The Sermon! [Original recording remastered]

Amazon.com
Jimmy Smith put the Hammond B-3 organ on the jazz map for good in the 1950s. The Sermon, dating from 1958, is among his best recordings, featuring the exceptional lineup of trumpeter Lee Morgan, altoist Lou Donaldson, tenorman Tina Brooks, guitarist Kenny Burrell, drummer Art Blakey, and others. Smith's smooth, vibratoless sound perfectly suits the nimble and prodding leads of the player as he touches on R&B, soul, blues and, of course, gospel. This brings us to "The Sermon," which is reason enough to seek this gem out. Smith's group takes the title tune out for a 20-minute, fully improvised, slow-blues stroll, during which each player shares the spotlight. The soul-stirring feeling set in motion by Smith rubs off on the other musicians to make this tune and album a defining moment in organ jazz, and even in soul music. The Sermon stands as a sparkling gem in the Rudy Van Gelder reissue series. --Tad Hendrickson

Product Description
The 20-minute title tune is a priceless meditation on the blues. Sidemen include Lee Morgan Lou Donaldson, Tina Brooks, Kenny Burrell and Art Blakey. This CD features the album in its original form.

LEE MORGAN, trumpet; LOU DONALDSON, GEORGE COLEMAN, alto saxophones; TINA BROOKS, tenor saxophone; KENNY BURRELL, EDDIE McFADDEN, guitars; JIMMY SMITH, organ; ART BLAKEY, DONALD BAILEY, drums.

The Sermon!,Jimmy Smith,Blue Note Records,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Mainstream Jazz,Pop,Soul-Jazz

Average customer rating: One of the greatest albums of all time interesting idea falls short Spectacular spellbinding Donkey Ride

The Sermon On Exposition Blvd. [Deluxe Limited Edition --- includes 5.1 SACD version and 40 minute DVD of making the record] Rickie Lee Jones Manufacturer: New West Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: West Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD) My Name Is Buddy Twelve A Tribute To Joni Mitchell ASIN: B000L211NW Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

1. Nobody Knows My Name
2. Gethsemane
3. Falling Up
4. Lamp Of My Body
5. It Hurts
6. Where I Like It Best
7. Tried To Be A Man
8. Circle In The Sand
9. Donkey Ride
10. 7th Day
11. Elvis Cadillac
12. Road To Emmaus
13. I Was There

Tracks:

1. How It All Began
2. Turn It Down
3. Late Night Song
4. Threat Of The Bomb
5. Tried To Be A Man
6. The Mystery Box
7. It Hurts
8. I Have Another Day
9. Caught Me In It's Ray
10. Haven't Had Anything To Eat Today
11. I Was There
12. CreditsBonus MP3s for download to MP3 player

Amazon.com

Fans of Rickie Lee Jones and Jesus Christ can decide whether this devotional music is rapturously spiritual or deliriously strange. It sounds like nothing Jones has previously released, or anything characterizable as contemporary Christian. Instead, her voice soars and wobbles through repetitive, stream-of-consciousness incantations over rhythmic throbs and pulses. On "Where I Like It Best," Jones testifies to the power of private prayer (while seeming to cast churchgoers as hypocrites). The feral distortions of "Tried to Be a Man" recall some of the textures (if not the themes) of her former boyfriend Tom Waits, while the acoustic setting of "Donkey Ride" features guitar tunings that might make Sonic Youth wince and "Elvis Cadillac" conjures a singular vision of heaven. At close to eight and a half minutes, the closing "I Was There" seems to follow Van Morrison into the mystic. Some of this music is oddly affecting; much of it is merely odd. --Don McLeese

Album Description

THE SERMON ON EXPOSITION BOULEVARD, the new album by Rickie Lee Jones and her first for New West Records, is a beauty--soul-satisfying and sonically unique. RICKIE LEE sounds completely tapped in, alive and vital, heading down some mighty interesting roads and discovering new magical essences. Lots of creative sparks here--plenty of them. She sounds like she's going through a transformation throughout the album in a way that's reminiscent of Van Morrison's performances on his classic album Astral Weeks.

This is the Special Edition of Rickie Lee Jones' new CD, Sermon On Exposition Boulevard. It contains an SACD version of the CD, with both a High Resolution Stereo and 5.1 Surround Mix. It includes a bonus DVD with 40 minutes of behind the scenes footage. Also included in this Special Edition are High Resolution MP3s of the entire CD to download to your favorite MP3 player, as well as an expanded booklet with extra photos, artwork and liner notes.

Customer Reviews:

One of the greatest albums of all time.......2007-07-06

This is one of the greatest albums of all time. With the wide range of feel, there should be a starting point for everyone. Then listen to the whole thing. Amazing!

interesting idea falls short.......2007-06-27

I felt the "Sermon" was a great idea.. the Gospel according to Rickie Lee. The lyrics are compelling and filled with that wonderful poignant, poetic Rickie Lee touch, but the music seemed like an afterthought. It just didn't interest me very much, and did not stay with me. the DVD was so boring, I couldn't get through the whole thing.
Maybe that was her idea, to just set a story to music, but I much prefer her other albums with songs that are memorable and singable.

Spectacular.......2007-06-24

I have been listening to this album since January and I must say I am as entranced by it now as I was on the first listen. This album is raw, passionate, thought-provoking and inspiring- like great music should be.
I am not religious or spiritual but this album speaks to me like no other release this year.
Rickie Lee Jones fans should love it and I only hope that people not previously exposed to this extraordinary musician will take a chance on this CD. You will not be disappointed.

spellbinding.......2007-05-23

If the number of plays on my iPod is a sign, this is my favorite RLJ CD in many years. I've bought and liked everything she's put out, but this one...well, it's not the type of CD you can immediately and easily figure out. It's musically and lyrically different than anything she's done in the past. But it's the type of CD that compels you to play it often to investigate the mystery. It draws you in. I keep going back to it. It reminds me of David Bowie's Low or Neil Young or Lou Reed, a complex work done out of the comfort zone, not done with great commercial expectations that turns out to be a mighty work of art. I really can't explain much about it lyrically and don't know exactly what she's aiming for, but I am thrilled and moved trying to figure it out. Also, the computer sound files are of great quality that puts iTunes to shame.

