...Twenty-Five... [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
In their first 25 years, 22 different women sang in Sweet Honey in the Rock. That floating membership bespeaks not artistic turmoil, but the vitality of the band's communal, participatory democracy. No one singer dominates; the individual nuances of the five voices are preserved within the whole. The shape and sound of Sweet Honey's music--a daring survey of gospel, jazz, and African chanting--is itself political, but the group is still anchored by founder Bernice Johnson Reagon's vibrato-rich baritone, whether in her bold leads or doo-wop harmonies. To celebrate their silver anniversary, the group presents 13 new songs, mostly sung a cappella save some African drumming and tambourine, and focusing on original compositions with messages as intense as anything they've recorded. The most successful pieces, however, transcend the hectoring tone of songs such as "Greed" and "Run." And the biggest surprise comes in their doo-wop arrangement of Thomas A. Dorsey's "Standing By the Bedside of a Neighbor," in which the spiritual and the political merge seamlessly. --Roy Kasten

From the Label
...twenty-five... is produced by Ysaye Barnwell, the forceful bass voice of Sweet Honey In The Rock and reminds the listener of the power of the human voice to refresh and renew. The collection of new songs, including two Bob Marley covers "Motherless Chil'" and "Redemption," continues Sweet Honey's tradition to inform, politicize, celebrate, affirm, inspire, empower and entertain. Though Sweet Honey explore new and subtle choral arrangements and their songs travel through jazz, pop and blues, their roots reach back to Africa for inspiration and melody.

...Twenty-Five...,Sweet Honey in the Rock,Rykodisc,Acappella,Folk & Traditional,Gospel,Pop,Popular Music

Average customer rating: NOT MY USUAL SCENE gotta have a little faith, eh? This compilation tells its own story. Twenty Five is a lovely number! Awsome!!!!!

Twenty Five George Michael Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Twenty Five An Easier Affair Rudebox This Is Not Real Love High Times: Singles 1992-2006 ASIN: B000H1QYXY Release Date: 2006-11-20

Tracks:

1. Everything She Wants - George Michael, Wham!,
2. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - George Michael, Wham!,
3. Freedom - George Michael, Wham!,
4. Faith
5. Too Funky
6. Fastlove
7. Freedom! '90
8. Spinning the Wheel
9. Outside
10. As - Mary J. Blige, George Michael
11. Freeek!
12. Shoot the Dog
13. Amazing
14. Flawless (Go to the City)
15. Easier Affair

Tracks:

1. Careless Whisper
2. Last Christmas - George Michael, Wham!,
3. Different Corner
4. Father Figure
5. One More Try
6. Praying for Time
7. Heal the Pain - Paul McCartney, George Michael
8. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
9. Jesus to a Child
10. Older
11. Round Here
12. You Have Been Loved
13. John and Elvis Are Dead
14. This Is Not Real Love - George Michael, , Mutyo

From Amazon.co.uk

The last quarter-century has been nothing if not colorful for George Michael. But through all the controversy--the high-profile arrests and audacious videos, the falling-outs and band splits--he has emerged intact as a vital figure on the global pop scene--a fact compounded by his current 25 Live tour and this accompanying Greatest Hits package. Twenty Five is the fourth such collection in Michael's career, though it carries the obvious advantage of being more up to date than 1998's lauded Ladies & Gentlemen and features not only solo material but music from the early Wham! days. As such, it's the most comprehensive anthology yet, featuring upbeat Wham! classics like "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" and "Freedom" amidst somber solo material like "Praying for Time" and "Jesus to a Child." Spread across two discs (29 songs in total), the collection not only includes a host of evergreen classics but also recent singles "An Easier Affair" and "This Is Not Real Love" (with former Sugababe Mutya Buena) and two unreleased tracks. There are some notable absences from the collection--"I Want Your Sex" and "Kissing a Fool" are two glaring omissions--but it still remains the most comprehensive survey of the artist's legacy to date. --Danny McKenna

Album Description

2006 two CD collection celebrating George's 25 years as a recording artist, both solo and with Wham! He has been British Pop royalty ever since he took the charts by storm with Wham! in 1982. He's been a solo star for over 20 years, achieving huge international success, selling over 80 million records worldwide with hits like 'Faith' and his most recent acclaimed album Patience. He has since been hailed as the Most Played Artist on British Radio in the last 20 years! Features plenty of hits pluse four new songs including the recent radio favorite 'An Easier Affair', 'Heal The Pain' (a duet with Paul McCartney) 'Understand' and the brand new single 'This Is Not Real Love', a duet with Mutya Buena, former member of the Sugababes. Sony/BMG.

Customer Reviews:

NOT MY USUAL SCENE.......2007-06-27

It is well over twenty years since I first heard Careless Whisper. My children were playing a tape of it during a long car journey, and it caught my attention and has haunted my recollection ever since. My own musical home ground is classical, and I have never followed the charts to any great extent. However music to me is just music, its effect is unpredictable and irrational, and there is never any mistaking the unaccountable thrill that some music can give me, whatever category of music it supposedly belongs in.

This set has just been given to me as a birthday present by one of the children, who are now of course adults. The idea is apparently to take me out of my classical comfort zone, but if one thing has consistently struck me in half a century of hearing pop music it is just how conservative it is in certain ways. The harmonisation would in general have seemed unenterprising to composers in the year 1700, yet this is the kind of music that millions really listen to and are really affected by. From this I have to draw the conclusion that a simple harmony that lasts unaltered through untold numbers of changes of musical fashion, style and idiom can hardly be thought of as outmoded, whatever the earnest intellectual theories of the 20th century.

George Michael has apparently composed most of the music here himself, and I certainly seem to detect a resemblance in the style of many of the numbers. Unsurprisingly, I like some of them better than some others, and still none matches up to Careless Whisper for me. Bottom of the charts for me is the joint number with Elton John `Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me', I have to say. However something that does a lot for even the items that interest me less from a musical viewpoint is George Michael's voice. This is really most striking and distinctive in its higher register, a fine tenor sound that will continue to keep me listening to songs that would not hold my attention otherwise.

Whether I was in that much of a musical comfort zone I rather doubt, but the matter is not for me to judge. I am not at all comfortable with some 20th century `classical' music and I am rarely uncomfortable with the pops, even if only intermittently interested. This set is going to be chiefly background music for me, I'm sure, but it's mainly new music to me at the moment. I'm not shaken in the least although I genuinely am stirred up to a point. Why should that be otherwise? It's music innit?

gotta have a little faith, eh?.......2007-05-27

This is a greatest hits collection, spread over two CDs, including hits from GM's Wham! days. It's great for listening when reading, or reflecting back on the days when we all had mousse or gel in our spiky hair. Careless Whisper is an old friend, as is Freedom 90, but a couple of songs are missing here (Somebody to Love, with Queen, and my guilty fave, I Want Your Sex). An enjoyable collection nonetheless.

This compilation tells its own story........2007-04-08

When George Michael last wrote a really top-notch song, confectionery was still rationed, beer was tuppence a pint, and his chief rival at the top of the charts was Johnnie Ray.

An exaggeration, perhaps, but you get the point: in recent years, the output of a man who once bestrode the charts like a colossus has been thin in both quality and quantity.

