The King & the Father

Product Description:
Jimmy Martin spent four off-and-on years as one of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys where he lent his talents to 46 songs recorded for Decca.

Music Mill Entertainment presents 12 of those classic performances here in this package that we call........"THE KING & THE FATHER".

The King & the Father,Bill Monroe & The Bluegrass Boys Featuring Jimmy,Music Mill,Bluegrass,Bluegrass-Gospel,Country,Old-Timey,Pop,Traditional Bluegrass,United States of America

Average customer rating: Album starts off well then fades... Over and over again very listenable tracks excellent album melancholy melody

How To Save A Life The Fray Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Eyes Open Continuum Eye To The Telescope Move Along Sam's Town ASIN: B000AA301G Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. She Is
2. Over My Head (Cable Car)
3. How To Save a Life
4. All At Once
5. Fall Away
6. Heaven Forbid
7. Look After You
8. Hundred
9. Vienna
10. Dead Wrong
11. Little House
12. Trust Me

Amazon.com

On their full-length debut, Denver quartet the Fray don't exactly reinvent the wheel, but those looking for melodic, mid-tempo pop could do far worse. That said, the 12 songs on Top 40 hit How To Save a Life are barely distinguishable from each other. If you like one, you'll probably like the rest (and you'll be in the company of thousands of other listeners.) If you don't like one, it's unlikely the others will change your mind. Formed in 2002 and signed by Epic in 2004, the band consists of Isaac Slade (vocals, piano), Joe King (guitar, vocals), Ben Wysocki (drums), and Dave Welsh (guitar). Since their formation, the Fray have elicited comparisons to British groups like Coldplay and Keane, and American ones like Counting Crows and the Wallflowers. They've also toured with Weezer and Ben Folds and had songs--like first single "Over My Head (Cable Car)"--featured on such popular programs as Grey's Anatomy. Though they incorporate guitar, unlike Keane, Slade's expert piano playing is prominent on every track. To his credit, he can also hit the high notes just as gracefully as Coldplay's Chris Martin, but therein lies the rub: As with the band as a whole, Slade hasn't quite found his own voice yet. How To Save a Life is polished and professional, bland and inoffensive. It goes down easy, but evaporates into the ether just as quickly. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Album starts off well then fades..........2007-07-19

By now, most people who listen to alternative rock have heard of these guys. If you are reading this, then you want to know "Do I really want this album?". I think if you like the genre of music a lot (like Coldplay, Blue October, Keane), the go ahead and give this album a try. If you just like one of their songs, consider downloading that song and a couple more (chose from tracks 1 - 6 for more upbeat melodies and after for slower ones). The album tended to grow on me but is still not one I listen too all that often because of many of the songs sounding very similar.

Over and over again.......2007-06-16

I heard "Over MY Head" on a TV cable series, found it catchy, and wanted to find out who recorded it. After an eventful personal odyssey, I finally discovered this. Unfortunately my journey was a wasted effort. HOW TO SAVE A LIFE, the debut album for this piano-based-sounding group (from Denver-if that has any significance), is pleasant enough, that is, on first listening, but it is clearly superficial and soon becomes redundant. The enticing single "Over My Head" does have an entertaining chorus and a memorable refrain that makes nice use of the cable car metaphor. The majority of the other compositions on this album, however, sound as if they were manufactured by a cookie cutter song machine. Indeed, I don't think I recall ever hearing selections that were so much alike: they use a very (VERY) similar musical structure, are almost identical in studio production, and follow the same form- opening with an understated verse which then moves speedily to a chorus (that sounds like the chorus of the previous song) and repeats ala loop to make the statement. A slight exception might be the title track "How To Save A Life" (apparently among those heard on Grey's Anatomy) with its delicate piano intro and tender ballad-like message or "She Is" which demonstrates a bit of a driving rhythm. But even those do not stray too far away from the mold. They both, for example, still employ the same repetitious chorus device (in fact, when I was listening to "How to Save A Life" I thought it was "Over My Head."). The rest aren't even worth comment other than to say they are undistinguished. At best, they are derivative in content (borrowing from other vanilla-type ensembles) which nonetheless still does not excuse their own absence of variety. Likewise, the lead singer's voice, reminiscent perhaps of David Gray's, fits the tone of "Over My Head," but by the time you hear its whining character on two or three of the other tracks [incidentally- NOT like David Gray], you may want to be rescued from the experience. The continued exposure will either annoy you or put you to sleep.
To the point, this first album for The FRAY indicates that the group understands the concept of formula far too well. They should appreciate, however, that comfortable and familiar often leads very quickly to boring. With that in mind, most, if not all, of this can be thrown in the waste bin unless you are looking for sounds that will induce deep slumber. To be honest, its most salient feature is monotony. It is unobtrusively bland and shallow, with little evidence of either creative or original effort.

very listenable tracks.......2007-06-04

I spend most of my time in Europe, so I don't get too much exposure to up and coming bands. By chance on a recent trip home I heard The Fray on one of the 'Top 40' programs. I liked what I heard, sampled a few tracks online, and bought the music. While I might agree with the numerous reviews that say many of the Fray's songs sound similar, I still enjoy them. I recommend giving a listen to the Fray and look forward to seeing what comes next from them.

excellent album.......2007-05-26

This album is a great album. Each song is really good. Very mellow.

melancholy melody.......2007-05-21

The story from "How to save a life" is what got me to buy the CD. If you are interested google them and read about it. The whole CD is inspiring and nice. It is definitly a road trip CD. enjoy!

Average customer rating: love this amazing cd Her best Classics get to be classics........................ Gotta Love Carole King Can't live without it.

