Soul of Scotland

1. Skye Boat Song

2. Will Ye Co Come Home Again

3. Keel Row

4. Bonny Mary of Argyle

5. Dashing White Sergeant

6. My Home

7. Annie Laurie

8. De'il Among the Tailors

9. Ye Banks and Braes O' Bonny Doon

10. Medley: Speed the Plough/Mrs. McLeod/Fairy Dance

11. Flowers of Edinburgh

12. Scotland the Brave

Soul of Scotland,Various Artists,Alshire,Int'l & World Music,Orchestral Pop,Pop,Scotland

Average customer rating: AWB: Pickin' Up the Pieces: The Best of Average White Band (1974-1980) Great Deal Funk In The Trunk Excellent Old school Oh! My! God!

Pickin' Up the Pieces: The Best of Average White Band (1974-1980) The Average White Band Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | 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: The Very Best of Tower of Power: The Warner Years 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Ohio Players The Very Best of War Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits The Very Best of Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan ASIN: B0000032VE Release Date: 1992-09-01

Tracks:

1. Pick Up The Pieces
2. Person To Person
3. Got The Love
4. You Got It
5. Work To Do
6. Cut The Cake
7. If I Ever Lose This Heaven
8. School Boy Crush
9. Queen Of My Soul
10. Cloudy (Live Version)
11. A Love Of Your Own
12. Soul Searching
13. I'm The One (Live Version)
14. Get It Up
15. Your Love Is A Miracle
16. When Will You Be Mine
17. Let's Go 'Round Again
18. For You, For Love

Amazon.com

If they'd never cut another track after their monster-grooving, No. 1 R&B instrumental, "Pick Up the Pieces," the Average White Band still would have earned an enduring place in the music pantheon--and the Irony Hall of Fame, the latter due to their improbable Scottish roots. After all, they were six soul-smitten musical journeymen hailing from quarters much nearer the Mull of Kintyre than Motown.

But lest anyone mistake that quirk for a marketing shuck, the funk-drenched love of early '70s black music driving every cut on this well-chosen anthology will set matters straight. Indeed, AWB proves imitation isn't just the sincerest form of flattery. In the hands of seasoned and talented musicians, it can be the sweetest form of inspiration, too. The members' early work in cover bands informs songs like the sweaty workout "Cut the Cake" and tuneful, Marvin Gaye-inspired "Queen of My Soul" and "A Love of Your Own." This album is convincing argument that soul has little to do with the color of one's skin. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

AWB: Pickin' Up the Pieces: The Best of Average White Band (1974-1980).......2007-07-08

When I first purchased this CD, I was immediately floored by the rhythm chops that AWB is so well known. I am new to the funk/R&B scene myself, and I play guitar. AWB's Pickin' Up the Pieces: The Best of the Average White Band (1974-1980) has more than you could want from AWB and contains their most memorable cuts (Pickin' Up the Pieces, and Cut the Cake, my favorites) that inspire old and new funk players to AWB's rhythms. AWB's horn section as well as their vocals provide lead to the backing rhythm guitar work.

Some of their tunes are more complex than others in terms of guitar rhythms, but that is what makes the CD sparkle, both for the tight and intricate bass and guitar, but the well-versed horns that continually pop out at you from the horn section in rhythm.

There are times when the sax player takes solos, but listen to the backing rhythm and it makes more sense.

Personally, I favor the high-charged funk rhythms instead of the ballads, but the ballads just show another side of AWB's versatility.

If you want to take a trip down memory lane and visit some of the 70's best funk and R&B music that even guitarists like me who grew up in that era can enjoy, give the AWB a listen with your media player on "Pickin Up the Pieces" and "Cut the Cake". Two exceptionally organized, well-arranged, and tight guitar, bass, vocals, and horns.

Your answer will be the same as mine if not more appreciative of AWB.

Great Deal.......2007-03-09

Many sites offered my CD but amazon had the best price for the CD and for shipping.

Funk In The Trunk.......2007-01-08

How can the AWB's sound get any fresher?

This excellent remastered collection breathes new life in the classic R&B sound during an era when musicians really mattered. And that is heard in the first cut; the horns and percussion in Pick Up The Pieces groove so hard.

But the band demonstrates their skills on cuts like Person To Person, Work To Do, Cut The Cake and School Boy Crush. Though AWB is still on the road, the live cuts Cloudy & I'm The One gives the listener a taste of how the group sounded on stage back in the day.

The group had such a clean studio sound, which is really brought out in this collection. Though the AWB has several signature songs, there was a lot of quality material recorded from 1974-1980. I cannot recommend a better "best of" package from a group than Pickin' Up The Pieces.

Excellent Old school.......2007-01-03

AWB is a very underrated band. Their talent is definitely for the mature R&B fan who enjoys funk. If this description fits you, you will love Pickin' up the Pieces. There were more great songs on the cd than I expected. "Cloudy" and "A Love of Your Own" were THE slow jams when I was in High School. I am so glad to now have this cd in my collection.

