Ha! [Enhanced]

Guitar One Magazine, 2004
Imagine Jeff Beck meets John Scofield in James Brown’s band, and you might get the picture

Product Description
Sometimes it's a chainsaw in a hotel closet. Sometimes it's an alien bug in its death scream. The sound may vary, but the impact never does. A guitar in the hands of Oz Noy can be a dangerous beast, barely contained. Speed licks, tasty chops, and sonic assaults are the order of the day, all with an ever-present groove. Jazz fusion legend Mike Stern calls Oz Noy "a fantastic guitar player...one of the best I've ever seen."

Oz Noy's Ha! includes contributions from the rhythm section of Late Night With David Letterman's Band: drummer Anton Fig and bassist Will Lee, as well as guest guitarist Mike Stern (Billy Cobham, Miles Davis) and Brecker Brothers keyboardist George Whitty. Check out the bonus video interview with Oz discussing his guitar techniques and an added audio track - "Just Groove Me" - Live with Anton Fig and Reggie Washington. One listen to Ha! and you'll join Mike Stern in the Oz Noy admiration society.

Ha! [Enhanced]

Tracks:

Take On Me
Train Of Thought
Hunting High And Low
The Blue Sky
Living A Boy's Adventure Tale
The Sun Always Shines On T.V.
And You Tell Me
Love Is Reason
I Dream Myself Alive
Here I Stand And Face The Rain

Customer Reviews:

...for a place in America.......2007-07-05

You know how the story goes. Obscure European band labors in obscurity for years. Somehow, through sheer chance, has one track (which may or may not be typical of their work) hit it stateside and rocket up the charts. Make them megastars, a household name...until their one hit dies out and they never come close to striking gold again.

Yes, before Aqua, there was the strangely similar-sounding A-ha, and this was an otherwise perfectly ordinary album where their one shining star (which I always suspected became popular mainly due to the unbelievable range on the chorus part) came from.

Not much else to say. Typical, ordinary synthpop, what I'd call "waiting room music". The singer, despite his best efforts, has some trouble with the English language. I've heard a lot worse, but it's no surprise why A-ha never could find its niche here.

Not just a one hit wonder.......2007-05-21

a-ha is most known for "Take On Me", but that's not it. Hunting High and Low is a ten song half hour masterpiece. This is the way pop music should be done in the 80's, it's just as good as Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Welcome To the Pleasuredome".

Take On ME had a breakthrough video, it's one of those that are probally labeled by _______ Thriller as one of the greatest breakthroughs. Train Of Thought is a song that belongs in the _______ future. A lot of the songs would be the music of the future, since it was released when the world was predicted would have flying cars and the other future ____ ala the Jetsons. There is a ballad song, a dark samba beat, some rock, and a ____load of electronic sounds, but dosen't totally make it sound cheesy. You will hear it at the best times you can. This is how pop in the 80's should sound, not that ________ Bangles or the horrid hair metal. In fact, the whole cd has so much _______ atmosphere, and it never sounds polished. IT's more like a totally _______ awesome space age enivronment.

IT's a bit of a shock to any _____head like Bjorn Everfrost (you call me a poser, you get the unfair comparisons too, you ___________. Calling Squash a metalhead? For shame!), but you shouldn't just forget about it. If this band would get more credit than they deserve, then I would be fine. This is one of the most underrated pop records ever. The 80's actually wasn't too bad. Just looked bad with some of the horrible ____.

9.0/10

A great debut album! .......2007-02-16

I bought the Trilogy of this, Scoundrel Days, and Stay On These Roads. So far I've only listened to Hunting High and Low and Scoundrel Days, and I'm very impressed!
I bought them because, as an artist, when I saw the music video for 'Take On Me', I just couldn't help but wanting to know more about this amazing band. This CD gave me exactly what I wanted: more fantastic music from a very talented trio!
The songs are very inspiring and sometimes a little sad, like the title track (which sounds a lot different than it does remixed on Headlines and Deadlines... I like that version better than the one on this. Oh well!) and 'Living a Boy's Adventure Tale', full of things that really make you think about life and what's surrounding you. The music in general, Magne and Pal's songwriting and instrumental skills, brings you out of this world! But then again, I do have a strong love for synthesizers and keyboards. Not to mention the angelic vocal talents of Morten! WOW! He could sing opera if he wanted to; he's that good.

Some great tracks besides the hits/singles: The Blue Sky, Living a Boy's Adventure Tale, Here I Stand and Face the Rain.

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone that wants to feel inspired and witness one of the greatest (and underappreciated) bands in history, and also to fellow artists and anyone who loves great synth music. Even 22 years later...

Where it all started.......2007-02-08

This is a great CD. Even back then they were ahead of their time. Great songs on this one. Made me love the band's music. I've been hooked for over 20 years!

a-ha, at their finest hour.......2006-08-27

introduced back in the phils. in '85, a-ha music such as "take on me", "love is reason" & "the sun always shine in tv" were the staples of new wave dance parties, such parties won't be complete without any a-ha music. but what appeals to me even back then was the diversity of their sound, ballads like hunting "high & low", and a personal fave, "living a boy's adventure tale" still linger on my mind after 20+ years. i've introduced my kid lately to the beatles & other class acts, and i wont mind my 4 year old daughter fall in love like i did with them especially with a debut like hunting high & low. their later materials like crying in the rain, living daylights & you are the one (which were single releases) were great stuff, but other songs from the respective albums won't much ring a bell. this is the best album they came out critically & commercially. 80's lives on forever!

Average customer rating:

another great sound experimentation for a-ha in the new century
Very good
An album to listen to very closely ...
One of their best works yet!
Not their best effort....take two steps back.

Analogue
A-Ha
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lifelines
Minor Earth Major Sky
Singles 1984-2004
East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Memorial Beach

ASIN: B000BI0QNC
Release Date: 2005-11-14

Tracks:

Celice
Don't Do Me Any Favours
Cosy Prisons
Analogue (All I Want)
Birthright
Holy Ground
Over the Treetops
Halfway Through the Tour
Fine Blue Line
Keeper of the Flame
Make It Soon
White Dwarf
Summers of Our Youth
A-Ha Desktop Player

Album Description

International pressing of their 2005 album for Universal. 13 tracks in all including the first single, 'Celice'. Some 20 years after their heyday (commemorated recently with their Singles: Best Of 1984-2004 album), and after solo albums by leader Magne Furuholmen, and fresh off their Berlin concert as part of Live8, a-ha return with this brand new album.