This album brings together his best moments with Wham! and as a solo artist in one celebratory 25-year compendium, with the bonus of three new, or newly recorded, songs; buy the three-disc special edition, and you get four.

So what does it tell us about Mr Michael? Simply this: that he was a great talent who ran out of tunes.

From the unforgettable "Careless Whisper" to the unmemorable "Older", this collection tells its own story. As for those extra tracks: the new songs are fine, especially "This Is Not Real Love", his duet with ex-Sugababe Mutya Buena.
But the finest is "Heal the Pain", an exquisitely sad duet with Paul McCartney. It's beautiful, and it was first recorded in 1991.

Twenty Five is a lovely number!.......2007-03-08

This cd is aptly titled, George is one of the best artist of the last 25 years. This cd is delicious and made me fall in love again with what I think will be timeless and well crafted songs. I am a bit disappointed that Kissing A Fool, one of my favorites was not included, but the blow was cushioned by his duets with Mary J., Mutya and Sir Paul. Mutya what a voice, she needs her own cd.

Well done GM!

Awsome!!!!!.......2007-02-07

George Michael can only get better w/ age! I have been a fan since the very beginning & i will continue to buy all his music or any DVD'S he puts out. I dont care what "religion" he practices he is simply Awsome!

Average customer rating: Very good, but not great LOVE GEORGE MICHEAL !!!!!!!! An Interesting Collection From One of the UK's Best Pop Artists Not bad, could be better. Confusing collection with lots of "?????????"

Twenty Five George Michael Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Twenty Five An Easier Affair This Is Not Real Love Twenty Five This Is Not Real Love ASIN: B000IY03CS Release Date: 2006-11-06

Tracks:

1. Everything She Wants - Wham!,
2. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Wham!,
3. Freedom - Wham!,
4. Faith
5. Too Funky
6. Fastlove
7. Freedom! '90
8. Spinning the Wheel
9. Outside
10. As - Mary J. Blige, George Michael
11. Freeek!
12. Shoot the Dog - Ian Burden, George Michael, Philip Oakey
13. Amazing
14. Flawless (Go to the City)
15. Easier Affair

Tracks:

1. Careless Whisper
2. Last Christmas - Wham!,
3. Different Corner
4. Father Figure
5. One More Try
6. Praying for Time
7. Heal the Pain - Paul McCartney, George Michael
8. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me - Elton John, George Michael
9. Jesus to a Child
10. Older
11. Round Here
12. You Have Been Loved
13. John and Elvis Are Dead
14. This Is Not Real Love - Mutya Buena, George Michael, Mutya

Tracks:

1. Understand
2. Precious Box
3. Roxanne
4. Fantasy
5. Cars and Trains
6. Patience
7. You Know That I Want To
8. My Mother Had a Brother
9. If You Were There
10. Safe
11. American Angel
12. My Baby Just Cares for Me
13. Brother Can You Spare a Dime?
14. Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song)
15. Through

Album Description

Limited edition, three-disc set. Details of the bonus disc are TBC. The first two discs are a collection celebrating George's 25 years as a recording artist, both solo and with Wham! He has been British Pop royalty ever since he took the charts by storm with Wham! in 1982. He's been a solo star for over 20 years, achieving huge international success, selling over 80 million records worldwide with hits like 'Faith' and his most recent acclaimed album Patience. He has since been hailed as the Most Played Artist on British Radio in the last 20 years! Features plenty of hits pluse four new songs including the recent radio favorite 'An Easier Affair', 'Heal The Pain' (a duet with Paul McCartney) 'Understand' and the brand new single 'This Is Not Real Love', a duet with Mutya Buena, former member of the Sugababes. Sony/BMG.

Customer Reviews:

Very good, but not great.......2007-04-11

I love George Michael to death, no matter what personal issues we've heard about in the news lately. Listening to this cd makes me love him more than ever. I was just disappointed in how they put the song "Flawless (Go to the City)". They edited the curse word out & didn't even put the whole song on the cd. Nevertheless, I'm enjoying listening to one of the best out there, ever!!!! In my humble opinion that is.

LOVE GEORGE MICHEAL !!!!!!!!.......2007-03-09

ITS A GREAT TO HEAR ALL HIS FAVORITES FROM THE BEGING, HES A GREAT ARTIST

An Interesting Collection From One of the UK's Best Pop Artists.......2007-01-13

Note: This review is based on the UK release of "Twenty Five."


I'm a HUGE fan of George Michael and although his albums of late have been a bit lackluster, this "Best of" album is worth a listen. "Twenty Five" represents his entire carrer - from his days as the better half of WHAM!, to the colorful events of a few years ago, to his most recent musical contributions. The songs he's chosen are pretty much what you'd expect with a couple of notable omissions.

The following are all of the (major) albums George has made to date, with the tracks used on "Twenty Five" listed below. (Tracks with a - are on both the Standard and Deluxe releases while those with a * are on the Deluxe release only):

"Fantastic" (WHAM!):
(nothing)

"Make it Big!" (WHAM!):
-Everything She Wants
-Wake Me Up Before You Go Go
-Freedom
-Careless Whisper
*If You Were There

"Music From the Edge of Heaven" (WHAM!):
-A Different Corner
-Last Christmas

"Faith:"
-Faith
-Father Figure
-One More Try

"Listen Without Prejudice:"
-Freedom '90
-Praying for Time

"Five Live" (live Freddie Mercury tribute):
(nothing)

"Older:"
-Fastlove
-Spinning the Wheel
-Jesus to a Child
-Older
-You Have Been Loved

"Ladies and Gentlemen:"
-Too Funky
-Outside
-As (not on the US release of Ladies and Gentlemen)
-Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (with Elton John)
*Fantasy (not on the US release of Ladies and Gentlemen)

"Songs From the Last Century:"
*Roxeanne
*My Baby Just Cares for Me

"Patience:"
-Freeek
-Shoot the Dog (not on the US release of Patience)
-Amazing
-Flawless (Go to the City)
-Round Here
-John and Elvis Are Dead
*Precious Box
*Cars and Trains
*Patience
*My Mother Had a Brother
*American Angel
*Please Send Me Someone to Love
*Through

New Tracks:
-An Easier Affair
-Heal the Pain (duet with Paul McCartney)
-This is Not Real Love (with Mutya)
*Understand
*You Know That I Want to
*Safe
*Brother Can You Spare a Dime? (live)

There are several tracks that should be here but aren't: From "Faith," I'd include 'I Want Your Sex (Parts 1 & 2),' 'Monkey,' and 'Kissing a Fool.' 'The Strangest Thing' and 'Star People' from "Older" should also have been included. And 'I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)' is my favorite duet George has performed (with Aretha Franklin).


BUT WHAT YOU WANT TO READ ABOUT is the new stuff, right? Well, as I said in the opening, I feel George's recent music isn't as good as his older compositions. This generally holds true for the new tracks on "Twenty Five." The one exception is "An Easier Affair." It'll get you dancing and smiling but feels like a genuinely new direction for his music. It's fantastic. The rest of the new tracks are needlessly re-hashed songs or so-so new compositions.

Another thing you'll likely be curious about is the Standard VS. Deluxe versions of this album. In my opinion, the Deluxe version is not substantially better than the Standard. The third exclusive disc is mostly made up of tracks from 'Patience' although it does have some (so-so) new songs. You'll probably have to listen for yourself, but I was not especially impressed.


