Once More

1. Bandy The Rodeo Clown

2. Barstool Mountain

3. Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life

4. Two Lonely People

5. I'm Sorry For You My Friend

6. I Cheated Me Right Out Of You

7. It's A Cheating Situation

8. It Was Always So Easy

9. She's Not Really Cheatin'

10. Yesterday Once More

Once More,Moe Bandy,Sony Special Product,Country,Country & Western,Pop

Average customer rating: I wish for a CD of suites Soundtrack CD not as good as Music in the actual episode Sing along Buffy soundtrack The Multi-Talented Cast of Buffy

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Once More, with Feeling Various Artists , Joss Whedon , Sarah Michelle Gellar , and Christophe Beck Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Album (1999 Television Series) Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Radio Sunnydale Angel: Live Fast, Die Never - Music from TV Series Music for Elevators Angel - Season Three (Slim Set) ASIN: B00006J3WH Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

1. Main Title
2. Overture/Going Through the Motions
3. I've Got a Theory/Bunnies/If We're Together
4. The Mustard
5. Under Your Spell
6. I'll Never Tell
7. The Parking Ticket
8. Rest In Peace
9. Dawn's Lament
10. Dawn's Ballet
11. What You Feel
12. Standing
13. Under Your Spell / Standing (Reprise)
14. Walk Through the Fire
15. Something to Sing About
16. What You Feel (Reprise)
17. Where Do We Go From Here?
18. Coda
19. End Credits (Broom Dance/Grr Argh)
20. Suite from "Restless
21. Suite from "Hush"
22. Sacrifice (from "The Gift")
23. Something to Sing About (demo)

Amazon.com

While the idea of infusing a weekly TV series with a Broadway musical ethos isn't exactly a new one--think Randy Newman's ambitious Cop Rock--it became something of a turn-of the-century television mini-trend. But few have reached as far--or succeeded--like this November 2001 episode of Fox Network's Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Penned by series creator-producer Joss Whedon and performed by Sarah Michelle Gellar and cast, it's a loving, loopy musical pastiche that takes potshots at everything from Andrew Lloyd Webber to alt-rock. Paralleling the show's lovable pop culture tweaking, the musical styles here (the episode's musical conceit is a curse visited upon Buffy's hometown of Sunnydale) range from a patent footlight chorus of demons being interrupted by Gellar's hard-rocking stake thrusts on "Going Through the Motions" to Spike the Vampire's goth-metal complaint "Rest in Peace," with everything from parking tickets and mustard stain removal to climactic duels with the supernatural getting the Broadway send-up. Also includes strong orchestral score-suites from three other episodes, as well as Whedon and wife Kai Cole's demo for "Something to Sing About." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

I wish for a CD of suites.......2007-07-08

In all honesty, this is a fun CD. Maybe these aren't all professional singers, and maybe some of them have some pretty awful voices (some have lovely ones, though. Let's remember that), but listening to this CD brings back the images from the episode. They're catchy songs, easy to listen to and sing along. Some are better than others, some are silly ("The Mustard" and "The Parking Ticket" just make me laugh, but aren't really that important...), and some give me a momentary spasm of pain ("Dawn's Lament", nasal and painful - good thing the ballet piece is so nice it drives this out of your mind).

I think this is probably only good for fans of the show. I can't see some random person who has no previous love of the episode wanting these songs. They aren't of high quality. They're simply enjoyable for those who love the episode and want the option to sing along and have fun to it. It's a great CD - for some people.

But then you hit the end. Three spectacular tracks that, if you ask me, are what make this CD actually worth it. In addition to the songs from "Once More with Feeling", we get three scores.

The first suite is from another great episode: "Restless". Here, each theme comes out solidly. "Willow's Nightmare" is a creepy, confusing, sort of Middle-Eastern piece with a very nice feel to it, all taken straight from the episode, bringing to mind the wonderful images. The rest of the suite brings together creepy, intriguing singing and lovely sounds that end with the images fresh on your mind. The very ending is perfect - you can almost hear the words from the episode hiding behind the music, barely spoken and breathed aloud. "You think you know. What's to come. What you are. You haven't even begun." A perfect atmosphere and beautiful music with it.

Next, we're presented with a suite from the incredible episode "Hush". Each moment brings to mind matching scenes from the episode. There is the perfect air of mystery, fear, and that eerie sense of something creepy about to happen. There's the sort of choir-like moment, blending into the lovely, romantic "First kiss" part, and ending on a wholly creepy and terrifyingly wonderful note. A superb episode has this excellent score to add to its wonder.

Finally, we're presented with the incredible "Sacrifice", from the episode "The Gift". This is the direct piece used in that incredible episode and it's impossible to listen to it without feeling your heart move. If there was ever a better piece to put on a CD of Buffy music, this is it. You can see everything that happens, and it's just so perfect and complete you can almost cry. The whole piece is just bound to give you chills and bring back those wonderfully painful memories from the episode.

Honestly, while I do love "Once More with Feeling" and the great, fun songs it has, I find that I play the orchestral pieces here much more often than the others. It's those pieces that invoke the great memories and bring tears to my eyes. They're inexplicably powerful in a way that only one song of the musical can match ("Under Your Spell/Standing (Reprise)", without a doubt one of the best songs of the musical). The songs you can get in the episode. The suites are less accessable. I'd opt to buy this just for that.

In summary: No, this isn't spectacular. It's not of extremely high quality. But it's fun and any Buffy fan can appreciate it. Overall, it's great to sing along to, and the scores and suites are a HUGE bonus. Certainly recommended to all fans of the show, but perhaps not to others who can't quite understand all of the jokes and humor.

But I still wish for some more suites...

Soundtrack CD not as good as Music in the actual episode .......2007-06-21

I am very surprized that nearly 300 people reviewed this, and not one person seemed to notice that the songs on this CD are not exactly the same as what actually appeared in the Once More With Feeling episode. Some of the songs are slightly edited, have different mixes, even different vocals and the major thing that disappointed me is that there was some important dialogue that was deleted that they should have kept as part of the songs. For example, Dawn's line "The hardest thing in this world to do, is to live in it" nor is the part where Sweet (the Demon) realizes that Buffy is Dawn's sister and says something to effect "The Slayer, bring her to me, I want to see the Slayer Burn" was also omitted.

