Blue Sky [Import]

Product Description
The Legendary Vocal Group of Rhodesia (Which Later Became Modern Day Zimbabwe) have Survived after all These Years and have Come Back to Life in the New Century. In the Years of the Revolution from the 1950's On, their Sights were Forced Elsewhere. Now They Return with the Wisdom of Age Coupled with their Innate Talent for Singing and Creative Instincts. The Joy of their Lives Comes Thru with Every Note. You Simply Cannot Help but Be Moved!

Blue Sky,Cool Crooners,Sony,World Music

Average customer rating: Best album yet make up the break up Mellow Gold Amazing This must have been a really bad breakup

Sky Blue Sky Wilco Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Easy Tiger New Moon We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank The Reminder ASIN: B000NVIGC0 Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. Either Way
2. You Are My Face
3. Impossible Germany
4. Sky Blue Sky
5. Side With the Seeds
6. Shake It Off
7. Please Be Patient With Me
8. Hate It Here
9. Leave Me (Like You Found Me)
10. Walken
11. What Light
12. On And On And On

Amazon.com

After their wild experimental streak of the past decade, Wilco's sixth studio album might feel like a bit of a comedown. Sky Blue Sky is mellow, moody, and uncharacteristically monotone, opening with a pleasant jangle and Jeff Tweedy singing a simple song: "Maybe the sun will shine today, the clouds will blow away." He doesn't even follow it up with a barbed punchline. Could it be that the restless Chicago band has settled back into its gentle Americana roots--or does this sudden mid-career reappraisal represent Wilco's gutsiest move yet? Mostly written in the studio by the full band, it's certainly the group's most cohesive album in ages, presenting a dense song cycle padded with intricate guitar work, brushed rhythms, and '70s soft-rock accents. In places it sounds like Wings ("Hate It Here"), in others Harry Nilsson ("Walken"), and in the middle it goes a bit Grateful Dead ("Shake It Off"). At the same time, there's a distinct sense of hearing a band finally at ease in its own skin. Sky Blue Sky represents the sound of Wilco finally pulling through its petulant adolescence. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

"Sky Blue Sky" has hints of early-seventies Southern California folk-rock sweetness in the harmonies. The album is filled with brash guitar solos that take songs like "You Are My Face" and "Shake It Off" in unexpected directions.

Customer Reviews:

Best album yet.......2007-07-18

I struggled for quite some time before I liked Sky Blue Sky, and for that reason one might truthfully say that I wouldn't like this album if it weren't Wilco's. But I'm being completely honest when I say it's not only their most honest but also their best overall album. Two things struck me at first - there were some duds ("Shake it Off," "Hate it Here" among others) and the ones I did like were pretty slow and similar to one another. It turns out neither of these observations are true if you give it enough time, and especially if you see them play these tunes live. The "duds" I mentioned are now favorites after I've heard them performed the way they were meant to be, by the best live band out there. And if you don't like amazing songs like "Either Way" and "Impossible Germany" right off the bat, there's something wrong with you. This record sees Nels Cline in the spotlight and doing some pretty cool things with it, and his prowess is something you have to witness on stage. I really hope this lineup stays together for a while and we get to hear more of their genius.

make up the break up.......2007-07-15

I grew up in St. Louis, watching the first Wilco and Son Volt shows. I threw myself into the last break-up [God bless Uncle Tupelo], beaming over AM and Son Volt's "Trace." Wilco's albums changed immensely with the introduction of Loose Fur [Jim O'Rourke] and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Jeff Tweedy, the band's melodic creativity, and clever lyrics prevailed in spite of various additions and subtractions [Bennett], until now.

I honestly would pay to see this band live no matter what came of an album. -Now? -oof.

When did the already accused "dad band" plummet into the background of a Tide commercial? Will I hear their sound bites on NPR? I am waiting for the newest TV drama to add "Hate it Here" to a young girl's emotional breakdown in her bedroom.

What happened to Charles Wright and Woody Guthrie's influence? Where is the competent composition [shown briefly in "On and On and On"]? I fear O'Rourke's dreamy sonic influence led to gravitational boredom. I expected so much more...

No one is forcing the hand to make tons of albums, here. It's a damn shame.

Mellow Gold.......2007-07-14

From the opening melody of "Either Way" to the gorgeous outro of "On and On and On," Wilco succeeds in creating a cohesive, moody atmosphere that could best be described as mellow groove. At various times the listener will detect hints of the Grateful Dead, the Eagles and even Fleetwood Mac, but Wilco also manages to elevate themselves beyond those 70's influences and create a classic rock/alternative album all their own. And that is largely due to the words and phrasing of Jeff Tweedy. I won't say that his meaning is always clear, but the words make you listen and draw you in closer, and like the best poetry, are vague enough to allow your own interpretation. I have my own relationship to the words and sounds on this album, and I thank Wilco for helping me feel something that is at once familiar and entirely revolutionary.

Amazing.......2007-07-14

Personally I haven't heard an album of this quality in a long time. The last albums to do that for me were Nirvana Unplugged and Elliot Smith XO. The music really stays with you. It is refreshing to hear something so melodic and sad and uplifting, all at the same time. They created something special with this album. Songs 1,3,8 and 9 are classics. The whole album is strong start to finish.

This must have been a really bad breakup.......2007-07-09

This is one of my absolute fave bands--This is disappointing for me even after 5 or 6 run throughs..Tweedy whines on and on about love lost on virtually every song...the most sophomoric he has ever sounded, with ocassional nice little lyrical parts (not as clever or as important as previous three records--I mean he sings about doing laundry for Christs sake, c'mon man) and some guitar parts which he relies too heavily on..it remainds me of Beck's Sea Change which he came back from thankfully and Neil Young's Tonights the Night (although Neil relied a lot on Lofgren's guitar, at least the angst was not a handcuffing factor for every track). Some good stuff on here, but get over the broken heart thing on every track man. Not nearly as pretty as previous "girl" tracks.. I look forward more inspired things from Tweedyco next time.