Conclusion: A few of the track selections (and omissions) on this album are unfortunate, but an amazing career provides some of the great pop music. This "Best of" album even delivers a new classic tune. Pick it up and if you haven't, explore George's "Faith" and "Older" albums.

Not bad, could be better........2007-01-11

I am a US fan of George Michael. Not having the "patience" (pun intended) to wait for the US release of the Twenty Five Deluxe edition (or any edition) I purchased the import version of this set. Every version so far that I have seen has the same track listing. I must admit. I have every GM cd, even the Japanese version of patience with Please Send Me Someone (alternate) which is so much better than the standard album version. So you could say I'm an avid GM collector. Anyway. I bought this set for the few new songs that were on there. I am a completionist and OCD :). Anyway, the new songs are average. The old material sounds great but this collection is missing many key tracks as mentioned by Yamato. I wish the For The Loyal disc contained nothing but new or at least rare material, where is Crazyman Dance, Happy, Do You Really Want To Know, Edith And The Kingpin or The Grave. Those tracks a great and would have added some appeal to buying the deluxe version. If you have no GM albums ladies and gentlemen might be a better place to start. If you are a die hard you will probably get this anyway, just like I did. Its not a bad package, although I hate digipacks in every shape and form. Lot of great pictures of GM and lyrics of all the songs. The rareties if you don't have Older And Upper or the Spin The Wheel single include Safe and You Know That I Want To are great tracks. Not sure where Fantasy originated from. Heal The Pain w Paul McCartney really doesn't do much for me, its not bad, but not great either. I think the Loyal who buy the 3 disc version get more rare tracks than the four included. I love GM, but this set was a little disappointing. I hope we get a new album again. Would love to see GM do a double album of new material. He could do it and we know it would be great.

Confusing collection with lots of "?????????".......2007-01-07

Between George Michael's last greatest hits collection and this collection, he only released 2 albums, "Songs From The Last Century" and "Patience." To celebrate 25 years of his career including his Wham! days, this collection includes some Wham! tracks.

If you have all George Michael's past releases like me, new tracks you will hear are:
An Easier Affair (released as a single earlier)
This Is Not Real Love (also released as a single)
Understand
Heal The Pain (re-recorded with Paul McCartney)
Brother Can You Spare a Dime (Live performance)

Unfortunately, these new tracks are rather bland and forgettable. It's as if he ran out of creative juice, lyrics are way too simple.
Duet with Paul McCartney absolutely butchered this beautiful song which showcased how delicate and beautiful George's voice is.
Brother Can you Spare a Dime was actually breathtaking. Arrangement was almost identical as the track on "Songs From...," but it shows that he is an amazing live performer.

Now to the confusing part...
Not a single song from Wham! first album, "Fantastic" is featured in this collection. Why???
Some of Wham! signature tracks are missing in my humble opinion. Songs that should've been included from Wham! are: "Wham! Rap," "Young Guns" and "I'm Your Man."
Even more confusing, some major hit singles (at least in the US) are missing in here. "I Want Your Sex," "Monkey," and "Kissing a Fool" from mega hit album, "Faith." Plus other important tracks like "I Knew You Were Waiting," "Waiting For That Day," "Cowboys and Angels," and "Star People 97" are missing...

An additional disc named "For The Loyal" was even more frustrating.
7 out of 15 tracks are from "Patience." 3 tracks from "Songs From..."
I think this collection could've been much much better. I mean any song other than "American Angel" would be a good choice.

I described "Ladies and Gentlemen" as a good George Michael sampler. "Twentyfive" hardly qualifies as one. In fact, I feel that "Ladies and Gentlemen" is much more cohesive than this collection.

Average customer rating: An excellent collection Music for the soul inspiring A Weakened Sweet Honey, with too much Gloss Truly Great!!!

...twenty-five... Sweet Honey in the Rock Manufacturer: Rykodisc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sacred Ground The Women Gather Still on the Journey Selections 1976-1988 Live at Carnegie Hall ASIN: B00000DCWJ Release Date: 1998-10-13

Tracks:

1. We Are The Ones
2. Chant
3. Battered Earth
4. Motherless Chil'
5. Redemption Song
6. Greed
7. Sound-Bite From Beijing
8. Sometime
9. Run
10. Anybody Here?
11. Forever Love
12. I Was Standing By The Bedside Of A Neighbor
13. Hope

Amazon.com

In their first 25 years, 22 different women sang in Sweet Honey in the Rock. That floating membership bespeaks not artistic turmoil, but the vitality of the band's communal, participatory democracy. No one singer dominates; the individual nuances of the five voices are preserved within the whole. The shape and sound of Sweet Honey's music--a daring survey of gospel, jazz, and African chanting--is itself political, but the group is still anchored by founder Bernice Johnson Reagon's vibrato-rich baritone, whether in her bold leads or doo-wop harmonies. To celebrate their silver anniversary, the group presents 13 new songs, mostly sung a cappella save some African drumming and tambourine, and focusing on original compositions with messages as intense as anything they've recorded. The most successful pieces, however, transcend the hectoring tone of songs such as "Greed" and "Run." And the biggest surprise comes in their doo-wop arrangement of Thomas A. Dorsey's "Standing By the Bedside of a Neighbor," in which the spiritual and the political merge seamlessly. --Roy Kasten

Customer Reviews:

An excellent collection.......2002-10-04

This CD brings almost all of the ladies that have ever been a part of "Sweet Honey..." together. It is great to sit back and just listen to the music flow together. This CD and their "Sacred Ground" CD hasn't left the player since I got them!

Music for the soul.......2000-03-08

I have had the honor of hearing SHIR, live for the past 3 years, since I have been a student here at FAMU. And I have been moved completely out of my seat each time. I actually felt the music in my heart, like my heart was the drum, my blood was the harmonious rhythm that flowed, and eyes that view their grace as they sang, was the entrance that allowed my insides to rumble the moment they open their mouths. I would like to encourage SHIR, to continue to provide the world with what I consider REAL music.

inspiring.......1999-12-07

sweet honey in the rock does it again with an uplifting , thought-provoking, inspiring, beautiful collection of music. i found the use of percussion on "we are the ones" and "run" to complement the beautiful vocals very nicely. these two and others such as "sound bite from beijing" and "greed" are refreshingly thought-provoking in a positive way compared to much "popular" music i have listened to. their version of bob marley's "redemption song" is also very impressive

A Weakened Sweet Honey, with too much Gloss.......1999-07-07

As a big fan of Sweet Honey and owner of virtually all their CDs, I was disappointed with "twenty-five." While still delivering beautiful harmonies, Sweet Honey have written songs that are a bit more pop-ish than earlier works and the strongest songs seem to be the ones with more concentration on the solo singer rather than the innovation that comes with the group making melodies a cappella. If you're looking for a great Sweet Honey CD, go to some of their stronger works, such as: Selections 1976-1988, Sacred Ground, and In This Land.

Truly Great!!!.......1999-06-06

If you like Sweet Honey In The Rock and even if you haven't heard them, you will love this album.