Tapestry Carole King Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | 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: Reflections: Carly Simon's Greatest Hits The Best of James Taylor Carole King - Her Greatest Hits: Songs Of Long Ago The Best of Simon & Garfunkel The Mamas & the Papas - Greatest Hits ASIN: B00000J2PH Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

1. I Feel The Earth Move
2. So Far Away
3. It's Too Late
4. Home Again
5. Beautiful
6. Way Over Yonder
7. You've Got A Friend
8. Where You Lead
9. Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
10. Smackwater Jack
11. Tapestry
12. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
13. Out In The Cold - (bonus track, previously unreleased)
14. Smackwater Jack - (bonus track, previously unreleased, live)

Amazon.com essential recording

Carole King was famous as a writer of girl-group hits in the '60s. In 1971, she became more famous. That's the year Tapestry became one of the biggest-selling LPs of all time. It's easy to hear why--the music is loose, earthy, L.A. session-pop. King is casual, intimate, and tough; she covers all the emotional ground of the post-liberated woman with ease. She brings adult nuance to "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" and comes up with hits ("It's Too Late," "I Feel the Earth Move") whose white-soul realism and maturity put pop hits to shame. --Steve Tignor --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Customer Reviews:

love this amazing cd.......2007-07-03

Find Me: How Psychic Detectives from Around the World Have Banded Together to Find Missing People Co-author of Find Me

I grew up listening to Carole, and still love her to this day! Thank you Mom for the introduction:) She is inspiring and uplifting to all:)

Her best.......2007-06-30

I owned this album on vinyl and then on cassette. It is a good quality CD that once again allows me to return to the yesterdays when I first heard of Smack Water Jack and felt the earth move under my feet. I know I'm biased but if these songs came out today, I think they still would climb high on the charts. If you want a sample of one of the greatest songwriters of her generation performing her own hits, you cannot go wrong with this CD.

Classics get to be classics...............................2007-06-11

........for a reason. This is generally considered to be one of the very greatest albums ever. It is. Carole King wrote and sang the songs of my generation. She and Carly Simon made the music that pretty much defines the baby-boomer years. There is little point in discussing individual songs...we've all felt the earth move, followed her lead, and been glad that she sings of being our friend. If ever a girl was a natural woman...she is, indeed, a beautiful tapestry.

The sound and the songs remain fresh and new, and the pure joy as great as ever. There are very few albums that everybody really ought to have....this one heads the list.

Gotta Love Carole King.......2007-05-18

Carole King can tell stories with her songs. I love the soulful way she sings. This is indeed one of the best

Can't live without it........2007-05-16

My daughter stold mine, twice! That's okay, at least she has good taste. :)

Average customer rating: Here's what the fuss was all about! Beverly Sills - The Best Beverly Sills' highs are breathtaking! THE 2005 OPERA CD OF THE YEAR EMI Does It Again: Beverly Sills - A Tribute

The Very Best of Beverly Sills Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Donizetti | Donizetti, Gaetano | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Lehár, Franz | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Massenet | Massenet, Jules | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sills, Beverly | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Donizetti, Gaetano | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Massenet, Jules | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Rossini, Gioacchino | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Lehar, Franz | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Great Recordings Beverly Sills: Made in America Art of Beverly Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor: Complete Opera (with full libretto and translation) Verdi: La Traviata / Sills, Gedda, Panerai; Ceccato ASIN: B0006VYELE Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

1. Una Voce Poco Fa - Sherrill Milnes
2. Dunque Io Son - Sherrill Milnes
3. Contro Un Cor - Sherrill Milnes
4. Ah, Qual Colpo Inaspetatto! - Sherrill Milnes
5. E Il Sol Dell'anima... Addio! Speranza Ed Anima - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
6. Gualtier Malde... Caro Nome - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
7. Tutte Le Feste Al Tempio... Compiuto Pur Quanto... Si, Vendetta - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
8. V'ho Ingannato... Lassu In Cielo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
9. Quel Guardo Il Cavaliere... So Anch'io La Virtu Magica - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
10. Pronta Io Son... Vado, Corro - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
11. Via, Caro Sposino - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
12. Tornami A Dir Che M'ami - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
13. La Morale In Tutto Questo - Ambrosian Opera Chorus

Tracks:

1. Vilia - Beverly Sills
2. Ah! Je Suis Seule... Dis-Moi Que Je Suis Belle - Beverly Sills
3. Cielo! Che Diverro?... Si, ferite... Dal Soggiorno... Ah! Che Spiegar - Beverly Sills
4. Libiamo Ne' Lieti Calici - John Alldis Choir
5. Un Di Felice, Eterea - John Alldis Choir
6. E Strano... Ah, Fors'e Lui... Follie! Follie!... Sempre Libera - John Alldis Choir
7. Pura Siccome Un Angelo... Ah! Dite Alla Giovine - John Alldis Choir
8. Che Fai? - John Alldis Choir
9. Addio Del Passato - John Alldis Choir
10. Parigi, O Cara - John Alldis Choir

Amazon.com

Beverly Sills hardly needs an introduction. She sang on the radio as a child and on the operatic stage as a teenager; her meteoric international career was launched by appearances in several virtually unknown bel canto operas at the New York City Opera. This compilation of arias and ensembles from some of her signature roles, recorded in the 1970s, with splendid partners like Nicolai Gedda, Alfredo Kraus, and Sherrill Milnes, displays her unique vocal and dramatic artistry at its peak. Her voice, effortlessly produced over an enormous range, is bright, pure, infinitely variable in color, inflection and intensity. Her intonation is impeccable even in huge leaps, and her breath is endless. The coloratura roulades are like strings of perfect, luminous pearls, clearly articulated in seamless legato. But this stunning technique (whose only flaw is a sometimes wide, wobbly vibrato) is never used for show; every note has life and expression, serving the music and the dramatic situation. Indeed, her characters are flesh-and-blood human beings, whose thoughts, emotions and interactions, from inwardness to ecstasy, from lamentation to overflowing joy, she projects with riveting concentration. Rosina in Rossini's The Barber of Seville is a charming, mischievous minx who succumbs to delighted tenderness; Pamira's great scene from his Siege of Corinth shows clearly why her Metropolitan Opera debut in that role was a sensation. In Verdi's Rigoletto, Gilda's hopeful innocence turns into hopeless despair: she dies, palpably, on a floating, celestial pianissimo. In his La traviata, Violetta's initial cool, hesitant restraint gradually melts as she opens herself (and her voice) to Alfredo's ardor and the bliss of love. The vocal balance in their final duet is uncanny; its tremulous tenderness in the shadow of death breaks the heart, as does her duet with Germont. Massenet's Thais is sensuous; Donizetti's Don Pasquale and Lehár's The Merry Widow provide comic relief. --Edith Eisler

Album Description

Details TBA. EMI. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Here's what the fuss was all about!.......2007-07-17

It would have been even better if they had included at least one Cleopatra aria and something from Baby Doe, but it doesn't really matter, because this collection will allow younger listeners especially to hear what the fuss was all about! There are moments listening to Sills, especially from Traviata or Manon, that are so beautifully sung and so genuine that they are heartbreaking. I feel so fortunate to have heard her Queen of the Night, Manon, Violetta, and Baby Doe. She was so generous as a performer and as a humanitarian, and she really brought opera into the American mainstream.