Get your Koombayayas out - 76 bloody trombones... (that wasn'y included either....

Play the DVD - the soundtrack is much better.

Sing along.......2007-05-28

Funny thing is you would never notice the plumbing contractor in his construction vehicle belting out the tunes of this CD. Well thats me, i cant help myself. the series has become such an important part of me... the music resonates my memories and feelings of the series in its entirety not only the content of each song. Where do we go? from here..............
Thankyou Josh

Buffy soundtrack.......2007-05-26

This CD was awesome and I love it. I can hear all the songs without watching the whole episode anymore! LOVE IT!!!

The Multi-Talented Cast of Buffy.......2007-05-25

Joss Whedon is a talented writer in that he can go from funny to tear-jerking without missing a beat. This is apparent in his hit television shows (Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel) as well as this cast album from the Buffy episode "Once More With Feeling."

For anyone wondering about the story surrounding this musical, Joss Whedon sums it up in the linear notes of the album. After reading that, even someone unfamiliar with the show is ready to immerse themselves in this album. The songs are beautiful, funny, and never do that musical-tear thing. What is a musical-tear thing, you say? This is where songs are injected into a musical awkwardly for the sole purpose of making the listener/viewer sad, but in a forced and artificial way. The music on this album creates genuine emotion and avoids the aforementioned manufactured musical-tear moments.

Each song retains the personality of the character, and it's really says something about the quality of the cast when every single actor can sing, not only in character, but also well. The only cast member who really can't sing is Alyson Hannigan, who plays Willow, but she pulls off the few lines she's given. Joss Whedon clearly molded these songs around the talents of each cast memember, and it was all the stronger for the effort. The best of the bunch are the rousing "Walk Through the Fire," Gile's raw emotional ballad "Standing" and the reprise with Tara, Spike's "Rest in Peace," and--saving the best for last--Xander and Anya's "I'll Never Tell."

Along with these amazing song is a collection of bonus tracks, the best being "Sacrifice." This song was played at the end of "The Gift" and is some of the best scoring I've ever heard. Every bonus track--much like the album--is listenable.

I'm not sure how much a non-watcher of Buffy would enjoy this album, but each individual song is great in its own way. I do advise watching a few episodes before listening, though.

10/10 Classic.

Average customer rating: Music of the Night???????? Great short version! A long time favorite The Best Recording of this Show Available Great CD

Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast) Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Brightman, Sarah | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Brightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | 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: Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast) The Phantom of the Opera (Two-Disc Special Edition) The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection Selections From Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000001FLQ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Think Of Me
3. Angel Of Music
4. The Mirror (Angel Of Music)
5. The Phantom Of The Opera
6. The Music Of The Night
7. Prima Donna
8. All I Ask Of You/Reprise
9. Entr'acte
10. Masquerade
11. Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
12. The Point Of No Return
13. Down Once More.../Track Down This Murderer

Amazon.com

Highlight versions of cast recordings are by definition a compromise, and this reduction of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera is no exception. Weighing in at 59 minutes, it's over 40 minutes shorter than the two-disc version, excising many musical scenes that convey the flow and impact of the show (which include, admittedly, a lot of patter and screaming). On the other hand, all the hits are here--"Think of Me," "Angel of Music," the title tune, "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Masquerade," and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"--and Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman are still on hand to make their distinctive contributions to the original London cast. So if you're looking for a convenient, inexpensive single disc that will let you enjoy Lloyd Webber's scrumptious melodies without having to immerse yourself in the action, this just might be for you. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Music of the Night????????.......2007-02-28

I really liked the idea of a highlights cd; however, The Music of the Night is not the same one that is on the original two-disc cd. The words aren't even the same. If you enjoy Music of the Night, skip this cd. Otherwise, this cd would be 5 stars.

Great short version!.......2006-12-06

If you only want to hear the songs from this musical, this one is for you. But if you want the full version, get the 4-disc version. I listen to this version in my car when I'm on the road, but I listen to the 4-disc version at home. Both versions are worth the purchase.

A long time favorite.......2006-08-26

This is one of my most treasured CDs. The voices of the cast are incredible! "Think of Me" and "All I Ask of You" are 2 of my favorites. If you enjoy the story behind Phantom, yu will like this soundtrack.

The Best Recording of this Show Available.......2006-04-21

I think that this is the best PHANTOM soundtrack out there:

1)It has the original Broadway cast, the best.
2)It cuts out the more risqu? parts of the show (believe me, there are some), making it "appropriate for the whole family."
3)The entire CD is on one disc, so you can go through the show w/o switching discs.
4)The only song that the movie soundtrack has on it that this doesn't is "Learn to Be Lonely," which appears in the credits, and isn't really a great song anyways.

Great CD.......2006-03-14

I bought this CD as a birthday gift for my boyfriend. We had misplaced the one that we had and needed a new one. This is one of our favorite cd's. Such beautiful music.

Average customer rating: Not My Style Rockin' Western Collection Hard to Find Great Western Themes Western Music A great follow-up

Way Out West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Holdridge, Lee | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Morricone, Ennio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Newman | Newman, Alfred | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection Songs Of The West, Vol. 4: Movie & Television Themes From Alamo to El Dorado, Vol. 2 The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection The Greatest Western Movie Themes ASIN: B000060PBU Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

1. The Hallejuah Trail-Overture
2. The Alamo-The Green Leaves Of Summer
3. The Alamo-Davy Crocket
4. The Big Country-The Welcoming/Finale
5. The Big Valley-Main Theme
6. Blazing Saddles-Blazing Saddles
7. Bonaza-Main Theme
8. Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid-raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
9. The Comancheros-McBain/Main Title
10. Duel In The Sun-Main Title/The Legend/Orizaba
11. A Fistfull Of Dynamite-Duck You Sucker
12. For A Few Dollars More-Main Theme
13. Friendly Persuasion-Thee I Love
14. Giant-Main Theme
15. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-Main Theme
16. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-The Ecstasy Of Gold
17. Gunfight At The O.K. Corral-Suite
18. Hang 'Em High-Main Theme
19. The Hanging Tree-Main Title

Tracks:

1. High Caparral-Main Theme
2. How The West Was Won-Prelude/The Land
3. High Noon-Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darlin'
4. The Jayhawkers-The Lynching/Two Brothers/The Hayhawkers
5. The Lone Ranger-William Tell Overture: Finale
6. Nevada Smith-Main Title
7. Old Gringo-Main Themes
8. Once Upon A Time In The West-Man With The Harmonica
9. One Eyed Jacks-Main Title
10. The Proud Rebel-Main Titles
11. The Quick And The Dead-End Titles
12. Quigley Down Under-End Titles
13. Rio Bravo-Rio Bravo/De Guella
14. The Scalphunters-Main Title
15. Shane-Main Theme: The Call Of The Farwaway Hills
16. The Shootist-Main Title
17. The Unforgiven-The Need For Love
18. Viva Zapata-Gathering Forces
19. The Virginian-Main Theme

Customer Reviews:

Not My Style.......2007-05-11

This CD has a lot of good songs on it, but it just too bland for our taste. We prefer Western music to sound as though genuine cowboys are singing it - not a fancy chorus!

Rockin' Western Collection.......2006-08-28

For anyone who likes movie/tv music from westerns should purchase this CD. What a wonderful collection of both film and tv with great renditions of each piece. I'm about to purchase Vol. 1 to complete my collection.

Hard to Find Great Western Themes .......2006-03-16

This CD has a number of great western themes that are not in some of the standard lists. For example it includes "The Hallejuah Trail", "Blazing Saddles", and "Giant". This CD also has what I consider the true theme of "The Comancheros". I have been disappointed with some other CDs I have purchased listing "The Comancheros" which had a song rather than this theme. Many of the tracks on this two disk CD go beyond the main theme music and are actually suites. The "Big Country" and "How the West Was Won" are just a couple of examples. It may be a little more expense than some CDs, but not bad for a two disk set. I am really happy with my purchase.

Western Music.......2005-07-29

I enjoy this CD. It has many familiar melodies. Good background for reading, nice to listen while driving. It is also the only CD I've ever found that has the great theme from the movie "Giant."

A great follow-up.......2003-08-29

This is the second collection by SilvaScreen, who are also responsible for "The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection" (see my review). And it's just as good as the first. There are themes in here that everyone will recognize ("Bonanza," "A Fistful of Dollars"), themes that may not be so familiar ("Duel in the Sun," "The Hanging Tree," the lively "Blazing Saddles"), and even themes you may not associate with Westerns at all ("The Friendly Persuasion"). And no duplication either: when this disc includes a piece from one of the same sources covered in its predecessor, it's a different piece. One great treat: the full lyrics to "Gunfight at OK Corral," which I've never heard outside the soundtrack of the movie itself. The arrangement from "Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid" includes not only the familiar song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" but an overview of the music--seguing almost seamlessly into Bernstein's magnificent "The Comancheros," a rare find indeed. An expensive item, but if you love Western film music, well worth it.

Average customer rating: Very pleased Sumptuous and mellow One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal A wide variety

All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers John Dowland , Thomas Morley , Thomas Weelkes , John Wilbye , William Byrd , John Farmer , and The King's Singers Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music King's Singers | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Dowland, John | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music King's Singers | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: English and Italian Renaissance Madrigals The King"s Singers: English Renaissance Olde English Madrigals & Folk Songs at Ely Cathedral Madrigal History Tour Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers ASIN: B000002RPZ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. English Madrigals: A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
2. English Madrigals: Weep No More, Thou Sorry Boy
3. English Madrigals: Shoot False Love
4. English Madrigals: Now Is The Month Of Maying
5. English Madrigals: Four Arms, Two Necks, One Wreathing
6. English Madrigals: Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above
7. English Madrigals: Since Robin Hood
8. English Madrigals: Though Philomela Lost Her Love
9. English Madrigals: O Wretched Man
10. English Madrigals: Weep, O Mine Eyes
11. English Madrigals: The Nightingale, The Organ Of Delight
12. English Madrigals: Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!
13. English Madrigals: Cruel, Behold My Heavy Ending
14. English Madrigals: Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone
15. English Madrigals: Sing We And Chant It
16. English Madrigals: On A Fair Morning
17. English Madrigals: Oft Have I Vowed
18. English Madrigals: Is Love A Boy?
19. English Madrigals: Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
20. English Madrigals: All At Once Well Met
21. English Madrigals: Construe My Meaning
22. English Madrigals: Lord! When I Think
23. English Madrigals: Cruel, Wilt Thou Persever
24. English Madrigals: Fine Knacks For Ladies
25. English Madrigals: Strike It Up, Tabor
26. English Madrigals: I Love, Alas I Love Thee
27. English Madrigals: Farwell, Dear Love
28. English Madrigals: See, See The Shepherd's Queen
29. English Madrigals: Have I Found Her
30. English Madrigals: Lady Your Words Do Spite Me
31. English Madrigals: Were I A King
32. English Madrigals: Come Again
33. English Madrigals: Tan Ta Ra, Cries Mars
34. English Madrigals: Why Should I Love?
35. English Madrigals: This Sweet And Merry Month Of May

Customer Reviews:

Very pleased.......2007-06-10

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this CD. True, I could have listened on line before buying but that would have taken the fun out of the purchase. Besides, I really didn't care for the CD the first couple of times I listened but now I really love it. It's not something to listen to all the time but given the right circumstances e.g. a small gathering of friends, it's perfect. If I'd listened to online, I wouldn't have purchased it.

Sumptuous and mellow.......2002-11-28

The six men of the King's Singers present sweet and light-hearted madrigals of such English composers as Morley, Weelkes, Dowland, Wilbye and Byrd. The thirty five selections include "Now is the Month of Maying", "Though Philomela Lost Her Love", "Sing We and Chant It," the celebration of tobacco entitled "Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!" and a host of other fa-la-la-la-la venues interspersed with wistful laments. I love the rich, sonorous sound of a male vocal ensemble, with countertenors, tenor, baritones and bass, and these six singers do a great job. Occasional instrumental accompaniments by lute and tabor are included, but this group doesn't really need it--I could listen to them for hours all by themselves. Also quite enjoyable, as well as educational, is their earlier release, "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany". For a more risque' take on the vocal music of Renaissance England, you might get a kick out of "The Art of the Bawdy Song" by the Baltimore Consort with the Merry Companions.