Donkey Ride.......2007-05-19

When this CD was released, I ran out & bought it as soon as it hit the store shelves in our town. I read a glowing review that told me Rickie Lee was exploring spiritual themes on a very different disc. I opted for the DVD 2-disc version. First, I watched the DVD. I think this DVD would be good for musicians looking to see how a seasoned veteran works in the studio. We see Rickie in very informal attire looking like a working musician. It's not particularly entertaining, however. Perhaps watching her in concert performing this set would have had more polish. It is neat to see Rickie in her home office where she obviously works, but the song takes are not entrancing. The material on the disc has grown on me. I think I would describe the material more as "religious" rather than "spiritual." There isn't a lot here about values or lessons. This is more like a Jesus biography. On one of the more accessible tracks, "Elvis Cadillac," Rickie Lee free associates with her strumming putting a smile on your face, "Standing in the doorway, I'm happy living here. Everyone tries so hard to sing a song no one can hear." "Circle in the Sand" is probably the best song that stands alone on its own with its driving beat and Rickie's expressive vocals, "When an angel picked me up, she called my name; There is charity, but says power, money & fame." Much of the rest of the disc is enjoyable, but rather formless. "It Hurts" & "Donkey Ride" do hurt to listen to. While I enjoy Rickie Lee's thematic exploration, the music just doesn't work very well. Rickie Lee is a terrific singer. I'm glad to have this chapter of her work, but it won't be the one that goes into the changer frequently. The DVD may never be seen again. Taxi.

Average customer rating: jangly unpleasant On this one she soars The Reverend Rickie Only buy it for the packaging..... Grunge meets Gospel Beat Poetry-- For Jones SuperFans Only

The Sermon On Exposition Blvd. [Fold-out Digipak with 14 page booklet] Rickie Lee Jones Manufacturer: New West Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Garage Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: West Twelve Sweet Warrior Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits Sky Blue Sky ASIN: B000L211NM Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

1. Nobody Knows My Name
2. Gethsemane
3. Falling Up
4. Lamp Of The Body
5. It Hurts
6. Where I Like It Best
7. Tried To Be A Man
8. Circle In The Sand
9. Donkey Ride
10. 7th Day
11. Elvis Cadillac
12. Road To Emmaus
13. I Was There

Amazon.com

Fans of Rickie Lee Jones and Jesus Christ can decide whether this devotional music is rapturously spiritual or deliriously strange. It sounds like nothing Jones has previously released, or anything characterizable as contemporary Christian. Instead, her voice soars and wobbles through repetitive, stream-of-consciousness incantations over rhythmic throbs and pulses. On "Where I Like It Best," Jones testifies to the power of private prayer (while seeming to cast churchgoers as hypocrites). The feral distortions of "Tried to Be a Man" recall some of the textures (if not the themes) of her former boyfriend Tom Waits, while the acoustic setting of "Donkey Ride" features guitar tunings that might make Sonic Youth wince and "Elvis Cadillac" conjures a singular vision of heaven. At close to eight and a half minutes, the closing "I Was There" seems to follow Van Morrison into the mystic. Some of this music is oddly affecting; much of it is merely odd. --Don McLeese

Album Description

THE SERMON ON EXPOSITION BOULEVARD, the new album by Rickie Lee Jones and her first for New West Records, is a beauty--soul-satisfying and sonically unique. RICKIE LEE sounds completely tapped in, alive and vital, heading down some mighty interesting roads and discovering new magical essences. Lots of creative sparks here--plenty of them. She sounds like she's going through a transformation throughout the album in a way that's reminiscent of Van Morrison's performances on his classic album Astral Weeks.

Customer Reviews:

jangly unpleasant.......2007-07-03

I love rickie's music, especially "evening" and "traffic", even "ghostyhead" is more palatable than this mess. Maybe it's the obnoxious music that is obscuring the usual beauty of her voice and poetry... I don't know. It is harder to find the moments of beauty and cohesion in this album than to sit through drunken kareoke. Even amazon's attempt at offering soundbytes with selling points is rough. I guess I'll just do as another reviewer is, stash this unpleasantness and await her next recording.

On this one she soars.......2007-05-19

I always considered Rickie to be a rawer Joni Mitchell. As Courtney Love is a rawer Madonna. But too often she seemed unfocused and distracted.

On this one Rickie shines! This is the high mark of her career so far. Through all the drug hazed days and aimless wandering she's seen the light.

If you never listen to another Rickie album, at least give this one a try.

Falling Up is the song I can't get out of my head.
It Hurts and Elvis Cadillac are other catchy pop tunes.
Nobody Knows My Name and Gethseme are haunting tunes.

The Reverend Rickie.......2007-05-11

Two and one-half stars. I've been a fan of RLJ from her first single, but her albums have always fallen into one of two categories for me: the ones I play all the way through ("Rickie Lee Jones", "Traffic From Paradise", "It's Like This"), and the ones I take a song or two from for the Rickie Lee playlist on my iPod ("The Magazine", "Flying Cowboys"). "The Sermon" falls into the latter category. "Chuck E" aside, hooky pop ditties have never been RLJ's strong suit -- even considering that, "The Sermon" is a tough listen, and is only intermittently worth the effort. After several listens, I am still looking for the songs. I know you're not Avril Levigne, Rickie, but give me something to hang onto here! Her talk-sung sermonette on prayer, "Where I Like It Best", brings tears every time I hear it, on sheer force of emotional authenticity: she exhorts the listener to "take back" prayer from organized religion, to look up and shout "I'm down here, too! I'm down here, too!", and it's goose bump material. "Elvis Cadillac" is a funky hipster vision of the afterlife, and you can't help but smile. But those two songs and the occasional inspired line ("Riding into town on your donkey/But you're going out on a cross") notwithstanding, much of "The Sermon" is jangly accompaniment to a poetry reading.

Only buy it for the packaging............2007-05-09

Talk about one-hit wonders. This disc was so discordant that I could only stand about one-half of one song before I shut it off and hid it away, just in case one of my kids tried to play it someday. Even the lyrics were self-indulgent. When will indies understand that there must be SOMETHING for another HUMAN BEING to connect with, whether it be the music or the words. Don't make us work so hard to like you, Rikkie.

Grunge meets Gospel Beat Poetry-- For Jones SuperFans Only.......2007-05-05

I can respect the artistic integrity of something and still not care to listen to it...Such is the case with this release. It sounds as if Rickie Lee Jones is channeling Allen Ginsburg (if he had stumbled into an evangelical meeting), backed by some teenagers having their third garage band rehearsal. The sound is raw, the melodies often sparse, and in short, nothing like you would find on something like "Traffic from Paradise". If free form grunge or religious theme experiments are your bag, knock yourself out, but for me, I'll put "Stewarts Coat" back on my stereo, wish I'd been more careful before I spent money on this, and wait for her next release.

