Ecstasy [Import]

1. Allah Hu, Allah Hu, Allah Hu

2. Man Kun to Maula

3. Dhan Dhan Bhaag Hamare Sajini

4. Ni Main Jana Jogi de Naal

5. Mera Piya Ghar Aaya

Ecstasy,Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,Nascente,Int'l & World Music,Pakistan,Pop,Qawwali,Sufi,World Fusion,Worldbeat

Average customer rating: Is it bad to say I like this better than the original soundtrack? Absolutely Exquisite Yo Yo Ma and the Maestro Marvelous!!! Better Every Time Fabulous CD

Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ma, Yo-Yo | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Mission: Original Soundtrack From The Motion Picture The Essential Yo-Yo Ma Obrigado Brazil Appassionato Vivaldi's Cello ASIN: B0002YCVXI Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

1. The Mission: Gabriel's Oboe
2. The Mission: The Falls
3. Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Playing Love from The Legend of 1900
4. Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Nostalgia from Cinema Paradiso
5. Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Looking for You (Love Theme) from Cinema Paradiso
6. Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Malena (Main theme)
7. Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Remembering (Ricordare)*
8. Sergio Leone Suite: Deborah's Theme from Once Upon A Time In America
9. Sergio Leone Suite: Cockeye's Song from Once Upon a Time in America
10. Sergio Leone Suite: Main Theme from Once Upon a Time in America
11. Sergio Leone Suite: Main Theme from Once Upon a Time in the West
12. Sergio Leone Suite: Ecstasy of Gold from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
13. Brian DePalma Suite: Main Theme from Casualities of War
14. Brian DePalma Suite: Death Theme from The Untouchables
15. Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Journey from Moses
16. Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Theme from Moses
17. Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Main Theme from Marco Polo
18. The Lady Caliph: Dinner
19. The Lady Caliph: Nocturne

Amazon.com

Ennio Morricone is well-known to moviegoers. His soundtracks for The Mission, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Once Upon a Time in America, Cinema Paradiso, and others are invariably warmly melodic and superbly suited to the films they grace. They not only add atmosphere; they help tell the story. For this CD Morricone has created new orchestrations for many of his scores, adding a solo cello part for the indefatigable Yo-Yo Ma, whose musical curiosity seems to be endless. Outside the films, these pieces tend to be lovely melodies, mostly pretty sentimental stuff, and, in the best way, gorgeous aural wallpaper. The most moving are the two selections from The Mission, but fans of Morricone's music will find plenty to enjoy here. Ma's playing, as always, is exquisite---warm, deeply felt (given the circumstances), and entirely idiomatic within the context. Perhaps not quite for the classical music lover, but an affectionate reworking of music by an important film composer. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Is it bad to say I like this better than the original soundtrack?.......2007-06-02

I never thought Yo-Yo Ma would do Gabriel's Oboe (Track 1) from THE MISSION justice, but I was wrong. There's a pureness to this version that makes it easier casual listening than the version(s) on the soundtrack CD itself. So no matter how much I love the theatrical "largeness" of the Original Soundtrack (not to mention the full choir), this is the version I grab for the CD player/iPod/whatever.

My two other recommendations are Main Theme from ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (Track 11) and Ecstasy of Gold from THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY (Track 12). I suggest playing these consecutively as a single medley. Track 11 *WILL* bring tears to the manliest among us --particularly if you remember in the movie where Sergio Leone pulls the camera up to reveal the town rising.

I get the feeling "hardcore" classical fans would dismiss movie scores as commercial work. I truly believe Ennio Morricone transcends that. Even moreso than, say, John Williams, and on a different plane than a Danny Elfman. And I can't say more about the emotion Yo-Yo Ma brings to the table than what's already been discussed.

Absolutely Exquisite.......2007-05-15

The combination of Morricone and Ma is pure perfection. This CD fills my heart with so much joy that I could just cry. I listen to it almost daily and have given it away as a gift to my loved ones. I am captivated by their incredible talents, and I know you will be too.

Yo Yo Ma and the Maestro Marvelous!!!.......2007-05-13

Having recently succumbed to Yo Yo Ma after a longtime love of Ennio Marricone I was excited to get this CD from Amazon. It is superb! All of the songs had to be recrafted by Morricone to suit Yo Yo Ma but it is a great listen as you sonically travel down memory lane through some of Maestro Moricone's musical marvels. "Gabriel's Oboe" from "The Mission" now becomes "Gabriel's Cello." I laugh as Yo Yo Ma bows his brains out on the "Ecstacy of Gold' from "The Good,The Bad, and The Ugly." I recommend this to all Yo Yo Ma and Morricone fans...a great listen. Soothing after a hard day!

Better Every Time.......2007-05-09

This CD gets better with every listening. It was a great purchase.

Fabulous CD.......2007-05-07

I love Morricone and this CD has some of the best versions of my favorite pieces. I have ordered several as gifts for friends.

Average customer rating: Must have Sarah McLachlan CD Awesome Good acoustic rock An all-time favorite love it love it love it

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy Sarah McLachlan Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | 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 International | 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: Surfacing Afterglow Solace Mirrorball No Angel ASIN: B000002VN7 Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

1. Possession
2. Wait
3. Plenty
4. Good Enough
5. Mary
6. Elsewhere
7. Circle
8. Ice
9. Hold On
10. Ice Cream
11. Fear
12. Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

Amazon.com essential recording

Pre-Lilith Fair, McLachlan had critical acclaim and a cult following but was otherwise just another hard-working female singer/songwriter--one who wasn't blasting down doors with overt sexuality or popping along in front of a male Svengali. Similar in their emotional urgency to her more recent work but delightfully less polished, these folk-rock songs are surprising gems. If not for McLachlan's poignant vocals, lyrics like "Your love is better than ice cream" (on "Ice Cream") would sound childishly absurd (especially alongside deeper material like "Hold On"), but here they're given just as much respect as the weightier issues she explores. A great album to accompany your moments of introspection. --Rebecca Wallwork

Customer Reviews:

Must have Sarah McLachlan CD.......2007-07-08

For a rainy day, or a somber mood~ This cd will help you achieve a stress free listening experience

Awesome.......2007-06-16

It is because of THIS ALBUM that I am a true fan of Sarah McLachlan. Her voice is angeling and her lyrics are awe-inspiring. The only grievance I have is the fact that I knew nothing about her until a few years ago. Damned radio!

