Songs of England

1. British Grenadiers

2. Sweet and Low

3. London Bridge Is Falling Down

4. Strawberry Fayre

5. John Peel

6. Helston Floral Dance

7. What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor

8. O Dear! What Can the Matter Be?

9. Ont the Banks of Allen Water

10. Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill

11. Medley: Sally in Our Alley/Pretty Little Polly Perkins/Sweet Polly Oliv

Songs of England,Various Artists,Alshire,England,Int'l & World Music,Pop

Average customer rating: Very disappointing *sigh* Elizabethan Music Vibe shift Gorgeous, pure and unexpected

Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland) Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Instruments | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Not Too Late An Ancient Muse Awake Wintersong James Taylor at Christmas ASIN: B000HXDESU Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

1. Walsingham
2. Can she excuse my wrongs?
3. Ryght honorable: as I have bin most bounde unto your honor …
4. Flow my tears
5. Have you seen the bright lily grow
6. Then in time passing on Mr. Johnson died…
7. The Most High and Mighty Christianus the Fourth, King of Denmark
8. The lowest trees have tops
9. And accordinge as I desired ther cam a letter…
10. Fine knacks for ladies
11. From thenc I went to the Landgrave of Hessen…
12. Fantasy
13. Come, heavy sleep
14. Forlorn Hope Fancy
15. And from thence I had great desire to see Italy…
16. Come again
17. Wilt thou unkind thus reave me
18. After my departure I caled to mynde our conference…
19. Weep you no more, sad fountains
20. My Lord Willoughby’s Welcome Home
21. Clear or cloudy
22. Men say that the Kinge of Spain is making gret preparation…
23. In darkness let me dwell

Amazon.com

In choosing to cover the music of John Dowland (1563-1626), who is known as the "melancholy madrigalist" from his output of cheerful ditties like "Flow My Tears," Police bandleader Sting has entered into a whole new realm of austere eeriness. Originally inspired by the gift of a lute, the rock superstar and activist sings the songs, deliciously sweet and tender or spirited by turn, accompanying himself, with Edin Karamazov sitting on lute and archlute. For listeners accustomed to hearing material of this period interpreted by rigorously trained early music stylists, especially countertenors and the like, Sting's sometimes tight-jawed, chest-heavy vocals may seem amateurish. It's undeniable that in four-part harmonies, the singer, tightly overdubbed, comes across like a combination of the Swingle Singers and Queen (meaning Freddy Mercury and crew, NOT the first Elizabeth). But it's important to remember that music of this period was routinely heard as a casual diversion in private homes, even more often than at Court. It was considered a crucial social skill to be able to join in with an adequate degree of skill, but not everyone was able to negotiate the perilous melodic twists and turns typical of the era's music. With this in mind, the overall effect is of a candle-lit, postprandial entertainment in the home of an English gentleman. Muttered readings from Dowland's letters and brief snippets of sampled birdsong aside, it is a courageous effort, displaying heartfelt admiration for the composer and a considerable degree of earnest charm. --Christina Roden

Album Description

StingÂ's Songs From The Labyrinth is an album of 17th century music composed by John Dowland and performed on the lute, an ancient acoustic guitar. After being given a lute nearly two years ago as a gift, Sting became fascinated and immersed himself with the instrument and the history of lute music. Reminded of his almost 25 year long enthrallment with the works of John Dowland, the Elizabethan composer who wrote songs for the lute, Sting has recorded a new album of vocal and lute music. All songs were composed by Dowland in the 17th century, but have been given new life in these fresh new recordings by Sting. Sting not only sings all the songs (accompanied by leading lutenist Edin Karamasov, who appears on two Andreas Scholl albums), but also plays lute on two instrumental duets with Edin and reads short extracts from a fascinating autobiographical letter by Dowland. Sting has also written a brilliant account of the album's genesis, along with notes on the individual tracks, which serves as the CD booklet.

Customer Reviews:

Very disappointing.......2007-07-19

As we all know, the music of John Dowland is lovely. When played by Paul Odette or Julian Bream it is exquisite. However, this production is almost depressing. Sting's gravelly voice finally grated on me and I probably won't play this again. The lute performance is mediocre also. The best song is that which they use to promote the album. Pass on this one.

*sigh*.......2007-07-16

I am a lutenist myself, who had experience as both a rock guitarist and a classically trained clarinetist before also picking up the lute. I have a great love for Dowland that comes from years of playing his songs myself as well as hearing great musicians (like Paul O'Dette) play them. And this CD makes me sad.

In a way, it doesn't surprise me that Sting would do this. For years now he's been trying to gain cred in the classical music world (I have a 1988 recording of him doing Stravinsky's A Soldier Tale that delighted me when I was 16 and musically ignorant, but now makes my eyes roll into the back of my head). What upsets me is he had to do something that's initimately important to me as a musician. The is problem is that when it comes this kind of music, as others have said, he IS an amatuer, and all his heavy-handed, juvenile earnesty and clumsy, misplaced intensity just drains out all the joy I would normally experience from these songs. Moreover, he's voice isn't merely "untrained" - it's *shot* from years of strain caused by bad "rock" vocal technique. It's just pitiful to listen to in such an exposed context. If you think this is how these songs ought to be intrepreted, you're sadly mistaken.

There are people who would call Sting a "pop genius, " laud him and hand him all sort of impressive looking awards and honors, but this is the music of a real genius, someone who knew not just how to write lyrics that hit home with his audience, but as how to compose songs with unparallel grace, form and sophistication in an idiosyncratic style that bridged convention and innovation. And Sting simply cannot do Dowland's music justice. He just doesn't have the chops or the insight. It's great he's supposedly "studied" this music and that he wrote lengthy, flowery liner notes, but did he really need to record this CD for any reason that his own self-satisfaction? It's far too obvious he hasn't done the same level of groundwork of countless Early Music musicians who don't do this a hobby or avocation from political causes or high-profile celebrity, but as their sole passion. Why couldn't he simply support those musicians, without trying to grab some spotlight for himself? Having a decent lutenist as a sidekick just isn't enough to pull him up from his amatuerly, self-important bog, either. Frankly, he just doesn't get it, and at this stage, I don't think he will.

