Easy

Amazon.com
The complexities of love provide plenty of opportunity for rueful reflection on the deceptively titled Easy. Though Kelly Willis has shown that she can belt a country song with the best of them, she opts for a more intimate approach on this collection of midtempo ballads. The arrangements are primarily acoustic and harmony-laden (with Alison Krauss and Vince Gill among those providing vocal support), as Willis draws from the songbooks of husband Bruce Robison ("What Did You Think"), Paul Kelly ("You Can't Take It with You"), Kirsty MacColl ("Don't Come the Cowboy with Me Sunny Jim!"), and Marcia Ball ("Find Another Fool"). The singer's own writing extends the artistic progression of her previous album, What I Deserve, with the bittersweet "If I Left You" and the melodic reverie of "Wait Until Dark" (written with John Levanthal) showing how much she has matured as an artist since her days as an alt-country ingénue. Willis saves the best for last with the shimmering transcendence of "Reason to Believe," a celebration of the everyday wonder a baby brings to her mother, providing redemption after all the heartbreak previously evoked. --Don McLeese

Product Description:
2002 album for the critically acclaimed singer/songwriter includes appearances from Vince Gill, Union Station's Dan Tyminski & Nickel Creek's Chris Thile. Ten tracks including a cover of Kirsty MacColl's 'Don't Come The Cowboy With Me Sunny Jim!'. Rykodisc.

Easy,Kelly Willis,Rykodisc,Contemporary Country,Country,Neo-Traditionalist Country,New Traditionalist,Pop,Popular Music

Average customer rating: Solid Album A true Ryan Adams classic Yea right Little too country for my tastes One Man's Trash Ain't Another Man's "Ripoff"

Easy Tiger Ryan Adams Manufacturer: Lost Highway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sky Blue Sky Icky Thump The Reminder West New Moon ASIN: B000P29B1W Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. goodnight rose
2. two
3. everybody knows
4. halloween head
5. two hearts
6. tears of gold
7. the sun also sets
8. off broadway
9. rip off
10. oh my god, whatever, etc.
11. pearls on a string
12. these girls
13. i taught myself how to grow old

Amazon.com

Easy Tiger, Ryan Adams's ninth solo studio album, is a return to form in every way. He's already shown that he can bash out three albums in one year--not to mention the hilarious fake hip-hop records posted for free on his Web site--and that he can sound as much like the Grateful Dead as he wants to in his constant subsequent touring. Backed once again by the Cardinals, Adams synthesizes and refines his approach to smooth, gorgeous country-pop. "Tears of Gold" is one of the best songs he's written in ages, while "Two" is a slowly percolating, sweet little number that recalls Sean Hayes in its soulful folksiness (someone named Sheryl Crow accompanies Adams on vocals). One of the greatest treats of this languorous, twangy album is the subtle ways that genre gets played with. "I Taught Myself How to Grow Old" is the best Harvest outtake Neil Young never wrote, while the treated, synth-sounding guitar solo on the druggy, chooglin' "Halloweenhead" sounds like it comes straight out of Journey. And "The Sun Also Sets" sounds more than a little like Rufus Wainwright covering Fred McDowell's "Write Me a Few of Your Lines." It bursts with enough melodrama as to border on musical theater. But, as is clear on these songs of love and loss, Adams has always been at his best when giving into his most mellow, dramatic side. --Mike McGonigal

Ryan Adams Photos

More Ryan Adams

Heartbreaker

Gold

Love Is Hell

Album Description

I think there are really only two kinds of pop music CDs these days. There are the ones you listen to only once or twice, maybe downloading the single good song to your iPod or computer; then there are others that grow stronger, sweeter, and more necessary each time you play them. Gold was that way; Cold Roses was that way; so was Jacksonville City Nights. I won't say Adams is the best North American singer-songwriter since Neil Young...but I won't say he isn't, either. What I know is there has never been a Ryan Adams record quite as strong and together as Easy Tiger; it's got enough blue-eyed, blue-steel soul (with the faintest country tinge) to make me think of both Marvin Gaye and the Righteous Brothers. Probably ridiculous, but true. And the songs themselves are beautiful--the lyrics tightly focused and brief, the feeling one of melancholy calm that will probably be a revelation to fans that remember the old, sometimes angry Ryan Adams.

Now there's this, maybe the best Ryan Adams CD ever. And I know you want to listen to it right away. But slow down. Take your time. This album asks for that, and it will reward your full attention.

In other words--easy, Tiger.

--Stephen King

Customer Reviews:

Solid Album.......2007-07-19

Once again Ryan Adams makes another solid album. every song is great. My favorites are Hallowenhead, Tears of Gold and Everybody Knows. So go ahead and buy it you won't regret it.

A true Ryan Adams classic.......2007-07-18

I've been trying for years to nail down who Ryan Adams reminds me of, and I've finally figured it out: Van Morrison. Both are roots-bound almost to the point of being revivalists, both are notoriously temperamental, and both are wildly, erratically prolific, sometimes to a fault; yet both are unquestionably geniuses (almost unarguably so, much to the chagrin of their detractors).

So what does this analogy have to do with a review of "Easy Tiger?" To put Ryan Adams's new album in perspective, it would be the equivalent of Van Morrison's "Moondance." It is the first record that comes across as being almost conservative in its polished professionalism. If you're a Van fan who hated "Moondance" because its warm, relaxed, pastoral vibe felt like a "sellout" after the wild abandon of Them and the heady experimentalism of "Astral Weeks" (and I'm sure there were more than a few people of that opinion at the time), then likewise, "Easy Tiger" is going to sound too safe, too pat. But if you think "Moondance" is a beautiful masterpiece, then you may well love "Easy Tiger."

This is the album where Ryan Adams sobers up, bears down, and actually turns out an album of "all-killer, no filler" (arguably the first since "Heartbreaker"). And if that comes at the expense of the roughness and raggedness that has accompanied his best work to this point, then so be it. But ten years down the road (if Ryan Adams keeps getting songs like "When the Stars go Blue" covered by enough mainstream artists to make him a mainstream artist himself), my money is on this album being considered as one of his true classics.

