Hills & Heroes

Product Description:
Western North Carolina's own ROGER HOWELL, known mostly as a master of the old-time banjo, brings his talent as an award-winning fiddler to the forefront with this self-produced CD project "HILLS & HEROES". It is a diverse and enjoyable 57-minute recording of some of his favorite tunes, gleaned from a great many of his musical "heroes" of the past 40 years. Many of the selections are traditional fiddle tunes of the Southern Appalachian region, but also included are several early banjo and guitar tunes, even a nice Thomas Moore parlor piece, "The Minstrel Boy To War Has Gone", featuring Howell on guitar. Joining him on this CD project are some of the area's most celebrated traditional musicians, including Grammy Award-winning banjoist David Holt. Also appearing are more of his musical friends such as Sheila K. Adams, Jim Taylor, Don Pedi, Tom McKinney, Carol Mallett, The Danny Johnson Band, Cathy Arrowood, and Leonard Hollifield. There's even a cameo appearance of his good friend and Master Banjoist Will Keys, on "Wreck Of The Old '97". The 20 tunes are a cross-section of Howell's prowness and agility on the fiddle, as well as some fine examples of his finger-picking guitar and even a vocal duet with his friend Carol Mallet, whose stellar vocal performance on "Diamonds in the Rough" is reminiscent of Sarah Carter's early 1920's version. Howell's influences are many, and he is more than willing to give credit to his many musical heroes in the enclosed liner notes. There are tunes included from many of the early Grand Ole Opry legends such as Sam & Kirk McGee, Howdy Forrester, "Fiddlin'" Arthur Smith, and even the Crook Brothers. His influences also come from more local musicians, too, such as Tommy Hunter, Manco Sneed, Carroll Best, Charlie Acuff and Fletcher Bright. The program here is varied and totally listenable, employing several fiddle and banjo duets with Scruggs-style banjoist Tom McKinney as some of the album's highlights. Howell has also included an exquisite version of John Hartford's "Presbyterian Guitar", with only guitar and the smooth bass accompaniment of Cathy Arrowood. Another highlight of this collection is the hammered dulcimer work of Jim Taylor on several numbers. This new CD by one of the region's most endearing and popular traditional artists is sure to be around for many years to come.

Hills & Heroes,Roger Howell,Bearwallow Music

Average customer rating: That first tune... A generally solid addition to Lucy's output Well crafted Grows on you. Lucy shares her stories and heart with us

Over the Hills Lucy Kaplansky Manufacturer: Red House ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Calling West south of delia A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection Not Too Late ASIN: B000MM1F3C Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. Manhattan Moon
2. Amelia
3. More Than This
4. Ring of Fire
5. Swimming Song
6. Today's The Day
7. Over The Hills
8. Somewhere Trouble Don't Go
9. Someday Soon
10. The Gift

Amazon.com

Though the strength of her songwriting has distinguished previous releases by folk troubadour Lucy Kaplansky, here she covers a wide range of material, from "More Than This" by Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry and Johnny Cash's classic "Ring of Fire" (written by his wife June) to Loudon Wainwright III's idyllic "The Swimming Song" and Ian Tyson's "Someday Soon" (a '60s hit for Judy Collins). What's as surprising as the song choices is that Kaplansky makes so much of the material sound so much the same, as if she isn't as emotionally invested in it as she is in her own writing. An exception is her duet with Buddy Miller on "Somewhere Trouble Don't Go," written by Buddy's wife, Julie. Kaplansky receives stellar support from Larry Campbell (formerly with Bob Dylan) on slide and steel guitars, and harmonies from Jonatha Brooke, Eliza Gilkyson, and Richard Shindell. Yet "Today's the Day," a song about the death of Kaplansky's father, with minimal musical backing, is the most compelling performance here. --Don McLeese

Album Description

Over the Hills is the most personal recording to date by New York City singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky and certainly the most accomplished and realized album in her remarkable catalog. Rediscovering her musical roots, Lucy returns to a more acoustic sound that is influenced by the music she first fell in love with--folk and classic country.

The release contains a stunning range of material, from stories about family--those that have gone before and follow after, of lives lived and roads traveled--to a compelling collection of classic songs by other writers, performed with Lucy's distinctive interpretive sensibility. Over the Hills is Lucy's story and her reflection upon her times, connecting to universal themes of love, joy, loss and dreams for the future.

With two major losses in her life this past year--her father Irving Kaplansky and mentor Red House president Bob Feldman--Lucy (along with co-writer/husband Richard Litvin) was inspired to write title track "Over the Hills." Encompassing the themes of the album, it reflects upon the connections between generations and the journey we all make beyond the world of our parents. From the album's opening song "Manhattan Moon" about her joy in motherhood to "Today's the Day" about saying goodbye to her dying father, Lucy's new songs are utterly personal and deeply moving.

Produced by Ben Wittman (Roseanne Cash, Paul Simon), Over the Hills features a world class band of Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan Band, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris), Jon Herington (Steely Dan), Duke Levine (Mary Chapin Carpenter), and noted jazz bassist Stephan Crump. Lucy is also joined by a parade of friends, who lend their vocal harmonies--Eliza Gilkyson, Buddy Miller, Richard Shindell and Jonathan Brooke.

From the New York skyline to the hills beyond, Over The Hills is pure Americana, wonderfully raw and rich with heartache and hope.

Customer Reviews:

That first tune..........2007-07-07

The first tune is the banner for the whole work...other songs are solid, some good, but that first one is fantastic!

A generally solid addition to Lucy's output.......2007-06-06

While not quite as compelling overall as The Red Thread, Over The Hills is a solid album. As others have said, there are too many cover songs here, and while Lucy never fails to find the value in any song, she could easily have skipped a couple of these. It's her original songs that make this an album to cherish. In particular, the two songs inspired by her father's death (especially the title track) and The Gift, about how her musical gift runs directly back to her grandfather, are beautifully crafted and overwhelmingly moving. (I can't listen to them without fighting back tears.) Amelia is also excellent. These songs are just as good as anything on her earlier records... and that's pretty darn good!

Well crafted.......2007-05-07

An excellent album and well worth the money and time. I have been a fan for some years and she did not disappoint me.

Grows on you........2007-05-07

I originally felt lukewarm about this album. Lucy seemed more laid back and less invested in the music. and her singing less emotional, than in other albums. I felt and still feel her rendition of the famous Johnny Cash/June Carter tune 'Ring of Fire' is emotionless and essentially 'mailed in.'

