The RCA Years

Product Description:
23 tracks that contain every hit this great '40s country star ever waxed. Collectors' Choice. 1997.

The RCA Years,Elton Britt,Collector's Choice,Country,Country & Western,Honky Tonk,Pop,Traditional Country,Yodeling

Average customer rating: Not what I expected WINDHAM HILL IS THE BEST ! ! ! music and soul 30 yeas of Windham Hill A Thorough History of New Age's Premier Label

A Quiet Revolution: 30 Years of Windham Hill Various Artists Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Compilations | New Age | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sundown: A Windham Hill Piano Collection Essential Winter's Solstice Touch-Windham Hill 25 Years of Guitar A Windham Hill Christmas: The Night Before Christmas Windham Hill Holiday Guitar Collection ASIN: B000BKDOCU Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

1. The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter- Will Ackerman
2. Wedding Rain- Liz Story
3. Dolphins- Darol Anger, Mike Marshall
4. Aerial Boundaries-
5. Cloudy This Morning- George Winston
6. The 19A- Billy Oskay, Micheal O'Domhnaill
7. Western- Alex de Grassi
8. O, Shenandoah- Philip Aaberg
9. Flowers Of Edinburgh- Pete Huttlinger
10. Another Country- Shadowfax
11. The Road Back Home- Doyle Dykes
12. After The Harvest- Angels Of Venice
13. Inverness- Alex de Grassi
14. Callisto's Sky- Tracy Silverman, Thea Suits Silverman
15. Moon- George Winston
16. Night In That Land- Nightnoise
17. Three Observations Of One Ocean- Will Ackerman

Tracks:

1. Requiem; Sanctus- Tim Story
2. True Story- Barbara Higbie
3. Gwenlaise- Scott Cossu
4. The Light & The Longing- Lisa Lynne
5. Reflection- George Winston,
6. When I Was 4- Michael Hedges
7. Open Doors- Jim Brickman
8. Peace Of Mind- Schrz & Scott
9. Engravings- Ira Stein, Russel Walder
10. Visiting- Will Ackerman
11. Hugh- Nightnoise
12. Love Song To A Ballerina- George Winston
13. Calling You- Jean Jeanrenaud & Paul McCandless
14. All I Ever Wanted- Jim Brickman
15. Andante From Sonata #2 In A Minor For Unaccompanied Violin- Chris Botti
16. Peace Piece- Liz Story

Tracks:

1. Angela Smiled- W.G. Snuffy Walden
2. Silky Flanks- Nightnoise
3. Escape of the Circus Ponies-
4. Because It's There- Michael Hedges
5. Tideline- Barbara Higbie, Darol Anger
6. Welcoming- Michael Manring
7. Billy in the Lowlland- George Winston
8. Clockwork- Alex de Grassi
9. Fionnghuala (Mouth Music)- Nightnoise
10. The Townshend Shuffle- Will Ackerman
11. The Orangutan Gang (Strikes Back)- Shadowfax
12. Rickover's Dream- Michael Hedges
13. Out Of The Frame- Philip Aaberg
14. Europa- Tuck & Patti
15. Tamarack Pines- George Winston
16. On The Threshold Of Liberty- Mark Isham

Tracks:

1. (You'll Be) Satisfied- Johnny Ray Allen
2. Time After Time- Tuck & Patti
3. Valentine- Martina McBride, Jim Brickman
4. Real Life- Ray Obiedo
5. Who Holds Your Hand- Patty Larkin
6. Houses in the Fields- John Gorka
7. Follow Me- Jane Siberry
8. Po Mahina- Keola Beamer
9. On The Dark Side Of Town- Janis Ian
10. Vaquinha Mansa- Cesaria Evora
11. Turning To Peace- Paul Schwartz
12. Pavane- Steve Erquiaga
13. Hush Li'l Baby- Jim Brickman
14. That Kind of Man- The Nylons
15. Hannibal's Revenge- Andy Narell
16. Desert Crossing- David Arkenstone
17. Fever Trees- Bobby McFerrin
18. Takes My Breath Away- Tuck & Patti

Amazon.com

In the 48-page booklet that accompanies the handsome, hardbound packaging of A Quiet Revolution, long-time producer Dawn Atkinson succinctly defines Windham Hill's core sound as "acoustically rooted music that is a blend of folk, classical and jazz influences." Guitarist Will Ackerman, who launched the label in 1976 with a tiny pressing of solo works, boils its essence down to a single word, adding "it's a word seldom associated with the music industry: innocence." Windham Hill rocked the music trade in the late 1970s by turning down the volume and cultivating intelligent, heart-probing, all-instrumental music that--largely through word of mouth--won over legions of fans attracted to the label's earthy vibe, elevated craftsmanship, and overriding sense of purity. Much of what gave Windham Hill its soul-stirring allure is nicely displayed in this four-disc anthology--a 67-track compilation that includes four previously unreleased live tracks (including "Because It's There" by guitarist Michael Hedges and "Clockwork" by Alex de Grassi).

The music on A Quiet Revolution is sorted by general style, not chronologically. Discs 1 and 2, Elements and Peace, focus more on the label's pastoral textures, and disc 3 (Artistry) explores more ambitious or ensemble pieces. Disc 4 (Excursions) might be viewed by some long-time fans as "Wayward Hill," with its assortment of latter-day vocal stylings and traces of smooth jazz. Beyond that and a few other head-scratching choices, there's much to like here, with stellar tracks from Liz Story (whose brilliant Solid Colors may be the label's finest release) to works from Ackerman, George Winston, Nightnoise, and lesser-known artists, such as guitarist W.G. Snuffy Walden and his small gem "Angela Smiled." Enlightening liner notes are by Echoes radio host John Diliberto and former Billboard writer (and past Windham Hill staffer) Sam Sutherland. For newcomers curious to know what the blissful fuss was all about a few decades ago, A Quiet Revolution provides an inviting overview. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

Not what I expected.......2007-05-07

Only about half of the music is "Quiet." I expected something a little more melodious and restful. It's good music though, and well-executed.

WINDHAM HILL IS THE BEST ! ! ! .......2007-05-07

I've been a WINDHAM HILL fan since their early works and this box set is the best. Great artists and music compilation and inside staff information from the early years.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this one for truly Early Windham Hill followers.

music and soul.......2006-11-10

A beautiful collection , even if there aren't the songs that have made the history of Windham Hill

30 yeas of Windham Hill.......2006-11-07

Having discoverd Windham Hill in 1983 when I met my husband. I have been a died in the wool fan since then. This was an amazing and wonderful trip for the memory of my husgand's and my 23 hears together. Even had our falling love song on it. Arrived very soon after order and in perfect condition. What more can a customer ask for?

A Thorough History of New Age's Premier Label.......2006-09-02

Sixty-seven tracks spread across four discs and nearly five hours of music provide a thorough look into the vision of Windham Hill's founder William Ackerman. Windham Hill, which began in 1976 with the release of Ackerman's SEARCH OF THE TURTLE'S NAVEL, became the leading proponent of new age music.

The first CD (entitled "Elements") begins with Ackerman's enchanting "The Bricklayer's Beautiful Daughter," one of his most gorgeous melodies. The earliest track is from Disc 3 (entitled "Artistry"): the energetic "The Townsend Shuffle," from Ackerman's second album released in 1977. The most recent track is "Calling You" from Joan Jeanrenaud & Paul McCandless' 2005 release CINEMA.

All of Windham Hill's major artists are here: Ackerman (4 tracks), Alex de Grassi (3), Jim Brickman (4), Liz Story (3), Michael Hedges (4), Nightnoise (4), and George Winston (5). There are also four previously unreleased tracks (all live recordings): David Arkenstone's "Dessert Crossing," Jim Brickman's "Open Doors," Barbara Higbie's "True Story," and Alex de Grassi's "Inverness."