In a way, it's almost a career summation up to this point. It has the acoustic front-porch "Heartbreaker" vibe on "These Girls," the lush "Gold"-ballad feel on "Two, and "I Taught Myself How to Grow Old" the "Demolition"-style late-night laments of "Everybody Knows and "The Sun Also Sets," the atmospheric "Love Is Hell" angst of "Off Broadway," the "Rock and Roll" crunch on "Halloweenhead," the jam-band "Cold Roses" sound on "Goodnight Rose," the "Jacksonville City Nights" countrypolitan of "Tears of Gold," and to make it complete, "Pearls On a String" and "Two Hearts" even harken back to his Whiskeytown days.

In fact, this album plays almost like a Ryan Adams Greatest Hits album that, like a good hits comp, manages the trick of being summative without being disjointed or haphazard. And like a good compilation, these songs are all keepers. If this is what being sober means, here's hoping Ryan can stay on the straight and narrow from here on out and have a later-day career as interesting and rich as Van Morrison's.

Yea right.......2007-07-18

Why don't y'all shut up. Don't care for the critique. Dumb losers it's just music.

Little too country for my tastes.......2007-07-17

Upon my first listen to this album I could not finish it...the songs were a little too twangy and Adams' voice was as well. My taste is more on the rock side of things, and this album falls definitely more on the country side.

One Man's Trash Ain't Another Man's "Ripoff".......2007-07-16

As with many artists, Ryan Adams has two kinds of fans: A) Those who pour over and worship his every utterance, and B) people who have or dig songs from an album or two. I fall a little closer to the former. But I'm a recent convert, so I can still remember life before impending fandom set in. There are good and bad things about Easy Tiger. The uber-slick production on every track tends to sound forced. Snare drums hit with razor-clarity and guitars are pro-tools polished, and crisp. This might attract some listeners, but his last two albums (Jacksonville City Nights and 29) had pretty rough edges, evoking alt. country bleed-through of a bygone era. As for whether or not the songwriting is still good, again that's entirely subjective. Some people admire where he's at as an artist, and some will just never forget that song they loved 6, 8, or 10 years ago. Moments like that are hard for even the most prolific writers to re-duplicate. I say put the record on, drive around for a few days listening, but not giving it your full attention. See if it becomes the soundtrack to what you're going through. It did with me, which is why I can't stop playing Easy Tiger now.

Average customer rating: Definently not Heavier Things pt 2 Is this really John Mayer??? excellent cd !!! Love this album. His best yet

Continuum John Mayer Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Not Too Late Corinne Bailey Rae Room for Squares Heavier Things How To Save A Life ASIN: B000H0MKGK Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. Waiting On The World To Change
2. I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)
3. Belief
4. Gravity
5. The Heart Of Life
6. Vultures
7. Stop This Train
8. Slow Dancing In A Burning Room
9. Bold As Love
10. Dreaming With A Broken Heart
11. In Repair
12. I'm Gonna Find Another You

Amazon.com

Continuum is about as apt a title as it gets for John Mayer's third studio disc. Every element, from the peerless guitar playing to the plainspoken poetry of the lyrics to the breathy-sincere singing, makes a return from previous efforts. But to weakly pronounce this another worthwhile effort from an artist the world has come to expect a whole lot from and then call it a day would be no minor misdeed, because it's also the best, boldest disc he's ever made. Taking maturity as a theme throughout, Mayer tackles a batch of adulthood's bogeymen: indifference on the uptempo chart-climber "Waiting for the World to Change," aging on the melancholy-sweet "Stop This Train," and emotional trainwreckage on the big-rocking "In Repair." That's not to suggest he's turned overly introspective--check the Jimi Hendrix cover "Bold As Love," where he hits one home for guitarists who've been living in the shadow of legend everywhere, and the hard-charging "Belief," which benefits from a mesmerizing, liquid groove. Continuum may be the third in a series, but a creative cop-out this is not; Mayer is his generation's musical superman--powerful, unassailable, and magnetic. Hand that man a cape. --Tammy La Gorce

Amazon.com

John Mayer's third studio album follows the multi-platinum "Room for Squares" (2001) and "Heavier Things" (2003), and marks his first turn as producer. It is his most soulful, cohesive collection yet and he says it's no accident that this project is where all of his efforts, his potential, and his disparate influences fully come together.

More from Mayer

Room for Squares	Heavier Things	Try!, the John Mayer Trio
Inside Wants Out (EP)	Any Given Thursday (CD)	Any Given Thursday (DVD)

Customer Reviews:

Definently not Heavier Things pt 2.......2007-07-17

I don't know what it is but I just can't get into this cd. I could only find 2 standout tracks, and that doesn't say much.

Is this really John Mayer???.......2007-07-17

I guess I must plead ignorance; I never liked John Mayer and thought he was a lightweight who sang schlocky, whiny stuff, but I must apologize! This is a really melodious, pleasing CD! I must listen more to really appreciate it, but it is so easy and rewarding to listen to. Give it a try. I NEVER thought I'd be saying this! Go John!

excellent cd !!!.......2007-07-16

I haven't heard a cd of his I didn't like. I just love the way his music makes me feel when I listen to it. I listen to it at the end of the work day and all my stresses seem to melt away.

Love this album........2007-07-11

If you like John Mayer, you'll love this album. "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" is totally relatable if you've ever been though a relationship that's ended. The rest of the album is fantastic....an album you can listen to over and over, and still want to listen again.

His best yet.......2007-07-05

I love all of John Mayer's stuff, but his style has filled out and matured on this last album. He plays with all his heart and his band complements him really well.

Average customer rating: Excellent One of My favorites Really takes me back! For those who admire jazz NOT disapointing...