Early music lovers don't need someone like Sting to bring this music to us - we've been doing just fine without him because we have so many other, really wonderful musicians around to keep this music alive. Someone else recommended Nigel Rogers and Paul O'Dette, and I would gladly recommend them over this celebrity-fuel nonsense as well. Yes these are both musicians with academic backgrounda, but that doesn't mean they are academic musicians - far from it. They just have to hold down teaching positions and do master classes because they don't have a pop career to play the bills. Musicially and professionally, they're what Early Music musicians ought to be - dedicated, educated, passionate and yet they don't have any need to take themselves this deathly seriously.

Elizabethan Music.......2007-07-12

This is the audio component of an hour long video made by Sting on the work of Elizabethan composer John Dowland. (The video does adds greatly to the value as it places the music against the background and age (16th C) for which it was written.) Sting's voice is light tenor and right for these poems set to music about everlasting human concerns that persist to our day. But you'll not see those wonderful lutes that accompany the words, so complex to play with a beauty of sound not heard today. Between his music Sting gives an excellent spoken commentary to complete an attractive presentation of esoteric classical music with a modern undertone.

Vibe shift.......2007-07-10

Why bother? Still would like to say i love the 'shift' it takes to get into this music and how i (and my home) feel when i've enter this rather rarified realm of listening.

Gorgeous, pure and unexpected.......2007-07-06

This music is so pure, so clean, so well performed by two excellent musicians, Edin Karamasov, and Sting, that it put shivers up my spine. Edin is an excellent classical lutenist and Sting's tenor voice is perfect for the music. It was a surprise hearing a rock musician perform this music, but Sting always surprises, continuing to develop as a musican. I will hear this one in my sleep, echoing.

Average customer rating: Great Collection, worth getting over the original release An Excellent Package With A Few Flaws long overdue

The Very Best of Echo & the Bunnymen: More Songs to Learn and Sing Echo & the Bunnymen Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Neo-Psychedelia | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | 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 More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Under the Milky Way: The Best of the Church The Best of the Alarm The Psychedelic Furs - Greatest Hits The Best of Simple Minds Never Stop: Live in Liverpool ASIN: B000KN7BKO Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

1. The Cutter
2. The Back Of Love
3. The Killing Moon
4. Seven Seas
5. Never Stop
6. Rescue
7. I Want To Be There (When You Come)
8. Don't Let It Get You Down
9. A Promise
10. Silver
11. People Are Strange
12. Do It Clean
13. The Game
14. Rust
15. Lips Like Sugar
16. Nothing Lasts Forever
17. Bring On The Dancing Horses
18. Hang On To A Dream
19. It's Alright
20. Stormy Weather

Album Description

Expanded & Remastered CD+DVD career-spanning edition of the band's classic retrospective now presents over 25 years of hits and essential tracks plus videos for eight of their classic songs.

Customer Reviews:

Great Collection, worth getting over the original release.......2007-05-07

The sound quality is much better and it has Lips Like Sugar. Nuff said!

An Excellent Package With A Few Flaws.......2007-02-03

Here's the DVD tracklisting, since Amazon does not list it:

01 The Cutter
02 The Killing Moon
03 Seven Seas
04 Bring On The Dancing Horses
05 The Game
06 Lips Like Sugar
07 Nothing Lasts Forever
08 Rust

As with most music that I purchase sound quality is usually most important. This release does not disappoint! In fact, this is simply the best remastering I've heard on a Bunnymen release! With mastering by Giovanni Scatola, these songs sound even better than the 2003/2004 Rhino remasters. The music is crisper, louder, and more punchy. ("Lips Like Sugar" sounds awesome with it's roaring intro!) That's not to say that those recent remasters weren't good, but I personally think that the music sounds brighter on this compilation.

Next up we have the excellent packaging and tracklisting. Some fans may complain about the release being presented in digipak format, but I quite like it. Plus, we have the classic cover photo by Anton Corbijn. For a 1-CD collection, the release highlights 20 Echo & The Bunnymen classics from 1980 to 2005! We could argue what should and what should have not been included, but for the casual fan this sums up their history quite well.

My major complaint with this release is the 8-track DVD. Considering the list price, I think the DVD should have featured much more than 8 tracks. Surely these guys have more than 8 videos! How about including all their music videos?!?! Considering how most record labels work, this will probably be our only chance to get their videos on DVD for several years to come. It's only a random sample of their career! I guess fans will be left "You-Tube"-ing the rest!

Note that the package states "all promo videos are stereo except track 2 in mono". What is track 2? "The Killing Moon"! Unfortunately, Rhino let me down here. Why include all videos in stereo except this one? Not that it really mattered, considering the original audio tracks seem to have been used on all the videos instead of overdubbing newly remastered audio. That's why "The Killing Moon" video sounds poor and flat, besides it being in mono!

The recent videos sound fine, but they are mastered at too low of volume. Sounds like laziness! Do an A/B comparison between "The Cutter" as heard on the DVD video and "The Cutter" as heard on the CD. It goes to show how well the music has been restored for the CD and how carelessly flat it was left for the DVD. As for the picture, it is surprisingly excellent, considering the age of some of the earlier promos. Too bad the same care couldn't have been given to the underlying audio track. I expect better work from the Rhino team!

As a casual fan myself, I must admit that I still really enjoy this best of, including the DVD (despite the faults). It's the first time I've seen many of these videos. Add in the excellent CD audio, and it's a worthy package to add to any Echo collection.

long overdue.......2007-02-01

Finally we get an official video collection on DVD with this remaster of the 1985 release!

