Spectrum

Amazon.com
Cobham's first album as a leader, in 1973--a jazz-rock classic. As on his slightly earlier outings with Mahavishnu Orchestra, Cobham dazzles with rapid-fire pyrotechnics. But, listening carefully, he also does his job of rhythmic support--for this, he calls on his roots in drum-corps and Latin timbale drumming. His compositions here set fire to a stunningly tight band. The scowling, scurrying, skirmishing performance by the late rock-guitar ace, Tommy Bolin, is particularly memorable. He merges beautifully with Cobham's Mahavishnu bandmate, Jan Hammer (Moog/keyboards), who eggs Bolin on with warp-speed synthesized guitar sounds. The band was just as involved rhythmically as McLaughlin's, but had a gritty rapid-transit flavor where Mahavishnu was in spiritual quest. --Peter Monaghan

Spectrum,Billy Cobham,Atlantic / Wea,Drums,Fusion,Jazz,Jazz Music,Jazz-Rock,Pop

Average customer rating: Really great album. Worth the money. Pure Jazz Rock Fusion! SPECTRUM review BILLY & BOLIN BURN!! Killer Band, Classic Album

Spectrum Billy Cobham Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Crosswinds The Inner Mounting Flame Total Eclipse Birds of Fire Between Nothingness and Eternity ASIN: B000002I77 Release Date: 1992-02-25

Tracks:

1. Quadrant 4
2. Searching For The Right Door / Spectrum
3. Anxiety / Taurian Matador
4. Stratus
5. To The Women In My Life / Le Lis
6. Snoopy's Search / Red Baron

Amazon.com

Cobham's first album as a leader, in 1973--a jazz-rock classic. As on his slightly earlier outings with Mahavishnu Orchestra, Cobham dazzles with rapid-fire pyrotechnics. But, listening carefully, he also does his job of rhythmic support--for this, he calls on his roots in drum-corps and Latin timbale drumming. His compositions here set fire to a stunningly tight band. The scowling, scurrying, skirmishing performance by the late rock-guitar ace, Tommy Bolin, is particularly memorable. He merges beautifully with Cobham's Mahavishnu bandmate, Jan Hammer (Moog/keyboards), who eggs Bolin on with warp-speed synthesized guitar sounds. The band was just as involved rhythmically as McLaughlin's, but had a gritty rapid-transit flavor where Mahavishnu was in spiritual quest. --Peter Monaghan

Customer Reviews:

Really great album. Worth the money........2006-06-18

I just got this album last month and I'm still really pleased with it. If you are a fan of Jazz Fusion, or just a fan of Billy Cobham, give "Spectrum" a listen. Billy Cobham has some great drum parts, as well as a few tasteful solos which really do a lot to showcase his genius when it comes to drumming. Whats most impressive about this is that even when playing his really intracate drum solos, it doesn't seem like he is showing off. Everything he does seems to work together with the rest of the music, which says alot.

The other instruments are great on this album two. Guitarist Tom Bollin really surprised me, and Jan Hammer delivered an excellent preformance on Electric Piano and Synth in typical "Hammer" fashion. The Bassist, Lee Sklar, does alot to complement the band, but I felt he was holding back, and was dissapointed. Luckily, there are some tracks where he is replaced by the Ledgendary Ron Carter on Double Bass.

All in all, songs are well constructed and memorable, the Musicians featured on the album are great, and all the songs on the album work together as a whole and create consistency. The music is full of change, dynamics, and contrast. It's nothing quite like Mahavishnu Orchestra's older music, but it's still a great album in it's own right.

Pure Jazz Rock Fusion!.......2006-02-21

I have loved this album for years. What makes it my favorite Jazz-Rock-Fusion album is it's line-up. With the exception of two tracks featuring Ron Carter and Joe Farrell (two great Jazz musicians), the four piece group is made of two Jazz players, and two from the Rock scene. Billy and Jan are Jazz players at the core, Tommy is a Blues based Rock player, and Lee Sklar on bass is one of the great Pop-Rock studio sideman (James Taylor, Phil Collins, etc). They all come together to produce a great JRF funky sound. A lot of great JRF music is mostly played by Jazz musicians exercising their music with Rock Muscle (amplfiers, pick-ups, etc). This album gives us a fusion of different musical backgrounds. Tommy Bolin fans know that in his early days, he was in a Blues-Rock band called "Zephyr." Some of their early stuff does have tinges of Jazz and Swing, so it didn't surprise me how well he fit with Billy and Jan. It's too bad that the core group on this album wasn't really a band. It was a one time project. I saw Billy Cobham in concert soon after Spectrum was released, and he was already on to the Crosswinds-Total Eclispe group. That outfit wasn't too shabby either.