Oh! My! God!.......2006-07-13

I bought this for "A Love Of Your Own" & "Queen of My Soul". After I played it, though, there were so many other good songs I couldn't believe it! I knew a lot of other ones from high school, but even the songs I didn't know were good. These guys really have soul. There are a couple of ballads, a couple of covers and even a disco sounding song. Of course you know "Pick Up The Pieces" but that and "Cut the Cake" are the only instrumentals. I'm really glad I got this CD.

Average customer rating: Disco for the Noughties!!

I Created Disco Calvin Harris Manufacturer: ALMOST GOLD ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: An End Has a Start Acceptable in the 80s Myths of the Near Future Version It Won't Be Soon Before Long ASIN: B000P0JQGY Release Date: 2007-09-04

Tracks:

1. Merrymaking at My Place - Calvin Harris
2. Colours
3. This Is the Industry
4. Girls
5. Acceptable in the 80s
6. Neon Rocks
7. Traffic Cops
8. Vegas
9. I Created Disco
10. Disco Heart
11. Vault Character
12. Certified
13. Love Souvenier
14. Electro Man

Album Description

2007 debut album from Scottish Electronic artist Calvin Harris. The album, a mix of Electro infused dance tracks and sees Harris take influence from the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Daft Punk and in particular, early '80s Electro. 14 tracks including the singles 'Acceptable In The 80s' and 'The Girls'. RCA.

Album Details

Harris is Compared to and Tipped as "the Next Mylo". This Debut Album is an Indie Dance Pop Masterpiece and features the Singles and Current Dancefloor Anthems "acceptable in the 80s" and "the Girls".

Customer Reviews:

Disco for the Noughties!!.......2007-06-19

Track list for the CD is as follows:

1."Merrymaking at My Place" - 4:09
2."Colours" - 4:01
3."This is the Industry" - 3:56
4."The Girls" - 5:15
5."Acceptable in the 80s" - 5:32
6."Neon Rocks" - 3:48
7."Traffic Cops" - 0:54
8."Vegas" - 5:41
9."I Created Disco" - 4:07
10."Disco Heat" - 4:30
11."Vault Character" - 0:08
12."Certified" - 4:06
13."Love Souvenir" - 4:18
14."Electro Man" - 4:58


"I created disco" is the debut from Scottish dance singer/producer Calvin Harris. The album has already had two big hits in the UK; the nostalgic "Acceptable in the 80s" (#10) and the ode to all types of girls worldwide, "The girls" (#3).

Its an album with an eighties sheen that shamelessly courts fans of Groove Armada, Daft Punk, and even LCD Soundsystem, but unlike other producer-turned-singers, he eschews guest vocalists and does the singing himself.

"Merry making at my place" has a groovy bassline, chorus sung in falsetto, and repetitive hedonistic lyrics. A clear standout which wouldn't sound out of place on a Groove Armada CD.

Title track "I created disco" is an instrumental (bar a few spoken words midway) with a fuzzy bassline, and loads of electronic effects. "Certified" is another instrumental with woozy effects. Brilliant!!

Other standouts are "Disco heat", the Giorgio Moroder-like "Electro man" (a relaxed vocal delivery over pulsing hypnotic synths and beats), and the lone ballad, the dreamy plodding instrumental "Love souvenir".

Harris has already been named as a possible producer for Kylie Minogue's new CD, so I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from him.

Average customer rating: Great The blend between guitars and Sharleen Spiteri A daily staple Great Glaswegians Very much in demand...Loves it.

Texas - Greatest Hits Texas Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Hush Southside Careful What You Wish For Ricks Road Red Book ASIN: B000050BA4 Release Date: 2000-10-30

Tracks:

1. I Don't Want A Lover
2. In Demand
3. Say What You Want
4. Summer Son
5. Inner Smile
6. So In Love With You
7. Black Eyed Boy
8. So Called Friend
9. Everyday Now
10. In Our Lifetime
11. Halo
12. Guitar Song
13. Prayer For You
14. When We Are Together
15. Insane
16. Tired Of Being Alone
17. Put Your Arms Around Me
18. Say What You Want (All Day Every Day)

Album Details

The Best of the Scottish Band Texas on One Album, Including the New Single 'in Demand' (Co-written by Producer Dallas Austin) as Well Two Other New Tracks. They have also Gone Back and Re-recorded Some of their Older Material, Like 'so in Love Withyou', which features the Return of Original Member Craig Armstrong. As Well, Greg Alexander (New Radicals) Collaborates on 'my Inner Smile'.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2005-10-24

Texas are fantastic, their best being Summer Son!

BUT, ignore what the post below mine says. I Don't Want A Lover never made #1, its actually not one of their most successful hits. The highest position they achieved was #3 with Say What You Want

The blend between guitars and Sharleen Spiteri.......2005-10-17

Really amazing guitars match with incredible honeyed voice of Sharleen Spiteri, in this CD's "TEXAS ... The Greatest Hits".
I haven't found any titles to put in my trash, and I definitely love this 1980's group.