The original 1985 release of "Songs To Learn and Sing" was a must have for every college kid I knew back then. For some US fans this was the first album to expose them to the Bunnymen.

This expanded and remastered version picks up where the old one left off and then picks up again when they reformed with the UK Top 10 album "Evergreen" and continues to the 2006 release "Siberia".

My only complaint is that this is not in 5.1 surround sound.

Average customer rating: Kitsch, camp, melodramatic, yet full of heartfelt emotion.This is a fantastic comeback.

Stardom Road Marc Almond Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Release the Stars Time on Earth Real Life Late December On the Road to Nashville ASIN: B000QFCD7M Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. I Have Lived
2. I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten - Marc Almond, Sarah Cracknell
3. Bedsitter Images
4. London Boys - Marc Almond, Sarah Cracknell
5. Strangers in the Night
6. Ballad of the Sad Young Men - Marc Almond, Antony Hegarty
7. Stardom Road
8. Kitsch
9. Backstage (I'm Lonely) - Marc Almond, Jools Holland
10. Dream Lover
11. Happy Heart
12. Redeem Me (Beauty Will Redeem the World)
13. Curtain Falls

Customer Reviews:

Kitsch, camp, melodramatic, yet full of heartfelt emotion.This is a fantastic comeback........2007-06-30

"Stardom Road is a collection of covers chosen by the former Soft Cell frontman to tell his life story.It consists of his favourite songs by other people and is produced by Tris Penna: the album also features Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons, Jools Holland and St Etienne's Sarah Cracknell, who duets with Almond on the Dusty Springfield song "I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten".
This is a clever idea. Marc Almond has chosen a series of cover versions - with one exception - and they chronicle his story in sequence. What a story it is, too.
From his successful partnership with Dave Ball in Soft Cell, through to the famous duet with Gene Pitney, he has continued working right through to 2004. Following his motorbike accident, this album brings us to the here and now.
"Sixties classic "I Close My Eyes And Count To Ten" is wonderfully evocative and features the vocals of Sarah Cracknell. Likewise, Al Stewart's "Bedsitter Images" is a perfect cover as it reminds you of Marc's very own Bedsit land.
This is a very moving and beautifully crafted album. Far from being cover after cover, karaoke style, there is a journey feel to the proceedings.
"Backstage I'm A Lonely" is a tribute to the late Gene Pitney and it really is a tear jerker as a result.
But it is far from maudlin as proven by the upbeat tale of surviving against the odds, "Happy Heart".
The new track "Redeem Me" sounds like a classic already. Marc has never sounded as chipper as he does here.
Kitsch, camp, melodramatic, yet full of heartfelt emotion.
This is a fantastic comeback.

Average customer rating: OH! you will Worth another listen Merely a "good" collection of Echo songs - it's not the best stuff ever, but it's still pretty decent The Most Underrated Band in History. a must have...

Songs to Learn and Sing Echo & the Bunnymen Manufacturer: Sire / London/Rhino ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Neo-Psychedelia | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Echo & the Bunnymen Ocean Rain Under the Milky Way: The Best of the Church Starfish Substance ASIN: B000002L8T Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Rescue
2. The Puppet
3. Do It Clean
4. A Promise
5. The Back Of Love
6. The Cutter
7. Never Stop
8. The Killing Moon
9. Silver
10. Seven Seas
11. Bring On The Dancing Horses

Amazon.com

Songs to Learn and Sing is a staple in the collection of post-new-wave rock. It was an era when the term progressive had just replaced the word alternative to describe music that was just too cool for American radio. This album is a compilation of Echo and the Bunnymen's British chart toppers from 1980 to 1985. The only song on this album that received attention beyond the band's cult following was "Bring on the Dancing Horses," made famous by its inclusion in the Pretty in Pink soundtrack. Echo and the Bunnymen are a tinny, twangy, ever-so-slightly-out-of-tune guitar band. What lead singer Ian McCulloch lacked in vocal range he made up for by embracing his comfort zone with full-force cracking, emotional yelps. A distinctive, recognizable sound, even to the barely initiated, this album marks an era yet is so enjoyable, it remains proudly timeless. --Beth Bessmer

Customer Reviews:

OH! you will.......2006-03-09

You will learn and sing the songs that are on this record,BUY IT!

Worth another listen.......2006-03-09

Let us not forget this cd for too long.
These really are songs to learn and sing!
Deep vocals of Ian McCullough are strong and the lyrics are catchy such as Do It Clean which is still playing in my mind.

Merely a "good" collection of Echo songs - it's not the best stuff ever, but it's still pretty decent.......2006-01-10

Echo & The Bunnymen is most well-known for their 80's hit "The Killing Moon" (which was featured in the cult hit movie "Donnie Darko"). While this is a great song, the rest on here just aren't as good. Echo & The Bunnymen are clearly pretty talented, but the singer and the lyrics just aren't that good or interesting most of the time. None of the songs are bad here, thankfully, but they're not great either - they're all indeed catchy, however. Musically it's pretty standard 80's indie/pop rock, as there's little innovation to be found here. If you're an Echo & The Bunnymen fan then this is the collection to get, but if you're looking for great songs you won't really find them here. I would argue that "The Killing Moon" alone bumps this up to a "4" from a "3.5". This is merely a "good" (arguably decent) CD. Slightly recommended.

Highlights include:
"The Killing Moon"
the rest are good or decent.