I'm 21 and I've never been to a Lilith Fair....I really wish Sarah, Alanis, Sheryl, and all the rest would just get together and say "Hey, we're overdue for another Fair!" God knows I'd be the first to buy a front row ticket!

This album is seriously AMAZING and it opened the door to many more amazing albums by McLachlan. At least it did for me. This album gives me the feeling equivalent of that of a kid being showered in the best candy.
Better than Ice Cream, I tell ya!

Good acoustic rock.......2007-04-16

'Fumbling towards ecstasy' is considered to be one of McLachlan's most popular pieces of work and along with 'Surfacing' one of her two best-selling albums.

It is a beautiful collection of rock ballads. The lyrics are good, the music is good, Sarah's voice is beautiful, in short it is a very good item to have in a collection. This is mainly material for people that are into rock/soft rock/ folk and enjoy the tunes of Leonard Cohen and/or Sheryl Crowe, although I can't say that any of the two are identical to her.

Next to his CD I would recommend Elisa's "Then Comes the Sun" (which in fact I favour a bit more).

And a small warning: this is exclusively good, relaxing acoustic material. It is not the type of music that will wake you up before storming for an endless night out. It definitely has quality but is not dance material, so don't buy it and then diss it...

An all-time favorite.......2007-02-15

If I were going to be on a deserted island for five years and could choose to have 50 of my favorite CDs with me, I would definitely take this one along. I haven't listened to it in a while, but I am reviewing it because I want amazon to recommend more music like this to me. Sarah is a great talent, which we all know by now, and this was my first exposure to her. I wore this CD out when I first got it quite a few years ago.

love it love it love it.......2006-12-21

need i say more? ok ..... every song could be a hit.

Average customer rating: Your Introduction to Steely Dan... my 2nd favorite steely dan album. Ecstasy! Still the Best! For those with ears, a brilliant album

Countdown To Ecstasy Steely Dan Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Katy Lied Pretzel Logic Can't Buy A Thrill The Royal Scam Gaucho ASIN: B00000DI0J Release Date: 1998-11-17

Tracks:

1. Bodhisattva
2. Razor Boy
3. The Boston Rag
4. Your Gold Teeth
5. Show Biz Kids
6. My Old School
7. Pearl Of The Quarter
8. King Of The World

Amazon.com essential recording

The only element of sophomore slump in Steely Dan's second album was the disappointing sales response upon its initial release in 1974. Musically, Countdown to Ecstasy is even stronger than the Dan's terrific debut, pushing the musical envelope with more complex jazz harmonies and intricate time signatures, and carrying their lyrics into even more shadowy realms peppered with sci-fi imagery and street-level slang. The songs are stunning, from the opening blast of "Boddhisattva," a Zen boogie fueled by Denny Dias's and Jeff Baxter's angular, bopping guitars, to the postnuclear apocalypse of "King of the World." In between, they deliver the one-two punch of "Show Biz Kids," with its perfect snapshot of affluent decadence, and "My Old School," in which college daze is remembered through a collision of staccato guitar and blazing horns. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Your Introduction to Steely Dan..........2007-06-12

...should be with this album. My dad gave me this album as one of my first tapes when I was younger. The music is so brilliant, one can throw the tape in and just let it continuously play. This is exactly what an album should be like. I only got the cd because the tape eventually burnt out.

my 2nd favorite steely dan album........2007-03-26

spent most of my teen years in the 70's, and always enjoyed hearing steely dan on the radio, but, for some reason, i neglected their albums. that changed when my favorite magazine, "mojo," ran a feature in their august 1995 issue, listing the 100 greatest albums ever made. steely dan's "countdown to ecstasy" was listed at number 13! i had no idea that they were so highly regarded. promptly I went out and bought a bunch of steely dan albums. "can't buy a thrill" is my favorite, but "countdown to ecstasy," is hot on its heels. the sheer craft with which this band puts together albums is a cause for admiration. they construct albums like jane austen constructs novels, with consummate expertise. "my old school," is the standout track for me on this recording, but everything here is fresh and inventive, with jazz shadings and plenty of guitar wizardry on display. a classic album for sure.

Ecstasy!.......2007-03-01

Finally got this album recently, and was knocked out by it. I already knew the famous tunes (Bodhisattva, My Old School, Show Biz Kids), but was unprepared for the excellence of "King of the World", "Boston Rag" or "Your Gold Teeth." Great production: clean and crisp, but never fussy. For someone who was originally so unsure of his vocal abilities that he brought in another singer for the first album, Fagen finally comes alive as a great soul vocalist on "Countdown."

Still the Best!.......2007-02-23

This album is not only the best Steely Dan album ever, but one of the best albums by anybody ever. One of my all-time favorites, particularly "Bodhisattva" which had me ROFL in a Zen-like way back in 1973 and still knocks me out. Love it, love it, love it.

For those with ears, a brilliant album.......2006-09-02

Becker and Fagan state in the liner notes that this music was written specifically with these personnel in mind, and to me, this makes a huge difference-- Steely Dan was still a BAND at this point, and there is an organic sense of unity to this album that all the hot-licks- spewing studio A-list hotshots could never re-create. Also, there is a much more varied stylistic palette. I just bought this on cd having not owned it since getting rid of all my vinyl 15 years ago. I mostly listen to Jazz these days, and was astonished when I first unwrapped the cd and played it. What a feast of musical riches! By comparison, I find the suceeding albums progressively increasing in blandness (except for Royal Scam, which somehow managed to temporarily buck the trend) as Fagan and Becker embraced a sort of homogenized yuppie cocktail music with quirky lyrics, faultlessly executed, but totally lacking in humanity or heart. Yes, the chord changes are "jazz-y", but Aja ain't Jazz-- it's way too processed and overly groomed. There's no spontaneity-- it's dead on arrival and there's a distinct hollowness underlying the chops that for me, makes it ultimately very empty. "Countdown" predated this cynical descent into the pop-fusion-lite vortex. It's a terrific album that still sounds fresh and richly musical. Check it out!