SPECTRUM review.......2006-02-21

cool CD...haven't heard it in probably 15 to 20 years...It was fun to hear it again....Funny though, it's a bit different than the way I remember it.

BILLY & BOLIN BURN!!.......2005-09-25

a reviewer here actually said this disc was...boring?!?! Hmmmmm.
I still find this to be one of Cobham's best releases. When Jan Hammer and Billy kick off 'Quadrant 4' you know they mean business. Not only does Cobham have great fusion chops, the man is flat-out funky! He can lay down the fattest grooves. Tommy Bolin scorches on the guitar. So sad he couldn't overcome his subsance abuse and left us much too early. What a talent!

Listen to Tommy and Hammer trade riffs in 'Taurian Matador', brilliant! Hammer is leading the charge and Bolin is right there with him, burnin' up the fretboard while Billy lends his usual brilliant support. This disc has remained a personal favorite of mine thru the years. Just a very solid effort from Billy and the boys. R.I.P Mr. Bolin

www.electriceyes.us

Killer Band, Classic Album.......2004-07-31

Tommy Bolin's solo on Quadrant 4 is one of the most exciting ever recorded. Cobham's driving him into a frenzy.

Average customer rating: We like Roger

The Very Best of Roger Whittaker Roger Whittaker Manufacturer: Universal/Spectrum ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Danny Boy Now and Then: Greatest Hits 1964-2004 Roger Whittaker - Greatest Hits The Best of Roger Whittaker Legends ASIN: B0000252C4 Release Date: 2000-05-23

Tracks:

1. Durham Town
2. The Last Farewell
3. Morning Has Broken
4. Mamy Blue
5. The Skye Boat Song
6. Morning, Please Don't Come
7. Quel Monde Merveilleux (What A Wonderful World)
8. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
9. New World In The Morning
10. I Don't Believe In If Anymore
11. Streets Of London
12. Mexican Whistler
13. Dirty Old Town
14. A Taste Of Honey
15. Good Morning Starshine
16. By The Time I Get To Phoenix
17. From Both Sides Now
18. Why

Album Description

1997 compilation on Spectrum, 53 minutes long & featuringthe original hit versions of 18 of the British adultcontemporary singer's best, 1969-1979. Includes the top 201975 hit 'The Last Farewell', as well as 'Durham Town', 'NewWorld In The Morning', 'Mamy Blue', 'Why', 'The Skye BoatSong' and 'I Don't Believe In If Anymore'.

Album Details

1996 Anthology of Recordings from the British Balladeer who is Probably Best Likened as an English Burl Ives. His Distinctive Baritone Has Been a Favorite Voice of Millions for Over 30 Years and He is One of the all Time Great Interpreters of Popular Song. Whittaker Earned his Pop Wings with his Monstrous Hit "The Last Farewell" from the Early 1970's that Topped the Charts around the World.

Customer Reviews:

We like Roger.......2007-02-08

Having attended several of Rogers concerts in the past we have become dyed in the wool Roger Whitaker fans. We purchased the CD to replace some of the tapes that we have worn out. We play the cd in the car as we do our erands and we love it

Average customer rating: More colorful than Red and Grey! After "99.9" and "Nine Objects," a serious comedown Great Songs and Lyrics! A Beautiful Mind Agreed, her best since her first

Songs in Red and Gray Suzanne Vega Manufacturer: Spectrum Hmn ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nine Objects of Desire Solitude Standing 99.9 F° Suzanne Vega Days of Open Hand ASIN: B00005O6JG Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

1. Penitent
2. Widow's Walk
3. (I'll Never Be) Your Maggie May
4. It Makes Me Wonder
5. Soap And Water
6. Songs In Red And Gray
7. Last Year's Troubles
8. Priscilla
9. If I Were A Weapon
10. Harbor Song
11. Machine Ballerina
12. Solitaire
13. St. Clare

Amazon.com

Suzanne Vega remains one of the most relentlessly, mercilessly tasteful recording artists alive. Every note on Songs in Red and Gray has been arranged with the meticulous precision of a butler laying silver on a table. Every sound is so polished and buffed that you barely notice you're listening, every syllable of every lyric only admitted to the melodies after painstaking reviewing and rewriting, and every song sung as if Vega believes that her core audience consists of elocution teachers. This has worked, occasionally, for Vega before--it should not be forgotten what an original presence she was with "Left of Center" and "Marlene on the Wall"--and it works, occasionally, for Vega now. There are a few fine songs here, notably the gently acerbic "Last Year's Troubles" and the wryly subversive "Maggie May" (not the Rod Stewart standard), but there is also a whole lot of glutinous, over-refined suet. Vega still needs to give her songs a much longer leash. --Andrew Mueller

Customer Reviews:

More colorful than Red and Grey!.......2005-10-12

This is the first time that I have really listened in depth to Suzanne Vega's songs. The words are powerful. The music and the musicians are superb. Every time I listen to her sing I fall under her spell. This Album is a must for all SV fans.