The Most Underrated Band in History. .......2006-01-04

Well, you've heard a million times the cliché "still sounds fresh today," and I'm here to tell you that this hackneyed saying is absolutely true when it comes to this CD. When I was mostly unfamiliar with punk music I associated the best of it with the otherworldly sound of the introduction to "The Cutter." Later, after listening to the album extensively, I realized that "Bring on the Dancing Horses" was the worst of the eleven tracks (which is really saying something). It did not take long before they became, like the Smiths, personal favorites. Echo was one of the most original sounding bands of the eighties with talent to burn. They featured the type of complexity that made it tough on critics to reduce that wonderful decade into a stew of big hair, kitsch, and campy lyrics. This is about as passionate a band as there has ever been, and when I play "Songs..." I do not jump about. I let it wind through and imbibe its beauty and perfection.

a must have..........2005-09-01

ian mcculloch and co. practically invented the british guitar rock later adopted by the likes of the smiths, the stone rose, et. al. more melodic and accessible than the likes of joy division, echo and the bunnymen straddled the line between exquisite song crafting and experimentation.

ian mcculloch proved to be the perfect frontman -- the trademark haircut, the trenchcoat, the voice that threated to crack at any second, the enigmatic persona. while not a truly gifted vocalist, he never had to be. his raspy voice is ideally suited to the music. much of the bunnymen's charm lay in their working class roots, settling for less than perfect, slightly gritty production and focusing instead on quality beats and melodies. will sargeant single-handedly ushered in a new guitar movement. his playing was sometimes intrusive in the beginning, but always interesting melodically and sonically as he matured. (and coldplay oughta be paying him royalties for the riffs they've nicked from him.) add to that a more than capable rhythm section (r.i.p., pete), and the bunnymen became one of the most influential rock bands of the last 25 years.

some of the finest bunnymen songs are found here: the oft mentioned 'the killing moon,' 'never stop,' 'the cutter,' 'the rescue,' etc. even now (2005), they sound fresh. every time i play this cd in my car or at home, i'm blown away by how utterly *fantastic* a band they really are--inventive, unique, and ridiculously original; excellent arrangements, flawless melodies, superb musicianship. of course, it always helps to have ian broudie doing the knob-twiddling.

this collection is something of 'greatest hits' that chronicles one of the most important 'post-punk' bands to ever come out of the UK. a must have for any music afficionado.

Average customer rating: Set Sail With These Great Songs Jack Aubrey would have loved it... Good traditional stuff Continuing Enjoyment Great CD!

Roast Beef of Old England (Traditional Sailor Songs) Jerry Bryant , and Starboard Mess Manufacturer: Essay ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shanties & Songs of the Sea Musical Evenings With The Captain Sailors' Songs & Sea Shanties Musical Evenings With The Captain, Vol. 2 Blow the Man Down ASIN: B00004UDET Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

1. Spanish Ladies
2. A Jolly Sailor's True Description Of A Man-Of-War
3. Adieu, Sweet Lovely Nancy
4. St. Patrick's Day
5. Warlike Seamen
6. The First Of June
7. Drops Of Brandy
8. Roast Beef Of Old England
9. Heart Of Oak
10. Nancy Dawson
11. Ben Backstay
12. Sailors' Hornpipe/Rickett's Hornpipe
13. Bay Of Biscay-o
14. The Battle Of The Nile
15. Nelson's Victory/Hull's Victory
16. The Banks Of The Nile/Sailor's Cravat
17. A New Sea Song (Sweethearts And Wives)
18. Pleasant And Delightful
19. Captain Barton's Distress On The Lichfield
20. Chevy Chase
21. The Shannon And The Chesapeake
22. Distressed Men-Of-War
23. Sailor's Jacket
24. Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate

Amazon.com

If Roast Beef of Old England isn't enough to spawn a dose of contact scurvy, many other of these two dozen salty tunes will set the boat a-rocking. Treasures such as "A Jolly Sailor's True Description of a Man-of-War" and "Drops of Brandy" detail life among British seamen of the early 1800s without dredging up too much of the usual pirates, shipwrecks, or mutiny. It's an historical document of the regular life at sea, inspired by the British Navy novels of Patrick O'Brian, with intentions to anchor the writing in the ordinary sounds and stories of those fictionalized seafaring times. Glad fiddle, fife, and Jerry Bryant's humble six-man choral crew Starboard Mess spill the beans in suitable fashion without a sailor's colorful vocabulary. They supply the "yo ho ho" and annotations, you bring the rum and black powder. --Ian Christe

Customer Reviews:

Set Sail With These Great Songs.......2007-01-28

Jerry Bryant and his Starboard Mess offer up to the listener some wonderful performances of traditional British sailor tunes. They are all performed acapella, and despite other reviewers saying that these songs lack spirit, I find that there's plenty in store. Pennywhistle and fiddle songs are also thrown in and do nothing but add to the enjoyment of this album. Read your favorite Jack Aubrey novel or other seafaring tales such as "Treasure Island" while listening to this album to truly enhance your literary experience. My personal favorites include "Spanish Ladies" and "Bay of Biscay-o."

You should see the looks I get from the little wannabe thugs in their tricked out Hondas listening to hip-hop when I pull up next to them in my conservative white Toyota Camry and I'm belting out lines like "We'll rant and we'll roar like true British sailors...." Jay-Z can't even hold a candle to these wonderful old tunes.

Highly recommended.

Jack Aubrey would have loved it..........2007-01-09

This is the real thing! It takes some time to get into these songs...but then I started to join in. For someone reading O'Brian its a MUST.

Good traditional stuff.......2007-01-05

Just what I was looking for, some traditional British songs from the age of sail. I recomend this for anyone with an interest in British maritime and naval history.

Continuing Enjoyment.......2006-05-05

I've owned this CD for a few years now, and it hasn't become stale yet.

Being a 'younger' person with generally 'younger' preferences in music, and yet still a person thoroughly devoted to Patrick O'Brian and all his works, on first listening I was doubtful.

Another two or three spins around the CD player, though, and I was hooked. Crisp, clear and obviously as historically accurate as they can be, these songs give delight even now.