Very Best Of Les Paul & Mary Ford Les Paul & Mary Ford Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Les Paul & Mary Ford - All-Time Greatest Hits The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Les Paul The Jazz Collector Edition: Les Paul Trio Chester & Lester ASIN: B0000087K3 Release Date: 1998-02-20

Tracks:

1. Brazil
2. Hip-Billy Boogie
3. Caravan
4. Sleep
5. Lady of Spain
6. Lover
7. Man on the Flying Trapeze
8. By the Light of the Silvery Moon
9. What Is This Thing Called Love?
10. Nola
11. South
12. Whispering
13. Tiger Rag
14. Running Wild
15. World Is Waiting for the Sunrise
16. Meet Mister Callaghan
17. Little Rock Getaway
18. Deep in the Blues
19. St. Louis Blues
20. Walkin' and Whistlin' Blues
21. I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles
22. Jazz Me Blues
23. Mockin' Bird Hill
24. Carioca
25. Goofus
26. Josephine
27. Bey Bye Blues
28. Vaya Con Dios (May God Be with You)
29. Jealous
30. How High the Moon

Album Description

1997 EMI reissue of 1990 Capitol compilation featuring 30 ofthe greatest tracks by American guitar hero & his singing partner, including 'Brazil', 'Hip Billy Boogie', 'Jealous', and 'How High The Moon'.

Album Details

Collection of songs by the then-husband & wife duo of guitar great Les Paul & country western singer Mary Ford. Features their biggest hits 'How High the Moon', 'Tiger Rag', 'Lover' & many, many others.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-03-25

I just received this in the mail; had ordered it
specifically for the tracks "Josephine" and "Little
Rock Getaway" which, among other titles, were in my
late dad's record collection. "Walkin' and Whistlin'
Blues" I had heard on an album about 20 years ago.
Talk about memories.

What's interesting about this collection, as other
reviewers have noted, is that it contains mostly
Les Paul instrumentals--not quite so much Mary Ford
(curiously, "Jealous" has been included, which was
not one of their hits, but was on the flip-side of
one of their better-known tracks--possibly "How High
The Moon", but I'm not sure). For those of you who
want more of Mary's vocals, I recommened that you bypass
this CD and get "The best of the Capitol masters--90th
birthday edition"(I have a previously-releaesd version
of this CD, which only contains the tracks from "Lover"
to "Hummingbird", plus some of the funniest liner notes
from Les himself that I've ever read! I don't know if
the liner notes were retained). I believe another reviewer
wrote about the sound quality. Personally, I believe
"Josephine" sounds EXACTLY as it did on my dad's 45.
Preserving artistic integrity is usually the goal when
reissuing analog-recorded music, and EMI/Capitol has
done a fabulous job here in my opinion. It's also noteworthy
that, with the exception of "The Kangaroo" and "Mandolino",
this CD contains all of Les's HIT instrumentals, plus other
good tunes, like his take on Duke Ellington's "Caravan", an
interesting version of "The Man On The Flying Trapeze", etc.
Many of his instrumentals were on flip-sides of the vocal
records with Mary. And how Les could play that guitar, not
to mention the overdubbing which STILL sounds state-of-the-
art to me! Thank you, Amazon.

One of My favorites.......2007-02-09

This is the Album for Les Paul And Mary Ford Fans.
Brilliant guitar solos and amazing harmony vocals.
Thirty songs each unique to the Les Paul and Mary Ford style.
One of my favorite albums.

Really takes me back!.......2005-10-07

I loved their music as a kid and I still love it. True that a little more singing from Mary would be good, but almost all the best is there now. Considering how many songs they both did, you can't expect to have it all on one CD. And yes, Waiting For The Sunrise and How High The Moon are their 2 all-time greatest and still beautiful to listen to. The jazz guitar is amazing. Les WAS a jazz guitarist, so if you don't like listening to superb guitar work, then I guess you wouldn't like this recording. For those of us who "remember when", it's THEM, and no doubt of it.

For those who admire jazz.......2005-04-01

I bought this CD mainly because I have enjoyed another collection CD, "16 Most Requested Songs (1958-1961)". But this collection left me a bit rather frustrated. True, there are 30 fantastic tracks on this CD covering the "golden" era of Les Paul and Mary Ford (1949-1955). Yet it means the quality of the remastered tracks is unsteady and stylistically it appeals to jazz listeners, rather than pop. But mostly I was disappointed because of these 30 tracks only 9 contain Mary's vocal. Also there's no information given on the tracks or anything.

If you admire the jazz side of Les Paul, then you would enjoy it very much. But I'm going to look for something more pop-orientated and with more vocal contribution from Mary, maybe more of their Columbia period (1957-1963).

NOT disapointing..........2004-03-14

If you are a looser, maybe you'd find thsi dissapointing. If you are smart and swingin' you will ove this 30 song compilation of ORIGINAL recordings!!! This is swingin' hillbilly jazz!!! If you like rockabilly you should be able to appreciate this.

Average customer rating: PASS THE TEQUILA! AND LISTEN TO THE BRASS! ONE OF MY FAVORITES Vintage Delights Excellent Music Whipped Cream: Not for the Lactose Intolerant. Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass - Whipped Cream w/other delights CD

Whipped Cream & Other Delights (40th Anniversary Edition) Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: South Of The Border Going Places The Lonely Bull What Now My Love Whipped Cream & Other Delights Rewhipped ASIN: B0007MRXUQ Release Date: 2005-04-19

Tracks:

1. A Taste of Honey
2. Green Peppers
3. Tangerine
4. Bittersweet Samba
5. Lemon Tree
6. Whipped Cream
7. Love Potion No. 9
8. Garbanzo
9. Ladyfingers
10. Butterball
11. Peanuts
12. Lollipops and Roses
13. Rosemary
14. Blueberry Park

Album Description

40th Anniversary Edition Of The Classic Album!

1965's Whipped Cream & Other Delights transformed Herb Alpert & The Tijuana into bonafide superstars, spending an incredible 8 straight weeks at the top of the charts. The album was not only memorable for its music, but for the iconic cover art which featured model Dolores Erickson strategically swathed in whipped cream. The original twelve tracks revolve around the theme of food and include such classics the triple Grammy-winning hit, "A Taste of Honey" and the Dating Game theme "Whipped Cream." This special 40th Anniversary edition features two studio bonus tracks along with a 20-page booklet and a collector's poster.