Average customer rating: Give yourself time tweedster Phenomenal Aimless Wandering Wilco f**king triumphs

Sky Blue Sky (CD/DVD) Wilco Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Easy Tiger Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD) Jeff Tweedy - Sunken Treasure - Live in the Pacific Northwest The Search New Moon ASIN: B000P6R6X8 Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. Either Way (CD)
2. You Are My Face (CD)
3. Impossible Germany (CD)
4. Sky Blue Sky (CD)
5. Side with the Seeds (CD)
6. Shake It Off (CD)
7. Please Be Patient with Me (CD)
8. Hate It Here (CD)
9. Leave Me (Like You Found Me) (CD)
10. Walken (CD)
11. What Light (CD)
12. On and On and On (CD)

Tracks:

1. Intro (DVD)
2. Sky blue sky (DVD)
3. Impossible Germany (DVD)
4. Please Be Patient With Me (DVD)
5. Shake It Off (DVD)
6. Walken (DVD)
7. What Light (DVD)
8. Side with the Seeds (DVD)
9. Hate it here (DVD)
10. Credits (DVD)

Album Description

"Sky Blue Sky" has hints of early-seventies Southern California folk-rock sweetness in the harmonies. The album is filled with brash guitar solos that take songs like "You Are My Face" and "Shake It Off" in unexpected directions. The Deluxe Edition includes a bonus DVD, which contains more than 45 minutes of footage of the band performing songs from Sky Blue Sky. The DVD also contains interview segments with all six band members. The film was directed by Christoph Green and Fugazi's Brendan Canty, the creators of the Jeff Tweedy solo concert film, Sunken Treasure: Live in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the acclaimed documentary series, Burn to Shine.

Customer Reviews:

Give yourself time.......2007-06-27

I made a mistake when I listened to this for the first time. I expected it to touch me and move me the way Wilco's previously records have, immediately. There is no way any album can meet that expectation. But its a mistake I, and others, make all the time. Some folks only want a fresh take on what they already know they like. This is not re-gurg rock. Its not YHF. Its not A Ghost is Born. Its Sky Blue Sky.

Here I am one month later and I really love this album. I found everything I want from a Wilco record in Sky Blue Sky. The roller coasters are there, its just not the same ride as before. Nor should it be. The hooks are there where you least expect them. The irritating moments of the first few listens (Shake it Off's tempo or Impossible Germany's verbiage) have long faded. Whats left is satisfying and heartfelt.

Let yourself get lost in it and you too can find exactly what you didn't know you were looking for.

tweedster.......2007-06-21

every wilco album is a must have. this one even has less noise then there past couple albums. sometimes noise, well, is annoying. this is a great album

Phenomenal.......2007-06-21

Best CD of the 21st Century. Although it is both lyrically and sonically dense and much can be said for the artistry, it just makes me smile.

Alternative fans will love it, as will fans of folk music. I think rock and country fans will enjoy it quite a bit as well. Metal only fans may want to look elsewhere.

Aimless Wandering.......2007-06-18

The most pointless record of the year.

Jeff Tweedy and his Wilco have managed to make the dullest record of their career with Sky Blue Sky. Its instrumentation is as bland as elevator music, and its lyrics are as infantile as a middle schooler's book of so-called "poems" (and good lord do I wish the preceding were hyperbole).

Since 1999's "Summerteeth," Tweedy has frustrated and befuddled old fans of Uncle Tupelo and his new band's first pair of stellar albums ("A.M." and "Being There") by striking off in new musical directions with every record. This consternation was always tempered, though, by the fact that the directions in which Tweedy took the band were interesting, particularly in the case of "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," his first foray into his own brand of "progressive electronica," to suggest a category. But the one adjective that can't be used to describe "Sky Blue Sky" is 'interesting.' This album is interesting's absolute antithesis. Searching for days for the right descriptors for Tweedy's latest effort led this reviewer back to a small stable of terms: "directionless", "uninspired", "pointless", "inoffensive". It is the last of these I've settled on most comfortably. "Sky Blue Sky" is not a terrible album, it's just immensely disappointing. Its songs blend together in a bland soup of sound, Tweedy's vocals sound as though he's moments from slumber, and the instrumentation is derivative at best.

Gone are all the things that once made Wilco a fantastic band to listen to: the enthusiastic energy of "A.M." and "Summerteeth," the sublimity of "Being There" ("the first alt-country masterpiece," as I believe No Depression Magazine put it), the historicity and collaborative spirit of the "Mermaid Avenue" records, and the compelling sonic experimentation of "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot." With "Sky Blue Sky" Jeff Tweedy and his band achieve the acme of boredom, a greater musical sin than any other I can imagine.

Others have lamented that this record is too much a "regression" to the days of "A.M." and "Being There." If only this were true! Any sensible Wilco fan would regard a genuine return to 1994-98 stylings to be a triumph (who among us would be displeased with more work like "I Must Be High" or "Pick Up The Change" or "Sunken Treasure"?). Sadly, "Sky Blue Sky"--even in its best moments--is the palest imitation of such work. It's flat.

Go back and listen to A.M. instead. Or better yet, pick up Son Volt's new album, "The Search." *There* is an interesting record.

Wilco f**king triumphs.......2007-06-16

I really think the over-simplification that a lot of critics have been spewing forth about this album is just lazy. They just went along with the storyline of Tweedy's current vibe following his recovery as the humble and direct bandleader who 'really wants us to like this record', and how he just wanted to sing some songs for people. So, they write their little reviews about it being 'simple' and 'straightforward' 70s influenced...blah blah blah.

Anyone who has ever actually made a record within the last 10 years though knows how much less musicianship it takes to do 1,000 overdubs and then cut, paste, and edit like a madman in pro-tools to make it sound the way you want than to do it the way Wilco did on this record.

Most records today are of this cut and paste variety, with the producers and engineers often having as much or more to do with the record's final sound than the musicians themselves.

However, I still feel their is something magical about a band playing together in a room, and being able to pull it off 99% live and really capturing the moment, which to me is what rock 'n' roll is truly about. You can see and hear the amount of time and energy the band spent playing together and working out these arrangements...plus the fact that they all play together and don't try to play over each other...it's just a great band of talented, mature musicians. Something very hard to find these days.

To me this is like how the Beatles' "Let It Be" album would have turned out if they were all still working together as a cohesive unit - great rock songs with tons of feeling, played to perfection. Long Live Wilco!!!!