Album Details

2005 Label Debut Album from Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-savoy, their First for Universal/Polydor and the First Studio Material from the Group Since the Release of "Lifelines". "Analogue" is their Eighth Studio Album Overall, Following Many Years on Warner Brothers/Reprise. The Sessions were Produced by Martin Terefe and Engineered and Mixed by Flood (U2, Nine Inch Nails, Crowded House, Depeche Mode, Pj Harvey).

Customer Reviews:

another great sound experimentation for a-ha in the new century.......2007-06-29

Luis Mejia (son)- I don't wonder why I always mention A-ha among people they look back in the 80's and sing Take On Me in their heads, but come on, they're still young and they're stil singing! I can say that Analogue shocked me a little bit, and I won't exagerate saying that the've always been geniuses but the word for this album is "exeptional". It's also the first time that I've heard the term "alternative pop" in my life.

Talking about the songs, it seems that A-ha takes always a little bit of every album in their next one. Their's a lot of pop around them still, and that is shown in the songs like Halfway Through The Tour, The Summers Of Our Youth, Birthright and Analogue (All I Want). Guitars and alternative moods in rock are also shown, a little bit alike with Minor Earth Major Sky, like in the songs Celice, Don't Do Me Any Favours and The Fine Blue Line. As well as they're completely new rythms never seen in A-ha but wich they apply them so beautifuly and organized, such as Cosy Prisons (the best track), Birthright, White Dwarf, Make It Soon and Over The Treetops. Talking about Keepers Of The Flame, it assimilates all of the album's moods.

In conclussion, the album is wonderful and leaves us with a question about their new musical direction, but the bad aspect is that the accessibility of the album is truly poor, I mean, it will be appreciated by we loyal fans, but not for those who listen to A-ha the first time.

Very good.......2007-04-20

It took me a few listen-throughs, but I really have come to appreciate this album. The title track, "Analogue," would be an excellent candidate for mainstream radio.

An album to listen to very closely ... .......2007-03-21

A-ha has always had their own unique style, raging from the poetic illusionism or at times romantic impressionism. They were once a group with a potential for very dramatic dynamics (Morten's being at his pick with a unique operatic voice as one can recall in songs like "The Sun always shine on TV"). At such, many of their recent albums had the feeling that they've were trying hard to regain this market audience. But through the years their sound changed more to a somber, at times decadent and obscure sound, which included their own palate for psychedelic.

Now with this new album they seem to sound more like 70's songwriters. Hence a more cohesive, realistic and at times reflective sound. They have parted ways with their 80's style pop synth music. Now they have opted for a more conservative sound that at times seems reminiscent of the Beatles. Songs like "The Fine Blue Line", "Birthright", and "Keeper of the Flame" are examples.

Songs like "Celice", which is reminiscent to early A-ha repertoire and "Don't do me any favors", are among the more upbeat tempo though keeping their somber tone due to their subject matter. "Halfway through the door" is definitely a song that reminds anyone to the Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour", specially the long instrumental section closing the song. Even though it has a cozy feeling to it, turns out to be the least effective effort on the record.

More interesting songs found are "Cozy Prisons", perhaps the best song of the record, and "White Dwarf", with its mellow and reflective mood somehow reminiscent to the 70's songs like David Bowie's "Major Tom" and Elton John's "Rocket Man" but in a different perspective. The title track falls in the category of pure pop brit-style song in which seems to be another effort for commercial radio.

It is an album to listen to very closely. The thematic style is one mature in nature. For those looking for a pop-songs album it will disappoint you! This one though has more substance than perhaps their previous ones.

One of their best works yet!.......2007-02-08

From the first time I listened to it, I loved most of the songs. They still put out great music! And they still look fine as ever!

Not their best effort....take two steps back........2006-11-10

Birthright, Holy Ground and Fine Blue Line are the best songs here. Celise and Don't Do Me Any Favors are okay as atmospheric filler. Cozy Prisons is almost good but is basically trite twaddle. Everything else is subpar junk. I thought "Lifelines" was better. There needs to be more songs that showcase Morten's incredible range with a few sweet songs in between. Average pop songs don't work because Morten is a unique talent. Flaunt it. "Over the Treetops" sounds a lot like "Oranges and Apple Trees" from their last CD. No more songs like that....they're really boring. A-ha has such potential, but they need better songs....more DRAMA!

Average customer rating:

Bleck!
Voice of an Angel!!
fun cd
Good? Yes. Great? No. Over-rated? HECK YES!
Enchantment Indeed!

Enchantment
Richard Rodgers , Michel Legrand , Leo Delibes , American Traditional , Erik Satie , British Isles Traditional , Jerome Kern , Johann II Strauss , Lucy Simon , David Foster , Sian Edwards , John Clark , Eric Rigler , Frank Ricotti , John Parricelli , Mark Hammond , Paul Keogh , and Michael Thompson
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Prelude: The Best of Charlotte Church
Voice of an Angel
Charlotte Church
Dream a Dream
Tissues and Issues

ASIN: B00005OWEJ
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Tonight
Carrickfergus
Habanera
Bali Ha'i
Papa Can You Hear Me?
The Flower Duet
The Little Horses
From My First Moment
The Water Is Wide
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
The Laughing Song
If I Loved You
A Bit Of Earth
Somewhere
The Prayer