Each album in the Herb Alpert Signature Series features meticulously remastered sound, deluxe packaging, detailed liner notes, and an intro by Herb Alpert containing personal recollections and anecdotes.

Customer Reviews:

PASS THE TEQUILA! AND LISTEN TO THE BRASS! ONE OF MY FAVORITES.......2007-07-12

I am repeating this story you are about to read as it gives an explanation of why I love this music so much! "Whipped Cream & Other Delights" has many of the songs on it used on the ride you are about to read about. It is one of my favorite Herb albums for that reason and I was mesmerized(as a kid)looking at that gorgeous cover! That being said....Please read on.....I have fond memories of the music of Herb Alpert! I was introduced to him at an early age as my parents were fans of his records. I didn't hear much of him again until I was coming of age in Wildwood N.J. at the age of 15 when I used to party under the boardwalk with my friends and our girlfriends underneath Hunt's Pier's "El Scrambler" ride. The ride played Herb Alpert tunes non stop! I guess you could say I became a "Man" underneath that pier with my first love listening to the Tijuana Brass. Later in life in my 30's I was taking a break from playing in a band in the local bars,I became a DJ and I would mix Herb Alpert in my mixes and buy shots of Tequila for my fans! To this day when I play these songs at parties we all look for the Tequila bottle! This is a one of a kind sound and if I were stranded on a desert island with only a few albums, Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass would be included in that collection! This is one of his best albums. I no longer own the original records so, I can not say if the new cd's are true to the originals. They sound fantastic to my ear!

Vintage Delights.......2007-05-14

It had been a long time since I heard this album on vinyl, but all the memories came flooding back. I had forgotten how well Herb and the guys actually played, and that each piece had its own hook! I recommend this CD as a piece of pop musical history, whose sound is every bit as fresh today as it was 40 years ago.

Excellent Music.......2007-05-10

I'm very please with my CD "Whipped Cream & Other Delights (40th Anniversary Edition)
~ Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass"
Jose L Franco

Whipped Cream: Not for the Lactose Intolerant........2007-04-29

1965's Whipped Cream & Other Delights transformed Dolores Erickson into the bonafide superstar of my adolescent whipped cream fantasies. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass didn't do so bad, either, spending an incredible 8 straight weeks at the top of the charts. The memorable cover might have accounted for a large percentage of sales, especially among my demographic, but the music didn't hurt.

This is a prime example of the 60's "concept" album, with all of the intrumentals named after food. Lollipops & Roses." "A Taste of Honey" and the Dating Game theme "Whipped Cream." Etc. Etc. It caught the Zietgeist and rode it like a wave. Boys in Elementary School were inspired to learn the trumpet. I, among them.

I think the first record I purchased was Herb Alpert & TJB, but it wasn't this album, it was a 45 single.

I later did get this album, and several others of theirs, and then my neighbor's mother borrowed it for a wild party, and it got scratched from all the crazy drunken dancing.

Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass - Whipped Cream w/other delights CD.......2007-04-12

A slice of Classic Herb Albert & Tijuana Brass at their best

Average customer rating: Like they never left Like a late summer stroll on Newbury Street welcome back, old friends Return of the Tom Strong return for BT

Three Easy Pieces Buffalo Tom Manufacturer: New West Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Tiger Time on Earth Sky Blue Sky Our Love to Admire Icky Thump ASIN: B000Q6ZH2E Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Bad Phone Call
2. Three Easy Pieces
3. You'll Never Catch Him
4. Bottom of the Rain
5. Lost Downtown
6. Renovating
7. Good Girl
8. Pendleton
9. Gravity
10. Hearts of Palm
11. September Shirt
12. CC and Callas
13. Thrown

Amazon.com

Ever wonder what happened to Buffalo Tom, the seminal Boston trio whose early-'90s songs were splashed about alternative radio and MTV? They're back, and one spin of their first record since 1998's Smitten gives the impression that they never left and that a decade has gone by faster than a Tom Maginnis drumroll. The melodies still rumble with elegance. The choruses are instantly unforgettable. And the band's original members--Maginnis, Bill Janovitz (guitar/vocals), and Chris Colbourn (bass/vocals)--remain intact and chillingly in synch. While it might be apropos to say they have matured with age, as all three have seen 40 pass them by, the angst and innocence of these 13 songs could easily have come blasting out of 1992. Rockers "September Shirt," "Bottom of the Rain," and "Good Girl" surely entice, but it's the power-poppiness of "Renovating" and "CC and Callas" (both sung by the underrated Colbourn) that drift back to the band's staples like "Taillights Fade" and "Mineral." Add to that canon the radiant melody of "You'll Never Catch Him," where Janovitz's gravelly tenor complements a radiant hook that, together, recapture the brilliance of this essential American band. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

Like they never left.......2007-07-18

It is hard to believe that Smitten came out so long ago (where did those years go). I was worried that this new effort would not be true and an Adult Contemporary version of the BT I knew of the 90s. Happily I was wrong. Three Easy Pieces is a very strong effort that ranks up there with their best. Gone is the uneveness of Smitten. Every song gets under your skin. They also are doing a good job of using Chris's strong and different vocals. He sings lead on four songs, and unlike most groups where another band member gets a few "token" songs to sing, his are just as great and provide a nice contrast. Buy it, You will likey.

Like a late summer stroll on Newbury Street.......2007-07-18

Circa 1993 - Newbury Street, Boston... late afternoon showers followed by sunshine... listening to homemade comps of Buffalo Tom, Dino Jr. ... some of the best memories.