One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals.......2002-03-27

Any fan of the King's Singers will regret not having this album in their collection.

This album offers a veritable feast of the choicest English madrigals found on any comparable album. From the obligatory "Now is the Month of Maying" and "Fair Phyllis" to the more obscure "Tan ta ra, cries Mars," there is certainly enough on this album to bring a smile to lovers of Renaissance music - and a spark of recognition to anyone who sang traditional madrigals in high school or university. For serious students of early music, this album comes very highly recommended.

Among the more sonorous offerings on this album, Jones' "Farewell, Dear Love" and Dowland's "Come Again," cannot be ignored. Nor can Bennet's immortal "Weep O mine eyes" be matched more musically than here by the King's Singers.

This album has been played again and again for almost 6 years as both serious listening and background working music. And it has yet to lose its delight.

A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal.......2000-08-16

With 35 tracts to enjoy you're sure to find a couple of favorites. I gave this CD 4 of 5 stars compared to 5 stars for the King's Singers World Madrigal Tour CD. If you prefer all your songs in English, this will be your 5 star CD. Tract 32 "Come again" is my favorite due to the surperb tenor lead and melodic development. Compared to many polyphonic early music styles (1300s-1485), this era (1500-1610) provides many memorable melodies.

A wide variety.......2000-04-28

This is an excellent sampling of English madrigals. This presentation, given by an older roster of the Singers, is a nice introduction to the world of the madrigal, and English madrigals in particular.

Average customer rating: Without this, I am nothing... close to perfect pop Remix disc makes this a must have! Great Compliaton - the essentials! Just what you'd expect: terrific!

Once More With Feeling: Singles 1996-2004 Placebo Manufacturer: Astralwerks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Glam | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Meds Black Market Music Sleeping with Ghosts Without You I'm Nothing Placebo - Once More With Feeling - Videos 1996-2004 ASIN: B00066D1X6 Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

1. 36 Degrees
2. Teenage Angst
3. Nancy Boy
4. Bruise Pristine
5. Pure Morning
6. You Don't Care About Us
7. Every You Every Me
8. Without You I'm Nothing
9. Taste In Men
10. Slave To The Wage
11. Special K
12. Black-Eyed
13. The Bitter End
14. This Picture
15. Special Needs
16. English Summer Rain
17. Protege Moi
18. I Do
19. Twenty Years

Tracks:

1. Special K (Timo Maas Remix)
2. Without You I'm Nothing (Unkle Remix)
3. Every You Every Me (Infected By The Scourge Of The Earth Mix)
4. Protege Moi (M83 Remix)
5. Slave To The Wage (I Can't Believe It's A Remix)
6. Pure Morning (Les Rythmes Digitales Remix)
7. Taste In Men (Alpinestars Kamikaze Skimix)
8. Black-Eyed (Placebo Vs. Le Vibrator Mix)
9. English Summer Rain (Feelance Hellraiser Remix)
10. This Picture (Junior Sanchez Remix)

Customer Reviews:

Without this, I am nothing..........2007-04-26

I've liked Placebo for a little while, but I dont have any of their CD's anymore. So I saw this little beauty on the shelf and picked it up. A pretty good mix of their best and a very nice remix disc. A frequent play for all occasions. I especially like the UNKLE track.

close to perfect pop.......2007-03-19

a definitive offering that provides those of you not familiar with Placebo's brilliance the instant chance to dive into some of the traditional singles while also savoring the more experimental mixes. There is nice variety here and it serves as a primer that should effectively get you hooked!

Remix disc makes this a must have!.......2006-03-18

This is a great value because it includes the hits and a bonus disc with remixes that are better than the originals.

Great Compliaton - the essentials!.......2005-10-17

Each of us will have our favorites that aren't on this CD, but they are the essential singles and is necessary for every Placebo fan! New songs such as "Twenty Years", "Protege-Moi" and "I Do" make it worth to have all by itself.

I was not a big fan of the accompanying remix CD, but it is still a great buy nonetheless!

Just what you'd expect: terrific!.......2005-05-11

I love Placebo -- I only got into them in the past six months or so. I really, really enjoy having this collection -- it's fun having all those familiar songs in one place! Highly recommended!

Average customer rating: It is absolutely breath-takingly beautiful. Robert Shaw Choruses At Their Best! Glorious

Gloria: Music of Praise & Inspiration Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Kopïlov, Alexander | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Martin | Martin, Frank | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Poulenc | Poulenc, Francis | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Part | Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Thompson | Thompson, Randall | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Choral Masterpieces Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ The Power & The Majesty: Essential Choral Classics Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony The #1 Choral Album ASIN: B00000DFWF Release Date: 1998-10-27

Tracks:

1. Gloria In Excelsis
2. Sanctus
3. Glory To God
4. Awake The Harp
5. Gloria
6. Gloria
7. Sanctus
8. Heavenly Light
9. Aeterna Fac
10. Slava V Vyshnikh Bogu
11. Sanctus
12. Gloria
13. Alleluia
14. Sanctus
15. Magnificat

Amazon.com

This compilation features excerpts from some of the greatest sacred works in the literature--including Bach's Mass in B Minor, Handel's Messiah, Beethoven's Missa solemnis, and Verdi's Requiem--all led by Robert Shaw. The selections, from recordings made between 1983 and 1997 by Shaw and various ensembles including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, are presented more or less in order of their composition, from Vivaldi's Gloria to Arvo Pärt's Magnificat. Especially thrilling is the complete "Gloria" from the Missa solemnis, 17 minutes of sheer grandeur, and the Sanctus movements from the Requiems of Verdi and Maurice Duruflé. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

It is absolutely breath-takingly beautiful........2007-05-15

I enjoyed this CD very much. It is just beautiful music.

Robert Shaw Choruses At Their Best!.......2004-09-20

If Sir Robert were still alive, & breathing, I believe he would be caught-up making music with this awesome, majestic, mystical GLORIA, Sanctus, Hallelujah Masterworks! I lucked-up on this old collection in the few classical CD'S in Best Buy!