A daily staple.......2005-10-09

Poor Texas.

Cursed by terrible marketing in the US (Texas who?), not to mention a name that gets lumped in with everything from country music, the State, or the University. Honestly, why this band isn't wildly popular over here is downright criminal, although it's shamefully kind of nice to keep things quiet.

I find myself listening just about daily to this CD. In fact, the days need to be longer, so I could listen to it more. True, there is nothing from the underappreciated Mother's Heaven; and I think I could live without the Method Man and the RZA version of "Say What you Want".

Still, it's so rare to not really review a CD by individual songs (although I do think the rerecording of "So Called Friend" works better than the original version; and I find myself mashing the replay button on the superb version of Al Green's "Tired of Being Alone"). Things flow gracefully from one song to the next. You could basically pick any point in the CD, jump backwards or forwards and find yourself drawn into the music; different styles, different sounds, yet so very Texas.

An absolute pleasure.

Great Glaswegians.......2005-04-08

Fronted by Sharleen Spiteri, Texas were formed in Glasgow in 1986 by Johnny McElhone. McElhone was no stranger to the UK charts, having previously played bass with Hipsway and Altered Images.

Texas' Greatest Hits collection contains 18 tracks and looks back over the band's releases between 1989 and 2000. The album's first track, "I Don't Want A Lover", was the band's first hit. It features a distinctively catchy slide guitar riff and is still one of my favourite songs by the band. The second track, however, was one of the songs recorded especially for this album; "In Demand" is a mellow affair that charted well on its release in the UK and is one that I just can't help liking. However, it's another of the 'new' recordings - the lazily titled "Guitar Song" - that makes it as my favourite song on the album. Featuring a sample of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin's hit "Je T'aime...Moi Non Plus", it's catchy, laid back and relaxing. (It also has me reaching for the repeat button quite a bit).

The hits from "White on Blonde" are obviously included - "Black Eyed Boy", "Insane", "Halo" and "Say What You Want" were the songs that saw the band return to the charts after a long absence. ("Black Eyed Boy" - which, I am reliably informed, had distinct Motown influences - was my favourite of the four). The CD also finishes off with a remixed version of "Say What You Want", which features Method Man from the Wu-Tang Clan. For me, it's the album's only real weakness - the original version is much better and the remix wouldn't be a reliable introduction to the band.

Three songs from "The Hush" - the album that followed "White on Blonde" - are also included. They also charted well, though I prefer the chime-tastic "Summer Son" and "When We Are Together" to "In Our Lifetime". Three songs from their third album, "Rick's Road", have also been included. However, for some reason, the excellent "So Called Friend", "So In Love With You" and the Al Green cover "Tired of Being Alone" have all been re-recorded for this release. I was a little disappointed that nothing at all from their second album, "Mother's Heaven", made the cut.

Still, if you've liked anything at all the band has released, this is an album you should pick up. Recommended.

Very much in demand...Loves it........2004-11-28

This is one of my favorite albums of *all* time. It has the very best selection of Texas' songs. All their hits are on this album: "Inner Smile", "Once in Our Lifetime", "Say What You Want", "In Demand", all songs that are so great they're included in movies over and over again.

I love that these songs are virtually timeless. I can listen to this every single day and not get tired of it.

The very last song is one of my favorites on this cd, it's a duo with Method Man of "Say What You Want", great song.

This is a must have.

Average customer rating: One of the Best Old School Collections There Is

Average White Band - The Essentials The Average White Band Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Party Boys | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Ultimate Collection Pickin' Up the Pieces: The Best of Average White Band (1974-1980) The Very Best of War The Very Best of Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan Essential Sly & Family Stone ASIN: B00006310E Release Date: 2006-04-10

Tracks:

1. Pick Up The Pieces
2. Cut The Cake
3. If I Ever Lose This Heaven
4. School Boy Crush
5. Queen Of My Soul
6. Walk On By
7. Got The Love
8. Soul Searching
9. A Love Of Your Own
10. Cloudy
11. Work To Do
12. Person To Person

Album Description

12 remastered tracks including 'Pick Up The Pieces', 'Cut The Cake', 'Walk On By' & 'Person To Person'. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Old School Collections There Is.......2006-10-14

AWB is one of the best R&B collections there is. I especially like the diverse background of this group, which makes them great. Should have been called AAWB(Above Average White Band)!