Amazon.com

Of course, we couldn't expect time to freeze its relentless path and forever preserve the Welsh sensation Charlotte Church in a chrysalis of precocious youth. And yet, at 15 and now taking bolder steps into expanding her repertory on Enchantment, the soprano remains a marvel of a prodigy. Here, she scours a wider range of sources than on her previous albums. Church moves with breathtaking ease from classic Broadway (West Side Story, Show Boat, South Pacific) to traditional Celtic, film ballads, and even a couple of high-operatic numbers. Church's straightforward approach to the melody of "La Habanera" may not exactly be what Bizet had in mind for his Carmen, but fans will get double pleasure out of the singer's exquisite duet with herself on the haunting "Flower Duet" from Delibes's Lakmé. What's more, there's a greater freedom of expression and sense of how to shape a phrase in many of these tracks--notice how much there is to savor, for instance, in "The Water Is Wide" and "Carrickfergus." It all adds up to a widely varied course, demonstrating the continued growth of a singularly gifted young artist. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

Bleck!.......2007-05-30

Charlotte has a producing voice, not quite mature, but it's bearable. I don't really appreciate opera unless your name is Sarah Brightman, Hayley Westenra or Holly Stell. Carrickfergus and Somewhere are decent for her voice, but "The Prayer" and "The Water is Wide" is very damaging to my ears due to the fact, her Italian sucks, her range is not wide enough in "Water".

Voice of an Angel!!.......2007-02-05

I enjoy listening to this cd by Charlotte Church! She has such a lovely voice. I especially love listening to Habañera and The Flower Duet as both are sung beautifully by Ms. Church!!

fun cd.......2006-12-29

I love this cd and have had it quite a while. I was just enjoying it again today and thought I'd write a review because I do enjoy it so much. It's just a fun, enjoyable album. Pretty orchestration, a lovely voice, nice to sing along with. Especially at the top of my lungs in the car (alone when no one can hear me!)
I really don't know why one would NOT enjoy this cd.

Good? Yes. Great? No. Over-rated? HECK YES!.......2006-12-15

I bought this CD when I was still in high school, singing soprano I & II in choir. It's not bad but she does much better than even some older kids attempting soprano. I think due to the popularity she gained this poor girl has endured much harsh criticism. True, we can't cut her slack JUST because she is a little girl but on the other hand for someone to sing opera at that age her work IS superb. Whether she's a prodigy or victim of over-ambitious parents & media, she deserves credit where it's due. At least she DID break out as some-what of a mainstream artist & exposed this type of music to those who stereotyped it as fat ladies w/powder-white make-up belting out notes that would shatter glass. Some say the same for Josh Groban who broke into the scene as a mainstream tenor/baritone vocalist. As far as skills & talent, he not the greatest either but many people adore his music. The same credit should go to Charlotte Church.

As far as feedback on the quality...
It's VERY hard to believe the deliverance of her performance. A 15-year-old (even younger on her debut cd) singing songs about love & being able to see the world seems silly. Cracking voice? Yeah, you can really tell she had a difficult time hitting the high note in The Laughing Song because it got all air-y. Honestly, some trained sopranos over-shoot their high notes too & get extremely SHARP so I didn't mind her air-i-ness. I think she did a great job on The Flower Duet though. It still has the same relaxing quality as some other versions I've heard from various movie soundtracks. But compare this to the likes of professionals - real professionals - she's merely tolerable. Try Sarah Brightman if you want to listen to some nice musical sopranos. She even has some pretty remakes of modern songs.

Enchantment Indeed!.......2006-08-20

This CD is simply amazing! However, I am sick and tired of people pressuring her to be someone that she's not! Trying to fit into today's popular music scene, Charlotte has turned to pop, and her career isn't flying well because of it! Her voice is simply amazing for opera, and I will not hear another insulting word about her!

Anyways, the CD is genius! Tonight from "West Side Story" is beautifully sung. Carrickfergus, Habanera, and Bali Ha'i are sung with a hypnotizing beauty. Papa, Can you Hear Me and The Flower Duet are amazing as well!

However, on The Flower Duet, Church's vocals seem strained a bit. The Little Horses is a decent piece, a remake of the standard English folk song. I prefer it straight instead of a varied beat, so that Church's voice could soar on and on.

From my First Moment is a fairly nice song, but The Water is Wide is simply amazing! Her vocals are soaring and mezmerizing!

Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man is NOT the song for her, because she puts a weird accent on the song, like she's trying to sound like a hoodlum! The Laughing Song is something that SHOULD NOT be tried by children, because the vocals are so strained! If I Loved You is a simple yet wonderful piece!

A Bit of Earth and Somewhere are both beautiful pieces, with excellent work from the orchestra.

Overall, this CD is very beautiful! BUY IT!

Average customer rating:

took me back
An A-Ha Moment!
overlooked band
'The Sun Always Shines on POP music'
classic A-HA

Singles 1984-2004
a-ha
Manufacturer: Warner Strategic Marketing
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Analogue
Hunting High and Low
Lifelines
Minor Earth Major Sky
Headlines and Deadlines - The Hits of A-HA

ASIN: B0006FX2PO
Release Date: 2004-12-21

Tracks:

Take on Me
Sun Always Shines on T.V.
Train of Thought
Hunting High and Low
I've Been Losing You
Cry Wolf
Manhattan Skyline
Living Daylights
Stay on These Roads
Touchy!
Crying in the Rain
Move to Memphis
Dark Is the Night
Shapes That Go Together
Summer Moved On
Minor Earth Major Sky
Velvet
Forever Not Yours
Lifelines

Album Description

a-ha celebrates their 20th anniversary with the release of a new singles collection. Throughout their career, a-ha has officially released 32 singles. 13 of them became top ten singles in the UK, and 14 singles have been number one on the radio lists over the world. The new singles album includes some of the highlights from a-ha's last 20 years. 2004.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered and Updated Anthology of the Norwegian Trio's Greats Issued on their 20th Anniversary. Includes all of their UK Top 10 Singles and Then Some, as Well as Remixed and Special Versions of Catalog Favorites.

Customer Reviews:

took me back.......2007-01-10

I lost touch with the band, but this collection brought me back up to speed. I enjoyed them all.

An A-Ha Moment!.......2007-01-04

It's a shame that A-Ha never fully realized their star potential with American audiences. Other then the still charming "Take On Me" and the follow-up "The Sun Always Shines On TV" from their "Hunting High And Low" debut, their chart success stateside never matched the band's international superstardom. Which means that - as far as American audiences are concerned - neither of their best-of's has been issued here. I actually picked my copy of this up while on vacation in London. It was well worth it.