Average customer rating: Five stars are not nearly enough! melting fusion and smooth together. Great Performance Yellow"MAGIC"Jackets looking back, looking ahead

Twenty Five The Yellowjackets Manufacturer: Heads Up ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Who Let the Cats Out The Word Is Out Some Skunk Funk Altered State Paris Concert ASIN: B000FAOC54 Release Date: 2006-05-23

Tracks:

1. Revelation
2. Geraldine
3. Jacketown
4. Sea Folk
5. Free Day
6. My Old School
7. Greenhouse
8. Runferyerlife

Amazon.com

In 1981, a group of sessions musicians decided to form a band and call themselves the Yellowjackets. In the 21st century, they are still stinging listeners and critics with their tradition-laden, groove-oriented sound. This combination CD/DVD captures the current group -- founding members, bassist Jimmy Haslip and keyboardist Russ Ferrante, with saxophonist Bob Mintzer and drummer Marcus Baylor - live during their 2005 European tour. With the exception of Spyro Gyra, no other ensemble has so expertly navigated the blurry lines between acoustic, fusion, and smooth jazz as these guys. The material, culled from the tour, comprises some of their greatest hits, including a spirited retake of the gospel-tinged "Jacketown," the sumptuous ballad "Geraldine," and the edgy, avant-garde leaning "Runferyerlife" and "Free Town." Supplemented by the DVD's concert footage, along with some revealing interviews with past and present band members, the "buzz" on this band shows no signs of diminishing. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Five stars are not nearly enough!.......2007-02-20

I love the Yellowjackets, I really do. I have every single one of their albums and albums they've been involved in, all except for the "Star Trek IV" album, which I've only just learned about through this very release. As far as live albums go, I have "Live Wires", which I thought was very good. I also have "Mint Jam", which I thought was simply awesome and a few years ago out of the clear blue sky, a wonderful Italian man I didn't know from Adam offered to send me a CD-R of a performance they gave in Asti, Italy in 1996. I accepted the offer, naturally, and after listening to the performance, thought that one was pretty good too.

But compared to all those, I thought this album was just okay. Sure, it was nice to hear completely new takes on songs I knew so well but to be honest I felt quite underwhelmed, deflated even, after listening to it a few times and was beginning to wonder if I'd made a mistake.

And then I watched the DVD.

Oh, my goodness it was such a revelation. I've seen these guys perform live four times now; three times with Will Kennedy and once with Peter Erskine but this performance was simply awesome! It's always a joy to see these four unassuming, casually dressed dudes get up on to a low-key stage with no fancy graphics, no smoke and no flashing lights and just produce nothing short of magic.

And I take everything I've said about Marcus Baylor - he is incredible! He attacked the songs, some of which I was immediately familiar with (I really loved the new arrangements of songs like "My Old School" and "Red Sea" on the DVD) and oldies, like "Matinee Idol" and "Imperial Strut", which I hadn't listened to in a long while with gusto, dexterity and expertly placed snare snaps that don't seem to come across in the studio recordings. Or maybe I have to go and listen to them again with fresh ears. And this is a man who obviously enjoys his work. The smile that beams across his face while he's playing is priceless.

A great concert from start to end and again, even though I knew the songs, I was truly impressed by the band's ability to give totally new and exciting arrangements of them. Somehow it all seems much better when you can actually see the band playing. Although not all members have been with the group for the whole 25 years, as a unit they still come across like a band with a quarter of a century's experience of playing together. The CD on its own, well, I'm not too sure about - I'd probably give it three and a half stars - but the CD and DVD combined deserve ten stars no doubt.

Thanks Yellowjackets. Here's to the next 25 years!

melting fusion and smooth together........2007-02-17

Great show! All 4 players are seriously into the music they perform. You can hear it on the cd, and then watch it on the dvd. Great package. If you like contemporary Jazz, but wish the "smooth" was a bit rougher, or wish that the "fusion" genre is alive and well and improvisation is standard... then this is for you.
All in all, great contemporary Jazz that is alive and well!

Great Performance.......2007-02-17

This CD epitomizes what I have always loved about the Yellow Jackets. The melodies are unforgetable and the rhythmic elements hypotizing. Bob Mintzer's playing is phenomenal. The quality of the recording is very, very good and this is a fine live recording. I deliberately put it on after "Jazz at the Pawnshop" and it sounded very respectable. Should be a must have for any jazz lover. I have only watched the DVD once but it is very enjoyable too.

Yellow"MAGIC"Jackets.......2007-01-04

The yellowjackets are like a good old wine of Twenty Five years, SUPER, because after this time, only the Super survive. Thank you Yellowjackets God bless you

Paolo From Italy

looking back, looking ahead.......2006-11-04

I have been a fan of the Yellowjackets since I first heard them 25 years ago. I've always enjoyed their playing, their arrangements, and been very influenced by Russell Ferrante's writing and playing. So I looked forward to this CD/DVD package with great expectations and I wasnt disappointed. Even though there are no new titles on the cd/dvd, there is plenty of new music, as they take many of their older songs and give them completely new and fresh approaches. Yes it is a retrospective on one hand, but they continue to explore new territory with their older music because of the high level of musicianship they each possess. One thing that stood out on the DVD portion was how relaxed they appear playing, and yet how intense and how deep they get with the music. It seems truly that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, and it's a pleasure to see that achieved throughout the course of this set. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Great Music Stands The Test of Time I Didn't Get what I paid For Anthem to Chi-Town! Listening to Memory Lane / Lake Shore Drive

Lake Shore Drive at Twenty Five Various Artists Manufacturer: Quicksilver ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Songs Original Bad Company Anthology The Guess Who - Greatest Hits Eyes Open Taking The Long Way ASIN: B000000I5W Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

1. Lake Shore Drive
2. Long Time Coming
3. Snow Queen
4. Skipper's Fiesta
5. Uppers and Downers
6. I Went to the West
7. Fine Old Lady
8. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
9. Midnight Plane to Nairobi
10. Rockafella's Blues
11. I Am a Robber
12. One Night Stand
13. Slippin' Away
14. With My Eyes Closed
15. Shot of Gold
16. Last One of the Night People
17. Got to Get Home to You
18. Leavin' Chicago Amf
19. Little Song
20. Being Alone
21. For Eddy
22. 2000 Miles
23. Rue
24. Nicotine in the Nick O'Time
25. Sparrow
26. Santa Ana
27. Running Song
28. Couple of Times a Year
29. Ocean Song
30. Money Talks
31. Keeper of the Tolls
32. My Song
33. Knees LSD Again

Customer Reviews:

Great Music Stands The Test of Time.......2004-08-21

Excellent compilation of this amazingly under-rated group. Even for those longtime fans who have LSD, Slippin' Away, and Songs, this album is a must have. Some of the songs are new recordings with completely different arrangements. 2000 Miles gets a complete makeover, but still rocks. For those who only know AH&J from the song LSD, you will not be disappointed with this album.

Like the preceding reviewer, I love Keeper of The Tolls. Unlike the preceding reviewer, I have listened to this album in its entirety many times and quickly learned that because there is no gap between Money Talks and Keeper, the cd directory considers them one song. Go back and listen to Money and you will find a pleasant surprise about 40% of the way through the track!

I Didn't Get what I paid For.......2004-06-27

No knocks on the music or the musicianship. I have always had a connection to Aliota Haynes & Jeremiah. Their song, "Lake Shore Drive" paints an aural picture of driving from the University of Illinois campus in Champaign-Urbana up through the "Gold Coast" on Chicago's Lake Shore Drive.