The first three discs present a clear picture of the "Windham Hill sound." However, For listeners who have been drawn to the Windham Hill label for its instrumental new age ambience, Disc 4 will be an eye opener with all but five of the tracks featuring vocals. The music on this disc ranges from the blues of the Subdudes' "(You'll Be) Satisfied" and Tuck & Patti's jazzy take on Cyndi Lauper's "Time after Time" to the Latin rhythms of Ceseria Evora's "Vaquinha Mansa" and the country balladry of guest vocalist Martina McBride on Jim Brickman's "Valentine."

Overall, this is a welcome and satisfying addition to any music library for collectors who enjoy relaxing music. And the 48-page booklet includes an extensive history of the label, an informative timeline, as well as photos and complete information for all tracks. [Running Time - Disc-1 74:25, Disc-2 69:24, Disc-3 78:45, Disc-4 74:40] VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Average customer rating: Velvet Glove Stellar collection from the greatest guitarist ever great stuff from a great guitar player Excellent sampler of the first 30 years of Chet's career... Nashville Cat

Guitar Legend: The RCA Years Chet Atkins Manufacturer: Buddha ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Essential Chet Atkins A Master And His Music The Essential Chet Atkins: The Columbia Years Chet Atkins Picks on the Beatles Almost Alone ASIN: B00004S7JG Release Date: 2000-04-04

Tracks:

1. Canned Heat
2. The Nashville Jump
3. Dizzy Strings
4. Tellin' My Troubles To My Old Guitar
5. Dance Of The Goldenrod
6. Galloping On The Guitar
7. Centipede Boogie
8. Main Street Breakdown
9. Indian Love Call
10. Mountain Melody
11. Jitterbug Waltz
12. Rainbow
13. Nobody's Sweetheart
14. Chinatown, My Chinatown
15. Fiddle Patch
16. (When It's) Darkness On The Delta
17. High Rockin' Swing
18. Guitars On Parade
19. Oh By Jingo!
20. The Bells Of St. Mary's
21. Country Gentlemen
22. Memphis Blues
23. Downhill Drag
24. Ballin' The Jack
25. Silver Bell

Tracks:

1. Mister Sandman
2. New Spanish Two Step
3. The Poor People Of Paris (Jean's Song)
4. Tweedlee Dee
5. (The Wallflower) Dance With Me, Henry
6. Blue Ocean Echo
7. Trambone
8. Dig These Blues
9. Yesterdays
10. Walk, Don't Run
11. Hot Toddy
12. Slinkey
13. Frankie And Johnny
14. Windy And Warm
15. Early Times
16. Satan's Doll
17. So Rare
18. Yakety Axe
19. Blue Angel
20. Steeplechase Lane
21. Black Mountain Rag
22. Take Five
23. Blue Finger
24. Cascade
25. Carolina Shout

Amazon.com

Chet Atkins recorded way too often, in way too many dubious contexts; wanting to showcase the depth and breadth of his playing, he instead buried himself. So what's a fan to do? This two-disc set is beautifully programmed, keeping all emphasis on Chet himself, from the delicate drive of 1947's "Canned Heat" to the four-guitar interplay of 1978's "Carolina Shout." Though he recorded frequently over the years with A-list country sidemen under various names, his most enduring work remains the scintillating sides with guitarist Homer Haynes and mandolinist Jethro Burns (and you thought they were just a novelty act). There's also a rare rollicking reading of "Dig These Blues." And any set that follows the sweet timing of "Guitars on Parade" with the high-stepping "Bells of Saint Mary's" and the piercing "Country Gentleman" is indeed irrefutable testimonial to a guitarist who often hid his own virtues. This is the one Atkins album you really need to own. --John Morthland

Customer Reviews:

Velvet Glove.......2007-05-20

I finally discovered iTunes on my new MAC...and downloaded this today.
Is this a steel string right? Yeah babe it is... I'm seriously infatuated with listening to Chet Atkins this evening, Balling the Jack right now looking forward to hearing the Black Mountain Rag in a second. Who needs to hear me extol his playing ability? Who needs my opinion on his jazz undertones, on the way he plays... He makes a mockery of anyone foolish enough to forget how terrific a player he is...Take Five, lovely. Go man..gotta think on the Tennessee tones right now from my family roots I'm listening large tonight. And it's funny I'll tell you I can hear in this Centipede Boogie that ukulele he started with long ago and my dad loved so much.It's in there, trust me.

Tell me these are my roots, please...please...excuse me a second gotta bring this one on home no, up a little bit here to stomp it. Ah..that's right..smooth sound. Gliding. Cleanest player I ever heard. Blue Angel...let me pull myself together.Dig These Blues...And down here to the the Memphis Blues...listen to that awhile...gotta go tap around the kitchen table get me some sugar now. ...so... sweet.Ah babe.

Do you want to know the way I like to think about my life in West Virginia? The good times, arts fairs, the culture, the bluegrass, people, seeing friend Thelma in my mind, the schools, the mourning mist and the sweat of the sticky summer, the cranberry bogs, the coal tipples, the little ones waiting for your time, the cookin, the jams, jellies, four H, the days mowing the yard, times jumping over the violets, finding a boxturtle or indigo bunting? Well, now, listen to Chet tell you my life. Let him glide fingers, take you right away into a country girls' dreams of art, culture, meanings and metaphors set in the hills and Appalachian springs. It's here you'll find me. jazz and all...I'm here. Listen. My past is here. Mountain melody..

Looking for a good gift, this would make anyones day, beautiful compilation. Smooth, clean, exquisite. i just wish I was sitting in a room filled with hammered ddulcimers taking on playing along...right now. Ah...just have to settle for resting my head or jumping up with my son.
Play it baby.

"Years from now, after I'm gone someone will listen to what I've done and know I was here. They may not know or care who I was, but they'll hear my guitars speaking for me."
Atkins

Stellar collection from the greatest guitarist ever.......2006-02-20

No self respecting guitar player should be without Chet Atkins in his or her collection. Atkins' virtuosity, taste and almost incomprehensible range of playing are simply unparalled.
"The RCA Years" is a superb compilation of his work starting in 1947 with "Canned Heat" and follows through to the late '70's before Chet jumped ship to Columbia to pursue a more jazzy path than RCA was willing to allow.
Every track in this 50 song double CD is indispensible. We hear shred guitar before the term and the hot shots of the 80's, including Vai and Satriani were even born. Never hokey, Atkins was a living breathing slice of American music history. Rock and roll, bluegrass, country, blues and jazz are blended together in a musical soup that astonishes the listener, usually in the space of a single song.
The accompanying booklet is interesting, along with early photos of the great man. It's the best place to start for the serious Atkins fan and beginner alike, and damn hard to beat, although his "Essential" CD's are good company. Guitarists, pay your dues today.

great stuff from a great guitar player.......2005-10-15

Chet Atkins was truly a great musician, although he recorded a lot of crap over the years. This CD showcases his guitar talent, ranging from 1947-1978. Not every song is a classic, but there are some truly good ones here, it will open up your eyes a lot.