Average customer rating: Two Songs short of Perfect its great mainly becos of "cut the cake"

The Ultimate Collection The Average White Band Manufacturer: Sony Music UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Greatest & Latest Average White Band - The Essentials Pickin' Up the Pieces: The Best of Average White Band (1974-1980) Cut the Cake AWB ASIN: B000095IVU Release Date: 2003-06-02

Tracks:

1. Pick Up the Pieces
2. Put It Where You Want It
3. Jugglers
4. Person to Person
5. You Got It
6. Work to Do
7. Keepin' It to Myself
8. Got the Love
9. Cut the Cake
10. Cloudy
11. Schoolboy Crush
12. If I Ever Lose This Heaven
13. This World Has Music
14. Soul Searching
15. Everybody's Darling
16. I'm the One
17. Love of Your Own
18. In the Beginning [#]

Tracks:

1. Let's Go Round Again
2. Queen of My Soul
3. Message - The Average White Band, Ben E. King
4. One Look Over My Shoulder (Is This Really Goodbye?)
5. Your Love Is a Miracle
6. She's a Dream
7. Atlantic Avenue
8. When Will You Be Mine
9. Love Won't Get in the Way
10. Feel No Fret
11. Walk on By
12. Kiss Me
13. For You, For Love
14. Whatcha' Gonna Do for Me
15. Into the Night
16. Love Your Life
17. Miss Sun [#]

Album Description

Import only compilation for the Scottish funk band features 33 tracks including the hits, 'Pick Up The Pieces', 'Cut The Cake', 'If I Ever Lose This Heaven', 'Schoolboy Crush', & their collaboration with R&B legend Ben E. King, 'Message'. 35 tracks. Sony.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Double Disc Anthology of the Recordings of the Scottish R&B Group that Conquered the Charts of the World with Hits Like "Pick Up the Pieces", "Cut the Cake", "Person to Person", "Work to Do", "You Got the Love", "if I Ever Lose this Heaven" and Many More.

Customer Reviews:

Two Songs short of Perfect.......2006-11-09

In 1973 on the way to a track meet with two of my friends, Marcus Daniels, and World Class Sprinter Joel Andrews, I was introduced to the music of Average White Band, by way of the "Green T-Shirt" tape, later renamed the Jugglers, and again Show Your Hand. The Album is still one of my favorites and almost non existent.

This CD however, is a great, almost perfect collection from the masters of Northern Soul. If this CD had the elusive lost song, "Twilight Zone", from the first AWB album, and the title cut from "Warmer Communications" there would be nothing left to say but... "It's Perfect"

its great mainly becos of "cut the cake".......2004-01-24

i first hoid awb's "cut the cake" in 1975 and i was s-o-l-d on the soul brothers .... this album has CTC's best trax and much more - earlier tracks - like pick up the pieces/person to person +++. If you're a soul brother - pick up this album BLINDFOLDED coz man (who cares that theyre actually scotsmen) AWB really GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE !!!!

Average customer rating: If I was a Blackbird Rollicking, down-to-earth music from Scotland Couldn't have picked a better title... Get this CD! Wonderful!

Wild & Beautiful Silly Wizard Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Scottish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Caledonia's Hardy Sons Kiss the Tears Away So Many Partings The Best of Silly Wizard Fire in the Glen ASIN: B000000E6X Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. If I Was A Blackbird
2. Pipe Major Donald Campbell/The Orphan/The Kestrel/Come Up Alang (Jigs)
3. The Pearl
4. The Fishermen's Song/Lament For The Fisherman's Wife
5. Hame, Hame, Hame/Tha Mi Sgith (Slow Air)
6. Tha Mi Sgith (Strathspey)/Eck Stewart's March/Mackenzie's Fancy (Marches)
7. Miss Patricia Meagher
8. A.B. Corsie (The Lad From Orkney)/Ril Bheara/Richard Dwyer's (Reels)

Customer Reviews:

If I was a Blackbird.......2006-02-18

I'm just a kid. My dad is a big fan of this kind of music. Recently he has been listening to this celtic CD. Honestly I love them and their music. My dad has one other CD which is their best songs or greatest hits, there is one song on both of those CDs that really stands out which is the fisherman's song. When my dad got this CD I instantly recognized The Fisherman's Song, but another song stands out, If I was a Blackbird. This is a sad song about a sailor whose lover doesn't love him enough to stay with him so she sails away. Although it is sad, it is definatly the best song on there. It is a beautiful song and his voice is comforting. I would buy this CD only for this song. I strongly reccommend this CD for anyone who loves celtic music as much as my dad.