Average customer rating: A classic album - it still is. Another must-have MMM album My first experience She ran callin' "Wiiilllllllddddddfffiiiiiirrrrrree! " A Long Time Ago; On A Trip Far Far Away............

Blue Sky - Night Thunder Michael Murphey Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Cowboy | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Cowboy | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ultimate Collection Horse Legends The Best of Michael Martin Murphey Cowboy Songs River of Time ASIN: B00000253T Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Wildfire - Michael Murphy
2. Carolina In the Pines - Michael Murphy
3. Desert Rat - Michael Murphy
4. Wild Bird - Michael Murphy
5. Blue Sky Riding Song - Michael Murphy
6. Medicine Man - Michael Murphey
7. Secret Mountain Hideout - Michael Murphey
8. Without My Lady There - Michael Murphey
9. Night Thunder - Michael Murphey
10. Rings Of Life - Michael Murphey

Customer Reviews:

A classic album - it still is........2007-03-15

Michael Martin Murphey has always done pretty good stuff, and this album was one of my favorites, so I was glad when it finally became available on CD. And, after all, "Wildfire" is a classic in its genre, in spite of the much-joked-about line where the horse (and subsequently the girl) dies because of a "killing frost" (which most certainly CAN kill... a tomato plant)! It's still a good album.

Another must-have MMM album.......2002-05-26

It seems like all of MMM's albums are classics, but this one has the breakout hits 'Wildfire' and 'Carolina in the Pines'. Hidden later on is the song 'Without My Lady There', which has a California sound that I think Jimmy Buffett imitates so poorly. The songs are well-written and the music is awesome...this is an album for the MMM collection no matter what!

My first experience.......2001-10-18

This album was my first experience listening to Michael Murphy (no "Martin" back then!). I fell in love with him and every single song on the album (no CD's back then, either!). Yes, "Wildfire" is wonderful and I played it at my wedding, but I love "Carolina In The Pines" and even "Desert Rat" has it's own special meaning. "Blue Sky Riding Song", "Medicine Man", "Night Thunder", "Wild Bird", "Secret Mountain Hideout" and let's not forget "Without My Lady There". I think all of the songs are great! Mr. Murphy was in concert here a few weeks ago and it was my first opportunity to see him perform live, it's nice to have someone like him perform in the smaller towns in the country. Thanks, Michael, we truly appreciate it. Michael "Martin" Murphy has always been a great singer/songwriter, please, keep up the good work for another thirty years or so!

She ran callin' "Wiiilllllllddddddfffiiiiiirrrrrree! ".......2000-08-24

The only *fantastic* song on this CD is Wildfire, (as it is also my favorite) but his other songs are great too.

A Long Time Ago; On A Trip Far Far Away...................2000-08-20

............I remember it was my first trip to the West. I lived in Vermont all my life and had always only read about or dreamed about the West. I was a lover of music with a wandering soul. I had recently purchased this album and transfered it to cassette to play in my car. Since I had several other "homemade" cassettes to play, I didn't slide this one into the player until I was somewhere beyond the Mississippi. After a complete listening, I began to realize that, when Michael Murphy wrote these songs, that he had to be thinking about the places that I was now seeing for my first time. Every song on this album conjures up an image for me of someplace I found on that trip, and on every other trip that I later took out West.

For anyone who has not toured "The West", when you do, have this album in your cassette or CD player. Then, somewhere down the road of your life, you'll hear one of these songs somewhere, and trust me here, you will feel the NEED to return to the West. It happened 2 more times for me, the last one being 1988. I'm due!!

Thanks Michael!

Average customer rating: Brilliant Musicianship, Though-Provoking Lyrics -- A Must-Own CD! To Petar Vodogaz Simply the Best Astonishing music with thought provoking lyrics Midnight Oil - A Continuing Success

Blue Sky Mining Midnight Oil Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Diesel and Dust Earth and Sun and Moon Capricornia 20,000 Watts R.S.L.: Greatest Hits 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ASIN: B0000026WB Release Date: 1990-02-09

Tracks:

1. Blue Sky Mine
2. Stars Of Warburton
3. Bedlam Bridge
4. Forgotten Years
5. Mountains Of Burma
6. King Of The Mountain
7. River Runs Red
8. Shakers And Movers
9. One Country
10. Antarctica

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant Musicianship, Though-Provoking Lyrics -- A Must-Own CD!.......2007-01-17

I've always liked Midnight Oil. Their unique sound, passion, intelligence, and musicianship were perfect for my music snob ears. If subject matter such as human rights, protecting the environment, and developing a caring heart are important to you, Midnight Oil is the perfect band.

I saw the Oils around the time of this release. I'll never forget the gig. Peter Garrett loomed larged on the stage. His jerky movements and impassioned vocal delivery are branded into my brain.

At the time of the release of Blue Sky Mining, the Oils were on nearly every radio station in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I remember one DJ who commented, "This is the best song on the radio" just before he spun the disc. For a DJ to actually voice an opinion takes guts. And to make such an absolute statement takes more still.

But the DJ's comments are entirely justified. "Blue Sky Mining" is a great song -- one that takes it place among many great songs on this album. Catchy, clever, powerful, unique -- Midnight Oil's Blue Sky Mining album is a milestone release, one of my favorites in my 2,500+ CD collection.

I highly recommend Blue Sky Mining.

To Petar Vodogaz.......2005-07-25

Petar, "10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 " was not Midnight Oil's debut album, that would be 1978's "Midnight Oil".

Simply the Best.......2005-06-21

I remember first listening to this album when I was fifteen. It was incredible then, and still is now. Every song is great. The energy and uniqueness of the Midnight Oil sound is present in every track.

The album starts off very strongly - the first five tracks (including Blue Sky Mining, Stars of Warburton, and Bedlam Bridge) are pure class. The songs are very easy to listen to.

If I had to think about a perfect album, this would probably be the closest that I could get to in finding such a beast. The songs on this album have a melodical, inspiring feel to them. I personally like Mountains of Burma, this song lifts you up and lets your head spin in the heavens.

It is, in my opinion, Midnight Oil's best ever album. Better than Diesel and Dust. But it now.