Average customer rating: Simply awe inspiring and amazing Ecstatic Music, Ecstatically Performed. canticles of Ecstay Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstasy Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Hildegard of Bingen | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hildegard of Bingen | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Feather on the Breath of God Hildegard von Bingen: Voice of the Blood Vision: The Music of Hildegard von Bingen Hildegard von Bingen: Heavenly Revelations Luminous Spirit ASIN: B000001TYF Release Date: 1994-12-13

Tracks:

1. O vis aeternitatis - Sequentia
2. Nunc aperuit nobis
3. Quia ergo femina mortem instruxit
4. Cum processit factura digiti Dei
5. Alma Redemptoris Mater
6. Ave Maria, O auctrix vite
7. Spiritus Sanctus vivificans vite
8. O ignis spiritus Paracliti
9. Caritas habundat in omnia
10. O virgia mediatrix
11. O virdissima virga, Ave
12. Instrumental
13. O Pastor Animarum
14. O tu suavissima virga
15. O choruscans stellarum
16. O nobilissima viriditas

Amazon.com

Although Hildegard von Bingen's music has been around for 900 years--and recordings of her music for decades--it seems that only now, as we approach the turn of another millennium, the time is right for the world to pay attention. In this first-rate traversal of her music--the most popular of several volumes released by the early-music ensemble Sequentia--we hear music that resulted from Hildegard's legendary visions, which often included song texts that she subsequently collected and dispensed to her religious community of women. As rendered here by the voices and instruments of Sequentia, her music invokes an unobscured sense of mystery, conforming to Hildegard's belief that music was our bridge to the harmonies of the heavens. Whether or not we're experiencing that "heavenly harmony" here, the simple, direct, beautifully turned melodies, sung by pure, finely tuned, warm-colored women's voices, often eerily accompanied by an instrumental drone, is heavenly enough. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Simply awe inspiring and amazing.......2007-05-20

One would have to listen to this music to understand the power it will hold over you. Ethereal and almost eery, yet full of power, grace and triumph, this will be a mainstay in your collection. The only thing resembling it that the mass public would be aware of is Gregorian Chant, although this is it's own beast and so much more. It's not expensive, buy it and see for yourself.

Ecstatic Music, Ecstatically Performed........2007-05-13

I had first heard this performance of St. Hildegard of Bingen's "Canticles of Ecstasy" on sound cassette and loved it.

The music is sublime. The female voices are heavenly, without a hint of sentimentality.

When you listen to "Canticles of Ecstasy" you will know how this medieval nun and composer felt about things.

Caution. They could make a believer of you.

canticles of Ecstay.......2007-03-23

This is a very good CD I highly recomend it if you love chant. I am glad to have it in my collection.

Hildegard von Bingen: Canticles of Ecstacy.......2006-07-25

This CD will transport you to another space and truly put you in touch with the sublime! If you are a massage therapist,I recommend it for use during your sessions. Anyone can use it as part of his or her meditative spiritual practice regardless of your particular faith.

Devine Music For Tranquil Hearts.......2006-02-23

I have searched through many composers, performers and albums... in search of this one sound. It only existed in my heart and mind until Hildegard von Bingen's work was recorded by this talented group. This music makes you feel like you are floating on your back - in the ocean - staring at the moon.

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

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating: Sabbath's "Presence" Album . . . Getting Technical! you won't change me or my opinion not as bad as most people think Only my opinion; put it in the pot and stir it around...

Technical Ecstasy Black Sabbath Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Never Say Die! Sabotage Black Sabbath, Vol.4 Sabbath Bloody Sabbath Master of Reality ASIN: B000002KGG Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Back Street Kids
2. You Won't Change Me
3. It's Allright
4. Gypsy
5. All Moving Parts (Stand Still)
6. Rock'n'Roll Doctor
7. She's Gone
8. Dirty Women

Customer Reviews:

Sabbath's "Presence" Album . . ........2007-04-22

After Sabotage, Black Sabbath found themselves in the unenviable position of having to top that as well as previous efforts. With their status as doom metal kings (and who could compete?), they had also painted themselves into a corner. This may have suited Ozzy well enough, but Tony Iommi clearly felt the need to grow beyond such restrictions as evidenced by the increasing presence of keyboards and a general move away from their earlier sludge fests. Consequently the overall tone of the album is one of struggle and contradiction with the compromises between these two driving forces creating chaos rather than order. Butler and Ward sound like they're trying to do their best to keep things together, but inspiration is noticeably lacking throughout the album and one is left with little more than wonder that the band didn't fold at that point. All of that said, Technical Ecstasy isn't quite the disaster I may be implying, but like Led Zeppelin's Presence album (and you may feel differently about that album as well), it falls short of the greatness that led up to it and shows a band struggling with itself and the pressure of staying at the top of their game. Unlike Zeppelin, though, who bounced back with a tremendous follow up effort, Sabbath took the problems with Technical Ecstasy to their logical and painful end with Never Say Die, an ironic album on every level you can imagine.

Getting Technical!.......2007-04-15

The sheer success that was Sabotage was the final turning point for Black Sabbath. Technical Ecstasy was just that. Technical. Here we find the Sabs continuing to explore their sound and the new technology of the day with synthisizers. Not an entirely bad album, it's just that Technical Ecstasy tries too hard to be good. This is Sabbath trying not to be Sabbath. This is Sabbath trying to prove how good they really are. Also, we have a pair of bizare robots on the cover sexing each other up on a pair of escalators. Hipgnosis (Houses Of The Holy). Weird.

Back Street Kids - Nobody I know will ever take my rock'n'roll away from me. The chorus to this song speaks for itself. Ozzy's vocals are strained and muddled on this outing and the lyrics take step back from the grand-scale that was Sabotage. Cool Iommi riffs still abound, but these songs feel like all the parts were written seperately then fused together for good or bad. We know that the Sabs by his point were not getting along with each other very well and it shows. Not very memorable.