However, there are two songs on the album that make me cry no matter where I am--this is sometimes dangerous while driving--but the song she wrote about her father's death and it being the time she finally let go of all the things he was not to her, and one about a poverty stricken grandfather from the old country who passed down only his voice, are so powerful and psychologically sensitive and incisive that this has slowly become a favorite album--when I have access to some tissues...

Lucy shares her stories and heart with us.......2007-04-03

Several friends and I went to a recent concert of hers. By the end, two of my friends had tears in their eyes. Her songs are beautiful, personal, and authentic. Her voice is very distinctive and expressive. She tells her stories and those of her family in a way that resonates with the experiences of her audience. The emotions and the music are hers, but we are all richer for the gift she gives us.

Average customer rating: soundtrack review Nice cd Beverly Hills Cop-Great Movie, Good Soundtrack Fantastic and Infectious Y'all have all missed the ball

Beverly Hills Cop: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack Various Artists Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1980s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beverly Hills Cop II: The Motion Picture Soundtrack Album Back To The Future: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack Miami Vice (1984-89 Television Series) Footloose (1984 Film) Cocktail (1988 Film) ASIN: B000002O1V Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. New Attitude - Patti Labelle
2. Don't Get Stopped In Beverly hills - Shalamar
3. Do You Really (Want My Love?) - Junior
4. Emergency - Rockie Robbins
5. Neutron Dance - The Pointer Sisters
6. The Heat Is On - Glenn Frey
7. Gratitude - Danny Elfman
8. Stir It Up - Patti Labelle
9. Rock 'N Roll Me Again - The System
10. Axel F - Harold Faltermeyer

Customer Reviews:

soundtrack review.......2007-03-21

If you are a fan of authentic 80's synth pop then this is a good choice!
I would recommend this album for some kind of 80's themed party or event - it is an upbeat, feel-good compilation.

Nice cd.......2005-10-19

It is a good cd, if you like music from 1980. I live in Denmark, so it took some weeks before it got there, but that was okay.

Beverly Hills Cop-Great Movie, Good Soundtrack.......2005-06-25

My brother and I saw Beverly Hills Cop at the movies when I was 7 and my brother was 10. The next summer for my 8th birthday I got the Soundtrack at a party for me at Chuck E. Cheese's! Man was I happy. Now, 20 years later I'm buying the Soudtrack on CD. It's a pretty good Soundtrack. The Patti LaBelle songs are good, and I'm a big Glenn Frey fan, although "The Heat Is On" is no Eagles. The only downfall is the omission of the song "Nasty Girl" by Prince protege Vanity 6. Oh well, it's still a pretty good soundtrack. For me the Soundtrack brings back memories of my youth. A very impressionable movie for a 7 year old, and the music made an impression too.

Fantastic and Infectious.......2004-09-07

This is one of the best soundtrack albums to come out of the 80s. Many a good song on this collection, the best ones are highlighted below -

1. Neutron Dance by Pointer Sisters. Fantastic piece of electro-pop used in the truck chase at the beginning of the movie.
2. New Attitude & Stir It Up by Patti LaBelle. These songs are probably Patti's finest work.
3. The Heat Is On by Glenn Frey - fantastic sax solo and infectious chorus makes this song one of the best from the 80s.
4. Rock and Roll Me Again by The System. Remember the System? (Don't Disturb This Groove) This song wasn't in the movie but it's still a good catchy pop tune.

The only reason this soundtrack doesn't get 5 stars from me is because it's missing "Nasty Girl" by Vanity 6. However, it remains just as good without it. If you can, try and pick up an early copy of this album which includes a song by the late great Rick James (Can't Stop) which was originally going to be used for the strip bar scene in the movie.

Y'all have all missed the ball.......2004-06-06

I was over 17 when this movie came out. It is one of Eddie Murphy's best. 48- Hours is his best. But this is one of the best soundtracks of the 80's. Don't listen to "I wish I could give 0 out of 5 stars". (...)This album, 'Miami Vice' and 'Top Gun' are the best of the 80's movie music. Though the original release of the soundtrack has a song by Rick James on it, all subsequent releases have not had the song "BHC". Instead the song "Emergency" by Rockie Robbins is on track #4. Which is too bad because the "James" is one of the best. The person who says the Patti LaBelle songs are the worst is also very mistaken.
I have the original with the Rick James song and the 1985 CD release. All the songs are what the Mid - 80's Pop Music was all about. These songd transcended regular soundtrack music and became Top 40 Hits. Also, Glen Frey is also on the 'Miami Vice' T.V. Soundtrack (another Top 40 soundtrack to have).

Average customer rating: Fantastic Tuneful Beautiful music... Great music to read Sharpe by Tams' Vocals Are Superb in this Napoleonic Wars Tribute

Over The Hills & Far Away: The Music of Sharpe Original Soundtrack Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Soundtracks | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sharpe's Challenge Sharpe's Revenge Collection Set Sharpe's Sword Collection Set Sharpes - Rifles Collection Set Sharpe's Skirmish: Short Short (Richard Sharpe Adventure Series) ASIN: B0000263G2 Release Date: 1996-05-06

Tracks:

1. Overture: Sharpe's Theme / Prelude
2. I'm Ninety Five Today
3. Over The Hills And Far Away
4. Spanish Sword
5. Rogue's March
6. Collier Report
7. Bird In The Bush / The Colours
8. Spanish Bride
9. Shilling
10. Gentleman Soldier
11. Bugle Call / Money Musk (Regimental Double Past)
12. Broken-Hearted I Will Wander
13. Badajoz
14. Rambling Soldier
15. Huntsman's Chorus/The Italian Song
16. Johnny Is Gone For A Soldier
17. Forlorn Hope
18. Love Farewell
19. Sunset
20. Sharpe's Theme/Sharpe's Song

Album Details

The Soundtrack of the UK'S Itv Television Series with Original Music by John Tams and Dominic Muldowney.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-02-28

Over The Hills is on twice, Sean Bean recites it, then a couple tracks later Tams sings it. The other songs are marvelous also.

Tuneful.......2007-02-27

Great CD...tuneful and hummable...swell as background or as company for either the Sharpe videos or books or just in its own right. Spry, energetic, wistful and melancholic by turns...perfect for the ipod or in the car

Beautiful music..........2007-02-23

This collection of period music is truly a window into the past...and I see it as fitting tribute to the generations of anonymous English soldiers who fought for king and country.