Average customer rating: cathedral of pines Smith with something to say! TwoThirds Excellant Preach On Superb Combo Music

The Sermon! Jimmy Smith Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Back at the Chicken Shack Midnight Special Root Down The Sidewinder Cool Blues ASIN: B00004X0QK Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. The Sermon
2. J.O.S.
3. Flamingo

Amazon.com

Jimmy Smith put the Hammond B-3 organ on the jazz map for good in the 1950s. The Sermon, dating from 1958, is among his best recordings, featuring the exceptional lineup of trumpeter Lee Morgan, altoist Lou Donaldson, tenorman Tina Brooks, guitarist Kenny Burrell, drummer Art Blakey, and others. Smith's smooth, vibratoless sound perfectly suits the nimble and prodding leads of the player as he touches on R&B, soul, blues and, of course, gospel. This brings us to "The Sermon," which is reason enough to seek this gem out. Smith's group takes the title tune out for a 20-minute, fully improvised, slow-blues stroll, during which each player shares the spotlight. The soul-stirring feeling set in motion by Smith rubs off on the other musicians to make this tune and album a defining moment in organ jazz, and even in soul music. The Sermon stands as a sparkling gem in the Rudy Van Gelder reissue series. --Tad Hendrickson

Album Description

The 20-minute title tune is a priceless meditation on the blues. Sidemen include Lee Morgan Lou Donaldson, Tina Brooks, Kenny Burrell and Art Blakey. This CD features the album in its original form.

LEE MORGAN, trumpet; LOU DONALDSON, GEORGE COLEMAN, alto saxophones; TINA BROOKS, tenor saxophone; KENNY BURRELL, EDDIE McFADDEN, guitars; JIMMY SMITH, organ; ART BLAKEY, DONALD BAILEY, drums.

Customer Reviews:

cathedral of pines.......2007-07-19

this is nice and easy, no fireworks, no stellar solo performances. a lineup of superb players, art blakey, one of my favorite tenor players, george coleman, lee morgan. jimmy smith is muted here, if an organ can be said to be muted, his organ is the wind blowing among the pines. and what a distinctive sound, no organist since has come close to jimmy smith's style.

at twenty minutes, the title piece, the sermon, when recorded, i would believe, was the first composition on a jazz recording over twenty minutes.

Smith with something to say!.......2007-05-05

On the back cover of this Rudy Van Gelder edition of "The Sermon" is a picture of Smith hammering it out on the organ with energetic emotion written on his face. The epical title track makes it clear Jimmy Smith had a lot to say on this date, a sermon that lasts just over 20 minutes time. This is a bluesy blowing session for the history books on par with another Blue Note release from Smith, 1960's "Back at the Chicken Shack". The legendary Art Blakey keeps his reputably upbeat shuffle beats throughout the tracks he appears on, and Lee Morgan equally gives his all on trumpet.

Lou Donaldson and Jimmy Smith formed a solid fit whenever they performed together, because musically they could feel the other's direction and style in a way that is rare musically. The remastering this album received, as is the case with all the albums reissued by Blue Note in the Rudy Van Gelder series, has been remastered at a 24-bit resolution by Van Gelder himself. The sound quality and clarity is perfect on these tracks, and the music is topnotch, to boot! Buy "The Sermon" today.

Personnel:

Lee Morgan (trumpet)
Lou Donaldson, George Coleman (alto saxophone)
Tina Brooks (tenor saxophone)
Kenny Burrell, Eddie McFadden (guitars)
Jimmy Smith (organ)
Art Blakey, Donald Bailey (drums)

Producer: Alfred Lion
Label: Blue Note
Dates: August 25, 1957 & February 25, 1958
Remaster: 2000; 24-bit

TwoThirds Excellant.......2007-02-06

In my opinion Jimmy Smith is among a handfull of the greatest jazz artists in history. The Sermon presented two gutbucket oldies, my favorites, but one fast-paced arrangement they call fusion and it turns me right off. Two thirds of the album are excellant.

Preach On.......2005-12-02

The Sermon by Jimmy Smith is majestic with breathtaking harmony. The originally recording was recorded on vinyl in 1957. The album displays the days past when artist weren't afraid to just play and do what felt good without time constraints. It takes you on a musical wave from the fast moving beats in THE SERMON to THE JOS which melodic to THE FLAMINGO which slow loving tempos.

Superb Combo Music.......2005-08-21

I had read a previous review of Jimmy Smith in Esquire and had to get this disc. It is great for sitting around with some friends, drinks, and grooving to the band. The band is very tight, and the disc is over way too soon. I have to get more!

Average customer rating: THIS IS MUSIC TOO YA EARS Good Music 3rd solo from one of Hip-Hop's pioneers is worthy of 4.5 stars REAL HIP-HOP bangin my head to this is easy

Music Erick Sermon Manufacturer: J-Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Double or Nothing React Chilltown, New York Insomnia: Erick Sermon Compilation No Pressure ASIN: B00005OAKM Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

1. Rapture
2. It's Nuttin'
3. Come Thru
4. Music
5. Skit I
6. Now What's Up
7. I'm That N***A
8. Genius E Dub
9. Skit II
10. Ain't No Future...2001
11. Do-Re-Mi
12. I'm Hot
13. Up Them Thangs
14. The Sermon
15. Skit III
16. Music (Remix)

Customer Reviews:

THIS IS MUSIC TOO YA EARS.......2006-07-15

THIS DISC IS FIRE I REMEMBER WHEN THIS CAME OUT BUT HAD A HARD TIME FINDING IT IN CERTAIN STORES BUT OTHER THAN THAT ITS A BANGER. EVERY SONG IS PRETTY TIGHT OR NEAR CLASSIC EVEN THE GUESTS SHINE NICELY.

FAVORITE TRACKS:
1)MUSIC F/MARVIN GAYE
2)MUSIC REMIX F/REDMAN & KEITH MURRAY
3)I'M HOT
4)THE SERMON

Good Music.......2006-04-03

Prolly my favorite Erick Sermon album...

All the tracks are good or better... The Sermon is a deeper track about Erick's attempted Suicide, and real recogniz real... Good stuff...

3rd solo from one of Hip-Hop's pioneers is worthy of 4.5 stars.......2005-11-04

6 years since his last solo, the Green Eyed Bandit is back with his best solo album of his first 5, getting 4.5 stars. Being in the rap game for almost 15 years when this was released, he reamained quiet for some time and then released the single "Music" f/ Marvin Gaye and put him back in people's talk as it's one of my all time favorites. With 12 songs, it has 1 classic, 1 near classic, 3 ok songs and the other 7 are tight, no bad ones on here. Guests rap on 5 songs (1 Erick isn't on) and do the hook on a few others. Production is great, nice and funky, mostly handled by the Fuinklord himself (Rockwilder does 1 song, Erick Sermon does the other 11). A must have hip-hop album in in truest form from one of raps greats.