Best use? Volume dialled up to eleven for the morning drive to work, bellowing along at the top of my voice - and often the bottom of my range! Heart of Oak, Roast Beef of Old England, The Shannon and the Chesapeake - uproarious. Sailor's Jacket is the foot-tappingest instrumental; it still sets my toes a-jumping. And the sweeter songs? Give them plenty of wellie .. Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy is fabulous.

Other big numbers: A Jolly Sailor's True Description of a Man-of-War, A New Sea Song (Sweethearts & Wives) - which has some fabulously 'historically accurate' narrative within (POB readers will know whereof I speak! ;-} - and Distressed Men-of-War - another song referred to within the POB Canon.

Heartily recommended.

Great CD!.......2005-10-28

I am very impressed with the quality of this CD. The sound is clear and the tones perfect. It was a surprise just how familiar all the song is! They are very vivid and worldly. I bought this CD with out knowing what was on it; I was truly surprised and happy with it. My 6th graders will enjoy learning to this CD, and as well as singing the songs to complement our reading of Treasure Island.
Lisa

Average customer rating: My Favorite things Excellent CD Bravo! Sorry Folks...not a new recording of Julie Andrews. Awesome

Julie Andrews Selects Her Favorite Disney Songs Julie Andrews Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Disney | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wishes! ~ Walt Disney Presents Classic Julie Classic Broadway Disney's Happiest Celebration on Earth A Little Bit of Broadway Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings ASIN: B00092ZLJE Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

1. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Beauty and the Beast
2. CHIM CHIM CHER-EE Mary Poppins
3. PART OF YOUR WORLD The Little Mermaid
4. SOME DAY MY PRINCE WILL COME Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
5. CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHT The Lion King
6. THE BARE NECESSITIES The Jungle Book
7. HE'S A TRAMP Lady and the Tramp
8. A WHOLE NEW WORLD Aladdin
9. A DREAM IS A WISH YOUR HEART MAKES Cinderella
10. BELLA NOTTE Lady and the Tramp
11. BABY MINE Dumbo
12. YOU'LL BE IN MY HEART Tarzan
13. THE SECOND STAR TO THE RIGHT Peter Pan
14. FEED THE BIRDS (Tuppence a Bag) Mary Poppins
15. WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR Pinocchio

Amazon.com

Julie Andrews Selects Her Favorite Disney Songs is yet another of the beloved British diva's collaborations with the House of Mouse, but check that title carefully. It'd be easy to assume that Andrews was applying her golden pipes to "Beauty and the Beast" and the like, but this was released in 2005, when Andrews was still not all the way back from botched vocal-cord surgery. Thus, she has personally picked the 15 songs and written notes about them, but she doesn't sing; the recordings themselves are the original movie soundtracks you've heard for years (OK, she does sing on the two vintage Mary Poppins numbers). That's not necessarily a bad thing--these recordings have definitely brought a lot of enjoyment over the years--but chances are Disney fans will have many, if not all, of them in their collections already, and they'll be disappointed if they're expecting something new from Andrews. --David Horiuchi

Album Description

As the official ambassador for the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Celebration Julie Andrews reflects on her favorite Disneyland memories as well as her favorite Disney songs. This compilation features some of the greatest Disney classics of all time, hand selected by Julie Andrews and accompanied by personal notes written by Ms. Andrews herself.

Customer Reviews:

My Favorite things.......2006-08-22

Yes, these are all classics. I was disappointed that Julie Andrews was not singing them all herself, but there is something about the original cast recordings! Great selection that brings back many memories. Nice to have so many favorites all on one disc!

Excellent CD.......2006-05-31

Personally, I think this is a splendid CD. It highlights many old favorites from Disney, including most of my favorites, such as Part of Your World (one of my favorites) and Beauty and the Beast. Julie Andrews and I have much in common, apparently. This is an excellent source to get favorites, personally selected by someone who knows her Disney.


Contrary to what many are saying, if you actually pay attention to the title of the CD, you are able to tell that this is just a collection of favorites, not actual favorites. If you were so compelled to buy the CD and eager to hear Julie Andrew's sing, then you would know that she is unable to produce such a project like this. (Hence the "selects", not sings.)


All in all, if you're looking for a CD to revisit your favorite highlights, this is the one. Definetly worth the price (though that's not very high).

Bravo!.......2006-02-21

Anyone who is a fan of Julie Andrews (or Disney for that matter) is aware that Julie can no longer sing as she once did due to a botched vocal cord surgery. The album does not state that Julie Andrews sings, just that she selects. This a great collection of WONDERFUL disney songs endorsed by Disney's Anniversary Chairperson and a true Disney star. You will enjoy this CD as a first, or maybe second to your disney music collection.

Good Choices Julie!

Sorry Folks...not a new recording of Julie Andrews........2006-02-05

I got this thinking it was going to be Julie Andrews singing these great songs. It's not! It's the original film versions, which is ok but still then file it under "DISNEY MUSIC" or something other than Julie Andrews. In record stores, it's located under Julie Andrews which makes you think, it's really her singing the tunes. I think it's great she is the Disneyland spokesperson for the 50th anniversary and I can't think of anyone better but this CD is very misleading. Let's hope she actually records something again really soon, like "Julie Andrews SINGS her Favorite Disney tunes".

Awesome.......2005-10-11

I love this cd. It turns out that the songs that Julie Andrews loves are the same ones I love. It's perfect for me to get my favorite disney songs without having to pay lots of money for a bunch of songs I don't like, just so I can get one particular song. I recomend this cd.