Listen closely to the eloquent lyrics, with its themes of duty, longing for home, and military hardship...themes that sound anachronistic, but upon further thought, resonate universally--esp. for today's military families. And the songs are effectively delivered in John Tams' soothing, seasoned voice.

Some of the reviews here complain of song "over-instrumentalization", which made me apprehensive about buying this CD. Now that I've heard it, I find both song versions of "Far and Away" to be beautiful...in their own ways.

Great music to read Sharpe by.......2006-07-09

Love this album. So glad I bought it and have played it non-stop since I opened it. I'm reading the entire Sharpe series and it's great background music. Thanks to Amazon for making this item available.

Tams' Vocals Are Superb in this Napoleonic Wars Tribute .......2005-12-02

Owning the 'Sharpe' DVD set gave me so much exposure to John Tams' wonderful voice that I had to get this CD. Some reviewers complained of excessive instrumentation on his songs on this album, but I was not put off by the arrangements at all. Granted, one selection, 'Over the Hills and Far Away', could have been ramped back a bit to just a guitar, fiddle and maybe a drum. In other words, dont expect Tams to be as raw and boisterous as Rifleman Hagman marching through the Spanish hills.

I would consider this CD as the rough equivilant to 'Liberty', a Mark O'Conner effort for the PBS show by the same name on the American Revolution. Other CD's in the same vein are 'More Songs and Music from 'Gettysburg'', or 'Songs of the Civil War', from the Ken Burns series. All these CD's had a mixture of vocal and band music inspired by their respective era. 'Over the Hills' has a good mix of tunes representing the English side of the Napoleonic Wars including several selections the current military Band and Bugles of the Light Division, a direct descendent of Sharpe's 95th Rifle Regiment. I'm a sucker for military band music, so I thought they were great.

The only down side I have with the CD is the instrumental soundtrack cuts from the TV show that take up space between the songs. As a collector of soundtracks, I would have returned this CD if that were all it contained, as they are unremarkable background music.

Lastly, I must comment on what I consider the gem of the albumn, a short song named 'Love Farewell'. Tams' heart-rending vocals and wonderful arrangement speak of everyone who has ever left - or been left - to go off to the wars. Roger Wilson's fiddle playing on this song and the others is excellent as well.

If you like the Sharpe series or military/folk music in any form then this is an album to add to your collection.

Average customer rating: Not My Style Rockin' Western Collection Hard to Find Great Western Themes Western Music A great follow-up

Way Out West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Holdridge, Lee | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Morricone, Ennio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Newman | Newman, Alfred | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection Songs Of The West, Vol. 4: Movie & Television Themes From Alamo to El Dorado, Vol. 2 The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection The Greatest Western Movie Themes ASIN: B000060PBU Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

1. The Hallejuah Trail-Overture
2. The Alamo-The Green Leaves Of Summer
3. The Alamo-Davy Crocket
4. The Big Country-The Welcoming/Finale
5. The Big Valley-Main Theme
6. Blazing Saddles-Blazing Saddles
7. Bonaza-Main Theme
8. Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid-raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
9. The Comancheros-McBain/Main Title
10. Duel In The Sun-Main Title/The Legend/Orizaba
11. A Fistfull Of Dynamite-Duck You Sucker
12. For A Few Dollars More-Main Theme
13. Friendly Persuasion-Thee I Love
14. Giant-Main Theme
15. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-Main Theme
16. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-The Ecstasy Of Gold
17. Gunfight At The O.K. Corral-Suite
18. Hang 'Em High-Main Theme
19. The Hanging Tree-Main Title

Tracks:

1. High Caparral-Main Theme
2. How The West Was Won-Prelude/The Land
3. High Noon-Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darlin'
4. The Jayhawkers-The Lynching/Two Brothers/The Hayhawkers
5. The Lone Ranger-William Tell Overture: Finale
6. Nevada Smith-Main Title
7. Old Gringo-Main Themes
8. Once Upon A Time In The West-Man With The Harmonica
9. One Eyed Jacks-Main Title
10. The Proud Rebel-Main Titles
11. The Quick And The Dead-End Titles
12. Quigley Down Under-End Titles
13. Rio Bravo-Rio Bravo/De Guella
14. The Scalphunters-Main Title
15. Shane-Main Theme: The Call Of The Farwaway Hills
16. The Shootist-Main Title
17. The Unforgiven-The Need For Love
18. Viva Zapata-Gathering Forces
19. The Virginian-Main Theme

Customer Reviews:

Not My Style.......2007-05-11

This CD has a lot of good songs on it, but it just too bland for our taste. We prefer Western music to sound as though genuine cowboys are singing it - not a fancy chorus!

Rockin' Western Collection.......2006-08-28

For anyone who likes movie/tv music from westerns should purchase this CD. What a wonderful collection of both film and tv with great renditions of each piece. I'm about to purchase Vol. 1 to complete my collection.

Hard to Find Great Western Themes .......2006-03-16

This CD has a number of great western themes that are not in some of the standard lists. For example it includes "The Hallejuah Trail", "Blazing Saddles", and "Giant". This CD also has what I consider the true theme of "The Comancheros". I have been disappointed with some other CDs I have purchased listing "The Comancheros" which had a song rather than this theme. Many of the tracks on this two disk CD go beyond the main theme music and are actually suites. The "Big Country" and "How the West Was Won" are just a couple of examples. It may be a little more expense than some CDs, but not bad for a two disk set. I am really happy with my purchase.

Western Music.......2005-07-29

I enjoy this CD. It has many familiar melodies. Good background for reading, nice to listen while driving. It is also the only CD I've ever found that has the great theme from the movie "Giant."

A great follow-up.......2003-08-29

This is the second collection by SilvaScreen, who are also responsible for "The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection" (see my review). And it's just as good as the first. There are themes in here that everyone will recognize ("Bonanza," "A Fistful of Dollars"), themes that may not be so familiar ("Duel in the Sun," "The Hanging Tree," the lively "Blazing Saddles"), and even themes you may not associate with Westerns at all ("The Friendly Persuasion"). And no duplication either: when this disc includes a piece from one of the same sources covered in its predecessor, it's a different piece. One great treat: the full lyrics to "Gunfight at OK Corral," which I've never heard outside the soundtrack of the movie itself. The arrangement from "Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid" includes not only the familiar song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" but an overview of the music--seguing almost seamlessly into Bernstein's magnificent "The Comancheros," a rare find indeed. An expensive item, but if you love Western film music, well worth it.