Rollicking, down-to-earth music from Scotland.......2004-01-01

This is real music, of the sort you'd expect to hear on a Saturday evening at a local pub--warm, rousing, and authentic. Silly Wizard's distinctive sound is defined by the deft accordion-playing of Phil Cunningham and the heartfelt, unpretentious vocals of Cunningham and lead singer Andy M. Stewart. Martin Haddin on keyboards and guitars and Gordon Jones on guitar and bodhran round out the core quartet, which is joined on this album by fiddler Dougie MacLean and drummer Roy Ashby. The accordion-led dance sets, tracks 2, 6, 7 and 8, are lively and winning, and Stewart's broguish singing in the slow numbers, such as "If I Was a Blackbird" and "The Fishermen's Song", is so genuine and understatedly heartfelt that it just tugs at my heart every time I hear it. Browsers whose computers will only let them sample the first few tracks should be aware that this album starts out on the slow side but really ends with a bang on the last three sets. Something that both dates and distinguishes the music of Silly Wizard is the use of keyboards such as that featured in "The Pearl", which sound rather like a pedaled, electrified harpsichord. It's a timbre not heard much these days in the instrumentations of newer Celtic groups, but it actually compliments the reedy sound of an accordion and the plucking of guitar strings quite nicely. Good overviews of Silly Wizard's output include "The Best of Silly Wizard" and "Live Wizardry". For contemporaneous work of Phil Cunningham, check out "Gathering Pace" by Relativity, starring Phil and his brother Johnny, along with siblings Triona Ni Domhnaill and Michael O Domhnaill.

Couldn't have picked a better title..........2003-11-04

The first time I heard the Fisherman's Song, I was stunned by its simplicity and poignancy, not to mention the beautiful and organic quality of the poetry. This song showcases the power of Andy Stewart's voice. It also shows his talent at staging a drama that sounds raw and inescapable, yet is somehow made bearable through the use of strikingly telling metaphors.

Other songs on this album are worth their salt: If I Was a Blackbird is a classic of Celtic music and a favorite of mine. I like the rendition here. Hame,Hame,Hame is a wonderful song, followed by a lovely melody (Tha Mi Sgith=I'm tired) that speaks less of green fields than it does of introspection and internal landscapes, as the title suggests.

The other instrumentals are also very good. A little less daring/modern than in 'A Gling of Silver,' but still masterfully executed. A powerful album, just as illustrated by the sun setting on the loch (on the cover) and the name it sports.

Get this CD!.......2003-04-27

How did I miss this band! I thought I knew celtic music. I guess they were a little before my time. These guys are amazing! I have never felt like I heard 'real' celtic folk music until now. This is the real deal.

Wonderful!.......2003-01-12

I feel like I just heard real Scottish music for the first time. The singer has an incredible voice and when he sings you can't help but feel like this is what the real songs of the highlands sound like. This music isn't overly polished and over produced and is about half instrumentals.

Just listen to the samples "If I Was a Blackbird", "Hame, Hame, Hame/Tha Me Sgith", and "Fisherman's Song/Lament for the Fisherman's Wife" and you will be hooked.

Average customer rating: This One's Really Special !! Legends A great find Brilliant! Authentic, moving, exceptionally done!

So Many Partings Silly Wizard Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Scottish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Caledonia's Hardy Sons Kiss the Tears Away Wild & Beautiful Fire in the Glen The Best of Silly Wizard ASIN: B000000E6E Release Date: 1990-02-20

Tracks:

1. A Scarce O'Tatties/Lyndhurst
2. The Valley Of Strathmore
3. Bridget O'Malley
4. A.A. Cameron's Strathspey/Mrs. Martha Knowles/The Pitnacree Ferryman/The New Shillin'
5. Donald McGillavry/O'Neill's Cavalry March
6. The Highland Clearances
7. Miss Catherine Brosnan
8. Wi' My Dog And Gun
9. Miss Shepherd/Sweeney's Buttermilk/McGlinchey's Reels

Customer Reviews:

This One's Really Special !!.......2006-02-07

This album has everything for the celtic music fan (exciting instrumentals, a magical blending of voices, some songs in gaelic). I love the changes in tempo from slow airs to rousing reels and jigs.
The beauty of the flute brought tears to my eyes. What a great collection of traditional celtic tunes performed by top talent!

Legends.......2003-12-19

An excellent way to sample the band's sounds.
It falls somewhere in between the simpler sound of the earliest era of the band and the slightly more elaborate sound that began with Wild and Beautiful and Kiss the Tears Away.

For Scottish musicians, Johnny Cunningham's play on A.A. Cameron's attains perfection on strathspey phrasing.

The album also contains the recorded version of concert favorite, Donald McGillavry.

Valley of Strathmore and Wi' My Dog and Gun rank near the top in Andy Stewart ballads.

We'll miss you Johnny!

A great find.......2003-01-12

Listen to the samples for "Valley of Strathmore", "Bridget O'Malley" and the traditional Scottish rebellion tune "Donald McGillavry/O'Neill's Cavalry March" and you will be hooked, I promise. This is little known Scottish group is one of the best traditional Scottish (and some Irish) bands there ever was.

Brilliant!.......2000-06-24

"So Many Partings" was the first CD I heard by Silly Wizard, and I *had* to have it. The musicianship is marvelous on the instrumentals (Phil Cunningham has *got* to be the most amazing accordionist ever). However, it was Andy M. Stewart's voice and lyrics that really got hold of me and didn't let go. "The Valley of Strathmore" brought tears to my eyes upon the first listen ... incredibly beautiful ... and I am still known to shed a tear when I hear it again. I cannot recommend this CD highly enough to admirers of Celtic music.