There is comfort in Buffalo Tom. Something there is about the chemistry between these three guys that makes the world feel half way right. Three Easy Pieces calls to mind all the amazing music made during their "popular years" back in the earlier to mid 90's; however, there's no hint of "formula". I don't think they set out to create "Let Me Come Over II". The songs on 3EP have that same melody, that same pop sensability, everything we love about Buffalo Tom. "Where are all those golden years?" - right here in 3EP.

welcome back, old friends.......2007-07-17

I've been a huge fan of Buffalo Tom since the Let Me Come Over days, and over the years I've eagerly anticipated the arrival of each new release. With such a long gap since the last album, the band had drifted off my radar until recently when I did a random search for them and found that some fresh material was about to hit the street. Having listened to Three Easy Pieces now in its entirety, I have mixed feelings. Overall it is not an outstanding album, but the quality of the good songs and the pristine production more than makes up for the overall weakness of the opus. The opener "Bad Phone Call" immediately strikes you as being something new for the Tom - a lazy, country-tinged rocker that could almost be a love duet if it hadn't been sung by two heterosexual males. "Bottom of the Rain" is more familiar and would have fit right in on Big Red Letter Day, the bands crowning achievement of almost 15 years back. "You'll Never Catch Him" sounds more like Let Me Come Over era material, and is also excellent. However, the band's finest moment is "Lost Downtown," a song that could perhaps be their best ever. Bill Janovich sings as if he is a love-smitten teenager instead of a 40+ something. The gentle, melodic rhythm is complemented perfectly by the bouncing baseline and Janovich's impassioned vocals. It's a subtle piece that demonstrates just how amazing a songwriter Janovich is when he's on top of his game. The rest of the album is, unfortunately, fairly forgettable, and Tom Colburn's contributions are weaker than usual. There is no "Late at Night" "The Bible" or "Twenty Points" here, sadly. All said, this is a "must buy" for Buffalo Tom fans, and others would be recommended to download the above mentioned songs from itunes, lest they be disappointed by the album as a whole. Despite my mixed review, I will be praying to the rock gods that Buffalo Tom deliver at least one more album before they call it quits for good.

Return of the Tom.......2007-07-16

Okay, so it's time to have a tempered review put up here. There will be no gushing, nor will there be no bemoaning hate. It's simply this; it's been a long pause since Smitten and it shows. I rather take issue with the Amazon review that this album is reminicent of past records... it does only in the respect that it "is" a Buffalo Tom record. When I initially put this album on, I'd steeled myself for a let down, as earlier return efforts this year had underwhelmed me. The good news... this is a decent Buffalo Tom record. The bad news... it's not outstanding and I don't hear anything on it that has "breakout" accessibility. Furthermore, a certain spark is somewhat dulled on here... a blunting of spirit, I guess from the passage of time, maybe. Smitten, their last effort, if a little overproduced, still had a sharper pop, spirit to it, even in sad songs. If you have liked Buffalo Tom all through their career, definitely get this. If you have not, start with an earlier Buffalo Tom release, just about any of them. Finally, my favorites and skips change over time, some songs grow on me, and some, I grow out of. My fave on this album, so far, is Pendleton, and I feel, personally, that the album's weakest tracks are ironically the first two. Cheers.~

Strong return for BT.......2007-07-13

This is a band that has had strong effort after strong effort in its long musical career. It is quite mind boggling why this band never "made it" (pros and cons of "making it" not to be debated).

Three Easy Pieces is everything a Buffalo Tom album should be, if you are a fan of thier poppier and mellower albums. Bill Janovitz and Chris Colbourn's vocals and lyrics are as catchy as ever. Lost Downtown and Throw are classic BT work that you'll find yourself singing to yourself or outloud.

Long time fans should enjoy this one as much as I did and newer listeners should give it a whirl....it's worth hearing the complete work rather than a download of just a few tracks.

Average customer rating: wedding music Great Product Excellent Classical Wedding Music Traditional and wonderful Awesome!!!!

Classical Wedding Various Artists Manufacturer: Spring Hill ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Wedding Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Wedding Favorites A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day Bride's Guide to Wedding Music The Complete Wedding Album Classical Wedding Traditions ASIN: B000000V1V Release Date: 1996-04-30

Tracks:

1. Hornpipe from The Water Music
2. Ode to Joy
3. Psalm XIX
4. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
5. Trumpet Tune
6. Arioso in A
7. La Rejoissance from The Royal Fireworks
8. Ave Maria
9. Trumpet Voluntary
10. Canon in D
11. Air from The Water Music
12. Rondeau from Sinfonies de Fanfares
13. The Lord's Prayer
14. Bridal Chorus
15. Fanfare and Bridal Chorus
16. Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

wedding music.......2007-07-18

This CD contains a smattering of all the traditional pieces you would expect to be played during a wedding ceremony which is why I purchased it. I do like it and it will be used at my ceremony. I prefer a little more big orchestral sound but this will do nicely.

Great Product.......2007-05-31

I bought this CD for my wedding. It is a very good product, great compilation of songs and great service.

Excellent Classical Wedding Music.......2007-05-14

Beautiful Classical Wedding music! CD has a wide varity of music; many favorites. Using ours for pre-wedding music, processional and recessional for our daughter's wedding! Thank you Amazon.com! MM

Traditional and wonderful.......2007-04-10

I bought this CD for my ballet classes and am really happy with it. It has all of the classics, and each is very true to it's original composition. There are a lot of horns, which are not my favorite, but the strings make it worth every penny!

Awesome!!!!.......2007-02-13

I purchased this for my daughters' wedding and it is so awesome, even heard songs on the cd that we just wonderful to use somewhere else during the ceremony.
Thanks,
L Juarez
Texas

Average customer rating: whoa! intense! Addendum Just For Fans Good stuff So cool to stumble on this

Live at Easy Street Pearl Jam Manufacturer: J Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Live at the Gorge 05/06 Live at Benaroya Hall Strung Out on Pearl Jam: Mad World - A String Quartet Tribute Pearl Jam Maximum Pearl Jam ASIN: B000FDFCBE Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

1. Half Full
2. Lukin
3. American In Me
4. Save You
5. Bleed For Me
6. New World (featuring John Doe)
7. Porch

Product Description

Pearl Jam played a surprise show at Easy Street Records in West Seattle on a Friday night, in support of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores(CIMS) and in celebration of CIMS 10-year anniversary. The result of that once in a lifetime performance has been recorded as an EP entitled LIVE FROM EASY STREET. This 7 song EP contains three never before released cover songs.