Average customer rating: woah! furst LB soundtrack now that!... Some good music This album rocks!! A good Soundtrack

The Hills Original TV Soundtrack Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: MTV Presents Laguna Beach: Summer Can Last Forever The Hills - The Complete First Season The Road Mix: Music From The Television Series One Tree Hill, Vol. 3 The Hills: City of Angels The Hills - The Complete Second Season ASIN: B000M8N408 Release Date: 2007-02-13

Tracks:

1. Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield
2. Boston - Augustana
3. One Girl Revolution - Superchick
4. Long Way To Happy - Pink
5. Rich Girls, Poor Girls - Everybody Else
6. Walking In L.A. - Missing Persons
7. A Beautiful Life - Lindsay Lohan
8. I Just Wanna Live - Good Charlotte
9. Loose Ends - Imogen Heap
10. Little Razorblade - The Pink Spiders
11. Replace You - Samantha Moore
12. Ordinary Superstar - Danielle McKee
13. Leavin' - Jag Star
14. Beautiful In Los Angeles - Garrison Star

Amazon.com

You'd be forgiven to think this was the soundtrack to Legally Blonde: Not only does Superchick's "One Girl Revolution" appear on both CDs, but female voices dominate and flaxen tresses abound on the cover and booklet of Laguna Beach spin-off The Hills. The overall vibe is a pop-rocky girl-positive one, and the selection is pretty dead-on. If you enjoy big, anthemic choruses, there's plenty to choose from here, including "Long Way to Happy," one of the unheralded gems on Pink's 2006 album I'm Not Dead, or Danielle McKee's "Ordinary Superstar." You also have your pick of new wave, both vintage (Missing Persons' 1982 track "Walking in L.A." still sounds fabulous) and contemporary (the Pink Spiders' "Little Razorblade" and its utterly addictive synth hook). Soundtrack habituée Imogen Heap is present, of course, with the deceptively inventive "Loose Ends," and even Good Charlotte, among the few dudes on offer here, delivers the ultra-poppy--if typically whiny--"I Just Wanna Live" (these guys have to be the cuddliest punks, like, ever!). Overall, this is a fine collection of catchy pop tunes. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

woah! furst LB soundtrack now that!..........2007-04-17

I never watched the thing and never will but love it music.Just what I needed for the summer pop/rock/punk all over the CD.Such great bands plus a bitchin remix of the not so huge one girl revolution by Superchic(k).Nothing more needs to be said,just buy the CD cause it's really worth it!...

Some good music.......2007-04-06

Not bad, there is a song or two that I'm not interested in, but you'll have that!

This album rocks!!.......2007-03-18

I admit that I LOVE The Hills and all the drama that surrounds it. I always wondered about the music. I admit I don't know more than half of the artists, but the album is definitely great. I would recommend that to anyone who loves music. I am glad I got this album.

A good Soundtrack.......2007-03-02

I mean this is a good soundtrack, But i already had most of the songs, The songs are not even that new. But i am a big fan so i guess i had to.

Average customer rating: Allure of Sanctuary Allure of Sanctuary A Brilliant Piano Album (reviewed by Stephen Cairns at [...]) Allure of Sanctuary from Solo Piano Publications

Allure of Sanctuary Karen Marie Garrett Manufacturer: Karen Marie Garrett Publishing, Waterstreet Records and Publishing Inc. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: It's About the Rose Pensare Piano Timeless Sacred My Secret Heart: Romantic Meditations for Ambient Piano ASIN: B000BGQXKE Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

1. Tip Toe Dancer (Kathryn's Song)
2. Lake EWOK Muse (Piano & Cello)
3. Simple Things
4. Allure of Sanctuary
5. Welcome B.
6. The Green Hills
7. Gnossienne No 1
8. Gnossienne No 2
9. Gnossienne No 3
10. Will's Song
11. Toll of War
12. Lake EWOK Muse Reprise (Piano Solo)

Album Description

A STUNNING CD RELEASE BY KAREN MARIE GARRETT AND LEGENDARY PRODUCER WILL ACKERMAN, creator of Windham Hill Records, gold and platinum record producer, and Grammy Award-Winning recording artist.

Recorded between George Lucas' Skywalker Sound Studios in Marin County, California and Mr. Ackerman's Imaginary Road Studio in Windham County, Vermont.

VICTORY REVIEW; ACOUSTIC MUSIC RESOURCE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST; TOM PETERSEN
"Karen Marie Garrett is a top-drawer pianist headed for bigger things. Allure of Sanctuary is the Olympia artist's third release, following a straight classical disc and another in this New Age vein. This new release is as soothing as it's intended, but it's also energizing. Where a lot of New Age is so light it begins to drift and grow unidentifiable, Garrett's compositions are distinct, with melodies for the listener to hook into. It's billed as New Age, but several cuts qualify as Light Jazz - very mellow Vince Guaraldi, perhaps. Thus, Garrett is a distinctive new artist in this field and could, with the right promotion, see herself at the top of the New Age charts (Allure is already getting significant airplay on Easy Listening stations). It won't hurt a bit that she is a pupil of the founder of the New Age genre, Will Ackerman; nor do dead-enders get invited to record their albums at Skywalker ranch, using Lucas's Bluthner grand! Get this album, neighbors - you can say you "knew her when."

Reaches #8 on Top 100 New Age Radio Charts in just FIVE weeks!

TOP 20 ALBUM LIST OF THE YEAR FOR 2005
Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications, New York

Recipient of ENGLAND'S PIANO HEAVEN "GOLD AWARD"
Stephen Cairns, Piano Heaven, England

Customer Reviews:

Allure of Sanctuary.......2007-06-13

Allure of Sanctuary is an outstanding album. The music seems to draw you in and want to play it over again

Allure of Sanctuary.......2007-05-13

I received this as an Easter present and it is one of the best CD's I have heard in a long time. The music is wonderful.

A Brilliant Piano Album (reviewed by Stephen Cairns at [...]).......2006-12-09

What an amazing album! This is Karen Marie Garrett's third album, and it is a real find. I am immensely impressed with the delightful melodies which run consistently throughout this album. Tip-Toe Dancer has to be heard to be believed. It is such a beautiful piece of music, and makes the listener want to stand up and start dancing. This track is just one of an album full of highlights. Welcome B and Simple Things are so delicate. This album is produced by Windham Hill founder Will Ackerman. Consequently, the production is first-class. A joy from beginning to end. Bravo!!

