Music

Average customer rating:

The Who Classic Masterpiece AS YOU NEVER HEARD BEFORE
A Landmark Classic Now Made Even Better.
A Milestone of Early Rock!
I Love it !
The Who's classic rock opera gets a 35th birthday celebration fit for a king!

Tommy

Manufacturer: Geffen Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000DJZAH
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

Overture
It's A Boy
1921
Amazing Journey
Sparks
Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker)
Christmas
Cousin Kevin
The Acid Queen
Underture
Do You Think It's Alright
Fiddle About
Pinball Wizard
There's A Doctor
Go To The Mirror!
Tommy Can You Hear Me?
Smash The Mirror
Sensation
Miracle Cure
Sally Simpson
I'm Free
Welcome
Tommy's Holiday Camp
We're Not Gonna Take It
See Me Feel Me/Listening To You

Tracks:

I Was
Christmas (Out-Take 3)
Cousin Kevin Model Child
Young Man Blues (Version 1)
Tommy Can You Hear Me? (Alternate Version)
Trying To Get Through
Sally Simpson (Out-Takes)
Miss Simpson
Welcome (Take 2)
Tommy's Holiday Camp (Band's Version)
We're Not Gonna Take It (Alternate Version)
Dogs (Part 2)
It's A Boy
Amazing Journey
Christmas
Do You Think It's Alright?
Pinball Wizard

Customer Reviews:

The Who Classic Masterpiece AS YOU NEVER HEARD BEFORE.......2007-06-12

The Album is a masterpiece of all time rock n roll, even if this is "the less Who album" of the Who... but nevermind!
The Sound in both Stereo (from the original master tape discovered in the vault of UMG) and 5.1 (mixed by Pete Townshend himself) is great...
As you put the disc in your player you'll hear the great differences from the 1996 reissue even if you have only a "simple" CD player..
If You're a great Who fan and you a have SACD player buy ABSOLUTELY this album and enjoy it 'til the laser of your player won't work anymore...
The second disc is clearly for fans only but the quality of some track even if are demos or outtakes is very very good!!

A Landmark Classic Now Made Even Better........2006-12-26

One of the most important, groundbreaking amd influential albums in the history of rock and roll, The Who's 1969 magnum opus "Tommy", a rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball, is now better than ever thanks to the brilliance of SACD and DSD remastering techniques.

Every song on the cd sounds like it was recorded just yesterday. It is 100 % crystal clear, perfectly remixed and remastered. It gives you a clearer view of the story as well as a more pleasurable than ever listening experience. Pete Townshend and the people involved in this truly put their hearts into making "Tommy" better than ever.

The bonus disc is also worth it. A lot of awesome raritis. The liner notes are an interesting read, and the album itself is of course a masterpiece nobody should be without.

A Milestone of Early Rock!.......2006-09-29

"Tommy" is beyond question one of the big milestones of early rock. Musically the band were at the peak of their creativity.

All band members were obviously extremely talented musicians and both Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend were/are great singers. Apart from few exceptions like "Cousin Kevin" all songs are outstanding; and it's really great to have the whole story on one CD - compared to the old double vinyl album.

Though the storyline may seem a little weird today ( to me it always did ), there is so much great music on this album.

The second bonus CD gives a very interesting insight in the developement of some of the songs. Though the sound quality is exellent CD 2 will mainly be of interest to hard-core Who fans. None of these alternate versions are better than the ones chosen for the album, though a few come close. The studio version of "Young Man Blues" which did not appear on the original album is a nice addition too!

I Love it !.......2006-09-06

I was so blind-sided by this reissue - really. I have looked at this for a few years now, but I never picked it up. My impression of this was that it had some very good music along with some dated sounding tracks, so it wasn't a high priority. I'd been having very good luck buying hybrid SACD's even though I don't own a SACD player; the CD layers benefit greatly from the DSD mastering, making them stand head and shoulders above the latest PCM remasters (there are a few exceptions), so I decided to take the plunge.

The CD layer is stunning. I must have been sitting there with my mouth open after "Overture" began. I experienced emotion that wasn't there on previous listens to this on CD and vinyl. Yes, some of the tracks still sound dated, but most of this album is very good indeed, and this remaster is so incredible. If you own a great stereo rig, I highly recommend buying this - in fact, even if you don't have a great rig, I recommend it!