After "99.9" and "Nine Objects," a serious comedown.......2005-08-25

"99.9" had a crisp intelligence and a skeptical tone, "Nine Objects" was a masteripiece of jazzy sensuality. This CD, however, is hopelessly muddled on too many levels; though many of the orchestrations are fine (the low, urgent strings on "Widow's Walk" perfectly compliment her gun metal-tough delivery), the lyrics often get lost in a thicket of overwriting. (Slog through the words for "It Makes Me Wonder" where she rhymes a reference to breast milk with "ilk"--it makes me wonder too, Suzanne.) Though some have appreciated her use of metaphor on this CD, I found them to be both absurdly purple and cryptic. ("Daddy's a dark riddle/Mama's a headful of bees" sounds like bad college-girl creative writing, not to mention the thudding metaphor of "The virgin Mary on a chain has hit me in the mouth again." Egad!) Vega has never seemed as affected or pretentious--so out of touch with her audience--as she has in the ghastly "Priscilla," with lines such as "but still we did play" that wouldn't even qualify as college-girl creative writing. (This annoying tense tic reappears in "Harbor Song" where she sings "Whenever I do travel.") She also tries to revisit certain songs and themes from previous albums, but instead of being commentary or deepening a theme it seems like she's rehashing ideas (the card game on "Solitaire" pales compared to "No Cheap Thrill" from "Nine Objects;" "If I Were A Weapon" rips off "If You Were In My Movie" from "99.9"). As an artist writing about the dissolution of a marriage, one expects more thematic richness and genuine emotion from her than just sounding vaguely nettled---for the first time, her coolness seems like a front, a pose to cover darker emotions. Only occasionally do the lyrics, vocals and instruments combine into alchemy--"Widow's Walk," the weary delivery and razor-sharp detail in "Song In Red and Gray," and the compassionate yet sorrowful final elegy "St. Clare." Has Vega given up on all romantic relationships? Has her dark mood weighed down her talent, and trapped it in the muck at the bottom of her mind? Here's hoping she can cut loose the chains and soar again in the future.

Great Songs and Lyrics!.......2005-07-17

This was Vega's first album after her divorce from her husband and producer on her two previous albums, Mitchell Froom. The theme of breaking-up is naturally dominating many these songs.

The production of this album is slightly softer than ""99.9 F" and "Nine Objects of Desire", and probably less daring. The record has been criticised for being overproduced; personaly I think her production suits her songs brilliantly. And songs are mostly great and like always, Suzanne Vega's lyrics are melodic and thought-provoking.

Only few songs are immediately catchy and it may take a few listens to get into many of them.

My first favourites were the up-beat songs "I'll Never Be Your Maggie May". "Last Year's Troubles" (great lyrics on that one too!) and "If I Were a Weapon".

Among the slower and more silent songs "Soap and Water" and "St Claire" are really great.

All in all an album you can enjoy and listen to many times!

Now I'm eagerly awaiting her new album which supposedly is to be released in late 2005.

A Beautiful Mind.......2005-06-10

Suzanne Vega is such a unique voice in music. She shares her experiences and observations on life, but never stoops to overtly shouting about anything; neither musically nor lyrically. This seems to bother some, such as the Amazon reviewer, but I simply find this as a different approach to reporting or viewing life. Suzanne tells her stories with an ethereal sense of control, by a force of will minimizing emotions such as anger and regret; they argue a balanced understanding of life where beauty resides in the ability to deal with life's ups-and-downs with love, hope and a wry sense of humor.

As for the various comments about the production values of Red and Grey, I have no problems listening to the songs on good equipment; the sounds, like the lyrics, are largely well thought out and clearly intentioned. Much popular music relies on the artistic (and often times non-artistic) collisions of many sounds together; it's neither good nor bad that there is not much of that here... It's more like a stream of sounds all headed in the same direction versus a collage of sounds that blend together.

Not a perfect album by any stretch, but it has many perfect human moments; realistic, slightly sad, personal songs that flow gracefully over turbulent ground...

Agreed, her best since her first.......2004-07-13

Few albums have touched me and knocked my socks off at the same time as this one has. This is by far her best songwriting since Suzanne Vega and Solitude Standing. I have enjoyed all of her albums, but these songs have a rawness, intimacy and intensity that I have rarely ever seen. On top of that, the musical arrangements framing the lyrics are perfect - not over done, not underdone. You can "feel" the emotion before she starts singing. I am not a professional critic, but I would say this is a flawless album. Pure Suzanne in the lyrics and her songwriting has reached a maturity and level of excellence that all of her fans have been watching her work towards.