You Won't Change Me - The intro sonds like the soundtrack to a John Carpenter flick. Then we get the ultra-heavy riff followed by the fluffy synth montage. Ozzy's vocals are almost drowned out. Garbled. If you can't hear the lyics very well, how is a fan supposed to remember the song? That was Technical's biggest flaw.

It's Alright - Bill Ward's vocal debut. This sonds like latter Beatles or early Wings. What is this doing on a Black Sabbath album? Exactly. When the drummer starts to sing, there's a problem. Bottom line. Not a bad song, just not very Black Sabbath. Reminiscent of Peter Criss' solo album. Smooth. Cheerful. Very un-Sabbath.

Gypsy - One of the better tunes on Ecstasy. Still, the production value took such a dive from Sabotage. Ozzy has been put in the background for Iommi to take center stage, much like their live show. The lyrics sound forced and cheesy. Still a rocker.

All Moving Parts (Stand Still) - Probably the best songs on the album, this is simple and rocking. The lyrics are memorable for a change and so the song remains in your head. Got the signature Ozzy yeaaaah! going on. A personal favorite. The only one on this album.

Rock'N'Roll Doctor - Some people actually quote this as a Sabbath classic but it ain't. The production is horrible. Keyboards aplenty. Ozzy's vocals sound like they're coming from another planet. Is this Sabbath or The Who? I can't tell. Juvenile and bland.

She's Gone - The over-use of keboards on Technical Ecstasy does nothing to ensure it's success, in fact it does the opposite. You wanna hear Geezer and Tony ripping, not Gerald Woodruffe playing keyboards. This song is a dreary, dragging bummer. Oh, my baby!

Dirty Women - A good, rocking tune. Long. Could have been great, but the production kills it.

All in all, Technical Ecstasy finds Black Sabbath trying to reinvent themselves without the full co-operation of the band as a single entity. You can feel the tension. You can feel coke-head Tony Iommi in the driver's seat, cracking the whip and burying Ozzy's vocals. A very mixed, overblown album with horrible production.

Deal with it!

you won't change me or my opinion.......2007-04-15

Oh my God! Black Sabbath sold out! AHHHH!!!

Just kidding. Even though "Sabbath went soft" is the majority opinion of Technical Ecstasy, I can't agree entirely with it. It's true that the music here is a bit weaker overall compared to the other Sabbath albums, but what they lack in major guitar riffs, they make up for in really good guitar soloing.

I once read that the entire band really enjoyed themselves while making this album. I believe that to be true. How can you not enjoy yourself while playing "rock and roll doctor"? Even though it's a lot like a Kiss song, you can tell the band liked this creation, and though a weakpoint, not the worst thing Sabbath could have done. It's catchy, and the intro is wonderful.

"back street kids" has a fuzzy fast-paced guitar riff that makes me shiver it's so good! The chorus is good, too. The entire album has a robotic futuristic feel to it, just like the album cover indicates. "you won't change me" is a great example why we should love Ozzy's lyrics. Okay, that's not true, but we should respect Ozzy for not being afraid to speak his mind. Just listen to the line "still I wonder what it's liked to be loved, instead of hiding in myself". How many grown men would be able to just blurt out such a personal feeling? Not many. Ozzy shares his emotions because he wants you to be able to relate to him.

"it's alright" doesn't sound like the Beatles to me (I don't know HOW that comparison came up) but it does sound like a perfectly harmless acoustic ballad, that's really pretty with Bill Ward on vocals. If you've never heard Bill Ward's voice before, trust me when I say it's pretty good. Some people might even wish HE was the lead singer for the band instead of Ozzy. The only problem there is that there's only one Ozzy, and no one else has that kind of voice. No one.

"gypsy" is an interesting piece with tempo changes and musical directions dominating the thing. I love all the parts. Another example of Sabbath telling a story with their musical ideas, and having it work just fine.

"all moving parts (stand still)" is a nice groove-type rocker. The lyrics are a mystery to me because I have NO idea what they're about. "she's gone" is the worst on the album, and reminds me of Paul McCartney's "carrying". Listen to the two songs. Do they sound the same to you? Say yes! Same tempo anyway.

"dirty women" is the brightest spot on the entire album. It's main vocal melody is kind of stolen from "a national acrobat", and the soloing at the end was supposedly ripped from Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" but, come on, do you really think Black Sabbath was listening to Chicago at the time? Both bands were WAY too busy being famous back in the 70's to ever consider steeling musical ideas from each other.

Anyway, Technical Ecstasy is a pretty good album with commercial production and a much lighter sound, but if you like Sabbath because of their songwriting, or the guitar soloing, I have a feeling this is the album for you.

not as bad as most people think.......2007-02-15

this album is pretty good when you approach it from the standpoint of a solid 70s hard rock album, versus a typical 70s black sabbath album. i have a feeling that, as years passed, iommi wanted to concentrate more on his overall songwriting ability rather than stringing together riffs. this was somewhat the case in the extended compositions of "sabotage", for example. the major difference is that on "sabotage", the songs still used plenty of sabbath "patented" riffs as the backbones of the compositions, rather than the songs existing first and iommi filling in the "riff gap" afterwards, if that makes any sense.

that said, to me "you won't change me", "all moving parts", and "dirty women" are STRONG songs, if you try not to think about the sabbath riff factor. "you won't change me", in particular, is passionate and the soloing is unbelievable. it's a well rounded album musically, with "its all right" and "she's gone" (too melodramatic for me though) being the ballad material and "rock&roll doctor" existing as your generic rock&roll number.

Only my opinion; put it in the pot and stir it around..........2007-02-03

I think of myself as a pretty big Sabbath fan, but not HUGE. I dig this album and although it may not be as "classic" as the other albums, it's a good departure. I'm the Sabbath fan that loves the songs Changes and Laguna Sunrise. So if you're an open minded Sabbath fan, I think this is a good album to add to the collection. Then again, it's 2007 and I am writing a review on an album that is probably 20 years old, so you may already own it!!