The Who's classic rock opera gets a 35th birthday celebration fit for a king!.......2006-08-13

The Who's fourth studio(and fifth overall) album Tommy was released in May of 1969.
The Tommy album by The Who was the make or break for the group because if Tommy had failed, The Who would have probably disbanded due to lack of funds despite their concerts selling out based on Pete Townshend's guitar smashing and Keith Moon's drum kit demolishing at the end of each gig.
Guitarist Pete Townshend, under the gun after I Can See For Miles failed as a single in the UK(although it was their biggest ever hit here in the US) came up with a rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind kid named Tommy whom becomes those aforementioned things after witnessing an event as a child that traumatized him(his father killing his step-father whom he considered his father).
Originally considered to be a single length album, the band felt it didn't make sense so they expanded it into a double album and the result is one of rock's Top 10 greatest double studio albums in history(alongside other classic double albums like the then-already released Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland and The Beatles' White album and would help pave the way for more classics like The Rolling Stones' 1972 masterwork Exile on Main Street, The Who's 1973 release Quadrophenia, Elton John's 1973 classic Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Genesis' 1974 masterwork The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Led Zeppelin's 1975 classic Physical Graffiti, Pink Floyd's 1979 masterpiece The Wall and Bruce Springsteen's 1980 classic The River among many others).
Alot of classics appear on this album like the Overture, the classic Top 20 hit Pinball Wizard, Amazing Journey, the Underture(best instrumental on here which is basically a repeat of the album's other instrumental Sparks), Go to the Mirror, I'm Free, Cousin Kevin(one of bass player John Entwistle's greatest compositions), Fiddle About(about the perverted Uncle Ernie), Tommy's Holiday Camp(another excellent ditty written by drummer Keith Moon whom did an excellent rendition in the film version of Tommy in 1975) and the classic finale We're Not Gonna Take It/See Me Feel Me.
The other tracks on the album It's a Boy, 1921(You Didn't Hear It), Eyesight to the Blind, Christmas, The Acid Queen, Do You Think It's Alright, There's a Doctor I've Found, Tommy Can You Hear Me?, Smash the Mirror, Sensation, Miracle Cure, Sally Simpson and Welcome are all great pieces as well though tend to be overlooked.
The album made The Who legends for good and peaked at #4 on the Billboard chart and was their first Gold seller(eventually Platinum).
In 1996, the album was re-released as a remastered CD but used different masters for the remixed reissue.
In October of 2003(just in time for Tommy's 35th Anniversary), Geffen Records(formerly known as MCA) re-released the album as a 2-disc Hybrid SACD with the original mix on the CD layer and a killer 5.1 mix on the SACD layer and this version uses the very original tapes that were found in Universal's vault after being said that the original tapes were destroyed by Kit Lambert in a fire. As a result of the discovery of the original tapes, the sound quality is amazing on here.
Disc two has great outtakes and demos like I Was, The Who trying to record Sally Simpson with hilarious results and instrumental versions of Tommy Can You Hear Me and Tommy's Holiday Camp among many other rarities plus a cool booklet with rare photos.
Highly recommended.

Black And Blue: A Musical Revue (1989 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Diverse offering full of laughter, love and the blues!!

Black And Blue: A Musical Revue (1989 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000PIF
Release Date: 1992-04-10

Tracks:

Blues: I'm A Woman
Royal Garden Blues
St. Louis Blues
After You've Gone
If I Can't Sell It, I'll Keep Sittin' On It
I Want A Big Butter And Egg Man
Stompin' At The Savoy
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Am I Blue
I Can't Give You Anything But Love
In A Sentimental Mood
Black And Blue

Customer Reviews:

Diverse offering full of laughter, love and the blues!!.......1998-12-24

This musical soundtrack is my favorite! It has a diverse offering of artists who range in vocals from a very robust and alluring tenor to enchanting soprano. The types of songs go from fun & upbeat to "somebody-please-get-me-a-tissue" blues. These selections will make you envision whatever scene/theme that is being performed and will force you to crawl into the number and savor/enjoy the fun or the blues of it.

I love it!! I believe you will, too.

Average customer rating:

I waited for this for five years
Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

Oh What A Circus - David Essex
Memory - Betty Buckley
The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
With One Look - Petula Clark
You Must Love Me - Madonna
The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
No Matter What - Boyzone
The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
Try It And See - Rita Pavone
Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
Disillusion Me - Gary Band
The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
Magdalena - Tony Christie
Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.

Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

Average customer rating:

A treat: Grimethorpe pleases once again.

Grimethorpe

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Brassed Off!
Movie Brass

ASIN: B000000A7V
Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

March - Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Adagio - Mark Walters
Purcell Variations - Major Peter Parkes
From The Shores Of The Mighty Pacific - Richard Marshall
Overture To 'Abu Hassan' - Major Peter Parkes
The Lark In The Clear Air - Melvyn Bathgate
March - Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Carnival Cocktail - Mike Kilroy
Riverdance - Grimethorpe Colliery Band
It's Alright - Jonathan Beatty
March - Major Peter Parkes
Isaiah 40 - Major Peter Parkes

Customer Reviews:

A treat: Grimethorpe pleases once again........1999-12-09

This CD is wonderful. The band once again demonstrates incredible versatility and technical skill along with great arrangements. As a low brass player, I was especially impressed with the euphonium interpretation of Carnival of Venice on the Carnival Cocktail cut. Loved the Riverdance arrangement and always find good circus marches played well to be a real treat (Barnum & Bailey's Favorite, in this case). Other cuts were equally entertaining and satisfying. Great cornet virtuoso work on From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific and a lovely arrangement for tenor horn on The Lark in the Clear Air. A brass band that can be subtle or bold! A brass band that understands dynamics! A brass band that lets you hear more than just the melody line! Note to the band: a CD of KL King and other circus greats would be appreciated. And, being from Maine, USA, more RB Hall marches would go down well. Yes, he was from Maine, but also wrote great marches. Hall's great countermelody style was well interpreted on the Brassed Off CD and the same march, Death or Glory, appears here. How about more?

Average customer rating:

The BEST Gershwin/Porter album
Glowing Coles of Porter...

Fennell Conducts Porter & Gershwin

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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Hanson Conducts Hanson

ASIN: B0000057LZ
Release Date: 1993-02-16

Tracks:

Blow, Gabriel, Blow
So In Love
It's All Right With Me
Ridin' High
In the Still of the Night
Begin the Beguine
Night and Day
My Heart Belongs To Daddy
Anything Goes
I've Got You Under My Skin
It's De-lovely
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
I Got Rhythm
Love Is Sweeping The Country
Love Walked In
'S Wonderful
Bidin' My Time
Oh, Lady, Be Good
Fascinating Rhythm
Liza
Embraceable You
The Man I Love
Someone To Watch Over Me
But Not For Me

Customer Reviews:

The BEST Gershwin/Porter album.......2004-02-11

Perhaps I'm romanticizing, but this was THE cd I listened to in high school. The arrangements are absolutely captivating; building new material over the original themes while referencing them so purely. I couldn't imagine a better use of your money than purchasing this album, it will bring you years of joy!

Glowing Coles of Porter..........2004-01-15

I can only comment on the Porter half of this recording, as I own it on original vinyl. It's a mono copy, but you wouldn't know it. As usual, excellent engineering from Mercury, who set standards in the early 60's that still count (IMHO) as best practice.

Frederick Fennell is right at home in the warmth of these beautifully wrought Ray Wright orchestrations. As he should be; Wright's day job was orchestrating for Radio City Music Hall. The sound is lush, the dynamics amazing, the performance spot on. It gets four stars only because I can't justify five, not having heard the Gershwin half.

I suppose that if you can't find a nice copy to play on a good turntable with a warm amplifier, then this CD would do - but then, you miss the excitement of hearing sound you've been taught can only come from a CD, magically floating straight up from ancient vinyl.

Average customer rating:

A Great Bobby Rush CD!!!
Great

She's a Good 'Un (It's Alright)
Bobby Rush
Manufacturer: Ronn
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Tracks:

It's Alright
Get It on With Me
She's a Good un, Pt. 1
Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man, Pt. 1
Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man, Pt. 2
Dust My Broom/Baby What You Want Me to Do
I Am Still Waiting
Am I Good Enough for You
She's a Good un, Pt. 2
It's Alright [Alternate Version #2][Alternate Take]
Get Out of Here With Your Boom-Boom
Niki Hoeky
It's Alright [Alternate Version #3]

Customer Reviews:

A Great Bobby Rush CD!!!.......2002-12-13

Booby Rush is one of those artists that just gets you up, gets you moving and keeps you going till the very end and leaves you wanting more. While his recordings can't hold a candle to his high-energy shows, (if you haven't caught him live, you're really missing something), they're a joy to listen to regardless.

