A Place in the World

Amazon.com
She's sophisticated, she's strong, and she's not afraid to be sexy--in short, Mary-Chapin Carpenter is a mirror on '90s American womanhood. Her songs explore everything from the complexities of boomer angst ("Hero in Your Own Hometown") to the simple joy of love ("I Want to Be Your Girlfriend") in a forthright manner that's garnered a following that spans boot-scootin' country types and soccer moms. It might be oversimplifying things to call her "a little bit country, a little bit rock & roll," but her knack for mingling guests like Shawn Colvin and Benmont Tench attests to Carpenter's refusal to accept a pigeonhole as her place in the world. --David Sprague

Tracks:

Home For The Holidays - Perry Como
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Jingle Bells - Ella Fitzgerald
Do You Hear What I Hear? - Andy Williams
Carol Of The Bells/Deck The Halls - The Robert Shaw Chorale
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day - Harry Belafonte
Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
My Favorite Things - Eddie Fisher
Joy To The World - Julie Andrews
Here We Come A-Caroling - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
March Of The Toys - The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
O Holy Night - Luciano Pavarotti

Tracks:

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Roger Whittaker
Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy - The Boston Pops Orchestra
Mary's Boy Child - Harry Belafonte
I'll Be Home For Christmas - Elvis Presley
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Sleigh Ride - Johnny Mathis
Tennessee Christmas - Alabama
Baby's First Christmas - Connie Francis
The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Simeone Chorale
Auld Lang Syne - Guy Lombardo

Customer Reviews:

Only half the songs of the original set!!.......2007-01-17

Although I love the CDs, I was disappointed that there were only about half of the songs I thought there would be. I bought the original double cassette set back in the early 90's and when I found the CDs with the same name and cover, I thought I was getting the same thing only on CD. But the Cassettes had twice as many songs, including Let it Snow,Have Yourself a merry Little Christmas,The First Noel, Jingle Bells by Jim Reeves, The Christmas song by the Carpenters and so many others!!

Its all Christmas.......2007-01-09

It reminded me of Christmas as a child. I played this all throughout the holidays.

A Good Basic Collection.......2006-02-11

This is a good, basic collection of Christmas Music. As a general rule, Time-Life has selected what is probably the definative artist/arangement of each song.

My only complaints are that there are only 24 songs on two disks and one or two of them are not ones that I would have picked (not my style).

Overall, it's a good set that I would recommend to anyone who wants to start a collection.

cd reviews.......2006-01-15

this cd was very good, much recommended

Poor Quality.......2005-12-05

The only good thing about this collection is the inclusion of so many Christmas standards. I was very disappointed in the quality of the recordings, they obviously need digital inhancement.

Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Kander and Ebbs' Score Stands Alone
Great Score, lousy show.
Kander and Ebb in a Major Key
Weak Plot ... Nice Score
WONDERFUL!

Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Fred Ebb
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003GAQ
Release Date: 1997-07-29

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Prelude - Orchestra/Daniel McDonald
Willing To Ride - Karen Ziemba
Everybody Dance - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon/Ronn Carroll/Gregory Mitchell...
Second Chance - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba
A Powerful Thing - Gregory Harrison/Ronn Caroll
Dance With Me/The Last Girl - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon/Daniel McDonald/Ensemble
The Shag - Orchestra
Everybody's Girl - Debra Monk
Two Step - Orchestra
Wet - Karen Ziemba/Daniel McDonald
Harmonica Specialty - John C. Havens
Lovebird - Karen Ziemba/Adam Pelty/Gregory Mitchell/Daniel McDonald/Ensemble
The Sprints - Gregory Harrison/Ronn Carroll/Daniel McDonald/Company
Entr'Acte - Orchestra
Leave The World Behind - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/Ensemble
Somebody Older - Debra Monk/Jim Newman
Running In Place - Karen Ziemba
Two Little Words - Kristin Chenoweth/Gregory Harrison/Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/Adam Pelty/Company
First You Dream - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba
Steel Pier - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon
Steel Pier (Reprise) - Karen Ziemba/Gregory Harrison/Company
Final Dance - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/John Kander

Customer Reviews:

Kander and Ebbs' Score Stands Alone.......2007-01-21

The biggest criticism of this Broadway musical was the book. It allegedly meandered, bored the audience and included unfocussed or unnecessary sequences such as the "dream sequence". Well, I never saw the show and can only evaluate this score on its own merits. Based on that alone, it's a complete winner. Memorable songs, great performances, and the score itself tell a clear story that might have been muddled by an overly fussy book (again, that's from heresay...I never saw the show, which flopped in its initial presentation -- unfortunately, because there is much to admire and enjoy in this typically complex Kander and Ebb score).