Average customer rating: EARTHA KITT PURRFECT "IN THE ADORABLE FUR" PLAY IT LOUD! A Must-Have!

Purrfect: The Eartha Kitt Collection Eartha Kitt Manufacturer: Universal/Spectrum ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Eartha Kitt: Where is My Man? Live From The Cafe Carlyle That Bad Eartha / Down to Eartha Back in Business Very Best of Eartha Kitt ASIN: B00004TA90 Release Date: 2001-03-05

Tracks:

1. Just an Old Fashioned Girl
2. I Want to Be Evil
3. Do It Again
4. Lola Lola
5. Mack the Knife
6. Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)
7. All I Want Is All There Is and Then Some
8. My Heart Belongs to Daddy
9. Love for Sale
10. Never on Sunday
11. Uska Dara
12. C'est Si Bon
13. Yellow Bird
14. Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
15. Santa Baby
16. Lady Loves
17. Lilac Wine
18. Whatever Lola Wants

Album Description

UK compilation for the alluring vocalist who still packs 'em in on the cabaret circuit, best known as the scariest Catwoman on TV's 'Batman' and for her signature hits 'Sanata Baby' and 'C'est Si Bon' both of which are included here. Additional tracks include, 'Just An Old Fashioned Girl', 'I Want To Be Evil', 'Mack The Knife', 'My Heart Belongs To Daddy' and 'Love For Sale'. 18 tracks in all. 2000 release. Standardjewel case.

Customer Reviews:

EARTHA KITT PURRFECT "IN THE ADORABLE FUR" PLAY IT LOUD!.......2002-01-17

This new compilation of Eartha Kitt classics is a great clear and crisp C.D. for lovers of 'The Worlds Most Exciting Woman'. This 'Lounge' set is truly exceptional and contains many hard to find gems. Included are superior early 60's re-recordings of 'Just An Old Fashioned Girl', 'C'Est Si Bon' 'My Heart Belongs To Daddy' and a fantastic uptempo version of 'I Want To Be Evil' that shows this feline Catwoman at her best. Miss Kitt is in peak form here doing standards such as 'Love For Sale', 'Whatever Lola Wants', 'Never On Sunday' and the rare 'Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend'. She purrs and growls her way through classy and distinctive renditions of 'Mack The Knife', 'A Lady Loves' and the festive tease 'Santa Baby'. Definitely for the bachelor pad or cocktail party. Robert Rechter. AUSTRALIA Jan 2002.

A Must-Have!.......2001-01-04

This CD features some great recordings of Eartha's classics ("C'est Si Bon", "Just an Old Fashioned Girl"), as well as some harder-to-find tracks of Eartha singing other 1950s/60s standards. I have an extensive collection of Eartha LPs, but none of them include "Mack the Knife" or "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" or "Whatever Lola Wants," all of which are on this import CD. Another terrific cut is "All I Want Is All There Is (And Then Some)"--Eartha at her best!

Average customer rating:

Me Myself I Joan Armatrading Manufacturer: Universal/Spectrum ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Folk | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Show Some Emotion Joan Armatrading Into the Blues Whatever's for Us Walk Under Ladders ASIN: B000006V8N Release Date: 1988-09-12

Tracks:

1. Me Myself I
2. Ma-Me-O-Beach
3. Friends
4. Is It Tomorrow Yet?
5. Turn Out The Light
6. When You Kisses Me
7. All The Way From America
8. Feeling In My Heart (For You)
9. Simon
10. I Need You

Album Details

Digitally Remastered. 10 Tracks Include "me Myself and I", "Turn Out the Light", "i Need You" and More.

Average customer rating: best in show 2006 Great Covers! And Great Originals Too!! The Fun Is Contagious

Redbird Redbird Manufacturer: Signature Sounds ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stripping Cane Ghost Repeater Songs for a Hurricane Strange Conversation Five Stories ASIN: B0007514A8 Release Date: 2005-02-22

Tracks:

1. Ships
2. Moonglow
3. Patience
4. Buckets Of Rain
5. The Whole World Round
6. Ithaca
7. Lovely As The Day Is Long
8. Moonshiner
9. Redbird Waltz
10. Lullaby 101
11. I Gotta Get Drunk
12. Lighthouse Light
13. You Are The Everything
14. Down By The Sally Garden
15. Redbird
16. Drunk Lullaby
17. Hold On

Customer Reviews:

best in show 2006.......2007-01-05

Okay, not even sure that it came out in 2006. However, that is when I first heard it, so that is what counts. I really hope they put out another album - even if it is only half as good as this one, it will be better than 95% of what I get to hear.
Buy it, burn it, steal it, whatever you have to do it is worth it.