Album Description

Pearl Jam played a surprise show at Easy Street Records in West Seattle on a Friday night early in 2006. The result of that once in a lifetime performance are included on this EP. Features seven tracks including three previously unreleased cover versions, one of which is 'New World' by X, where they are joined by that band's John Doe! 2006.

Album Details

Pearl Jam Played a Surprise Show at Easy Street Records in West Seattle on a Friday Night Early in 2006. The Result of that Once in a Lifetime Performance Has Been Recorded as an EP Entitled "Live from Easy Street". This Seven Song EP Contains Three Never Before Released Cover Songs.

Customer Reviews:

whoa! intense!.......2007-06-07

This is what the others said it to be that reviewed this. Very intense! Not sure how or why it took me this long to find it.. but worth the wait!

Peace all..

John

Addendum.......2007-01-13

I have been a PJ fan since the mid-nineties and own hundreds of their albums, CDs, bootlegs, etc. So when I say to buy this I can't help being a little bit biased.

That aside, with no disrespect to reviewer Timothy J. Mccoy, this review was meant to make an addendum to his review: Only if you purchase this album straight from an independent record store would you be supporting said stores. Amazon is not an independent record store, and Live at Easy Street was released on J Records, owned and operated by Sony BMG. Nothing independent about that.

Also as a side note, if you are a bootleg collector, PJ performed 16 songs at this show, so if you are a completist you may want to find the complete show via audience recording.

Just For Fans.......2007-01-06

If you're Pearl Jam Fan, you have to get this itme inside your collection.

Good stuff .......2007-01-04

This EP is a nice addition for any collector of Pearl Jam, some rare cover tunes here and a surprised audience as well. Also when purchasing this you are supporting independent record stores as this is not on sale at Best Buy etc.

So cool to stumble on this.......2006-08-18

We have been spoiled with a wealth of great Pearl Jam stuff lately with the new album, the VH1 Storytellers show and this.

The Pearl Jam songs are of course wonderful but I love the covers. These guys are my age so when they pull out covers of rockin' songs from my youth (Clash, Who, Split Enz, etc.) I get excited. I never thought of Pearl Jam as a hardcore band but Bleed For Me totally works and reeling in John Doe for a cover of New World is genius.

Average customer rating: Love This Group! Never Sounded Better never gets old Absolutely wonderul Great Album>>> Love it

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - Greatest Hits Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bossa Nova | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout 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 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Latin Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '65 Timeless Definitive Hits The Very Best of Burt Bacharach Whipped Cream & Other Delights (40th Anniversary Edition) ASIN: B000002GCB Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Mais Que Nada (Ma-sh Kay Nada)
2. Scarborough Fair
3. With A Little Help From My Friends
4. Like A Lover
5. Look Of Love
6. Night & Day
7. Fool On The Hill
8. Going Out Of My Head
9. Look Around
10. So Many Stars
11. Daytripper
12. Pretty World

Amazon.com

A bridge between bossa nova and 1960s pop, Sergio Mendes' music was easy listening, vaguely psychedelic pop, light jazz, and bossa nova all rolled into one. Mendes and Brasil '66 (which featured Mendes on keyboards and a revolving cast of two female vocalists, bass, guitar, drums and percussion) had a number of hits from the mid-'60s to the early-1970s that are included here. Getting his professional start playing and arranging for Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joao Gilberto, Mendes typically filled out his proper albums with updated versions of popular songs written by the Brazilian masters as well as some of his own tunes ­ his tunes "Look Around" and "So Many Stars" are included. But this collection really surveys his interpretations of pop tunes of the day, some of which were never hits for Mendes. The small combo's light touch and rich vocal harmonies make for pleasant if kitschy covers of hits like the Beatles' "Fool On The Hill" and "Day Tripper," Burt Bacharach's "The Look Of Love," and others. ­ --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Love This Group!.......2007-06-22

Learned about this group while in college in the 60s and saw them perform in person. While their songs have a Latin and/or sultry beat, their renditions of songs in this CD are varied and wonderful. Songs from the Beatles, Cole Porter (fabulous rendition of "Night and Day")and composers Alan and Marilyn Bergman have very unique interpretations.

Never Sounded Better.......2007-06-17

The sound of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 is just as fresh and clean as it was fourty (ohmygod!) years ago. Perfect for quiet evenings at home setting a classy mood at your next party.

never gets old.......2007-05-14

I love this sound as much as I did originally. Some things that are solidly good stay that way. This album is one such.

Absolutely wonderul.......2007-05-11

I love Brasil 66 songs so much, I almost can't review this collection. I think of riding in our car in summer when I was 9 years old, my elbow on the window, the warm breeze swirling around my mom and me. I think of hot summer days and warm evenings, everything in time moving slowly and easily. Possibly my favorite song of all time is Pretty World... lyrics, music, and style perfectly blend into a happy bubble of being young and in love and care free. "We'll hang a little sign that just says 'Paradise - Population Two'." And those voices, those glorious sultry voices. (Combine with Bossa Nova by Putumayo.)

Great Album>>> Love it.......2007-02-21

This one bring me back to those days where my parents, aunts and uncles were playing it on LP. Great thing about it is I inherted their taste for great music. Althou the recording isnt as great sum of the remastered album, it still way better than playing LP.

Average customer rating: Once again - THANK YOU AMAZON REVIEWERS! A talent in progress! Vite la suite ! Hoo, boy, is this "easy to love"! "Easy to Love" is a gem!