Excellent sampler of the first 30 years of Chet's career..........2004-02-25

I first became a fan of Chet Atkins in 1957, when I was 13. My new brother-in-law played an early LP for me in which Chet picked (and sang) a song about the Titanic. That tune's not included in these two hours, but one early Chet vocal is on here, just to show us why we don't need more of his voice. His artistic genius was in the picking, and this collection shows his versatility quite well. One criticism of Chet is that he recorded too much, and perhaps that is true, but after all, that was his job. Not every LP was ground-breaking, and a lot of Chet's work falls into the "easy listening" or "good background music" category, including some tracks on this set. But there was so much more to the man than those quiet recordings. He did jazz, pop, country/pop, traditional country, rock and roll, semi-classical---alone and with small groups, in duets and with orchestras. I was lucky enough to see Chet in person twice. Once was a concert, which included Boots Randolph on sax and Floyd Cramer on piano, but Chet was clearly the centerpiece. The other occasion was really special. In Nashville in 1968 I was in the audience for a recording session Chet produced, featuring country comedians (and superb instrumentalists) Homer and Jethro. One of the session musicians was Jerry Reed, later to become a star himself. Chet did not play, as I recall--- he supervised, and teased, and conducted, and solved problems. He was RCA's top man in Nashville at the time, and it was fascinating to watch him work. The result was released on LP as "Homer and Jethro Live at Vanderbilt University" but sadly has not been issued on CD. My applause is probably on it, and I'd like to own a copy. I knew who Homer and Jethro were because my parents had owned an earlier album of theirs, but I did not know at the time how respected they were as artists, or that their friendship with Chet went back 20 years. Since becoming a Chet fan in '57, I bought a handful of his own records over the years, but he made far too many for any one guy to own them all. This double CD set is welcome in my home as a tribute to a great guitarist and recording executive. If you are already a fan, it is a worthy addition. If you are new to Chet, I'd say this is essential. He helped make the guitar more prominent in both country and rock in his heyday during the '50's, and he helped make Nashville famous and country music more mainstream in the '60's. Many think the latter transformation was a mixed blessing, but overall Chet Atkins is a towering figure in American popular music, and this collection proves it.

Nashville Cat.......2003-02-18

This is a great album. As point of departure I am a guitarist with eclectic tastes, and more interested in Chet for his technical and arrangeing abilitites than for the selections of tunes. That being said, this is my fifth or sixth Chester CD and it is interesting, and there are always great tunes on every album.

As with so many guitarists, such as Clapton and Page, the RCA collection showcases Chet's evolution from frantic virtuoso (with flaming L7 in tow) into a rounded, melodic interpretative artist.

The CD disc 1 is early stuff, with a more jazzy hillbilly feel-very cool, but a bit lacking in the fidelity department as befits the era. The disc 2 is some later stuff and it is extraordinary and worth the entire set price-there are some jazz tunes which are Chet at this best. This is a more sophisticated look into Chet and for the neophite not a bad first choice (although the best Chet sampler, IMHO, is Master and his Music). For those who really enjoy Chester and wish to visit his roots this is a good CD and bears the price.

Average customer rating: Cheesy 80s music with a few classics... A Fine Collection of the Later Years Great songs! More of A Bridge Than A Greatest Hits Album. This is a good, over-the-top '80s rock album!

Starship's Greatest Hits (Ten Years and Change 1979-1991) Starship Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gold Winds of Change The Very Best of Starship Chicago - Greatest Hits: 1982-1989 The Cars - Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002W3P Release Date: 1991-05-28

Tracks:

1. Jane
2. Find Your Way Back
3. Stranger
4. No Way Out
5. Layin' It On The Line
6. Don't Lose Any Sleep
7. We Built This City
8. Sara
9. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
10. It's Not Over ('Til It's Over)
11. It's Not Enough
12. Good Heart

Customer Reviews:

Cheesy 80s music with a few classics..........2007-03-17

I don't own any other albums by Starship (or Jefferson Airplane or Jefferson Starship or any other iteration of this schizophrenic group) and don't consider myself a fan. I bought this album strictly because it was dirt-cheap, and I was familiar with a few of the songs.

Ultimately, the album does deliver their few biggest hits from the 80s, including "We Built This City," "Sara," and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now." And those songs are lots of fun, even if primarily for their nostalgic sound.

There are also a few other interesting songs that were new to me, such as "Find Your Way Back." However, most of the other tracks were largely forgettable.

Ultimately, this album is nothing beyond mediocre. Based on other reviews, it appears that true fans will want to look elsewhere. And casual listeners like myself won't find much of value here beyond their few big hits. This disc is tolerable but nothing special.

A Fine Collection of the Later Years.......2006-08-01

For me this is the Starship of my generation,(I do love to 'Somebody To Love')featuring the Fantastic voices of Mickey Thomas & Grace Slick, the more Rock & Pop songs of this period has been unfairly reviewed by some, I would rather have 'We Built This City' as one of the defining songs of the 80's than the most of mess that are examples of the 90's & now! 'Sara' is one the best songs of the 80's, and the huge hit 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now'. These are great songs that still sound good and bring back great memories!

Great songs!.......2005-03-24

Worth it just for 'We Built this City', which was one of the best songs of the 80's.

More of A Bridge Than A Greatest Hits Album........2005-02-13

Jefferson Airplane was considered a really good rock outfit. They were a key part of the sex, drugs and rock n' roll of the 70's. Swiftly they began to change. From battles over the name of the band to member changes to style changes, the group seemed more like three or four bands than one. The musical styling changes prove that. Those changes can be heard throughout this album.

The earlier songs found here, especially "Jane," hearken back to the days when this band was built to rock. Songs like "No Way Out" revealed the changes to come as the band metamorphosed one more time into a pop/arena rock outfit. Of course, this change lead to their big hits of the 80's, such as "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and "Sara," which are included here. The album also includes a couple of new tracks which are pretty good, "Good Heart" and "Don't Lose Any Sleep," which show a band embracing their new pop sound to perfection.

Of course, there are always songs that bring about controversy, and "We Built This City" is that song on this compilation. Much like Styx's "Mr. Roboto," this song is either loved or detested by all that hear it. I'm one of those schmucks who loves the song. It's been rated one of the cheesiest songs ever on a multitude of television shows and in magazines. It's also been called one of the best pop tunes ever. No matter which side of the fence you're on, it's here for you to sample.

In closing, all you can really say about this album is that it gives you a taste of what once was Jefferson Airplane, what became Jefferson Starship, and what eventually went down in flames groupwise as Starship. All of the songs on this album are keepers, but there's nothing especially groundbreaking here. Just keep in mind that Starship is the pop version of Jefferson Airplane, and you won't be let down.

This is a good, over-the-top '80s rock album!.......2004-05-31

I liked this Starship album compiling their hits between the name changes of Jefferson Starship and Starship. I loved Jane when it came out in 1979 and the other songs from '84 to '90 are full-blown over-the-top rockers! They were like a milder Van Halen under the newer name with the excess and bombast. The pre-'84-85 songs don't grab me as much as the others. Some of the songs actually sound good in Atlanta--the skyline of that city matches very well to the songs and landscapes. We Built This City still rocks, I still like the calm to blasting vibes of No Way Out, Sara still has that mysterious feel to it, It's Not Over still is charging, and I still like the Mike Shipley sound of It's Not Enough. Paul Kantner and Mickey Thomas were good as the lead singers, but no one mentioned Marty Balin? To me, he was also another strong lead singer in that band when he was in it. Through a lot of conflicts over the group name, this album justifies their success in the '80s. Surprising that most of the songs average in the 4 1/2 minute range.

