Essence of [Import]

Product Description
2003 collection of tracks from the duo of Eric Mouquet and Michel Sancez, a couple of keyboardist/programmers from France and known to their adoring audience as Deep Forest. Among the generous 18 tracks here are new versions of 'Sweet Lullaby' (2003 versi

Essence of,Deep Forest,Sony,Rock/Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: What you hope for if you've ever heard "Bring Me to Life" Indispensable Light in the Darkness Amy Lee: The most underrated voice in music today smart people BUY THIS CD

Fallen Evanescence Manufacturer: Wind-Up ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Open Door Anywhere But Home (w/ bonus DVD) All the Right Reasons Meteora Hybrid Theory ASIN: B000089RVX Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

1. Going Under
2. Bring Me To Life
3. Everybody's Fool
4. My Immortal
5. Haunted
6. Tourniquet
7. Imaginary
8. Taking Over Me
9. Hello
10. My Last Breath
11. Whisper

Amazon.com

The Daredevil soundtrack provided a nice boost for this previously unknown quartet from Little Rock, Arkansas. Evanescence's songs "My Immortal" and the imposing "Bring Me to Life" are clear standouts in the film, mainly because they work so well with the dramatic, eerie undertones of the storyline. They reappear here on the band's debut, alongside a selection of similarly brooding tracks that evoke pensive artists like Tori Amos and the Cranberries. Vocalist Amy Lee has the kind of voice that can cause weeks of insomnia, but on songs like "Tourniquet" and "Haunted" she belies the music's sinister mood with evenhanded spirituality, thoughtfully letting some light shine through the tempest. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

What you hope for if you've ever heard "Bring Me to Life".......2007-07-16

What you hope for if you've ever heard "Bring Me to Life", it delivers more of same from start to finish. However, clearly one-upped by nearly every track on "The Open Door".

Indispensable.......2007-07-09

This is one of the very best CDs ever made, and one of the ONLY ones I've ever found that I can listen to from beginning to end and never skip past a single song. I think there's maybe four or five others in the world that I can say that about, and I listen to almost all types of music, from Mozart to Enya to Tool to Billie Holiday to Simon and Garfunkel to Staind to... anyway, it's a masterpiece. Some music snobs like to turn up their noses at Evanescence and mock those who listen to them because they're generally thought of as "Teenage Goth", but I have a message for them: GET OVER YOURSELVES!! BY BEING NARROW MINDED YOU ARE ONLY DEPRIVING YOURSELVES OF SOME OF THE BEST, MOST HAUNTING MUSIC YOU COULD ASK FOR!! I listen to this CD ALOT and I never get tired of it. Amy Lee is amazing! TRY IT!!!

Light in the Darkness.......2007-07-03

Fans of bands like Nightwish, The Gathering, Lennon Murphy and Lacuna Coil are either rejoicing or cursing Evanescence. Their brand of atmospheric gothic rock / metal is quite comparable to all bands mentioned above yet they are the ones in the Billboard Top 10 Album chart.

"Bring Me To Life" is a stunning track on its own merit that could stand to lose the male pseudo rap-rock vocal yelling "Wake Me Up". (If you hear the demo version without the male vocal you will understand) I find it amusing that fans of bands like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit are buying this disc just on the basis of this track alone only to realize that the rest of the disc is moody, dark journey into the belly of various beasts. Nevertheless, Amy Lee has a haunting voice that layers beautifully over gothic rock/metal passages much like Tarja, Anneke, Christina, and Tori Amos. "Haunted" is a short, but remarkable track that allows Amy's vocals to breathe chilling words of despair. Just read the cold words to "Imaginary" and you wonder what exact demon tortures the writer's (Ben Moody) soul.

Overall, this disc is way too deep and thought provoking for its target audience. For those of us that have supported this style of music for years, please don't pass judgment against this disc until you have experienced the overall enchantment within its 11 tracks.

Amy Lee: The most underrated voice in music today.......2007-06-27

I remember when "Bring me to life" started playing regularly on a local rock station a few years ago. I thought it was a pretty cool song and liked the vocals of female singer Amy Lee, who seemed to have a wide range and yet still able to have somewhat of an overall mystique to her sound that I still have a hard time describing to this day. At that point a friend of mine loaned me the CD, but upon the first couple of listens I put it back without a second thought.

After selling 14 million copies worldwide and having a strong sophomore release with "The Open Door", I decided to give Evanescence another chance, returning to the debut album "Fallen". Sometimes it takes giving an album a second chance to make a first impression, and this time around I guess I was ready to embrace a band that was deemed as Goth Metal by the masses, but had a female vocalist that was able to help them rise above the all too familiar growl and dirge vocal efforts that usually fall into this category. Strong singles that stand out to me start out with Track 1 in "Going Under", which has a nice, simple guitar piece that has enough grind to stay down in the darker, more brooding sounds of this style of music. Track 6 is a tune called "Tourniquet" and has some eerie tones that help it start out before breaking into a clean, balanced attack of guitars and percussion. The overall structure of this album is great, and although I said there are several singles I like, I will just sum it up by saying there is something great about every song on this album.