Astonishing music with thought provoking lyrics .......2005-06-07

Okay, so I know this album came out fifteen years ago and I was only like ten when it came out, but I still need to write a review on it. I love this album. They were so ahead of their time when they put this album out. It's just timeless. I love a band that has passion, energy, angst, and feeling in their songs and Midnight Oil has that in every single one. Their songs are very political and thought provoking. Out of all their albums, this one is my favorite. I love every single song.

On a side note, they were awesome to see live. They all had more energy then any group I have ever seen live.

Midnight Oil - A Continuing Success .......2004-09-21

Having become a listener of Midnight Oil most recently after listening to 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 (Midnight's Debut Album) I decided to get some more CD's from this band. Peter Garrett again excels himself in vocals. All Midnight Oil's songs seem to spring from their beliefs whether political or social. Whilst not 100% agreeing with what they have to say in their songs, I must say it is appealing and refreshing to have a band sing from their heart.

Blue Sky Mining, the first track is easily one of Midnight Oil's best of the best. It was based on a event that happened in Australia some time ago, and by remembering the event in a song format, I suppose Peter and his group is hoping that listeners won't forget lightly. Other songs to listen to that I found interesting and nice on this album release were Forgotten Years and King of the Mountain.

ALl in all, Blue Sky Mining, the CD is a strong follow up on this band's previous work. Good going Midnight Oil!

Average customer rating: A Long Awaited "Gem" Bette Davis in a musical...yes, you heard right

Two's Company Manufacturer: Sepia Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duke, Vernon | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Make a Wish (1951 Original Broadway Cast) A Family Affair Seventeen & High Button Shoes (Original Broadway Cast) Baker Street, A Musical Adventure of Sherlock Holmes (1965 Original Broadway Cast) Inside U.S.A./The Band Wagon ASIN: B0007X9URY Release Date: 2005-04-11

Tracks:

1. Overture - Orchestra
2. Theatre Is A Lady - Bill Callahan
3. Turn Me Loose On Broadway - Bette Davis
4. It Just Occurred To Me - Peter Kelley
5. A Man's Home - Hiram Sherman
6. Roundabout - Ellen Hanley
7. Roll Along, Sadie - Betty Davis
8. Out Of The Clear Blue Sky - Peter Kelley
9. Esther - David Burns
10. Haunted Hot Spot - Ellen Hanley
11. Purple Rose - Bette Davis
12. Just Like A Man - Bette Davis
13. Finale - Bette Davis And The Company
14. Bonus Track: A Like The Likes Of You/What Is There To Say/I Can't Get Started With You/Who's To Blame - Vernon Duke
15. Cabin In The Sky/Honey In The Honeycomb/Taking A Chance On Love/The Love I Longed For - Vernon Duke
16. Out Of The Clear Blue Sky/Roundabout/Autumn In New York/Island In The West Indies - Vernon Duke
17. Introduction/April In Paris/Rendevous Sans Addresse/Summer Is A-Comin' In/La Musique Avant Toutes Choses/April In Paris - Vernon Duke
18. I Can't Get Started - Vernon Duke
19. I'm Gonna Ring The Bell Tonight - Vernon Duke

Album Description

The 1952 original Broadway cast recording, on CD for the first time! Features Oscar winner Bette Davis in her only musical stage appearance. Bonus tracks include a song by Nancy Walker and material composed & performed by composer Vernon Duke.

Customer Reviews:

A Long Awaited "Gem".......2007-07-09

My LP of this show was totally worn out, so I'm absolutely delighted to have this on such a great sounding CD. Davis is right up there with other musical luminaries such as Hepburn in COCO and Bacall in WOMAN OF THE YEAR and APPLAUSE. All three were non-singers who acted, and their recordings are really just a joy to have to offset soprani like Cook, Chenowith, and Lukker.

This really is a must have recording for any true musical comedy lover who wants the unusual and historical. Davis's "Turn Me Loose on Broadway" is wonderful from her "Mistah conductah, iff You Pleeees" to her slightly off tempo "hey" in the dance break. Davis did try to sing several times through her career. Frank Loesser's "They're Either Too Young or Too Old" has been on a few collections, and there was that failed musical version of THE CORN IS GREEN entitled MISS MOFFAT that closed in Philadelphia. Betty Davis wasn't a good singer, but she tried!

The supporting cast is excellent, and I think it's just a joy to hear an old-school musical by one of the forgotten greats, Vernon Duke. That's why I'm really pleased to have the Duke bonus tracks on the CD as well. It's a great value with Davis, Duke, and Lawrence Welk and his orchestra as well. The album was coveted for years, and it's just wonderful to have it in better sound than it ever was.

Bette Davis in a musical...yes, you heard right.......2006-10-05

Bette Davis in a musical? In 1952, when her film career started on yet another downward spiral and she was unceremoniously labelled as "box office poison", the legendary Ms Davis decided to do the unthinkable, and made her Broadway musical debut in TWO'S COMPANY, a fluffy little revue that would have certainly folded a lot quicker if a mega-watt star like Davis was not in the starring role.

TWO'S COMPANY ran on the box office power of Davis, and the moment she became ill and started missing performances, the closing notices were posted (the show limped along for 90 performances). Nevertheless, this curious jewel of a show was recorded, and now gets it's CD premiere thanks to British boutique label Sepia.

Apparently, Davis was so embarrased by her performance, that she attempted to buy every single copy of the original LP in order to destroy them. One can just imagine Davis (in full Margo Channing mode) swaggering into a record store and slamming a pile of TWO'S COMPANY albums onto the sales counter ("don't bother to wrap `em!").

While Davis was never a singer, she croaks out her songs quite well, and what she lacks in musicality she compensates with comedy and sheer brio.

Performing the more demanding material is Ellen Hanley, known to musical fans for her Tony-winning role as Thea in "Fiorello!"; as well as Adrianna in the 1963 Off-Broadway revival of "The Boys from Syracuse", and replacing Polly Bergen in "First Impressions" (the Jane Austen/'Pride & Prejudice' musical of 1959).

Sepia's remaster of the TWO'S COMPANY album (taken from original 78's) is quite crisp and clean, with some slight hiss and sonic wobble in certain areas (like towards the end of "Haunted Hot Spot"), although we are lucky to have this title on disc in the first place.