Allure of Sanctuary.......2006-07-19

Soothing, relaxing music to release tension and smooth out those tight muscles.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-11-14

"Allure of Sanctuary" is the second CD released by Karen Marie Garrett. It is astounding how much this artist has grown since her 2002 debut, "Pensare Piano." Will Ackerman's gifts as producer certainly helped to make this CD as breathtaking as it is, but if the quality of music isn't there, no producer in the world can give it soul and depth - and this CD has mega-doses of both. A classically-trained pianist from the age of five, Ms. Garrett plays with the strength and emotional clarity that come from years of expressing oneself at the piano, sharing the joys and sorrows of life with the beloved 88's. The twelve pieces include eight original compositions, a lovely arrangement of "The Green Hills" by Brian Gibson, and Erik Satie's "Trois Gnossiennes," performed as originally composed. Most of the pieces are piano solo, but Garrett is joined on two by award-winning cellist Eugene Friesen (I LOVE cello and piano together!). Some of the other tracks have English horn, light percussion, and wordless vocals, but this is truly an incredible piano album.

The CD begins with "Tip-Toe Dancer (Kathryn's Song)," one of the lighter pieces in this collection. It was inspired by a story told by a close friend about a childhood dance performed for friends and family. Graceful yet playful, it is easy to imagine the seriousness of the young dancer and the warm reception of the adults. "Lake EWOK Muse" is an improvisational duet for piano and cello that followed a sunrise meditation beside Lake EWOK at Skywalker Ranch, where the album was recorded. The feeling of serenity envelops you as you listen to the two artists interact seamlessly, creating a perfect sense of peace. "Simple Things" is a celebration that begins in a classical style reminiscent of a children's piano study and evolves, retaining the sweet melody and simplicity of the message but becoming a full and graceful solo. The title track is fascinating. It begins with a mournful piano prelude and becomes a rhythmic dance with a seductive Spanish flavor. Susan Whittle's vocals and percussion provided by Will Ackerman and Derrick Jordan add to the enchantment. "Will's Song" is an improvisational piece that is so deeply felt that it almost sends a chill - what a beauty! "Toll of War (Adagio)" is a wrenching duet for piano and cello. A profound statement of humanity rather than of politics, the sense of loss and pain reach to the depths of the soul. This is a piece that needs to be heard. The gentle, pensive closing track is a solo piano reprise of "Lake EWOK Muse."

"Allure of Sanctuary" is a must-have CD!

Average customer rating: Stay Away Edinburgh Military Tattoo Not like being there, but a good appetizer Pipes and Drums: Amazing Grace

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Bagpipe Marches of Scotland Manufacturer: Legacy ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music British Isles | Europe | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Scotland the Brave: Bagpipes Greatest Hits Highland Pipes & Drums (Bagpipe Music of Scotland) The Bagpipes & Drums of Scotland Bagpipe Marches and Music of Scotland Regimental Marches of British Army, Vol. 1 ASIN: B000002NQ9 Release Date: 1994-07-18

Tracks:

1. Pipes And Drums: Amazing Grace/Fanfare Trumpets: Fanfare Militaire
2. Pipes And Drums: The Rock And Wee Pickle Tow/I Lo'ed A Laddie But Ane/The Drummer's Call...
3. Massed Military Bands: The Band Strikes-Mexican Hat Dance
4. 4/4 Marches And 3/4 Retreats: Hills Of Alva/Far O' Er Struy/Torosay Castle/Lord Byron...
5. Waltzes: Hearken My Love/The Herding Song/My Lodging's On The Cold Cold Ground/Westering Home
6. 2/4 Marches: Kitchener's Army/Balkan Hills/The Rhodesian Regiment
7. 2/4 March, Strathspey And Reel: Miss Elspeth Campbell/The Shepherd's Crock/Smith O' Chilliechassie
8. 4/4 And 2/4 Marches: Scotland The Brave/Highland Laddie/The Earl Of Mansfield...
9. 6/8 Marches: 10th H.L.I. Crossing The Rhine/Mrs. Lily Christie/Dovecote Park
10. Waltzes: Loch Broom Bay/My Home
11. 4/4 March, Strathspeys, Reels, Hornpipes And Jigs: Peter McKenzie Warren/Sporting Jamie...

Customer Reviews:

Stay Away.......2006-01-05

While the piping is excellent, the audio, particularly in the first half of the cd is terrible. Nearly 15 minutes are almost indecipherable. I think the recording was made with a hand held mike at the edge of a field.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo.......2001-05-19

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo first started in 1947 with some spirited displays of army piping and dancing. Since that time the show has grown to become a world class act, unfortunately losing some of its traditional elements along the way. The word "Tattoo" is a corruption of the Dutch "Doe den Taptoe" which literary means "turn off the taps", a reference to when a lone drummer would play a "tattoo" or drum roll to signal the inkeeprs to stop serving beer and to summon the troops back to barracks. This ceremony was performed by the British while they were in the low countries during the early 18th century, but it is a custom common to many armies of that time, in particular the various German princeapalities of the day. Over time the Tattoo evolved into a more elaborate affair as more bands and musicians were drawn into its fare. What we have here is the modern development of the form started in previous centuries. The Edinburgh Tattoo is justly famed for its display of massed pipes and bands, and while the recording quality here is not the best, the listener can still get a good idea of the spectacle produced. The original recording of this 1972 show was recorded by EMI, but this version is a knock-off cut that was done by a small American record firm, and which since has been sold about in various forms as a popular item. It is unfortunate that we don't have a better version of the show for listeners than this. The Tattoo produces a recording every year, as well as a video which can be obtained by contacting the Edinburgh Military Tattoo via their website which can be found using any search engine. The good thing about this recording is that it does provide a glimpse of the show in its heyday, where modern fluff and show biz influences had not crept in as much as they have today. For this reason this CD is worth having, and serves as an introduction to this great pageant of the Scottish regiments and the British army. Even though the show is watered down today with pop elements, the grandeur is still there when the massed pipes and drums march out onto the castle esplanade playing the grand old tunes. Even the politically correct producers can't ruin this grand sight, and its hoped they never will!

Not like being there, but a good appetizer.......2000-11-23

The producers and engineers for this CD are to be commended for the remarkable quality they obtained on this outdoor recording! While not quite like being there, it does convey the spirit and energy of the Tattoo.

Pipes and Drums: Amazing Grace.......2000-06-11

I love the sound of the pipes for this one song, and is my favorite.

Average customer rating: The album is good More diverse mix in BHC 2 soundtrack Reflects the death of the pop music industry post-1986 A "sampler" of what made the 80's such fun! SHAKEDOWN, TAKEDOWN YOUR BUSTED!