First of all, top-rate performances abound here. Karen Ziemba makes every one of her songs sail into the stratosphere. She is a true wonder and deserved her Tony nomination against incredible competition (Bebe Neuwirth got it for the much more popular "Chicago", but Ziemba's her equal). Debra Monk once again makes her mark as a Broadway character actress, although her song "Everybody's Girl" is easily the worst song in the show and certainly beneath Kander and Ebbs' standard, but she wins you over with her energetic and well-placed rendition. Daniel MacDonald does a suberb job as the ill-fated hero, exposing innocence and wry commentary in his very presence, but he is equalled by Gregory Harrison's slimy and ultimately ferocious performance as Mick, the emcee.

The score evokes the time (the 1930s) without relying on pastiche to put it over. Of note, Ziemba's intro, "Willing to Ride", the ensemble "Everybody Dance" (which gives Harrison his chance to shine), "Two Little Words" (which provides the auspicious debut of a most impressive Kristen Chenowith and augers the great things yet to come for her), the touching "First you Dream" and, finally, the both ferocious and mournful reprises of the title song display a powerful and underrated score that deserves reevaluation.

If the book got it wrong, the composers and actors got it quite right the first time. This Original Cast Recording will always be proof positive of that undeniable fact. Always "dream".

Great Score, lousy show........2006-07-22

I think it's one of Kander and Ebbs best, better than Chicago and close to Cabaret. Sadly, the book ruined the show, it bored people. Yet, listening to the ravishing music on the CD, it's hard to realize that it all didn't come together. Maybe someday, someone will revise the book and make it work. Till then, enjoy the CD, it's absolutly gorgeous, had great character numbers, spirited dance numbers and dazzling ballads. The performances are wonderful, with Gregory Harrison (who knew Trapper John could sing?) , Daniel MacDonald and Karen Ziemba shining through on every song. The opening and closing theme is haunting.

Kander and Ebb in a Major Key.......2006-02-09

I first heard excerpts from this on Accuradio.com, and thought it sounded great. It is. In the Kander and Ebb canon, Steel Pier may not rank with Chicago, but I enjoy listening to it as much as to Cabaret. It's sweeter and less dark than either of those, but set in the same period (1933) and just as evocative of that period.

First, the performances of the leads are excellent. Karen Ziemba is superb. Daniel McDonald has a wonderful light baritone, and who knew Gregory Harrison (Trapper John, M.D.) could sing, let alone sing well. Debra Monk performs an excellent comic turn. Kristen Chenoweth's Broadway debut number was corny as can be, but did show off her talent and range well.

The music is just wonderful. Willing to Ride is a spirited waltz. Everybody Dance is a near-perfect Charleston opener top the dance marathon that forms the backbone of the plot. Power is a Powerful Thing may be a little weak in the lyrics, but its set to a spirited and charming ragtime melody. Dance with Me and The Last Girl are sung in a medley format. This is almost a shame because both numbers are excellent in their own right. In fact, The Last Girl is as gorgeous a ballad as you can find anywhere.

Wet is a tinkling, sparkling number in which Ms. Ziemba charms, and Mr. McDonald has a teriffic counterpoint melody. Ms. Monk has a showstopper in Everybody's Girl and a torchy number with Somebody Older. The Shag is a dance piece that may be the best number of all. It seems to alternate between twenties hot jazz and the swing that was just starting to be heard around then. There's also a great bluesy harmonica specialty number, whose only flaw is that it's too short. All in all, the score is a gem, especially compared to most of what we've heard in the last twenty years or so.

This is one of those recordings that makes you wonder why the show was a flop. I went back and read the reviews. Basically they didn't like the plot and felt the production strained too hard to be likeable, but lacked energy at the same time. The show also suffered from comparison to the stunning revival of Chicago that opened in the same season. The critics even managed to be lukewarm on the score. The show closed shortly after being nominated for eleven Tony's and winning none - that was the year Titanic swept the boards. With all that, I'd still say the score is marvelous when heard on its own merits. And I'd go to see a revival if someone would do it. Buy it. I recommend it without reservation.

Weak Plot ... Nice Score.......2005-08-06

The overall plot for Kander & Ebb's 1997 "Steel Pier" is fairly weak, but the score is actually quite good and sung by a terrific cast (Karen Ziemba, Daniel McDonald, Debra Monk, Gregory Harrison, and Kristin Chenowith). Not in the same league as their brilliant "Chicago", "Cabaret" or "Kiss Of The Spider Woman", but a worthy effort with several nice tunes.