Beverly Sills - The Best.......2007-04-01

What a voice. No coloratura can compare, and she makes it seem so easy.

Beverly Sills' highs are breathtaking!.......2006-09-18

Adio del Passato is incredible! Beverly's high, floating coloratura is no less than ethereal which takes you to another world. Her voice has given me so much joy that it is hard to say one recording is better than another because I love her Mozart album equally with her Bellini/Donizetti. It is so wonderful to have these recordings captured on CD! Enjoy!

THE 2005 OPERA CD OF THE YEAR.......2006-08-19

THIS CD WAS THE BEST OPERA CD ISSUED LAST YEAR, AND HAS CAUGHT THE WORLD'S EAR IN NO TIME. I WAS BUSY WRITING IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL, WHILE THE STATEOWNED FM RADIOSTATION, DEDICATED TO CULTURE, WAS SOFTLY PLAYING OPERA ARIAS IN THE BACKGROUND. SUDDENLY I HEARD THE MOST FANTASTIC RENDERING OF "SEMPRE LIBERA" FROM "LA TRAVIATA". I GOT UP, SAT BY THE RADIO AND WAITED TO KNOW WHO WAS SINGING... THEN GOT BACK TO THE COMPUTER TO ORDER THIS CD FROM AMAZON! INCREDIBLE: ONLY 17 BUCKS FOR THIS, WHILE QUITE A BIT OF TRASH IS SOLD FOR 30.40 AND MORE...
A LADY FRIEND ONCE TOLD ME SHE COULD NOT LISTEN TO THE DUET IN "MADAMA BUTTERFLY" WITH MIRELLA FRENI AND LUCIANO PAVAROTTI (RECORDED IN 1974, BY VON KARAJAN) WITHOUT CRYING. WELL, YOU CANNOT LISTEN TO SILLS IN "LA TRAVIATA" DRY-EYED, NO MATTER WHO THE TENOR IS. SHE PROJECTS THE SAME DRAMATIC FEELING OF "LA DIVINA" CALLAS WITHOUT THOSE SHRIEKED HIGHNOTES; SHE OFFERS THE SAME COLORATURA VOCAL GYMNASTICS AS "LA STUPENDA" SUTHERLAND BUT WITH WARMTH... WHEN BEVERLY SANG, AS IN EVERYTHING ELSE SHE DID, SHE ALWAYS GAVE HER UTMOST. SHE WAS "LA GENEROSA" TO BE SURE.
DON'T JUST SIT THERE READING WHAT OTHERS THINK.
ORDER THIS CD NOW AND MARVEL AT HOW THIS GREAT AMERICAN LADY, IN SO MANY OTHER WAYS, ALSO COULD SING!

EMI Does It Again: Beverly Sills - A Tribute.......2005-07-22

EMI's "Very Best Of" series are perfect introductions to operatic singers of the 20th century. Once you hear these artist tribute albums (much like The Singers series) you will get hooked on the singer and seek out their full-length studio recordings. Beverly Sills was the first truly famous American opera star. One may argue that she was not, that she was merely a continued tradition of American divas such as Mary Garden and Lily Pons and which still continues today with Renee Fleming, Elizabeth Futral and Susan Graham. Beverly was raised in New York City, which is still her home, and which is the home of the New York City Opera and the Met, opera houses which rocketed her to fame. Her first success (not featured in this recording...UH WHY ?) was Cleopatra of Handel's Julius Caesar, a performance she sang opposite the illustrious baritone Norman Treigle. Those performances were legendary because coincidentally at the same time the Met was opening its new theatre and season with what became a disastrous Samuel Barber's Antony and Cleopatra starring Leontyne Price in an overblown, big-budget, epic fiasco. The great roles that followed the 1965 Cleopatra were Manon, Queen Elizabeth I in Roberto Deveraux, Maria Stuarda and Anna Bolena in the Donizetti Tudor Queen operas, Pamira in The Siege of Corinth (which were Sill's La Scala and belated Met debut. None of the Queens are featured in this recording, though its supposedly the Very Best Of. An aria from Rossini's Siege of Corinth is featured here however. What we are treated to however are fine lyric roles- Beverly Sills shone brightly and acted convincingly as Gilda in Rigoletto (the final scene is featured here) as Violetta in La Traviata, Thais, The Merry Widow (the beautiful Vilja is featured here)and the ingenue role of Norina in Don Pasquale is also showcased here. To each of these roles, Beverly Sills delivered an authenticity and dramatic interpretation, not ot mention beautiful, sweet tone. I love her pianissimos, her high notes, her chest register. It was the voice of Beverly Sills who first hooked me into opera. For a recording that should showcase her best work, Manon is not featured nor any of her prized French heroines- Marie in The Daughter of the Regiment and the heroines in Tales of Hoffman. Also not in here is the role that was her first success- the Broadway opera Ballad of Baby Doe. Even as such, the arias here are gorgeous. The Barber of Seville is in here and as Rosina she is playful and charming. Sills was a modern singer, with a voice that was beautiful but willing to sacrifice beauty for the sake of dramatic content. When Sills was once asked what she thought of the supposed rivalry with Joan Sutherland (which was never real and only gossip from partisan fans) Beverly said something to this effect -Joan and I are apples and oranges in our take on opera, we are Picasso and Monet. She would do anything for the effect of beauty and tone, I'd sacrifice beauty for the sake of dramatic text. Even as such, I see no ugliness to any of the roles here. All of them are beautiful to hear, full of rich floating celestial tones. It would have been nice to hear the roles that did call for Sills to step up the tense drama - Norma, will her recording ever be reissued by EMI ? Also, few people know that Beverly Sills sung role most would consider dangerous for her voice (though she sang them long before her career even took off)- Aida and Carmen!!