Average customer rating: The 'Lost' Years Rediscovered Wow remasters to the new wave heroes

The RCA Years The Kinks Manufacturer: Velvel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Arista Years Pye Album Collection Percy Live Broadcasts: Collector's Rarities (Dts) Pretenders II ASIN: B000HRMETG Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

1. 20th Century Man
2. Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues
3. Holiday
4. Skin & Bone
5. Alcohol
6. Complicated Life
7. Here Come the People in Grey
8. Have a Cuppa Tea
9. Holloway Jail
10. Oklahoma U.S.A.
11. Uncle Son
12. Muswell Hillbilly
13. Mountain Woman [#][*]
14. Kentucky Moon [#][*]

Tracks:

1. Here Comes Yet Another Day
2. Maximum Consumption
3. Unreal Reality
4. Hot Potatoes
5. Sitting in My Hotel
6. Motorway
7. You Don't Know My Name
8. Supersonic Rocket Ship
9. Look a Little on the Sunnyside
10. Celluloid Heroes
11. Top of the Pops
12. Brainwashed
13. Mr. Wonderful
14. Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues
15. Holiday
16. Muswell Hillbilly
17. Alcohol
18. Banana Boat Song (Trad.)
19. Skin & Bone
20. Baby Face
21. Lola
22. Till the End of the Day [#][*]
23. She's Bought a Hat Like Princess Marina [#][*]

Tracks:

1. Preservation [Single][*]
2. Morning Song
3. Daylight
4. There's a Change in the Weather
5. Where Are They Now?
6. One of the Survivors
7. Cricket
8. Money & Corruption/I Am Your Man
9. Here Comes Flash
10. Sitting in the Midday Sun
11. Demolition
12. One of the Survivors [Single Edit][*]

Tracks:

1. Sweet Lady Genevieve
2. Announcement
3. Shepherds of the Nation
4. Scum of the Earth
5. Second-Hand Car Spiv
6. He's Evil
7. Mirror of Love
8. Announcement
9. Nobody Gives
10. Oh Where Oh Where Is Love?
11. Flash's Dream (The Final Elbow)
12. Flash's Confession
13. Nothing Lasts Forever
14. Announcement
15. Artificial Man
16. Scrapheap City
17. Announcement
18. Salvation Road
19. Mirror of Love [*]
20. Slum Kids [Take 1][#][*]
21. Announcement
22. Introduction to Solution
23. When a Solution Comes
24. Money Talks

Tracks:

1. Holiday Romance
2. You Make It All Worthwhile
3. Ducks on the Wall
4. (A) Face in the Crowd
5. You Can't Stop the Music
6. Everybody's a Star (Starmaker) [Mono Mix][*]
7. Ordinary People [Live][*]
8. You Make It All Worthwhile [*]
9. Underneath the Neon Sign [Live][*]
10. Everybody's a Star (Starmaker)
11. Ordinary People
12. Rush Hour Blues
13. Nine to Five
14. When Work Is Over
15. Have Another Drink
16. Underneath the Neon Sign

Tracks:

1. Schooldays
2. Jack the Idiot Dunce
3. Education
4. First Time We Fall in Love
5. I'm in Disgrace
6. Headmaster
7. Hard Way
8. Last Assembly
9. No More Looking Back
10. Finale

Customer Reviews:

The 'Lost' Years Rediscovered.......2007-06-20

When I started collecting music in earnest the Kinks RCA years were a bit of a mystery to me as the albums were unavailable for many years. I'd remembered and liked the odd 70's single such as Supersonic Rocket Ship, Sitting In The Midday Sun, Mirror Of Love and Holiday Romance. Although only the first of these was a hit and then only a minor one. I can also vaguely remember music paper reviewers slaughtering the concept album years. I then managed to pick up in the days of vinyl the Celluloid Heroes compilation which became one of my most played albums. It was therefore frustrating that I couldn't get any more Kinks 70's material. So when Velvel first released these albums in the late 90's I was, probably because of the years of waiting, more anxious to get my hands on them than any other music release ever. The Kinks were great in the 60's so surely they couldn't have declined that much in the 70's?
Now they are all available in one (2 if you count the Arista years) handy package. The albums all come with the excellent original Velvel sleeve notes and bonus tracks, something the complete Pye box set of their 60's albums apparently does not; so if you want the extensive, and indeed essential, bonus tracks and excellent liner notes for those albums then you're better sticking with the individual albums.
The Village Green Preservation album from the Pye era is always said to be the Kinks greatest (and indeed only) classic album. I think that there are at least three other Kinks albums as good if not better than Village Green. Two are earlier ones from the Pye era: Face To Face and Something Else, but the third is the first album here, Muswell Hillbillies. The more I listen to this the more I think it's a truly great album with hardly a duff track on it. It does have a jazzy feel on tracks like Alcohol, Holiday and Acute Schizophrenia Paranoia Blues (great title!). This is maybe because of the horn section which was later derided, but works well here. There is also a country and western feel on songs like Uncle Son and the excellent title track. It opens with one of the Kinks greatest rockers in 20th Century Man, there's marvellous be bop in Skin and Bone, whilst Holloway Jail is another great song. Why this album didn't sell when it was originally released heaven knows.
The rest of the box set is not as strong. The next release Everybody's In Showbiz is part live, containing live versions of five songs from the previous album, but they are sufficiently different versions to make them worth hearing and all are great songs anyway. Of the new songs on Showbiz Celluloid Heroes is of course one of Ray Davies greatest ever songs and there's also the excellent aformentioned Supersonic Rocket Ship and Sitting In My Hotel, another classic.
We then get into concept territory with a vengeance with Preservation Acts 1 & 2, and from here on in all the Kinks albums for the rest of their career would be a mixture of great and awful songs. The great songs are still so great though that they make every album worth hearing. Preservation Act 1 has a brilliant single in Sitting In the Midday Sun, which was a Sunny Afternoon for the seventies, despite this, it was like all Kink's singles for the rest of the 70's, a huge flop. Preservation Act 2, originally a double album, is perhaps one of the ropiest albums in the bands entire catalogue, with its awful announcements to move the plot along. Despite this there are still perhaps half a dozen excellent tunes hidden away amongst the dreck, including the jazzy single Mirror Of Love, Oh Where Is The Love, Nothing Lasts Forever, Scrapheap City and Slum Kids. The final two RCA albums are also split about 50-50 between the great and the awful. Ordinary People, Underneath The Neon Sign, Holiday Romance, You Make It All Worthwhile and the idiosyncratic Ducks On The Wall are all good songs; the rest is fairly forgettable. Similarly Schooldays, Jack The Idiot Dunce, The First Time We Fall In Love, Headmaster, The Last Assembly and No More Looking Back are the strong tunes on Schoolboys in Disgrace.
Even though there is a lot of rubbish in this box set it is ultimately outweighed by the good stuff. I think what sets Ray Davies apart as perhaps Britain's greatest pop song writer/perfomer is his willingness to embrace a wider variety of styles than virtually anyone else, including even Lennon and McCartney! It doesn't always work but when it does it's great!
These albums are now in SACD format which doesn't mean anything to me, but they do sound pretty good. One of the problems with Kinks music especially around the end of the 60's/start of the 70's is that it didn't sound particularly clear, especially compared to the brilliantly produced Beatles' records. Whether this was because Ray deliberately mixed down his voice so the rude word on Apeman couldn't be properly deciphered I don't know!
But all in all this is a great welcome back for some long lost pop classics!

Wow remasters to the new wave heroes.......2007-03-09

Great and excellent remasters series. Every album represent a great part of rock music or New Wave history of rock 'n' roll?