Best tracks:

Willing To Ride
Second Chance
Running In Place
First You Dream

Unfortunately, "Steel Pier" was overshadowed by that season's remarkable revival of "Chicago" and dreadful "Titanic". A fine addition, however, to a theatre-lover's collection!

WONDERFUL!.......2005-04-28

I love this album! I bought it a few weeks ago and from the moment I listened to "Two Little Words" I knew this was going to be one of my favorites! The music absolutely gorgeous! I reccomend it!

The Rocky Horror Show (2000 Broadway Revival Cast)

Average customer rating:

One of my favorite cast recordings
Thougt You Were The Candyman Didn't ya freggy!
The Rockiest Recording to Date
Good recording, bad show.
Oh Daphne!

The Rocky Horror Show (2000 Broadway Revival Cast)
Alice Ripley , Tom Hewitt , Raul Esparza , Sebastian Lacause , Jarrod Emick , Lea Delaria , Daphne Rubin-Vega , and Richard O'Brien
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005B605
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

Overture
Science Fiction Double Feature
Damn It, Janet
Over At The Frankenstein Place
Time Warp
Sweet Transvestite
The Sword Of Damocles
I Can Make You A Man
Hot Patootie
I Can Make You A Man (reprise)
Touch-A-Touch-A-Touch Me
Once In A While
Eddie's Teddy
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I'm Going Home
Spaceship
Super Heroes
Science Fiction Double Feature (reprise)
Time Warp (reprise)

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The movie version of The Rocky Horror Show has turned into such an enduring cult success that it has pretty much obliterated the fact that it all started with a stage show. And now Richard O'Brien's musical is back on stage, where some say it truly belongs (it was nominated for the category Best Revival of a Musical in the 2001 Tony Awards). With a great cast that includes Dick Cavett, Alice Ripley (Janet), Tom Hewitt (Frank 'N' Furter), and Daphne Rubin-Vega (Magenta), the revival fires on all cylinders. Note that while Joan Jett was in the cast as Columbia, she's not on the CD (Kristen Lee Kelly is). But Lea DeLaria, last seen stealing the show in On the Town, more than compensates by playing both Eddie (Meat Loaf in the movie!) and Dr. Scott--and doing great by both. As a bonus, the song "Once in a While" is back after being cut from the movie. Bursting with energy, this recording brings the rock back in Rocky. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

One of my favorite cast recordings.......2007-01-17

This was the first Rocky Horror album I've ever listened to besides the movie soundtrack. Despite the lack of Joan Jett as Columbia and the 2nd Usherette, this album is sweet. Daphne-Rubin Vega is perfect as Magenta. And Tom Hewlett 's interpretation as Frank N. Furter is just in sync with the character. But he's still no Tim Curry. And the rest of the cast is sublime. And with Dick Cavett as the Criminologist and famed lesbian comedienne Lea DeLaria as both Eddie and Dr. Scott is just excellent.

Thougt You Were The Candyman Didn't ya freggy!.......2006-06-22

I thought that this was gonna be just another edition of the Rocky Horror Show.But boy was I wrong.I loved it they really modernized and gave it more of a Rock flavor than in the original play which was more pop.I just loved how they had the Overture and Space shipa partof the cd.They really recreated great for broadway.When i heard that broadway was doing Then Rocky Horror Show I didn't know what to think.Because Rocky Horror had been an off-broadway show for many years.The thought of it being onBroadway was just amazing Because people back in the 70's and 80's always thought that The Rocky Horror Show was much too trashy to be put on Broadway.Because you always think about broadway plays as being classy and eligent.They didn't want a play about Sex and Horror and Gay Transvestites.But this was just a head turner.I loved it.It's definitely 5 stars.The cd quality was great.It was so professionally done and it was great.I think any RHS Fan will love it.This was no candyman!

The Rockiest Recording to Date.......2006-06-07

This 2000 Broadway revival of the cult classic THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW boasts a completely re-vamped orchestration of Richard O'Brien's score. This is certainly the most rock-fused version of these songs to date, and right from the "Overture" the listener can assume this. Many may not be able to accept this harder, bolder score and I myself am a bit skeptical, considering the more piano-driven and sci-fi sounding orchestrations of the film soundtrack or Roxy cast recording. However, it is so interesting to hear these songs done like this that I cannot help but enjoy it. The performances are half-and-half. Daphne Rubin-Vega belts out the opening number in that great gravelly voice she has, and Raul Esparzza sends chills down my spine every time I hear his two great solo moments ("The darkness must flow down the river...." and "Frank 'N' Furter, it's all over..."). Sebastian LaCause is amazing as Rocky, as thankless a part that is. Eddie and Dr. Scott being portrayed by a woman (Lea DeLaria) is one of the strangest casting decisions ever and is too distracting to be able to even listen to her (his? I don't know!!!) songs: "Hot Patootie" and "Eddie's Teddy." Tom Hewitt does his best as Frank 'N' Furter, but the character was so well defined by Tim Curry in the film (one of the most underrated performances ever) that one can't help but ignore him. I'd say that this recording is something every ROCKY HORROR fan should listen to; it just all depends on whether you like the new or original orchestrations.