Known for their copious bonus tracks, Sepia do not disappoint, and the TWO'S COMPANY disc is filled out with extensive supplementaries (Nancy Walker singing "I Can't Get Started" and Jack Smith with "I'm Gonna Ring the Bell Tonight"); and a whole "Vernon Duke plays Vernon Duke" section.

Now that TWO'S COMPANY has been released on compact disc, we can finally hear what all the fuss was about.

Average customer rating: The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan Pure delight Delicious G&S samplings abound here. Fine Intro to G&S

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury Nicholas Folwell , Arthur Sullivan , Marie McLaughlin , Rebecca Evans , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , John Mark Ainsley , Alwyn Mellor , Anne Howells , Barry Banks , Eric Garrett , Felicity Palmer , Gareth Rhys Davies , Janice Watson , Julie Gossage , Neill Archer , Pamela Helen Stephen , Peter Savidge , Richard Stuart , Richard Suart , Richard Van Allan , Sir Thomas Allen [baritone] , Sir Charles Mackerras , and Welsh National Opera Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Allen, Thomas | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan The Gilbert and Sullivan Overtures ASIN: B000003D1Y Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. A Wandering Minstrel I
2. Behold The Lord High Executioner!
3. Three Little Maids From School Are We
4. Braid The Raven Hair
5. The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
6. On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-tit Sang, 'Willow, Tit-willow'
7. For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
8. We Sail The Ocean Blue
9. I'm Called Little Buttercup
10. My Gallant Crew
11. When I Was A Lad
12. Things Are Seldom What They Seem
13. Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
14. Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
15. Poor Wand'ring One
16. How Beautifully Blue The Sky
17. I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
18. When The Foeman Bares His Steel
19. Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
20. With Cat-Like Tread
21. Is Life A Boon?
22. I Have A Song To Sing, O!
23. Were I Thy Bride
24. Oh, A Private Buffoon Is A Light-Hearted Loon
25. When A Wooer Goes A-Wooing
26. When I, Good Friends, Was Called To The Bar
27. A Nice Dilemma We Have Here
28. Oh, Joy Unbounded

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan.......2004-03-15

At the end of the 19th century (1870's, 80's and 90's) the compatible duo of librettist and composer Gilbert and Sullivan popularized the pre-Broadway entertainment of Savoy opera. These were light operas or operettas whose content was satire and comedy, full of bouncy melodies and beautiful singing, highly entertaining theatrical works staged at London's Savoy theatre. Gilbert and Sullivan did not always get along and in fact there was a time when they ended their professional relationship because personal conflicts surfaced. But they managed to create the world's most beloved light operas, over 40 of them. Their most famous are what I call the Big Three- The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado. Other works include their first hit Trial By Jury, The Yeomen Of The Guard, Princess Ida, The Gondoliers, Patience and several others. A standard signature of Gilbert and Sullivan was in the colorful cast- a comic actor with a special kind of baritone voice, a canary-like and sweet-voiced coloratura or lyric diva, a mezzo soprano with strong chest register and a lyric tenor as the romantic hero. On this album, English conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, a popular figure in the classical music scene and opera, guides the Chorus and Orchestra Of the Welsh National Opera in generally well-delivered performances of excerpts from the operas The Mikado, The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance, Yeomen Of The Guard and Trial By Jury. Although I feel that the recordings made by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, with Isodore Godfrey conducting and starring the best cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire- the singers of the 60's and 70's- tenor Phillip Potter, soprano Valerie Masterson, baritone John Reed, Donald Adams and mezzo soprano Christine Palmer. Their version of the Pirates Of Penzance and the Mikado far outshine the Welsh National Opera in technical mastery and vibrant tone color.

But these are fine excerpts. Especially appealing is the famous and cheerful "Three Little Maids From School Are We", a trio that imitates Japanese style melody. Most of the Mikado does this, for it was inspired by Japanisme or the new fashion in Victorian England- everything Japanese, from prints to paintings to poetry. Gilbert and Sullivan simply "Japanized" their English operettas. The Finale "For He's Gone To Marry Yum Yum" is an ebullient and pleasant finale. Not featured here is the domineering and powerful Katisha, a figure who stands out in the Mikado.

The H.M.S. Pinafore is Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular work. The sea chanty "We Sail The Ocean Blue" opens the opera with appropriate atmosphere and it seems to fit perfectly with the other scene in which the Captain greets his crew and they sing his praises "My Gallant Crew..I am the Captain Of The Pinafore". A beautiful melody that seems to come out of a romantic Offenbach tune is "I"m Called Little Buttercup". The finale, not featured here, is also very engaging "For He Is An Englishman" which can almost resemble a British national anthem. The Yeomen Of The Guard was Gilbert and Sullivan's "serious opera" eventhough it remains very Savoyard. The plot deals with Tudor England and takes place at the London Tower. "I have a song to sing" makes use of what can be taken for an English ballad of the Renaissance. Trial By Jury, about the eccentric and hilarious activity of a court trial, has a sextet that although different in composition, has the sextet "Che Mi Frena" from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor in mind. All in all, an excellent recording sure to delight young and old.

Pure delight.......2003-08-02

--Gilbert & Sullivan--
William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were a match made in heaven, yet on earth their pairing seems even with hindsight a most unlikely coupling. Both were destined for other things, Gilbert in fact for decidedly non-musical careers. Introduced by a mutual friend, Fred Clay, the fledgling lyricist Gilbert met the military-band-leader's son Sullivan and together continued to conspire to inspire the delights of audiences from high Victorian times down to the present, as their work in musical theatre comedy continues to provide merriment throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.

--The Music--
This collection includes highlights from five of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operettas: The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, and Trial by Jury. The arrangements and orchestrations are delightfully energetic and clear; the characterisation and vocal qualities of the leads are perfect for their roles. The haughty if misplaced Lord of the Admiralty has the perfect combination of insecurity and pompous officiousness. The Plaintiff and the Defendant in the Trial are perfectly cast. This is a collection of highlights - at least three but no more than seven songs each, but this gives a good flavour of the music. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Rebecca Evans, Felicity Palmer, John Mark Ainsley and Anne Howells lead the chorus with stunning vocals and clever characterisations of the parts they play. Many (such as Stuart and Evans) play the leading roles across several of the pieces of the disc.