Beverly Hills Cop II: The Motion Picture Soundtrack Album Various Artists Manufacturer: Mca Special Products ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1980s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beverly Hills Cop: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack Miami Vice (1984-89 Television Series) Cocktail (1988 Film) Beverly Hills Cop III: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Back To The Future: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B000002Q84 Release Date: 1995-01-01

Tracks:

1. Shakedown - Bob Seger
2. Be There - Pointer Sisters
3. In Deep - Charlie Sexton
4. Hold On - Corey Hart
5. I Want Your Sex - George Michael
6. Better Way - James Ingram
7. Love/Hate - Pebbles
8. Cross My Broken Heart - The Jets
9. 36 Lovers - Ready For The World
10. I Can't Stand It - Sue Ann
11. All Revved Up - Jermaine Jackson

Customer Reviews:

The album is good.......2006-04-01

The album is pretty good. The main reason I like it is because of the tune "Shakedown" sung by Bob Seger.

The song was given to Glenn Frey formely of the Eagles, (who had a succuessful solo career in the 80's with hits for soundtracks such as "The Heat Is On" and "You Belong To The City") to sing but he came down with laryngitis and Seger recorded the song instead. As well "Shakedown" was Seger's first #1 hit of his career, with his vocals that do the song justice. I cannot picture Eric Clapton singing that song, it would not work.

More diverse mix in BHC 2 soundtrack.......2004-03-16

Whereas the first Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack was a celebration of 80's electropop, the second one shows a split between rock and R&B/pop, with multiple producers. And hey, they had three Top Ten songs, including a #1 and #2. And three of the songs ended up on the artist/group's albums, making this soundtrack a launching pad of sorts.

"Shakedown" was yet another soundtrack song for Bob Seger, and this time, he hit the top, with its infectious backbeat thanks to rapid-fire keyboards and some soulful backing vocals in the chorus. If this sounds like a Billy Idol song, it's because Keith Forsey was one of the producers, the other being Harold Faltermeyer, who did one of the best songs on the first BHC movie and fresh from the Top Gun Theme.

Forsey produces another track here, Charlie Sexton's "In Deep", whose fiery guitar solos and power synths and keyboards might work for Sexton but is something Forsey's star client, Billy Idol wouldn't touch with a barge pole.

Canadian singer Corey Hart has a good turn with the inoffensive 80's pop of "Hold On," with its jingly synths, pulsing rhythm guitar, all produced by Giorgio Moroder.

The only other group from the first movie to do a song here are the Pointer Sisters with "Be There." Despite the brassy horns, rattling drums, and Narada Michael Walden's production, this song is half-hearted, showing the trio's last bit of oomph was 1985's "Dare Me."

George Michael sure picked some way to introduce his second solo hit, his first being "A Different Corner," due to the unnecessary controversy created by the title and the alleged meaning of the song. "I Want Your Sex" made it to #2 despite the brouhaha. Hey, it has a good backbeat, and a real underlying message: "It's natural, it's chemical, it's logical, habitual" And of course it ended up on his Grammy-winning Faith album.

The last couple of songs are firmly in the soul/R&B area. Former Prince guitarist Andre Cymone produced two tracks here. The first is James Ingram's "Better Way" which is typical 80's R&B/soul with some accompanying horns. This song though doesn't do justice to Ingram's voice, as he's done better. The second is Pebbles' funky jam "Love/Hate" which sounds like a refugee from Janet Jackson's Control album. This also landed on Pebbles' self-titled debut.

Yet another song that ended up on the group's album is the Jets' bouncy crossover pop "Cross My Broken Heart" also on the Jets' Magic album. If the beat resembles early Madonna, it's because the song was co-written and co-produced by Stephen Bray, a songwriting collaborator on Like A Virgin.

And then, those guys who imitated Prince with "Oh Sheila"--Ready For The World. This time, they demand "36 Lovers," as extravagant a demand as their synths. The sound's more pedestrian soul-pop.

Sue Ann's "I Can't Stand It" recalls brassy Pointer Sisters fare like "I'm So Excited" and THIS is the kind of stuff the Pointers should've been doing here. Jermaine Jackson's synth-happy "All Revved Up" makes him another Giorgio Moroder client, but Moroder did better for Hart earlier in the album.

Not a bad album in itself, with numbers by Seger, Michael, Hart, Pebbles, and the Jets pulling the weight here.

Reflects the death of the pop music industry post-1986.......2002-11-30

THE BAD:

The original Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack is one of the best OSTs of all time- layered with innovative artists and overall control from film composer Harold Faltermeyer and producing colleague Keith Forsey.

Four songs apart, the same cannot be said for the inferior sequel's album. Unlike BHC, BHC2 is a largely manufactured album and Harold Faltermeyer was only involved with the sig song SHAKEDOWN. Interesting to note that his credit on the film is that of "music score by" as opposed to his BHC credit, "music by". And we don't even hear ANY score music. The manufactured tunes of this album came from the hands of Giorgio Moroder (who Bruckheimer and Simpson worshipped after going soft rock on most of the Top Gun OST songs) and former Prince producer Andre Cymone. But then again, BHC2 was made post Stock Aitken Waterman, so it's unfortunately natural that the OST is out of the hands of the innovative (Forsey, Faltermeyer) and into the hands of the manufactured. It's totally representative of the late 80s Pete Waterman-initiated death of pop music, with plastic teeny bop garbage The Jets, Ready for the world, Corey Hart, Pebbles, and I WANT YOUR SEX, the sadist solo effort from George Michael. The rot had set in.

Also annoying, the sleeve track listing differs from the track arrangements actually on the CD.

THE GOOD:

SHAKEDOWN- AMAZING production, AMAZING sound quality, AMAZING music (much more synthy than the rock-orientated edit heard in the movie), but let down by the misplaced presence of idiosyncratic hick Bob Seger. His contributions, including the lamentable lyric "Shakedown, Shakedown, You're busted!" Original choice Eric Clapton was much needed to respect this Faltermeyer/Forsey classic.

BE THERE- As you may know, the Pointer Sisters contributed the classic NEUTRON DANCE to the original BHC OST, and a nice bit of continuity here as they make an exclusive return to the franchise. Produced by legendary soul producer Narada Michael Walden, who went on to write and produce the last great James Bond title song, Licence to Kill, this isn't a rehash of the success of the Sisters last BHC, this is to NEUTRON DANCE what day is to night. Drum machine driven with more ecstatic saxophone solos and upbeat synth chimes, this track is probably the most all round perfect track on the album.