At first hearing they sent me back into the 1970's when most of Church Musicians majored in Vivaldi's Gloria, the Sanctus of Bach's B-Minor Mass, the Long, georgeous GLORIA, Missa Solemnis, Beethoven, and incomparable Alleluia by Randall Thompson.

During a visit of Hurricane IVAN'S rushing winds and torrents of rain, I stayed on back roads of Decatur and East Atlanta! Also keeping alert & relaxed listening to Robert Shaw re-inventing his Choral Mystique! In slowly moving traffic of 2++ hours to Fayetteville, I kept alert singing along at 30 mph, wrapped in his quiet heavenly beauty of Koplov's "Heavenly Light!"

That mysteriously spiritual power of glorious choruses provided the same resourceful sounds of his eternal music-making from rehearsals in the Atlanta Symphony Chorus, Westminster Choir College and Avery Fischer Hall concerts in NYC! (1975-1985)

Only the early 33 1/3 recordings of the Robert Shaw Chorale in his Spirituals and Irish Songs, later Handel's Messiah and Bach B-Minor Mass were forerunners to his awesome listing of repeated Grammy winners, now printed in digital stereo color and sound! Hooray for Sir Robert and his rich chorale legacy... Let's keep them singing for Eternity! Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Glorious.......2000-06-30

If I had to choose one conductor to compile exerpts from the greatest masses and works in choral literature and history, I would only bestow that duty to Robert Shaw and his choruses. Once again he displays his uncanny ability to not only choose beautiful music but also perform it in a spellbinding manner. Even with the pieces the average listener has heard or performed, such as Vivaldi's Gloria or portions of Handel's Messiah, one cannot help but become enthralled with the recordings of Shaw's interpretations of those works. Although Shaw never followed through on his early-life ambition to be a minister, I still believe he does so and perhaps to a greater extent through his music ministry. One cannot help but feel closer to understanding what heaven is about after having finished listening to this CD. This is well worth buying for it will live up to the english interpretation of its Latin title: Glorious.

Average customer rating: Excellence! "his domain of film scoring is legendary ~ Ennio Morricone"

Once Upon a Time: The Essential Ennio Morricone Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Morricone, Ennio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Untouchables (1987 Film) Film Music, Vol. 2 Once Upon A Time In The West: The Original Soundtrack Recording Very Best of Ennio Morricone Ennio Morricone - Film Music, Vol.1 ASIN: B0002V4YTU Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

1. Once Upon A Time In The West: Man With The Harmonica
2. A Fistful Of Dollars
3. For A Few Dollars More
4. Days Of Heaven: The Harvest
5. The Five Man Army
6. Once Upon A Time In The West: Jill's Theme
7. The Men From Shiloh
8. Guns For San Sebastian: Overture
9. Two Mules For Sister Sara
10. A Fistful Of Dynamite: Duck, You Sucker
11. My Name Is Nobody
12. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly: Main Theme
13. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly: The Ecstasy Of Gold
14. Cinema Paradiso
15. Once Upon A Time In America: Deborah's Theme

Tracks:

1. The Untouchables: Main Theme
2. The Red Tent
3. The Sicilian Clan
4. Exorcist & The Heretic: Regan's Theme
5. Moses The Lawgiver
6. In The Line Of Fire
7. The Thing
8. Le Professionnel: Chi Mai
9. Hamlet
10. 1900: Romanza
11. Casualties Of War: Elegy For Brown
12. Marco Polo
13. The Mission
14. Gabriel's Oboe
15. Ave Maria (Guarini)
16. On Earth As It Is In Heaven
17. Epilogue: The Falls

Customer Reviews:

Excellence!.......2007-04-22

These recordings range back to 1994, with a number of tracks being from Silva Screen's "Music from the Films of Clint Eatwood" compilation, with Derek Wadsworth conducting the City of Prague Philharmonic.

Those tracks are: "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", "A Fistful of DOllars", "For a Few Dollars More", and "Two Mules for Sister Sara". "In The Line Of Fire' also appeared on that CD, performed electronically by Mark Ayres.


The next bunch of tracks is from Silva Screen's 1996 compilation, "Cinema Paradise: The Classic Film Music of Ennio Morricone", which included the majority of tracks here such as the extensive The Mission Suite, The Untouchables, Casulaties of War, Once Upon a Time In America, 1900, Chi Mai, Marco Polo, Once Upon a Time In The West (two tracks), Cinema Paradise, and The Good the Bad and the Ugly - Ecstacy of Gold, mostly being conducted by Paul Bateman, with Nic Raine doing some of the conducting duties as well.

Hamlet is from Silva's 1997 "Cinema's Classic Romances" compilation, while "The Thing" is from Silva's 2001 "Essential John Carpenter".

A Fistful of Dynamite - Duck You Sucker is from 2002's Way Out West: Essential Western Film Music Collection Volume Two.

The remaing tracks were newly recorded in 2004 for this release:
Days of Heaven, Exorcist II, Guns for San Sebastian, Moses the Lawgiver, My Name is Nobody, The Five Man Army, The Red Tent, The Men From Shiloh and The Sicilian Clan.

Highly recommended.

"his domain of film scoring is legendary ~ Ennio Morricone".......2004-10-07

Silva America once again has outdone themselves with "Once Upon A Time:The Essential Ennio Morricone Film Music Collection", a double disc collection worth their weight in GOLD! ~ Morricone creates visual moods for each film he scores...action, adventure, mystery, romance, sentimental and suspense...the list could go on.

Ennio Morricone was born in Rome on October 11, 1928...attended the Santa Cecilia Conservatory...worked in various jazz bands, later a staff arranger and composer...an orchestrator in the '50s...scored films in the early '60s, then the WESTERNS and his name became a household word in the film industry ~ a new kind of western was on the horizon and Morricone was commissioned to score "A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS" [1964] for Sergio Leone featuring Clint Eastwood, spaghetti westerns were born ~ next "FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE" [1965] ~ and a bigger budget film "THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY" [1966], again featuring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and a third Eli Wallach whose performance was magical to watch on the big screen ~ violence and revenge gives Morricone an opportunity to feature electric guitars, flutes and jew's harp blending with a non lyrical chorus mixed with brass, strings, percussion with full orchestration that simply took your breath away...example is "ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST" [1968], featuring Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards and our hero Charles Bronson the mysterious harmonica player, director Sergio Leone's tribute to the American Western, pulled out all the stops ~ the Western was just a small part of Maestro Morricone's career, in the next paragraph take a gander of just what our icon of film music accomplished.