Great Covers! And Great Originals Too!!.......2006-03-01

This band has a sweet tone mixed with a folk and blues style. They hit the grove on every track! Buckets of Rain is a great song and they pay quite a tribute to it with their eclectic style!

The Fun Is Contagious.......2005-07-14

Redbird's debut recording is a very sweet collaboration between Jeffrey Foucault, Kris Delmhorst & Peter Mulvey. While none of these artists is a household name, each has established an individual solo career and come together here with a blending of sound. Their collaborative work together is exquisite. While each is represented by at least one track that they penned, the emphasis is on the music. Part of the charm of the set is the diversity and range of songwriters whose material they perform. This was apparently recorded in Mark Olson's living room in Fort Atkinson WI & has an informal feel.

R.E.M.'s "You Are the Everything" is a bright acoustic flower, "I'm very scared for this world, I'm very scared for me, Eviscerate your memory." "Lighthouse Light" by Ry Cavanaugh is a dreamy folk melody with Kris' lovely alto, "There is light in the distance, It's coming in from the west, There is light in the distance, Thinking of the one that I love best." One of my favorite tracks is the gorgeous "Patience" written by Mark Sandman who was the lead singer for the band Morphine. Kris' delivery is stunning as she calls to allow for time to heal. "Moonglow" is a standard that Benny Goodman recorded in the 1930s and has been covered by jazz artists like Duke Ellington & Count Basie as well as female vocalists like Billie Holiday & Joni James with a new version on Carly Simon's soon-to-be-released "Moonlight Serenade" CD. Redbird's acoustic version has a jazz flavor but is recast as an intimate folk gem with all three voices blending, "I started praying, 'Dear Lord please let this last.'" Mitch Jayne was a member of the Dillards who recorded his song "The Whole World Round." Redbird's version has a bluegrass flavor and polishes his lovely melody. "Buckets of Rain" is a classic Dylan song with one of his best melodies and great lyrics that Redbird nail in this catchy quiet version. The set concludes with a version of a song Tom Waits penned & first recorded on his "Mule Variations" CD. This is an excellent acoustic folk set from a group that obviously is having a blast playing together. The fun is contagious. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: Tom Jones Live! "HARD TO HANDLE" HAS HOT AND HEAVY HORNS!!! REAL RAW LIVE ENERGY from THE TIGER

From Las Vegas to London - The Best of Tom Jones Live Tom Jones Manufacturer: Universal/Spectrum ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Live at Caesar's Palace The Definitive Tom Jones 1964-2002 Tom Jones Sings Country Best of Tom Jones Greatest Love Songs ASIN: B00002MHQ0 Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

1. Turn On Your Love Light
2. The Bright Lights And You Girl
3. I Can't Stop Loving You
4. Hard To Handle
5. Delilah
6. Danny Boy
7. (It Looks Like) I'll Never Fall In Love Again
8. Help Yourself
9. Yesterday
10. Hey Jude
11. Love Me Tonight
12. It's Not Unusual
13. Twist And Shout
14. Lucille (with the Squires)
15. Green Green Grass of Home
16. Not Responsible
17. What's New Pussycat
18. Thunderball

Customer Reviews:

Tom Jones Live!.......2006-02-01

Tom Jones "Live in Las Vegas" (from the Flamingo) is one of my favorite live vinyl recordings in my collection. This tunesmith's mix, on that album, of County-Pop-Soul that is backed by an equally impressive band never fails to thrill me. My vinyl copy of "Tom Jones Live" (from London's Talk of the Town) is not as great but can still be given 3 stars. I am not motivated to jump through hoops to transfer my vinyl stuff to my hard drive and then to a CD/MP3 player. Luckily this Las Vegas heavy "From Las Vegas to London" CD is now available and it combines much of the best from these two vinyl pieces of gold in my vinyl collection into one CD source. Tom is one of those performers that somehow is better "live" than in the studio. When I have been lucky enough to catch his live act I could feel his "joy of performing" in the air. His "recorded live" material exudes an indefinable excitement that is not somehow captured in the recording studio. Tom's recent cable gig (on the A & E special?) "Tom Jones - Live at Cardiff Castle" is just one more piece of evidence that my theory is correct. Besides his "joy of performing" I suspect it must be those great live rhythm and blues arrangements, added to that heavy horn section, plus Tom's blasting soulful voice that contribute to my enjoyment of his "recorded live" material. No Tom Jones fan should be without this CD.