A-Ha were far more than their pretty faces on the MTV videos. (But to be the band that could lay credit to the "Take On Me" - or even the lesser known "Cry Wolf" - video.) Seven studio albums and world-wide sales of more than 60-thousand albums certainly vindicates that point. What most of us Yanks missed was the frequently inventive pop-music this trio turned out. They were masters of the confectionary ballad, with songs like "Manhattan Skyline," "Velvet" and "Stay On These Roads" masterworks of melodrama.

In their later albums, A-Ha was finding conflict within their group and the albums began to reflect the turmoil. (The CD also contains an honest recollection of the band's history.) The synths began to take a lower profile and more live (and livelier) recording began to unfold. While A-Ha was still making some cutting edge pop, a song like "Minor Earth Major Sky" is particularly dark. There is even a relatively faithful version of the Everly Brothers' "Crying In The Rain."

And then there is the matter of that voice. Morten Harket had a falsetto that rivaled Freddie Mercury's and certainly influenced singers like The Darkness' Justin Hawkins. It hit that impossibly high note in "Take On Me" but could also add to the drama of the band's shot at a James Bond theme, "The Living Daylights." Obviously hoping Bond would do for them what "A View To A Kill" did for Duran Duran, A-ha rocks it in a cinematic way, and it could possibly be both Harket's best vocal and the most under appreciated of all the James Bond movie themes.

Which about sums up this collection. There is some of the finest pop you've never heard here, new wave of otherwise. Terrifically re-mastered for this CD, A-Ha "The Singles - 1984/2004" showcases an under appreciated band who created some perfectly realized music, even without the sun shining on them in the US. (Come on Rhino - we know you can do it.)

overlooked band.......2006-11-15

Boy, I forgot about this band. What a treat to find them again. Great compilation of songs for those that don't want to purchase all their CD's. Great gift for that 80's lover, as well.

'The Sun Always Shines on POP music'.......2006-06-20

A-Ha burst onto our CD players in the early 80's with the infectious 'Take On Me' and the very MTV-friendly 'Music-Vid' that accompanied the track. Their first album spurned classic pop hits like 'Hunting High & Low' and 'The Sun Always Shines On TV'....and the scene was set. Typically, a band like this disappear after 3 albums but not A-Ha...They have matured and if you take time to discover, there is a lot more to them than pretty-boys & 3 minute pop tunes..Their later albums 'Lifelines', 'Analogue' and 'Minor Earth, Major Sky' prove that they are fine musicians that can produce finely crafted songs...ok, there are one or two throwaway tracks like 'Touchy' and 'Cry Wolf', but on the whole, it is a good way to get to know A-Ha and these two mediocre tracks still have their place....enjoy the music, but don't analyse the lyrics...it is pop music after all, designed to entertain !!

classic A-HA.......2006-01-23

i mistook this for their previously released "HEADLINES AND DEADLINES-the best of a-ha". the singles lp is more or less like the album earlier mentioned. i just wished that this time, they had included the song "october" from their scoundrel days lp. it's one very good song and so hard to find now. will somebody out there share me a copy of a-has' OCTOBER pleeeeeeeease.....

Average customer rating:

not a detour but not a hit
A-HA Minor Earth Major Sky CD Review
The best
Amazing
I was hooked from the start

Minor Earth Major Sky
a-ha
Manufacturer: Wea International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Lifelines
Analogue
East of the Sun, West of the Moon
Memorial Beach
Scoundrel Days

ASIN: B00004SYWZ
Release Date: 2000-05-01

Tracks:

Minor Earth Major
Little Black Heart
Velvet
Summer Moved On
The Sun Never Shone That Day
To Let You Win
The Company Man
Thought That It Was You
I Wish I Cared
Barely Hanging On
You'll Never Get Over Me
I Won't Forget Her
Mary Ellen Makes The Moment Count

Amazon.com

After a seven-year absence during which the Norwegian pop trio went off to paint or record solo albums, A-Ha return with Minor Earth Major Sky, their sixth studio album. Recorded in New York over the course of a year, this one is filled with characteristically subtle melodies, sweeping pop production, and a haunting melancholy. Some tracks (like the winsome "Sun Never Shone That Day") border on the bland, but there are songs that have bite--such as the icy, William Orbit-style ballad "Little Black Heart"; the big, blowsy title track; and the satirical "The Company Man," where the band sing frankly of being ripped off by their record label ("Deals fell into our arms / And out of our hands"). There's also a nod to the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" in the epic, socially conscious ballad "Mary Ellen Makes the Moment Count." --Lucy O'Brien

Album Description

Sixth album for pop trio from Norway who first hit big in 1985 with their huge hit 'Take On Me'. 13 tracks including the first single 'Summer Moved On'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

After several years apart, A-Ha have roared back with their best album ever. The songs are expertly crafted, beautifully performed and yet dark and deeply emotional. Morten Harket's voice is crystal clear and he truly inherits the crown of best tenor in rock from the late Roy Orbison. Outstanding tracks include the title track, 'Summer Moved On,' 'The Sun Never Shone that Day,' 'To Let You Win' and the majestic beauty of 'I Wish I Cared.'

Customer Reviews:

not a detour but not a hit.......2007-06-29

Luis Mejia (son)- Finally, A-ha decides to continue with their classic line up and start with new material. This was the first album I heard from A-ha, and even though I like the album, I also notice that there's something missing. A-ha came up with a new experimentation, a mild experimentation, and I was expecting the old fashioned A-ha, the same that we love. Well, I gotta admit, they thought it well because synthpop and ballads are completely old fashioned and they would never attract a new audience, but even though couldn't they left just one song in an old way?

It's also noticed that they focused more on rock pieces and alternative moods, the guitars of Paul are amazing, and the use of a mild orchestra in almost every song is a new and nice touch. Within the songs the title track, Summer Moved On, The Sun Never Shone That Day and Thought That It Was You are excellent pieces perfect for adaptating for the new rythm of the album, they have moderate guitars, electronic arrengements and as I named before a great instrumentation. The songs To Let You Win, Velvet and You'll Never Get Over Me are songs that could be easily associated with the style of East Of The Sun..., but still experimental. The rest of the tracks are good, but lazy and out of tune.