Our composer didn't stop there as "ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA" [1984], featuring Robert De Niro, James Woods and Elizabeth McGovern, another Sergio Leone film..."THE MISSION" [1986], featuring Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons and Aldan Quinn, is probably one of Morricone's crowning scores receiving an Academy Award nomination, very haunting and classical genre in substance..."THE UNTOUCHABLES" [1987], featuring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Robert De Niro during the Al Capone '30s crime organization, Morricone conjures a powerful and dynamic arrangement of his unmistakable theme..."CINEMA PARADISO" [1988], featuring Phillippe Noiret, Antonella Attili and Pupella Maggio from director Giuseppe Tomatore as he recalls his early childhood, the score immediately captures your heart, so tender and compelling as Morricone can only deliver.

City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra featuring conductors Kenneth Alwyn, Paul Bateman, James Fitzpatrick, Nic Raine, Derek Wadsworth ~ Crouch End Festival Chorus featuring Choir Master David Temple ~ vocals performed by Charlotte Kinder, Marie Kopecka and Jill Washington ~ guitar, percussion and keyboards performed by Gareth Williams ~ all in all did a magnicent job in bringing the music of a composer who wrote for over 250 films, receiving recognition from the industry and fans which was long over-due ~ his work is in constant demand, scoring as many as over a half dozen films as year.

This collection contains an overlay of each cue in Morricone's distinctive style of legendary scoring ~ the man who made this possible, a tremendous asset to every project he undertakes is James Fitzpatrick [producer of the album] ~ symphonic suites with full orchestra fullfilling the "film-score-buffs" cravings for more of the same, just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Silva America 1165 ~ (10/05/2004)

Average customer rating: Iffy Rebecca Caine is what made me buy this album. Very Nice!!!! NOT AS GOOD AS THE LONDON CAST RECORDING I liked Colm Wilkinson better in Les Miz

The Phantom of the Opera (Highlights from the 1989 Original Canadian Cast) Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Stage Heroes Fantasma De La Opera / O.S.R. The Phantom of the Opera (Original German Cast) Highlights from Phantom of the Opera The Phantom Of The Opera (1999 Japanese Cast) ASIN: B0000072VS Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

1. Prologue-The Stage Of The Paris Opera House, 1911
2. Overture
3. The Dress Rehearsal Of Hannibal
4. Think Of Me
5. The Mirror... (Angel Of Music)
6. The Phantom Of The Opera
7. The Music Of The Night
8. Notes/Prima Donna
9. All I Ask Of You
10. I Gave You My Music...
11. Entr'acte
12. Masquerade
13. The Graveyard
14. Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
15. Wandering Child.../Bravo Monsieur...
16. The Point Of No Return/Down Once More
17. The Phantom's Lair

Amazon.com

A few years after The Phantom of the Opera debuted in London, Harold Prince unveiled Andrew Lloyd Webber's gothic musical in Canada, in 1989. It was so good that this recording of highlights from the Canadian cast is--dare we say it?--more enjoyable than the equivalent London cast highlights album. No, it doesn't have the authenticity of London principals Sarah Brightman (for whom then-husband Lloyd Webber wrote the role of Christine) and Michael Crawford, but it doesn't have their idiosyncrasies, either, and it does have the richer voices of Colm Wilkinson and Rebecca Caine (who played Jean Valjean and older Cosette, respectively, in the 1985 London cast of Les Misérables). At 69 minutes, the Canadian album is also 10 minutes longer than the London, allowing inclusion of the prologue and dress rehearsal for Hannibal. Of course, Lloyd Webber's melodies--"Angel of Music," "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"--are scrumptious on any continent. --David Horiuchi

Album Description

1990 Polydor release featuring highlights from Andrew Lloyd Webber's epic musical by the Original Canadian Cast, including Colm Wilkinson and Rebecca Caine. Directed by Harold Prince, it features 17 tracks, including 'Think Of Me', 'Notes/ Prima Donna', 'Masquerade' and 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again'.

Album Details

Contains highlights from the Andrew Lloyd Webber brainchild performed in Ottawa, Vancouver, Montreal & Calgary during April, 1991 through September, 1992. Stars Colm Wilkinson & Rebecca Caine in leading roles.

Customer Reviews:

Iffy.......2007-01-22

I've only listened to clips here and online, but I personally would not buy this entire album. Why? Well, I would LOVE to have Rebecca Caine's "Think of Me" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" - she has a beautiful voice, much stronger than either Sarah Brightman or Emmy Rossum, and much better trained. But what I have heard of the Raoul annoys me. He's supposed to be the good guy, not a dork!

And Colm Wilkinson as the Phantom? Whose idea was that??? I really do not like his voice, even as Valjean in Les Miz. I highly doubt he's a strong enough singer to pull of "Music of the Night" the way Michael Crawford or Hugh Panaro (best Phantom EVER) can.

If, however, this was on iTunes, I'd jump at the chance to get Rebecca's songs!

Rebecca Caine is what made me buy this album........2006-12-04

Rebecca Caine is my favorite Christine. I think that she has one of the most amazing voices, and I loved her in the title song.

As for everything else...
Honestly, Colm Wilkinson cannot sing. His voice is just too weak for the role. Like one of the reviewers before me said, he's no Michael Crawford, not even Gerard Butler. Maybe I should hear him sing in Les Miserables to appreciate his voice.
As for Byron Nease, he's okay, but I've easily heard better.

In all, the album's okay, but there are many better recordings.

Very Nice!!!!.......2006-08-25

Although this is a specatcular Disc, I find it very hard to appreciate fully Colm Wilkinson's voice in the role of the Phantom after being so used to Michael Crawford's for that role (and being used to mr. Wilkinson's as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables). Don't get me wrong I very much like Colm wilkinson, but not so much as the phantom.
Apart from that Rebecca Caine is a stunning Christine!!!! And at times seems to me to be...dare I say.... better than (my personal favourite singer) sarah brightman, Ms. Caine's "Think Of Me" blew me away, it was very inspiring....