#2 - 8.5 (f/ Daytona & Khari -- nice beat)
#3 - 8 (nice beat)
#4 - 11 (CLASSIC -- f/ Marvin Gaye -- great beat and lyrics about how music makes you feel)
#6 - 8 (f/ Redman, Keith Murray & Sy Scott)
#7 - 7
#8 - 8.5 (f/ Olivia -- nice upbeat track)
#10 - 9 (tight beat)
#11 - 9 (f/ some more pioneers of hip-hop -- Scarface & LL Cool J -- tight beat)
#12 - 7.5 (f/ Marvin Gaye)
#13 - 9.5 (great gangsta track -- f/ Caddilac Tah & Keith Murray -- tight beat)
#14 - 7.5
#16 - 9 (Redman, Keith Murray & Marvin Gaye -- no Erick Sermon -- nice beat)

Erick Sermon -- b. 11/25/68 -- Brentwood, Long Island, NY

Check all my reviews

REAL HIP-HOP.......2004-03-02

this c.d is off the hook, this guy u can tell has been in the game a while, i mean this is true hip-hop awsome beats and nona a that "gangsta" junk throw around in mainstream rap, if u wanna buy a c.d that u'll love get this album, and even if you dont want it dont throw yo money away on nelly or eminem for the sake of hip-hop dont do it!

bangin my head to this is easy.......2002-11-28

man,this is the tightness!aint no future,doremi,its nuttin,all those tracks.erick sermon's music is something that needs to spin in your player.redman's on a bunch of tracks,and that right there makes those tracks awesome,cuz you know he's one of the tops.good beats and rhymes.if he keeps releasing cds like this w/bangin tracks and really good guest artist people like me 'll just keep playin it.

Average customer rating: Killa Debut From E-Dubbsta It's just aiight, nothing like the classic EPMD joints............ Hot debut! Heavy on the beats! Solid 1st solo from E-Dub Heeeeeeey, eeeerick seeeermon, heeeeey

No Pressure Erick Sermon Manufacturer: Def Jam ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Double or Nothing Insomnia: Erick Sermon Compilation The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World El Niño Def Squad Presents Erick Onasis ASIN: B0000024J3 Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Payback II
3. Stay Real
4. Imma Gitz Mine
5. Hostile
6. Do It Up
7. Safe Sex
8. Hittin' Switches
9. Intro
10. Erick Sermon
11. The Hype
12. Lil Craz
13. The Ill Shit
14. Swing It Over Here
15. Interview
16. All In The Mind
17. Female Species

Customer Reviews:

Killa Debut From E-Dubbsta.......2007-04-02

Erick Sermon brings heat on his first solo after EPMD split. 1993's No Pressure has a lot going for it. He may have competition in the MC department, but the production is what we like most about his albums. The beats are simply immaculate. I love the East-West collabo with Kam and Ice Cube, on "The Ill S---;" the title is self explanatory with each givin' A-1 performances rippin the mic to shreds, and the beat suits each one's styles well. All 3 have aawesome chemistry together. I love the Zapp and Roger samples on tracks like "Stay Real" where u can hear Roger's talk box sampled in the hook. Redman and Keith Murray make appearances, and that just adds to the entertainment. All in all, simply, this album slaps all the way thru!

It's just aiight, nothing like the classic EPMD joints...................2006-12-30

Erick succeeds in proving that he could sustain a career past his EPMD days, but that's about it. His glory days will always be when he paired with the "Microphone Doctor" Parrish Smith.

Top Joints:
Stay Real
Hostile (Keith Murray's debut)
Hittin Switches
All In the Mind

Hot debut! Heavy on the beats! .......2006-06-19

I still remember Erick Sermon's first album, especially the blistering basslines in Stay Real. Sermon lashes at fake rappers who don't back up what they say. This song just jumps at you at first listen, as it has this funky, ballistic sound. Erick must have had the keyboards really revved up on this song--it's still one of my favorite solo songs from him! And once again, like in EPMD, Zapp and Roger Troutman are heavy sampled on this song. Also, another number, Hittin' Switches, has this truck-speakers blasting kind of music and beats as it leaps and bounces up and down in the chorus. He even lashes at his ex-EPMD member Parrish Smith, without saying his name on the song. The rest of the album is strong, as he has Redman and a group he found, Shadez of Lingo featured on some songs. Sermon proves that he could do it on his own outside of EPMD. His later albums got better.

Solid 1st solo from E-Dub.......2005-11-04

After EPMD broke up Erick went solo and did it right. Of his 4 solo albums I have ( I don't have "Double or Nothing") this is probably tied for my 2nd favorite (with "Chilltown NY"). With 14 songs, 5 are ok, 8 are good, and 1 is almost a classic, no classics or bad ones. Guests rap on 6 songs and he showcases his Def Squad crew, and guests also do 2 hooks. Production is off the wall for a '94 release, as Sermon does all the production (he co-produces one of them). His lyrics aren't the beat as we all know, but the beats wil make you bop your head all day long. A great album for his fans or fans of true old school hip-hop to have.

#2 - 9 (f/ Joe Synystr -- tight beat)
#3 - 9 (tight beat)
#4 - 8
#5 - 9.5 (f/ Keith Murray -- great beat)
#6 - 7.5 (nice beat)
#7 - 8 (dirty song -- f/ Debra Killings -- nice beat)
#8 - 8.5 (tight beat)
#10 - 8
#11 - 7.5 (f/ Derrick Culbreath)
#12 - 7.5 (f/ Shadz of Lingo -- nice beat)
#13 - 8.5 (f/ Ice Cube & Kam -- tight beat)
#14 - 8.5 (f/ Redman & Keith Murray)
#16 - 7 (f/ Soup)
#17 - 6.5 (another dirty song)

Erick Sermon -- b. 11/25/68 -- Brentwood, Long Island, NY
Check all my reviews

Heeeeeeey, eeeerick seeeermon, heeeeey.......2005-06-16

After the break up it was clear that erick wasn't going out the game and showed he had what it takes with this release. He made his onw beats and done them well. He had a style that you could tell from anyone because of his voice and the way he flowed. He started up def squad also produced for redman, keith murray, jamal and others. Although he started the hit squad with parrish smith and redman, das efx and k-solo were on there, redman joined ericks def squad. Anyway, this album is tight and has some really nice tracks that bring back memories everytime you hear it becaue it's a classic. I like ericks flow, it's strange, I don't know if he's trying to be serious or not, but it sounds like just fun and not too hard but works excellent with his production. So, if you want a classic album that is from the the time when hip hop was alive and real get this, and also get the untcouchable 'double or nothing' too, one of my favourites. Peace!