In conclusion I would say that it's the worst among the best of A-ha's albums, but appreciatable after all.

A-HA Minor Earth Major Sky CD Review.......2007-05-12

This CD is a decent reflection of A-HA's talents, though I would have liked to hear it before buying it. I based my purchase decesion on glowing reviews and was hoping for a little more from the get go, though it does grow on you. No big hits like "Take on Me", and the main reason I bought this CD was for the song "I wish I cared" which is fantastic, and album would get 5 stars if they all followed it's strength.

The best.......2007-03-27

It is the best one so far. I've played it a hundred times. Can't praise it more.

Amazing.......2007-02-08

There are some really, really good songs on this CD. Even my young daughter likes to listen to it instead of wanting to watch a DVD when we're in the car. Love it!

I was hooked from the start.......2006-09-14

I really think this is better than most of A-ha's older stuff from the 80's. I really wish this would have been a bigger hit in the US, none of these songs ever got any radio playtime where I live.
Don't know why all the good music comes out of Europe, very few good American bands in the last 20 years.
Great stuff, all around wonderful songs. Summer Moved On ranks as one of my all time favorites.

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Mill. Classical review
classical music for the unitiated
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!
A very helpful collection
Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Headlines and Deadlines - The Hits of A-HA

Average customer rating:

Almost as good as The Warrants...
To call these guys a "one-hit wonder" is the ultimate sin!
Some great music from the 80's
Scandinavian Talent!
Siempre los mejores

Headlines and Deadlines - The Hits of A-HA
a-ha
Manufacturer: Wea International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Singles 1984-2004
East of the Sun, West of the Moon
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ASIN: B000006SA5
Release Date: 1992-01-01

Tracks:

Take on Me
Cry Wolf
Touchy!
You Are the One [Remix]
Manhattan Skyline
Blood That Moves the Body
Early Morning
Hunting High And Low (Remix)
Move to Memphis
I've Been Losing You
Living Daylights
Crying in the Rain
I Call Your Name
Stay on These Roads
Train of Thought [Remix]
Sun Always Shines on T.V.

Album Description

16 track 1991 retrospective from WEA International of the '80s Norwegian pop trio's finest, including the #1 U.S. smash 'Take On Me' and the U.S. top 20 hit 'The Sun Always Shines On TV', as well as remixes of a few tracks.

Album Details

The Breakthru Video Band's Best Includes the Hits 'Take on Me','Sun Always Shines on TV', 'Hunting High and Low', 'Train of Thought', 'Crying in the Rain', 'Touchy' , 'The Living Daylights', and Many More.

Customer Reviews:

Almost as good as The Warrants..........2004-01-14

This album lived up to the expectations which were first created in 1985 with the release of the hit single (with the equally successful video clip) Take on me. But, it wasn't as good, or as fulfilling as John Doe and The Warrants: The Hits 1984 - 1990. My recomendation to any A-Ha, or Duran Duran fan is get yourself a copy of this, or any of their other hit albums (Sleep On Monday, Her Name was Lena)as you definitely won't be dissappointed.

A top album - John Doe and The Warrants.

To call these guys a "one-hit wonder" is the ultimate sin!.......2003-08-24

Chances are, these days, if you asked a random person on the street if he or she had heard of A-Ha, they would say no. If they said yes, then more than likely the only song they would remember the band for would be Take On Me. Because of that track's vast success, the band often goes unappreciated. But, hopefully the release of this compilation will change all that. Read on for my review of Headlines And Deadlines - The Hits Of A-Ha.

PROS:
It doesn't need to be said. If you just want to buy an A-Ha hits compilation for Take On Me, you'll find it on here. Plus, you'll also get several highly underrated tracks that have always had to live in the shadow of their lone hit. Many of these tracks are remix versions, which are extremely hard to find. Likewise, on this compilation, you get The Living Daylights, which was recorded for the James Bond film of the same name. Though this track never achieved the success of other Bond themes, like Duran Duran's A View To A Kill, it is no less excellent.

CONS:
There is only one real problem with this CD - When it was released. It was released in the early nineties, and though this seems like the ideal time to release a hits package for a group predominantly considered an "eighties band", the band has made several excellent tracks since this was released, and needless to say, you won't get those on here.

OVERALL:
This is the best A-Ha hits package out there, and it is strongly recommended to any fan of the band, casual or die-hard. Even if you're a die-hard fan of the band, it's very unlikely you'll ever find all of their material on CD (if you live in the United States), so I suggest you just buy this. It should be all the A-Ha you'll ever need.

Some great music from the 80's.......2003-06-02

Maybe you don't even know who A-ha is, but you sure know a song of theirs. When you first hear this album you might feel like "where do I know this track from?" but even if you can't remember, I'm sure it'll sound as good as if you could. The album gathers their 16 greatest hits, they're all amazing songs from the 80's that you have probably heard at least once in your life.
A-ha used to be a big band when I was younger (and they made a lot of success in my country), and this album proves that even if they're not so good as they used to be before, they have same classic songs that are going to stay in our memories forever. I bet you still remember "Take on me", don't you?

Scandinavian Talent!.......2002-11-25

I was 14 when a-ha stepped onto the scene in 1985.
Definitely the idea for the TAKE ON ME video was stuning, all that cartoons/live mixing was fresh stuff.
Plus the song was catchy and fast became a # 1 hit on both sides of the atlantic.
THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON TV did just great here in Europe but failed to repeat success in the US - although the mannequins storyboard for its video was just as good.
And the musical bridge boasts a great violin section.
A-ha proved to be polyedric artists: HUNTING HIGH AND LOW, TRAIN OF THOUGHTS are just nuggets, THE BLOOD THAT MOVES THE BODY and THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS (from the 1987 James Bond original soundtrack) border closely to high-class pop.
MANHATTAN SKYLINE and I'VE BEEN LOSING YOU are possibly the best tracks off their second album, while STAY ON THESE ROADS is a simple, well-crafted, radio-friendly tune.
The unreleased track MOVE TO MEMPHIS is stunningly poly-rhythmical, sensual and sung by a dark-voiced Morten Harkett.
The guys are long gone from the top of the charts but they're definitely not from my heart!

