(9)Divine lady of warmth
(10)Rockin' vehicles
(11)Hit it hard
(12)Space bop
(13)Swinging to a melody
(14)Greg's song

Unfortunately it appears this release SMA002 isn't legit ... this is recorded from vinyl! I do believe the original Japanese only release would NOT be "vinyl mastered".


title: Beautiful CD

text: The spirit/Gods spirit captivates you<br />In this CD


title: The BEST!!

text: This CD is even more powerful after all these years... The BEST!!!! This CD is truly a life saver!!!! For everyone


title: For goodness sakes, stop attacking "Clones."

text: At last check, there were hundreds of reviews for this movie on Amazon.com (certain to swell to thousands), so I won't bore you with plot points. The bottom line? Steven Spielberg had it right: In my view, this is the best "Star Wars" movie since "Empire Strikes Back." Let me explain why. The action sequences are top-notch, and when I say "top-notch," I absolutely mean it. Remember when you were disappointed by the special effects in "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace"? Well, this movie is visually dazzling, a true watermark for effects work. The sound is ear-popping. George Lucas's genius is not in his script-writing or directing skills, but in his extraordinary vision and creativity. Who else could craft a 2-hour-plus epic that encompasses five planets, an enormous D-Day battle between two machine armies, and more stunning visuals than the first entire "Star Wars" trilogy? George Lucas, that's who. Sure, the script falls short of "Out of Africa," and the budding romance between Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) could use some work. But this is a "Star Wars" movie. Raise your hand if you saw "Return of the Jedi" just so that you could feel the love between Han Solo and Princess Leia? Forget about mythology and good vs. evil for a second. The "Star Wars" movies are memorable for many fans primarily because of their "coolness." There are scenes in this movie that are so hip and intense that you almost fall out of your seat. The last forty minutes of this movie present some of the best action in the entire "Star Wars" franchise. Okay, okay, I know I've gotten a little heated, but "Star Wars" is a passionate subject. Forget about what the critics are saying -- see this movie for yourself. Or, when it arrives on DVD, buy it. Watch it with your closest friends. And, by God, get those little-kid cravings out.


Classic midwest rock and roll.  Vendor shipped fast and product was in great shape.  Original 70's pressing.


title: Early Slash

text: I like the cd - but like his newer music better.  Just an opinion and my taste of music - but glad I have the cd.


title: Innovative, comprehensive, and just plain fun to listen to!

text: If Ken Burns compiled CDs instead of making documentaries, he'd probably have made the Beatles' "Anthology 1". Listening to it feels like a documentary, minus the video. It's even got interview and sound bites segueing in-between the songs on Disc 1. Unlike the other Anthologies, you're given more cover songs and less alternate versions of Beatles favorites. Still, the covers are fun to listen to and the alternates that we are given are worth it. And, unlike a lot of other listeners, I really liked "Free as a Bird". Also worth noting are the live songs, including their immortal performance of "All My Loving" on the Ed Sullivan show, complete with screaming girls. Listening to the alternates and false starts is an experience. It's funny to listen to the Beatles miss cues, try different time signatures and solos, as well as critisize each other. It proves that the Beatles are human after all.


BRAVER THAN WE ARE IS ONLY GOOD AS A 13-TRACK-ALBUM LIKE THE JAPANese EDITION - THE VINYLs ALSO MUST HAVE 13 TRACKS


An overlooked diamond. Magnum at the very top of their game. Every song genius-created and -performed. Should have sold millions. Jens


title: Five Stars

text: Great CD


title: Wow, now that's eclectic!

text:
1 Leadbelly – Christmas Is A-Coming
2 Calexico – Gift X-Change
3 Casiotone For The Painfully Alone – Cold White Christmas
4 Palace Songs – Christmastime In The Mountains
5 Okkervil River – Listening To Otis Redding At Home During Christmas Day
6 Coctails – First Snowfall
7 Lord Executor – Christmas Is A Joyful Day
8 Thee Headcoatees – Santa Claus
9 Glass Hearts –  Stoned Soul Christmas
10 Higher Elevations – All These Winter Nights
11 Pedal – On Xmas Day
12 Jim White – Christmas Day
13 Low – Long Way 'Round The Sea
14 Tri Sonics – I Believe In Christmas
15 Butthole Surfers – Good King Wencenslas

user_id: AGXULIPVKPFRYAZGGYLQWYBPYIOQ


title: The best post-1980 B-52's record ever made

text:
Seriously, it sounds like a B-52's tribute record, only with all original songs. Rocks harder, too.