Average customer rating: What a voice Engelbert's 16 Most Requested Songs Inferior live recordings mixed with studio covers a marvelous collection of hits and covers 3 LIVE RECORDINGS

16 Most Requested Songs Engelbert Humperdinck Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Engelbert Humperdinck - His Greatest Hits #1 Love Songs of All Time Greatest Love Songs Ultimate Collection Let There Be Love ASIN: B000002AF3 Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. Release Me
2. Still
3. Heart Don't Fail Me Now
4. Beautiful Baby
5. Spanish Eyes
6. A Man Without Love
7. Don't You Love Me Anymore?
8. Winter World Of Love
9. Am I That Easy To Forget?
10. There Goes My Everything
11. Les Bicyclettes Belsize
12. Maybe This Time
13. Yellow Moon
14. The Last Waltz
15. I Don't Know How To Say Goodbye
16. After The Lovin'

Customer Reviews:

What a voice.......2007-01-11

This cd brought back memories from a simpler time and I really enjoyed going back. Engelbert Humperdinck sure knows how to sing romance. I love the song "After the Loving". I didn't recognize all the songs, but they are all wonderful.

Engelbert's 16 Most Requested Songs.......2006-02-26

This is a wonderful CD and the songs are bring back great memories.

Inferior live recordings mixed with studio covers.......2006-02-03

I thought this quality of recorning to be available only through bootleg - not from a major like Sony. With some of the audience background sound having better clarity than the artist (Release Me) (After The Lovin'), I believe this disk would sound better when played through a boombox priced under $35.

a marvelous collection of hits and covers.......2004-12-22

Culled from three other CDs, this compilation has a mix of live and studio recordings, with 10 of the 16 from the "2 in 1" CD "Live in Concert/All of Me", 3 from ""Don't You Love Me Anymore ?" and 3 from "You and Your Lover", all from the 1980s.
Live audience recordings are an up-tempo "Release Me" along with the wonderful Lionel Richie "Still", and a rousing "After the Lovin'", and I really like the '50s sounding "Don't You Love Me Anymore ?", but my favorites perhaps are the very touching "Beautiful Baby", and the gentle "Maybe This Time".

Some of the re-recordings of Engelbert's hits have fresh interpretations, and are fabulous; his voice is superb, and each song has beauty, emotion and artistry, and if you're not expecting the lush arrangements of the originals, but like to hear the more mature Engelbert singing them, you will love this album...which is perhaps to be enjoyed more by his fans than those not so familiar with his music, who maybe will prefer the polish of an all-studio recorded CD.

The booklet insert has liner notes and recording info, and I find the cover art fascinating. Painted by Paul Micich, who is an excellent illustrator of children's books (as well as a musician), it is a terrific portrait, with its very '70s outfit, and many details, like the horse buckle...what I wouldn't give for the original !
Total playing time is 52'44.

3 LIVE RECORDINGS.......2003-12-25

I am disappointed with my purchase. Didn't pay attention (small prints) to the album description when I bought this in HMV store. Sound quality is poor. Three of my favourite songs (Release Me, Still, and After the Lovin') were recorded live.

Average customer rating:

Healing Love (Songs Of Inspiration) Cliff Richard Manufacturer: Music Mill ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Small Corners Help It Along Complete Hits Two's Company: The Duets Cliff in Japan ASIN: B000NHUM7Q Release Date: 2007-03-21

Tracks:

1. HEALING LOVE
2. BUTTERFLY KISSES
3. THE MILLENNIUM PRAYER
4. FROM A DISTANCE (LIVE)
5. PEACE IN OUR TIME
6. SON OF THUNDER
7. THIS LOVE (W/TAMMY WYNETTE)
8. SAVIOUR'S DAY
9. WHY SHOULD THE DEVIL HAVE ALL THE GOOD MUSIC
10. SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW/WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

Product Description

International superstar, Cliff Richard, returns to America and Contemporary Christian Music with Healing Love Songs of Inspiration. Cliff's first CCM project in 23 years gathers together some of the world's most inspiring tunes and offers Cliff's versions of them for the first time in the United States. Cliff's original material is showcased on the top 20 UK title track, "Healing Love" and the #1 "Saviour's Day." "The Millennium Prayer," which also hit #1, deftly weaves heartfelt lyrics around a musical telling of "The Lord's Prayer." He also interprets some American classics, like the evergreen "Butterfly Kisses," which hit #1 for its writer Bob Carlisle across several secular and mainstream radio formats. Cliff eloquently covers Bette Midler's "From a Distance" and gives a stirring performance on the "Rainbow/Wonderful World" medley. He even recalls his roots when he delivers his brand of rock n' roll on Larry Norman's ground-breaker "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music." When I finally met Cliff on a Compassion trip to Haiti [in 1984], I was even more impressed with how he interacted with the children. His warmth and smile invited these kids to embrace him as a loving man who really cares. - Phil Keaggy

Average customer rating: A unique, well written cd Best kept secret in music, but not for much longer Phenomenal CD by an artist with talent to burn

Songs from the Gutter Thea Gilmore Manufacturer: Compass Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Loft Music Harpo's Ghost Avalanche Rules for Jokers Burning Dorothy ASIN: B000ALZHQQ Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

1. Down To Nowhere
2. When Did You Get So Safe
3. Tear It All Down
4. The Dirt Is Your Lover Now
5. I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine
6. Lip Reading
7. Heart String Blues
8. Mud On My Shoes
9. Water To Sky
10. And Well Done
11. Cover Me
12. I'm Not Down

Tracks:

1. Hydrogen
2. Beelzebub
3. Maybe
4. Red Farm
5. Brittle Dreams
6. December in New York
7. Gun Cotton
8. Don't Set Foot Over the Railway Track
9. Lavender Cowgirl
10. You Tell Me
11. Straight Lines