Average customer rating: Harnoncourt's Bruckner, a viable alternative to Karajan? Depends what you consider good Terrific performance! Unconvincing performance; interesting commentary Harnoncourt roars, but Wildner rages

Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 (with the Documentation of the Finale Fragment) [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Harnoncourt, Nikolaus | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bruckner: Symphony No. 5 (with Excerpts from the Rehearsals) [Hybrid SACD] Bruckner: Symphony No. 9 Sibelius: The Symphonies [Hybrid SACD] Bruckner: Symphony 8 Great Orchestral Highlights from The Ring of the Nibelungs / Szell, Cleveland Orchestra (SACD) ASIN: B0000AF1IG Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

1. Warum Hat Man Eigentlich 100 Jahre Lang Gedacht, E - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
2. Finale. T. 1-278 - Wiener Philharmoniker
3. Gegen Ende Eine Extreme Dissonanz In Den Trompeten - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
4. Nach Dem Ende Der Durchfuhrung Folgt Eine Wilde Fu - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
5. Finale. T. 279-342 - Wiener Philharmoniker
6. Quasi En Schreckensbild Des Todes - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
7. Finale. T. 343-478 - Wiener Philharmoniker
8. Danach Fehlen 16 Takte; Dazu Ist Nichts Zu Erklare - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
9. Finale. T. 479-510 - Lucke/Fehlender Partiturbog - Wiener Philharmoniker
10. Why Did We Think For Over Hundred Years That Nothing... - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
11. WAB 109: Finale. MM. 1-278 - Wiener Philharmoniker
12. Extreme Dissonances In The Trumpets Towards The End - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
13. At The End Of The Development A Wild Fugue Begins - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
14. Finale. MM. 279-342 - Wiener Philharmoniker
15. A Sudden Vision Of Death - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
16. Finale. MM. 343-478 - Wiener Philharmoniker
17. Then There Are Sixteen Bars Missing. We Will Just... - Nikolaus Harnoncourt
18. Finale. MM. 479-510 - Gap/Missing Score Bifolio - Wiener Philharmoniker

Tracks:

1. I. Satz. Feierlich; Misterioso - Wiener Philharmoniker
2. Scherzo. Bewegt; Lebhaft - Trio. Schnell - Scherzo - Wiener Philharmoniker
3. Adagio. Langsam; Feierlich - Wiener Philharmoniker

Customer Reviews:

Harnoncourt's Bruckner, a viable alternative to Karajan?.......2006-03-19

Even Karajan's detractors, except for the most severe, generally concede that he was supreme in Bruckner. His various performances of the Ninth Sym. with the Berlin Phil. are commanding in their huge scope, yet Karajan was also capable of delicate phrasing and had an intuitive grasp of how to organize these gigantic, sprawling movements. No one has quite reached that magistreial level since. To his credit, Harnoncourt doesn't try to. This is, for him, a straightforward performance that relies on some qualities Karajan's Bruckner doesn't possess.

First of all, Harnoncourt has his own instincts about phrasing and organizing the music. Contrary to a reviewer below, he doesn't exploit extreme rubato or sudden tempo changes. There are some quirky moments where the tempo speeds up unexpectedly, but overall, Harnoncourt's timing of 58 min. is dead center among various recordings (as much as I admire Giulini, his 68 min. traversal drags). Harnoncourt favors brash outbursts from the brass, particularly in the Scherzo, my least favorite movement here. But his main intent is to keep Bruckner simple, to impose himself far less than Karajan did with his ultra-control. This Bruckner Ninth is a bit plain at times, but it always breathes.

As to the recorded sound, I have only heard the regular two-channel CD, which is quite clear; the Vienna Pphil. is placed a bit far back on a wide soundstage. I would have liked to hear the solo winds up closer, but that's a quibble. This Bruckner Ninth satisfied me as much as the great accounts by Walter, Klemperer, Giulini, and Boulez. I sitll feel more thrills from Karajan's analog reading from the Sixties, yet Harnoncourt provides a viable alternative in itnerpretation.

In theory it was an exciting notion to provide a free bonus CD containing Harnoncourt's defense of Bruckner's surviving sketches for a fourth movement, never completed. Could it really be that his ocntemporaries were wrong and that Bruckner left us pages of great music begging to be revived? Harnoncourt's talk is highly persuasive, but when the Vienna Phil. actually plays what survives of the finale, it proves as sorely disappointing as its reputation would lead one to believe.

Depends what you consider good.......2004-06-14

Harnoncourt has done some great things for music in his career, but I would not consider this one of them. He achieves an "authentic" performing style from the Vienna Philharmonic with a thin string sound and little or no vibrato. So anyone expecting that sweet Vienna sound will be disappointed. But his conducting does not meet that goal of authenticity, because he varies tempos too much. It draws attention to itself and weakens the cohesiveness of the work as a whole.
There are other versions, many of which are mentioned by the other reviewers below (Giulini, Karajan, et al.), which communicate this great work more simply and effectively. They are also unique and full of interesting details (some attention to detail is good). In light of them, Harnoncourt's view is radically different. Experience has taught me that subtle differences in interpretation give pleasure with repeated listening. Radical differences are OK in a live performance (which this is), but do not stand the test of time. So I do not recommend this as a first recording to have of Bruckner's 9th.

Terrific performance!.......2004-02-25

The symphony recording is damn good, and the extras are very interesting (to hear Harnoncourt speaking German and English, to hear the sketches of the last movement). In my mind, this ranks among the very best -- with Celibidache on EMI, Giulini on DG, Bernstein on DG, and don't forget the second movement of the Jochum on EMI.

Unconvincing performance; interesting commentary.......2004-01-15

First off, I do not like the performance. Harnoncourt's tempi are erratic, particularly in the adagio (where he speeds up the second theme-group to the point he cheapens it).

Secondly, I found his commentary on the 4th movement "chunks" informative. They could easily have been printed in liner notes; instead, we have each of the chunks played twice, followed first by commentary German, then in English.

Thirdly, I see no reason why he should not have recorded the full movement as completed by someone -- by William Carragan (Chandos: Yoav Talmi, Oslo Philharmonic); by Nicola Samale & Giuseppe Mazzuca (Teldec: Inbal, Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orch [with the 5th Symphony]); or by Samale, Mazzuca, and John A Phillips (Camerata: Eichhorn, Linz Bruckner Orch). My first choice is the Carragan: though the Oslo band takes third place among those in these recordings, it is good enough and I find Carragan's completion the most convincing.*

(In January 1984 I went to New York and Carnegie Hall to hear the American Symphony Orchestra perform the premier of the 9th with Carragan's finale. The performance was reviewed the next day in the Times. I immediately wrote Joel Flegel, editor of Fanfare, asking if he knew whether a recording was planned. Joel was dubious and dismissive: "If that college professor really....")

As Carragan noted in his program notes for the ASO "premier," the finale includes the greatest of Bruckner's chorales. That magnificent theme cannot be understood or appreciated by hearing it only in Harnoncourt's chunks. It needs to be heard in context -- and that context can only be provided in a "performing version."

In my opinion, Harnoncourt does a disservice to Bruckner and to listeners by not offering a completed finale. There is certainly room for one in this two-disk set.

* But Carragan will either produce a new version or be superseded as pages not available to him have since been found -- and as still more come to light.

Harnoncourt roars, but Wildner rages.......2004-01-05

As the other reviewers note, this release is essential for anyone interested in this work, for the workshop and documentation of the currently surviving material from the final movement of the symphony. Another important aspect of the release is the use of a new "critical edition" of the initial three movements of Bruckner's 9th, which contains a number of very evident modifications, particularly in orchestration. All the same, it is a concert recording, and, at least in the usual CD format, balances aren't always optimal, trumpets and trombones often too forward, at the expense of the Vienna Phil's strings and (especially) glorious horn section, and timpani are somewhat reticent, especially in the first movement. Harnoncourt also tends to push a bit hard, lacking the natural plasticity in tempo that marks the greatest performances of the first three movements of this work. The impression is one of roaring power, building and receding throughout. Of the 4th movement sketches, Harnoncourt plays exactly what survives, except he omits the 50-odd bars of three coda fragments that have turned up.