What really is a selling point for me, however, is the lead singer Amy Lee. Amy's voice is poetic in deliverance of the songs and has a great overall emotional connection with the music, while at the same time her range allows her to add a lot of diversity to each and every song throughout the album. Overall you have a powerful set of music that rocks when it has to, and has some piano melody to add to the mix (Track 6 and 9 in particular) that I feel sets it apart from a lot of the genre's and classifications that people have been trying to put it in. If you are not much into newer "Nu-Metal" or what have you, but enjoy some of the progressive metal sounds and intricate approaches of such musicians, you just might find Evanescence to your liking. As stated before, it took me a few years to "come back" and discover them, but the wait was worth it and I look forward to any new releases this band has to offer.

smart people BUY THIS CD.......2007-06-24

This CD is the best i have ever Heard. now if you like screaming bands you might not like them [FYI a girl is singing] but they are great.

lets start with Going under great rock i would give it a 9/10
every one knows this song Bring me to life AWSOME all around 10/10
the everybodys fool was a good try good message to i would give it a 7.5/10
the 4th one was also very nice not for rock fans but nice 8.5/10
haunted was my Lest liked did not do what Amy does best 5.10
The 6th one Very very nice not the best but not the best 8/10
the 7th one nice strings very nice to 8.5/10
the 8th one rock on 9/10
hello tryed to be like the 4th one BUT failed badly 6.5/10
we are allmost done My last breath they did it again Very nice 9/10
last one whisper 9/10
and it wont tell you but theres 1 more its number 4 again but with guitars again BUY THIS CD

Average customer rating: Deva Premal music to soothe the soul peaceful and enchanting..powerful Beautiful, Ethereal and Uplifting Bliss

The Essence Deva Premal Manufacturer: White Swan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dakshina Love Is Space Embrace Music for Yoga and Other Joys Kirtan: The Art and Practice of Ecstatic Chant ASIN: B00005QB42 Release Date: 1998-06-01

Tracks:

1. Gayatri Mantra
2. Om Asatoma
3. Tumare Darsham
4. Om Namo
5. Shima Shima
6. Sammasati
7. Yemaya Assessu
8. Gayatri Mantra - Bonus Track

Album Description

This top selling New Age/World beat CD is smooth, silky, calming and peaceful. Featuring Deva Premal's transcendant voice, ambient grooves, keyboard and hand percussion, THE ESSENCE invokes the heart healing power of ancient chants and mantras. The Gayatri Mantra, the oldest known to mankind, is the centerpiece of this truly meditative CD. Ideal for yoga, healing work, meditation and dancing.

"This is the music of Earth Angels, listen with your 3rd ear!" Gabrielle Roth

Album Description

2001 release from the soothing ethnic fusion vocalist. Includes the bonus track 'Gayatri Mantra'. White Swan.

Customer Reviews:

Deva Premal.......2007-04-26

Hauntingly beautiful voice - highly recommended and not only for the Guyatri Mantra.

music to soothe the soul.......2007-01-08

I bought this CD after hearing someone else play it. It is absolutely wonderful. The first couple of tracks are great for deep relaxation and the rest is wonderful for doing Asanas. One of the best cd's Iv'e come across. I highly recommend it.

peaceful and enchanting..powerful.......2006-09-02

I found the music to be healing. You will feel more connected with humanity as it has a multicultural beauty. Enchanting use of voice and unique musical instruments.

Beautiful, Ethereal and Uplifting.......2006-03-01

For years now I have encouraged people to use play lists to provide a soundtrack for work, recreation and contemplation. If done properly, they can quickly put your mind and subtle systems into perfect alignment to carry out whatever you want or need to do. Constructing play lists has become so much easier with the advent of the iPod. One of the fun things about iTunes is being able to see how many times you have played a particular song.

I was a little surprised to see that I had played the crown jewel of this collection - the Gayatri Manta - well over a hundred times over the last five years or so. Deva Premal's interpretation of this famous piece is extraordinarily fine, as is the entire album. It is almost impossible not to be uplifted by her amazing voice, which is rich, resonant and deepened by the most extraordinary sub-harmonics. Indeed if you are not, it may be a helpful pointer that something is not going quite right in your body or in your life, and that it's time to get some guidance about how to help yourself.

So much more than music, this is sound therapy.

Bliss.......2006-01-30

My yoga instructor often plays track 1 at the end of class while we're resting in savasana--listening brings me back to that feeling of pure bliss and awareness. The whole disk is beautiful.

Average customer rating: Oh My God, Essence Is A Gorgeous Record... Possibly her best Lucinda gives hope on an otherwise bleak, generic 21'st century music scene Absolutely sublime "For Girls Under Heavy Blankets with Heat Rising."