Luxo Champ was arguably a Rondelles side project on the indie Super 8 Underground label. The band used the pseudonyms Dragon Lady, Miss Information, and Number 6 while backing male singer Brad Beshaw (aka Jet Jaguar) who owned a video shop called Wavy Brain in Albequerque. That said, two of the six tracks are essentially instrumentals, with Beshaw taking a formal lead on the other four.

The track "A + B" also appeared on a 7-inch various artist EP called "3, 2, 1 Action" (Pocket Protector Records, 1996), and "Block Mover" also appeared on a various artist CD called "New Wave Explosion" (Super 8 Underground, 1999)

Luxo Champ released a 7-inch called "Duster" in 1995, but it would seem unlikely that the Rondelles played on that one as they would've been in junior high....


title: Those crazy Swedes!

text:
This is the Swedish roots rock band, not to be confused with the American band from Arizona. This album was released in 2007 (not 2008 as stated above).

1. Santa's Gonna Rock
2. Merry X-Mas Everybody
3. Frosty The Snowman
4. Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me
5. Santa Looked A Lot Like Dadd
6. Hey There Darlin'
7. Good Boy
8. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
9. She's In Love With Santa
10. My Christmas Baby
11. The Santa Claus Twist
12. Winter Wonderland
13. Boogie On Christmas Night
14. Forever Shining Star
15. Silent Night
16. On Christmas Day


title: Track Listing

text:
Obscure material, lovingly presented.

1. Trick or Treat - 4 Flops
2. Zombie Walk - Magics
3. Headless Ghost - Nightmares
4. Monster Mash - Frankie & the Newports
5. Dead - Poets
6. Frankenstein's Den - Hollywood Flames
7. I'm in the Ground For Good - Newports
8. Zombie Jamboree - King Flash & the Calypso Carnival
9. Mummy's Ball - Verdicts
10. Queen of Halloween - Chotalls
11. Horror Pictures - Calvanes
12. Spooksville - Nu-Trends
13. Witch Doctor - Frankie & the Fashions
14. Dead Man's Stroll - Revels
15. Screamin' Ball - Duponts
16. That Halloween Night - Denise & the Double-Dates
17. Rockin' Zombie - Crewnecks
18. Frankenstein's Party - Swinging Phillies
19. My Baby Likes Scary Movies - Pete & the Bloodsuckers
20. Nightmare Mash - Bill Riley
21. Dorothy My Monster - Companions
22. The Vampire - Archie King
23. Monster's Love - Denny & Lenny with the Hollywood Ghouls
24. At The House of Frankenstein - Big Bee Knornegay & Group
25. Beware - Bill Buchanan
26. Dracula - Zane Brothers
27. Dr. Jekyll & Mrs. Hyde - Crystalairs