Siempre los mejores.......2002-04-24

Este album consiste en toda una recopilación de los mejores exitos de a-ha.
The sun always shines on T.V., Take on me, You are the one, Stay on these roads es uno de los exitos que mas me gustan de este excelente compacto. A-ha tiene otros hits excelentes com Living in a boys adventure que es tambien una de las mejores de este grupo el cual se puede encontrar en el famoso Hunting high and low.
A-HA por siempre en la memoria de los inovadores 80's

Bryn Terfel - Something Wonderful (Bryn Terfel sings Rodgers & Hammerstein)

Average customer rating:

I have just been introduced.
Great Music + Terrific Lyrics +Decent Singing = Very Nice CD
A new meaning of throat singing.
Superb matchmaking in Terfel's R&H recital
Broadway or Opera... This CD is indeed ýSomething Wonderfulý

Bryn Terfel - Something Wonderful (Bryn Terfel sings Rodgers & Hammerstein)
Bryn Terfel , English Northern Philharmonia , Paul Daniel , Opera North Chorus , Richard Rodgers , and Oscar Hammerstein II
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GRP
Release Date: 1996-09-10

Tracks:

OKLAHOMA: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'
State Fair: It Might As Well Be Spring
South Pacific: Some Enchanted Evening
OKLAHOMA: The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
South Pacific: Bali Ha'i
Carousel: June Is Bustin' Out All Over
The King And I: Something Wonderful
Allegro: So Far
Allegro: A Fellow Needs A Girl
The King And I: I Have Dreamed
Allegro: What A Lovely Day For A Wedding
Me And Juliet: No Other Love
The Sound Of Music: Edelweiss
Carousel: If I Loved You
South Pacific: There Is Nothin' Like A Dame
South Pacific: Younger Than Springtime
Allegro: Come Home
South Pacific: This Nearly Was Mine
Carousel: Soliloquy
Carousel: You'll Never Walk Alone

Amazon.com

In the opening song of "Something Wonderful," Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel sings, "All the sounds of the Earth are like music." They most definitely are when Terfel surrounds them with his resonant baritone. Every phrase of Rodgers and Hammerstein's music is imbued with uncommon sensitivity, impeccable phrasing, and dazzling beauty. Terfel's rich and meaty voice shares a plate with delicate pianissimos, unabashed sentimentality, and swaggering forthrightness. He successfully tackles songs originally written for women. In "It Might as Well Be Spring," he transforms dippy into dapper. And he turns "Bali Hai" into a foreboding, demanding, and seductive call; the listener must helplessly succumb to the world of his sensitive manliness. His interpretations of the old standards--"If I Loved You," "Soliloquy," "This Nearly Was Mine," "Some Enchanted Evening"--are stellar. Despite the temporary lulls caused by the second-class songs from "Allegro," Terfel does a first-class job of bringing them to life. Undoubtedly one of the best crossover records of all time. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

I have just been introduced........2007-01-22

I came across the CD by sheer accident and am I glad I did. Wonderful music. Thanks for the music Bryn.

Great Music + Terrific Lyrics +Decent Singing = Very Nice CD.......2005-01-27

While not an expert on technical singing I really, really like this CD. I think Terfel's voice is pretty decent & he sings both male/female lead R & H songs for a total of twenty cuts. One cut I really enjoyed , but had never heard before was the song "So Far"
from R & H's "Allegro" with those Richard Roger's hooks & terrific Oscar Hammerstein lyrics. Felt that the orchestra on this session made a good move using the original orchestrations for a classic R & H feel. I concur with the reviewer regarding the miking of Terfel's voice in this session which seems too low forcing the listener to turn up the volumne.

A new meaning of throat singing........2004-06-11

I cannot believe that the critics of today can rave about such an inferior singer as Byrn Terfel. He sings so badly, I can't believe he has had the career he's had. I don't care how many roles he's sung, he hasn't any vocal technique at all. If anyone would care to hear great singing, buy the; "Thomas L. Thomas" Voice of Firestone video and listen to a great Welsh singer. This is a great artist and vocal technician. Try; "John Charles Thomas," "Lawrence Tibbett," or "Nelson Eddy." Bryn Terfel couldn't carry their music cases!

Superb matchmaking in Terfel's R&H recital.......2004-03-09

You might think that it is a very superflous mismatch for an opera singer to try his vocal cords on the Broadway songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein. However, in this R&H offering by Bryn Terfel, he proves that it is a perfect match between singer and repertoire for a classical crossover record of this pedigree. Terfel communicates the essence of each of the 20 songs to the listener, and allows them to sound fresh and new. And it helps that he has been a R&H fan for many years with the music already close to his heart. He is given superb backing from the well-conducted Opera North forces an warm, natural recording.

From the first phrase of Terfel's uplifting opening version of "Oh, what a beautiful morning" from Oklahoma!, we listeners intuitively know that this is not going to be your superflous run-of-the-mill classical crossover offering of R&H songs. Terfel uses his big voice to great effect in Billy Bigelow's two songs from Carousel, "If I loved you" and the pivotal "Soliloquy" that builds up to a devastating climax. When he does this for Emile's two big solos in South Pacific, "Some Enchanted Evening" and "This Nearly Was Mine," he also makes them sound fresh and intuitively conveys their essence. He also thrills us even when his voice is soft and tender, such as on Lietunant Cable's "Younger than Springtime" and especially on Captain von Trapp's "Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music.