Essence Lucinda Williams Manufacturer: Lost Highway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | 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 | Folk Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Folk Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Oldies | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | 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 $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: World Without Tears Car Wheels on a Gravel Road West Sweet Old World Ramblin' ASIN: B00005B8GS Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

1. Lonely Girls
2. Steal Your Love
3. I Envy The Wind
4. Blue
5. Out Of Touch
6. Are You Down?
7. Essence
8. Reason To Cry
9. Get Right With God
10. Bus To Baton Rouge
11. Broken Butterflies

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Few artists in recent memory have been able to wring more from less than Lucinda Williams. The hauntingly beautiful, wistful, and often breathtaking Essence is another case in point of how far raw emotion and honesty can carry an artist. Williams's singing is at its paralyzing best throughout 11 bare originals, an incredibly affecting vocal performance by a woman who was not blessed with exceptional tone, range, or pitch. Throughout, her voice is incredibly naked, vulnerable, and wrought with feeling. "Blue" and "Broken Butterflies" are gorgeous anti-lullabies whose simple melodies belie their poignant ruminations. The title track is a sultry and susceptible sex-as-drug come-on while "Reason to Cry" has all the hallmarks of a classic country lament. The only departure from the subdued mood is "Get Right with God," a rousing gospel tune that practically begs for salvation through punishment and is the rare acknowledgement of a world beyond Williams's own fears and desires. More meditative than the personal narratives found on Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Essence is ultimately more powerful. Williams wallows in sorrow and weakness, and the result is moving and disarming. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Oh My God, Essence Is A Gorgeous Record..........2007-05-10

Enjoyable CDs like Lucinda Williams' Essence (2001) are generally the exception and not the rule, but this songstress and her band deliver; Tony Garnier plays bass, Jim Keltner plays drums, Bo Ramsey plays electric guitar, Reese Wynans plays Hammond organ, and Charlie Sexton tackles several instruments. This release followed Lucinda's greatest success -- the Grammy Award winning Car Wheels On A Gravel Road.

Strong songs on this roots rock CD are the longest ones -- Are You Down, Bus to Baton Rouge, Essence, Out of Touch -- because Lucinda's backing band gets to display their wares. Their instrument choices are often unexpected and unusual: fuzz bass, guitars (electric experience, electric octave, live loop, resolectric, slide, and tremolo), one note harmony, acoustic papoose, violins and violas.

Since you're interested, please know Essence was affectionately recorded at Mastermix Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota during 2001. Many of the polishing touches on this recording are very subtle, but the genius lies in Lucinda's use of predominantly male singers -- Jim Lauderdale, Gary Louris, and Charlie Sexton -- for both harmony and background vocals. Joy Lynn White also appears on three tracks.

Even though the shorter songs -- Steal Your Love, I Envy The Wind, Blue, Reason To Cry -- are pleasant, they really could have stood out more. Steal Your Love (Track Two) could have shimmered with harmonica, peddle-steel guitar and clarinet. I Envy The Wind (Track Three) could have likewise benefited from an extended refrain with flutes, piccolos, and recorders.

Not to complain really, but Blue (Track Four) and Reason To Cry (Track Eight) both sound like dour songs that could have been uplifted through some sort of piano accompaniment. Williams sings these tracks with such soft tenderness and love that background piano might have proved distracting, but I'd love to hear these tracks covered by the talented Cat Power for example.

Could I name two favorites? Certainly. Out Of Touch (Track Five) is the closest thing to a pop song. Bus To Baton Rouge (Track Ten) is also a delicate and sentimental song that tells a complex stories in under forty lines. Other than gems Blue and I Envy The Wind, I could listen to this pair of songs for hours.

Essence (Track Seven) is one of two power ballads on this album, and Lucinda nails it down perfectly with driving vocals that glimpse at addiction, death, obsession and transcendence. Alternately, Get Right With God (Track Nine) has biblical undertones, is more rollicking, and serves as the prefect counterpoint to the album closing Broken Butterflies (Track Eleven) which hints at forgiveness and healing.


Personal aside: Does anybody have Lucinda's email address? I had it before but lost it. I'd love to give her more songs.

Possibly her best.......2007-02-09

Anything that Lucinda Williams puts out is worth owning. Her ballads are sung from the heart with passion and soul, and that's what makes this CD great. although the cut "Get right with God" is good, it doesn't fit in with the rest, and probably should have been recorded on a different disc. That being said, if it wasn't for that slight flaw, I'd have to rate this one 5 plus stars. In my humble opinion Lucinda Williams is the best female recording artist today.

Lucinda gives hope on an otherwise bleak, generic 21'st century music scene.......2006-12-30

I just discovered this amazing singer-songwriter about two years ago with World Without Tears,a cross between Neil Young and Billie Holiday might be stating it too simply, but the first rate songwriting and real emotion to spare are undeniable, Bus to Baton Rouge literally brings me to the point of tears on almost every listening, I highly reccomend this and the other two cd's I have, Car Wheels On A Gravel Road and World Without Tears.Not a bad track to be found. Can't wait to see her live.

Absolutely sublime.......2006-08-14

This is quite possibly Lucinda Williams finest recorded work to date. I have no option but to award five well deserved stars. The songs and production are certainly not as immediately impressive as Car Wheels or World Without Tears. However, what we have is a superbly crafted and subtly understated work that rewards repeated listening through masterful and poetic use of lyrics, heatbreaking vocal expression, and near-perfect arrangements. It is wonderfully successful on all levels. There are no weak tracks, and I invariably listen to all 11 without skipping. The title track is a favourite; one of the sexiest things I've ever heard.