Overall the rest of the cast is very good as well and if you are a true "phan" this is a must have CD very much worth its price!!!!

NOT AS GOOD AS THE LONDON CAST RECORDING.......2006-07-02

Today, after Phantom of the opera became the longest running musical in history of Broadway, and being one of the most produced of Andrew Lloyd Webber's work around the world, we can only agree with the statement of "The Times" reviewer which appeared on October 10, 1986, a day after the premiere in London, who wrote: "One thing is clear: Gaston Leroux's famous story is God's gift to the musical theatre. It wraps up the legends of Faust, Svengali, and Beauty and the Beast into a grand final death rattle of the romantic agony. It turns a theatre--the Paris Opera--into a replica of the universe, from the Statue of Apollo above the city's rooftops down to the infernal regions with their furnaces and stygian lake. And, musically, not only does it unfold to an accompaniment of the operatic repertoire, but also features a protagonist who is himself a great composer."

Phantom, with its operatic and lush melodies, intensive story and grandiose staging, remains one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time.

The musical is based on the Gaston Leroux's novel of the same title. It is set in the second part of the 19th century Paris and its famous opera house. The young soprano, Christine, is discovered as a talented young opera singer in the opera house. She is noticed by an old childhood friend, Raoul, and they fall in love. However, we find out that a third person, the mysterious Phantom, hiding behind a mask, is a musical genius who had been giving Christine singing lessons and who has developed a mad passion for his young pupil. He hides in the catacombs of the opera house, lurking on the outside world. He is determined to keep Christine for himself and the story evolves from here.

Apart from this interesting plot, the audiences were swept away by Lloyd Webber's tremendous score, which probably remains his best work. It combines the beautiful love songs and sweeping operetta-like arias, with numerous orchestral leads and crescendos. You can't help but being charmed by this beautiful and haunting score. The large numbers, especially, the last one, will probably move you deeply. The most popular numbers are "The phantom of the opera", a vibrating duet between Christine and the Phantom; "All I ask of you", a lovely love duet between Christine and Raul; Phantom's mesmerizing voice will hold you till the end in "The music of the night", Christine in "Wishing you are somehow here again" will evoke sadness, and many more.

One of the main reasons for the early success of this show and this recording was its original London cast. All of the three principals: Sarah Brightman as Christine, Michael Crawford as The Phantom and Steve Barton as Raoul gave the performances of their lives. Michael Crawford's take on the role of The Phantom became stuff legends are made of, due to his amazing vocalisation and the powerful, almost hypnotic attraction in his voice and performance, exactly how the Phantom is supposed to sound.

The lyrics by Richard Stilgoe and Christopher Hampton are the weakest link here, but they manage to convey the basic story.

After the show's success in London and on Broadway, the Canadian production was mounted and it premiered in Toronto's Pantages Theatre in September 1989. This CD captures the highlights of that production. All the important musical numbers are here, however, the problem is the cast, that is, some of them. Colm Wilkinson is a great singer, his interpretation of Jean Valjean being the best example. Unfortunately, he doesn't have what it takes to play the Phantom. His interpretation lacks the depth of Michael Crawford and he struggles to stretch his voice, especially on the high notes. Overall, he sings too deep for the role, sounding as if he is still in Les Miserables. Still, he is much better than the mediocre performance Gerard Butler gave in the 2004 movie version. Rebecca Caine is a fine Christine, her soprano has no problem of getting into the character. Byron Nease, who plays Raoul, also fails to deliver, sounding too old and squeaky. The unwritten rule of the musical theatre, that the miscasting can affect the best of materials, is regrettably evident here. There is also a minor problem with the orchestrations, since some parts have a faster tempo than in the original. The aficionados will notice small lyrical changes in comparison with the original cast recording.

The CD comes with a synopsis (a rear treat in the Andrew Lloyd Webber's cast recordings), the lyrics and production photos.

This recording works best as an addition to the existing Phantom collection. For the first time listeners, I highly recommend the 2-disc 1986 London Cast Recording. Not only does it feature almost the entire musical, but also the cast is much, much better, as well as the orchestrations, which have a more classical touch.

I liked Colm Wilkinson better in Les Miz.......2006-05-12

Not to say that he doesn't do a good job in this role as well, but often times it just sounds like Jean Valjean singing the Phantom. He does have some great moments but I think the Christine is the best thing about this recording. I don't know why, but I find her voice incredibly sexy. It's easy to see why the Phantom would want to seduce her and foster her talent. Raoul's line (and vocal) delivery is a little too "Dudley Do Right" for my tastes. It sounds almost comical at times. I dunno, maybe that's what he was going for. The London Cast recording is probably still the gold standard simply because the actors have become so synonymous with the roles they played, but you should pick this one up if you want a more up-to-date version of the orchestrations and, subsequently, the libretto.

Average customer rating: Super colection of hits Their Blue Album Carpenters in one true collection Sing! Beautiful Music

Yesterday Once More: Greatest Hits 1969-1983 The Carpenters Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Now & Then A Song for You Carpenters Christmas Collection Close to You ASIN: B00000HY5J Release Date: 2004-07-26

Tracks:

1. Yesterday Once More
2. Superstar
3. Rainy Days And Mondays
4. (Want You) Back In My Life Again
5. Ticket To Ride
6. Goodbye To Love
7. Bless The Beasts And Children
8. It's Going To Take Some Time
9. There's A Kind Of Hush
10. Sweet, Sweet Smile
11. I Won't Last A Day Without You
12. For All We Know
13. Touch Me When We're Dancing
14. Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft

Tracks:

1. I Just Fall In Love Again
2. This Masquerade
3. Hurting Each Other
4. Please Mr. Postman
5. I Need To Be In Love
6. Make Believe It's Your First Time
7. All You Get From Love Is A Love Song
8. Top Of The World
9. Because We Are In Love (The Wedding Song)
10. We've Only Just Begun
11. Those Good Old Dreams
12. Sing
13. Only Yesterday
14. (They Long To Be) Close To You

Amazon.com

Depending on where you stand, this double-disc set is either where too much becomes too much, or just right. While most of Karen Carpenter's best is available on the more economical Singles 1969-1973, fans aren't likely to turn up their noses at the post-'73 hits that round out Yesterday. "All You Get from Love Is a Love Song" is nearly as bitter as the eternal "Goodbye to Love," while "Only Yesterday" is the best of their happy songs. And something we've always wondered: whose idea was it for them to cover Klaatu's "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft"? --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Super colection of hits.......2006-03-15

This package contains 27 songs! with a beautiful recording, full sound with the songs that made them very famous, and what a reason for it! The one song that goes ahead to my personal taste is "Calling Ocupants of Interplanetary Craft" which calls for a peaceful contact with advanced civilizations on space. They show how to contact them telepathically!. It excedes the original arrangement by Klaatu. Overall Great buy!