Good recording, bad show........2006-03-10

Rocky Horror is an American institution. It's indelible, unforgettable, and entirely unique. But without the audience participation, the show is revealed - it's simply not very good. It's a passable (if dated) parody of '50s B-movies with a transvestite main character and some halfway decent songs. The show lives with and dies without an audience. The lyrics, the characters - nothing is half as fun without the audience throwing and shouting and bantering right along.

That said, this is a VERY good recording of what's there. Tom Hewitt does as good a job as anyone trying to fill Tim Curry's sequined heels, and brings some nice twists to the table instead of going the Curry-imitation route. Raul Esparza as Riff-Raff is electric - his rendition of "Time Warp" is unlike anything else you're likely to hear on a cast recording. He blasts it right into outer space, screaming like the world's going to end. Daphne Rubin-Vega is plenty of fun as Columbia, giving a nicely sinuous and raw-edged sexiness to the role. The orchestra gives their all to the new arrangements, and they sound crystal clear.

It's definitely the best recording of the show available, even sans Tim Curry.

Oh Daphne!.......2005-12-29

Most of the reviews have it right here - this production wasn't really Rocky at it's best. That being said, I must say that Daphne Ruben-Vega as magenta is probably one of the most interesting, refreshing, and note worthy things about this recording. Very cool in that regard.

That's All...

Average customer rating:

Hallelujah: 35 Great Sacred Choruses

Manufacturer: Sparrow
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001KL4OU
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Vivaldi
Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
And Then Shall Your Light Break - Mendelssohn
If Ye Love Me - Tallis
Hallelujah - Beethoven
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
The Heavens Are Telling - Haydn
Panis Angelicus - Franck
Magnificat - J.S. Bach
Ave Verum Corpus - Byrd
How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place - Brahms
Miserere Mie, Deus - Allegri
Hallelujah, Amen - Handel
How Lovely Are The Messengers - Mendelssohn
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Handel
Lacrimosa - Mozart
Laudate Dominum - Mozart
Hallelujah Chorus - Handel

Tracks:

Zadok The Priest - Handel
Sanctus - Gounod
He, Watching Over Israel - Mendelssohn
O, Sacred Head, Sore Wounded - J.S. Bach
Thine Be The Glory - Handel
Ave Maria - Rachmaninov
Gloria - Haydn
God So Loved The World - Stainder
Rejoice In The Lord Always - Purcell
I Was Glad - Parry
O Taste And See - Vaughan Williams
O Clap Your Hands - Vaughan Williams
Song For Athene - Tavener
The Old Hundredth - Vaughan Williams
Thou Knowest, Lord - Purcell
Ode To Joy - Beethoven
A Gaelic Blessing - Rutter

Average customer rating:

No it's not sh-- kicking country
The Whole Maybe Less Than The Sum of Its Parts
One Of Her best!
You call this country?
A dissenting opinion: I love this album

A Place in the World
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Stones in the Road
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Come On Come On

ASIN: B000002BG2
Release Date: 1996-10-22

Tracks:

Keeping The Faith
Hero In Your Hometown
I Can See It Now
I Want To Be Your Girlfriend
Let Me Into Your Heart
What If We Went To Italy
That's Real
Ideas Are Like Stars
Naked To The Eye
Sudden Gift Of Fate
The Better To Dream Of You
A Place In The World

Amazon.com

She's sophisticated, she's strong, and she's not afraid to be sexy--in short, Mary-Chapin Carpenter is a mirror on '90s American womanhood. Her songs explore everything from the complexities of boomer angst ("Hero in Your Own Hometown") to the simple joy of love ("I Want to Be Your Girlfriend") in a forthright manner that's garnered a following that spans boot-scootin' country types and soccer moms. It might be oversimplifying things to call her "a little bit country, a little bit rock & roll," but her knack for mingling guests like Shawn Colvin and Benmont Tench attests to Carpenter's refusal to accept a pigeonhole as her place in the world. --David Sprague

Customer Reviews:

No it's not sh-- kicking country.......2007-07-01

MCC has moved beyond the pure country genre into real music. Each track on this and her latest two discs (Between Here and Gone, The Calling) are pure musical poetic imagery. She ranks right up there with Bob Dylan and Paul Simon as true poets of our generation.