Average customer rating: Not a patch on its predecessor Sensuous Celebration of Rabindranath Tagore's Poetry Exotic, sensual, fabulous poetry, even better than No. 1 Wonderful and soothing Absolute Sensuality

A Gift of Love II: Oceans of Ecstasy Deepak Chopra M.D. Manufacturer: Rasa Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Healing | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Love Poems of Rumi The Magic of Healing Music 2-pak Grow Younger, Live Longer When Days Have No Nights (The Songs of Rumi Music by Mischa) Breeze at Dawn: The Poems of Rumi in Song ASIN: B00006IZPE Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

1. Oceans of Ecstasy: Deepak Chopra
2. The Storm - Gotham Chopra
3. Nothing Lasts Forever: Lisa Bonet
4. Former Lover: Milla Jovovich
5. My Gift to You: Deepak Chopra
6. Flight to Freedom: Gina Gershon
7. Time is Short: Liev Schreiber
8. This is True: Marisa Tomei
9. When I Kiss: Jared Harris
10. Essence of Love: Sinead O'Connor
11. Lady of Silence: Shekar Kapur
12. In Love With You: Adriana Castelazo
13. Sea of Love: Antonio Banderas
14. My Song: Sonja Sohn
15. Soul Mate: Melanie Griffith
16. I Will Come to You: Angelica Houston
17. Be: Christy Turlington
18. Oceans of Ecstasy: Deepak Chopra
19. I Am Your Poem: Kei Arita
20. Transendance: Claude Challe
21. Free Me: Deepak Chopra
22. Woman of Sorrow: Deepak Chopra
23. Nothing Lasts Forever Instrumental: Adam Plack

Customer Reviews:

Not a patch on its predecessor.......2007-02-19

The first Gift of Love album is inspiring, insightful and leads the listener on a series of adventures through inspired words and music, creating a deep connnection with something profoundly mystical.

This second album is almost devoid of this depth and sadly, creates no connection. It seems like Deepak Chopra doesn't get that. There are a couple of very nice pieces but the album is mainly formulaic rather than insightful and I am dismayed to say leaves me feeling like I just listened to some music and nothing else.

If you like nice unhurried music that creates a relaxed atmosphere, you can't go past Cafe Del Mar. If you're looking to experience a sense of something spiritual, stick to the first Gift of Love album.

Sensuous Celebration of Rabindranath Tagore's Poetry.......2007-02-07

"Those who met Tagore described him as one of the great souls of our age; Einstein considered him a sage. From what we learn in these poems, he certainly lived his own words. He kissed the infinite; he was not afraid to lose everything for love. In these poems he allows us to experience love with words and music that wash our souls." ~ Deepak Chopra

Poetry weaves itself through Adam Plack's sensual music in passionate whispers and fantasy worlds of past lives and future invitations. Unrequited love becomes rain with pattering feet and smiles of autumn. The lover, while mortal, becomes the world in her absence.

Visions of beauty, romance and passion create an world of mystery and exotic moods. Poetry escapes from pages and breathes through sweet vocal interpretations. Ancient echoes, jazzy escapes and electronic tribal fusion awakens a soul intoxication in "When I Kiss."

Deepak read many translations of Rabindranath Tagore's poems and then translated the poetry for our generation. The results are stunning in beauty. Deepak Chopra, Sinead O'Connor, Angelica Houston, Antonio Banderas, Marisa Tomei, Lisa Bonet, Milla Jovovich, Shekhar Kapur, Gina Gershon, Melanie Griffith, Jared Harris and Claued Challe mingle their voices with music.

If you have read Rabindranath Tagore's poems I think you will be impressed with these new translations. I remember the first time I read one of his poems and the experience was an awakening to poetic wonder.

Within these poems, you may find yourself wandering in India, Africa or Spain. You may become lost walking across clouds or seduced into the pleasures of the invisible.

"...we are drifting in different streams of the world
our lives would be carried apart
and our love forgotten
but I'm not so foolish that I would hope
to buy your heart with gifts"
~My Gift to You

If you are a hopeless romantic, this musical journey with poetry will make you heady. If you love creating moods, this is perfect while taking a bath by candlelight. I'd highly recommend something like "Dream On" from Lush and perhaps the Flying Fox shower gel and an application of Flying Fox Jasmine temple balm. This CD whispers: "Play me in the dark with the flicker of at least 4 beautifully scented champaca candles." I can recommend the Ergo Champa candle or the Ergo Passion Rose de Mai.

The poems presented here seduce with soul longings and entangle you in magical stories of love. The entire CD is breathlessly beautiful and a true gift of love to anyone willing to spend the time diving deep into this mystery. I can also highly recommend Deepak's book: "The Soul In Love."

"Say your last words in silence..."
~Flight to Freedom

~The Rebecca Review

Exotic, sensual, fabulous poetry, even better than No. 1.......2006-12-14

Fabulous production, with groovy, sexy music and poetry that elevates your mind and opens your heart.
Consistently good throughout, even better than " A Gift of Love 1 " in that respect ( No offense to Rumi, whose poetry I adore also.)
All in all a masterpiece!
What a wonderful time we live in when precious ancient mystical poetry like this reaches out to so many fresh minds in such entrancing and enticing ways.

Wonderful and soothing.......2004-02-01

This CD is for anyone who is love or wishes to be. I found the content of this music very sexy, although quite clean in delivery. It evokes the feeling of romance in it's purest form.

Absolute Sensuality.......2003-11-19

I heard this once and then played it 100 times. Doubtlessly the most sensuous album ever. With incredible lyrics, the unmistakable deep and sensual voice of Deepak, and stunning music by Mr. Plack, you can't go wrong. If you are not in love now...you will be.