Average customer rating: Good Stuff from Lacrimosa

Stille Lacrimosa Manufacturer: Hall of Sermon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Switzerland | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Inferno Lichtgestalt Satura Angst Echos ASIN: B000024GHM Release Date: 2006-03-28

Tracks:

1. Der Erste Tag
2. Not Every Pain Hurts
3. Siehst Du Mich Im Licht?
4. Deine Nahe
5. Stolzes Herz
6. Mein Zweites Herz
7. Make It End
8. Die Strasse Der Zeit

Customer Reviews:

Good Stuff from Lacrimosa.......2007-04-18

Lacrimosa was one of the groups that I had tested early on and had dismissed. Perhaps I had downloaded one or two of their worst songs but more likely my taste had evolved in the next two years. Any way, a couple months ago I was placing a large order with a distributor and on a lark I decided to give ole Lacrimosa a shot and I ordered what I believe is their fourth studio album, Inferno.

Lacrimosa

Lacrimosa is a German duo consisting of Tilo Wolff and Ann Nurmi formed in 1990. They have started their own record label, Hall of Sermon and have managed to produce eight studio albums, six EPs and one Live album in that time.

Lacrimosa's music is dark, melodious, ambient and symphonic in what could be described as Darkwave / Doom metal with forays into progressive, even heavy metal. Wolff seems to be the creative force and he is creative and prolific having fifteen releases in twelve years. Wolff and Nurmi share the vocal duties with Wolff doing approximately two thirds of the vocals, despite the fact that Nurmi's voice is much better. Tilo and Ann make a striking couple, they act like a couple, I'm sure they're a couple. Tilo with his Prince style 17th century clothes and two toned hair and Ann with her pretty, full, low cut, always black dresses present a royal appearance as if they the King and Queen of Goth or better yet the Vampires. Of course sometimes Ann appears in sexy under clothes and leather like a Dominatrix.

But don't let their appearance scare you. This couple play music suitable for a Symphonic Hall. In fact their 2003 release, Echoes, sounds like that's exactly where it came from.

I won't kid anyone, Lacrimosa is not for everyone. It's not accessible, Wolff's voice is barely average, they sing in German and the music is not particularly beautiful as say Therion. It is, however, extremely catchy, loaded with hooks, haunting and generally captivating, plus the music is somewhat varied and there's one song that even sounds like Metallica

Lacrimosa uses guest musicians for their recording sessions and on the more recent albums have utilized the symphonic orchestras. On Stille they used the Bamberker Symphonic Orchestra and Deutsche Lunkewitz SängerInnen (German Lunkewitz Singers). Each succeeding album seems to get more complicated, lush and at times Bombastic.

I might add too, that Lacrimosa is quite generous with this album running over 70 minutes in length. Just think you could start this album in your Cd player and go do your weekly grocery shopping and put your groceries away to the last 15 or twenty minutes. Why would you want to do this? I don't know, but you could.

Stille

Song / Track List

1) Der Erste Tag 10:09 5 stars
2) Not Every Pain Hurts 5:19 4 stars
3) Siehst di mich im Licht 8:18 5 stars
4) Deine Nahe 11:00 4 1/2 star
5) Stolzes Herz 8:45 4 1/2 star
6) Mein Zweites Herz 6:52 4 stars
7) Make it End 6:03 5 stars
8) Die Strasse der Zeit 14:42 5 1/2 stars*

*you've heard athletes say they gave 110% and you say to yourself, how do you give 110%? Well they gave 110%. You try making a 14 minute masterpiece.

"Der Erste Tag" opens with the symphonic orchestra playing very pretty classical style music. Tilo and Ann perform a duet to backing choirs and some heavy metal parts at about the 4 minute mark. this song has progressive intensities as well as tendencies and it seems like three or four songs in one neat package

"Siehst du mich im Licht" Tilo and Ann start out sharing vocals on this catchy up tempo rock sounding number as the orchestra stays in the background except, for highlights and vocal breaks. Eventually Tilo takes over vocals

"Deine Nahe" Has a heavy metal beginning with a medium slow pace and intermittently throughout the first half of the song with Tilo singing and then the pace doubles then goes back again and back again (what do you expect on an eleven minute song) Some great piano and guitar solos in the last three minutes. A metal lovers dream.

"Stotzes Herz" this song bounces all over the place. It starts out slow and melodic with Tilo's Sonny Bono quality voice then picks up to slow medium pace then gets ethereal and electronic at the 4 minute mark and my goodness, heavy metal at the 5:30 mark leading to an marching pace uptempo climax.

"Mein Zweites Herz" starts slowly then builds up to a nice orchestra portion then a reflective portion with an organ, Tilo is the Vocalist in moderation as this is heavily instumentalized.

"Make It End" the other song with English lyrics, a rather clever rock/metal beginning with Tilo and Ann both handling the vocals.

"Die Strasse der Zeit" I'm not even going to describe this song. It is fourteen minutes of lush, bombastic, heavily orchestrated, catchy melodies. wonderful piano and violin. I'm in awe! This is genius!

Conclusion

The trouble with describing these songs is they change so much, not from song to song but within each song. This is wonderful to listen to but a challenge to characterize.

As I earlier stated Lacrimosa is not for everybody and it may also be an acquired taste. An interesting thing about this music is it doesn't demand your attention. It works very nicely as background music.

Similar Artists

Therion, Nightwish, Weltenbrand, Das Vebannter Kinder Evas, Dark Sanctuary

Average customer rating: Solid 5th solo from E-Dub Good Hip Hop soo spicy! Take It For What It Is! Must buy!

Chilltown, New York Erick Sermon Manufacturer: Motown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: React Music Insomnia: Erick Sermon Compilation Double or Nothing He's Keith Murray ASIN: B00029CWV4 Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

1. Home (Intro)
2. Wit Ee's
3. Relentless
4. Jackin' for Rhymes (Skit)
5. Street Hop - Redman, Erick Sermon,
6. Chillin' - Talib Kweli, Erick Sermon, Whip Montez
7. Like Me
8. Matrix (Skit)
9. God Sent
10. I'm Not Him
11. MC One Bar (Skit)
12. Feel It
13. Future Thug - 11/29, Redman, Erick Sermon
14. Do You Know - Dahlia Anderson, Erick Sermon
15. Listen
16. Hip Hop (Skit)
17. Can You Hear Me Now
18. Bandlink

Customer Reviews:

Solid 5th solo from E-Dub.......2005-11-06

19 months since his last album, the Green Eyed Bandit is back with another solid solo album. Not his best solo, but not his worst, Chilltown is right in the middle. Only 12 songs, 1 is a classic, 5 are ok, and the other 6 are good, no bad ones. Guests rap on 4 songs so you get to hear what the Fiunklord has to say, and he addresses some issues on hip-hop's bad state at the moment. For the production, he went back to his old formula (that made us all love him in the first place) and did every song on here and he did a great job (as usual) with the beats. A great album for his fans to have or people who want to hear from a real pioneer of hip-hop who has been around for over 16 years.