Average customer rating: Freddie must be very proud. Disappointed In the Palace of the King Nice tribute Can I give negative stars?

In the Palace of the King John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers Manufacturer: Eagle Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: 10 Days Out (Blues from the Backroads)/ (CD/DVD) Dirty Deal Close as You Get Painkiller Breakin' It Up & Breakin' It Down ASIN: B000O590CU Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

1. You Know That You Love Me
2. Goin' Down
3. Some Other Day, Some Other Time
4. Palace Of The King
5. I'd Rather Be Blind
6. Time To Go
7. Big Legged Woman
8. Now I Got A Woman
9. I Love You More Every Day
10. Help Me Through The Day
11. Cannonball Shuffle
12. You've Got Me Licked
13. King Of The Kings
14. Living On The Highway

Amazon.com

The 56th album by the 73-year-old godfather of British blues is a tribute to one of his major influences, the late Texas-born guitarist Freddie King. It's also a nod to current Bluesbreakers picker Buddy Whittington, an underrated pyrotechnician who follows a long line of distinguished six-string Mayall sidemen that includes Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor, Coco Montoya, and Walter Trout. Whittington measures up, recreating the terse energy of King's biting, blunt phrasing on the legend's classic "Going Down" and the swinging "You Know That You Love Me." And he puts his own grinding, slashing brand on the riff 'n' rip guitar of "The Palace of the King," a biographical tune Don Nix, Leon Russell, and Duck Dunn wrote for King. Guest guitarist Robben Ford lends his own instrumental King homage, "Cannonball Shuffle," but it's Mayall's piano-led "King of the Kings" that's most touching. Singing in his arcing, high voice, slightly thinned by age, Mayall explains how King influenced him and his Bluesbreakers, showing Clapton, Green, and Taylor "all the licks to play," and concludes that he's "Got the blues for Mr. Freddie/Sorry that you had to go." --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

John Mayall, the "Godfather of British Blues", returns with the Bluesbreakers for his latest studio album "In The Palace Of The King". This new album is John's tribute to one of his blues heroes, the late, great Freddie King. King was a blues guitar pioneer from the mid-50's through to his tragically early death in the mid-70's and he influenced everyone from Peter Green to DaveEdmunds to Stevie Ray Vaughan and probably most of all Eric Clapton, who produced and played on King's final album. "In The Palace Of The King" features John Mayall's take on his personal selection of Freddie King favorites and is a fabulous combination of two true blues legends.

Customer Reviews:

Freddie must be very proud........2007-07-17

The Texas Cannonball has been gone for 30 years. With John Mayall's latest release, the double fisted Blues frieght train that was Freddie King is back on track. Bravo John.

Disappointed.......2007-07-02

Superb Musicianship, tight arrangements, so what's wrong?

If you're new to the work of the great Freddie King, consider
investing a few bucks in the real deal. Most of Freddie
King's best work is still in print, e.g., "Getting Ready" or "Texas
Cannonball". His soaring vocals and wicked guitar phrasing are
like comparing a fine whiskey to this...I don't know...lemonade?

I found the tracks with Mayall singing (most of them), immediately
annoying. His straining, thin and unconvincing vocals pretty much
derail most of the material, which is too bad considering this is
a lineup of musicians with talent to burn. The "jump the shark"
moment - Mayall doing the line about not being able to "get a chitlin'
pizza at any price I pay...". I've never been a big Mayall fan as his
elephant sized ego always seems to intrude into his material and often
push it into the realm of precious and pretentious.

This is a John Mayall CD that happens to cover Freddie King material.
If you're a Mayall fan you'll probably like it.

In the Palace of the King.......2007-06-27

Another great album from the British Father of the Blues. Albert King is one of my favorite performers, and Mayall does him justice. I've yet to find a Mayall album I didn't like, although some weren't as strong as others, this is a very good listen.

Nice tribute.......2007-06-27

Great songs done by an all time blues superstar in memory of a "king". I especially like the Buddy W. vocals on Big Legged Woman.

Well done ! John
RIP Freddie

Can I give negative stars?.......2007-06-19

How can anyone listen to this garbage with a straight face? People who consider this musical, much less blues, should consider purchasing albums only from the following labels for the first 5 years of their blues purchasing existence (just to name a few):


1) Chess
2) Excello
3) Modern
4) Imperial
5) Peacock
6) Specialty
7) ABCO
8) Atlantic
9) Sun
10) Kent


Just to play it safe, don't buy anything recorded after 1965 until you've spent at least $1000.00 collecting real, American roots, rhythm and blues.

(Hint: Avoid things from Britain.)
(Hint: Try a blues recording with black musicians.)
(Hint: Jake and Elwood are comedic characters, not competent musicians.)

If John Mayall wanted to pay tribute to Freddie King he should stop butchering his material. In fact, he should stop period, before he does any more damage. (If ever there was a need for a bit of self-filter.)

One interesting note, apparently people who purchased this CD also bought works by Jazz giant, Kenny G.