title: Harrowing and Beautiful

text: Haunting and delicate, Pinback's music reminds me of ghosts singing songs about stories long forgotten from another time. The bedazzling opener Tripoli immediately takes you into a melancholy ambience that sets the tone for the whole album. The ominous refrain exudes a remorseful element of longing and concern that seems like a long lost memory, or a rainy day by the sea. Hurley ascends to the ears with some neat guitar play in the beginning and segues into another sad, droning ballad, tinged with joyfully harmonic and fetching segments. Charborg continues down the dreary path with more susurrations and interesting use of a drum machine to offset the guitars and Rob's doleful whispers. Chaos Engine expands on the use of a Drum Machine to render an appearingly dull track, until the chorus- some bizarre chords on an organ and some made up sounds,("Eee You, Ee Ya Ooo") amalgamated with the chilling vocals "Chaos Engine, Try to bluff my way out of here." Shag is a chantlike track with hypnotizing drumming and a macabre chorus that is strikingly catchy and odd- "Push the little baby down the spiral stairs..." Loro exuviates the marshy aura of the album for a concise, lilting track that offers more variety and originality to the disc. Crutch regresses back to the bleak thouroughfare with a droning bass and more of Rob's tearful wails, but the clouds break around the 3 minute mark of the song, when the music fuses into a brief, pop outburst of blissful sound. Rousseau comences the final trio of tracks, all of which have French-related names- a French essayist, city and painter, respectively. Rousseau's linchpin is some heavy piano chords, balanced by an organ, guitars and a gentle tinkling of airy piano keys. Lyon is slightly less morose than the latter track, but it flows in a continually beautiful and unsettling manner. Montaigne is an unnerving coda with a dark and whispery essence that basically summarizes the general sound of the whole album. Although the bulk of this cd is downbeat, it's colored brightly by brief moments of each song that seize the ear and tug the heartstrings. I recommend this cd to everyone.


title: ANOTHER GREAT OTIS FROM MEMPHIS

text: OTIS CLAY IS ANOTHER MEMPHIS DEEP SOUL SINGER WHO IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED, WHEN THE CONVERSATION COMES UP THENAMES YOU USUALLY HEAR ARE OTIS REDDING, AL GREEN JAMES CARR, O.V. WRIGHT AND A FEW OTHERS.  BUT OTIS MADE SOME NICE MUSIC OVER AT HI RECORDS IN THE 1970'S. THIS IS A LIVE ALBUM RECORDED IN TOKYO IN THE 1990'S.  HIS VOICE HAS LOST A BIT OF ITS' EDGE, BUT HE STILL CAN CARRY A TUNE, ON THIS ALBUM IT IS MOSTLY COVER VERSIONS OF MEMPHIS SOUL CLASSICS. IF YOU WANT TO HEAR HIS BEST, THEN GET HIS GREATEST HITS CD ON THE HI LABEL.


title: MIXED REVIEW

text: THIS CD GETS A MIXED REVIEW BECAUSE HALF OF SIDE ONE  (ON THE ALBUM) CONSISTS OF SONGS THAT WERE LIFTED FROM OTHER MOI ALBUMS (TEARS BEGAN TO FALL, MY GUITAR WANTS TO KILL YOUR MAMA, ETC). BUT THE REST OF IT IS RARE CONCERT AND STUDIO RECORDINGS, AND THAT PART GETS FIVE STARS (FOR ANY FAN OF ZAPPA).  ORIGINALLY RELEASED AS A BOOTLEG I GUESS IT IS NOW AVAILABLE COMMERCIALLY.


title: MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH

text: I AM NOT SURE EXACTLY HOW MANY "VOLUMES" ARE AVAILABLE IN THIS SERIES, BUT I HAVE AT LEAST SIX OR SEVEN OF THEM. IF YOU ARE IN THE MOOD TO KICK BACK, AND HEAR SOME REAL, AUTHENTIC, 1950'S DOO-WOP, THEN YOU CAME TO THE RIGHT PLACE.  THE REASON THE CD'S ARE CALLED "A MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF DOO-WOP", IS BECASUE THERE ARE SO FEW ORIGINAL COPIES OF EACH OF THESE HARD TO FIND 45'S, THAT EACH ONE OF THEM IS VIRTUALLY WORTH A FORTUNE. NONE OF THE SONGS WERE HITS, AND AS A RESULT, THEY ARE "LOST CLASSICS", ALTHOUGH NOT EVERY SONG IS AS "CLASSIC" AS THE OTHER ONES, AND SOME OF THE RECORDINGS SOUND LIKE THEY WERE MADE INSIDE OF A MEN'S ROOM IN GRAND CENTRAL STATION, AND ALL OF THE RECORDINGS ARE RIGHT OFF OF THE RECORDS AND THEY SOUND SCRATCHY AT TIMES (THE SCRATCHY SOUNDS ACTAULLY ADD TO THE AMBIANCE!). TRUTHFULLY, SOME OF THE SONGS ARE JUST DOWNRIGHT BAD, AND THAT WHAT MAKES THEM EVEN MORE AUTHENTIC FOR ITS' TIME, AND MAKES IT EVEN THAT MUSCH BETTER! THERE IS ANOTHER CD IN THIS COMPILATION SERIES THAT FEATURES ALL GIRL-GROUP DOO-WOP, WHICH IS REALLY UNUSUAL. BUT THESE CD'S ARE ALMOST LIKE A PIECE OF HISTORY, AND I ENJOY LISTENING TO THEM, INSTEAD OF HEARING "EARTH ANGEL" OR "I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU" FOR THE EIGHTEENTH MILLIONTH TIME.