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as synopses of the five pieces presented here. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers. It also does not include the lyrics to the songs. Were the quality of the CD not so great, this might cost it a star in rating.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.

Delicious G&S samplings abound here........2003-05-06

The first thing I should be saying is "What an infectuous G&S CD." Indeed this is, with this fine sampling of the peppy and bright Mackerras series. I know I have praised its "Mercedes-Benz quality" elsewhere on these pages, but that doesn't stop me from saying that everyone is in fine voice. This generously filled CD may only focus on five operas, but at least you can savour a reasonable choice sampling of delights from each one. Of particular interest is Richard Suart's patter-baritone parts and the soaring lyric soprano of Rebecca Evans. The selection on this disc is filled with a mixture of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems such as the female choruses in Mikado and Pirates. Mackerras is a true G&S conductor, but one who always springs rhythms crisply, and adopts peppy tempo for the fast bits. The one drawback is that this selection is far too infectuous that you'll want to shell out money to buy the full 5-CD Mackerras cycle - an incredible bargain with most of the operas fitted onto one disc each. But still, this is at least a decent G&S sampling for beginners, capped with Steven Ledbetter's copious liner notes. It will leave you wanting to say "dammit I'm going to play it again."

Fine Intro to G&S.......2000-12-30

This is the perfect CD for those who may not be familiar with G&S, or for the initiated who want a smattering but don't have the mother of all CD changers. The difficulty with any G&S Greatest Hits CD is determining which pieces to leave off; while one could easily point to any number equally good bits, it would be difficult to argue about the quality of the choices included. The only problem, such as it is, is that after listening to it I am usually induced to go back and listen to the whole opera anyway. The Mackerras recordings are uniformly excellent. I have read elsewhere the criticism that they are too 'operatic' for light opera. If by this it is meant that the singers are too good, then I leave it to the discretion of the listener when the singing becomes too good to be enjoyable.

Average customer rating: Mostly Majestic An excellent olio of music styles This movie is a slam dunk Boogie Majestic An answer for a question from Texas

The Majestic Various Artists Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Majestic Boogie Woogie Man Blues 88's: Boogie Woogie Instrumentals Boogie Woogie Stomp Swing Kids: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B00005TQ52 Release Date: 2001-12-11

Tracks:

1. Blue Note Boogie - The Spencer Wyatt Big Band
2. Orange Colored Sky - Nat King Cole
3. Begin The Beguine - The Spencer Wyatt Big Band
4. Stranger On The Shore - The Spencer Wyatt Big Band
5. Boogie Woogie Stomp - Jim Cox
6. Paper Doll - The Mills Brothers
7. Dizzy (Piano Version) - Jim Cox
8. Blues In The Bucket - The Spencer Wyatt Big Band
9. Aunt Hagar's Blues - Jim Cox
10. Over The Rainbow - Chet Baker
11. I Remember You - Nat King Cole
12. The Bridge - Mark Isham
13. Luke And Adele - Mark Isham
14. The Majestic - And The Magic - Mark Isham

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Majestic.......2007-05-17

Most of the tracks were excellent but some were a bit long winded.Tracks by Spencer Wyatt best on the disc and made it all worth while.

An excellent olio of music styles.......2007-02-23

Do you like ethereal New Age? Gotcha covered. Does Boogie piano get your toes a-tappin'? Check. Is Swing more your thing? It's here. All fine reasons to add this sound track to your music collection. As for the movie, I like to think it Carrey's best work. The man has the most expressive face in Moviedom. Regarding the story, it's set in the early Fifties during the rabid Communist scaremongering headed by Senator Joseph McCarthy. One result was the blacklisting of suspected Communists and sympathizers in liberal Hollywood, of which our protagonist Peter Appleton became a victim.

This movie is a slam dunk.......2006-10-29

To hear the roar of the crowd as the player goes in to slam dunk the basketball in the professional sports arenas,this film equals those thrills for the audience as Jim Carrey (Luke Trimble)takes us through the mind of someone that has amnesia and unwittingly becomes the hometown war hero set in 1945 period. Stars abound in this film like character actors Martin Landau and James Wittemore.Boy meets girl,they fall in love,then a twist in the plot as Peter Appleton (Jim Carrey) is accused of being a communist,similar to the Army McCarthy hearings for those old enough to remember.It all turns out like everyone wants.....Ed Lynch 10/29/06

Boogie Majestic.......2003-08-07

This soundtrack is the best soundtrack I have heard in a long time. Bringing the swing big band music was fantastic.I wish they would have included Pennsylvania 6-5000 in the soundtrack though. This by far is the best movie soundtrack next to Swing Kids. So buy this soundtrack. This is real music.

An answer for a question from Texas.......2003-02-15

Music fan from Texas, Yes both songs are there and as strange as it may sound, those where the two songs that cought my attention when I saw the movie. The one with the clarinet is called "Stranger on the shore" while the one with the piano is called "Boogie Woogie Stomp" I believe. The soundtrack as a whole is flawless and I strongly reccomend it.

Average customer rating: Highly not recommended A typical George Strait Album and Even a more Typical country album. Solid George Blue Clear Sky Clearly a great album

Blue Clear Sky George Strait Manufacturer: Mca Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout 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 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Carrying Your Love with Me Always Never the Same Lead On One Step at a Time Holding My Own ASIN: B000002P0G Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

1. Blue Clear Sky
2. Carried Away
3. Rockin' In The Arms Of Your Memory
4. She Knows When You're On My Mind
5. I Ain't Never Seen No One Like You
6. I Can Still Make Cheyenne
7. King Of The Mountain
8. Do The Right Thing
9. I'd Just As Soon Go
10. Need I Say More

Amazon.com essential recording

George Strait consistently modernizes country music while keeping it rooted in tradition. Blue Clear Sky is one of Strait's best, proving again that the man knows a great melody when he hears one. The title track, for instance, sports a contemporary pop-influenced melody, but surrounded by pedal steel, it remains a country song, and a good one. The album's full of good country songs, in fact, especially the old-school honky-tonk of "King of the Hill," the power ballad "Carried Away," the almost unbearably pathetic "I Can Still Make Cheyenne," and "Need I Say More," where Strait swings like a hybrid of Tommy Duncan and Frank Sinatra. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

Highly not recommended.......2006-04-04

Buy this only if you're working on a George Strait collection. "It's listenable" is the only nice thing I can say about it. I do like George Strait's music but this one is uninspired, unimaginative and boring.