Average customer rating: Choose this one over the movie soundtrack... Best musical soundtrack ever!!! We love the Lion King Great Soundtrack for a Great Musical Go see the show, just don't buy the CD there

The Lion King (1997 Original Broadway Cast) Elton John , Tim Rice , Heather Headley , and Mark Mancina Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Disney's Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Aida (2000 Original Broadway Cast) The Lion King: Pride Rock On Broadway Mamma Mia! The Musical Based on the Songs of ABBA: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (1999 London Cast) ASIN: B000001M1B Release Date: 1997-11-14

Tracks:

1. Circle Of Life
2. Grasslands Chant
3. The Morning Report
4. The Lioness Hunt
5. I Just Can't Wait To Be King
6. Chow Down
7. They Live In You
8. Be Prepared
9. The Stampede
10. Rafiki Mourns
11. Hakuna Matata
12. One By One
13. The Madness Of King Scar
14. Shadow Land
15. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
16. Endless Night
17. Can You Feel The Love Tonight
18. He Lives In You (Reprise)
19. Simba Confronts Scar
20. King Of Pride Rock/Circle Of Life

Amazon.com

An Oscar win might suggest a score that would need a miracle to be bettered--but this colorful stage adaptation of Disney's The Lion King does so with flair. Composers Mark Mancina and Lebo M worked closely together to fuse the movie's many disparate elements. Where there was a veritable army exercising creative influences for the animated tale, this brings it all under the wings of a like-minded few. This is genuinely apparent as one track flows into the next. The African rhythms--both vocal and in instrumentation--come across as authentic and original all at once. No doubt this is largely through Mancina's passion for peculiar instruments and the possibilities suggested from nightly live performances. "Grasslands Chant" is a good place to hear this. The hit favorites are here of course, but both "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" are pleasingly unrecognizable with chorus and shifting beats. Better still is the likelihood they will now be eclipsed by some of the new numbers. Mancina's own "He Lives in You" being a strong contender. With a sound mix as crisp as you'd hope to find, this is rousing stuff. --Paul Tonks

Customer Reviews:

Choose this one over the movie soundtrack..........2007-06-28

I bought this cd after seeing the show on broadway. If you like the African-influenced music present in the movie version of the Lion King, all of the original is present here as well as some really good new stuff. My favorite of the new songs is "Shadowland", which really just takes some recognizable background music from the movie and adds lyrics to it. other standouts include "He Lives in You", which you may have heard if you saw The Lion King 1 1/2, and the song Simba sings after his father has died.

I took off one star because I am not a fan of the singer portraying Scar in this recording, and I don't like most of his songs or those the hyenas sing. But the excellence of everthing else makes up for it.

Best musical soundtrack ever!!!.......2007-05-19

Awesome music!!! My kids love it, I love it! Everyone loves it!! I could listen to it over and over and not get sick of it!!!!

We love the Lion King.......2007-05-17

We had just gone to NY in March 07 and saw the play live. The CD is just as beautiful and the music brings tears to my eyes. My five year old knows all the words. We play it on the way to school and back everyday. He particularly likes "I just can't wait to be King".

Great Soundtrack for a Great Musical.......2007-05-13

This soundtrack is just as breathtaking as watching the musical and brings back all of the memories of NYC! This is the original cast recording, so if you've seen the production recently, most of the actors aren't the same; just keep that in mind.

Go see the show, just don't buy the CD there.......2007-03-04

I purchased this CD after seeing the U.S. tour. The show is amazing, go see it. I just say not to buy the CD there because there's a 300% markup! This exact CD is sold at the show's gift shop for $30...look what Amazon has it for. It's a great show, the music is better than that of the film. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: More Tales Of Gothic Menace From The King From beyond the grave... Creepy As Hell . . . puro heavy metal !!!! You have got to get this!!!!!!!!

Give Me Your Soul...Please King Diamond Manufacturer: Metal Blade ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: United Abominations Paradise Lost Overture of the Wicked Fire Up the Blades Ghost Opera ASIN: B000QFCD2W Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. The Dead
2. Neverending Hill
3. Is Anybody Here?
4. Black Of Night
5. Mirror Mirror
6. The Cellar
7. Pictures In Red
8. Give Me Your Soul
9. The Floating Head
10. Cold As Ice
11. Shapes Of Black
12. The Girl In The Bloody Dress
13. Moving On

Customer Reviews:

More Tales Of Gothic Menace From The King.......2007-07-08

King Diamond has really created his own distinct style and genre, and in a playing field with no other contenders, he reamains the King indeed. King Diamond albums have been something I look forward to since I was 13 or so, when I first heard "Them". Bizarre, gothic and dark concept albums featuring the phenomenal classic metal guitar work of Andy LaRocque and others and, of course, King Diamond's incomparable caterwauling vocals and sinister storytelling, there is nothing else quite like it.

"Give Me Your Soul Please" is no exception, and an excellent addition to King's canon, his latest tale of the supernatural involves murder, suicide, a ghostly apparition of a little girl in a bloody dress, a black cat, and a floating severed head. So, business as usual. (laughs) I always love the way King assumes the voices of different characters in his stories in an almost theatrical manner, and the eerie music and amazing, intese riffs and solos laid out on this release by Mike Wead and Andy LaRocque are just sick....I had a blast with this disc, but for other King fans it is perhaps a bit weaker than some of his other releases (although it is hard to top the trifecta of "Them", "Conspiracy" and "The Eye", which remain my favorite). For folks who are new to the King, this really isn't a bad place at all to start. Be sure to listen all the way through, preferably in one sitting (the only proper way to listen to a King Diamond album). In a crowded metal scene, this stuff really comes off as being quite original....recommended!

From beyond the grave..........2007-07-07

Another splendid musical horror novel from King Diamond, the little girl in the bloody dress comes through the mirror, uncertain about her state of being... the introductory song "Dead" is laden with mood-setting organ, haunting voices explaining the basics of the disturbing plot, dealing with a little brother and sister who were murdered by their father, but are scheduled for different destinations "after death" - it is up to her to save him from Hell, after being accused by "the powers that be" of suicide. She reveals the true circumstances of their demise - to set the terms "right" so they may 'rest in peace' together, presumably in "Heaven", although 'demons' pine for both their 'souls' in this supernatural adventure / thriller concept album.

The album features the spectral voice of Livia Zita, whom you may recognize from 'The Puppet Master' as well, adding an enchanting compliment to the music as well as storyline. Besides the intricate Metal instrumentation, cellos and the harpsichord are included, adding an eerie feel to the brilliant orchestration.