The Whole Maybe Less Than The Sum of Its Parts.......2005-10-24

This album seems to have attracted some negative responses on Amazon feedback. One complains that it's not country, and that everything on it is awful. Mary Chapin Carpenter sits uncomfortably with the country tag but rightly or wrongly, Nashville made her what she is and some people like to pigeon-hole her for that. That is unfortunate, because those who really appreciate the music of Mary Chapin Carpenter recognise her first and foremost as an accomplished singer-songwriter. That may turn some people off. I believe that is their loss.

Having said that, I will admit to an initial disappointment with this album, my expectations were high following 1994's "Stones In The Road", which, incidentally, was the very first Mary Chapin album I heard that I had to wait, somewhat restlessly, for its release.

Over time, and it took probably a couple of years of sometimes passing interest, something finally gelled. I think the rather noisy intro to "Keeping The Faith" may have derailed me at first, and I wasn't that impressed with "Let Me Into Your Heart" from the time I heard it as the album's first single. I still think she's done better. In 1997, I was fortunate enough to see Mary Chapin in concert at Wolf Trap. The one song that I remember from that show was "Hero In Your Hometown",which is another one I hadn't particularly been impressed with up to that point. Was it because being at Wolf Trap, I felt like a hero in her hometown? Perhaps, but not really. As the song says, "everything looks so clear when you're looking back from such a distance/when the road not taken disappears into the path of least resistance." The idea that perceiving yourself as some kind of a hero works when you're young, but delivers a different view in hindsight. Insight. The songs that did grab my attention at first were "I Can See It Now" (I can see it now, the empty and the ache/that bitter little pill that I don't wanna take/instead I'd swallow all the pride I ever knew/to crawl back if you asked, all that I would do ..."), and "Naked To The Eye" ("which is worse is yet to come, your rebuff or my resign").

For reasons I find impossible to explain, some of the songs where I now consider Mary Chapin's artistry is to the fore, took a while to register. Particularly "Sudden Gift Of Fate" and "A Place In The World." They now ring in me as simple yet fundamental truths. In "Sudden Gift Of Fate" - "it's not if it comes down to your turn that someone, somewhere feels you've earned/you just learn to wait/for sudden gifts of fate." "A Place In The World" resonates with "takes some of us a little longer/a few false starts gonna make you stronger." And "since I've learned to walk, all I've done is run/ready on my mark, doesn't everyone need/a place in the world." Psychologists, amateur and otherwise, will likely have a field day on this review. Go for it. They will probably be able to explain the reason why I wasn't attracted to the album intitially and that I probably still don't realise.

I love the exuberance of "The Better To Dream Of You" ("like an old time tent revival I felt my heart come back alive/no preacher baby, no bible/just this love to testify" (somewhat ironic?) and the simple truth of "fool you once, you are forgiven, fool you twice you're just a fool". "I Want To Be Your Girlfriend" was once described in a review as "rock and roll silliness" but I beg to differ. It's another expression of youthful exuberance, and there's nothing silly about that.

Then there's "Ideas Are Like Stars" - "they fall from they sky, they run round your head/they litter your sleep as they beckon/they'd teach you to fly without wires or thread/they'd promise if only you'd let them". The only thing that sits a bit uncomfortably there for me is the word "litter" - I think there must be a better way of conveying the idea. Sorry Mary Chapin.

All in all, I think lyrically this may be one of Mary Chapin's strongest albums. She seems to possess a rare talent of comparing opposites to great effect. The one that sticks in my mind the most is from 1990's "Moon and St. Christopher" -"there's two lanes running down this road, whichever side you're on/accounts to where you want to go or what you're running from."

I Can See It Now. It's Naked To The Eye. Mary Chapin helps me to see my Place In The World. Not quite a Sudden Gift of Fate. But of course, it was never meant to be. At least, not until now. I once saw Mary Chapin described as a geographer of the heart. Traversing the terrain can be a painful but ultimately rewarding experience.

Oh my God. I think I've just realised what may have caused me to feel distant from the album at first. Mary Chapin, if you ever read this, it has nothing to do with you. It had everything to do with the time of its release and a confusing situation with someone. Which itself parallels something similar from the last month or so. The details, of course, I keep for myself. I may subtly reveal it in a song sometime.