#2 - 7
#3 - 8
#5 - 7.5 (f/ Redman & tre)
#6 - 8.5 (f/ Talib Kweli & Whip Montez -- tight beat)
#7 - 7.5 (f/ Sy Scott & Khari)
#9 - 9 (nice beat)
#10 - 7.5
#12 - 8.5 (f/ Sy Scott & Sean Paul -- nice beat)
#13 - 7.5
#14 - 8 (f/ Dahlia Anderson)
#15 - 8
#17 - 10 (CLASSIC -- great view of how hip-hop is now -- great beat too)

Erick Sermon -- b. 11/25/68 -- Brentwood, Long Island, NY
Check all my reviews

Good Hip Hop.......2005-07-31

Erick Sermon comes back with an album that i listen to all the time. It is a funny album that attacks the state of rap today and most of the attacks are very true in todays rap music. These are also some of the best beats sermon has done in awhile. My favorits include Street Hop, Relentless, Chillin', God Sent, and Can You Hear Me Now. Go pick up this underrated album now.

soo spicy!.......2005-03-01

Now,the young crew out there have to learn to recognize great music! This CD is so pure undiluted rap music! Played this over and over when I bought it.
This cd has one of the funniest skits I have ever heard!!! I would not spoil it for you,go get it and you'd agree!

Take It For What It Is!.......2005-01-18

I have always been a fan of Epmd, and somewhat of a bigger fan of Erick Sermon. However Erick is no Nas, or Kweli, this man isn't exactly a lyrical genius. The appeal of E-Dub is the Beats!!! No matter what this man does his tracks are Bangin and they always have been, His beats are always Tight! I think to many people expect him to rhyme better but he is just givin you sumpin to ride his beats. He is not a lyricist by trade and once you accept that and just let the hot beats under your skin your lovin all his tracks. Now I'm not sayin his lyrics aint tight hes doin better then 70% of the game out there right now when it comes to writin im just sayin you buy an Erick Sermon Album for the beats like you'd buy a Talib Kweli Album for the lyrics. Simple As That! Redman, Kweli, and newcomer Sy Scott all have guest appearences on Chilltown and they all shine and hold there own over the masterfully crafted beats! This is another great album from The Man They Call "E". This album is not as good as his 2001 release "Music" However it is far superior to "React". Any fans of Epmd or Erick Sermon Pick Up "Chilltown New York".

Must buy!.......2005-01-08

This album is like none other. I am very picky when it comes to the package of lyrics, beats, colaborations, and meaning, and this album covers it all. All it took was one listen to this cd and I was hooked. I think that everyone should evperience this album and buy one for their friends!

Average customer rating: 2 songs = 2 stars 6 Billion Feet Beneath, Where The Def Squad Dwells... {4 Stars} very underated album ILL not too good

Insomnia: Erick Sermon Compilation Various Artists Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Double or Nothing No Pressure Enigma Def Squad Presents Erick Onasis El Niño ASIN: B000001Y1W Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

1. Intro - Various Artists
2. Funkorama - Redman
3. The Vibe - Xross-Breed
4. As The... - Passion
5. Beez Like That (Sometimes) - Jamal And Calif
6. It's That Hit - Keith Murray
7. Up Jump The Boogie - The Wixtons
8. Caller's Interlude - Various Artists
9. I Feel It - L.O.D.
10. On The Regular - Duo
11. Fear - Tommy Gunn
12. Ready For War - Domo
13. Reign - Erick Sermon

Customer Reviews:

2 songs = 2 stars.......2006-11-18

Red's Funkorama and Keith's This That Ish. That's about it.

6 Billion Feet Beneath, Where The Def Squad Dwells... {4 Stars}.......2006-06-28

Sleep if you want to, but this a seriously ill album. Erick Sermon shows why he is one of the best producers in hip hop history with albums like this. Even the tracks where the MC isn't all that great, the Green Eyed Bandit's production keeps your ears glued to the stereo speakers. Bangers like "The Vibe", "Reign", "On The Regular", "Fear" (R.I.P. Tommy Gunn), and "I Feel It" are tight vintage tracks from the Def Squad crew. "Funkorama" and "It's That Hit" are timeless, classic Funklord productions that take this album from good to great. Even the WFDS interludes are on point.

There are a few passable tracks, but not many. "Up Jumps The Boogie" suffers from sleep inducing production while "Ready For War" is hindered by Domo's weak lyrics. I'm not sure how many people remember Keith Murray's single "Get Lifted", but that single contained a b-side called "Pay Per View" that featured LBM, Passion, and Kel Vicious. On "As The..." Passion rehashes lyrics from that song (which is probably her best verse ever) and it brings nothing fresh to the table (though the beat, again, is superb) and makes things kind of boring. Don't get me wrong, Passion is nice, but she could've come more creative than that. And maybe I'm trippin', but I thought "Beez Like That" was definitely skip material.

When it's all said and done, cats will remember Erick Sermon as one of the best producers in hip hop history. When I look back at this album, I feel like it's the perfect representation of the Funk Lord's sound -- bass heavy, rugged, smoked out funk (even though Redman and Rockwilder do lend production assistance). Amazon is selling this album for a penny. I'd take advantage of anyone foolish enough to sell at that price and snatch this one up. Highly recommended.

Standout Tracks: Reign, Funkorama (My Favorite), Fear, It's That Hit, The Vibe, On The Regular, and I Feel It

very underated album.......2005-09-06

this album was released in 1996, this is the type of album you would play only at night when cruisin' in your car or when the sunset come or the sun rises. this album has very dark production from erick sermon and some of best beats.If you like mid 90's east coast hip hop then this is 4 you. i'll review the songs for you.