Authentic, moving, exceptionally done!.......1999-02-18

This was the first Silly Wizard album I bought, and I never looked back. Authentic, in both content and instrumentation, this band was also wonderful and lively in concert. If you're into true Irish/Celtic folk music, this would make an excellent addition to any collection; if you're making a first-time step, walk this way!

Average customer rating: Listened after reading comments I AM PROCLAIMING Good music but over-produced... It grows and grows. Not their best but even slightly above average Proclaimers is better than most other band's records

Restless Soul The Proclaimers Manufacturer: Persevere Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Born Innocent The Best of The Proclaimers This Is the Story Persevere Hit the Highway ASIN: B000AMDKZ0 Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

1. When Love Struck You Down
2. Restless Soul
3. Turning Away
4. I'm Gone
5. That's Better Now
6. Everyday I Try
7. He Just Can't
8. Bound For Your Love
9. What I Saw In You
10. The One Who Loves You Now
11. She's Brighter
12. D.I.Y.
13. Now And Then
14. One More Down

Album Description

The songs on Restless Soul offer lyrics of uncommon honesty and depth and speak eloquently to listeners everywhere. According to Charlie, "When you become specific, you become universal. You write about your own life and make your own observations. People who worry too much about appealing to everybody miss the point. If you write sincerely, and identify with the feelings of other people, you'll catch the ears of people who want to go beyond our accents or our points of view, whether they're inside or outside of Scotland." About the Restless Soul title, Craig adds that it reflects how the Reid brothers see themselves. "I think the song 'Restless Soul' is about myself and other people who can't chill out and just sit back and relax and not worry about the next thing," he says. "The album continues what we have done in the past--traditional song structures and varied subject matter--but the production is slicker," continues Craig before pausing. "I never thought I would have used those words to describe a Proclaimers album. More time was taken over the arrangements and it's a bit more controlled than previous albums."

Restless Soul was recorded in London with producers Mark Wallis and David Ruffy, who have worked with the La's, the Smiths, U2, Talking Heads, Travis, the Go-Betweens, Rooster, the Ruts, Atzec Camera, Sinead O'Connor, Prefab Sprout, and Kirsty McColl. Craig and Charlie said, "We really enjoyed the experience, Mark and David were great to work with. Their technique for making the instruments sound big by recording them at a low volume was new to us and helped us develop as musicians in the studio. The atmosphere was very relaxed and we believe they got the best out of us and the other guys in the band." Joining the Reid brothers on the album are Stevie Christie on keyboards and accordion, Zac Ware on guitars and pedal steel, Ross McFarlane on drums, and Garry John Kane on bass.

Customer Reviews:

Listened after reading comments.......2007-07-17

I own Sunshine and have been to a live show. Incredible, both. I read the comments here and then listened to the samples. I can say that only one or two didn't grab me right off. I agree the production is a bit overdone, but the songs for the most part (well 20 seconds' worth)are great.

I AM PROCLAIMING.......2006-06-24

PLEASE DO NOT BE PUT OFF THIS PURCHASE BY THE REVIEWS AS I WAS AT FIRST.I DO LIKE THE PROCLAIMERS AND OWN ALL THEIR WORK BUT I FOUND PERSEVERE AND BORN INNOCENT TO HAVE THE GOOD AND THE UGLY,VERY FRUSTRAING.RESTLESS SOUL DOES NOT HAVE ONE SONG ON IT THAT I FEEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN CUT, THEIR FIRST CONSISTANT LP IN YEARS, NO CORNY SONGS THAT SOUND LIKE TV ADD BACKING NUMBERS.GREAT LYRICS WITH FANTASTIC PRODUCTION AND INTERESTING MUSIC.THIS IS THE BEST NEW PURCHASE SINCE I DISCOVERED MARTHA WAINWRIGHT, CANT STOP PLAYING IT, LOVED IT FIRST LISTEN AND CANT GET SICK OF IT.HI PRAISE FROM A VERY CRITICAL REVIEWER.

Good music but over-produced..........2005-10-23

The Proclaimers are one of our favorite duos. We eagerly awaited the release of this album, and went to see them on the release tour. They performed a number of songs from this release and we bought the CD immediately. We anticipated that the songs would sound differently live than on the album, but could not help but be a bit disappointed. The songs are well written and the album isn't bad, just over-produced. The vocals and harmonies that are the Reid's best asset are almost overwhelmed by the instrumentals laid down over the top. Previous recordings had an edge - anger, angst, passion, call it what you will - that is lacking in this most recent effort. The passion and edge were there in their live performance but, unlike previous efforts, failed to make the translation to CD.