Of particular note, My personal favorites herein are "Dead" {the 'gothic' horror instrumental}, "Give Me Your Soul" {really displays the talent and skill of the band}, "Shapes of Black" {great beat and harmony; one can actually relate to these occurrences, environment, and denizens}, "Cold As Ice" {the cold temperature in the dark room even in remmus}, "Girl In The Bloody Dress" {the rhythms and correlations of voices}, and "Moving On" {the hypnotically-melancholy quality and voice combinations} .

The aesthetics are predictably wonderfully ornate, of course featuring the band, and one Magic, King's black cat familiar, perceiving the ghost as familiars are said to sense. It was also gratifying to see the band dressed in black robes within, each signalling the Cornu, adding a most evocatively mystical impression. King promises a Hell of a show to accompany this chapter as well, repleat with horror psychodrama.

Overall, 'Give Me Your Soul... Please' is definitely one of King's best.

Creepy As Hell . . ........2007-07-05

I was lucky enough to get this new CD a day early, and I haven't stopped listening to it since. The guitar work is incredible and the story is scarry as hell! I think that King Diamond has finally got a solid line up that willl work for him.

puro heavy metal !!!!.......2007-07-02

In the King We Trust increible disco igual o mejor que su anterior trabajo. Rif bien heavy y uso una combinacion de sus voces q hace del album uno no monotono. Para mi estos dos ultimos album the Diamond han sido los mejores en los pasados 15 años.

You have got to get this!!!!!!!!.......2007-07-02

The King Is Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, what a freaky album. Pure Diamond! I think it is some of his best work. It gave me chills! You have got to love the cover, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get IT!

Average customer rating: Whimsical Progresive Rock Back in the day Sophisticated progressive rock! Let me join in the chorus of praise for this album, one of the greatest prog rock albums ever.... the greatest masterpiece of prog

In the Court of the Crimson King King Crimson Manufacturer: Discipline Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: In the Wake of Poseidon Larks Tongues in Aspic - 30th Anniversary Edition Remastered Red 30th Anniversary Edition Remastered Discipline Close to the Edge ASIN: B00065MDRW Release Date: 2004-11-22

Tracks:

1. 21st Century Schizoid Man (Including Mirrors)
2. I Talk To The Wind
3. Epitaph (Including March For No Reason/Tomorrow And Tomorrow)
4. Moonchild (Including The Dream/The Illusion)
5. The Court Of The Crimson Song (Including The Return Of The Fire Witch/The Dance Of The Puppets)

Customer Reviews:

Whimsical Progresive Rock.......2007-07-17

The debut album of King Crimson is one of their finest (though not their best; see Red if you want their top recording). This is the only Crimson album that features Greg Lake (of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer fame) on lead vocals. Although there are only five tracks, each one is rather lengthy and showcases the hallmarks of progressive rock as a whole.

My favorite two tracks are 21st Century Schizoid Man and The Court of the Crimson King, the first and last tracks respectively. Both are epic progressive songs, and are essential for any progressive rock fan; well worth the price of admission for this album.

Back in the day.......2007-06-28

I had a fairly adequate stereo which was centered on a Thorens transcription turntable with an excellent stylus. It always cheered me up to hear this album played at moderate to somewhat loud volume levels. I won't get into the progressive rock chicken and egg debate, for I also appreciate many of the other groups mentioned but KC has a very special place in my hierarchy of rock bands. They made several other good recordings, again duly noted in several reviews but I always have liked this one the best.

For those who have not heard this I would suggest attempting to hear part of it at least prior to buying as I realize this particular genre of rock can be considered an acquired taste.

Sophisticated progressive rock!.......2007-06-24

I knew this album of course before buying it, but it really amazes you when you listen to the whole thing song by song in your home stereo.

Let me join in the chorus of praise for this album, one of the greatest prog rock albums ever...........2007-06-12

This is arguably one of the greatest debuts in rock history (alongside The Velvet Underground and Nico). It is an almost perfect album, a feat that doesn't happen very often. Every song is so beautifully written, crafted, sequenced, and performed by some of the greatest musicians the rock world has ever heard or seen. The starter, 21st Century Schizoid Man, is amazingly intricate. It's one of the best songs from Crimson's library, and the middle section is blistering in its intensity. The quieter songs (just about the rest of the album) are so mellow, moving, and haunting, with lyrics (courtesy of prog rock's greatest lyricist, Pete Sinfield) that still hold up today. There are only 5 songs on the album (all running epic length), but they're pretty much perfect. The only one that gives me a slight problem is Moonchild. The last 10 minutes of the song (after a beautiful introduction) are kind of aimless. But then, maybe a few more listens, and the song will finally kick in. This is one of my favorite albums ever.

the greatest masterpiece of prog.......2007-06-11

Luis Mejia (son)- This album, being the debut of king crimson, stablish the genre of prog officially, checking that prog started with early influences of soft machine, the nice, procol harum and pink floyd. The first track 21st century schizoid man, shows the combination of rythms that prog would use through time, being a nice piece of a mix of rock and jazz, and the kind-of awkward voice of Greg Lake. the 2nd track I talk to the wind is one of the most famous of the band, being a nice soft song, that combines with Epitaph, which the lyrics are the best that king crimson have written. Later it comes the song Moonchild, which I first considerated an incomprehensible song, but later, after I heard a lot of king crimson material, I discovered that it's the song that characterize all their later works, because of the improvisation they use in the track. the last song In the court of the crimson king is my favorite, mainly because it combines a little bit of improvisation, good lyrics and rythms. It's a pitty that Greg Lake only lasted two albums, but this is the most perfect start for a band that would later be one of the most original bands of all time.

Average customer rating: Funny, funny, funny Another Good Collection Absolutely hilarious!!! Funniest Man In Comedy! Rodney almost does it again.