This CD is no exception. Bobby Rush is high-energy all the way from the very first cut through to the very last note. Even when he occasionally pauses, it's only in anticipation of the fireworks to follow. as a showman, there is really no equal in the Blues world. as a singer and harmonica player, Bobby Rush can easily hold his own with any of the great masters. Purists may shudder at his antics, but Rush is what the Blues is all about; forgeting your troubles.

I definitely recommend that you pick up this or any other Bobby Rush album if you want to hear some great good-time Blues.

Great.......1998-06-04

Great for getting the body moving.

Average customer rating:

It's Alright
Bob Marley
Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Rocksteady | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

Ska General | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Reggae | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000DPTT
Release Date: 2000-04-05

Tracks:

Natural Mystic
Caution
There She Goes
No Water
Soul Shake Down
It's Alright
Small Axe
Soul Almighty
My Cup
Treat You Right
Can't You See
Sun Is Shining

Average customer rating:

It's Gonna Be Alright
Chicago's First Jurisdiction Cogic State Choir
Manufacturer: Red Clay
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004RD0H
Release Date: 2000-03-07

Tracks:

Everything's Gonna Be All Right
Your Anointing
You've Got A Right To Praise The Lord
When He Come (Will You Be Ready)
There Is Power In The Praise
Be Strong In The Lord
Praise Him
Through Christ
The Search Is Over
Happy With Jesus Alone
I Praise Your Name

Average customer rating:

Pretty Good Album
This is Great!
The Killers have a tribute album...already?

String Quartet Tribute to the Killers
John Krovoza , Noah Agruss , Flowers , Flowers / Keuning , Flowers / Stoermer , J'Anna Jacoby , Tom Tally , and Tom Vos
Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0007ZSH30
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Tracks:

Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine
Mr. Brightside
Smile Like You Mean It
Somebody Told Me
All These Things I've Done
Andy, You're A Star
On Top
Change Your Mind
Believe Me Natalie
Midnight Show
Everything Will Be All Right
Big Rig

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Good Album.......2005-11-28

Regardless of whether or not you like the Killers, this CD is pretty good. I love classical music, and this CD is not a disappointment.

The songs are a little shorter than the originals, but still manage to be pretty good. It's amazing what they've done with just a few classic instruments and no synthesizer. The mood of the songs are a little different from the album, it's not so much "night" music, as it is... classic. You can picture yourself eating in a brightly lit, fancy French cafe with this music in the background, rather than being at a club or on the streets at night.

The only problem is that the music lacks a certain amount of energy, which was present on the original album.

I would still reccomend this CD to anyone who likes classical music and the Killers.

This is Great!.......2005-06-14

If you like The Killers this Cd rocks! I love the Hot Fuss Cd and this one is just as good. I highly recommend this Cd for all Killer fans!

The Killers have a tribute album...already?.......2005-04-26

Okay, "Hot Fuss" came out about 10 months ago and now The Killers are one of the most popular bands of the 'indie' genre. Is it too soon for The String Quartet to turn songs like "Mr. Brightside" and "Somebody Told Me" into Muzak pieces? The answer is yes but...they did a pretty good job of it. I am not recommending this cd unless you love The Killers AND you don't mind listening to the songs turned around 180 degrees into 'chamber music'. Try to preview it first.

Average customer rating:

Melodious pop album
Yoko Ono meets The Human League. Way unfairly judged
A bit pop-like but still great
The most difficult Ono CD for me to critique
Excellent

It's Alright (I See Rainbows)
Yoko Ono
Manufacturer: Rykodisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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Rising

ASIN: B0000009RN
Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

My Man
Never Say Goodbye
Spec Of Dust
Loneliness
Tomorrow May Never Come
It's Alright
Wake Up
Let The Tears Dry
Dream Love
I See Rainbows
Beautiful Boys
You're The One

Album Details

Japanese Release to Contain an Exclusive Bonus Track. No Additional Information Available at this Time.

Customer Reviews:

Melodious pop album.......2004-07-28

Opening with the tuneful My Man, It's Alright is a surprisingly accessible album of memorable songs. There are some experimental touches as at the end of Never Say Goodbye and the arrangement of the ballad Spec Of Dust with its innovative synthesizer flourishes.