Average customer rating: what a recording! From Byronic to Orgiastic Horowitz - the best or real close to it One original approach No other pianist quite does Scriabin justice

Horowitz Plays Scriabin Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Scriabin, Alexander | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Scriabin, Alexander | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Scriabin, Alexander | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Horowitz, Vladimir | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Horowitz Plays Rachmaninoff/Concerto for Piano in Dm; Sonata for Piano No2/Vladimir Horowitz, Pianist Horowitz Plays Mussorgsky, Scriabin, Prokofiev, and others Horowitz Plays Scarlatti The Complete Preludes and Etudes for Pianoforte Solo Complete Piano Works of Scriabin ASIN: B000003EOZ Release Date: 1989-08-10

Tracks:

1. Sonata No. 5, Op. 53
2. Preludes: Op. 11, No. 1 In C- C-dur, ut majeur, do maggiore
3. Preludes: Op. 11 No. 10 in C-Sharp, cis-moll, do diese mineur, do diesis minore
4. Preludes: Op. 11, No. 9 In E, E-dur, mi majeur, mi maggiore
5. Preludes: Op. 11, No. 3 In G, G-dur, sol majeur, sol maggiore
6. Preludes: Op. 11, No. 16 In B-Flat Minor, b-moll, si bemol majeur, si bemolle minore
7. Preludes: Op. 11, No. 13 In G-Flat, ges-moll, sol bemol majeur, sol bemolle maggiore
8. Preludes: Op. 11, No. 14 In E-Flat Minor, es-moll, mi bemol mineur, mi bemolle minore
9. Preludes: Op. 15, No. 2 In F-Sharp Minor, fis-moll, fa diese mineur, fa diesis minore
10. Preludes: Op. 16, No. 1 In B, H-dur, si majeur, si maggiore
11. Preludes: Op. 13, No. 6 In B Minor, h-moll, si mineur, si minore
12. Preludes: Op. 16, No. 4 In E-Flat Minor, es-moll, mi bemol mineur, mi bemolle minore
13. Preludes: Op. 27, No. 1 In G Minor, g-moll, sol minore
14. Preludes: Op. 51, No. 2 In A Minor, a-moll, la mineur, la minore
15. Preludes: Op. 48, No. 3 In D-Flat, Des-dur, re bemol majeur, re bemolle maggiore
16. Preludes: Op. 67, No. 1
17. Preludes: Op. 59, No. 2
18. Sonata No. 3, Op. 23.: Dramatico
19. Sonata No. 3, Op. 23.: Allegretto
20. Sonata No. 3, Op. 23.: Andante
21. Sonata No. 3, Op. 23.: Presto con fuoco; Meno mosso
22. Etudes: Op. 8, No. 7 In B-Flat Minor, b-moll, si bemol mineur, si bemolle minore
23. Etudes: Op. 42, No. 5 In C-Sharp Minor, cis-moll, do diese mineur, do diesis minore
24. Etudes: Op. 8, No.12 In D-Sharp Minor, dis moll, re diese mineur, re diesis minore

Customer Reviews:

what a recording!.......2007-03-04

It's impossible not to love this recording! I have for years, and it stands the test of time. I met Scriabin's music through this classic recording, played many of these pieces across the years, and return to it again and again as to a fountainhead. Say what you will about the art of Horowitz over the years, his handling of these Preludes and Etudes is inerrant. I've not heard another pianist play Scriabin with such intimacy and understanding, Richter included. The alchemy that was Horowitz's alone is in unpartitioned play from beginning to end. His inscrutable ear lets him choose one miniature masterpiece after another, each one vital to his master plan, in the end not only revealing Scriabin's mastery of musical thought, but giving us an indelible guide to Horowitz's own genius. If you want to understand the contribution of Horowitz, walk past his others straight to THIS Scriabin disc, AND the Horowitz Plays Scarlatti disc. For me, these two recordings provide unique evidence of this pianist's most revealing gifts. The B-major Prelude is beautiful enough to melt stone. This recording reminds me of Gould's recording of Byrd and Gibbons - unexpected and perfect, and impossible to live without. In a world on overload, the music made here is witness of a great art. Don't delay the indisputable experience.

From Byronic to Orgiastic.......2005-11-06

Vladimir Horowitz was a champion of Scriabin's music long before it became fashionable, or even semi-fashionable. Scriabin's music appeared on Horowitz's programs as early as the 1920s.

Horowitz's first issued Scriabin recordings were made at his 25th Anniversary Concert in 1953 (also his last public recital until his famous comeback in 1965). The B-flat minor, and C-sharp minor Etudes are given more turbulent performances than usual. There is a great deal brewing beneath the surface. At times, it seems like Horowitz is trying to burst past his own flesh. The desperate passion of his performance lends credence to the notion that he was approaching a nervous breakdown.

The sixteen Preludes were recorded in 1956. (Actually, eighteen Preludes were recorded at these sessions, but two were placed on another album.) Horowitz chose to program the Preludes in a canny sequence of contrasts and surprises building to a climax, rather than sequentially. The Preludes start in the Chopinesque mode, becoming Wagnerian and epic, before dissolving into atonality - - revealing the scope of Scriabin's development.

The Sonata No. 3, also from 1956, is given a broadly phrased, brooding, Byronic performance. The relaxed pacing of the first movement allows Horowitz to move through the various "soul states" without splintering the structure. Contrast the way Horowitz plays the second movement, using the pedal to skillfully blend harmonies, to the way Askhenazy unimaginatively plunks the piece out. (In this movement, Horowitz makes a small cut in the score which actually improves structural clarity.) The transition between the third movement (truly an example of a musical "calm before the storm") is handled with exceptional skill, and Horowitz makes the last movement exciting without over stressing compositional points. Througout the Preludes and Sonata, the balance and poise of the playing speak volumes about Horowitz's post-1953 recovery.

Horowitz played Scriabin's Fifth Sonata during the 1975-1976 season. In his 70s, the pianist sacrifices nothing to age in the most orgiastic performance of this sensual piece ever committed to disc. Scriabin was synesthetic (meaning that he could hear colors) and the musical colors in this piece border on the lurid. This is easily one of the finest recordings from the pianist's late period.

The popular Etude in D-sharp minor, Op. 8, No. 12, played as an encore at Horowitz's 1982 London concert, is given a performance which seduces before building to an explosive climax.

The sound varies, from a bit confined in the 1956 recordings (made in Horowitz's living room) to spacious in the stereo items.