King of the Mountains Rodney Carrington Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Country Comedy | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rodney Carrington: Live at the Majestic Greatest Hits Morning Constitutions But I Could Be Wrong Nut Sack ASIN: B000NJXCAI Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Tee Off
3. Massage
4. TV Show
5. Shopping On Rodeo Street
6. Real Fancy Place
7. Give It A Try
8. Zoo
9. Yoga Class
10. Boxing
11. Christmas With The Kids
12. Home Movie
13. Short Arms
14. Wheel Of Fortune
15. Travel Pillow
16. The Apple
17. Fun
18. Changes
19. Baby Back
20. Fat Girl
21. Put Your Clothes Back On
22. Rap Star
23. Rhymes With Truck
24. Show Them To Me
25. Baby Back
26. Rhymes With Truck
27. Rap Star
28. Show Them To Me
29. Tribute To Barry Martin
30. Angel Friend

Customer Reviews:

Funny, funny, funny.......2007-06-27

If you love comedy you need this CD. Rodney Carrington is one of the funniest comedians today. I also purchased his DVD "Rodney Carrington: Live at the Majestic". This DVD is his "King of the Mountain" album but the fact that you actually see him acting out the show makes it that much funnier. My favorite part is the "Chicken Song". If you get the DVD (which I highly recommend) it will keep you laughing long after you see it. Trust me you will want to watch it over and over again......... I know I did.

Another Good Collection.......2007-06-19

This is another entertaining collection of countrified humor from a man who mostly has one thing on his mind; that is the thing that most men have on their minds. He is self deprecating and usually funny. That's enough for me.

Rodney is also known for his songs. These are usually scattered throughout his albums but in this one, they are all concentrated at the end. First come the live performances and then there are some repeats using studio recordings.

Its not a bad collection

Absolutely hilarious!!! .......2007-06-11

This is one of the funniest CD's and/or albums I have ever listened to. I heard these live on tour but, I still laugh like crazy. Also, Angel Friend is a very touching tribute to his good friend and fellow comedian Barry Martin. The song actually brought me through a very bad time and gave me hope when I lost my best friend.

Funniest Man In Comedy!.......2007-06-05

I've watched this dvd 5 times already and could watch it 10 more...you will laugh the whole time its on!

Rodney almost does it again........2007-05-21

This was really funny, but I don't think it was quite as funny as his earlier stuff.

Average customer rating: Sousa's marches OK, But Not As Good As the Original Sousa Marches, MC Band This is so great! A Great Sousa Collection

Sousa's Greatest Hits John Philip Sousa , and United States Marine Band Manufacturer: Altissimo Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stars & Stripes Forever and the Greatest Marches The Military Band: Salute to the Services Salute to America Fiedler's Favorite Marches 40 Famous Marches ASIN: B0000296U6 Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

1. The Stars And Stripes Forever
2. The Bride Elect
3. Semper Fidelis
4. King Cotton
5. Sound Off
6. The Washington Post
7. The Gladiator
8. National Fencibles
9. Jack Tar
10. The Thunderer
11. Sabre And Spurs
12. The Royal Welsh Fusiliers
13. El Capitan
14. The Gridiron Club
15. Manhattan Beach
16. Man Behind The Gun
17. The Invincible Eagle
18. The Gallant Seventh

Customer Reviews:

Sousa's marches.......2007-06-28

Excellent CD! I'm happy with the speed in which it arrived at our home.

OK, But Not As Good As the Original.......2006-08-12

It's OK, but doesn't have the quality of Sousa's original songs which were also played by a United States Marine Band.

Sousa Marches, MC Band.......2006-08-04

I was totally happy with the CD. It was everything I expected it to be. Thanks Much

This is so great!.......2005-03-27

This music speaks to my inner being, my father was a Marine with the ETC, and it was not an easy time. Music like this helped him think about how the best things in life are two doors down on the left, just a shade away from peace. I love this music, track 13 speaks to me so much that I am not sure if I have the time to listen as much as I want to! Such great music!

A Great Sousa Collection.......2004-12-15

These recordings seem to date from the 1960s and reflect a style of play that is impossible to find today. Some people might consider the sound to be too bright, the entrances too aggressive. But I think this is more authentic for Sousa than what one generally hears today. Sousa himself is known to have preferred "enthusiastic" entrances from his players, to have favored an "orchestral" sonority for his band and to have played his marches in strict tempo with no ritards or tempo changes. That is what you have on this disc, which features the Marine Band under Lt. Col. Albert Schoepper, who also conducts on Volume 3 of Altissimo's Sousa Original series.

Average customer rating: The Best Soundtrack Ever. Period. Modern Day Symphony for Middle Earth The stuff of legends! Bored of the Rings... If you like classical movie soundtracks...you NEED this!

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Howard Shore , and Annie Lennox Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl Gladiator: Music from the Motion Picture The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring - The Complete Recordings ASIN: B0000DZEA1 Release Date: 2003-11-25

Tracks:

1. A Storm Is Coming
2. Hope and Memory
3. Minas Tirith - Ben del Maestro
4. The White Tree
5. The Steward of Gondor - Billy Boyd
6. Minas Morgul
7. The Ride of the Rohirrim
8. Twilight and Shadow - Renee Fleming
9. Cirith Ungol
10. Anduril
11. Shelob's Lair
12. Ash and Smoke
13. The Fields of the Pelennor
14. Hope Fails
15. The Black Gate Opens - James Galway
16. The End of All Things - Renee Fleming
17. The Return of the King - Viggo Mortensen
18. The Grey Havens - James Galway
19. Into the West - Annie Lennox

Amazon.com

This final chapter of Peter Jackson's sprawling adaptation of Tolkien's "Ring" trilogy closes out one of the most accomplished cycles in cinema--and film music--history. As he's done for the saga's first two installments, composer Howard Shore has honed a mature, brooding orchestral masterpiece that's long on subtle shadings of mood and nuance, while eschewing the hollow bombast that's characterized all too many mainstream action and adventure films for three decades. If anything, he's pared this chapter of his music for Middle Earth even closer to the bone, the trilogy's familiar themes repeated with a sparing hand that only heightens their dramatic power. Like Herrmann before him, Shore has a preternatural understanding of orchestral timbres and their almost mystical connections with human emotions, and he's used it here to close out this remarkable trilogy with Wagnerian dramatic sweep, yet one with a distinctly modern, understated melodic sense that is Shore's alone. James Galway and Renee Fleming make key instrumental and vocal contributions, respectively, while Annie Lennox's soulful "Into the West" makes the expected, if unobtrusive, bow to the theatrical pop song conventions. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

The regular jewel-case version will contain one of seven collectors' cards.