The song, "Keeper of the Tolls" from the album "Slippin' Away" not only paints a similar aural landscape of driving to O'Hare airport on Interstate 294, it also brings back fond memories of a long lost love whom I was dating when I bought the LP. Not only that, it's such a good tune, to boot! IT ISN'T ON THIS CD!!! At least, not the one I bought last year, even though the track listing says it's Track 14. I was so bummed, I contacted Quicksilver Music (who distributed the CD I bought), but to no avail. So BEWARE. Caveat Emptor must be their motto.

Anthem to Chi-Town!.......2003-09-02

Finally, finally, finally, this song is out on CD! I was afraid of breaking the 45 disc of this song I bought way back when it came out. It doesn't matter if you're a born-n-bred Chicagoan, an adoptee or a never-visited: this song will get you hopping! It takes you down Lake Shore Drive -- LSD to the natives - a sweeping boulevard that follows Lake Michigan for "32 miles along the way." This song rocks!

Listening to Memory Lane / Lake Shore Drive.......2001-06-27

It doesn't matter if you're hearing these songs for the first time, or remembering them from when they first came out. The sound (a simple light rock) works as good today as it did yesteryear. Most of this cd will be especially appealing to people born in Chicago, but living somewhere else now.

Average customer rating: A worthwhile investment Excelent compilation! Amazingly Now Retrospective How Could You Not Listen? Good for help to know up-to-date contemporaly music

25 Years: Retrospective Suzanne Elder , Paul Hillier , David Krakauer , John Adams , Franguiz Ali-Zadeh , Ken Benshoof , George Crumb , Morton Feldman , Philip Glass , Osvaldo Golijov , Henryk Gorecki , Sofiya Gubaydulina , Arvo Part , P. Q. Phan , Astor Piazzolla , Steve Reich , Terry Riley , Alfred Schnittke , Peter Sculthorpe , Kevin Volans , Aki Takahashi , Ellen L. Hargis , Neal Rogers , and Kronos Quartet Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Adams | Adams, John | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by George Crumb | Crumb, George | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Feldman | Feldman, Morton | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gubaidulina, Sofia | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Górecki, Henryk Mikolaj | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Glass | Glass, Philip | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Part | Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reich, Steve | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Riley, Terry | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schnittke | Schnittke, Alfred | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Kronos Quartet | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: The John Adams Earbox: A 10-CD Retrospective Three Tales (CD & DVD) Varèse - The Complete Works / Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra · Asko Ensemble · Chailly Schnittke: Complete String Quartets Alban Berg: Lyric Suite ASIN: B00000DD9B Release Date: 1998-10-27

Tracks:

1. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Judah to Ocean
2. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Toot Nipple
3. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Dogjam
4. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Pavane: She's So Fine
5. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Rag the Bone
6. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Habanera
7. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Stubble Crochet
8. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Hammer & Chisel
9. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Alligator Escalator
10. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Standchen: The Little Serenade
11. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Judah to Ocean (Reprise)
12. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Fratres
13. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Psalom
14. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Summa
15. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Missa Syllabica: Kyrie
16. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Gloria
17. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Credo
18. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Sanctus
19. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Agnus Dei
20. John's Book of Alleged Dances (1994): Ite, missa est

Tracks:

1. Traveling Music: 1. Gentle, easy
2. Traveling Music: 2. Moderate
3. Traveling Music: 3. Driving
4. Song of Twenty Shadows
5. Five Tango Sensations: Asleep
6. Five Tango Sensations: Loving
7. Five Tango Sensations: Anxiety
8. Five Tango Sensations: Despertar
9. Five Tango Sensations: Fear
10. Five Tango Sensations: Four, for Tango

Tracks:

1. Piano And String Quartet (1985) - Various Artists

Tracks:

1. Quartet # 4 (Buczak, 1989): I
2. Quartet # 4 (Buczak, 1989): II
3. Quartet # 4 (Buczak, 1989): III
4. Mishima Quartet, Quartet #3 (1985): 1957 - Award Montage
5. Mishima Quartet, Quartet #3 (1985): November 25 - Ichigaya
6. Mishima Quartet, Quartet #3 (1985): 1934 - Grandmother and Kimitake
7. Mishima Quartet, Quartet #3 (1985): 192 - Body Building
8. Mishima Quartet, Quartet #3 (1985): Blood Oath
9. Mishima Quartet, Quartet #3 (1985): Mishima/Closing
10. Company, Quartet #2 (1983): I
11. Company, Quartet #2 (1983): II
12. Company, Quartet #2 (1983): III
13. Company, Quartet #2 (1983): IV
14. Quartet #5 (1991): I
15. Quartet #5 (1991): II
16. Quartet #5 (1991): III
17. Quartet #5 (1991): IV
18. Quartet #5 (1991): V

Tracks:

1. The Dreams & Prayers of Isaac the Blind: Prelude: Calmo, sospeso
2. The Dreams & Prayers of Isaac the Blind: I. Agitato - Con fucco - Maestoso - Senza misura, oscilante
3. The Dreams & Prayers of Isaac the Blind: II. Teneramente - Ruvido - Presto
4. The Dreams & Prayers of Isaac the Blind: III. Calmo, sospeso - Allego pesante
5. The Dreams & Prayers of Isaac the Blind: Postlude: Lento, liberamente
6. Quartet #4 (1993)
7. Mugam Sayagi (1993)

Tracks:

1. Quasi una fantasia (Quartet #2), Op.64 (1990-91): I. Largo (Sostenuto - Mesto)
2. Quasi una fantasia (Quartet #2), Op.64 (1990-91): II. DecisoEnergico (Marcatissimo sempre)
3. Quasi una fantasia (Quartet #2), Op.64 (1990-91): III. Arioso: Adagio cantabile
4. Quasi una fantasia (Quartet #2), Op.64 (1990-91): IV. Allegro (Sempre con grande passione e molto marcato)
5. Already It is Dusk (Quartet #1), Op.62 (1988)

Tracks:

1. Different Trains: America Before The War
2. Different Trains: Europe During The War
3. Different Trains: America After The War
4. Black Angels: I. Departure - 1. Thenody I: Night Of The Electric Insects - 2. Sounds Of Bones And Flutes - 3. Lost Bells - 4. Devil-Music - 5. Danse Macabre
5. Black Angels: II. Absence - 6. Pavana Lachrymae - 7. Threnody II: Black Angels! - 8. Sarabanda de la Muerte Oscura - 9. Losts Bells (Echo)
6. Black Angels: III. Return - 10. God Music - 11. Ancient Voices - 12. Ancient Voices (Echo) - 13. Thenody III: Night Of The Electric Insects

Tracks:

1. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): Introduction
2. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): Cadenza: Violin I
3. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): Where Was Wisdom When We Went West?
4. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): Cadenza: Viola
5. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): March of the Old Timers Reefer Division
6. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): Cadenza: Violin II
7. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): Tuning to Rolling Thunder
8. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): The Night Cry of Black Buffalo Woman
9. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): Cadenza: Cello
10. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): Gathering of the Spiral Clan
11. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): Captain Jack Has the Last Word
12. Cadenza on the Night Plain (1984): G Song
13. Salome Dances for Peace (1985-86) - III. The Gift: Echoes of Primordial Tim
14. Salome Dances for Peace (1985-86) - III. The Gift: Mongolian Winds
15. V. Good Medicine: Good Medicine Dance