"For Girls Under Heavy Blankets with Heat Rising.".......2006-05-04

This mournful, erotic album is my favorite of Lucinda Willams work. I'm not usually a fan of female singers who play guitar, but this lady is a real musician, a poet and an emotional magician. She writes her own music and lyrics - plays on her heartstrings, sings from her soul. Her rough but vulnerable, husky, cowgirl voice tells you all you need to know about late nights in bars, too much booze, cigarettes, and a long time looking - and longing - for that one guy.

Her songs are deceptively simple. Their power comes from her images, her delivery and the way the music supports the lyrics. "Lonely Girls," the first cut, sets the stage for the rest. The brisk, light melody, juxtaposed against her sorrowful wail, pushes the sadness deeper. Backup for the predatory "I'm Gonna Steal Your Love," beats like an excited heart. She drags out the words, savoring every anticipated pleasure. The slow, rocking instrumental to "I Envy the Wind," and her voice, almost breaking with sorrow as she tenderly, and with exquisite sensuality, describes the way the elements are free to touch the one she longs for, is painful to hear. The words to "Blue" create the most delicate and beautiful images of the color blue - that particular deep, purple blue that suddenly surprises the eyes and the heart in an ordinary moment. But the lodestone at the center of this amazing album is the pulsing, and obsessive "Essence," with a beat that drives her passionate lyrics of carnal cravings to a boiling point.

In between these heated cuts are tender, sad songs of lost loves. The last cut, " Broken Butterflies," is a personal message to a lover whose anger destroys beauty and love. All this is the stuff of lonely girls.

The music ranges from the whining, bleeding sound of country and western, to jazzy blues. Especially delicious are: the sultry openings for "Are You Down," and the sexy, staccato guitar opening for "Can't Put the Rain Back in the Sky," with it's organ echo, and. punctuated drum beat with a brushed whisper.

The only cut that seems out of place is "Get Right With God." Perhaps a little penance is necessary after these hot, lustful numbers. It's the most upbeat number on the whole album. Maybe we needed it.

Average customer rating: For the tabla lover No false advertising here U S T AAAAAAAAAA D J I Punjabi at its best Amazing

Essence of Rhythm Zakir Hussain Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Selects Tala Matrix Making Music Mel Bay Learning the Tabla Book/CD Set Live in San Francisco at Stern Grove ASIN: B000009HRR Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

1. Tal-Posta In 5 Beats Raga/Jhinjoti on Sarangi
2. Tal-Pancham Sawari In 15 Beats/Raga Asa Mand (Naghma) On Sarangi
3. Jhaptal in 10 Beats/Raga Jhinjoti on Sarangi

Customer Reviews:

For the tabla lover.......2004-10-04

Ustad Zakir Hussain is one of the most famous living master tabla players. He tours and records widely. This CD showcases his drumming.

The sarangi and tanpura are very much in the background, playing the melody and drone of traditional classical music of India. The tabla playing is indeed masterful and brilliant. The music is well-recorded.

Any fan of truly exceptional drumming should enjoy this recording. Fans of traditional Indian music may wish to hear more of the other instruments in the mix.

~heidimo

No false advertising here.......2004-04-26

This disc lives up to its name. Zakir Hussain is an extraordinary artist and his tabla playing almost seems melodic at times. There is a drone accompaniment from Suchismita Chatterjee, but Zakir is very much to the fore on each of the three tracks. Incredible virtuosity on an instrument you either love or hate. It is entrancing - and I love it.

U S T AAAAAAAAAA D J I.......2002-03-18

Once again, Ustad Zakir Ji has proved his mastery over the tabla in this most amazing recording. I enjoyed this recording for a number of reasons: he demonstrates ways and methods to play off of odd timed cycles of 10, 12, and 15 beats - rather than the age old favorites of 4, 8, or 16 (which everyone feels comfortable in). He takes these, and incorporates "tukras" and "kaidas" of teen taal and kehrva and shows how to confuse even the beat itself- that is, he places four of five, eight over fifteen, 32 over six, 49 and a half over nine, 20 and three quarters over three and a third...and unless you are locked into the lahara (the cycle keeping melody behind the tabla) you will trip over yourself trying to find the ONE. also, except for the track that his younger brother, Fazal Ji (who is also AMAZING), accompanies him on - this cd is pure Z A K I R. He plays the sarangi, he plays the tabla, and he plays the tabla (duets with himself). Tuning his tablas to the root note as well as the perfect fourth (correct me if i'm wrong), he gets a really cool sound with duel tabla solos, and tabla duels between the "Sa" pitched tabla and the "Ma" pitched. Thank you, Ustad Ji.

Punjabi at its best.......2001-01-17

Anyone who knows the name Zakir Hussain knows to expect nothing but top notch tabla acompanyment. This cd spotlights this phenomanal artist in three solos. Mindboggleing intrcacy and impecable timing are but a few things to expect from this indescribable cd. A must have for percussionists, tabla enthusiasts, or anyone whose heart beats.

Amazing.......2000-07-07

Zakir Hussian is always good but this is very very good.