Customer Reviews:

The Best Soundtrack Ever. Period........2006-11-25

The entire "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy is absolutely amazing and all are groundbreaking achievements in filmmaking but in my opinion they wouldn't be as good without the amazing master work of composer Howard Shore. 'The Return of the King', in particular, has the most expressive, emotional and dramatic music of the three films which perfectly complements the emotion and drama of the movie. The music alone is a work of genius. From the orchestral music to Annie Lennox's "Into the West", this soundtrack is truly astonishing.

Modern Day Symphony for Middle Earth.......2006-11-02

One session of listening to Howard Shore's breathtaking score for LOTR--RETURN OF THE KING and you instantly appreciate why he was repeatedly nominated for an Oscar.

Sweeping orchestral pieces transport you to the epic battles fought, while softer instrumentals summon the characters' pains suffered and quiet triumphs obtained.

If you own the other 2 CDs in the series, this is a no brainer. If you don't, ironically, starting here gives you a taste of all 3 as Shore weaves together a final tapestry of the trilogy in an expert fashion!

The stuff of legends!.......2006-10-02

What can I say that hasn't already been said about Howard Shore's magnificent score for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy? A soundtrack can define the whole atmosphere of a film, and this fully orchestrated work certainly does that with sweep, splendor and wonder, alternately humanizing (hobbit-izing?) the characters, imbuing the landscape with magic and capturing the world-shaking impact of events of mythic proportions. And this was no easy task considering the iconoclastic status of the story and the superb quality of Peter Jackson's filmmaking. This is a truly a soundtrack for the ages--a fitting accompaniment to a film for the ages! Every aspect of life, from the extreme to the mundane, is captured in this music. Listening to it can make every remembered moment of the movie come alive again in your mind, from the most horrific battle to the smallest moment of humor or kindness. And the battle scenes in "Return of the King" are incredible visuals, blending live action and computer-generated imagery so seamlessly and densely that it boggles the mind. But what would they be with only screams and snorts and scuffles to give them voice? It's Shore's frenetic, string-laden, brass-filled, drum-spurred fury that truly gives them life, waxing, waning and cueing the audience as to when the greatest menace is about to threaten the war-weary heroes. The musical themes from the first two movies continue to be developed here, wending their way in and out of expanded interpretations whose dense complexity rivals that of Tolkien's story, not to mention Peter Jackson's filmmaking itself. The total effect is utterly convincing and utterly transporting. Peter Jackson chose well when he picked Shore as his score writer. Very, very well! Be sure to get the scores from the other two movies in the trilogy as well - "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers." They seem to be available in no end of different packagings, including ones with bonus DVDs about the creation of the score. Also, make sure to get the extended edition DVDs of the movie itself, with hours and hours of fascinating commentaries and behind-the-scenes documentaries about the making of the films. Truly a bargain at any price! And for authentic music from bygone ages, try the real thing! There are many fine groups out there. Here's just a sampling: Anonymous 4 (pure-voiced sacred chant by four women), The Baltimore Consort (jaunty popular music from the Renaissance), David Munrow's Early Music Consort of London (simply perfection), Christian Mendoze's Musica Antiqua (lively, percussive Renaissance dance music), The Toronto Consort (great variety), Ensemble Unicorn (worlds of fun!), Wolgemut (brash buzzies and bagpipes with attitude), and the magical early/folk fusion of Cantiga and Burlap Lute. Have some fun with them and live your own fantasy!

Bored of the Rings..........2006-09-13

First off, I'm fifteen.

I'd like to caution anyone considering buying this soundtrack. My sister has all three (Fellowship, Two Towers, Return), and I have to say that by what I know, this is not that great of a soundtrack. It's just overrated. To understand my point, listen to the music sample for song #16. At first, you may think "AWESOOMMME! This is so coooool!". But listen to it again, and you should find out that it's actually annoying. If you want to hear the "AAAAAAHHH"'s done right, listen to John Williams' Star Wars III, numbers 3 and 4. Now THAT is good music. Unlike ROTK (Return of the King), it's not just some mindless noise. I'm going to make a list of excellent soundtracks that you should consider waaaay over this one:

For a quiet, moving soundtrack, Get "A Beautiful Mind".

For action\adventure-type music, get one, several, or all the soundtracks below instead of LOTR:

~Jaws (don't think that you've "heard it all" from the movie already, because you haven't)

~Star Wars III

~Jurassic Park I

For War music, "The Patriot" is a very well done soundtrack. Based on reviews, "Band of Brothers" and "Saving Private Ryan" seem spectacular as well.

As far as horror music, "Signs" looks pretty good, as does "The Ring". But if you really want a horror soundtrack, Williams' "Close encounters of the Third Kind" is probably the best of horror. Check the reviews for this one.

There you have it, folks. Before you buy this overrated soundtrack, at least look into these that I've listed, based on your interests (Horror, Action, etc.)

If only Jackson had gotten Williams to make these soundtracks...things could have been so much better...

If you like classical movie soundtracks...you NEED this!.......2006-09-08

My brother and his wife to be walked down the aisle to selections from this soundtrack. With my being a lover of classical music especially that from movie scores...I was instantly hooked. Movie scores have always mystified me even in my own life...made me kind of look back differenly at the world moving around me. I cried at my brother's wedding when his bride to be came out to this music and cried even harder when I sat in the comfort of my office, and then my bedroom while listening to Annie Lennox pour passion and soul into the song "into the west". So beautifully written, anyone can find some meaning that touches their life in some personal way...through this beautiful song.

Music Album:

1. The Man Who Robbed the Bank at Santa Fe
2. The Wilburn Brothers [Import]
3. This Is Gold [Box set] [Import]
4. This Kiss [CD-single]
5. This Kiss [CD-single] [Import]
6. This Woman's Heart
7. Thompson Street
8. Throwin' Rocks At The Moon
9. Tim Rushlow
10. Truck Drivin' Son of a Gun: The Mercury Hit Singles 1963 - 1973 [Import]

Music Album