It's Christmas Time [Import]

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Hank Thompson was a honky tonk and Western swing singer from Texas and his 1964 Sundazed reissue will be a true gift to lovers of both genres. Thompson wraps most of his tunes in pedal steel, trimmed by the fiddles and piano of the Brazos Valley Boys, but it's his big, no-frills personal vocal style and handful of originals that make It's Christmas Time memorable and collectible. For this effort, Thompson penned "I'd Like To Have An Elephant For Christmas" (a perfect novelty flipside for "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas") and the even more charming "Mr. And Mrs. Snowman." For the more adult minded, there's his "Gonna Wrap My Heart In Ribbons" and a lovable oddity titled "Its Christmas Every Day In Alaska." Thompson's style has long gone out of favor in Nashville and LA, but for those with an ear for cowboy sincerity and a hankering for country and western music before it became Country, here's a little overlooked gem ready to be gift-wrapped. --Martin Keller

Product Description
Hank Thompson and the Brazos Valley Boys bring us 13 down-home Christmas songs from 1964 produced by Ken Nelson (Buck Owens, Merle Haggard etc.). Sundazed. 2003.

It's Christmas Time,Hank Thompson,Sundazed Music Inc.,Bakersfield Sound,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Holiday,Honky Tonk,Pop,Traditional Country,Xmas Vocal

Average customer rating: The Price Club A living legend not your daddy's old timey spiritual Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price Great Gospel Stuff

The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Gershwin, George | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Leontyne Price: The Ultimate Collection Leontyne Price Christmas Songs Chants de Noel.Weihnachtslieden Wiener Philharmoniker Herbert Von Karajan Amazing Grace: Jessye Norman Spirituals in Concert Spirituals ASIN: B000003FWE Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

1. Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
2. Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees - Various Artists
3. His Name So Sweet - Various Artists
4. 'Roun' About The Mountain - Various Artists
5. Swing Low , Sweet Chariot - Various Artists
6. Sit Down, Servant - Various Artists
7. Were You There - Various Artists
8. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands - Various Artists
9. Deep River - Various Artists
10. Honor! Honor! - Various Artists
11. My Soul's Been Anchored In De Lord - Various Artists
12. On Ma Journey - Various Artists
13. A City Called Heaven - Various Artists
14. Ride On, King Jesus - Various Artists
15. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Various Artists
16. Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass - Various Artists
17. Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Various Artists
18. There Is A Balm In Gilead - Various Artists
19. Let Us Cheer The Weary Traveler - Various Artists
20. Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit - Various Artists
21. My Way Is Cloudy - Various Artists
22. Nobody Knows The Touble I've Seen - Various Artists
23. I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray - Various Artists

Tracks:

1. Holy, Holy, Holy - Leontyne Price
2. Lead, Kindly Light - Leontyne Price
3. Blessed Assurance - Leontyne Price
4. Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
5. What A Friend We Have In Jesus - Leontyne Price
6. Amazing Grace - Leontyne Price
7. The Lord's Prayer - Leontyne Price
8. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior - Leontyne Price
9. The Church's One Foundation - Leontyne Price
10. Bless This House - Leontyne Price
11. I Need Thee Every Hour - Leontyne Price
12. Schlesische Volkslieder: Fairest Lord Jesus - Leontyne Price
13. I Wonder As I Wander - Leontyne Price
14. Ave Maria - Leontyne Price
15. Porgy And Bess: Summertime - Leontyne Price
16. America The Beautiful - Leontyne Price
17. Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing - Leontyne Price
18. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Leontyne Price
19. Battle Hymn Of The Republic - Leontyne Price

Customer Reviews:

The Price Club.......2005-04-28

"I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.

"Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.

A living legend.......2005-03-10

Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "

not your daddy's old timey spiritual.......2004-06-23

Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.

Immaculate Vocals of Leontyne Price.......2003-12-31

IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**

Great Gospel Stuff.......2001-04-12

This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.