"HARD TO HANDLE" HAS HOT AND HEAVY HORNS!!!.......2005-06-13

Alright kids listen up! This CD has the best R&B song ever recorded just sittin' there between trax 3 and 5 like a greyhound in the startin' gate waitin' for you to set it free! Live from Vegas in '68, Mr. Jones is on stage at the Flamingo Hilton with the BADDEST bunch of horn players ANYONE has ever heard ANYWHERE at ANYTIME!! I know that's a bit bold, but I would not take the time to hook y'all up if I wurnt sure 'bout this!! This live version of the Otis Redding classic "Hard to Handle" is the finest example of what soul music is all about!! The FATTEST horns you're ever gonna hear! Someone is CARVING up the stage with that wah-wah pedal on that sweet Gibson guitar! Hammond B3 paintin' those lovely backround colors! Mr. Jones is doin' things with that voice that could easily discourage even Ray Carles, Michael McDonald, or Marvin into another line of work!! God forbid! If for no other reason than to hear R&B like it ought be done, this am the CD for you! My folks had the original Tom Jones Live In Las Vegas at the Flamingo record way back in 1969 and I wore the vinyl thinner than Tom Delay's conscience! Track 4 is textbook soul!! Enjoy!

REAL RAW LIVE ENERGY from THE TIGER.......2003-01-01

This album was taken from Tom's album LIVE IN LAS VEGAS AT THE FLAMINGO and also a few tracks are from LIVE AT THE TALK OF THE TOWN. It's all live and very cool. Great to hear the between song banter with the audience and get a feel of the concert back in the 60's. He does an amazing version of "DANNY BOY" adding as Tom says, "a bit of blues to it." Also very cool version of "YESTERDAY" and "HEY JUDE."

Average customer rating: Great Fun! The lost Anglo-American poet... Cool Set Do you like Pina Coladas

Escape: Best of Rupert Holmes Rupert Holmes Manufacturer: Spectrum Hmn ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Folk | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rupert Holmes - Greatest Hits Playboy Jazz: In a Smooth Groove Widescreen-The Collector's Edition The Turtles - 20 Greatest Hits Ultimate Collection: The Complete Hits ASIN: B00002505F Release Date: 2001-08-02

Tracks:

1. Escape
2. Him
3. Partners In Crime
4. I Don't Need You
5. Adventure
6. Blackjack
7. Morning Man
8. Answering Machine
9. Lunch Hour
10. Get Outta Yourself
11. Drop It
12. In You I Trust
13. People You Never Get To Love
14. Cold
15. Mask
16. You'll Love Me Again
17. Escape

Customer Reviews:

Great Fun!.......2006-08-06

Classic Rupert Holmes - a blast from the past. I loved every song!

The lost Anglo-American poet..........2006-04-13

You surely remember this man through his Pina Colada song... Who doesn't ? Rupert Holmes reached the peak of his notoriety with this hit single from "Partners in crime", but that was about it. This man fell into a category of artists known just for one song and had to carry this cross for the rest of his life. Other artists who still could make a more prolific career than Rupert also had to suffer from this constant reference to one of their early career hits. That is what marketing or labeling can do to you.

Yet, Rupert does have two excellent albums : Partners in crime and Adventure (though I think the latter was never released on cd). Fortunately for the ones who appreciated more than...the pina colada song (you guessed it)...this "best of" is a chance to listen to this poet and some of his (sometimes) remarkable songs. I personally always preferred by much "Him", a song about infidelity, "I don't need you" (the continuation of "Him"), the bluesy "Get outta yourself", or the title track of the album "Partners in crime" to... the Pina...(you guessed it right). The tracks pulled out of Adventure are even more interesting because of an increased depth and power, like in "Blackjack", "Cold" (again referring to a woman...), "The mask" or the title track "Adventure". The lyrics here are still poetic, clever, witty, descriptive, but there is an added value of a better musical arrangement and guitars than on Partners in Crime. You see, I have already given you eight better tracks than, yes, you guessed again, the ...pina -was it Colada?- song... and that is why this collection is really interesting. Only problem I see in it, the opening is... the Pina colada song... and the closer is also (the single version) of... well...

If you decide to get (or borrow) this cd, you will be in for a 71 minutes, and 17 songs, ride that will take you to the flavour of the late seventies-early eighties. You will surely enjoy it, despite a couple of sappy songs, if you like(d) people such as Barry Manilow, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, James Taylor or Stephen Bishop. All poets, of which Rupert is the one that disappeared sooner from the headlines...

Cool Set.......2000-12-29

Rupert Holmes has some solid stuff here.i mainly got this set for the "Pina Colada" song that cut is a gem.that song is still cool.

Do you like Pina Coladas.......2000-06-17

I've been a fan of Holmes ever since I could remember. Started with the ever popular Pina Colada song. If you like Holmes and do not have many CD's or any at all, this is a great on to start with.