One Of Her best!.......2004-06-06

I loved "Place" the day I brought it home and I still do this day. One her best, a true poet with great insight and pretty good voice to interpate the message.

You call this country?.......2003-08-06

I came across Ms. Carpenter's "Down At The Twist And Shout" on a country assortment album and thought it was a super song. So in browsing in a music store I came across this album and bought it on the strength of "Twist And Shout". All the reviews I see on Ms. Carpenter is that she is such a great singer and songwriter. She wrote all of the songs in this album and I guess they all mean something to her but they do nothing for me. Every song seems to have the same beat and rhythm and goes on forever. I listened to the album three times to make sure I wasn't missing something, but sure enough, every song was awful. I won't play this CD again. I've been a country music fan for over 40 years but this is as foreign to me as the acid rock of the 1970's.

A dissenting opinion: I love this album.......2001-12-09

I've never written a review before, but I had to contribute a dissenting opinion to the general consensus on this album. It's the first MCC album I've bought (but not the last) and I love it! About 1/3 of the songs I could've done without (such as the one about baby boomers, a group to which I don't belong and am a little tired of hearing about), but the others are unique, engaging, and they reach me like few other songs I've heard. I have a 6-disk CD changer in my car, but this is the one CD that I keep coming back to. I would buy this album just for "That's Real." I would actually give this about 4.5 stars. The songs are not as "catchy" as, say, Down at the Twist and Shout, but -- as much as I love that song -- the ones on this album mean more to me.

Average customer rating:

Great Composer, Great Pianist

R. Nathaniel Dett: Piano Works

Manufacturer: New World Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Music of R Nathaniel Dett

ASIN: B0000030E9
Release Date: 1992-12-08

Tracks:

Magnolia Suite: No.1 Magnolias
Magnolia Suite: No.2 Deserted Cabin
Magnolia Suite: No.3 My Lady Love
Magnolia Suite: No.4 Mammy
Magnolia Suite: No.5 The Place Where The Rainbow Ends
In The Bottoms: Prelude: Night
In The Bottoms: His Song
In The Bottoms: Honey: Humoresque
In The Bottoms: Barcarolle: Morning
In The Bottoms: Dance: Juba
Eight Bible Vignettes: Father Abraham
Eight Bible Vignettes: Desert Interlude
Eight Bible Vignettes: As His Own Soul
Eight Bible Vignettes: Barcarolle Of Tears
Eight Bible Vignettes: I Am The True Vine
Eight Bible Vignettes: Martha Complained
Eight Bible Vignettes: Other Sheep
Eight Bible Vignettes: Madrigal Divine

Customer Reviews:

Great Composer, Great Pianist.......2005-03-31

This album contains a masterful interpretation by the spectacular pianist Denver Oldham of the beautiful, important, and often forgotten piano works of R. Nathaniel Dett. Perfection of expression is the most accurate way I can think to describe Oldham's performances both recorded and live.

Average customer rating:

West meets East
Healing.....healing the earth....In A Distant Place by Nakai
Superlative music, memorable listening.
One of the Most Vital Releases of 2000

In a Distant Place
R. Carlos Nakai , William Eaton , Will Clipman , and Nawang
Manufacturer: Canyon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Tibet | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Native American | North America | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

North America | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ancestral Voices
Quiet Mind: The Musical Journey of a Tibetan Nomad
Through Windows & Walls
Feather, Stone & Light
Universal Love

ASIN: B000050HY1
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

A Gathering Of Eagles
Aspen Wind
Tibetan Turquoise
My Wild Heart Sings
Prayer For The New Millenium
Riding The Wind
Dream Catcher
In A Distant Place
Dwelling In The Garden
A Song For My People
As Long As The Grass Grows
Barbarians At The Gate

Product Description

1. A Gathering Of Eagles
2. Aspen Wind
3. Tibetan Turquoise
4. My Wild Heart Sings
5. Prayer For The New Millennium
6. Riding The Wind
7. Dream Catcher
8. In A Distant Place
9. Dwelling In The Garden
10. A Song For My People
11. As Long As The Grass Grows
12. Barbarians At The Gate

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

West meets East .......2006-07-05

Nakai, Eaton, Clipman usually bring a chemistry that consistently spells musical enjoyment and creative substance. In this outing Tibetan flute player, Nawang Khechog joins to add some eastern flavor. For the most part, this CD delivers. The creativity and artistry are evident throughout. The only thing that detracts (at least for my tastes) is Khechog's chanting. It is not the chanting per se, but Khechog's delivery that bugs me. Nakai has employed this technique as well throughout his career, but his chanting seems to always be appropriately subdued and rhythmical. I can tolerate it to a point, but Khechog just seems to overdo it at times and thus the music takes a back seat. Other than that minor negative, this CD is a valuable addition to the collection. There are even a few tracks that are right up there with my favorite Nakai, Eaton, Clipman work, "Feather, Stone & Light".