Average customer rating: Only half the songs of the original set!! Its all Christmas A Good Basic Collection cd reviews Poor Quality

The Time-Life Treasury of Christmas Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Time-Life Music: Treasury of Christmas - Holiday Memories Ultimate Christmas A Christmas Festival Now That's What I Call Christmas! Now That's What I Call Christmas! The Signature Collection ASIN: B00005NOZH Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

this cd was very good, much recommended

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

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

Average customer rating: "cinema's main stay themes prevail ~ City of Prague"

Reel Chill: The Cinematic Chillout Album Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Albinoni | Albinoni, Tomaso | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | 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 Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Nyman | Nyman, Michael | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rota, Nino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sakamoto, Ryuichi | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vangelis | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | 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 Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Reel Love: The Cinematic Romance Album Classical Chillout Classic Chillout, Vol. 2 Ultimate Movie Album Cinema Choral Classics ASIN: B0002IQGT4 Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Sarabande [From Barry Lyndon]
2. Main Theme [From Midnight Cowboy]
3. Promenade Sentimentale [From Dive] - Mark Ayres
4. May It Be [From the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the]
5. Women of Ireland [From Barry Lyndon]
6. Adagio for Strings & Organ [From Gallipoli [
7. Romeo/Love Theme [From Romeo & Juliet)
8. Balcony Scene [From Romeo + Juliet]
9. Main Theme [From Chariots of Fire] - Mark Ayres
10. Main Theme [From Bilitis] - Mark Ayres
11. Main Theme [From Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence] - Mark Ayres
12. Main Theme [From Cinema Paradiso]
13. Main Theme [From Once Upon A Time in the West]
14. Deborah's Theme [From Once Upon A Time in America]
15. Suite: The Mission/Gabriel's Oboe/On Earth as It Is in Heaven ... - City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Crouch End Festival Chorus

Tracks:

1. Suite: Mountains and Sunsets/The Wedding/You Only Live Twice [From You
2. Heart Asks Pleasure First [From The Piano]
3. Agnus Dei [From Platoon] - Crouch End Festival Chorus
4. Vide Cor Meum [From Hannibal]
5. Adagietto from Symphony No. 5 [From DeAth in Venice]
6. Any Other Name/Dead Already [from American Beauty] - Rick Clark,
7. Into the West [From the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King]
8. Where Dreams Are Made [From Artificial Intelligence]
9. Main Theme [From Somewhere in Time]
10. We Have All the Time in the World [From on Her Majesty's Secret ...]
11. Electronic Battlefield [From Patriot Games]
12. Now We Are Free [From Gladiator]
13. Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana [From Raging Bull]
14. Cavatina [From the DeErhunter]
15. Main Theme [From Out of Africa]

Customer Reviews:

"cinema's main stay themes prevail ~ City of Prague".......2004-08-15

What a crowning achievement to bring "Reel Chill:Cinematic Chillout Album", released by Silva America and featuring The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus ~ conductors are Mark Ayres, Paul Bateman, Rick Clark, James Fitzpatrick, Nic Raine and David Temple director of the chorus ~ one can only expect the highest quality of performances and quench the thirst of all "film-score-buffs".

Sit back and unleash the first disc with composers ~ Albinoni, Craig Armstrong, John Barry, Vladimir Cosma, Enya & Nicky Ryan, Handel, Francis Lai, Ennio Morricone, Sean O'Riorda, Nino Rota, Ryvichi Sakamoto and Vangelis ~ taking each film score cue "BILITIS", "CHARIOTS OF FIRE", "CINEMA PARADISO", "DIVA", "GALLIPOLI", "THE LORD OF THE RINGS:THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING", "BARRY LYNDON", "MERRY CHRISTMAS MR. LAWRENCE", "MIDNIGHT COWBOY", "THE MISSION", "ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA", "ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST", "ROMEO & JULIET" and "ROMEO + JULIET", with arrangements that soar and then simmer into pure meditation of grandeur ~ classic film music prevails, as orchestration comes to the surface with pure originality ~ one masterpiece after another is long last presented as it should have been, is cause for celebration ~ each cue is a distinctive gift for striking modernism, touching on the transition of the period in this planets history.

Second disc is waiting in the wings are composers ~ Samuel Barber, John Barry, Patrick Cassidy, James Horner, Mahler, Mascagni, Stanley Myers, Thomas Newman, Michael Nyman, Howard Shore, John Williams and Hans Zimmer/Lisa Gerrard ~ take a musical ride with "AMERICAN BEAUTY", "A.I. ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE", "DEATH IN VENICE", "DEER HUNTER", "GLADIATOR", "HANNIBAL", "THE LORD OF THE RINGS:RETURN OF THE KING", "ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE", "OUT OF AFRICA", "PATRIOT GAMES", "THE PIANO", "PLATOON", "RAGING BULL", "SOMEWHERE IN TIME" and "YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE" ~ our composers with passion and skill for exploring human emotions, coupled with a unique gift for striking exotic orchestral colors, make this with all it's splendor unforgettable ~ themes that ring with familiarity as each film comes to mind through music.