title: VALUABLE BBC AFTERTHOUGHT

text:
With no reviews and no product description I'll attempt to explain why this confusing CD is an essential purchase for all those who want to hear 10 important songs not included in what was thought to be a complete 2-CD 48-song soundtrack package issued by the BBC in 1990. A little bit later someone at the BBC must have noticed these annoying omissions and a third CD was quickly produced for the much rarer 3-CD set with 69 songs.

Thus this, the third CD, is a godsend for all those who only bought the first 2. However the 10 missing songs appear in the wrong order and are mixed-in with 10 much weaker songs loosely connected to the series - chosen by someone who apparently owned the original 78's but who made no effort to construct an enjoyable CD.  So one has to put up with 3 more versions of "Prairie Moon" plus a puerile Lew Stone medley of 6 novelty numbers with absolutely no connection to the music of the series.

As "Pennies" progressed Al Bowlly's plaintiff voice became identified with that of the anti-hero in his many dream states. Thankfully 5 of the best of his 10 numbers are on this CD.  For his fans reason alone to buy it while supplies last.

In 1978 one fifth of the British population (12 million viewers) watched the original transmissions of "Pennies from Heaven". A never-to-be repeated collective experience when an entire nation was transfixed by a high-art concept of a sordid morality tale set in 1935 constantly switching to brilliant fantasy worlds with the same cast lip-syncing to 60 love songs whose lyrics invariably reversed the gloomy mood of the real story.

Infinite care was taken choosing songs to maximize viewers' disbelief as they saw and heard "escapist entertainment" being turned-in on itself. Reality TV with ordinary people behaving as if they were "stars" is one obvious byproduct. That's why my real hope in writing this review is that one day the BBC will do justice to this landmark series and issue a complete soundtrack with each song in the exact order it appeared. Which would fit perfectly on three 20-track CD's.


title: The Best Rozsa Collection

text: This splendid collection dates from 1964, but the sound (newly mastered for SACD) is state of the art! This was the second recording for most of the pieces and the first in stereo.  All four works have become more familiar since 1964, but you won't find any finer performances. If you know only Rozsa's movie scores, you will discover similar strains of grandeur and pathos here, but there is so much more to discover. The vigor and even violence of the "Hungarian dance" episodes should raise anybody's spirits, and the serene (sometimes mysterious) tone picture of the "Notturno ungherese" offers a refreshing contrast.


title: Five Stars

text: Extraordinarily fine music, esp. the unique Flos Campi. And the 1960s sound holds up nicely to this day.


title: Fair album.

text: Probably should of skipped this one. Not too good of music. Oh well, I tried.??????<br />Happy New Years.............Hafa Dai Chamarro


title: kool

text: kool


title: Down Memory Lane....

text: I was hoping to find this wondrous music album of my youth in CD form....it is so nostalgic to me.  My Dad, Bill Lee, was one of the Ken Darby Singers on this album and, as a teeny-bopper, I used to listen to it day in and day out, dreaming of the day I would get to Hawaii.  The music is so beautiful, so lush....and, if I recall correctly, was Mr. Newman's composition after his first visit there.  It starts out with the sound of a ship's horn....this was recorded in the 50's, before any jets were flying to Hawaii...remember the Lurline?  Really dating myself now...<smile>  Highly recommended!