Bottom line, to some the chanting will not be bothersome. To others, it may cause some distraction from the otherwise very creative and enjoyable music. Without Nhechog's chanting, this would be a solid 4 star effort.

Offered as my humble opinions,

- Scriptor

Healing.....healing the earth....In A Distant Place by Nakai.......2001-12-04

Into my awareness... the healing properties of music continue to expand huge horizons of healing...In A Distant Place where much love compassion and healing to the earth is welcome at this moment with much love to Nakai,Eaton, Clipman and Nawang for your contribution which continues to benefit all of humanity.

Superlative music, memorable listening........2001-01-23

Blend the Native American flute of Nakai with the Tibetan flutes of Khechog along with guitar and harp and you have a 'best of both worlds' effect which is original and haunting. The music comes alive and crosses cultures in a group which takes its ethnic roots a step further in a cross-cultural blend.

One of the Most Vital Releases of 2000.......2001-01-16

In A Distant Place is one of the most beautiful and astonishing albums I have ever owned. Every song is unique in its own way and every song title fits the song like a glove. R. Carlos Nakai, Newang Khechog, William Eaton , and Will Clipman unite together forming a cultural masterpiece. Every instrument from the Native American flute (performed by Nakai) to the spiral clef guitar (performed be Eaton) flows fluidly and vividly. The Album starts off with the amazing "A Gathering of Eagles". After hearing this song i knew i was in for a real treat. "My Wild Heart Sings" is one of the best songs I have ever heard. It's so in depth, in fact, that its hard to sit still. William Eaton's guitar playing is also brilliant. "Prayer For the New Millenium" is one of the most beautiful and relaxing songs i have ever heard. Nakai's chanting flows perfecty with the percussion and flute. "Riding the Wind" is a dead-on jam. I think this album was made for everyone and I think a majority of people from all over the world will love this album. This is incredible music.

Average customer rating:

A Great Soundtrack For a Great Movie!

The Brave Little Toaster

Manufacturer: Percepto
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Brave Little Toaster
The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue
The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars
Charlotte's Web, Music from the Motion Picture

ASIN: B000A2H1XW
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

Main Title
They All Wake Up
Blanket's Dream
Air Conditioner Blows
They Decide to Go
They Look for Transportation
Out into the World
City of Lights
Blanket Looks for a Place to Sleep
Pond/Busby Berkley/The Meadow
Toaster's Dream
Storm
Blanket Is Blown Away
Waterfall
Vacuum Rescues the Group
They Sink in the Mud
In the Shop
Blender's Motor Is Sold
It's a 'B' Movie
Radio Is Stalked
Happy Travel
Into the City
Cutting Edge
Junkyard Montage
Worthless
Finale
End Title

Customer Reviews:

A Great Soundtrack For a Great Movie!.......2006-04-26

This is probably one of the most complete scores you will ever find for an item, and the songs are all well-written and unique from each other. I will review a few specific tracks:

1. Main Title-The Brave Little Toaster has one of the creepiest intros, panning through the dark woods to find an empty cabin full of seemingly lifeless appliences. This haunting track works very well with it.

3. Blanket's Dream-I'm not keen on them leaving in the dialogue here, as you don't get the whole fantasy scene unless you've seen it. Still, Lampy and Radio's amusing lines are here, which is good.

4. The Air Conditioner Blows-For anyone who was terrified of this scene as a kid, this frantic track does the whole thing justice, with a grim ending.

6. Again, the dialogue and sound effects are left in, but they actually help the humor in this track. Lampy's voice is awsome.

8. City of Light-This is my favorite of all the songs. It's a bright and optimistic ballad-ish song when the appliences set out. They're all good singers, even though Lampy speaks a few of his lines. Very catchy.

10. The Pond-This one has to be heard to be believed. It's sound effects of the pond create lovely music, and the highlight is the opera singing fish (don't ask).

11. Toaster's Dream-I just have to say, this is a really scary track to accompany the scene that probably scared me the most when I was younger. That clown...

19. It's a 'B' Movie-This is a spooky number, and will remind you of Rocky Horror Picture Show. Preformed by the junkshop appliences (and a bit by the core group), it's the first showstopper.