Tracks:

1. Quartet No. 2 (1981): I. Moderato
2. Quartet No. 2 (1981): II. Agitato
3. Quartet No. 2 (1981): III. Mesto
4. Quartet No. 2 (1981): IV. Moderato
5. Quartet No. 4 (1989): I. Lento
6. Quartet No. 4 (1989): II. Allegro
7. Quartet No. 4 (1989): III. Lento
8. Quartet No. 4 (1989): IV. Vivace
9. Quartet No. 4 (1989): V. Lento
10. Collected Songs Where Every Verse Is Filled With Grief (1984-85)

Tracks:

1. Jabiru Dreaming, Quartet #11 (1990): I. Deciso
2. Jabiru Dreaming, Quartet #11 (1990): II. Amoroso
3. Quartet #8 (1969): I. Con dolore
4. Quartet #8 (1969): II. Risoluto; calmo
5. Quartet #8 (1969): III. Con dolore
6. Quartet #8 (1969): IV. Con precisione
7. Quartet #8 (1969): V. Con dolore
8. From Ubirr (1994)
9. Tragedy at the Opera (1995)
10. White Man Sleeps Quartet #1: First Dance
11. White Man Sleeps Quartet #1: Second Dance
12. White Man Sleeps Quartet #1: Third Dance
13. White Man Sleeps Quartet #1: Fourth Dance
14. White Man Sleeps Quartet #1: Fifth Dance

Amazon.com

Seems like only yesterday the Kronos Quartet stepped up their career as musical mavericks with a coveted, wide-open contract with Nonesuch Records. Now it's Nonesuch's turn to give Kronos the big-package nod, gathering key works recorded by the group--from younger composers and time-tested veterans alike--into this 10-CD box set. As one might expect, the set is stuffed with contrasts, from the first CD, with its 11-part, upstepping John Adams suite and then the far more solemn Missa Syllabica from Arvo Pärt. Nearly 20 of these pieces here were composed expressly for Kronos, pitched and sculpted for their easily-racked mixture of straightforward string quartet roles and intelligently restructured approaches to the even the simplest gestures. Perhaps most key here is George Crumb's Black Angels, in large part due to Crumb's role in inspiring David Harrington to form Kronos 25 years ago. Crumb's music spirals and chases through the air, engaging high pitches and fast pacings as if they were ends in themselves. Gone from this set are most of the short snippets that have filled some of Kronos's other fine single CD recordings. In abundance instead are some of the legendary works: Morton Feldman's long, endlessly patient Piano and String Quartet (with Aki Takahashi), Steve Reich's unnerving Different Trains, and Henryk Górecki's String Quartets Nos. 1 and 2. There are also some of the astounding Eastern European works from Night Prayers as well, including the stunning Quartet No. 4 from Sofia Gubaidulina. And of course there are the Kronos biggie pieces: Philip Glass's works fill one CD, and so do Terry Riley's. What's more, Riley's Cadenza on the Night Plain and "G Song" are presented here in entirely fresh, new recordings. What the listener gets is a huge block of music, full of shifting colors and textures but perfectly apt in giving a wide-angle vantage on what Kronos has done for contemporary music. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

A worthwhile investment.......2003-10-06

It would be an understatement to say that this is a fabulous box set. All 10 CDs are packed with some fabulous music that beautifull highlights the first 25 years of the Kronos Quartet, and the booklet included provides a great history of the group as well as nice blurbs on the composers and their pieces.

Equally nice about the box set is the inclusion of multiple new recordings, thus making this a worthwhile investment for fans. The Peter Sculthorpe Quartets are a particularly nice addition, as are the added Piazzolla, Part, and Riley compositions.

Along with this, the "classic" Kronos recordings are all here: "Black Angels" "Different Trains" "Salome Dances for Peace" (well, exceprts), and Feldman's Piano and String Quartet. Of particular note, I think is the inclusion of Gubaidulina's Quartet No 4, a fabulous recording that is otherwise hidden in Kronos' recording "Night Prayers."

Yes, this is quite an investment, but I firmly believe that it's worth it - longtime fans and newcomers alike have a lot to gain from this collection.

Excelent compilation!.......2001-09-09

I like more classic period, like Hayden, but Cronos does it very well, technicaly excelent. The ten sets are wonderful recordings and the selection is unique. It deserves the investment, If you buy it, youre going to have more than ten hours of joy.

Amazingly Now Retrospective.......2001-06-26

Since their youthful start in the NW back in the 70's, Kronos has collaborated with, commissioned, or just played such a breadth of musicians it almost seems that breadth - and especially non western world culture - is their mission. But, while this conservatively and esthetically designed 25-yr-retrospective box (with its increasingly sophisticated photo-portraits) belies the pulsation of social angst and conscience that underlies the bulk of the inclusions, the latter concern, its vitality and relevance - and not some stylish chasing after cultural breadth - is what overtakes the listener/reader, rather soon. I say reader, since the booklet is very helpful, especially to the relative novice, and well balanced in its coverage of composers, historical contexts, performers, individual texts, etc.

There are probably more non contemporaries performed by the Quartet over the years than this selection would indicate. That undercuts their ties with the sense of revolution in music throughout the ages, but it leaves more time for the present: and that is where one expects the group wishes to be, is most contributory and challenged, and is best and most fairly judged. Highly recommended, both for those who know Kronos's work well and wish a handsome tribute on their shelf, and for those who do not but are open and ready to be affected, whether impacted esthetically, reminded socio-morally, or whatever combination of both befits.

How Could You Not Listen?.......1998-12-19

My opinion pales when compared to this CD. Indeed the group's ingeniousness, its knowing and its balls are in full display here, hopefully to put to rest any lingering contention that there is little more to Kronos than form. To any person who accepts the merits of 20th-century music, this CD presents the genius of our culture and teaches that daring and ingenuity do not have to be sacrificed on the road to technical brilliance. My only regret is that the CD does not include Kronos's interpretation of Bartok. But, so what? Górecki's here, as are Part and Benshoof. Listen to this CD -- soar and struggle with it.

Good for help to know up-to-date contemporaly music.......1998-11-28

The Kronos Quartet has released many albums. There let us see what the quartet has tried new titles and arrenges in each period. But this is the best set for understand the quartet as summary of thier works. The CDs are distributed by each composers and we can see thier identities easily.Unfortunately this dose not include all but be enough to see what the quartet has been.I hope that every classical music fans(not only contemporaly music fans) listen this CDs.