Another track with an interesting rhythmic structure is Loneliness, whilst Tomorrow May Never Come is an engaging mid-tempo ballad with lovely saxophone. The title track has an uplifting tone and Wake Up has a light Caribbean feel with chirpy keyboards. Let The Tears Dry is an anthemic chant with rousing vocals, whilst the atmospheric Dream Love is infused with the sounds of seagulls and waves.

The original vinyl album concluded with the light pop song I See Rainbows but this CD reissue contains two extra tracks: Beautiful Boys and You're The One. It's Alright is an album of catchy songs firmly rooted in the sound of intelligent early 1980s pop but it does contain some quirky arrangements that set it apart. It will appeal to Ono fans and lovers of 1980s pop.

Yoko Ono meets The Human League. Way unfairly judged.......2003-12-01

in late 1982, 2 years after the death of Lennon, Yoko Ono emerged with a new wave/pop album called "It's Alright (I See Rainbows)". The album topped out at a so-so #98, but most of it is because people didn't give it a shot.

I believe had any other artist recorded this album and these songs in 1982, this album would've been a top 10 hit. People who dislike Yoko, HATE her, without any real reason except the tired "she broke up the Beatles" line.

"My Man" is a cute new wave pop ballad that I think could've become a huge hit for Yoko had radio touched it. However, it's almost eerie considering "her man" was now dead.

"Never Say Goodbye" was the most new wave moment on the album, the song is covered in synths. At first it starts out sounding like an upbeat catchy song, but midway into the second verse, it takes a turn for the darker, with a dub of John saying "Yooooooooookoooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!" in the background, and also has Sean come in saying stuff. The song turns out very dark and sad, with an ending that almost sounds like a sci-fi film.

"Spec Of Dust" was a very sad ballad about John.

"Loneliness" was remade from a 1974 song she did, I think this is another song that could've been a huge hit had radio dare played Yoko.

"Tomorrow May Never Come" is 50's flavored Yoko, a very catchy song.

"It's Alright" may very well be the centerpiece of the album. Another synth-heavy sounding track. Starts with a young Sean coming into Yoko's room waking her up saying "mommy, you have to wake up", and in many ways, represents a crossroads for her. The song deals with the fact that she's still sad in many ways, but she knows deep down everything will be alright in the end. Another "coulda been a smash" on this album

"Wake Up" is reggae-tinged, kind of a followup to It's Alright. Probably the weakest track on the album.

"Let The Tears Dry" is a haunting song. A very plain arrangement that almost sounds like she's singing in the middle of a war-zone. The song has plenty of "explosions". It's a depressing song and also one of the very best Yoko ever recorded.

"Dream Love" is the "power ballad" off it. People who hate Yoko's voice should take notice to this song, SHE CAN SING!!!

"I See Rainbows" is a positive way to end the album. A cute, albeit short, song stating that Yoko's making her way out of the tunnel and is emerging again.

The bonus tracks:
"Beautiful Boys" is a demo from the 1980 song off Double Fantasy. If you like that song, you'll like this. Basically the song on piano.

"You're The One" (Remix) is an extended dance version of the Milk And Honey track. Had this been released as a 12", Yoko would've scored dance hits BEFORE her recent run. The song transforms into a great dance-pop number.

Even if Yoko isn't your cup of tea, try this cd out. I once played it for a friend who never liked Yoko, but loved stuff like Human League and Depeche Mode, and he went crazy over this when I played it. Get over your preconcieved notions about Yoko before listening to her, she's very eclectic and not everything she does is "screaming like a cat in a blender".

This is easily her most accessable record

A bit pop-like but still great.......2002-06-15

If Yoko's fantastic works that created punk rock and art rock are a bit to far out of your musical ballpark try her It's Alright. It may be too tame for alternative fans.