Average customer rating: An overlooked effort from Manchester Respectable collection for 70's MOR singer-songwriter Great Songs And More! Not quite 100% Essence The Essence of Melissa Manchester

The Essence of Melissa Manchester Melissa Manchester Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: When I Look Down That Road Melissa Manchester Platinum & Gold Collection Better Days & Happy Endings 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rita Coolidge Platinum Collection ASIN: B000002VT5 Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

1. If It Feels Good (Let It Ride)
2. Easy
3. Bright Eyes
4. Midnight Blue
5. Through The Eyes Of Grace
6. Home To Myself
7. Alone
8. O Heaven (How You've Changed Me)
9. Good News
10. Through The Eyes Of Love (Theme From Ice Castles)
11. Just Too Many People
12. Lovers After All
13. Fire In The Morning
14. Whenever I Call You Friend
15. Don't Cry Out Loud
16. You Should Here How She Talks About You
17. Caravan
18. Just You And I
19. Come In From The Rain

Customer Reviews:

An overlooked effort from Manchester.......2005-10-11

is Just You And I. Few, if any, Adult Contemporary radio program directors and consultants have 'tested' this song with their audience. Holds up very well, like Midnight Blue. Come to think of it, I hear very little Melissa Manchester on the radio.

Respectable collection for 70's MOR singer-songwriter.......2005-06-04

Among the introspective female singer-songwriters to emerge from the 1970's was Melissa Manchester. Her track record or fame wasn't as big as Carly Simon or Joni Mitchell, but she had more charting hits than peers such as Karla Bonoff. What she did have was a knack for adult contemporary ballads, with soaring vocals and string accompaniment.

As for "If It Feels Good (Let It Ride)" and "Easy" from Home To Myself, both show her sound in the making, be it the upbeat piano in the first, and the leisure melodies of the second, which goes into uptempo bursts in some of the chorus repeats. She cites Laura Nyro as an influence for the catchy piano tune "Bright Eyes"

Her first Top 40 hit was the #6 ballad and #1 adult contemporary hit, "Midnight Blue," from the Melissa album. Co-written with Carole Bayer Sager, who did many other songs with her, this is a smooth, quiet, and relaxing song. The followup single was co-written with Vini Poncia of KISS and Ringo Starr fame. A more upbeat number "Just Too Many People" this #30 single was about lonely people "afraid to take a stand," and "living in a house divided." As the liner notes say, this song was banned on some stations who perceived it for being pro-abortion, which it wasn't.

The theme of exploring solitude is present in "Home To Myself" and "Alone." In the first, being alone isn't bad, depending on how one spends it, and that's something I relate to a lot: "Make my own time/it's mine to spend/think to myself/my youngest friend" and "it's not so bad all alone coming back to myself again." The second, with its lounge jazz inflections, vibes and sax included, calls for a needed time-out, for being in "a place in me, and I have to be there alone." Nice, leisurely, introspective songs, both of them.

Why the theme from Ice Castles, "Through The Eyes of Love" didn't even dent the Hot 100, is a mystery, as it has the caliber of "Midnight Blue", with great vocals, string orchestration, and arrangements that make for a worthy pop hit. Too overblown, maybe? Not in this writer's opinion. One of my favourites here.

Of interest here is, "Whenever I Call You Friend" the song she wrote with Kenny Loggins, who decided to sing it with Stevie Nicks. It hit #5 in 1978, but Melissa decided to cover it herself, doing a more relaxed string-laden version.

Her second Top Ten hit, the #10 ballad "Don't Cry Out Loud" has a nice sound and vocals from Melissa, yet, given the purpose of singer-songwriters expressing what's in their hearts, the chorus is somewhat repressive: "don't cry out loud/just keep it inside/learn how to hide your feelings." The song reaches a crescendo with strings and what sounds like a piccolo trumpet. This song renewed my interest after I heard American Idol finalist Diane DeGarmo's cover of this.

With the new decade, Manchester hit #32 with "Fire in The Morning" and her duet with Peabo Bryson, the jazz-pop of "Lovers After All" reached #54 in 1981, showing signs that maybe she was being outdated with the onset of new wave. Odd considering acts like Christopher Cross and Air Supply had staying chart power during the same year.

The only song I heard of hers on the radio but was clueless to who it was turned out to be her last Top 40 hit, the Grammy winner for Best Pop Vocal Performance, "You Should Hear How She Talks About You." This catchy pop tune, which draws comparison to some of Laura Branigan's early stuff, was also her highest charting Hot 100 hit and third Top Ten, scraping the Top 5 in 1982.

While missing one Top 40 hit, "Pretty Girls," this does justice to Melissa Manchester's role as singer-songwriter and adult contemporary favourite of the 70's.

Great Songs And More!.......2004-06-12

Melissa Manchester is and always will be the one voice I like to listen to when I need cheering up. I like to refer to her as the "female Barry Manilow" and I mean it in a positive way! Like Manilow, she recorded for Arista for many years. Like Manilow, her style of music is very similar whether you want to label this music as MOR, adult contemporary, and/or easy listening. Like Manilow, she has LOTS of memorable songs! I have lots of respect of similar female artists who I enjoy listening to also (Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Carly Simon, Karen Carpenter, and Carole King), but in my opinion Melissa is the BEST! Listening to this CD will let you know why!