Silva America gives the collector a treasure of thirty film cues that any "film-score-buff" would die for ~ in the past James Fitzpatrick (producer), Reynold da Silva (executive producer), mastered by Rick Clark and David Stoner (release co-ordinator) have given us compilation with such expertise and this one is no exception ~ keep up the outstanding limited editions and deluxe package releases, with your signature tidbits for all film music fans that's in all of us...gotta love it!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Silva America 1161 ~ (8/10/2004)

Average customer rating:

Broadway: America's Music 1935-2005 Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Morton Gould | Gould, Morton | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Warmth of the Sun White Nights Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000B8I93Q Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

1. Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'
2. Summertime
3. I Could Write a Book
4. It Never Entered My Mind
5. I Can Cook Too
6. Make It Another Old Fashioned, Please
7. If I Loved You
8. My Heart Belongs to Daddy
9. Thou Swell
10. I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen
11. There's No Business Like Show Business
12. South American Way

Tracks:

1. Shall We Dance
2. Ohio
3. Luck Be a Lady
4. Mack the Knife
5. There's a Small Hotel
6. Once in Love with Amy
7. Yodel Blues
8. Lazy Afternoon
9. There Must Be Somethin' Better Than Love
10. You're Just in Love
11. Now Is the Time

Tracks:

1. Impossible Dream
2. Love Makes the World Go 'Round
3. Try to Remember
4. Put on a Happy Face
5. I Say Hello
6. Happiness
7. She Loves Me
8. What Kind of Fool Am I?
9. Shy
10. Consider Yourself
11. Poor Little Person

Tracks:

1. Magic to Do
2. They're Playing My Song
3. I Don't Know How to Love Him
4. I Won't Send Roses
5. Good Morning Starshine
6. Don't Cry for Me, Argentina
7. Hard Candy Christmas
8. Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
9. Won't You Charleston with Me?
10. Applause

Tracks:

1. Phantom of the Opera
2. Memory
3. On My Own
4. Muddy Water
5. How Could I Ever Know
6. American Dream
7. I Know Him So Well
8. Dr. Jazz
9. Me and My Girl
10. Suddenly Seymour

Tracks:

1. Mamma Mia!
2. Popular
3. Seasons of Love
4. Oh, the Thinks You Can Think
5. Whatever Lola Wants
6. Crazy
7. How Deep Is Your Love
8. Stars
9. People Like Us
10. I Go to Rio

Average customer rating: I waited for this for five years Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT! A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever Various Artists Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | 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 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Broadway & Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Box Sets | Stores | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection Evita (Original London Cast) Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD) ASIN: B00005R5UJ Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
2. Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
3. Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
4. Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
5. Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
6. Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
7. Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
8. Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
9. Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
10. Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
11. Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
12. Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
13. Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
14. Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
15. Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
16. Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
17. Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
18. Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
19. Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
20. Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

1. Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
2. Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
3. Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
4. Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
5. Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
6. Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
7. Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
8. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
9. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
10. The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
11. The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
12. The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
13. The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
14. Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
15. Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
16. Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
17. Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
18. Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
19. Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

1. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
2. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
3. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
4. By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
5. By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
6. By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
7. Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
8. Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
9. Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
10. Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
11. Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
12. Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
13. Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
14. Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
15. Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
16. The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
17. The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
18. The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
19. The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
20. The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

1. Oh What A Circus - David Essex
2. Memory - Betty Buckley
3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
4. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
5. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
6. Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
7. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
8. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
9. The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
10. With One Look - Petula Clark
11. You Must Love Me - Madonna
12. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
13. A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
14. Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
15. No Matter What - Boyzone
16. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
17. Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
18. Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

1. Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
2. Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
3. I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
4. Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
5. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
6. Try It And See - Rita Pavone
7. Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
8. Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
9. John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
10. What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
11. Disillusion Me - Gary Band
12. The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
13. Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
14. It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
15. It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
16. Magdalena - Tony Christie
17. Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
18. Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
19. Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
20. I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
21. I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
22. Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.


Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

Average customer rating: Great Christmas Sounds With A Modern Touch Great Christmas CD!! Reason for the Season City on a hill Christmastime New Sound of the Spirit of Christmas

City on a Hill: It's Christmas Time Various Artists Manufacturer: Essential ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: City on a Hill: Sing Alleluia City on a Hill: Songs of Worship and Praise City on a Hill: The Gathering WOW Christmas: 30 Top Christian Artists and Holiday Songs City on a Hill: The Collection ASIN: B00006IR5W Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

1. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day - City On A Hill
2. It's Christmas Time - Leigh Nash
3. Silent Night - Sixpence None The Richer
4. Holy Emmanuel - Terry Scott Taylor
5. Babe In The Straw - Caedmon's Call
6. Child Of Love - Sara Groves
7. Bethlehem Town - Jars Of Clay
8. Manger Throne - Third Day
9. Away In A Manger - Julie Miller
10. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Out Of Eden
11. In The Bleak Midwinter - Paul Colman Trio
12. O Holy Night - Leigh Nash

Customer Reviews:

Great Christmas Sounds With A Modern Touch.......2006-12-24

This collection of some traditional Christmas songs as well as some new ones is very good.

It contains some of the greatest voices (artists) in Christian music such as: Mac Powell, Dan Haseltine, Michael Tait, and Leigh Nash.

Any Christmas collection would benefit from the addition of this CD.

Great Christmas CD!!.......2006-03-24

I love Christmas music and this is a good addition to any cd library. A warm and acoustic in nature, lyrically focusing on who Christ is. In the same way, City On A Hill-It's Christmas Time is an enjoyable worship cd. The first song "I'ts Christmas time" is the best track and worth it for that song alone, but the cd loses it's Christmas sound from there. I have searched long and hard for good Christmas music, this is certianly a good effort. The Jars of clay track should have had a more christmas sound.

Reason for the Season.......2004-12-13

This album is an amazing mix of beautiful songs that bring nothing but joy! Some of my favorite Christian Artists come together to create this Christmas mix that is better than I'd have put together myself-especially because most of these songs are not available on their albums. This is a wonderful addition to the spirit of the season in my home!

City on a hill Christmastime.......2004-11-28

This cd is a very nixed genre of christian music, it's excellent. The BEST song is definitely Out of Eden's

New Sound of the Spirit of Christmas.......2004-06-10

Bringing together artists I consider to be among the best in Christian music can never go wrong. So it is with Jars of Clay, Caedmon's Call, Bebo Norman, Sixpence none the Richer, etc. Even if you're not a Christian, you've got to respect this fresh sound in Christmas music. Ignore the horrible Out of Eden song at the end!

Average customer rating:

Elmer Iseler Singers: Spirituals William Levi Dawson , Thomas Kerr , Robert Missen , Lydia Adams , and Nelson Lohnes Manufacturer: Marquis Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B000003WGP Release Date: 1993-09-18

Tracks:

1. Ain' A that Good News
2. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
3. Ol' Time Religion
4. Mary Had A Baby
5. Git On Board
6. Do Down Moses
7. Listen To De Lambs
8. Ain't Got Time To Die
9. Go Tell It On The Mountain
10. Deep River
11. Poor Man Lazrus
12. Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
13. Same Train
14. Lit'le David
15. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
16. Let Me Fly

Average customer rating:

It's Christmas Time Again Various Artists Manufacturer: Stax ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Memphis Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Soul Christmas Genuine Houserockin Christmas Have a Merry Chess Christmas Motown Christmas 2 Hipsters' Holiday: Vocal Jazz & R&B Classics ASIN: B000000ZIH Release Date: 1992-09-24

Tracks:

1. Please Come Home For Christmas - Little Johnny Taylor
2. White Christmas - Rance Allen Group
3. Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin' - Mack Rice
4. I'll Be Your Santa, Baby - Rufus Thomas
5. Christmas Comes But Once A Year - Albert King
6. Additional Track: Black Christmas - The Emotions
7. Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin' - Albert King
8. Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas - Staple Singers
9. The Mistletoe And Me - Isaac Hayes
10. It's Christmas Time Again (The Christmas Song) - The Temprees
11. What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas? - The Emotions
12. Additional Track: Winter Snow - Isaac Hayes

Average customer rating: It's Authentic THIS is the ultimate Christmas album! Good for the "Old Time Radio" crowd Look for better recordings. Historic and apt for today

It's Christmas Time Various Artists Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1940-1949 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Rock N' Roll Christmas White Christmas ASIN: B000001VLP Release Date: 1999-10-05

Tracks:

1. Silent Night - Bing Crosby
2. Jingle Bells - Bing Crosby
3. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
4. Zat You Santa Clause - Louis Armstrong
5. O Come All Ye Faithful - Frank Sinatra
6. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Frank Sinatra
7. O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Frank Sinatra
8. Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra
9. Silent Night - Frank Sinatra
10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Bing Crosby
11. Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) - Bing Crosby
12. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Bing Crosby
13. Joy To The World - Bing Crosby
14. The First Noel - Bing Crosby
15. Silver Bells - Bing Crosby
16. Christmas In New Orleans - Louis Armstrong

Customer Reviews:

It's Authentic.......2005-12-30

I've owned this CD for years and play it every single Christmas. Don't buy it if all you are interested in is sound quality. This CD is for people who appreciate the authentic feel of what these artists sounded like over live radio broadcasts as received in living rooms all over the world via cranky Philco radios in the 1940s. No, the sound quality is isn't the overproduced sterilized flawless versions of these timeless classics we've become accustomed to. I give it five stars because it was everything I expected it would be when I bought it. For those with some imagination, it's easy to be transported by these broadcasts to another time when these recordings were the main holiday entertainment for troops overseas and their families at home. It's a piece of history.

THIS is the ultimate Christmas album!.......2005-10-02

HOWEVER, each time I've ordered it from Amazon (4 times last year for Christmas and again once this year) Amazon has sent me the wrong version with Louis Armstrong and not Nat King Cole. Don't get me wrong, Armstrong is a legendary artist, but the Cole version is the one we listened to when I was a kid, and it's not the same...So if you want THIS album, try and dig it up elsewhere (even after complaining to Amazon, they didn't do anything to help me and get it right) and if you DO find it please let me know!!!

Good for the "Old Time Radio" crowd.......2002-09-26

...at first, wasn't impressed. But, it has really grown on me. It's a piece of history and I tend to get reflective at Christmas. So this fits the bill.

If you like Old Time Radio, as I do, this is good find. Yes, it's low fi but it really catches the spirit of meloncoly (sp?) of Christmas during WWII.

Look for better recordings........2002-01-07

Poorly recorded radio performances from Crosby and Sinatra are the basis of this set. (The words "Archive Recordings" on the front of this CD should have warned me.) While the two Armstrong cuts are fine, particularly the funny "Zat You Santa Claus?" they don't merit your purchase of this CD. Get the originals and skip this "budget" set.

Historic and apt for today.......2002-01-04

If you want quality Christmas music from quality artists then this cd is for you.

If sound quality is the primary goal then look elsewhere. Some of the recording quality refects the time period that they were made. The other thing that could cause a fuss is the duplication of some songs.

The various performances that were for servicemen overseas in 1945 it is rather poinent for today with our current problems. It is good to see some modern performers answer the call.

I love the songs and music and play it for all 12 days of Christmas. With three all time greats, you'll have a hard time not liking it too.

Average customer rating: Finally a Messiah with fervor! Great recording! Good and Bad This is a great recording!

Handel: Messiah Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Christmas at Trinity ASIN: B00002R16A Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

1. Messiah: No. 1 Overture
2. Messiah: No. 2 Arioso For Tenor
3. Messiah: No. 3 Air For Tenor
4. Messiah: No. 4 Chorus
5. Messiah: No. 5 Recitative For Bass
6. Messiah: No. 6 Air For Bass
7. Messiah: No. 7 Chorus
8. Messiah: No. 8 Recitative For Alto
9. Messiah: No. 9 Air For Alto And Chorus
10. Messiah: No. 10 Arioso For Bass
11. Messiah: No. 11 Air For Bass
12. Messiah: No. 12 Chorus
13. Messiah: No. 13 Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14. Messiah: No. 14a Recitative And No. 14b Arioso For Soprano
15. Messiah: No. 15 Recitative For Soprano
16. Messiah: No. 16 Arioso For Soprano
17. Messiah: No. 17 Chorus
18. Messiah: No. 18 Air For Soprano
19. Messiah: No. 19 Recitative For Alto
20. Messiah: No. 20 Air For Alto And Soprano
21. Messiah: No. 21 Chorus
22. Messiah: No. 22 Chorus
23. Messiah: No. 23 Air For Alto
24. Messiah: No. 24 Chorus
25. Messiah: No. 25 Chorus
26. Messiah: No. 26 Chorus

Tracks:

1. Messiah: No. 27 Arioso For Tenor
2. Messiah: No. 28 Chorus
3. Messiah: No. 29 Recitative For Tenor
4. Messiah: No. 30 Air For Tenor
5. Messiah: No. 31 Recitative For Tenor
6. Messiah: No. 32 Air For Tenor
7. Messiah: No. 33 Chorus
8. Messiah: No. 34 Recitative For Tenor
9. Messiah: No. 35 Chorus
10. Messiah: No. 36 Air For Alto
11. Messiah: No. 37 Chorus
12. Messiah: No. 38 Aria For Soprano
13. Messiah: No. 39 Chorus
14. Messiah: No. 40 Air For Bass
15. Messiah: No. 41 Chorus
16. Messiah: No. 42 Recitative For Tenor
17. Messiah: No. 43 Air For Tenor
18. Messiah: No. 44 Chorus
19. Messiah: No. 45 Air For Soprano
20. Messiah: No. 46 Chorus
21. Messiah: No. 47 Recitative For Bass
22. Messiah: No. 48 Air For Bass
23. Messiah: No. 49 Recitative For Alto
24. Messiah: No. 50 Duet For Alto And Tenor
25. Messiah: No. 51 Chorus
26. Messiah: No. 52 Air For Soprano
27. Messiah: No. 53 Chorus
28. Messiah: Amen

Customer Reviews:

Finally a Messiah with fervor!.......2005-10-20

I've hunted a thrilling performance of The Messiah through 240 versions so far. This is the best I've found. Some are self-conscious, dutifully singing as instructed. Some are almost childish in their lilt. Some are overblown with so much bombast that you can barely hear the heart of the music. Some are concentrated on faithfulness to the original instruments. If you want a performance that will make you shiver with the power and joy of the music, this is the one. The singers are singing about GLORY. They sound as if they are ecstatic. The musicians are at one with the music and they create a virtual cathedral wherever this CD is played, just close your eyes. Or, let your own imagery, be it celestial, or of great oceans...carry you away.

Great recording!.......2003-09-22

There are so many performances of the Messiah out there that it is very difficult to point to a difinative one, but I'd put this in the catagory of the "very good" ones. As other reviewers have said, every performance is different and has its own character. Each has stronger and weaker points. Here the conductor and musicians have made good, solid musical choices. There is an amazing attention to detail which is not so obvious the first listen through but which makes the piece shine. The tempos seem to be right on, and there is no frivolous over-embellishment by the soloists. There is no attempt to be showey. The dramatic dynamics in the first section of the overture are interesting, but seem to work after you hear it a few times. This performance also includes sections which are often omitted (Second half of "He shall feed his flock," "Thou art gone up on high," "Great was the company of the preachers," and "Death where is thy sting"). I prefer the more intimate quality of a small ensemble of musicians to the mega-performances by the London Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Orchestra, etc.. As with this performance, the smaller group lends a clarity to the music, where the larger ensembles can get a little "muddy" at times. Just my personal preference. Overall, this is a very good performance, and certainly the low price (being on the Naxos lable) makes this a clear choice.

Good and Bad.......2000-04-09

I was more interested in "The Messiah" for the religious content than as a music critic, but this was too much. The strings are tinny. The orchestra is plodding. The soloists and choir are thankfully very good and seem to understand the meaning of the words. It is a shame the sound mix is uneven. The male parts come across loud and clear, but the poor women. For instance, No. 9 Oh thou that tellest..., the soloist sounded like she was singing in an echo chamber far from the mike. This is one of the most disappointing versions of "The Messiah" I have heard in a long time.

This is a great recording!.......2000-02-11

I was really surprised with the new that the Messiah's New World premiere was held at Trinity Church in October 1770, twenty-eight years after it was written. This fact only will make one proud in having this CD among his collection.

Anyhow, this is nothing more than a historic detail and would not count if this recording had not an outstanding first-rate ensemble of singers. Without doubt there is no definitive version of Messiah. Each one has its own distinctive touch and feeling and exploring it is always a pleasant journey through imagination.

As stated by the conductor: "we must concede that performing Messiah with twenty singers and an appropriately balanced instrumental ensemble represents, at best, an imperfect comprimise", it will be easy to understand that this recording does not stand among the greatest and will probably carry some imperfections. I will mention two that kind of disppointed me a little bit. The Overture and the Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, for some reason misses the habitual vigor and strenght. Everything else is great and this is definitely a worth buying.

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7. Live In Concert: Back To Back [Live]
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