Average customer rating: the ticky ticky buzz the sun winks the sky... Great collection of one of hip hop's greatest 5 for old content 3 for new Tight... I dig it.

Beyond the Spectrum: The Creamy Spy Chronicles Digable Planets Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Blowout Comb Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) Trip the Light Fantastic Hip Hop 'N Jazz Anthology ASIN: B000B66PLQ Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Dedicated
3. Nickel Bags
4. Jettin'
5. Where I'm From (Remix)
6. Three Slims Dynamite
7. Dog It
8. Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)
9. Dial 7 (Axioms of Creamy Spies)
10. Graffiti
11. Pacifics
12. 9th Wonder (Blackitolism) (Elaine Brown Mix)
13. Where I'm From (LP Version)

Amazon.com

It's not clear why they didn't just call this a "greatest hits" compilation since it so clearly is one. That said, it does a decent job of pulling out the best songs from the DP's two mid-90s albums (though one should ask: can a two-album group really qualify for "greatest hits" status?). The seminal "Rebirth of Slick" is on here, as are other slices of jazzy mellowness from Reachin', like "Nickel Bags" and "Dial 7." It's good to see how much material is here from the underrated Blowout Comb, which features superior musical and lyrical material such as the deliciously dark "Dog It" and the light-hearted charm of "Jettin'." The album also features some exclusive material such as unreleased songs ("Three Slims Dynamite"), "Dedicated" (which only appeared on the B-side of a single) and remixes for both "Where I'm From" and "9th Wonder." --Oliver Wang

Customer Reviews:

the ticky ticky buzz the sun winks the sky..........2006-10-31

...I fumble through my fuzz and buzz mr. i

I thought I'd lost them forever. I thought, perhaps that was the lesson for me, their purpose in my life. Two great albums, a cool breeze rich with promise. Like a ham-fisted tyro, I tried to capture it, tried to hold on. But they ultimately went where all cool breezes go.

Then, they were back. But I read the Amazon blurb on the new album, warning that it was just a collection of their greatest hits, even mockingly asking "can a two-album group really qualify for `greatest hits' status?" But then I decided to trust the few kind reviewers who understood: You don't buy an album to collect the song titles. These may be culled from the same set of songs but they are completely new renderings, as well as some completely new tracks. If you are disappointed in this CD, you should more appropriately be disappointed in your own lack of musical sophistication. You've heard the lyrics before but you listen to this music not for the words, but for the vibration. I've said it before, listen in your belly, your center. Then come back and thank me.

True story: I was walking along `round Inman Square, had the Planets on my iPod. I saw an old acquaintance walking my way, coming around the corner. We used to work together, talked music, traded some bootlegs we burned for each other. Haven't seen each other in a while. Eye contact was established, heads bobbing at the same frequency. There was the moment when I went to pull out the ear buds. Wouldn't want to be uncouth. Then, I saw his hands going to his ears. We were close enough to see we both were digging our tunes. Simultaneously, we both dropped our arms. It was the ultimate act of non-verbal post-modern etiquette. There was a chuckle, the raised eyebrow greeting, the knowing glances, the nod, and we passed without interrupting each other's tunes. And somehow I'm almost positive he too was grooving to the Axioms of Creamy Spies.

Great collection of one of hip hop's greatest.......2006-07-16

First of all, those fooled into thinking this is Digable Planet's long awaited reunion album will be disappointed, for it is not. This is a collection of Digable Planets music from their time together between 1993 and 1995. The concept of this album is very similar to the A Tribe Called Quest collection "Hits, Rarities, and Remixes", if you are familiar with it. This album contains some singles and great deep tracks from the group's two albums, "Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space)" and "Blowout Comb", but to convince old fans to buy it it also includes remixes of songs from those two albums and previously unreleased tracks from that period. Like I said about the Pete Rock & CL Smooth hits collection, a compilation of Digable Planets songs is kind of redundant and questionable considering they only released two albums over two years. However, if you are new to Digable Planets, this might be a good starting point, but I'd actually recommend buying their two albums instead because they are both amazing, there's no track worth skipping on either one. Digable Planets is one of hip hop's greatest and most underrated groups, making a trademark fusion of hip hop and jazz that was some of the most artistic and beautiful music I've heard. From Doodlebug, Butterfly, and Mecca's beautiful voices to the live instrumentation, sampling, and lyricism, "Reachin'..." and "Blowout Comb" are two of the best albums I've heard. Digable has never received their proper respect and remains a largely unheard group ten years later.

Bottom line, a long time Digable Planets fan might want this album for collection purposes, but in my opinion, new fans should pounce on their two albums instead. The content on "Beyond the Spectrum" is excellent, and you can't really go wrong by buying it, but Digable's two albums are definitely worth the purchase.