The most difficult Ono CD for me to critique.......2001-05-12

There a couple of Ono's very best songs on this collection i.e. "Dream Love" (which is in my top five Yoko Ono favorites) her sound effects and lyrics weave into one of her best vocal performances; "Spec Of Dust" is quite interesting with the usual insightful lyrics Yoko writes; and "It's Alright" hits the mark. Yoko is intellectual and cutting edge so when she gets emotional and middle-of-the-road (lyrically and musically) it seems unnatural and a bit sappy (though, her husband had just been shot and killed and she certainly had the right to feel however she did). I'm speaking strictly artistically. Her powerhouse "Season Of Glass" was full of emotion but there was the intelligence and cutting edge aspect that made it more than just a purging and catharsis. One of my main reasons for purchasing this CD was to hear the bonus track "You're The One" from the "Milk And Honey" CD. "Double Fantasy" and "Milk And Honey" had a very hip, to the point woman's voice about life and relationships. "You're The One" along with another song from the "Milk And Honey" CD makes it into my top ten Ono songs "Your Hands" (this one was directly connected into EBB's "Sonnets From The Portuguese") showed another side of Ono emerging. She could be avant-garde yet with form. She was still lightyears ahead of the rest. This CD is not an appropriate introduction to Yoko Ono's music. Buy her "Plastic Ono Band," "Season Of Glass" and "Rising" (if they ever put it back in stock) Cd's. ... ps: the intro to "Let The Tears Dry" was later used in her brilliant "Georgia Stone" part of the tribute paid to John Cage. This is one of the most brilliant, undiscovered moments in modern music. Again, Yoko is lightyears ahead of the rest and very much on track.

Excellent.......2000-02-28

Yoko Ono decided to look at things in a positive light with this 1982 album. It was a contrast to her previous effort, 1981's "Season Of Glass", which was released right after John Lennon's death. Sadly, Yoko may have been sort of alone on this positive effort-it failed to chart significantly anywhere. Whether it was a hit or not, i certainly regard this as a classic.

The album starts off with "My Man", which was a single. Yoko showcases how her man is "the best in the world", and how she loves him very much. It's actually quite strange on how this song ended up on the album because, frankly, her man was dead. Despite the irony, "My Man" is a great song. "Never Say Goodbye" is where i think Yoko tapped into her genius skills. The combination of the meaningful lyrics and great instrumentation makes this song one of my all-time favorites, with kooky synthesized sounds, handclaps, and heavy percussion. The end of the song isn't as upbeat-in fact, it's somewhat creepy and disturbing, with Sean Lennon's voice distorted as if in a horror movie, and a noise that sounds like outer-space creatures are landing. This section of course leads the listener into the heartbreaking "Spec Of Dust", which is one of Yoko's most beautiful ballads. "Why do i love you so if you're just a spec of dust?" Yoko ponders. Perhaps the saddest line of this song is "In my mind, I'm searching for you a billion miles away", showing how painful Yoko's loss really was. Again, the synthesizer that could only belong in Ms. Ono's music is present, this time blending in with a beautiful piano part. "Loneliness" is once again not as positive as the album's title or theme as a whole, describing how Yoko can "endure almost anything" except for loneliness. "Tomorrow May Never Come" is another favorite, with a short but simple message on how we really don't know what will happen to us. ("Yesterday may scar us forever/Today may never be found/Tomorrow may never come".) i almost see Side 1 as a lesson, almost like a continuous sequence of songs. This may be why Side 2 has not gotten as many spins on my turntable.

Side 2 starts off with the catchy and positive "It's Alright", which is a song i can definitely relate to. Yoko sings of how it's "such a drag getting up in the morning", and how she's afraid of the day ahead. But then, something clicks in her heart, and she knows "it's gonna be alright". "Wake Up" is probably my least favorite on the album, with a slower, more draggy beat, and sort of weird instrumentation. "Let The Tears Dry" makes up for this, though, and is another genius song on this album. It is maybe as dark as or even darker than "Spec Of Dust", with bombs dropping as part of the percussion. The handclaps are again present, but this time there are virtually no instruments playing, except for a whistle blowing a couple of notes from time to time. Yoko is accompanied with a chorus of background singers with the verses, adding to the song's beauty. The following song is much more positive and relieving, called "Dream Love". This once again is not my favorite, but it has pretty sounds of the outdoors, and peaceful lyrics. This song goes to show that Yoko Ono does not have to be a deep poet to be good. The final song, "I See Rainbows", is a bouncy end to the rollar-costar of emotions during the whole album. The positive lyrics help ward off any bad spirits the darker songs created, so it leaves you off with a happy note.

Quite obviously, i definitely recommend this album. As most of her albums do, this showcases Yoko Ono's great talent in many different fields. i truly think she is a genius, and this album definitely deserves to be in more collections.

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