IN DEEP- Not actually that great a song, and it does have Charlie Sexton- But this is KEITH FORSEY producing, and it shows. One of the only links to the quality of the original BHC OST.

I CAN'T STAND IT- As with SHAKEDOWN, BE THERE and IN DEEP, this song also has direct ties with the original BHC movie OST, and it shows. Producer Howie Rice, who produced NEW ATTITUDE and EMERGENCY for Patti LaBelle and Rockie Robbins respectively on the BHC album, was responsible for this Sue Ann sung song, and as with those other three BHC2 already mentioned, it really sticks out like a sore thumb on this album. It wouldn't be out of place on the original BHC OST.

It's such a shame that those four songs apart, the only good musical contribution to this awful film's soundtrack is Harold Faltermeyer's original score, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN RELEASED, and probably never will. It's sad that innovation and art plays second fiddle to manufactured, teeny bopper demograph fodder, yet in 1984, it was the other way around.

If you enjoyed the score for BHC 2, I recommend purchasing Harold Faltermeyer's album Harold F, as there lies a the track BAD GUYS, which is the villains theme from the movie, but with vocal lyrics performed by Keith Forsey.

A "sampler" of what made the 80's such fun!.......2002-11-20

Yeah, most of the artists on the disc have long faded into the collective memories of those of us fortunate enough to have "boogied" to their sounds.

But, oh, what a sound they each had.

The Pointer Sisters? Any soundtrack from the decade would be incomplete without them.

Pebbles? Yeah, her "Mercedes" has long run out of gas, but it was a nice drive while it lasted.

Ready for the World? Like its "gheri curls", the group has faded into obscurity but this soundtrack reminds us of how it did shine for a fleeting second.

Bob Seger? "Like a rock", he still can stand solid and "Shakedown" remains one of his best tunes.

And George Michael? Perhaps his "I Want Your Sex" was not politically (or morally) correct, but it was (and is) a good jam to dance to.

SHAKEDOWN, TAKEDOWN YOUR BUSTED!.......2002-05-21

My favorite song off of this cd is "Shakedown".

Average customer rating: In the Hills of California Good stuff! Outstanding! What great Concert! This is what music should sound like

In the Hills of California Greg Brown Manufacturer: Red House ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Evening Call Honey in the Lion's Head Dream Cafe If I Had Known (CD & DVD) Further In ASIN: B0002O06Q2 Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

1. For All
2. Wash My Eyes
3. Never So Far
4. The Way My Baby Calls My Name
5. Spring and All
6. Slow Food
7. Ina Bell Sale
8. Tequila and Me
9. China
10. Introduction to Kates Guitar
11. Kates Guitar
12. Say a Little Prayer
13. You Really Got a Hold on Me
14. I Want My Country Back
15. I Shall Not Be Moved
16. Two Little Feet

Tracks:

1. Introduction to Lord I Have Made You a Place in My Heart
2. Lord I Have Made You a Place in My Heart
3. Poet Game
4. Think About You
5. Where Is Maria
6. Lullaby
7. Almost Out of Gas
8. Livin In a Prayer
9. Introduction to Mose Allison Played Here
10. Mose Allison Played Here
11. Rexroths Daughter
12. Vivid
13. Kind Hearted Woman Blues
14. Just By Myself
15. Your Town Now
16. Dont Let Me Down

Amazon.com

Rare is the voice that is both as deep and as warm as Greg Brown's. Though the veteran troubadour boasts the most weather-beaten baritone this side of Johnny Cash, there's sunshine in the smile of his wry phrasing and a disarming playfulness in his work. This two-disc set includes recordings from six years of California's annual Kate Wolf Music Festival and, while it lacks the flow of a single performance, the easy intimacy that the Iowa bard enjoys with his audience offsets any disjointedness from track to track. The generous selection of material (more than two and a half hours) includes nine songs Brown has never recorded before. Highlights range from the sly sensuality of "The Way My Baby Calls My Name" and "Slow Food" to the social commentary of "I Want My Country Back" and the droll evocation of life's ironies in "Where Is Maria." The conviction he brings to Smokey Robinson's "You Really Got a Hold on Me" and the Beatles' "Don't Let Me Down" transforms familiar favorites into testaments of faith. --Don McLeese

Album Description

One of America's greatest singer/songwriters returns with one of the finest "live" CDs of roots music ever made...recorded at northern California's idyllic Kate Wolf Music Festival. The only artist to appear every year in the festival's history, he has a strong emotional connection to the event and these stunning performances reflect it. 9 tracks are previously unrecorded and the other 20 are classics with all-new and surprising treatments. Proceeds from this project go to support Jugalbandi, a "Music and Arts as Education" program in northern California.

Customer Reviews:

In the Hills of California.......2007-04-11

If you've never heard Greg Brown's live performance, this at least gives you a taste of what he can do. As I see it, live shows are Greg's forte, and I thoroughly enjoy listening to this 2 disc album. Greg has such a wonderful stage presence. I think more than anything it just feels authentic and honest with a simplicity to it all.

Good stuff!.......2007-01-10

The sound quality is not the same as his studio work, but for a live outdoor show it is very well done. The tradeoff is that you get an energetic, unscripted performance. Nice double CD set.

Outstanding!.......2005-12-09

This cd is a staple in my diet of "soul food". I have had this cd for a year now and I can never play it enough. I have found a profound love for the message, meaning, and feeling of greg brown's music.

What great Concert!.......2005-11-02

If you Love Greg's Studio Albums but have never seen him Live you Have to check this out. I sat down with my old friend the other day and threw this album on he had never heard of Greg Before but instantly loved it. Grab this album sit down with a bottle of good Whiskey and set the mood, and Greg Will do the rest.

This is what music should sound like.......2004-12-16

Greg Brown's newest release has already embedded itself into my list of one of the best Cds I've ever listened to. I just saw Greg at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in San Francisco and was left with a warm fulfilling feeling that only great music can give you. Greg Brown has a way with words and has a voice that just takes you over. The fact that this CD was recoreded at different performances dosent take away from the continuity of the album, but im my mind adds to it. You can really get a feel for Gregs deep connection with Kate Wolf and the festival. I recommend "Kate's Guitar," "Lullabye," and "Two Little Feet."