A typical George Strait Album and Even a more Typical country album. .......2005-10-18

Some pretty good tunes here including still make cheyenne, carried away, and I'd just as soon go. But, like every other country album, there are some hits and then the rest is crap. It is very hard to listen to any George Strait album all the way through. Anyway, this is a very typical Strait album with the basic steel guitar and boring guitar riffs. Also, his drummer does a fair job and is pretty aggressive for a country drummer. Strait rarely surprises you which is nice because you know what you're gonna get. As far as experimenting goes there is none. Harmonies are good and there are some high moments. I actually remember making out to a couple of these tunes in high school when this one came out. I do think though Strait does a good job of creating and perpetuating a very classic country sound.

Solid George.......2005-09-10

In a way George Strait is like McDonald's, you know exactly what you are going to get. The difference being George Strait is wonderful and will keep you coming back for more. I think this was the first GS album I ever bought and I was not dissappointed. With one great track after another I never tire of listening to it.

Blue Clear Sky.......2003-05-01

"carried away", "she knows when your on my mind", "I can still make cheyenne", and "king of the mountain" are the only really good songs on here, it's great, every country fan needs to own george strait his music is consistently WONDERFUL

Clearly a great album.......2002-03-14

George Strait hit his peak with Blue Clear Sky. The hit title song, "Blue Clear Sky", about finding true love when you least expect it, is an enjoyable, upbeat song. The ballad "Carried Away", the rodeo song "I Can Still Make Cheyenne", and the waltz "King Of The Mountain" were also huge hits off the record, and George does all of them well. The other songs here are the breakup song "I'd Just As Soon Go", the upbeat honky-tonk numbers "I Ain't Never Seen No One Like You" and "Do The Right Thing", the reflective songs "Rockin' In The Arms Of Your Memory" and "She Knows When You're On My Mind", and the romantic song "Need I Say More" which closes the album. These are all solid, powerful songs. Only one record George has made since he made this one, Always Never The Same, comes close to being as great. I think Blue Clear Sky is "clearly" a great album.

Average customer rating: Blue-Sky Research by Taproot Pure Excellence. DIFFERENT IS NOT BAD!!!! Their best album to date! Don't Buy this on Impulse, try to get a listen to it somewhere first

Blue-Sky Research Taproot Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Welcome Gift A Different Kind of Pain Someone in Control The Autumn Effect ASIN: B0009U5CWW Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

1. I Will Not Fall For You
2. Violent Seas
3. Birthday
4. Facepeeler
5. Calling
6. Forever Endeavor
7. April Suits
8. Lost In the Woods
9. So Eager
10. She
11. Promise
12. Nightmare
13. Blue-Sky Research/What's Left

Album Description

Taproot returns to the scene with Blue-Sky Research, their melodic yet hard-hitting follow-up to the critically acclaimed Welcome. Studio wiz Toby Wright (Alice in Chains, Kiss, Korn) pushed the band to write over 80 songs for this record. The hard work has paid off handsomely, as Blue-Sky Research delivers not only on every song, but as a cohesive album.

Customer Reviews:

Blue-Sky Research by Taproot .......2006-11-30

This is a band about to be reborn, the amount of evolution in the members is remarkable. The chemistry overall is perfect with some of the songs being heart broken to even darker songs then ever heard befroe from them. I purchased this CD on release date from a local vender (In no way would i wait for this CD to ship). I just think it needs to be expressed how this album makes an impact, and i know the boys in the band are going to stick it out even tho they are being dropped their label, and are stuck on larger van for small tours, but with all this new world to them, im sure there will be more anger and determination to come from them. Amazing CD, from an amazing band.

Pure Excellence........2006-09-23

This CD is wondorous. I've been a VERY long-time fan of Taproot, and I've enjoyed every one of their albums to date. Though I do miss the blissfully abrasive sound from "Gift" (especially the song "Smile" from that album), this album is by no means something to ignore. "I Will Not Fall For You" and "Facepeeler" have to be my favorites on this one, along with "Blue Sky Research/What's Left". Hell, all the songs are amazing.

In any case, if you're a fan of Taproot, or a fan of this type of music in general and want something unique and very fun to listen to, get this album. You will NOT be disappointed. Change is very good in this case.

DIFFERENT IS NOT BAD!!!!.......2006-07-21

GEEZ!! When will people stop bashing on bands who change up thier style of playing a little. If Di Vinci painted another painting of the Mona Lisa would anybody care? of course not! Its no longer original. Its the same with music, also an art. As bads(respectable ones) grow older their music matures and adds sophistication while still keeping their signature style, especially alt(not nu)-metal. They are artists, not musical xerox machines. If you look at legendary bands that most new bands idolize, you'll find that their music changed alot from album to album. Blue sky research had some very well written and deep songs all around both instrumentally and especially vocally. Even right off the bat with I will not fall for you(their most beautiful song yet), which is where they lost most of you idiots who dont know what real music is, the vocals and music were smooth as silk. I couldnt believe their new found sophistication when i heard it. They kept it coming the whole album most notably with calling and whats left. For those who appreciate great music buy this album immediately. For the rest of you who bashed this album, keep walking over to the pop section and buy a Good Charlotte or Green Day album. Dont worry, they're as cookie cutter as it gets. Shame on you!

Their best album to date!.......2006-07-10

Taproot are one of those types of bands that improve dramatically with each album. If you took a listen to their first album "Gift", you'll hear mostly standard nu-metal with very little originality or style. At the time of that release I almost wrote them off as just another band that were cashing in on the whole nu-metal craze going on back then. Sure they were a little better than most of the bands in the genre, but they still weren't very unique.

Several years later their sophomore effort "Welcome" was released and it was a huge surprise. I found myself shocked that the same bunch of guys who had written "Gift" had come so far in such a short amount of time. The songs were so much more developed, the sound was fresh, the band found an identity of their own, and they thankfully ditched all the nu-metal references they started out with. I knew then that Taproot were a band to watch.