Before this collection was available, her "greatest hits" album from 1983 was the best compilation you can find. Thankfully, The Essence Of Melissa Manchester is a better collection! Nineteen wonderful tracks dating from her start in 1973 when her focus was on jazz-flavored songs. All her Top 40 hits are included except for the #39 hit "Pretty Girls" from 1979.

The packaging is superb: liner notes to highlight her music career along with comments on each individual songs. There are plenty of pictures with song credits. As a bonus, both Barry Manilow and Carole Bayer Sager have their own personal comments about Melissa. That alone was worth the price of this CD!

Finally, this collection works for both the casual fan (who will get her hits and full-portrait of Melissa) and for the Melissa fan (who would appreciate her best work on one CD).

Not quite 100% Essence.......2003-11-15

The title of the compilation should be "99.9 percent Essence of Melissa Manchester". As a vocalist, Manchester is without peer. She can finesse(or power) the most average song into something special. Only one thing keeps nagging me--why were the two singles from the most underrated LP of all time, "Mathematics", omitted from this collection. The two singles("Energy" and the title track, which would have been a number one hit if sung by Madonna, as radio programmers in the mid 80's ignored the older artists like Manchester, Ross, and Newton-John,even though their music was as fresh as any younger female artist)were on the MCA label, as, of course, was the LP, so this may explain the omission as "Essence" is an Arista release. It is the only plausible reason these important singles would have been omitted, but I have yet to find out why.
I highly recommend "Essence" to anyone that enjoys listening to what a true vocalist sounds like, rather than the cookie-cutter mediocrity that saturates today's airwaves.

The Essence of Melissa Manchester.......2003-07-20

Lots of music on this CD. Over 70+ minutes. Some classic Carol Bayer Sager songs.

Average customer rating: Deep Forest - Essence of my music collection The Best of The Forest My first exposure to this duo and not my last.... A mixed bag of surprises Excelent new 6 tracks

Essence of the Forest Deep Forest Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music World Dance | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Boheme Comparsa Deep Forest Made in Japan Music.Detected_ ASIN: B0001NBLRM Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. Sweet Lullaby (Version 2004)
2. Marta's Song
3. Madazulu
4. Night Bird (Version 2004)
5. Freedom City
6. Desert Walk (Version 2004)
7. Dignity
8. Ekue Ekue
9. Boheme
10. Yuki Song
11. Deep Weather
12. Green And Blue (Live)
13. Twosome (Marta Et Katalin Version)
14. Will You Be Ready
15. Undecided (Deep Radio Mix)

Customer Reviews:

Deep Forest - Essence of my music collection.......2007-02-25

I bought this cd a year and a half ago not really knowing much about the group except for their song Sweet Lullaby. I was not disappointed, I love this cd!! It is now one of my most played cds I own!! It will be a cd that will always be in my music collection. Some people don't get into music they cant understand the words too, but I think that is one of the more beautiful sides to the album. I have also purchased Boheme and will purchase more of their cds the duo has recorded.

The Best of The Forest.......2007-02-08

Essence of the Forest is a masterpiece collection.

The wonderfull reproduction of eternal music of the French duo will not dussapoint anyone in this beautifull world, united so well by the Deep Forest music.

I Love the Essence of the Forest! Thank You Eric and Michel !

My first exposure to this duo and not my last...........2005-05-26

Beautiful re-arrangements of traditional African ballads with solid harmonious orchestration. This is my first exposure to Deep Forest and if what the more experienced reviewers are saying, not their best work, I can't wait to explore more. Perhaps not the best choice, but "Essence" has me wanting more of this group's work.

A mixed bag of surprises.......2004-08-14

Deep Forest's greatest hits collection finally sees a stateside release, albeit with a drastically different tracklisting to its import counterparts. While imports versions tend to be better in this case neither version is truly satisfactory. The US release offers Deep Forest's biggests hits "sweet lullaby" (in a slightly remixed form) and "marta's song" as well smart choices like "ekue ekue" and "twosome." These songs really showcase the act's ability create modern vocal pop songs from ethnic chants and old folk songs. The US collection sadly omits the duo's collaboration with Peter Gabriel on "while the earth sleeps." Neither domestic nor import release give a nod to "Pacifique" - the soundtrack they scored. The US tracklisting works well despite its noticeable omissions. It does try to make up with the inclusion of the Deep forest remix of "undecided" for artist Youssou N'dour. If you are a casual fan of deep forest or relaxing world music this is a great hits package. For fans of the group this album may be a huge disappointment and it may be worth seeking out one of the 2 import versions that exists.