Easy To Love Roberta Gambarini Manufacturer: Groovin' High/Kindred Rhythm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocalese | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Footprints From This Moment On On the Other Side Yours Surrender ASIN: B000FBHCP0 Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

1. Easy to Love
2. Only Trust Your Heart
3. Lover Man
4. On the Sunny Side of the Street
5. Porgy, Is Your Woman Now/I Loves You, Porgy
6. Lover Come Back to Me
7. The Two Lonely People
8. Centerpiece
9. Guess Ill Hang My Tears Out to Dry
10. No More Blues
11. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes/All the Things You Are
12. Too Late Now

Album Description

Although she was born and bred in Italy, Gambarini brings a distinctly American jazz flavor to Easy to Love. On the title track, her multi-octave range can be seen as an indication of the "cool school" but when she starts swinging she's anything but cool! Her scats and melodies breathe beautifully and her melodic lines have a lighter, airier quality that finds her swinging but in a softer, more relaxed manner. Billie Holiday's anthem "Lover Man" has been claimed as part of the cool jazz movement and Gambarini certainly offers an outstanding variation of this sublime ballad. Even Gershwin would have enjoyed her passionate reworking of "Porgy, I's Your Woman Now/I Loves You Porgy." Gambarini is equally successful at presenting this Great American Songbook standard as a medley of sentimentality with a range of penetrating cries and whispers implicated in her voice. From ballads to bop, Roberta proves she's no stranger to the art of swing or the bop idiom. Once into "On The Sunny Side of The Street" she teases with playful scats and daring vocalese that would renew anyone's vocal jazz ambitions. "Lover Come Back To Me" adopts a different tonal palette as she launches into a swinging set complete with searing scats that clearly show her respect for Ella Fitzgerald. Joined by the inimitable James Moody on tenor sax and vocals on "Lover Man" and "Centerpiece," the saxophonist adds his instinct for melodic development and own brand of scatting. Adding further to Gambarini's style is a mellifluous but dynamic ensemble that includes Chuck Berghofer and John Clayton on bass, Tamir Handelman and Gerald Clayton on piano, Willie Jones III and Joe La Barbera on drums.

Customer Reviews:

Once again - THANK YOU AMAZON REVIEWERS!.......2007-07-13

I might not have discovered this wonderful treasure (what a voice!) if it hadn't been for Amazon and the wonderful reviews written about this amazing talent. Thank you in particular to my Amazon friend Mary Whipple (her review, along with 'Mr. Jim' are my personal favorites and there is nothing I can pen in my review that could top their efforts) who really persuaded me to make this purchase. As an avid fan of JAZZ music, I have to say that I am absolutely thrilled to have discovered this remarkable vocalist. My personal opinion is that she is the best thing to happen to jazz music in the past twenty years. Just listen to this incredible debut recording and see for yourself.

I can guaranty this Italian bella from Milan will knock your socks off! Also, much credit needs to be given to the wonderful musicians behind the beautiful voice - Chuck Berghofer and John Clayton (bass), Gerald Clayton and Tamir Hendelman (Piano), Joe La Barbera and Willie Jones III (Drums), and a special guest performance by James Moody (Tenor Saxophone, Vocals).

Thank you again Amazon and you wonderful reviewers!

A talent in progress!.......2007-06-27

Roberta Gambarini,although her youth, demonstrates a profound sense of expression and sense of the meaning in every song she sings. She has generated around her a lot of succesful comments, but mostly what it really amazes me is her profound commitment and multidimensional range.

The arrangements are really superb and I don't hesitate for a second. She is one of the great jazz singers in this early Century.

Vite la suite !.......2007-06-16

ROBERTA GAMBARINI, une voix qui me laisse sans voix, LA DEESSE DU SWING.
J'attends avec impatience, courant juin, la sortie de son CD "You are there" en duo avec HANK JONES.
G.B.

Hoo, boy, is this "easy to love"!.......2007-06-09

In a landmark CD, more than seventy-seven gorgeous minutes long, Roberta Gambarini makes a breath-taking debut that should propel her to the top of the jazz world at a very young age. With her warm, full, alto voice and a deliberately understated accompaniment, often just a bass and piano, Gambarini does it all, from a capella intros in songs like "Easy to Love" (one of the best on the CD), to blues (in "Multi-Colored Blue," another standout), and lots of scat in "Lover Come Back to Me," which also features a terrific drum solo by Joe La Barbera. In "Centerpiece" she even duets with growly-voiced James Moody, the tenor sax player here, whose bass voice sets off her clear alto as she soars into soprano range.

Through out this terrific CD, Gambarini shows total control, suggesting, on many occasions, the work, of a very young Sarah Vaughan. Her diction, in which you can hear her T's and R's very clearly, and her often interesting phrasing, which enable her to convey a thought beyond the usual line length, sometimes at considerable speed, keep the listener intrigued on a level beyond sound. This is not to underestimate her gorgeous sound, but to point out that her technique enhances it in ways many other singers can only dream of.

I have listened to this CD so often, with so much pleasure, finding new things to like on each hearing, that it is difficult to choose a favorite track, but certainly "On the Sunny Side of the Street," not normally a song I like, would have to rank right up there. Here she plays with high notes and then plunges almost to bass range, using a great deal of scat, accompanied by bass (Chuck Berghofer) and wailing sax (James Moody), until she is vamping at the end of the song. "Multi-Colored Blue" is another great one, her scat set off by the bass and piano (Tamir Hendelman).

Very much in the tradition of the great women of jazz of the '50s through the '70s, Gambarini adds a personal touch and a young energy to many standards, creating her own sound and, undoubtedly, a jazz reputation among young singers. Sometimes so inspired by the instrumental melodies that she creates her own lyrics to accompany them, Gambarini does it all here. I cannot recommend a CD by a young singer more highly! n Mary Whipple

"Easy to Love" is a gem!.......2007-06-09

After so many repeated listenings in my car stereo, let me honestly state that Ms. Gambarini is among the best of the newer female jazz singers to arrive on the scene in perhaps the last 25 years. Her vocal style is purely her own, and should NOT be compared to the great singers that came before her.

This CD showcases Roberta and a fantastic array of musicians jamming it up - though every track is great, I have to cite two of my personal favorites - "Centerpiece" (with James Moody on sax and one heck of a scat duet with Roberta) and "Multi-Colored Blue," a Billy Strayhorn tune I've never heard of before.