title: Tate knows Mozart; a treasure

text: Mitsuko Uchida collaborated with Jeffrey Tate on the definitive recordings of Mozart's major piano concertos. After hearing Tate's interpretations of these much recorded Mozart symphonies, I realized that there were two geniuses at work on the piano concerti.<br />I've heard these symphonies done by nearly all the "great" conductors, and Tate has shown me facets of these works I hadn't heard before.


title: Fun Stuff from Elvis

text: It's Elvis... how could it possibly be bad. This is some fun rehearsal music as Elvis was preparing to take Las Vegas like no one had ever done before.


title: Still the KING!!

text: Another great Elvis CD. Re-issue of a previous vinyl LP carefully remastered. Love Elvis... still the KING!!


title: This is an ok CD, but it is not ...

text: This is an ok CD, but it is not that drastically different from the original songs as I thought it might be. A bit more country sound, sax and some double endings.


title: something new and different .

text: This is a well made low budget movie .The acting was very good and the cast was a perfect match . Mickey Rourke only has a small part and he played it well . I've never seen Ryan in this kind of role and you don't know how really good he is until you've seen him in this . There is not a lot of dialogue but you don't need it if you pay attention to the movie . It's nice to see something new and different from all of the other movies out there .


title: Lively good listening . I love her stuf.

text: She is a very talented musician . This new album is a good mix . the guest singers are also very good , especially ZZ Ward .I'm glad I got the extra songs. If you are a true fan you want it all . Her music is lively and I enjoy it while driving , or just sitting around . People that I know never heard of her , but once they listen to her play they become a fan too .


title: My all time favorite artist .

text: She is my favorite artist , I'll always love to hear her voice, and her songs that I have never heard before .


title: Quick delivery disc condition great

text: Alot of Dylan songs I didnt have. Great cd


title: Quick delivery condition of the disc is great

text: Classic Seger! All the early hits live. Cant go wrong


title: Cd in great condition. Delivery on time

text: Alot of great music for a great price!!


title: What a voice! Great cd in great condition!

text: Her material and music were just starting to change on this cd. She knocks it outa the park! One great listen


title: Five Stars

text: Another good one. I really like this one. I think you will too.


title: I love waltzes and like listening to them in the evenings ...

text: I love waltzes and like listening to them in the evenings when everything is quiet. This is very relaxing to me.


title: Fantastic Waltz Music

text: I absolutely love this waltz cd. This is one of  my  favorites. I love to listen to the relaxing music of this one. If you like beautiful music like I do you'll like this one too.


title: Five Stars

text: My brother loves it


title: AWESOME

text: Has always been one of my favorites. 50's 60's and early 70's has been my favorite time for country music....


title: & love it. Have it on vinyl

text: bought the cd for just one song, & love it. Have it on vinyl... just an old bird..


title: Four Stars

text: No problem with the sound quality, but received the jewel case cracked.


title: Mr. Hands; Herbie Hancock

text: Always been a fan of modern jazz. Bought the vinyl new. A blast from the past for me. Excellent musician.


title: Five Stars

text: Loved it


title: Five Stars

text: Gift for friends


title: Five Stars

text: This is my favorite lee jung hyun cd its catchy and the songs are fun


title: Five Stars

text: Not her best cd but i still love her


title: Fantastic Voice. Beautiful arrangements

text: Fantastic Voice.  Beautiful arrangements.  Wonderful Hymns.  Great choir behind him.  Thank you


title: Five Stars

text: Beautiful music.  Prayerful.  Great voices and instrumentals.


title: Great voice. He was Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar ...

text: Great voice.  He was Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway in 1971


title: Five Stars

text: Great voice.  Great songs.