Amazon.com

This isn't your older sister's folk music. Though Thea Gilmore's flair for poetic imagery and the lilt of her phrasing place her within the troubadour tradition, the rock dynamics of her raw, edgy band, augmented by the occasional rhythm loop, suggest a more contemporary appeal to the young British artist's generation. While paying homage to Bob Dylan with an atmospheric reading of "I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine" and to Bruce Springsteen with a bonus version of "Cover Me," she sounds more like Alanis Morissette on the album-opening "Down to Nowhere" and rocks with the hard-bitten bravura of Chrissie Hynde on "When Did You Get So Safe?" and "Lip Reading." A hypnotic, meditative pulse provides the perfect complement to the stark lyric of "The Dirt Is Your Lover Now," while the rootsy Americana of "Mud on My Shoes" finds Gilmore in a more playful mood. In addition to the two bonus tracks added to the "official" ten-track release, Gilmore offers an 11-song second disc, a grab-bag of rarities and limited-edition releases. --Don McLeese

Album Description

"One of the most promising and provocative singer/songwriters to emerge from England in years, Gilmore detangles sex, religion, and politics with a literate eloquence and defiance that recall the early poetic eruptions of Bob Dylan." --USA Today

It is not unusual for a songwriter to stray from the beaten path as they mature, to experiment more intrepidly and find a thoroughly distinctive voice. But when this happens at age 25, people take notice.

It is fitting that Thea Gilmore conceived Songs from the Gutter as part of a Bob Dylan tribute album. Like the obstinate American songwriter to whom she is frequently compared, Gilmore seemed unshackled by convention even in her early work, able to escape the confines of both genre and industry and give her creativity space to grow.

Gilmore believes that audiences don't want to be pandered to and that people will respond to honest expression more than accessibility. The young Brit's respect for music listeners paid off and accolades poured in from such respected sources as USA Today, Mojo, and the Guardian. Gilmore was invited to appear on Radio 4 and at Glastonbury Festival, one of the UK's largest musical events. In the fall of 2004, she toured the US with Joan Baez.

A steadfastly original lyricist generating recordings at a breakneck pace, Gilmore has kept her growing fan base almost satisfied with a new project nearly every year. While most of her peers spend years in the planning stages, Gilmore takes her ideas to the studio quickly, capturing the muse of the moment and allowing it to be whatever it is, whether that fits in with any larger trajectory or career plan--or not. Following the highly successful 2003 release of Rules for Jokers, Gilmore changed direction with 2004's lush Avalanche.

Songs from the Gutter is a textbook example of Gilmore's method of creation. Invited to contribute to a Bob Dylan tribute CD sponsored by Uncut magazine, the ever-generating artist found herself in a studio in Cheadle Hulme in May of 2002. Five days later she emerged with ten tracks, which she promptly added to several older, unavailable cuts for an internet-only, double album release. Nigel Stonier's production and a mastering job at Abbey Road polished the collection without taking away any of its nerve, and fans clamored for the disc at Gilmore's live shows. Making its American debut on Compass Records, Songs from the Gutter glimmers with the immediacy and unpredictability of Gilmore's performances, delving into her darker, grittier side.

Customer Reviews:

A unique, well written cd.......2006-02-07

This album has songs that keep me interested from beginning to end. That in and of itself is a feat. Each song is different and each song is done well. Her voice is great, her writing is even better. My favorite cuts are Earth to Sky, I dreamed I saw St. Augustine and track #1 ( I can't remember the title) This is a wonderful cd, and I recommend it to anyone reading these reviews.

Best kept secret in music, but not for much longer.......2006-01-17

Thea Gilmore is arguably the most literate and provocative singer/songwriter of her generation and with six full-length CD's to her credit, she is also one of the most prolific.

On Songs from the Gutter Thea takes you on an aural roller coaster ride that leaves you breathless and begging for more. There are no two songs alike and each selection creates a musical landscape that can be favorably compared to the best work of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and all of the great wordsmiths that have come before her. The songs range from a captivating rendition of Dylan's I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine to the introspection of Tear It All Down. The imagery found in Heart String Blues ("It is rising like the evening tide around an old shipwreck, It is tightening that pretty little noose around your neck") is as brilliant as it is timeless.

Her wit, humor and phrasing combined with her God-given talent as a musician place Thea in the company of the masters. Listen to Songs From the Gutter or any of her other releases and you'll understand why Thea Gilmore is a force to be reckoned with.

Phenomenal CD by an artist with talent to burn.......2005-11-17

If I could rate this with 6 stars I would. Simply the best CD I've bought in at least a decade the songs are so good. From catchy hard rock (When Did You Get So Safe) to country blues (Mud on My Shoes) Alanis style techno (Down to Nowhere), heady solo acoustic (Water to Sky), to otherworldly dreamscapes (And Well Dance). This would easily be a greatest hits album for most artists.

And this is before you get to the bonus CD. Almost too good to be true. The first track ("Hydrogen") is probably the best flat out rock song I've heard in about a year, and the chord change in the acoustic "Lavender Cowgirl" is of the most unexpectedly clever ones I've ever heard. Most of the bonus CD is acoustic. The song "December in New York" is brilliant with its acoustic guitar and piano--it sounds like something straight off Joni Mitchell's Blue album. There's even a spoken word song "Don't set foot over the railway track".

Thea's voice on these discs echoes those of a number of other female artists (Natalie Merchant, Alanis Morrisette, Joni Mitchell, Chrissy Hynde, and even Margo Timmins from the Cowboy Junkies). To me, these songs sound like they're sung by several different women rather than one artist.

After just one play I was a fan. Simply a must have.