Horowitz - the best or real close to it.......2005-10-05

Listening to this cd put me on a higher plane regarding beauty.
There is no doubt that I will purchase more of "Horowitz plays...". And these preformances are relatively inexpensive. And for such quality, that is a rarity.

One original approach.......2004-05-23

Vladimir Horowitz is not in my ten top keyboard giants from the past. But, in this case it's fair to make a sincere rendition to this album.
Horowitz was a cosmpolitan citizen. That's is an very important detail and I 'll tell you why.
The Scriabin's school pianists Sofronitzky, Nehaus among others saw in him a russian Chopin. And I disagree with that opinion.
Scriabin was a sensitive artist , but also a major colorist than Chopin was and ever a convinced man opened to experience new sounds.
The musical influences received by Scriabin were in multiple directins. Wagner , Mahler, Bruckner opened new musical spaces in the new composers.
Besides Scriabin and its sense he links with Rachmaninov; he didn't get so far from the romantic tradition; and he dindn't join to the avant garde composers as Stravinsky, for instance.
He liked to experience but without his roots.
So that view in the school russian pianistic permeated this conception in pupils as Richter.
It's fair to establish a hidden neuroses in Scriabin's music and that's not a critical judgement.
The point to remark is that Horowitz, never considered this opinion, precisely to his countless exchange ideas with the world outside the provincial Russia.
And that's why his Scriabin sounds less ecletic and more multidimensional than the re3st of his coleagues, including Richter and Gilels; his Scriabin is in many ways out of control and less influenced of the chopinian view. It sounds you less romantic and more universal.
Only Richter in the seventies could escape from that view and pianist as MichAel Ponti , Mijail Rudy or Ivo Porgorelch have understood so.
Listen to Lazar Berman and you'll feel the Nehaus approach.
This is the great virtue of this recording.
But a warning; be carefully with a performance given for Horowitz in Carnegie Hall May 9 1965; because in many ways he seems to return to the chopinisque atmosphere when he played Scriabin in that recital.
A must in your collection. Don't miss it.

No other pianist quite does Scriabin justice.......2004-04-19

The recording of piano has that slightly annoying echoing sound, the pianist makes quite a few slips, but oh, if you want to hear how Scriabin should sound, this is probably the only pianist to listen to on CD's. Horowitz had the right sensibility to fully bring out the meditative, Chopin-like quality of this Russian composer and he plays the music like no other. If you want to hear Scriabin, this is a must-CD.

Average customer rating: Avant Album Medicore Sophmore Slump love jones good cd Amazing

Ecstasy Avant Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Private Room My Thoughts Director Life Goes On Better Days ASIN: B0000639BC Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

1. Call On Me
2. What Do You Want
3. Don't Say No, Just Say Yes
4. Makin' Good Love
5. Sorry
6. No Limit
7. Thinkin' About You
8. Six in Da Morning
9. You Ain't Right
10. One Way Street
11. Love School
12. Jack & Jill
13. Suicide

Amazon.com

Avant, who hails from Cleveland, has something in common with Midwestern new jack R&B artists such as Dave Hollister and Donell Jones; he seems stuck in an upbeat and bouncy yet self-consciously thuggish and undistinguished groove. He and Chicago-based producer Steve Huff have put together a collection of middle-of-the-road songs touching upon all the traditional concerns of a would-be urban superstar. The singer/songwriter's light alto floats pleasantly over Huff's dance-oriented numbers and midtempo grooves, but the overall package lacks substance. A few slow jams, notably "Sorry" and "One Way Street" (a duet with the Gap Band's Charlie Wilson) stand out from the rest of his tracks, but Avant will have to dig deeper to avoid blending in with the crowd. --Rebecca Levine

Customer Reviews:

Avant Album.......2007-03-12

The cd was delievered very fast and it was of the highest quality. I have no complaints what so ever, i will shop again. Excellent condition and excellent service.

Medicore Sophmore Slump.......2006-02-23

After his amazing My Thoughts debut, Avant returned with his medicore Ectasy CD. Avant comes off like a weak R.Kelly clone in many of the songs, and in all honesty Avant is a much stronger singer than Kells. The only songs where Avant showed the promise that we saw in his first album are the songs Thinkin About You, Don't Say No Just Say Yes and Makin Good Love.

love jones.......2004-03-26

im really feelin this cd n avant "extasy" is da bomb. n he knows all bout love n i love his new 1 dats out n i cant stop playen da whole album n i just LOVEit!!

good cd.......2004-03-08

i happened to notice this cd had a lower rating than i would have expected, i havnt listened to it in a while, so i had to get it back out to refresh myself, and as soon as i put it in it all came back:) i think this is a quality cd worth my money and if i remember right it went platinum so i guess im not the only one who liked it.I also must clear up some wrong information avant is not from chicago he owns an apartment there but he is from cleveland ohio. this is where he calls home. I would recommend this cd it is a good cd. but you have to like his style of music. i personally cant stand the song seperated. i was not an immediate avant fan because of that song but my boyfriend told me to get it so i did and i liked 'my thoughts' as a whole. i have liked all of avants cds. like every other artists out there, i skip a couple of his songs, but the cd is worth my money. but i will agree with the other reviewers in saying if you want avants cds because of the song seperated you may be disappointed because most of his music is not like this song. my favorites on ecstasy are makin good love, thinking about you, sorry,one way street and suicide. i know this stayed in my car a long time. i only carry 12 cds in the car at once and this one had a long run.

Amazing.......2003-12-06

The moron who wrote the review "AVANT-Keith Sweat's Retarded, Pretty Boy Reincarnation" is an idiot cause he cant even get his s**t straight... Its KEKE Wyatt Not Ketra... what is wrong with you. Shut up... the cd is hot... MAKE LOVE TO THIS!!! Avant would make any girl melt. I love it!

Average customer rating: A major boo boo in the Scriabin The Pinnacle A wild ride, and a sonic spectacular Exiting, but flawed. Hold me back!

Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring / Alexander Scriabin: The Poem of Ecstasy - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra Alexander Scriabin , Igor Stravinsky , Valery Gergiev , and Kirov Orchestra Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Scriabin, Alexander | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Scriabin, Alexander | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet, 1910) / Alexander Scriabin: Prometheus - The Poem of Fire - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra, St. Petersburg / Alexander Toradze Tchaikovsky: Symphonies 4,5 & 6 Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 6 "Pathetique" Shostakovich: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 9 Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Carlos Kleiber / Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra ASIN: B00005NIF6 Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

1. The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Intro
2. The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Augurs Of Spring - Dances Of The Young...
3. The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual Of Abduction
4. The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Spring Rounds
5. The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual Of The Rival Tribes
6. The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Procession Of The Sage
7. The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: The Sage
8. The Rite Of Spring, Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Dance Of The Earth
9. The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Intro
10. The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Mystic Circles Of The Young Girls
11. The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Glorification Of The Chosen One
12. The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Evocation Of The Ancestors
13. The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Ritual Action Of The Ancestors
14. The Rite Of Spring, Part II: The Sacrifice: Sacrificial Dance: The Chosen One
15. The Poem Of Ecstasy, Op.54

Amazon.com

Gergiev's is a Rite of Spring with a difference. He stresses the primitive barbarism of Stravinsky's groundbreaking score--the strange wheezings of the winds, the wild yawps of the tubas, and the deep rumblings of the bass drum. It's a Rite that stands out at a time when so many internationalized western orchestras give the piece an overlay of sophisticated polish that can rob it of the shock factor that drove the audience at the Paris premiere to riot. There are also numerous personal touches that can be controversial, such as the pause before the final chord, which may bother some but which work in the context of the interpretation. Gergiev's Rite faces strong competition from recorded versions by Markevitch, Dorati, Monteux, and Stravinsky himself, but it's definitely among the top choices. The Scriabin's less compelling, though still fascinating. Gergiev's approach tends to sound sectional, as the overall line is subordinated to momentary thrills. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A major boo boo in the Scriabin.......2007-01-30

I have been visiting the review page for this CD for some time waiting to see if someone noticed the same mistake I did. Gowdie's review has got it right. The error immediately ruined the experience of the entire Poem Of Ecstacy for me. The lilting strings (E to D#)which cry amongst the harp is to me one of those magic moments in all of classical music. What an awesome following to the build up and it also sets up the big finale.

Sorry, the Stavinsky may be great but, a mistake such as this warrants a three star deduction.

The Pinnacle .......2006-12-14

This is it -- if you are looking for a "perfect" 'The Rite of Spring', you owe it to yourself to buy this cd -- especially if you have a reference audio system. It will blow your socks off.

Deserves a "10" star rating.

A wild ride, and a sonic spectacular.......2006-09-21

Gergiev clearly aims to bring back the visceral impact of Le Sacre, and he is aided by extremely clear, detailed sonics that pull us directly into the texture of the orchestration. Sheerly in terms of the noises coming out of one's loudspeakers, this performance rivets the listener's attention. The impact of the bass drum, tam tam, and tuba, for example, is unprecedented. Gergiev has other cards up his sleeve. He re-invents Stravinsky's cross-rhtyhms, ever so slightly throwing off one's expectations. Sometimes this happens through minute pauses and underlinings, sometimes by raising and lowering the temperature unexpectedly. The softer passages sound nuanced and sophisticated, the barbaric ones deafeningly loud and assaultive.

The overall effect is intriguing, so I must agree with every reviewer who praises Gergiev for finding his own way. At the same time, however, there's an air of too much study, of mannered phrasing for its own sake. Every listener will have to decide for themselves, but personally, this sonic spectacular doesn't propel me forward the way Bernstein and Markevitch do in their classic recordings.

Exiting, but flawed........2006-07-19

Valery Gergiev is indeed one of the best conductors around now. He has a charisma that makes any orchestra soar. That being said, despite the power and exitment involved in this performance of "The Rite of Spring" I'm afraid there are major flaws that have to be mentioned.
In the "Dance of the Earth" section, the percussionist is lost as his entrances with the Tam-tam are out of place with the rest of the orchestra. This is no small mistake, since the Tam-tam is supposed to be unison with the rest of the orchestra. How this error was not discovered before release is something I wont fully understand. I don't fully agree with Gergiev's general concept of having the quieter parts louder than normal. It takes a lot away from the building of tension in a section. But overall, it's an exiting performance.
Alexander Scriabin's "The Poem of Ecstasy" fares well here. Passionate playing from the strings of the Kirov. But even here there's a major editing flaw. During the quiet last pages of the work, for some reason, a measure of the longing violins playing E into D# was accidentaly omited from this performance. This mistake is not too hard to make since it is a repitition of two other measures around it. I've made simular mistakes myself as a recording producer, but I've always corrected it by listening to the whole thing with a score prior to doing a final mix. It appears that this has not been done here.
Despite these major flaws that clearly get in the way (at least for me), this is a distinctive version of these two great works.
Valery Gergiev certanly makes his mark.

Hold me back!.......2006-05-08

Some [unintelligeble] years after my classical music lessons, and the vague promises to teachers and friends to keep literate thereafter, I find myself here writing a review for this mesmerizing Ossetian I've been chasing around on search engines since accidentally finding myself at a performance of his (a delightful experience, if ever there was one). What to say? First of all, I did grow up with the Dorati Rite (after all, I'm a Motown girl), which is much less jarring, but jarring appears to be the point, here. There's a good long range from ppp to fff and it sometimes come where you least expect it. Also, Valery Abisallivitch is no slave to time. Not only is the pause before the final slash during the "sacrifice" legendary, but there are several places during that last dance and in the Dance of Young Girls in the beginning when I could swear the beat comes just a hair close to syncopation. On the other hand, the opening movements of Gergiev's Rite appear so fresh, so clear, one can see and smell the trees, brooks, foliage....the live recording no doubt helps convey this.

As I, a layperson who does love classical music, try to understand what Gergiev does differently, I think it's this... he has an exuberant passion for the music, and especially for the Kirov, the family with whom he grew up, he is able to coax his musicians' passion for it in some kind of extraordinary way. Maybe especially with this Russian composer who has created something so close to the land they all call home.

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