1.Intro- it's just radio personality cherry martinez talking about redman's new single funkorama.(produced by redman) (co-produced by erick sermon)(3/5)
2.Funkorama- hot single, the video for it is just straight hood. this to me is one of redman best songs that he put out.(5/5)
3.The Vibe- good song by cross-breed. he also appears on case closed on redman's muddy waters album. (produced by redman)(5/5)
4. As The...- hot beat by erick sermon. rapper passion ripping the song to bits.very lyrical. (produced by erick sermon) (5/5)
5.Beez Like That- a song by jamal and calif, jamal very lyrical, he also released his first album last chances,no breaks. he was also in the teenage group illegal. the beats ok it's erick's best. (produced by erick sermon).(4/5)
6.It's That Hit- a hot song by keith murray when he was good until he fell off.the only thing that bothered me about this so ng is that it's edited for some reason.plus he was in trouble around this time for hitting a fan with a barstool across the face.damn keith you're a angry brother,chill.(4/5) (produced by erick sermon). (4/5).
7.Up Jump The Boogie- a hot song by a unknown group called the wixton's. they can flow and the beat fits them. i love beats like this.erick should of still make beats like this but he kind of fell off too on the beats. (produced by erick sermon). (5/5).
8.Caller's Interlude- it's just cherry martinez answering phone calls and redman calls and gives shout outs and erick sermon also calls and give shout outs. nothing special. (3/5).
9.I Feel It- A hot song by keith murray's click L.O.D. one of the hottest song on the album. hard drums and a haunting trumpet chord the one you would here on oz when someone dies. dark beat.(5/5) (produced by erick sermon)
10.On The Regular- a song by duo, believe to be erick sermon's sister and her partner t-man, she's not bad, a nice dark beat, it's alright nothing special.(3/5) (produced by erick sermon)
11.Fear- A hot song by tommy gunn, from the west coast, and is actually good, the beat has a dark jazzy type feel to it. gave me goosebumps when i first heard it. sadly not long after he was fatally shot.it's a sshame that all good artist got to leave. (5/5).(produced by erick sermon)
12.Ready For War- a song by domo. i didn't really like this song too much, it sounded like erick sermon didn't put enough emphasis to this beat, i felt like erick could've done better. (2/5).
13.reign- a hot song by erick sermon. erick's solo song, the beat is very dark, he just basically talks about him being just the champion but a hot song one of my favorites. this song should've been on erick's second album ''double or nothing''.

overall, this is a very dark album, and this album is a underground classic that should've been promoted better, some of these songs should've been in the new jersey drive soundtrack. if you're tired of listening to carbon copy hip hop then just pop this cd in and chill. and it's good to play when you're goin out at night or just to chill to. they don't make hip hop like this any more. support real hiphop.

ILL.......2005-07-27

Here you have a sample if each DEF SQUAD member and what they bring to the table. Very slept on, however I feel its better than any of the def squads LP's. Ill production and tight rhymes Nuff said~

not too good.......2005-06-16

I agree with the other reviewer here, redmans 'funkorama' and jamals 'it beez like dat' tracks are the only thing that are giving this a 3 star because it's not too good at all. I like the 'double or nothing' album a year before and was expecting this to be like that with production and rhymes from seeing the 'funkorama' video, but i was let down and that was the whole highlight with jamals track adding to it to make it just under 10 minutes of the full length CD worth listening to. Def squad is dead now even though they might still be rapping, I don't find myself going out to buy any of their s#it since redmans 3rd album which was good. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who wants to use their money in a sensible and satisfactory way. Theres plenty of other things you could get that would last you longer than 10 minutes before you punch the stereo button off. If you can get those 2 tracks only, get them in any way (!!?!!), otherwise AVOID LIKE GIRLS WITH CHLAMYDIA

Average customer rating: Stravinsky the Composer, not Stravinsky the Conductor Staggering! All the Stravinsky I'll ever need! Magnificent! Where's my Petrushka? legendary

Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Octets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Septets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Smith, John Stafford | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stravinsky: Chamber Works & Rarities Arnold Schoenberg: Chamber Music for Strings Stravinsky: Works for Piano Original Jacket Collection: Vladimir Horowitz Memories and Commentaries: New One-Volume Edition ASIN: B000031X11 Release Date: 1999-12-07

Customer Reviews:

Stravinsky the Composer, not Stravinsky the Conductor.......2006-09-18

It is a pretty good collection, lots of music from Stravinsky's entire carreer, but one must keep in mind that Stravinsky was a brilliant composer, and not a commanding maestro. You will not necessarily be getting the best recordings of these works. For example, something like the Boulez/Cleveland Rite of Spring is far superior to those in this collection. He is a vastly better conductor, and is much more capable of making the orchestra perform Stravinsky's intentions than Stravinsky is. All in all, however, I am more than glad I own this set.

Staggering! All the Stravinsky I'll ever need!.......2006-05-20

While I had heard some Stravinsky compositions prior to my purchase, this was the first (and only) Stravinsky material I have ever owned. As a young music enthusiast, the draw to me was to hear these pieces as Stravinsky conducted them and to get so many of them at such a great price, not to have the original jackets for the purpose of reminiscing. So, as someone who needed a good jump start into the works of Stravinsky (by Stravinsky), this set has proven totally invaluable. And while more information could have been packed onto these cds, I do appreciate how closely these discs have stuck to the original releases. I don't know about the portion of Petroushka which some reviewers claim is missing (as I don't know any other version), but I was totally blown away at hearing this version of Petroushka anyhow. In all, for whatever faults some sticklers may find here or there with this set, the value of this material collected in such a way (and at such a price) by far outweighs any possible faults.

Magnificent!.......2006-03-02

A great collection. There is simply no substitute for hearing Stravinsky as the great composer wanted to have his music played. Here is so much and also so varied a collection. I have been enjoying this set a great deal. One of the 20th century's greatest composers conducting his own compositions.

Where's my Petrushka?.......2003-08-01

The main reason I bought this box is because I was introduced to Stravinsky's Petrushka in the spring of 2003, and I loved it.
Along with Rite of Spring I think it's the most brilliant music Mr. Stravinsky ever wrote...so, I've been listening to the 34-minute long 1960 CSO recording of it at least once a day since I first heard it, naturally sort of memorizing it, but it didn't fit when I made this CD spin. The recording of Petrushka in this box is the VERY SAME RECORDING (1960) that I'd listened to, but it's cut to a suite! It's only 24 minutes long. You can tell it's obviously cut at certain points if you're familiar with the uncut version. 10 WHOLE MINUTES ARE MISSING FROM "PETRUSHKA!" I was (and still am) very disappointed by this.
Familiarizing myself with the rest of the discs was very fulfilling, though; I love the Ebony Concerto with the Columbia Jazz Combo featuring Benny Goodman...but the "suite-cut" of Petrushka made me paranoid...I can't be sure if anything else is edited or not...
There are 75 pages of notes in the booklet about the recordings but only 1/3 is in English.
The special multimedia feature disc is nothing much. With awful graphics it features the same notes as in the booklet, and there are lyrics for those who want to use the box for karaoke.
These 400 minutes of music (an average of 45 minutes per disc) could fit on only 5 CD's instead of 9, but it seems that this collection is made for nostaligs who will love watching and touching these tiny LP-jackets - after all, it is called the "Original Jacket Collection."
Incidentally, all of Stravinsky's recorded work which he conducted himself is not in this box. It is not at all complete; aside from the missing part of "Petrushka," his own reading of "Symphony in Three Movements" is missing (but available on CBS.)
Hats off to the man himself anyway. The music is brilliant, and considering that these recordings are 40+ years old, the sound quality is very good. Excellent stereophony on Rite of Spring!
It's a good thing that his music is still available and that people are offering refurbished products thereof. But if you love Petrushka like I do...buy the real thing...this just might disappoint you...
The 3 stars is a compromise of the music and the package; (5 stars for the music & its quality - 1 star for the package, choice of discs and--considering the price--somewhat weak linear notes.)