It grows and grows........2005-10-12

I am a loyal fan. I have all their cd's and I can be objective. Some are better than others. You already know that Sunshine on Leith is a classic. Born Innocent is close behind. The new one, Restless Soul, is not a hit machine, but it is really, really good. When I first listened to it, I was let down. The songs are a bit deeper, less easily accessible. But that's what makes it worth the money. It's a book compared to a magazine. Takes effort but I rate it behind Sunshine now.

Not their best but even slightly above average Proclaimers is better than most other band's records.......2005-09-24

I'm a huge Proclaimers fan going back to when my friend Robert turned me onto them in 1989 or so. I've noticed that every time they put out a record, at first I'm tempted to call it their worst yet, but every time I listen to it, it gets better.

The Proclaimers have yet to put out a bad effort, but I would put this one in the category of "great" instead of "incredible". It's probably their second worst, behind Hit The Highway. While that may sound like criticism, it's not coming from me. I consider their first two albums, This Is The Story and Sunshine on Leith, along with their 4th and 5th, Persevere and Born Innocent, to be near perfect examples of great songwriting and singing.

The production on this one is a little slick, but after the raw Born Innocent, it's a nice change. The humor is still there, as are the catchy hooks.

In short, pick this one up, and give it 5 or 6 listens before judging it. Soon, you'll be singing along and wanting to see them live, where they really shine! Enjoy.

Average customer rating: Very Average White Band Album awb - latest and greatest It's cooool! A little bit of everything...check it out! Highlights Of The Later Years The Latest & Greatest?

Greatest & Latest The Average White Band Manufacturer: Liquid 8 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pickin' Up the Pieces: The Best of Average White Band (1974-1980) The Ultimate Collection Sooner or Later AWB Soul Searching ASIN: B0007ZEO28 Release Date: 2005-04-19

Tracks:

1. Spirit of Love (with Chaka Khan & Ronnie Laws)
2. Pick Up the Pieces
3. In The Beginning (live at the Mt. Fuji Festival, Japan)
4. Let's Go All the Way (with Chaka Khan)
5. I'll Get Over You
6. Love at First Sight (with Alex Ligertwood)
7. Every Beat of My Heart (with Klyde Jones)
8. When We Get Down To It
9. Oh, Maceo (live at the Fillmore Auditorium)
10. Do Ya Really
11. I Wanna Be Loved (featuring Daryl Hall)
12. Window to Your Soul
13. Living in Colour
14. Work to Do (Nu-Jazz Mix)
15. Love Won't Let Me Wait
16. Let's Go Round Again (live at The London Empire)

Product Description

1. Spirit Of Love (with Chaka Khan & Ronnie Laws)
2. Pick Up The Pieces (NuJazz Mix)
3. In The Beginning (live at the Mt. Fuji Festival, Japan)
4. Let's Go All The Way (with Chaka Khan)
5. I'll Get Over You
6. Love At First Sight (with Alex Ligertwood)
7. Every Beat Of My Heart (with Klyde Jones)
8. When We Get Down To It
9. Oh, Maceo (Live at the Fillmore Auditorium)
10. Do Ya Really
11. I Wanna Be Loved (featuring Daryl Hall)
12. Window To Your Soul
13. Living In Colour
14. Work To Do (with Klyde Jones)
15. Love Won't Let Me Wait
16. Let's Go Round Again (Live At The London Empire)

Format: CD

Amazon.com

Besides an excellent name, what Average White Band has going for it is timeless, grown-up funk. The trouble with Latest & Greatest, though, is that it cinches together a myopic sample. While the disc doesn't lack for length (16 tracks) or talent (in addition to the usual lineup, Chaka Khan and Daryl Hall step in for a couple of groovy joints) or special features (a bonus DVD is included), it's limited by the era it culls, 1989 to 2003. The AWB calling card "Pick Up the Pieces," presented in a "NuJazz" but still deeply satisfying mix, perks ears as early as track two, but by the time we reach "Do Ya Really" —does anybody remember "Do Ya Really?" —we can't help wishing the door to this best-of had been propped open wider, allowing entry to such earlier AWB staples as "Cut the Cake" and "Queen of My Soul." That said, somebody involved in this disc's sequencing was onto something: Midway through, when mild dissatisfaction is about to set in, the powerful grooviness of "Oh Maceo" —lookout —comes along to save the day. There's a track to prove that when you fortify the funk, all is forgiven. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Very Average White Band Album.......2005-09-06

The only song I liked was "Pick up the Pieces."
"Pick Up the Pieces" on the Kenny G Duets album with David Sanborn is a better version of this tune.

awb - latest and greatest.......2005-09-01

heard the "work to do" cut on the radio and had to explore further - was very surprised to find the rest of the album has new stuff in addition to some remakes of their good old stuff. Allan Gorrie's voice is still strong and it cares the album - I wish Hamish was back but you can't have everything. Overall, a great buy in that it's not just another mix of old stuff AWB is still alive and well!