Excelent new 6 tracks.......2004-08-03

I got this CD because it was playing in the CD store.
Deep Forest I reconized, even that the track Desert Walk sound diffrent, better than the released in World Mix. For me, now Desert Walk 2004 and Night Bird 2004 should be singles of this album, they are so good songs.
Sweet Lullaby 2204 is excellent. Ana Torroja sounds good in Sweet Lullaby 2003. The remixes of Yuki Song and Will You be Ready sound better than in music detected. I LOVE THIS ITEM AND I AM WAITING FOR THE DVD OF THE VIDEOS OF DEEP FOREST, THE BEST IN THE MUSIC IN THE TELEVISION

Average customer rating:

Essence of Green: A Tribute to Kind of Blue Ron di Salvio Manufacturer: Origin Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Live at the Village Vanguard Pilgrimage ASIN: B000P7V4AS Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Six Shades Of Green 7:56
2. Crossing Lines 5:30
3. Green Pasture 5:06
4. Essence Of Green 7:53
5. Primavera 5:18
6. Cobb's Throb 3:50
7. Miles Davis - Bill Evans Reunion In The Sky 7:54
8. Good Morning Santa Cruz 4:33
9. Arcadia 5:15
10. Wasabi 6:06

Product Description

With Jimmy Cobb, the final remaining member of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue ensemble, pianist Ron Di Salvio creates a timely tribute to the top selling jazz recording of all time, nearly 50 years after the original recording. Currently living in Michigan, Di Salvio studied improvisation with the legendary Lennie Tristano, played jazz clubs in New York's Greenwich Village in the late sixties and performed with Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Enrico Rava, Renee McClean, Roland Kirk and Art Farmer.

Average customer rating: To Error Is Human From pop star to has been The Mystic Minstrel of the 20th Century Finally on CD!

Cosmic Wheels/Essence to Essence Donovan Manufacturer: Diablo Records UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music British Invasion | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Open Road 7-Tease/Slow Down World Barabajagal The Hurdy Gurdy Man HMS Donovan ASIN: B0001CVBJQ Release Date: 2004-03-01

Tracks:

1. Cosmic Wheels
2. Earth Sign Man
3. Sleep
4. Maria Magenta
5. Wild Witch Lady
6. Music Makers
7. Intergalactic Laxative
8. I Like You
9. Only the Blues
10. Appearances
11. Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth
12. Lazy Daze
13. Life Goes On
14. There Is an Ocean
15. Dignity of Man
16. Yellow Star
17. Divine Daze of Deathless Delight
18. Boy for Every Girl
19. Saint Valentine's Angel
20. Life Is a Merry-Go-Round
21. Sailing Homeward

Album Description

UK twofer combines both the British folk-rock icon's 1973 albums, 'Cosmic Wheels' produced by Donovan & Mickie Most along with 'Essence To Essence' produced by Andrew Oldham & Donovan. 21 tracks. Edsel. 2004.

Album Details

In 1973, Donovan Signed to Cbs and Released "Cosmic Wheels" which Reached #15 in the UK and #25 in the is Album Charts. In the Producer's Chair, He was Reunited with Mickie Most, Producer of all his Greatest 60s Successes, who Hired Top Session Guitarist Chris Spedding, Along with Yes Drummer Alan White and Rolling Stones Saxophonist Bobby Keyes. The Album features "The Intergalactic Laxative" which Donovan Still Performs Live in Concert. "Essence to Essence" Issued in 1974, was Co-produced with Erstwhile Stones Manager Andrew Long Oldham, and features a Stellar Line Up of Guest Musicians (Carole King, Peter Frampton, Steve Marriot, Tom Scott, Danny Thompson, Henry Mccullough and Danny Seiwell of Wings).

Customer Reviews:

To Error Is Human.......2007-06-22

This is where things start to change and not for the better. Did you ever have the feeling that producer Micki Most and guitarist Jeff Beck undertood Donovan and his music a lot more than they ever recieved credit for? Change is inevitable, but production values are still production values and guitar licks are still guitar licks. The essence of Donovan starts to disappear here. For the next few albums, Donovan seems intent on a change of direction that leads him far away from what he does best. He trades his unique poetry and celtic charm for something that seems a lot less than he is capable of. The magic has dwindled and the fairy dust has scattered. The acoustic Donovan appears, disappears and reappears whenever the muse hits him. Both of these albums are uneven and need a lot more attention from Donovan and a lot less interference from everyone else. It makes you wonder if anyone ever listened to any of his previous work on Epic.

From pop star to has been.......2006-01-12

Cosmic Wheels was Donovan's last LP to chart in the top 40 (#25 in the U.S.). Essence to Essence only made it to #174, and a few years later Donovan slid off the charts for good. While there are many reasons why this happened (and it happened to many of the 60s stars), Cosmic Wheels certainly has to take some of the blame. It really isn't that good when compared to his fabulous albums from the 60s. His lyrics lack the whimsy and poetry of his previous songs (something he wouldn't fully regain until his "Beat Cafe" CD 31 years later!), his music is lackluster, and the whole LP is just not compelling.

To top it off, the LP also contains the worse song that Donovan ever wrote - "Intergalactic Laxative." I like to think of this song as one of the final nails in the coffin, the song that instantly pushed Donovan from popular to has been. In an instant, Donovan goes from whimsical to crude, from hip to insipid, from mystical to juvenile. It's truly an embarrassing song, and it blights the entire LP.

So why 3 stars for this CD? Actually, it's for the Essence to Essence part of it because that LP has always had a certain charm to it. Certainly it can't hold a candle to his 60s LPs or to "Beat Cafe", but it's more consistent than Cosmic Wheels, and while the lyrics still aren't great, his music has a playfulness to it that makes it fun to listen to. Worthwhile songs include "Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth," "Yellow Star," and "Life is a Merry-Go-Round."