Just a few months ago, a recording of the 9th including a reconstruction/completion of the 4th movement, based on the same body of fragments and sketches (including the coda) and prepared by the same editors, was released on Naxos(8.555933-34). The orchestra is the New Philharmonia of Westphalia (Germany) and the conductor is Johannes Wildner. Now, finally, we can hear this work in a form tantalizingly close to the way Bruckner intended. Furthermore, unlike Harnoncourt's Vienna Phil performance, Wildner and his astonishiingly capable Westphalians present what I can only describe as a ferocious performance, with horns and timpani cutting through the fabric of the orchestra at key points, and effectively flexible tempos. It's a performance unlike any I've heard since Furtwangler's furious and terrifying recording made in Berlin during the darkest days of World War II. If you've gotten the Harnoncourt (or even if you haven't), you have to get the Wildner, too.

As an aside, these recordings render superfluous the 1986 Chandos recording by Yoav Talmi and the Oslo Phil of a 4-movement version of Bruckner's 9th. That documented a brave effort by William Carragan to reconstruct a finale. Unfortunately he had barely 3/4 of the body of sketches to work with that we have now, and nothing of the coda at all.

Average customer rating: all the best at rca The Glossy RCA Years Not Really Greatest Hits..... Lacks Proper Song Selection - To Respect Recorded History Average Greatest Hits For A Supreme Star

Diana Ross - Greatest Hits: The RCA Years Diana Ross Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Motown Anthology To Love Again The Boss The Definitive Collection Blue ASIN: B000002X1I Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

1. Chain Reaction
2. Summertime
3. Muscles
4. It's Never Too Late
5. Experience
6. Love Or Loneliness
7. Missing You
8. Selfish One
9. Tell Me Again
10. Let's Go Up
11. Mirror, Mirror
12. In Your Arms
13. (I Love) Being In Love With You
14. Swept Away
15. It's Hard For Me To Say
16. Why Do Fools Fall In Love
17. Cross My Heart
18. Endless Love

Customer Reviews:

all the best at rca.......2007-01-21

truly the best of her hits at rca and the some others just for enjoyment.

The Glossy RCA Years.......2006-04-27

A misleading title as this is no by no means a greatest hits collection and is rather more a compilation of selected recordings directly plucked from her various studio sets at RCA Records. Though there are some hit titles on here, oddly enough many of her single releases on RCA don't even turn up on here! There are also some notably excellent tracks left out in the cold here: Rescue Me (Swept Away 1984), Telephone, which was actually an American single (Swept Away 1984), Crime Of Passion (Eaten Alive 1985), Dirty Looks, which had been Internationally released as a single (Red Hot Rhythm And Blues 1987), Stranger In Paradise (Red Hot Rhythm And Blues) and Shine (Red Hot Rhythm And Blues). The track line-up on here is variable in quality but overly makes an interesting hear as you could perharps describe these as Diana Ross' experimental years where she divulged into a series of styles but never once strayed from her initial field of Soul and R&B.

This compilation opens with the affectionate re-creation of her days with The Supremes on the fun, bouncy, Chain Reaction. Produced by The Bee Gees, the track was simply magical and caught onto the British public like a magnet. Chain Reaction raced to the top of the U.K charts at the dawn of 1986 and clung onto pole position for weeks on end. However American audiences were less impressed and the track stalled within the lower raches of the Hot 100. Chain Reaction was origanally a featured recording on the dynamic, Bee Gees and Michael Jackson produced album, Eaten Alive of 1985.

The breathtakingly beautiful, Summertime is deliciously delivered by Diana, with her vocal delivery dripping with such warmth, passion and feeling. Her exuberant delivery compliments the divine, sweeping musical arrangements and is hauntingly atmospheric in its tone. Summertime became one of the highlights on the fabulous, Red Hot Rhythm And Blues album, her final for the RCA label, recorded in 1987 and easily her most consistent studio album on the label.

Muscles was a slinky Pop masterpiece with its hypnotic, trance-like tone. She was aided by Michael Jackson on Muscles where he wrote and assembled the recording and was seemingly trying to convey a womans sexual fantasies (or perharps his own??????). He is also neatly gelled into the background where his backing vocals certainly add to the over-all effect. Muscles rushed into the U.S Top 10 whilst gliding in at No.15 in the U.K. Muscles was also one of the few significant recordings featured on the dreary, mish-mash affair of Silk Electric, recorded back in 1982 and her second album for the label.

It's Never Too Late was directly swiped from her debut set on the label, Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1981). This was easily one of the most dated songs on the album so why this is included on the track list is a mystery when there were much superior recordings than this forgetable fluff. The track is a late 70's sounding disco number thats overly laid back musical arrangements lacks the dynamic force of some of her monster disco classics such as Love Hangover, The Boss, Upside Down and I'm Coming Out. It's Never Too Late was issued as a single in the U.K and became a Top 50 struggler.

The hauntingly atmospheric, Experience was lifted from the explosive, Eaten Alive set. The mesmerising musical arrangements are sensual and exotic, delivered with real gutsy emotion from Miss. Ross. Though it has a strong quality, it failed to gain wide commercial recognition where it stalled within the lower reaches of the chart though sounds a timeless classic.

Love Or Loneliness was a flop single in the U.S which was taken from the worst studio album of her career, Ross (1983). It marks a neat transistion between R&B and Country and though is one of the better tracks to be found on Ross, is not really particularly memroable.

What is truly timeless is the touching, heart-felt, Missing You, dedicated to the late Marvin Gaye and written and assembled by Lionel Richie. The lyrics are strongly emotive and Dianas impeccable delivey is astoundingly strong proving the point that she does indeed possess a lot of power and volume in her voice when she really goes for it. Dianas performance just gives you goose bumps! Missing You was part of the Swept Away (1984) album and slammed its way into the U.S Top 10 charts whilst despite several re-promotions in the U.K., died a quick death.

Her cover of the 50's Doo-wop classic, Selfish One, sounds like shes back with The Supremes again where that yearning vulnreability you could always detect on her recordings with them, amazingly creeps back in her performance on here. She sounds so angelic yet absolutely stunning all the same. Selfish One was one of the featured tracks on the Red Hot Rhythm And Blues album.

Tell Me Again is a little too sappy and girlish for my liking though Dianas delivery is exhlirating and as crystal-clear as always, though more angelic than ever and therefore occasionally loses its soulful edge which is initially the tracks shortcomings. Tell Me Again was also featured on the Red Hot Rhythm And Blues album.

Lets Go Up, taken from Ross, is little better. Its certainly upbeat but amounts too nothing but disposable Pop and is not in any way anything spectacular. Lets Go Up was lifted as a single in the U.S where it stalled at a measly, No.77.

The startling Funk-Rock driven track, Mirror, Mirror is delivered with a fiery, raw and compelling performance from its star and if anything, conveyed her clear diversity. Diana produced this nifty little classic herself and it rapidly jumped into the U.S Top 10, whilst becoming a Top 40 struggler. This also became part of the track line up on her debut RCA set, Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1981).

In Your Arms contains a ghastly, sickly-sweet tone and is virtually souless with its white-washed musical arrangements, though Diana manages to lift the recording with her strikingly breathy, seamless voice. In Your Arms remained hidden away on 1982's, Silk Electic.

What emerges as one of my favourite Diana Ross ballads of the 1980's is the Bee Gees produced, I Love Being In Love (With You) which has a sparkling, timeless quality. Her voice is breathtakingly beautiful and this was defintely one of the highlights on the classic, Eaten Alive album.

The atmospheric, Swept Away is a dazzling combination of Rock and R&B. Written by Daryl Hall, the track was one of her most adventurous and diverse recordings at RCA. Utterly compelling, the track features, fantastic and diverse musical arrangements and is ignited by a razor sharp and enduringly sassy performance from La Ross. Swept Away became a Top 20 seller in the U.S in 1984.