It's cooool! A little bit of everything...check it out!.......2005-07-12

I love work to do & pick up the pieces...it's got a Jazzy new sound! Let's go aroung again live! among the other tunes...it's a real treat!

Highlights Of The Later Years.......2005-05-08

What the Amazon reviewer apparently didn't recognize is that this compilation isn't meant to be a career-ranging overview. Rather, it focuses on AWB II, the years when the band re-formed after breaking up. AWB I has been the focus of at least 7 different compilations at my last count. So, that compilation has been done to death. AWB II material has been released on a variety of labels (much of it hard to find), so its helpful to have the best of that material compiled onto a single disc. For the "average" fan that isn't interested in having it all, buy the two disc "In The Beginning" and "The Greatest & Latest" and you'll have everything that you need, other than "You're My Number One" from "Cupid's In Fashion".

The Latest & Greatest?.......2005-04-28

Overall Review

I have to admit that while I am a avid R & B, soul and especially funk fanatic there is always a special place in my musical tastes for this type of music. So, Average White Band, the guys responsible for the CLASSIC funk song "Pick Up The Pieces" fit well within that range. Their newest release, due April 19th, is Greatest and Latest. Well titled, the album is a collection of prime moments in their 16 year history along with a couple new tracks and a few unreleased live recordings. Honestly, it may be the funk leanings of my tastes, but they really seem to shine the best on the faster paced funk numbers. Still, even when the music doesn't gel as well as other times, it still works. The collection includes a bonus DVD (although my review copy did not - so I can't comment on that) and should make a great addition to the collection of AWB fans and fans of R & B and soulful funk in general.

Track by Track Review

Spirit of Love (with Chaka Khan & Ronnie Laws): With an acapella intro, this funky cut is a cool one that feels a little like The Doobie Brothers at times. It's poppy, but still has some meat to it. It has a very cool bridge and a rather electronic texture at time. This has a nice sax solo.


Pick Up the Pieces: This classic funk cut should be recognizable to everyone, and it still has it. The sax solo on this jazz inspired funk piece is exceptionally tasty.


In The Beginning (live at the Mt. Fuji Festival, Japan): A killer funk bass line starts this fast paced live jam. It includes a nice scat with the sax and the vocals following each other.


Let's Go All the Way (with Chaka Khan): This is a sultry jazzy ballad with a very cool vocal arrangement.


I'll Get Over You: This cut is rather generic with an '80's rock style. It has its moments, but is just a little too cliched.


Love at First Sight (with Alex Ligertwood): Another slower cut, this is a rather cool balladic groove.


Every Beat of My Heart (with Klyde Jones): This slow one is solid, but doesn't do much for me. Still the vocal arrangement is powerful.


When We Get Down To It: A mid tempo piece, this one has a cool groove, and is pretty potent.


Oh, Maceo (live at the Fillmore Auditorium): Another live one, horn starts this and the band join in for a killer funk grind. This jam is one of the strongest on the album.


Do Ya Really: Another killer funk groove; this also is a highlight of the collection. The horn section really smokes.


I Wanna Be Loved (featuring Daryl Hall): This is another slower cut, and quite soulful. It is better than some of the slower pieces on the album, and has a nice sax solo.


Window to Your Soul: Another slow one, this has a classic '70's R & B sound, funky and sultry. This one is very cool.


Living in Colour: With a rather Latin rhythm, this one is somewhat jazzy. It's not bad, but not the strongest material on show. The vocals are truly its saving grace.


Work to Do (Nu-Jazz Mix): Back into faster territory, this is another jazz-oriented cut. It is a fairly smooth and entertaining piece, although not a real standout.


Love Won't Let Me Wait: The slowest piece on the disc; this ballad is a bit weak.


Let's Go Round Again (live at The London Empire): Another live one, the funk lives again on this fast paced romp. This killer jam has a great arrangement, and while there are better choices for album closer, this works pretty well.

Average customer rating: The Drifters meet AWB!

Warmer Communications/Benny & Us The Average White Band Manufacturer: Sbme Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Feel No Fret/Shine Soul Searching Cut the Cake Person to Person Average White Band - Live at Montreux, 1977 ASIN: B0007M8HT2 Release Date: 2005-05-02

Tracks:

1. Your Love Is a Miracle
2. Same Feeling, Different Song
3. Daddy's All Gone
4. Big City Lights
5. She's a Dream
6. Warmer Communications
7. Price of a Dream
8. Sweet and Sour
9. One Look over My Shoulder (Is This Really Goodbye?)

Tracks:

1. Get It Up for Love
2. Fool for You Anyway
3. Star in the Ghetoo
4. Message
5. What Is Soul
6. Someday We'll All Be Free
7. Imagine
8. Keepin' It to Myself

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of Two Original LPs in a Double CD Package.

Customer Reviews:

The Drifters meet AWB!.......2007-05-16

A giant of a collaboration between R & B Titans. Ben E. King on lead vocal adds texture to the great AWB sound. A must for fans of both artists

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