If you're just starting to get into Donovan, don't buy this CD. Start with one of his excellent best of CDs, either his greatest hits, or "Try for the Sun" or "Troubadour." If you want to explore Donovan's music further, try any of his masterpieces from the 60s, and get the remastered imports because the sound is fantastic. I also highly recommend "Beat Cafe" his 2004 CD which compares favorably with his 60s music. But if you're a Donovan die-hard, you might as well get this CD too.

The Mystic Minstrel of the 20th Century.......2005-03-19

I was glad to find these two albums paired together. I don't have to sell anyone on Cosmic Wheels, one of Donovan's better efforts from the 70's. But Essence to Essence has always been slammed as a weak album, with so-so production and subpar material. However, there are always hidden gems and this LP has a few. Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth and The Divine Daze of Deathless Delight remain two of my personal favorites. But if you are a true Donovan fan, or just now beginning to discover the wonder of his talent, then There Is An Ocean and
Sailing Homeward are absolute musts to have in your collection.
They both have minimal accompaniment and in my opinion that is when Donovan is at his best. Although he has made some great electric music over the years, all he really needs is an acoustic guitar and that great built-in vibrato voice of his to bring goose bumps to your skin. Listen and enjoy.

Finally on CD!.......2004-02-28

Cosmic Wheels was issued in Europe on CD for a very short time in the 1990s and went out of print shortly thereafter. Finally it's re released and available, this time as a twofer with Essense to Essense, the followup CD. Cosmic Wheels is Donovan's last great album, featuring his whimsical but still lyrical concerns with the earth, stars, astronomy, astrology, etc. There are some amazing and powerful orchestrations on this album, particularly on the title track, arranged by Chris Spedding. Great musicianship and songwriting on this overlooked and underrated album. Essense to Essense has some interesting material but is not nearly as good as Cosmic Wheels either in consistency of songwriting or in performance. Sound quality is good, thank God they refrained from using noise reduction, and this CD sounds quite acceptable.

Average customer rating: Amazing CD A treasure for the travel addict Cliff A mystical experience! Not his best effort

Mystic Traveller Chris Spheeris Manufacturer: Essence Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Enchantment Culture Eros Desires Brio ASIN: B000001UJB Release Date: 1996-11-05

Tracks:

1. Mystic Traveller
2. Voices Of Faith
3. The Stone Warriors
4. Guardians Of The Rock
5. Island Of 1000 Temples
6. Those Who Came Before
7. The Oasis
8. Kingdom In The Clouds
9. Treasure Of The Spirit
10. Sacred River
11. As Above

Customer Reviews:

Amazing CD.......2005-12-12

This CD is awesome! What a mystical experience. Perfect for relaxing to, reading to, doing Tarot to, doing ritual to, or just meditating to! It's going to be hard to find a CD that tops this one.

A treasure for the travel addict.......2001-12-17

As a travel writer, I've been enchanted by the music and spiritual ambience of places outside our normal range of experience in the US. This CD brings back all the mystery of the world's most enigmatic sites, from Kathmandu to Cairo, Spitsbergen to Patagonia, Hanoi to Nuku'alofa, and Jaisalmer to Moorea. It's a treasure.

Cliff.......2000-04-18

Incredible CD. Really. If you want to take an international journey without artificial assistance (except your sound system), this album provides the trip. I was given this album several years ago by someone who doesn't like "new age" music. Yet, I would not classify this work in that category. I have only listened to the soundbites, provided by Amazon, to compare this album with Chris' other works. It is not the same. This is one of the best albums I own. When I am upset, cannot sleep or just need to change the subject in my head's jibberish--it's the only thing that works for me. Thanks Chris.

A mystical experience!.......1998-09-04

This cd ranks very highly as one of Chris' best works to date and receives my highest recommendation! The sounds, both vocal and instrumental, are soothing to the mind as well as the soul. Images of ancient temples will come to mind as you sit back and 'feel' the music.

Not his best effort.......1998-06-13

Pretty disappointing considering some of his earlier work, especially his collaborations with Paul Voudouris. I guess it's an attempt at a more ethnic style of new age music, but he has done much better.

Average customer rating:

The Best of Chris Spheeris: 1990-2000 Chris Spheeris Manufacturer: Essence Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Essentials Eros Mystic Traveller Enchantment Culture ASIN: B00005RT1H Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

1. Arrow
2. Lovers and Friends
3. Enchantment
4. Magaya
5. Carino
6. Culture
7. Andalu
8. Pura Vida
9. Sapphire
10. Dancing With the Muse
11. Field of Tears
12. Allura
13. Orlando
14. Eros
15. Treasure of the Spirit

Pop Music:

1. Ethnic Winds: The Art of Mey Kaval
2. Etre Libre [Import]
3. Eyebana, Vol. 2
4. Fakkaroni [Import]
5. Feijao Com Arroz
6. Focus [Import]
7. Friends from Rio
8. Get Bach! ...Vivaldi, Pachelbel, Mozart & Beethoven
9. Gilgamesh [Import]
10. Give Me Some Room

Pop Music