legendary.......2002-06-30

This 9 cd set is an historical one...more than half of Stravinsky's works are collected in this set. i clearly can say that there isn't any better recording for Stravinsky's works. especcialy first released USA's national anthem and a 12 tone work "Fanfare for two Trumpets" are remarkable.and we can also mention that some noises during the recording procces (i.e: Stravinsky's turning the page of the partition) gives a different taste to the listener. This is a real golden box of music.

Average customer rating: Okay, not as great as the green eyed bandit usually puts out 4th solo is barely 4 stars, my least favorie of his solo's Slendid Haven't I heard this before? not that bad

React Erick Sermon Manufacturer: J-Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Chilltown, New York Music Double or Nothing He's Keith Murray Def Squad Presents Erick Onasis ASIN: B000071OX6 Release Date: 2002-11-19

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Here I Iz
3. We Don't Care (Dirty Version) (featuring Free)
4. Party Right
5. React (Album Version) (Dirty Version) (featuring Redman)
6. Skit I (Dirty Version)
7. To Tha Girlz (Dirty Version)
8. Love Iz
9. Go Wit Me
10. Skit II
11. Hold Up Dub (Dirty Version) (featuring Keith Murray)
12. Tell Me (Dirty Version) (featuring MC Lyte & Rah Digga)
13. Skit III
14. S.O.D. (Dirty Version) (featuring Sy Scott, Icarus & Red Cafe)
15. Hip Hop Radio
16. Skit IV (Dirty Version)
17. Don't Give Up (Dirty Version) (featuring Lyric)

Customer Reviews:

Okay, not as great as the green eyed bandit usually puts out.......2006-04-03

Erick Sermon is probably my favorite Producer/Rapper combinated artist but this was really nuthin special...
I became a fan after hearing his "duet" with Marvin Gaye, music and then I bought the album and became a certified fan.

Ratings of the E-dub albums I own:
Music: 4.5/5
Double or nuthin: 4.5/5
Erick Onassis: 3.5/5
Chilltown New york: 4/5
React: 3.5/5

So as you can see, if you're planning to get an erick sermon album get those I rated higher before getting this...

Sure there is about 6 definite bangers and 4 more okay and only one bad one... a couple of tracks is trying to be commercial tracks...

4th solo is barely 4 stars, my least favorie of his solo's.......2005-11-04

Just 13 months since his best solo album "Music" was released, E-Bub is back with my least favorite of his albums, barely getting a 4 star rating. With 13 songs, 5 are ok, 1 I skip, and 7 are good, no classics on here. Guests are on 4 songs rapping and a few others doing the hooks. As always the green eyed Bandit's lyrics aren't the best, but the production on this isn't near his other albums, maybe because for some reason the Funklord only did 7 of the 13 when he usually does at leat 90% himself (which is probably why many didn't like this as much as his other albums). Just Blaze does 2 songs, Rick Rock, Kaos, Andre R., Megahertz all do 1 song. A good album for his fans but far from his best.

#2 - 8
#3 - 9 (f/ Free -- nice beat)
#4 - 8.5 (good beat)
#5 - 7.5 (f/ Redman)
#7 - 6.5
#8 - 8.5 (nice Al Green sample used)
#9 - 7.5
#11 - 8 (f/ Keith Murray -- nice beat)
#12 - 7 (f/ Rah Digga & MC Lyte)
#14 - 8 (f/ Icarus, Red Care, Sy Scott)
#15 - 7.5 (about hip-hop's state)
#16 - 5 (Khari freestyle - no E-Dub)
#17 - 9 (f/ Lyric -- tight beat)


Erick Sermon -- b. 11/25/68 -- Brentwood, Long Island, NY
Check all my reviews

Slendid.......2003-05-06

"Double or Nothin" was on point. He hasn't done an albulm that good since. I will say that "React" is the best since. This album has quite a few hits, Its classic Erick Sermon. The Funklord in my opinion has returned. Out of the 12 music tracks on this album, 6 are true head bangers. Thats 50% of the album. In my opinion with todays albums not even having 3 good hits on them, I think that's excellent. If u lookin for that ghetto funk by Erick Sermon, this album is a must. Everybody mentions the commercial cut "REACT" with Redman, but that's not the best cut on there. Track 14 is the track that'll have your head bobbin off your neck. After that, track 12 with MC Lyte and Rah Digga is a head bobber in itself with vintage MC Lyte flowin like she always do and Rah Digga doin her thang on it. He didn't slip on Track 11 either with Keith Murray and Redman.

Haven't I heard this before?.......2003-04-10

I expected a lot better from E double. From one of the better hip-hop producers of all time, this album was wayyyyy below average.
Maybe its my fault...Whenever a new Eric B & Rakim, Nas, Roots or Redman album came out, I always graded those albums with a different scale that I judged the Afro-Man album. Feel me?
There is nothing on this album that you would remember ten minutes later. Nothing.
I'll take into consideration the fact that I'm changing as a hip hop fan (Hell, no album could ever touch Illmatic). But this album isn't even close to average!
Maybe I'm a little harsh, but that's my take on it. I'll never spend money on Erick Sermon again.

not that bad.......2003-01-26

This CD is not one of erick's best work, but its worth buying. It is an album with a lot of head bangers, but some of the songs are lacking that hard-core Erick Sermon flavor. also it sound like most of the songs were written in the summer of 2002, and the album was released in november, which might be the reason why this album is not the best work E has ever done, be cause he didnt spend a lot of time writting it.
but if you know what to buy for your hip hop collection this album should be on the top of your list. its worth the money

Pop Music:

1. The Song Lives On
2. Waltz for Debby (20 Bit Mastering) [Live] [Original recording remastered]
3. What Now My Love [Original recording remastered]
4. 12 Songs
5. A Night at Birdland, Vol. 1 [Original recording remastered]
6. Amorosa
7. Andrew!!!
8. Antonio Carlos Jobim's Finest Hour
9. Ballads [Original recording remastered]
10. Bebo de Cuba [Limited Edition] [Import]

Pop Music