Average customer rating:

It's Always Fair Weather (1955 Movie Soundtrack) (Rhino Handmade) Betty Comden Manufacturer: Rhino Handmade ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Previn, André | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Pirate (1948 Movie Soundtrack) (Rhino Handmade) Summer Stock / In the Good Old Summertime (Movie Soundtracks) (Rhino Handmade) Lovely to Look At (1952 Movie Soundtrack) (Rhino Handmade) Silk Stockings (1957 Film Soundtrack) Three Little Words (1950 Movie Soundtrack) (Rhino Handmade) ASIN: B0001LYFYA Release Date: 2004-01-01

Tracks:

1. Main Title - MGM Studio Orchestra
2. March March - Jud Conlon, Dan Dailey, Gene Kelly
3. Medley: Letter/Drinking Montage/The Binge - MGM Studio Orchestra
4. Time for Parting - Jud Conlon, Dan Dailey, Gene Kelly
5. Ten Year Montage [#] - MGM Studio Orchestra
6. Blue Danube (I Shouldn't Have Come) - Dan Dailey, Gene Kelly, Michael Kidd
7. After Blue Danube [#] - MGM Studio Orchestra
8. Gene's Folly [#] - MGM Studio Orchestra
9. Music Better Than Words
10. Stillman's Gym - Clark Burroughs, , , MGM Studio Chorus, Ernie Newton, Thurl Ravenscroft
11. Baby You Knock Me Out - Clark Burroughs, , , MGM Studio Chorus, Ernie Newton, , Carole Richards
12. Situation-Wise [#] - Dan Dailey, , Lee Gotch, , Thurl Ravenscroft, Bob Stevens, Bob Wacker
13. Mike's Dream Place [#] - MGM Studio Orchestra
14. Time for Parting/Once Upon a Time - Jud Conlon, Dan Dailey, Gene Kelly
15. I Thought They'd Never Leave [#][Outtake]
16. Love Is Nothing But a Racket [#][Outtake] - Gene Kelly, Carole Richards
17. Twenty-Five Cent Analysis [#] - MGM Studio Orchestra
18. Situation-Wise - Dan Dailey
19. I Like Myself - Gene Kelly
20. Madeline's Commercial (Klenzrite) [#]
21. Thanks a Lot, But No Thanks
22. Time for Parting-TV Girls [#] - Ruth Clark, , Loulie Jean Norman, Betty Wand, Gloria Wood
23. Time for Parting (Finale)
24. End Cast [#][Outtake] - MGM Studio Orchestra
25. Binge [Alternate Version][#] - MGM Studio Orchestra
26. Jack and the Space Giants [#][Demo Version] - Michael Kidd, Andrrevin
27. Once Upon a Time [#] - Betty Comden, Adolph Green
28. Love Is Nothing But a Racket [#] - Betty Comden, Adolph Green
29. Music Is Better Than Words [Alternate Version][#] - Betty Comden
30. Blue Danube [#] - Betty Comden, Adolph Green
31. I Thought They'd Never Leave [#] - Betty Comden, Adolph Green
32. Thanks a Lot, But No Thanks [#] - Betty Comden

Average customer rating: Polish or Opera ????? Marvelous!

Lutoslawski: Twenty Polish Christmas Carols; Lacrimosa; Five Songs Olga Pasichnyk , Witold Lutoslawski , Antoni Wit , and Jadwica Rappe Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Lutoslawski | Lutoslawski, Witold | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Polish-American Christmas Carols ON THE CHRISTMAS DAY - AUTHENTIC CHRISTMAS POLISH CAROLS FROM POLAND Lulajze Jezuniu and Other Gems of Polish Carols Lutoslawski: Double Concerto; Dances Preludes; Chain I Polish Heart ASIN: B000B6N66S Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

1. Angels To The Shepards Came
2. Hey! Rejoice Now
3. When Christ To Us Is Born
4. Just After Midnight
5. God Is Born
6. Our Lovely Lady
7. Hurrying To Bethlehem
8. In A Manger
9. Jesus There Is Lying
10. We Are Shepards
11. Lullaby, Jesus
12. Hey, On This Day
13. Jesus Lovely Flower
14. Hey La, Hey La, Shepherds There You Are
15. What To Do With This Child
16. Hey, Hey Lovely Lady Mary
17. This Is Our Lord's Birthday
18. Shepherds, Can You Tell
19. Infant So Tiny
20. Holy Lady Mary (Wandered Through The World Wide)
21. Lacrimosa
22. The Sea
23. The Wind
24. Winter
25. Knights
26. Church Bells

Customer Reviews:

Polish or Opera ?????.......2006-12-01

Quite frankly, I was very disappointed in this selection. I read the reviews on how easy it was to follow, etc... I did not understand a word of it. This really sounds like a soprano opera. I had my grandparents and parents listen and no one had any idea. If you are expecting any song that you may recognize, think again.

Marvelous!.......2005-12-10

Marvelous production on all fronts. The carols themselves are the heart and soul of the Polish religous and Christmas spirit. The arrangements recast traditional and beloved kolendy in modern adaptations, reflecting Lutoslawski's ample skills as vocal and orchestral arranger. The notes give the background a newcomer to the genre needs, and those already familiar with the songs will learn more. The cover art is wonderful. The singing and orchestral accompaniment are beyond reproach. Downloading the lyrics, in Polish and English, will take 23 pages, but that's a small price to play to appreciate this examplary release. Wspaniale to all concerned. Buy it!

Average customer rating: His Best By Far He Was Among The Very Best! Ground-Zero Spoelstra

Five & Twenty Questions Mark Spoelstra Manufacturer: Collector's Choice ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Revival | Folk | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: State of Mind Out of My Hands Try Me One More Time Inside Dave Van Ronk My Name Is Buddy ASIN: B000F2C8I0 Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

1. Five And Twenty Questions
2. On The Road Again
3. My Love Is Like A Dewdrop
4. White Winged Dove
5. Jesse's Jump
6. Ballad Of 12th Avenue
7. Won't Allow Mankind To Rest
8. Somebody's Gonna Miss Me
9. The Leaves
10. Fife And Drum
11. Untitled Instrumental
12. Just A Hand To Hold

Product Description

1. Five and Twenty Questions
2. On the Road Again
3. My Love Is Like a Dew Drop
4. White Winged Dove
5. Jesse’s Jump
6. Ballad of 12th Avenue
7. Won’t Allow Mankind to Rest
8. Somebody’s Gonna Miss Me
9. The Leaves
10. Fife and Drum
11. Untitled Instrumental
12. Just a Hand to Hold

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

His Best By Far.......2007-05-25

For those who are just checking out Mark's work because they caught a reference to his recent death, this is the album to get. It's got strong message songs, stellar 12-string work, and better production values than on most of his albums. The original liner notes by Richard Farina Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me (Twentieth-Century Classics) Celebrations for a Grey Day have been faithfully reproduced and are an historical treasure in themselves. A fave: "Just A Hand to Hold." Also interesting is "My Love is Like a Dewdrop," which was covered by Harry Belafonte, among others.

He Was Among The Very Best!.......2007-01-07

I have often wondered what became of Mark. Buying this recently released reissue of the old LP I had in the 60's reminds me - as it will you - of an era and a sound; of a man who was a close friend of Richard Farina and was much admired by Bob Dylan. His voice and 12-string playing are hypnotic, the lyrics significant and the overall impact of the music is - well - to cause us to miss him and all that he had to offer. "White Wing Dove" has been a favorite tune of mine for over 40 years - so nice to hear it again from Mark's own voice!

A SAD ADDENDUM: Mark died on or just prior to 2/26/07 at his home of pancreatic cancer.
I didn't write this obit myself. I recently discovered that he had died, and am posting the touching obit written by his son, Joshua, here. Those of you who recall Mark and his smooth 12-string style will feel perhaps a moment of loss. An early boyfriend of Joan Baez, a contemporary of Bob Dylan in NYC and a friend to both Mimi and Richard Farina. It is followed by a note sent by Joshua to family and friends explaining what happened.
Mark has written his final lyric. Heaven's gain - our loss.