title: 2018 RSD First Time UK Vinyl Release for Lulu's 1976 US Album

text: This is Lulu's 1976 US album that was released in the UK for the first time ever , for Record Store Day 2018. It's a solid album of songs, with the key attraction being the 2 songs that David Bowie wrote, played on and produced for Lulu. THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD was a huge hit in the UK and Europe in 1974 for her. WATCH THAT MAN rocks hard, with arguably the strongest shouting & wailing that she has done on record. You get a bonus 45 of these 2 songs inside for this edition. Another well known song here is the theme to the James Bond film, THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN. The album has a good balance. There is a pair of excellent ballads also. The title track & BABY I DON'T CARE, co-written by Lulu and her brother Billy Lawrie are beautifully sung and crafted. There's soul with HONEY YOU CAN'T TAKE IT BACK, a song originally done by Dobie Gray, and TAKE YOUR MAMA FOR A RIDE, a great percussive track here in a single and longer album version. The mid-70's pop/soul of tracks like BOY MEETS GIRL and MAMA'S LITTLE CORNER OF THE WORLD give this collection variety as well.


title: Columbia Years Best of CD

text:
Tracks:
ATLANTIS
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
CRIANCAS
DIANA
ENDANGERED SPECIES
MAHOGANY BIRD
PONTA DE AREJA
SHERE KHAN THE TIGER
THE THREE MARIAS
WHEN YOU DREAM

This is an excellent import CD that features 10 tracks from his Columbia albums , 1974-1985.


title: Excellent Rock/R&B Album

text:
Wow, this self-titled 1980 album , BILLY JOE ROYAL is filled with an astonishingly great mix of rock, R&B, country , adult contemporary and starts off with a big surprise with the rock song FEVER BLIND. It's got a solid rock sound with guitars and strong female backing vocals. It was a new decade , and the diversity of the material on this album makes this one of his most pleasing albums to listen to. BE A FOOL WITH ME is next, and it's another great one. SLOWLY is one of the best songs on here. Think of a cross between SLOW HAND and SLOW DANCIN' { SWAYIN' TO THE MUSIC }, and this song is in that mode. It's a hypnotic, sexy sound with a great vocal by BJR, the female vocals & a saxophone solo. Should have been a big hit, but then this whole album didn't get much attention back then. But it sure is worth hearing today. MR. KOOL blends soul and rock. LET'S TALK IT OVER was a single, and it's a great one. UNTIE ME has that rock sound, and was previously done by Joe South who wrote it. HOME AND HOMESICK is another blend of rock, blues & country. HE'LL HAVE TO GO , the old Jim Reeves song, lasts 6 minutes, and is superior to the version that BJR did on Atlantic a few years later. The last song LOVE JONES is a rocking party song that someone like Tom Jones would do. Billy Joe took a lot of chances with all the different types of songs on here, and this album stands the test of time.

 The album was produced by Robert Nix, the longtime songwriter who provided CHERRY HILL PARK and other songs to Billy Joe. It was recorded in Georgia, and has a Southern Rock influence , as well as Southern Soul. Country , R&B, even Jazz with some of the horn solos on here. It was clear that Billy Joe's influences were a melting pot of sounds. Too bad that it wasn't heard much the first time around. Just several years after this album, BJR focused on country music with many hits for Atlantic Records. But this album is a slab of influences that doesn't limit his talents . Worth hearing !


title: 20 Hits - Most Every Major Hit

text:
Excellent career overview of most, but not all of their biggest hits. Time Life Music licensed songs from many labels that Gladys & the Pips recorded for. At 20 songs, this is a good variety from the early 60's to mid-80s era.Most of their biggest hits are here, but not all.
Songs:
EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART
LETTER FULL OF TEARS
I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
FRIENDSHIP TRAIN
IF I WERE YOUR WOMAN
MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA
WHERE PEACEFUL WATERS FLOW
I'VE GOT TO USE MY IMAGINATION
NEITHER ONE OF US
I FEEL A SONG
ON AND ON
BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME
THE WAY WE WERE/TRY TO REMEMBER
LOVE FINDS IT'S OWN WAY
MONEY
PART TIME LOVE
SO SAD THE SONG
TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT
LANDLORD
SAVE THE OVERTIME