22. Into the City-A Beautiful instrumental version of City of Light.

23. Cutting Edge-A techno number sung by the mean appliences that replaced the old ones. It has great lyrics and sounds just like some commercials from that era.

25. Worthless-A disco style song belted out by the poor cars at the junkyard before they all meet their "deaths" at a trash compactor. Catchy and sad at the same time, and a favorite of many.

26. Finale-A seven minute long song. Ranges from hopeful to frantic to a happy ending.

27. End Title-A very happy song to end the soundtrack.

Buy it now. It's everything you've ever dreamed of on the edge...and more!

Average customer rating:

Failed Ideas
Simply Exquisite

Out of This World
Harold Arlen , Herbert/ Arlen, Harold ("Hal") Stothart , Allan Schwartzberg , Joe Beck , Cyro Baptista , James Saporito , Jeffrey Harris , and Mike Renzi
Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Music Never Ends - The Lyrics of Alan & Marilyn Bergman
Naughty Baby
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Maureen McGovern
With a Song in My Heart: Greatest Songs of Rodgers & Hart
Another Woman in Love

ASIN: B0000TAZ5Q
Release Date: 2003-11-18

Tracks:

Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home
Come Rain or Come Shine
Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive/Get Happy
It's Only a Paper Moon
Let's Fall in Love [*]
Sleepin' Bee
Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead
Optimistic Voices [*]
Over the Rainbow
Let's Take a Walk Around the Block
Don't Like Goodbyes
Right as the Rain
Out of This World
Man That Got Away/Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin' All the Time)/Blues in
My Shining Hour

Customer Reviews:

Failed Ideas.......2004-12-09

Maureen McGovern is a national treasure. Her Naughty Baby CD to me is the 2nd coming of Christ. By comparison Out of this World is quite disappointing. Mostly either Harold Arlen or MM's uninspiring interpretations and/or Renzi's arrangements don't seem to suit MM on this CD. The drums and percusion are sometimes schlocky. The screechy sax is always terrible. Also not working for me are the electric keyboard/synthesizer, the electric guitar and the cello. Even Renzi's piano playing is sometimes a let down. Jay Leonhart's great bass work seems to be the only thing that you can depend on here. Did MM do this to herself or is Renzi mainly responsible? Spend your money instead on: Naughty Baby, The Music Never Ends, The Pleasure of his Company and Christmas With MM. All wonderful music.

Simply Exquisite.......2003-12-01

I'd forgotten what a beautiful, supple vocal instrument McGovern has. Here, she sings blues- and jazz-flavored tunes, torchy ballads, and more--all Harold Arlen--including "It's Only a Paper Moon," "Over the Rainbow," "Let's Take a Walk Around the Block," "The Man That Got Away" and "Come Rain or Come Shine." Her "Optimistic Voices" (from The Wizard of Oz) is worth the price of the entire CD. It is simply exquisite, like a fine jewel, polished and gleaming with feeling.

Average customer rating:

Best of Shearing AND Kings Singers

Get Happy

Manufacturer: EMI / Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002RS1
Release Date: 1991-08-16

Tracks:

Sweet And Low-Down
The Half-Of-It-Dearie Blues
The Real American Folk Song
Any Place I Hang My Hat
III. Wind
I Got Rhythm
Out Of This World
Over The Rainbow
One For My Baby
Oh, I Can't Sit Down
But Not For Me
It Ain't Neccessarily So
It's A New World
Get Happy
When The Sun Comes Out
My Shining Hour
Lullyaby Of Birdland

Customer Reviews:

Best of Shearing AND Kings Singers.......2002-05-26

This is a fantastic recording. There are interesting arrangements from some of the best popular music arrangers, including Richard Rodney Bennett, Paul Hart and Daryl Runswick, not to mention Shearing's great new 5/4 version of his best-loved song Lullaby of Birdland, which begins with a jazz version of Brahms' Lullaby.

The Kings Singers are in fine form, with their flawless intonation and meticulous attention to creating a great sound.

Each track features just the sextet, Shearing and a double bass (played by Neil Swainson), except for One For My Baby, which adds John Harle on saxophone. That track is one of the three terrific Daryl Runswick arrangements included on the album.

Other stand-outs are:

The-Half-of-It-Dearie Blues, which sounds very similar to their much earlier version of it, i.e. sensitive and sensuous.
Gershwin's The Real American Folk Song (is a rag)
Daryl Runswick's interpretations of I Got Rhythm and Anyplace I Hang My Hat
Over the Rainbow

It is worth getting Amazon to hunt for this album for you: it is one of the very best of many fine albums the performers have made. Getting them together for this disc was a first-class idea.

Music Album:

Music Album