Their Blue Album.......2006-02-28

One of the best hit's packages ever put out was The Beatles collection, which contained many of their great songs, refer to as "The Blue Album", and was a double album set with 28 tracks and 2 hours of music.

This is the same idea, but with music of The Carpenters and it is also a great set. While fans will debate about some of the music missing on this 2 cd set, it contains most of their major hit's from the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Carpenters in one true collection.......2005-03-13

The album consists of two CDs and 28 songs. The first CD is more diverse and to me there are all sorts of songs in it. The second CD consists of more tranquilizing or rather sad songs. I think the producer wanted to make a distinction between the first and second CD. I think the CDs cover almost every great song Carpenters performed. I would say this is the most compact yet complete collection of songs you find about Carpenters.

Also the jewel box is a folding one. From outside it looks like any other CD box and seems to be holding only one CD. But inside there is a folding plate with two CDs on its both sides. This saves space and helps you put it in you CD rack with all other CDs.

In one word if you want to listen to Carpenters in one album, maybe this is one of the best CDs.

Sing!.......2004-01-16

When you play this 2CD collection, make sure you "Sing" with Karen. Certainly, this is very enjoyable song collection that even the casual fan would want. "Solitaire" is mysteriously not here, but other than that, no complaints. Since the Carpenters have had "who knows how many hit collections of various titles" in their catalog, this is your best choice to buy especially if you decide not to buy their box set. This collection will save you from buying "The Singles:1969-1973". Listen and "Sing"!

Beautiful Music.......2003-11-08

I bought this CD 2 disk set back in 1990.. (before the remastering version came out).. I have most of the Carpenters albums on CD, from 1969 on. This is great and the song progression on this 2 disk set goes great This has most of their top 40 hits. I grew up in the 1970's and hearing the Carpenters on the radio was as common as watching Scooby Doo on Saturday morning. Anybody near my age (36), heard this music, and loves this music, whether they admit it or not!!! Karen could sing as well or better than any one of our time. Richard was great as well, and they were a duo and complemented each others talents. I wish that we could see their appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, or the specials that they had. In the 1970's.. we didn't cherish them as we do now, because we took them for granted and thought they'd always be making albums.. But, thankfully we can still enjoy listening to them on recordings..

Average customer rating: The Greatest Western Themes Great Stuff...Just, Not Enough

The Greatest Western Themes Manufacturer: K-Tel Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Morricone, Ennio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Film Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cowboy Songs Songs Of The West, Vol. 4: Movie & Television Themes Ghost Rider The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection Way Out West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection, Vol. 2 ASIN: B000254WQ6 Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

1. Magnificent Seven
2. For a Few Dollars More
3. Bonanza
4. High Noon
5. Good, The Bad and the Ugly
6. Shenandoah
7. (Ghost) Riders in the Sky
8. Streets of Laredo
9. High Chaparral
10. Once Upon a Time in the West (L'Umo Dell Armonica)

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest Western Themes.......2007-04-01

Great songs, I always loved cowboys shows and this just makes you remember them.

Great Stuff...Just, Not Enough.......2006-03-17

Well, I not only love films from the Western genre, but I also love the music that goes along with it. Morricone,Tiomkin, Bernstein,Rose...if you are also a lover of the themes and songs from the great Westerns, you know you could hardly go wrong when all those names turn up on the same album. "The Greatest Western Themes" performed by The Ghost Rider Orchestra includes all those guys mentioned above on this album. And not only that, but the renditions and performance is terrific. The sound quality of this little album is also very good. The only problem is there's just not enough!

There are 10 tracks of mostly instrumental great stuff.(okay, 'The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is not entirely instrumental, but who has ever understood the words anyway?).
Opening with the Theme from "The Magnificent 7"(Bernstein), right away it gets you in that Western mood. Three great from Morricone include, "For A Few Dollars More",G,B&U, and a real treat for spaghetti Western lovers, "Once Upon A Time In The West". A rousing rendition of "Bonanza" will make you want to saddle up with 'Pa' and the boys, and a sweet sounding "Shenandoah", may bring a good nostalgic feeling. Also included is "Ghost Riders In The Sky", "Streets of Laredo", "High Chaparral" and the beautiful theme from "High Noon"(Do not forsake me...)

These are a pretty good selection and representation of the Western themes from films(and TV) we loved, but at only 25 minutes, it's just not enough. This album was originally produced in 1986(most recently 2004), so let's just stick with some that could have been added from before the original production. A few that come to mind are the sentimental Green Leaves of Summer" from John Wayne's "The Alamo",theme from "Red River", "Oh My Darling" from "My Darling Clementine" for Ford fans, and even along more recent lines, anything of Bob Dylan"s from Peckinpah's "Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid", would have been a nice addition as well.

So a short but sweet album for Western lovers. Might get the mood right for a Western style party or Bar-b-que, or nice to take you away for a little bit while stuck in traffic(those who live in So. Cal will know what I mean when I say..stuck on the 405 Freeway!)

Saddle Up and "Happy Trails To You"(Oh - That would have been another good one!)...Laurie

Music Album:

1. Onward Through It All
2. Party for Two, Pt. 1 [CD-single] [Import]
3. Pathway to Heaven
4. Pickin' on Gary Allan: A Bluegrass Tribute
5. Pickin' on Rascal Flatts: A Bluegrass Tribute
6. Rainbow Down the Road
7. Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head [Import]
8. Rattlesnake Tidal Wave
9. Rear View Mirror, Vol. 2 [Live]
10. Road Is Rocky: the Complete Studio Masters 1956 - 1971 [Box set] [Import]

Music Album