title: Concise Best Of CD

text:
Track Listings:
1. PLASTICS NEVERMORE
2. THE OTHER PEOPLE
3.RAIN & TEARS
4.DON'T TRY TO CATCH A RIVER
5.END OF THE WORLD
6.YOU ALWAYS STAND IN MY WAY
VE O'CLOCK
7.VALLEY OF SADNESS
8.MISTER THOMAS
9.QUANDO LAMORE DIVENTA POESIA
10. LONTANO DAGLI OCCHI
11.MAGIC MIRROR
13. LET ME LOVE LET ME LIVE
14. MARIE JOLIE
15. IT'S FIVE O'CLOCK
16. WAKE UP
17.SPRING SUMMER WINTER & FALL
18.AIR
19.SUCH A FUNNY NIGHT
20.ANNABELLA
21. BREAK
22.BABYLON

I just wanted a best of CD of this group , and this one is great. No need to buy a double CD as this one had the songs I wanted.


title: 1973 Rockin' Soulful LP

text:
The 1973 ABC/Dunhill LP now on CD, Genya Ravan's 2nd Solo album contains some good music. It gets off to a bang with GOTTA TELL SOMEBODY [ 'BOUT MY BABY ], a horn filled fast paced rocker not unlike her TEN WHEEL DRIVE songs. Eric Clapton's KEEP ON GROWING is amazing, a perfect rock song for Genya to get a hold of. Sheryl Crow's version pales in comparison to Genya's rocking growl, and this track just grooves. MISSY [MISTER ] is really different with both soft and loud passages, like Genya with 2 different personalities. This really works to great effect and mood. SOUL CELEBRATION is another rollicking mid-tempo highlight. And THAT CRYIN' RAIN takes care of things in the ballad department on this release really nicely.

The other songs are mainly shorter songs in a rock vein with catchy choruses like UNDER CONTROL and DON'T PRESS ME. WHEN YOU GOT TROUBLE is a bluesy wailer, but more of a repeated mantra than an actual song, which would have been much better. It segueways into the very short YOU GOT THE BLUE, just really a track tagged onto the end of TROUBLE. JIMMY MILLER , noted for his work with The Rolling Stones produced a few tracks, and then JIM PRICE produced the bulk of this album. It's good to hear Genya in the mid-70's, paving the way for so many other female rockers. She may not have gotten the big notices for this album the first time around, but it's worth owning. Cover art illustrates her humor and power as a sexually experienced woman, hence the title THEY LOVE ME, THEY LOVE ME NOT.

The Japanese import is a replica of the original gatefold cover, with the lyrics & photo inside. There are also liner notes in Japanese. They really should translate it into English as well. No bonus tracks, as this was her only album for ABC/Dunhill.


title: Original Fortunes Decca Recordings

text: THE FORTUNES are possibly one of the most neglected artists whose career are not represented very well on CD. The group's most successful recordings could be divided into decades and labels. From 1963 to 1966, they were on Decca in the UK, and Press in the US. From 1967 through the mid-70's they were on various EMI labels - United Artists, World Pacific and finally Capitol where HERE COMES THAT RAINY DAY FEELING AGAIN was their biggest hit. That period is covered expertly on the Taragon label CD -THE VERY BEST OF THE FORTUNES 1967-1972. This CD covers their Decca recordings, and was not even released in the US. That makes it hard to find. But it is worth seeking out, as it includes their biggest hits from this period, and some hard to find singles not on other CD collections. YOU'VE GOT YOUR TROUBLES remains a staple of the British Invasion era that is still played today. HERE IT COMES AGAIN and THIS GOLDEN RING were the other big hits they had. Their sound included harmonies that vie with The Hollies, but with more orchestration. Rod Allen was the main lead singer, and Glen Dale and Barry Pritchard sang as well. It was a sound that major solo artists from the UK usually had - a powerful vocalist backed up with lush, and sometimes bombastic orchestration. The Fortunes have this accompaniment on many of the songs here, and recorded songs by the major British songwriters of the day such as Greenaway-Cook, and Reed-Mason. They also wrote their own material, which are more Beat group sounding. This CD includes some excellent rockers such as THINGS I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN, GONE FROM MY MIND, and YOU GAVE ME SOMEBODY TO LOVE. Equally compelling songs include SILENT STREET and AM I LOSING MY TOUCH, plus B-sides like I'VE GOT TO GO, I LOVE HER STILL, and I LIKE THE LOOK OF YOU, among many others on this 20 track CD. Tagged at the end are 2 LIVE cover versions of SHE'S SURE THE GIRL I LOVE  and YOU'VE REALLY GOT A HOLD ON ME that were released on a various artists Live at the Cavern Club album. The booklet also includes excellent liner notes and a discography/session list of their Decca recordings. Released on the Dream label in the 90's, it offers up the best amount of songs from this period of the band. With the market saturated with countless re-recordings on various budget labels by later incarnations of the group , usually still with Rod Allen, it is hard to find the original recordings. Seek this one out and you won't be disappointed.