Looking forward to the next album!!!

Average customer rating: A hit with the WWII generation great compilation of 40's music. Songs That Got Us Through WWII My Review Songs that got us through "the big one"...

Songs That Got Us Through WWII Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing Jazz & Big Band | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1940-1949 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocalists | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Purists | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Songs That Got Us Through WW2, Vol. 2 Great Records Of The Decade: 40's Hits, Vol. 1 Those Were Our Songs: Music of World War II Glenn Miller - Greatest Hits G.I. Jukebox: Songs from World War II ASIN: B0000032SP Release Date: 1990-03-16

Tracks:

1. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy - Andrew Sisters
2. I'll Be Seeing You - Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Never No Lament) - Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
4. Till Then - Mills Brothers
5. G.I. Jive - Johnny Mercer
6. I'll Walk Alone - Martha Tilton
7. When The Lights Go On Again (All Over The World) - Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra
8. Yours - Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
9. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive - Johnny Mercer
10. I Don't Want To Walk Without You - Harry James & His Orchestra
11. I Wonder - Louis Armstrong
12. Long Ago (And Far Away) - Jo Stafford
13. I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You) - Ink Spots
14. (There'll Be Blue Birds Over)The White Cliffs Of Dover - Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
15. Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer - The Song Spinners
16. Sentimental Journey - Les Brown & His Orchestra
17. Waitin' For The Train To Come In - Peggy Lee
18. It's Been A Long, Long Time - Harry James & His Orchestra

Album Description

They may have rationed meat, milk, canned goods, and gasoline, but there was no limit to the musical talent during World War II. Morale-boosting sounds on the home front and "over there" were one of the Allies' most potent weapons. WWII gave birth to many of the 1940s' most popular artists and songs, as well as many of the most important independent record labels. Songs That Got Us Through WWII is the first of a two-volume series collecting the hits that kept the home fires burning and brought a little bit of America to the G.I.s overseas. Compiled and developed by singer/songwriter/music historian Billy Vera, Vol. 1 features many of the era's biggest artists, including The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, The Mills Brothers, The Ink Spots, Harry James, and many more.

Customer Reviews:

A hit with the WWII generation.......2007-07-15

We played this CD at a family reunion honoring our elders (who either fought in WWII or were married to those who fought). It was a hit. The tunes ranged from bouncy to sentimental, but all were enjoyable.

great compilation of 40's music........2007-03-18

i was born in 1961, but like the geeky audiophile that i am, i have eagerly dug into all the decades that have produced recorded music. i always thought that the forties were one of the weaker decades out there when it comes to sonic delights. so why do i love the two volumes of "songs that got us through wwii" so much? rhino records has a lot to do with it. as all audiophiles of the cd age now, rhino is one of the best outfits around when it comes to compilations of music. on these 2 wonderful discs from the forties, they have done it again. pure pleasure is to be had here. one drifts back to another time, across decades, to experience the popular songs of another american culture. this is a perfect introduction to that decade for anyone. having heard these two volumes, i can't wait to give the forties another chance. i am being won over, i think. thanks rhino.

Songs That Got Us Through WWII.......2007-01-04

When my mother heard this CD that I played on a recent road trip, she sang along with every one! She loved it so much that I bought one for her, plus the second one in the set. The selections are great (variety of songs and artists) and recording quality very good considering a lot of these were recorded 60 years ago. This is a great CD for anyone over 50 who grew up with this music or listened to their parents play it.

My Review.......2006-11-20

The songs on this CD are the songs I loved listening & singing to when I
was a young teen. Wonderful CD!!!

Songs that got us through "the big one"..........2006-11-20

World War II was the most catastrophic in history. Fifty-five million people were killed in just five years. Music had the power to make people feel better even when life was this rough; and this CD proves it.

The CD starts on a strong upbeat note with The Andrews Sisters belting out "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Vic Schoen and his orchestra perform the musical arrangement which packs a big punch! I like this song for its "swing" feel and its playfulness at the same time.

The next song, "I'll Be Seeing You," switches right away to the sadder aspects of war. This classic tearjerker song deals with the pain two lovers or spouses experience when one must go to war. Frank Sinatra sings this beautifully. Other songs that deal with the pain and stress of war include "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" performed flawlessly by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra; "I'll Walk Alone" by Martha Tilton and "I Don't Want To Walk Without You" sung by Helen Forrest with Harry James and his Orchestra.

The CD also gives us songs that express hope for a quick end to the war so that a sense of normalcy can return. I love the beautiful "When The Lights Go On (All Over The World)" and "(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover." These are truly classic pop vocals.

"G.I. Jive" and "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive" are great upbeat songs, too. Terrific!

The CD has a solid ending with the touching "It's Been A Long, Long Time" sung by Kitty Kallen with Harry James and his Orchestra performing the musical arrangement.

The quality of the remastering could be better. Throughout the CD there is a lot of surface noise and it is obvious that these songs were recorded a very long while ago. However, in the liner notes there is a note that these recordings were remastered before superior technology was available to reduce surface noise. I considered giving this CD 4 1/2 stars for this but the songs are so good that this will be a five star review.

Bill Vera contributes an informative essay for the liner notes and there are several great photos of the artists on this CD. You also get the song credits and the date each hit was released. Excellent!

Overall, this is a great CD for people who love American pop classics from the World War II era and big band vocals in general. I highly recommend this CD; and if you like it then I suggest you try volume two of Songs That Got Us Through World War II. May you enjoy this nostalgic CD as much as I did!

SMILE

Music Album:

1. Far Away Blues
2. Faraway Land
3. Freddy Fender: 20 Hits
4. Greatest Hits, Vol. 1
5. Head on into Heartache
6. Heavy Weather
7. Here for the Party [DualDisc]
8. Honky Tonk Man: The Essential Johnny Horton 1956-1960
9. Horse Legends
10. Hot Pickin

Music Album