5 for old content 3 for new.......2006-02-26

Even to a huge fan of Dig Ps this CD was not at all impressive. Don't get me wrong, what's on it is the some of the best music ever created...the problem is... I've already got it all. If you have their first two cds then this is really only worth it if you have an unsatiable curiosity about those extra tracks. They're ok. If you don't have the old ones..then pick them up first!

Tight..........2005-11-06

As another reviewer said, the first reviewer's low mark isn't based on a valid point. The point of this album was to be a remastery of the better Digable tracks. There are also some tracks that did not show up on the albums, which is a bonus.

If you are new to Digable Planets, I highly recommend this work, for every song on this CD is ace. These people are the kings (and one queen) of psychadelic chill out hip hop. The rhythm production also helps out a bunch. Many of the tracks sample older songs, but the producers (including King Britt) do it so tastefully and respectfully that they would have been hot beats without the use of a sample.

Get this and I'm sure you'll be hooked. If you like them, also get "Uptown Saturday Night" by Camp Lo. There's another group I could go on about.

I dig it........2005-10-30

I admit I initially thought this was a new album, but then I saw the tracklist and realized it was a collection of sorts. So what we get here is a couple remixes, a couple b-sides, and the "better" tracks from their two albums. A few more tracks would have been nice, and I'd easily swap "Nickel Bags" for "It's Good To Be Here". Overall though I like what's included. Obviously a new album would have been more welcome, but at least we get something from them, and they are on tour as well.

Average customer rating: I Gave it Away A great buy. nice but too slow at times The rhythm of life is wonderful!! Superb good!

The Very Best of Oleta Adams Oleta Adams Manufacturer: Universal/Spectrum ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Circle of One Christmas Time with Oleta All the Love Come Walk With Me Evolution ASIN: B000024AVT Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

1. Rhythm of Life
2. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
3. Never Knew Love
4. Get Here
5. Hold Me for a While
6. Many Rivers to Cross
7. Circle of Love
8. My Heart Won't Lie
9. Lover's Holiday
10. Embraceable You
11. We Will Meet Again
12. Love Begins at Home
13. I Just Had to Hear Your Voice
14. Woman in Chains - Oleta Adams, Tears for Fears
15. I Knew You When
16. Window of Hope

Amazon.com

Her name may not be as instantly recognizable as Anita Baker's, but if you're a fan of Baker, you're bound to love Adams. After working toward a solid reputation in her native Kansas, she was discovered while working a hotel-lounge gig by Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears and became one of the band's regular guests (their "Woman in Chains" is included here). This collection includes an impressive list of contributors (including Irene Cara on backing vocals) and worldwide hits like "Get Here," an emotional tearjerker that showcase's Adams's amazing voice. Many tracks veer into MOR territory (what else can you expect with a cover of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"?) and straight-out-of-a-musical style ("Embraceable You"); if you're looking for more funk in your soul, your best bet is "Rhythm of Life." --Rebecca Wallwork

Album Description

Available for the first time at this fantastic low price, The Very Best Of Oleta Adams features all her classic hits including 'Get Here' and a number of timeless soul covers. 16 total tracks. Spectrum. 2006.

Customer Reviews:

I Gave it Away.......2007-02-07

I loved Circle of Love. This one dind of bored me.

A great buy........2007-01-05

Good quality. These are some great songs by Oleta Adams. The cover photo is not her best but the contents of the cd were superb. A worthy addition to your collection.

nice but too slow at times.......2006-02-25

nice voice, some of the songs have good rhythm. "Get here", though, in my opinion, is too slow and sugary, with themes which I heard way too many times.But overall, a good CD, to listen and relax.

The rhythm of life is wonderful!!.......2005-02-02

Just listen to this song. It is intoxicating. I for one am not a huge Oleta Adams "get here if you can" fan, however, few songs stir the soul and connect you with the rhythm of your own life and emotions like this one. Truly a modern day anthem that I feel a lot of people can connect with. To bad this song doesn't get more radio play. I think it's grammy worthy. This song will grab you and not let go until you are groovin and movin' such a cool song.. Listen....and .... ENJOY.....the rhythm of life...

Superb good!.......2004-12-19

I knew the possitive songs from Oleta Adams before on the radio.
But when I heard this women on stage I could hardly follow my senses. She is honestly overwhelming, smashing good!
What a Voice.
Even some days after her concert I could not believe I heard, saw, she gives so much!

This cd is a good overview of the wonderfull songs she had already song.


It's a true classic for you cd collection!
And you can play it for the rest of your life.

Good Luck,

Alfons J.M. Bosch
Weert, The Netherlands

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