title: The Fortunes First Album

text:
The Fortunes only 60's LP recorded for Decca and released in 1965 on the subsidiary Press Records in the USA contains the still memorable hit YOU'VE GOT YOUR TROUBLES, as well as the follow-up hit, the equally good HERE IT COMES AGAIN. The Fortunes were a quintet of English musicians and singers, with lead vocalist Rod Allen, who was with every lineup until his death in early 2009. The group could play, but the producers of the records also employed other musicians and orchestration on the records. At times, it's great stuff, with big full production that was symbolic of the best records of the time for vocalists like Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Lulu , The Walker Bothers and many others. This album features 12 songs, including great 60's pop in that vein of memorable songs and melodies. The group played both covers and originals, and had some nice harmonies not unlike The Hollies. With this first album, it's a mixed bag, not enough rock, with even a tune from " West Side Story " - MARIA, as easy listening as you can get. The best songs are the 2 hits, plus WON'T YOU GIVE HIM [ ONE MORE CHANCE ] - also done by Tom Jones, LAUGHING FIT TO CRY, and the original TIME TO BE GOING. ALL CRIED OUT is the Dusty song, LOOKING THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE - Gene Pitney, and THIS EMPTY PLACE, a Bacharach/David song. The UK version of this album featured 2 additional songs that are not on this US version - YOU CAN HAVE HER, the Roy Hamilton hit, and the original I'M STILL ALONE.

 The Fortunes catalog has not been well served on CD. The mid-60's period here , recorded for Decca, has not been issued in the US. There is one UK issued CD on the Spectrum label, THE WORLD OF THE FORTUNES , that contains 10 of these tracks, plus 10 non-LP songs, that is essential to get. What is really needed is a 2 CD set , containing all their Decca singles, many of which are more rock based , from 1964-1967, and this full album. The Fortunes then switched labels to United Artists and Capitol, with 3 of the original members, having occasional hits with the orchestrated pop sound [ HERE COMES THAT RAINY DAY FEELING AGAIN ], and sometimes veering into rock territory. They are not represented as they should be so far with their original 60's recordings being readily available on CD. Beware of the many re-recordings issued on CD under the Fortunes name. Hopefully, a UK label will release all their original records on a full 2 CD set. They deserve it. This music was made at a very fertile period in rock history, and it really needs to be re-issued on CD all these decades later.

SONGS:

YOU'VE GOT YOUR TROUBLES
LOOKING THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE
WON'T YOU GIVE HIM [ ONE MORE CHANCE ]
THIS EMPTY PLACE
IF WE LIVED ON THE TOP OF A MOUNTAIN
VOICE YOUR CHOICE
HERE IT COMES AGAIN
MARIA
LAUGHING FIT TO CRY
COLOURED LIGHTS
ALL CRIED OUT
TIME TO BE GOING

RELEASED ON PRESS RECORDS PRS 83002 [ STEREO ] AND PR 73002 [ MONO ]


title: Track Listing

text:
Track Listings:
IT WAS ENOUGH
HOW GREAT THOU ART
HE WILL CARRY YOU
WHAT'S IT GONNA TAKE
HE'S ALIVE
NO OTHER NAME BUT JESUS
ORDINARY PEOPLE
A PLACE CALLED CALVARY
TOO LATE
THE HOLY CITY