The Luther Vandross produced, It's Hard For Me To Say is a beautifully mellow, exotic ballad which is mesmerising from its lush orchestrations to the sensual, yet strong performance from Diana. This excellent, tugging ballad was featured on the driving, Red Hot Rhthym And Blues album of 1987.

Her cover version of Frankie Lymon And The Teenagers late 50's, Doo-Wop classic, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, loses its origanal streets of New York vibe which was where it was created and inspired, and is re-worked into, for all intents and purposes, pure Las Vegas kitsch. The track sounds dated today though enjoyed success when released as a single where it hastily bounced into the Top 10 charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Cross My Heart is another tugging, strongly emotive ballad from Red Hot Rhythm And Blues where Diana sparkles vocally and is accompanied by divine orchestrations.

Finally this compilation is led to its grand finale - a solo version of her chart-topper, Endless Love. Arguably this version is more effective where Dianas mighty performance is remarkably powerful. It captures one of her strongest performances on record and to hear her belt out those long, lingering notes at the exalting climax of the recording makes you apprecaiate what a divine, special talent this lady truly is. Diana Ross is in a class and a style of her own. She remains the ultimate Soul Diva and a living legend!

Not Really Greatest Hits............2006-03-23

This cd should've been titled the Best of the RCA years, this is a nice overview of Diana's RCA years which the Lady recorded some great and not so great songs, the cd booklet contains great liner notes, this cd gives some of those overlooked lp cuts a second chance to be heard again.

Lacks Proper Song Selection - To Respect Recorded History.......2005-12-21

The legendary Diana Ross deserves better treatment for her RCA catalog. The collection simply is a misrepresentation of that particular period in her career, and it undermines her credibility as an 80's hitmaker. While her 80's Pop era was not her most sterling, her transition from Motown was at least more successful than is displayed here. And any RCA collection without the inclusion of the international smash hit "All Of You (Duet with Julio Iglesias)" is inadequate. Most notable absent singles are "Pieces Of Ice", "Eaten Alive", and "Dirty Looks". If the label is going to release a "Greatest Hits", then at least there should be the inclusions of actual singles instead of album filler.

Nice album cover. Needs improvement in overall packaging, song sequence, new liner notes, and remastering. Could benefit from extended 12" versions of the uptempo numbers ("Eaten Alive" was an outstanding remix - the extended version would have made this collection priceless, while "Pieces Of Ice" was much tighter and better paced in the single version). A note to other reviewers: although "All Of You" was released as a Columbia 45 rpm single, it was cross-licensed and released in the RCA LP release, "Swept Away". The inclusion of "Endless Love" without Lionel Richie may be a throwaway, but RCA only owns this solo version, which she re-recorded for the "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" LP. Its inclusion is validated with the fact that it was her most successful song of the 1980's.

The following would be the ideal track listing:

1. Why Do Fools Fall In Love?
2. Mirror, Mirror (Extended Version)
3. Work That Body
4. It's Never Too Late
5. Endless Love (Solo Version)
6. Muscles (12" Version)
7. Pieces Of Ice (Single Edit)
8. All Of You (Duet with Julio Iglesias)
9. Swept Away (Extended Version)
10. Missing You
11. Forever Young
12. Touch By Touch
13. Eaten Alive (12" Version)
14. Chain Reaction (Single Mix)
15. Dirty Looks

At the VERY LEAST, RCA, please provide a remastered compilation, entitle it "THE RCA SINGLES", and lets call it a day! Is that too much to ask?

Average Greatest Hits For A Supreme Star.......2005-11-19

While the RCA years saw Diana Ross more in control of her career, her hits became further apart (largely due to the release of Mary Wilson's book "Dreamgirl, My life As A Supreme"). The collection RCA released contains some songs that made there way into the top 40, and not all the tracks were singles. "Eaten' Alive" and `Dirty Looks" have been overlooked for this collection. Since it seems RCA doesn't release any of her RCA albums domestically, except for the Greatest Hits, I doubt they will be showing up anytime soon. Despite what is missing, the album does contain some true gems like "Missing You", `Chain Reaction" and "Tell Me Again". Her duet with Julio Iglesias, "All of You" is missing, but no fear, the Michael Jackson penned "Muscles" will fill the void. The shorter versions of "Swept Away" and "Mirror, Mirror", unfortunately, cut the songs too short and makes the songs seem blamed without the full content. This is a good set for the casual listener, but the die hard fans will feel it comes up short.

Average customer rating: Despite interesting playing, better Sonny albums exist

Celebrating Sonny at 75/The Very Best of the RCA Years Sonny Rollins Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall The Essential Tito Puente One Down, One Up: Live at the Half Note Tenor Madness Night At The Village Vanguard ASIN: B000AO4NLI Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

1. The Bridge
2. God Bless The Child
3. The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
4. Don't Stop The Carnival
5. If Ever I Would Leave You
6. Jungoso
7. Doxy (Live)

Tracks:

1. There Will Never Be Another You
2. All The Things You Are
3. Lover Man
4. Just Friends
5. Now's The Time
6. St. Thomas
7. 'Round Midnight
8. Afternoon In Paris
9. Four
10. My Ship
11. Love Letters
12. Trav'lin' Light

Customer Reviews:

Despite interesting playing, better Sonny albums exist.......2007-05-30

Sonny Rollins is famous for his time spent under a bridge (both an actual event and metaphor) in order to remake himself as a musician. The 2-CD set "The Essential Sonny Rollins" begins with the song entitled "the Bridge" and the classic "God Bless the Child" with great promise. Each has the distinctive Sonny sound and his unmistakable approach to soloing. Yet the first CD quickly degenerates into the pseudo-calypso tune "Don't Stop the Carnival", and the unsatisfing "If Ever I Would Leave You", and "Jungoso".

Sonny's power is his ability to keep our attention without having to issue a barrage of notes or relying on an especially powerful backing band. Instead, Sonny is at his best when he approaches the music without decoration. The first CD, instead of offering examples of his strengths, offers a series of tracks which simply do not highlight Sonny at his best with one of the tunes including a set of background singers who take away far more than they add.

Rollin's approach is such that he inquires without having to raise his voice while asking questions. The double album "Night at the Village Vanguard" is an especially apt example of this ability to improvise accessably and engagingly. The second CD inclues a better set of tracks. The overplayed standard, "All the Things you Are" takes on a new hue with the unique harmonizations from piano player Paul Bley. Sonny plays off this uniqueness without losing the listener. The Standards "Just Friends" and "Four" are both solid tracks that draw in the listeners attention because of Sonny's ability to do surprising things with old forms. Ultimately, both Sonny fans and jazz fans in general will enjoy this album but will be dissapointed in an album entitled "the essential..." when in fact the first CD squanders the opportunity to highlight some of the more powerful contributions of Sonny Rollins.