Besides the obvious highlights in this R&H offering, Terfel unearths some new delights. He does this by trying his vocal cords on songs that were originally intended for women, most notably in Nettie's two big numbers in Carousel, "June is busting out all over" and "You'll never walk alone", which he pulls off convincingly in a straight-laced and serious manner without sounding cliched. (In the booklet, "You'll never walk alone" was stated as being sung by the Chorus, but then in the show, it is sung by Nettie.) He is also wistful on "It might as well be Spring" from State Fair, and philosophical on Lady Thiang's "Something Wondreful" from The King and I. He also evokes a dreamlike quality on Bloody Mary's "Bali Ha'i" in South Pacific. The other unusual thing that Terfel does is include some unknown songs and treat them ravishingly. Four of them are from Allegro, highlighted by a charming "So Far," a reflective "A Fellow needs a girl" and a powerful "Come Home", and he also sings "No Other Love" from Me and Juliet as ravishingly as "I Have Dreamed."

If I have any quibbles, there are only two minor ones. Terfel's R&H offering runs for 74 minutes, and still has six minutes of empty space on a CD. I'm sure that Terfel could have given thought to the Mother Abbess's "Climb Every Mountain" from The Sound of Music, which I consider a more universal and less-cliched song than "You'll never walk alone" from Carousel. It would have suited his full-throated, big-voiced characteristic very well. Also, this offering of R&H seems to be lopsided to emphasise more of the first part of R&H. Sixteen tracks cover R&H from Oklahoma to South Pacific, with four tracks that cover their second half from The King and I to The Sound of Music. As such I would have liked to hear him sing a more balanced repertoire of R&H songs with equal emphasis to both halves of their collaboration. Perhaps he might record a Volume 2 with songs from the latter part of their collaboration in the near future. But with 74 delightful minutes of Terfel's R&H offering, how could anybody complain about the quality of this recital, especially with a lavish booklet complete with copious notes by R&H expert Ethan Mordden and full lyrics.

Overall, though, I'm very sure that this R&H offering is both a highlight of Terfel's discography, and can ably recommended with his recording of Schubert songs to anybody who wants to get to know his work well. It can also be recommended to Rodgers & Hammerstein fans old and new.

By the way, I also recommend the Rodgers & Hammerstein Songbook for Orchestra, with another superlative Telarc offering by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and Erich Kunzel. This recital is just as outstanding as Terfel's R&H offering. And, there is a wealth of cast recordings that new R&H fans will want to snap up, so this Terfel disc will be an ideal stepping-stone for them.

Broadway or Opera... This CD is indeed ýSomething Wonderfulý.......2003-07-25

It becomes clearer with every disk Bryn releases... he turns whatever he touches into gold! This CD is indeed `Something Wonderful'. From the first listen I was in love with this disk and can't get enough.

To begin, Rodgers and Hammerstein couldn't be more appropriately sung. From a time before electric amplification the sweeping melodies of Richard Rodgers were intended to be sung as Bryn illustrates. As I say every time, his diction is impeccable, his musicianship is unsurpassed, and his enthusiasm is wonderful. As for Oscar Hammerstein, I'm sure he doesn't mind a little foreign accent... because every word is clear and understandable.

To compare the accent of Terfel to Pavarotti and Carreras is simply misguided. Although Pavarotti and Carreras are top-notch for what they do, neither pursues `Broadway' music seriously. Their ventures into the medium are limited to Gala concerts and the occasional snippet on a CD... not on stage depicting a role, but simply to sing a beautiful song. Mr. Terfel, on the other hand, researches the roles, coaches them, and is constantly pursued to perform them. His accent is one of slight vowel or consonant differences, which do not detract from the beautiful music. The music is well done and the story clear. Lets not nitpick diction or the French will have our hides for Les Miserables!

For the music, the recording quality is great. One reviewer mentioned poor sound quality and I do believe that person may have a bad disk or player... on my end the sound is full and robust; Bryn's voice dominates the sound. The orchestrations are full and lush. When dealing with modern houses and theatres the orchestra pits are usually quite small, and consequently the ensembles themselves. CDs like this one allow for fully orchestrated music to be heard, with a large symphony of musicians. The numbers that utilize chorus, which sings very well, are well balanced.

Tracks:

Lifelines
You Wanted More
Forever Not Yours
There's a Reason for It
Time and Again
Did Anyone Approach You?
Afternoon High
Oranges On Appletrees
Little Bit
Less Than Pure
Turn the Lights Down
Cannot Hide
White Canvas
Dragonfly
Solace

Amazon.com

Produced by Stephen Hague, Clive Langer, and Alan Winstanley, Lifelines--the follow-up to A-Ha's successful European comeback, Minor Earth, Major Sky--represents a further maturing of style. The instant synth-pop formula songs of their 1980s golden years have been replaced by a style that's more serious and solid. The sweeping title track that opens the album establishes from the get-go a philosophical, self-questioning theme that is continued on "There's a Reason for It" and "Less Than Pure." Despite the push toward a darker sound, the lyrics remain simple but sharp. "Turn the Lights Down" is an exquisite duet that could easily propel the group back to the top of the charts. But as the tone of the release suggests, the older, wiser A-Ha appear to no longer crave mass adoration, and are moving instead towards a more dynamic, credible musical future. --John Galilee

Album Description

European edition of the Norwegian alternative act's 2002 album.

Album Details

The Second Reunion Album from the Norwegian Trio Picks Up Where 'minor Earth, Major Sky' Left Off. Once Again, They Tug at the Heartstrings and Produce Some of the Most Beautiful Music on Earth. Previews Are Available for the Listening at their Official Website Www.aha.com. Never Really a One Hit Wonder, their Songwriting Skills Only Get Better with Time. It also Keeps Maturing in Different Ways...just Listen to the Breeziness of "Afternoon High" Contrasted with the Psychedelia of "Oranges on Appletrees" and the Haunting Beauty of "Time and Again", which Has Perhaps the Best Sung Verses Morten Harket Has Ever Recorded.

Customer Reviews:

This is a keeper.......2007-06-27

This CD was on repeat play in my house yesterday. I am immensely please that I bought it, based on several reviews listed here.

Each melody stands on it's own merit, one different from the other but creating an interesting body of work. Morten's voice melds the different melodies into one beautiful cohesive listening experience.