Here it is:
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 01:29 PM

From Mark Spoelstra's son Joshua:

Dear Friends,

Today my father passed away here in his lovely but modest home in the Sierra Foothills of California. There was snow on the ground and we could see the trees which surround the house like sentinels sway with the force of another approaching storm. We held him as he left us and I know he had no fear and felt no pain, and even though his life was cut short he found the strength to remind each of us that he loved us. I will miss him greatly.

Regretfully,

Joshua Spoelstra

I apologize to any and all who would have liked to know but were not notified as to the worsening state of my fathers health, I was only able to notify a few of you last week with the following note:

I am writing to you on my father's behalf he has become gravely ill and because of this he has been admitted to the Hospital. Soon we will be ringing him home for Hospice care. What we thought was back pain from years of guitar playing and driving was misdiagnosed and the cancer spread from his pancreas to his liver and lungs, it has moved very rapidly.
This disease has affected so many people that we have known and loved over the years and we are humbled by their shared pain and suffering. As our family comes together over our father's illness we find him constantly in our hearts, remembrances and prayers just as we hope Mark will be in yours in the coming days.

Warmest Regards,

Joshua Spoelstra

Ground-Zero Spoelstra.......2006-11-12

Here is Mark at his "Moment on the Road to Damascus". I was in Fresno, CA when he pulled this music from his "Socially-conscious Well" and time has shown that this core sample of musically -invested poetry does indeed still "float" !

Never-mind that he is a friend...and that I still can sing some of these creations today w/o apologies...
all of us who love Mark & his music agree: this a definitive album, from the heart of the era, and essentially fresher than a Starbucks' drive-thru. Honest to a fault, and probably improved by the digital re-mastering.

If you like 12-string guitar, and want to know what the world looked like to a veteran "Folkie" of that day, hold this effort up to the sky, where Mark's co-horts, Dylan, Ochs & Farina flew their kites... the glitter is all about where it hits yore inner-ear. Pure 1965, by the guy who later found himself on the soundtrack of "Electroglide in Blue", inspired by country radio, playing in his Fresno home.

(Mark anticipated America's roots in county music via these "Electroglide" tunes on a Columbia album, titled "Grizzly Flat) Those "Five & Twenty Questions" got asked recently by America's Voting Public, and "That's US, folks !"

Know that Mark is still alive & well, making even more music at this moment ! A Pioneer of Honesty & Style.

Average customer rating: Remember-Mckinley was president when these tunes were new Loves Old Sweet Song Leaves a Bitter Taste

Love's Old Sweet Song: Twenty Five Singers in Popular Ballads Manufacturer: Asv Living Era ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Moore | Moore, Thomas | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Giannini, Dusolina | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Victorian Parlour Evening ASIN: B000001HHT Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

1. The Last Rose Of Summer - Landon Ronald
2. For You Alone - Enrico Caruso
3. By The Waters Of Minnetonka (An Indian Love Song) - Landon Ronald
4. The Green Hills O' Somerset - Peter Dawson
5. She Wandered Down The Mountainside - Rosina Buckman
6. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise - Charles Hackett
7. By The Bend Of The River - Grace Moore
8. I Know Of Two Bright Eyes (Myrrha) - Walter Widdop
9. A Fairy Went A-Marketing - Clara Butt
10. Myself When Young (In A Persian Garden) - Norman Allin
11. Love's Old Sweet Song - Amelita Galli-Curci
12. Bird Songs At Eventide - John McCormack
13. Ciribiribin - Lucrezia Bori
14. The Song Of Songs - Richard Crooks
15. Homing - Percy B. Kahn
16. The Blind Ploughman - Fyodor Chaliapin
17. The Fairytales Of Ireland - Florence Austral/Hils Nelson
18. Ich Liebe Dich, My Dear - Armand Crabbe
19. I Love You Truly - Dusolina Giannini
20. Love Sends A Little Gift Of Roses - Gerald Moore
21. Danny Boy (Londonderry Air) - Dora Labette
22. Kashmiri Song (Pale Hands I Loved) - Richard Tauber
23. Deep River - Marian Anderson
24. Leanin' - Harold Williams
25. A Perfect Day - Rosa Ponselle

Customer Reviews:

Remember-Mckinley was president when these tunes were new.......2007-03-10

In the 1890s and the early years of the 20th century sound recordings were very new and very fascinating to the population at large..Being able to hear a recording of a popular song,or listen to a piano roll transcription was,at the time,considered something of a miracle...Alas,since the technology was new the recording process was primitive...VERY primitive...often entire orchestras played into a recording horn,and the resulting sound reminds one of listening to something in a tunnel...very little could be done to make the sound pristine,and because of it the recordings from that period all have an antique and primitive atmosphere to them...recordings that old,and not saved upon tape,or disc,often poorly kept and poorly maintained,tend to deteriorate ,and,in many cases with regard to the items presented upon this album,the original"master"recording is lost,and only a copy remains,often a badly deteriorated,commercial copy..scratches,recording anaolomies,as well as warpage and general age have taken thier toll..Some would think,rather foolishly as it turns out,that such modern restorative processes such as"Cedar" might erase the imperfections,the scratches,the warpage,the cracks and hisses,but this is just not so...
For those of you old enough to have had long-playing records,45s,or 78s,just imagine that the ONLY copy of a particular album or song title is your old,scratched,worn disc...not some master tape or disc held in a vault somewhere,but your old beat up copy...Imagine further that you submit this old beat up copy for restoration...Sure,it may sound better afterwards than it did before,but,all in all,it still sounds pretty bad,at least by modern standards...
This is the sort of sound reproduction one gets on this album...Efforts were made to restore these sides(contrary to the opinion of another review found here about this album)but when one is dealing with recordings 100 or so years old,made when recording tecniques were primitive,and ,in some cases,having to attempt restoration on a used COPY sold to and played by someone like you and I way back when,restoration to a"perfect" sense is just not possible..Indeed,even if "perfection"could be achieved,the original sound of some of these old sides never was too good to begin with..
Be this as it may,the sides presented here are historic,to say the very least,and representative of what the public of the 1890s liked to hear...Listening to these sides,imperfections and all,gives one a sense of that time,a sense of the enormous technological gulf between these recordings and the ones available today,and,perhaps most importantly,gives us an overview of the sort of entertainment that drove our great great grandparents wild...
If you can get over the primitive sound of these recordings,or get yourself used to it,then give this album a try...

Loves Old Sweet Song Leaves a Bitter Taste.......2003-04-27

While the performances on this CD are great the transfers from the original recordings are about the worst i have ever heard. No care whatever was spent in dubbing these records to Cd. The originals in my collection sound many times better than these. I bought this for convenience but find it too terrible to listen

Music Album:

1. Two Gentlemen Folk
2. Voices Across the Canyon, Vol. 2
3. Walking Across Egypt
4. When I Was A Kid
5. Women of the World: International
6. World of International Swiss Folk [Import]
7. Worried Man Blues: Golden Classics, Pt. 1
8. You? Me? Us?
9. Young Eagle's Flight, Vol. 3
10. A Putumayo Christmas

Music Album