Fast forward a few years later and their long-awaited third studio album "Blue-Sky Research" (love the title) was released. The big question on my mind was whether or not they would be able to top "Welcome". Well not only did they top it, but they went above and beyond. Once again they improved their sound dramatically from the last album, which to me is highly impressive because it's just not seen very often in music these days. The songwriting on "Blue-Sky Research" is just so well-written and diverse than even the songs found on "Welcome" that it was a breath of fresh air.

This time around, the band somehow managed to write even catchier songs without sacrificing their heavier moments. Some songs are more radio-friendly like "Birthday", "She", and "Forever Endeavor", while other songs are much more heavy like "I Will Not Fall For You", "Facepeeler", and "What's Left". You'll also get songs that mix both styles like "Violent Seas" and "Nightmare". Each song is unique and sounds nothing like any other song on the album, which is never an easy task to perform.

The bandmembers have also never sounded better. Stephen's vocals are really quite phenomenal. His singing has become even stronger and more passionate but yet he can still scream his head off like the old days during the heavier moments. Mike's guitar playing has become much more diverse and technical, while Philip's bass playing is smooth and comes out really strong in the mix. Last but not least, Jarrod's drumming is stylish and fits perfectly within the songs to give them the drive that they need.

There will always be those that fell in love with Taproot's specific sound on either "Gift" or "Welcome", in which case this album may not totally be to their liking as it does not sound like either one. But for the fans who are willing to grow with Taproot as I am, I foresee many great changes the band will go through to get to the next level, thus making them a better band in the process. I have no doubt that their next album will once again prove that Taproot will never release the same album twice. Well done, guys.

Don't Buy this on Impulse, try to get a listen to it somewhere first.......2006-07-09

I don't have a beef with taproot, except the fact they wonder why they only sold 100,000 copies of this album. I will tell you this, they have changed a whole LOT! What attracted me to Taproot in the first place was the gripping personal lyrics and the heavy dropped distortion. If you are a fan of their first two albums you will be shocked and probably let down by this disc. Once again I'm not saying its a bad record, it's just very different.

Average customer rating: Big Blue Yes Indeedy! Perfection He's awesome I'm not disappointed... An evolving sound, an absolute delight!

Big Blue Sky Bebo Norman Manufacturer: Essential ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Myself When I Am Real Ten Thousand Days Try Between the Dreaming and the Coming True The Fabric of Verse ASIN: B00005ABMZ Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

1. I Am
2. Cover Me
3. You Surround Me
4. Sons And Daughters
5. Perhaps She'll Wait
6. Tip Of My Heart
7. Underneath
8. Break Me Through
9. Big Blue Sky
10. All That I Have Sown
11. Where You Are

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Even though he has a long independent release history, Bebo Norman is quickly establishing himself in the larger Christian music arena as a songwriter extraordinaire. In his latest, Big Blue Sky, Norman writes and sings of a God never more alive and ever-present than in the rich lyrical imagery this burgeoning talent presents. In the catchy opener, "I Am," we're reassured that the Creator is "in the center of your storm / I am in the fire / I am in the flood / I am in the marrow and the blood / When you cannot stand, I am." Both "Cover Me" and "Underneath" also stand out with jangly, airy guitars that massage Norman's messages of hope and restoration. And you can't miss the moving tribute to mothers everywhere on the ending track, "Where You Are." Big Blue Sky is an impressive release full of reflection and resonance. Much credit for this should go to producer Ed Cash (Caedmon's Call), who puts Norman's earthy vocals and brilliant songwriting in a tasteful wrapper. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

Big Blue Yes Indeedy!.......2007-03-08

This was the first album I heard by Bebo so I'm a little biased to it. Other reviewers stated that they liked the more folky, stripped-down music of his prior albums, but I prefer the more fleshed out ones here. Big Blue Sky reeks of an artist coming into his own. Buy it you little freaks!

Perfection.......2006-04-26

I've been listening to this CD for 5 yrs know and it's simply perfect. Consistent from beginning to end with solid lyrics, emotional vocals and an open, singer/songwriter pop sound that makes you want to listen again and again but won't rot your teeth. Sincere and confident delivery from an artist that needs to be an "A" list CBA artist---sales talk---buy this CD! The best in his library (and I'm a fan--got em all)

He's awesome.......2003-06-01

I can't get enough of Bebo. I have all of his CD's.

I'm not disappointed..........2003-03-01

Usually when musicians have an amazing first album such as Bebo did with "Ten Thousand Days," it's hard to follow it up with another one up to par. Bebo however does not have this problem. "Big Blue Sky" is great CD with some really great songs on it. My personal favorites are "Cover Me","Underneath", "Tip of My Heart" and "All That I Have Sown." This CD encompasses many different styles of music. Bebo brings it all together with his awesome lyrics and melodies. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

An evolving sound, an absolute delight!.......2002-10-08

I definitely saw a noticeable difference from "Ten Thousand Days" to "Big Blue Sky," but it's not a bad change at all. In the earlier album, Bebo's sound is much more natural and acoustic, the lyrics more poetic and soulful. On this CD, there are still strong traces of the acoustic balladeer in several songs, like "Sons & Daughters" or "Perhaps She'll Wait" (my personal favorite on this album), but also a bit stronger showing of the more pop sound that peeked out in "Stand." This is most evident in the opening few tracks, with lively tunes like "I Am" and "Cover Me," and the very witty and spritely "Underneath."

I can't say that Bebo's sound really changes, so much as his balance or emphasis tends to tip more in favor of the more "rockish" style that I already knew was lurking in him, just waiting to come out. Still, I think the balance on "Big Blue Sky" is a bit of an improvement over the nearly unbroken folk sound of "Ten Thousand Days." Either way, this guy has an awesome talent and a great heart for the Lord, and I doubt there will be many listeners who aren't delighted by what they hear.

Pop Music:

1. Camellia [Import]
2. Casa de Forro [Import]
3. Crazy 4 U [CD-single] [Import]
4. Croisiere
5. De Aqui No Me Saca Nadie [Import]
6. Die Popsternchen [Import]
7. Dr. Sehindemi
8. Earth [Import]
9. Especial - Canta R. Torres - Arquivo Warner [Import]
10. Fazendo Justica Com As Proprias Maos [Import]

Pop Music