Average customer rating:

Golden Years 1958 Manufacturer: Chesky Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Morton Gould | Gould, Morton | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Griffes | Griffes, Charles T. | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Hanson | Hanson, Howard | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Doo Wop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Light Classics Volume 2 ASIN: B000003GE7 Release Date: 1994-05-06

Tracks:

1. Street In A Frontier Town
2. Mexican Dance
3. Gun Battle
4. Celebration Dance After Billy's Capture
5. The Open Prairie
6. The White Peacock
7. Tropical
8. Symphony No. 2, Op. 30 'Romantic': Adagio, Allegro moderato
9. Symphony No. 2, Op. 30 'Romantic': Andante con tenerezza
10. Symphony No. 2, Op. 30 'Romantic': Allegro con brio
11. The Pleasure-Dome Of Kubla Khan
12. Hoe-Down From Rodeo

Average customer rating: 60 Years 60 Flute Masterpieces There'll always be a Galway

60 Years 60 Flute Masterpieces (Highlights) Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Arnold | Arnold, Malcolm | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Carl Philipp Emman. Bach | Bach, Carl Philipp Emman. | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Giuliani, Mauro | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Khachaturian | Khachaturian, Aram | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Liebermann | Liebermann, Lowell | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Galway, James | ( G ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Flute Greatest Hits The Very Best of James Galway The Great Flute Concertos Bach: Flute Sonatas The Best Of Jean-Pierre Rampal ASIN: B00000K2F3 Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

1. Suite No. 2 In B Minor, BWV 1067: Menuet
2. Suite No. 2 In B Minor, BWV 1067: Badinerie
3. Concerto In E, Op. 8 No. 1, 'Spring': Allegro
4. Allegro
5. Concerto No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 31: Polacca
6. Concerto for Flute & Harp In C, K.299: Andantino
7. Flute Quartet in A, K.298: Rondeau: Allegretto grazioso
8. Grand duo concertant In A, Op. 85: Scherzo
9. Il carnevale di Venezia, Op. 77
10. Sonata in A: Allegretto poco mosso
11. La Flute de Pan, Op. 15: Pan et les bergers
12. Syrinx
13. Concerto For Flute & Orchestra: Allegro vivace
14. Fantasia para un gentilhombre: Canario
15. Three Shanties For Wind Quintet, Op. 4: Allegro vivace
16. Concerto For Flute & Orchestra, Op. 39: Presto

Customer Reviews:

60 Years 60 Flute Masterpieces.......2005-10-12

Everything this man does is great, so putting many years together in one place could only be the same.

There'll always be a Galway.......1999-10-10

Of course this is a 5-star production, but I deducted a star only because any one who has been collecting Galway recordings already has all or most of the selections on this CD. As with other artists, BMG has been repackaging earlier Galway offerings under many names and excuses; is the simply the latest (though certainly not last) in the series. The music is the usual mixture of short pieces that can stand on their own and movements that cannot out of the context of the larger works from which they are lifted.

Still I put this CD on as background music to a dinner and it worked just fine. So like most Galway collections, it makes for some lovely listening when doing something else or just relaxing. In fact, when your baby gets tired of those Bach for Babies sets, try Galway as a very nice substitute. Hey, BMG! How's that for a packaging idea?

Average customer rating: Best Elton Britt Collection out there Roots music at its best Way more interesting than you ever imagined. There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere ELTON BRITT THE RCA YEARS

The RCA Years Elton Britt Manufacturer: Collector's Choice ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Country Music's Yodelling Cowboy Crooner, Vol. 1 Ridin' with Elton Yodeling Mad: Best of Country Yodel Cowboy and Yodel Songs Yodeling/Country Songs/City Hits ASIN: B0000064F9 Release Date: 1998-04-21

Tracks:

1. Patent Leather Boots
2. They're Burning Down The House (I Was Brung Up In)
3. There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
4. Someday (You'll Want Me To Want You)
5. I'm A Convict With Old Glory In My Heart
6. Blueberry Lane
7. Blue Texas Moonlight
8. Wave To Me, My Lady
9. Detour
10. Rogue River Valley
11. Gotta Get Together With My Gal
12. Chime Bells
13. Maybe I'll Cry Over You
14. Candy Kisses
15. In A Swiss Chalet
16. Beyond The Sunset
17. Quicksilver
18. The Yodel Blues
19. Mockin' Bird Hill
20. Cannonball Yodel
21. The Skater's Yodel
22. The Jimmie Rodgers Blues
23. The Bitter Taste

Product Description

1. Patent Leather Boots
2. They're Burning Down The House (I Was Brung Up In)
3. There's A Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere
4. Someday (You'll Want Me To Want You)
5. I'm A Convict With Old Glory In My Heart
6. Blueberry Lane
7. Blue Texas Moonlight
8. Wave To Me, My Lady
9. Detour
10. Rogue River Valley
11. Gotta Get Together With My Gal
12. Chime Bells
13. Maybe I'll Cry Over You
14. Candy Kisses
15. In A Swiss Chalet
16. Beyond The Sunset
17. Quicksilver
18. Yodel Blues, The
19. Mockin' Bird Hill
20. Cannonball Yodel
21. Skater's Yodel, The
22. Jimmie Rodgers Blues, The
23. Bitter Taste, The


Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Best Elton Britt Collection out there.......2007-04-04

Elton Britt really deserves a better collection than this. While other less worthwhile singers have received the box-set treatment, Elton Britt's 40-year career is crammed into this single-disc collection. Elton had one of the most beautiful voices in any genre of music. He sings as clear as a bell, hitting insanely high notes without shrieking, and his yodel is the yodel by which all others are measured. This CD does collect most of his well-known hits (including 4 duets with fellow yodeler, Rosalie Allen). The only thing bad about buying this CD is that it will have you breaking out your record-player to hear some of the over 500 songs Britt recorded which unfortunately are not available on CD yet.

Roots music at its best.......2005-06-25

Elton Britt was a big fan of Jimmie Rodgers, but Rodgers died very young, without realizing what could have been as a mature artist. I think that Elton Brit may have surpassed the gentleman whom many think of as the great-grandfather of bluegrass. Most people think Gene Autry was such a fabulous singer---listen to Jimmie Rodgers, then listen to Elton Britt. There will be no question in your mind as to whom---Rodgers and Britt---the debt is owed. Elton and Jimmie sang from their souls. They didn't imitate a style, they took a style and made it their own. Elton's voice is like the finest crystal; clear, sparkling, with a timbre unmatched (and unequaled) by any before or since. He was a chart topper way before the charts were invented (around '44, I think), and as another reviewer stated, he should have been inducted into the hall of fame a long time ago. His voice has an agility and supleness, not to mention the wonderful songs he sings. You won't be disappointed by this talented and overlooked pioneer of american roots music.

Way more interesting than you ever imagined........2002-06-14

Imagine a cross between Jimmie Rodgers, Gene Autry, and George Morgan. This is the definite collection of Elton Britt's career that exists. Very classy packaging and notes. All of his chart hits are included with some non hits and hits that hit before the charts existed. All of the songs are originals. Grab this collection and be amazed. Just some advice. The first time you listen to this, listen to "Chime Bells" first and then sit back and be amazed.

There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere.......2001-10-21

10.20.01 Words to There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere are as meaningful after 9.11.01 as they were during World War 11. Every cut is excellent. Elton Britt could yodel with the best. Chime Bells is great, as is Jimmy Rodgers Blues yodel. Elton is a member of the Western Music Hall of Fame(as he was a singing cowboy). For some reason he has been overlooked by the Country Music Hall of Fame-should be a member. Maybe someday. Any serious country music fan should own this CD. It's definitely a real find and a 5 star. Jim Barker, Tampa, Fl

ELTON BRITT THE RCA YEARS.......2000-04-15

I'AM 63 YRS OLD + AND GREW UP WITH MY PARENTS LISTENING TO ELTON BRITT AND GENE AUTRY. WE REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR! PEOPLE FROM OUR GENERATION ARE BECOMMING FEWER & FEWER. ELTON COULD SING AND WAS THE BEST YODELER EVER. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT CD. ELTON ALSO DID SOME SWISS YOLDULING. MAYBE SOME RESEARCH WILL FIND IT.

Music Album:

1. Tonight We Ride
2. Trail of Memories: The Randy Travis Anthology
3. Truck Drivin' Fool
4. Ultimate Dolly Parton [Original recording remastered]
5. Untamed
6. Viva Las Vegas [CD-single]
7. While the Ages Roll On
8. Whiskey and the Devil
9. A Christmas Present
10. Almeria Club Recordings

Music Album