Average customer rating: Non-essential Maximo Songs To Remember Way better than this has any right to be Maximise Your Maximo

Missing Songs Maxïmo Park Manufacturer: Warp Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Certain Trigger Our Earthly Pleasures Favourite Worst Nightmare News and Tributes With Love and Squalor ASIN: B000BX10VE Release Date: 2006-02-21

Tracks:

1. Ai9
2. Isolation
3. My Life In Reverse
4. Fear Of Falling
5. I Want You To Leave
6. A Year Of Doubt
7. Trial And Error
8. Stray Talk
9. Hammer Horror
10. Apply Some Pressure (Original Demo Version)
11. Graffiti (Original Demo Version)
12. Once, A Glimpse (Original Demo Version)

Amazon.com

Never let it be said that Maximo Park is in it for the money. The upstart British band could have easily cashed-in on the big buzz surrounding its spiky debut album, 2005's A Certain Trigger by releasing eight different versions of the disc using its healthy cache of rarities (you know, just like Bloc Party). Instead, the smartly dressed post-punkers have simply stuck all their b-sides/outtakes/demos on this cut-rate CD and opted to get on with their lives. But that doesn't make Missing Songs disposable. Expanding on the angular guitars, fractured dance rhythms and singer/resident comb-over revivalist Paul Smith's literary lyrics, there are moments here that make you want to punch Maximo Park in the face for leaving off their "real" album. "Fear of Falling" is one of those, offering a glimpse at what the Smiths would (hopefully) sound like if they came out in 2004 instead of 1984. The minimalist cover of John Lennon's "Isolation," is another one, reinterpreting the song much like you would expect it to be done by Joy Division. Naturally, there is quite a bit of filler too, but what did you expect? As a companion piece to A Certain Trigger, it's hard to beat. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

After an incredibly successful World Tour, including recent sell-out shows in Australia and a UK Mercury Prize nomination, there's no denying that Maximo Park have a massive fan base now firmly set, as one of the top Indie rock bands in the world today. After huge exposure on radio via the singles 'Apply Some Pressure', 'Going Missing', 'Graffiti', 'The Night I Lost My Head' and 'The Coast Is Always Changing', the band now releases a fan-friendly CD comprising their B-sides and extra non-LP tracks recorded to date. Warp. 2005.

Album Details

Maximo Park Release a Fan-friendly CD Comprising their B-sides and Extra NON-LP Tracks Recorded to Date. All the Tracks were Previously Only Available on Mostly Limited-edition Singles, Making this a Hugely Collectable Item for the Ever Growing Maximo Park Fanbase.

Customer Reviews:

Non-essential Maximo.......2006-08-02

This is one of the those b-side collections that make you think, "They really picked the right tracks for the album." Not that these songs are terrible-- they're just lacking the extra spark of the songs that did make "A Certain Trigger." Most notable are "Fear of Falling," which sounds the closest to something that could've found a place on the album, and a fascinatingly lo-fi demo version of "Apply Some Pressure."

Songs To Remember.......2006-04-10

This album is a collection of nine tracks(B Sides and non-LP) plus three original demo versions,comprising a real patchwork quilt compilation from Maximo Park.The opening track"A19"is raw and intense, and the rest of the album is very 60s and 70s influenced. These songs from Britain's most exciting new band(some would say that was open to debate) were the blueprint for greater things.
Most of us will have heard "A Certain Trigger"by now,which many would hail as Maximo's masterpiece.This album preceeds it musically but still contains the same charm,anger,intense lyrics and musical style,without as much theatricality and drama as "Trigger" contained. Still as listenable as "Trigger" however,and with so many good tunes that it's hard to choose between them all. This album carries a raw energy,powerful hooks and that urgency which is so unique and central to Maximo's music. My favourites include "A19", the dry,humourous "Year Of Doubt" and the beautiful,acoustic,somewhat sad "Stray Talk."
If you like this band,you may already have this album in your collection. If you haven't got into their music yet,try and give this a listen. It will get your attention, and hopefully keep it. As for frontman Paul Smith,with his unique hairstyle, well-I'm a total fan! I haven't seen Maximo play live yet,but will have the pleasure later in 2006. I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

Way better than this has any right to be.......2006-02-22

EP's and b-side albums so frequently suck that I stressed about blowing hard earned cash for this, even if it was only $9. A Certain Trigger was maybe my top album of '05 so I was prepared for disappointment. While not matching the highs of ACT, there is nothing here of decidedly lower quality (save the demos, which are worthless). The production is a bit less dense and there is less of a "wall of sound" effect than on ACT which does make this sound a bit "cheaper" but this occasionally becomes a revelation like on "Stray Talk". Worth every penny.

Maximise Your Maximo .......2005-12-21

A year of impressive live performances and hot singles such as Apply Some Pressure and Graffiti have made Maximo Park's debut album A Certain Trigger a favourite for fans of the revitalised British rock movement. Frontman Paul Smith's stage presence is equal parts Ian Curtis and Ian McKellen, orating like a Shakespearean actor from a book of lyrics one minute before erupting in an angular dance aptly aping the Maximo Park sound.
With the advent of Dual Disc, tour editions and repackaged albums it seems that music fans are being suckered into buying numerous versions of their favourite albums to ensure they don't miss out on the bonus rarities. Unlike closely aligned UK group Bloc Party - who have managed to release four separate fan-screwing versions of their debut Silent Alarm this year - Maximo Park take a positive stance by offering Missing Songs as both a stand-alone disc and as a special package coupled with the staggering A Certain Trigger.
Clocking in at a little over a half hour, Missing Songs kicks off with the excellent A19 and the brief John Lennon cover Isolation, previously available as part of a Q magazine promotion. As well as the dead Beatle, XTC are also offered a tribute of sorts with the track Trial And Error, which comes close to approximating Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding's art rock sound. The acoustic Stray Talk and the Kaiser Chiefs-with-added-xylophone feel of Hammer Horror are highlights, with the gloriously tinny demos of Apply Some Pressure and Graffiti an intriguing commodity compared to the versions polished up by in-demand Brit producer Paul Epworth.
Comprising unreleased commodities and non-LP tunes from the Newcastle group, Missing Songs emerges as a worthier and more revealing album than many legitimate releases from 2005 upstarts such as Art Brut, Babyshambles and The Subways. The double-headed power of A Certain Trigger and Missing Songs prove that bringing back the comb-over is the least of Paul Smith's 2005 achievements.

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