Average customer rating: Awesome! Extremely pleasing to the ears! It Grew on Me Everywhere's just a journey away... Nightwish scores again

Over the Hills and Far Away Nightwish Manufacturer: Century Media ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Angels Fall First Oceanborn Wishmaster Century Child Once ASIN: B0006FFS1U Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

1. Over the Hills and Far Away
2. 10th Man Down
3. Away
4. Astal Romance (remake 2001)
5. The Kinslayer (live)
6. She is My Sin (live)
7. Sacrament of Wilderness (live)
8. Walking in the Air (Live)
9. Beauty & the Beast (live)
10. Wishmaster (live)

Customer Reviews:

Awesome!.......2006-09-24

I'm not a longtime fan of Nightwish, nor am I an expert on music. All I can say is that this CD is flippin' SWEET, go buy it!

I was first introduced to Nightwish via YouTube of all places, where I saw sort of a "music video" of the Real Ghostbusters set to "10th Man Down." The more I watched the video, the more I loved the song...so I set out to buy the album that it was from. And I'm glad I did! I guess I would describe them as "Metallica" meets the "Trans-Siberian Orchestra," if that fits.

Extremely pleasing to the ears!.......2006-06-30

As I have said before in my reviews of Nightwish, their music is amongst the most beautiful music that I have ever heard. Tarja has vocals that sound very heavenly. 'Over the Hills and Far Away' is not a full album as it only contains two new songs, a cover, and a remake. But this is a long cd! The band included six live tracks originally found on the DVD, 'From Wishes to Eternity.'

The title track is a cover that Nightwish has brilliantly chosen to perform. It is a very fun song and has some awesome celtic melodies. The chorus is really addicting! The songs '10 Men Down' and 'Away' are wonderfully done and were written specifically for this EP. The remake of 'Astral Romance' is very pleasing to the ear and is one of the best songs on the album. The live songs that are present are good choices. I would have really liked to hear 'Dead Boy's Poem,'or 'Come Cover Me,' but that is just me wanting more on this wonderful cd. Included are many songs from the albums Wishmaster and Oceanborn. After this EP, the band would later write the majestic 'Century Child.'

This is not typically a first choice album to get for a newcomer to Nightwish..as I would recommend Oceanborn, or maybe Century Child...but this is a great one to own in one's collection. The Song 'Over the Hills and Far Away' is almost worth the price alone, but having 10 songs is a real treat. It saddened me to hear about the departure of vocalist Tarja from the band, but she did a phenominal job with all of her hard work on every album. I look forward to hearing new Nightwish material in the very near future!

It Grew on Me.......2006-05-15

This is not what I was expecting. I ordered the CD because of one member of the band who had appeared as a cast member in the TV miniseries SHARPE'S RIFLES. In the series, he occasionally sang songs from the Napoleonic era. One of them was "Over the Hills and Far Away". I learned that he was a member of this band and this CD is titled OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY. I don't think they listened to anything like this in Wellington's army.

This is much more towards the heavy end of the rock spectrum. At first, I didn't like it too much. It didn't bother me but it held no attraction either. Over time, though, it grew on me. I noticed the quality of both the vocals and instrumentation. I can appreciate that even if I do not care for the style. The lead singer could sing and do a creditable job with any opera in the country.

Fans of heavy rock who appreciate great skill may well enjoy this one a lot. For me, it was not a waste but neither was it to my taste.

Everywhere's just a journey away..........2005-10-24

While writing these words, I've recently learned of Tarja's premature departure from Nightwish. As much as this disheartens me, I truly thank her for the albums she made with the band and I wish her, as well as the remaining members of Nightwish, the best of luck!

Now onto my review...

Over the Hills and Far Away is Nightwish's first and only EP, released in 2001 under the Spinefarm label (and 2005 in the US through Century Media). Comprised of 4 brand-new tracks - a cover, a remake and two original songs written specially for this EP - along with 6 stellar live performances (depending on the version you own), this is a chapter in the Nightwish legacy not to be passed up!

We begin matters with the beautiful rendition of the Gary Moore classic "Over the Hills and Far Away", a song that has been elevated to entirely new proportions, complete with the blaring guitars and soaring operatic vocals we have come to expect from one of the first bands to combine the two. This is probably one of my favorite covers the band has done, head to head with 1998's "Walking in the Air."

Coming next is, one of the greatest Nightwish songs in my opinion, the mesmerizing "10th Man Down", a song written about the gruesome reality of, you guessed it, war. While this song may be depressing, its energetic chorus coupled with vibrant melodic structures easily make it one of the band's top performances.

"Away" falls into the Track 3 slot, and manages to slow things down tremendously, being one of the band's lightest tracks. The chorus to this song is simply unforgettable - I can't see how anyone other than Tarja could pull it off. Definitely not a song to be skipped.

The 2001 remake of "Astral Romance" comes next and, even though I wasn't too hot about the original, is a nice surprise. Taking male vocal duties is none other than Sonata Arctica frontman Tony Kakko - and if you've ever wondered what Nightwish would sound like with DECENT male vocals, listening to this is a must-do. The man really brings out the good in this song - they couldn't have picked someone better.

After this come six live tracks, all taken from From Wishes to Eternity. In order we have - "The Kinslayer", "She Is My Sin", "Sacrament of Wilderness", "Walking in the Air", "Beauty & the Beast" and the closing "Wishmaster." I won't dwell on these individually, as they are all superb, but "Walking..." and "Beauty..." truly shine through as my favorites, the latter of which also features Mr. Kakko on vocals. Just hearing the crowd cheer before and after each song is enough to send chills down your spine. In all honesty, I truly envy the fortunate people who've had the opportunity to see this stellar band perform live.

Well, writing this review has slightly remedied the sadness I was feeling earlier. I guess just thinking about the good times I've had listening to this incredible band is enough to put a smile on my face.

Nightwish scores again.......2005-08-24

I have to say that this is one of the best by nightwish. So far I have at least 4 cd's by them and they are priceless additions to my collection. Any metal fan,regardles of type, should purcahse this. It has some of their best pieces on it. Trust me Nightwish is both powerful and meditative at the same time. A true masterpiece.

Music Album:

1. Humble Beginnings [Box set] [Extra tracks] [Import]
2. I Will Not Be Sad in This World
3. If I Showed You
4. Italo Folk [Box set] [Import]
5. Jolly Roger Tailgunner
6. Leave Them a Flower [Import]
7. Legend: The Classic Recordings [Import]
8. Let The Wind Blow High
9. Libertango [Import]
10. Live: Canterbury Comes To... [Live] [Import]

Music Album