A-Ha truly has evolved in their music, and this is much more mature and serious than their earlier works. Of the 15 songs on the CD, 4 are written by Magne Furuholmen, 5 are collaborations by Furuholmen/Harket and the other 6 songs are by Waaktkaar-Savoy.

After several listen-throughs I admit to liking every melody on this CD. However some of the songs were immediate stand-outs: "Lifelines", "You Wanted More", "Forever Not Yours", "Time and Again", "Did Anyone Approach You", "Turn the Lights Down" (a duett with Anneli Drecker, whose vocals are also featured on "Lifelines"), "Cannot Hide" and "White Canvas". The lyrics to the this last one really spoke to me, and the last two lines in the song stay with me long after I've heard it: "stories are painted in the lines of your face".

Amazing.......2007-01-20

I had read reviews saying that Lifelines was one of the best A-ha albums ever, but I thought Minor Earth Major Sky was....that was until I got Lifelines for Xmas from my hubby. Every time I'm in the car I have it playing. My 3 1/2 year old even sings along. Truly an amazing piece of work.

Just what I'd hoped for as an enduring fan.......2006-05-10

Hunting High and Low and Scoundrel Days were two of my favorite albums in my youth. I recently wondered "where are they now" and was pleased to find A-ha has continued to make music. I purchased Lifelines with Minor Earth and Major Sky, the singles collection, and their first two albums. I find Lifelines to be very true to A-ha's roots in terms of style, while very much up-to-date in terms of sound. I thouroughly enjoy all tracks but am particularly fond of Time and Again, a masterpiece of lyrical and musical performance. My appreciation to Morten, Magne, and Paul for producing such good work. I highly recommend Lifelines in particular to enduring A-ha fans in America.

the same 3 guys, but a knew relationship..........2006-05-01

Sorry for my english cuz it's not my mother tongue.

Im an a-ha fans since 21 years now(time goes fast, or I dont want to get old..)Im gonna turn 35 this year in july, Im from Montreal, Canada. I continued to think that a-ha's best song so far it's maybe "the sun always shine on t.v. because of the way the song is structured, I really like the violin-viola mixt with the pop-rock guitar style, I also enjoy the intro very much,(organic-piano-synth combination)it's a perfect song in my opinion, superbly sung with such a sensitive tone of voice from Morten.

For their new cd analogue I tried a different approach, I listen to one song per day, so it took me more than a week to finish it off. I enjoy the experiment but it takes self-control with such a good music, by the way, you always need a good stereo system & good volume to really appreciate an a-ha song.

So I gave only 3 star to analogue cuz it's the first cd that no one of the 3 members did not collaborate together except for only one song, by Magne & paul with the title track. In my opinion the blend of the three, or at least two, obtain better result for a cd as a hole.

I think that a-ha delivered their best song due to the Magne-Paul formula(remember MEMS, Early morning, rolling thunder, moved to memphis, i've been loosing you, stay on these roads)except for summer moved on. even the Magne-Morten collaboration gave good surprising result on Lifeline(by the way I would be curious to see the result of a Morten-Paul collaboration again, cuz the last one was from the first cd), but now it seems like eatch guys do their owne thing & were loosing balance on the final produc.

So that is to say that half the cd stand for a true a-ha combination in terms of music style, & even then you can guess that holyground & make it soon comes from Morten, because of the music gender & the way of signing(remember will seed)but they are two very good song, I enjoy the drum & base tempo on holyground(I seems to reckognise Jorum Bogeburg base sounding here).

I also have the impression that Magne save this cd & his really established himself as a talented songwritter since Lifeline. Paul for his part, are still capable of creating strong songs like analogue(maybe the best of the cd, because he kept the a-ha style on that one, & the drum tempo is efficient with the guitar riff & the chorus).
But i dont like when he force the Savoy style too much, like he did with this cd(he start since Lifeline)cuz we loose consystancy. That doesn't mean that his other 4 songs are'nt good, but simply that they convey to much Savoy taste from them & a tru a-ha fans does'nt need that.

So wath can i say more....maybe that they need to regroup together to be able to reach their full potential...& i'd like to see them try a completely electronic music style ... im sure they capable of doing it...they are plenty of talent, they just need to regroup.

oh! by the way, dont try to compare them with u2, cuz really! there is nothing here to carry a comparison!...with anyone!

Wonderful, brings back "A-ha memories".......2006-03-21

I love this CD! My favorite is "Time and Again." Also, the title, "Lifelines," is also a pretty song. There are a couple that have to grow on you, but overall, this is a great CD to purchase. I also have "Minor Earth, Major Sky", and that, too, is an awesome CD.

I just find it so disappointing, that they aren't able to make a comeback in the United States. They have so much talent, and the producers and recorders, don't seem to care.

Go ahead and purchase this, you won't be disappointed. Morten's voice, as usual, is an angel's sent from up above - just breath taking.

Average customer rating:

marvelous countertenor voice

The Best of Andreas Scholl

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Wayfaring Stranger: Folksongs
Andreas Scholl - English Folksongs & Lute Songs (17th Century)
The Voice
Andreas Scholl - Kantate
Arias for Senesino

ASIN: B000HKDCJ4
Release Date: 2006-11-20

Tracks:

Ombra Mai Fu
Che Faro Senza Euridce?
Ad Te Clamamus
Dove Sei, Amato Bene?
Stabat Mater
Cum Dederit Dilectis Suis Somnum
Lidia, Il Sonno Sai Cos'e?
Cara Sposa
Blow The Wind Southerly
The Salley Gardens
Ar Ri Rang
How Sweet The Moonlight
In Darkness Let Me Dwell
Amarilli Mia Bella
La Pieta Che Ancor Non Trova
Va Per Le Vene Il Sangue
Aure, Deh, Per Pieta
Al Lampo Dell'armi

Customer Reviews:

marvelous countertenor voice.......2006-12-10

many people say andreas scholl has a non-expressice voice for opera and that the beauty of his voice gets him by. well after listening to the choice of his best i argue that. his "dove sei" is beautiful as well as his "ombra mai fu," a peace he made his own.over all a very nice selection. a must for all andreas scholl fans and those who enjoy a musical diversity.

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