Wood

Amazon.com
Perhaps his stint with Stan Getz rubbed off on him. As jazz bassists go, Brian Bromberg evokes a tender lyricism out of his instrument that few of his peers are capable of. On Wood, Bromberg performs 11 tunes in a trio, duo, and solo format, with his 300-year-old upright bass at the fore. From a bouncy bebop version of "Speak Low" to a funky take on the Beatles' "Come Together," this album is remarkably consistent. Bromberg performs Eddie Harris's "Freedom Jazz Dance" and Miles Davis's "All Blues" solo, and you forget you're hearing just a single bass. His technique is refined but soulful, and his take on the "Star Spangled Banner" is more understated than flashy (no small feat). Though Randy Waldman backs him ably on the piano and brother David on drums, Bromberg is clearly the star on this remarkable effort, and the warm studio sonics emphasize his instrument over all the others. You can hear the influence of Charlie Haden on his playing, but that's OK. Bromberg is a talent to watch, and this low-key album is a solid introduction to his many skills. --Jason Verlinde

Wood,Brian Bromberg,A440 Records,Fusion,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Post-Bop

Average customer rating: WSS Original Sdtrk. west side story music West Side Story CD LOVE it Buy it for posterity

West Side Story Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Traditional | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: West Side Story (Special Edition DVD Collector's Set) Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack) South Pacific (1958 Film Soundtrack) The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack) My Fair Lady (1964 Film Soundtrack) ASIN: B00023GGK8 Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Prologue
3. Jet Song
4. Something's Coming
5. Dance At The Gym
6. Maria
7. America
8. Tonight
9. Gee, Officer Krupke
10. Intermission Music
11. I Feel Pretty
12. One Hand, One Heart
13. Quintet
14. The Rumble
15. Somewhere
16. Cool
17. A Boy Like That/I Have A Love
18. Finale
19. End Credits

Amazon.com

Leonard Bernstein's musical update of Romeo and Juliet, with a young Stephen Sondheim's brilliant lyrics, had already galvanized Broadway with its vivid reinvention as a parable of racial intolerance and generational conflict. But director Robert Wise's lavish widescreen presentation broke fresh ground by taking the story to its most impressionable audience, the teenagers who could identify directly with Tony and Maria, and opened up Jerome Robbins's kinetic choreography through bravura camera work. The original soundtrack album was not merely a huge seller but a unique touchstone for an otherwise rock-oriented audience, and its release on CD benefits from an expanded program untenable in its initial LP release, as well as a 20-bit digital transfer. With Richard Beymer, Marni Nixon (Hollywood's vocal doppelgänger of choice, here standing in for Natalie Wood), and Rita Moreno dominating, the show's bounty of terrific songs and exciting instrumental pieces remains an ear-filling treat, mixing operatic passions, tart social commentary, and high comedy. From "Tonight" to "One Hand, One Heart," "America" to "Jet Song," this is a landmark in American musical theatre and film beautifully realized on disc. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

WSS Original Sdtrk........2007-06-11

I ordered the West Side Story cd and it came in excellent condition. it was sealed and everything and if i find anything else to buy from this seller, i will.

west side story music.......2007-04-14

C.D. in excellent condition, arrived soon after order. OH! Played at full volume--made me long to see the movie again. May just do that. The other reviewers complimented the movie orchestration and sound track--they were right.Nothing like Leonard Bernstein, Marnie Nixon, et.al.

West Side Story CD.......2007-01-24

Great music. Just like I remembered it... but even better. Very lively, great instrumentals, and wonderful voices.

LOVE it.......2007-01-09

This is my favorite musical and I love being able to rip it and have it on my MP3 for car listening.

Buy it for posterity.......2006-12-30

Yes, this is the movie version and is an important part of 1960s pop culture, but it pales in comparison to the Broadway Cast. The sound quality is sub-par, and the voices are nowhere near as strong as the 1957 Cast. The movie also cuts some important music, or rewoks the score until it is completely different from the original. The order was also changed from the original show, and it is hard to listen to for someone that is familiar with the original. Overall, 1957 cast over this one, but buy it for the memories if you must.

Average customer rating: Not bad That's Medeski, SCOFIELD, Martin, and Wood A Very Good Album and a Very Good Combo! A respectable production. Out Louder: It's growing on me.

Out Louder Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood Manufacturer: Indirecto Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: III Saudades Critical Mass Metheny / Mehldau A Go Go ASIN: B000HKDEJM Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

1. Little Walter Rides Again
2. Miles Behind
3. In Case The World Changes Its Mind
4. Tequilia And Chocolate
5. Tootie Ma Is A Big Fine Thing
6. Cachaca
7. Hanuman
8. Telegraph
9. What Now
10. Julia
11. Down The Tube
12. Legalize It

Amazon.com

John Scofield is an organic mood these days. On Saudades, the recent release by Trio Beyond, the guitarist hooked up with Hammond B-3 man Larry Goldings (and drummer Jack DeJohnette) to pay tribute to Tony Williams' fusion-pioneering Lifetime. Here, in the role of guest artist, he revives his partnership with organist John Medeski--and bassist Billy Martin and drummer Chris Wood, all of whom backed him on his smartly grooving 1998 effort, A Go Go. As the crunching "Miles Beyond" demonstrates, MSMW has got fusion on its mind, too. But on what may be the futuristic Medeski crew's most aggressively varied effort, they also partake of spaced-out blues jams, Beatles balladry ("Julia"), full-throttle soul, rhythmically recast reggae (Peter Tosh's "Legalize It"), New Orleans tradition ("Tootie Ma is a Big Fine Thing") and a Brazilian-inflected tune on which Scofield makes like Wes Montgomery. The first album to be issued on MMW's own Indirecto label, Out Louder is a consistently enjoyable world tour that has just the edge and sense of surprise that has been missing on some of Scofield's and MMW's recent albums. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

Not bad.......2007-07-19

This is really nice. I had grown somewhat tired of some of John Scofield's outings lately but this is a nice return to form with this quartet. The starier "Little water rides again" rocks nicely and the album ends by a surprising cover of Legalize It.

That's Medeski, SCOFIELD, Martin, and Wood .......2007-02-14

I needed to fully digest this record before writing a review, so yesterday I put it on the stereo and listened to it for a few hours, back to back to back. What I came away with was a great collection of songs, albeit one masquerading as an album. But hey, with the sole exception of 1998's Combustication, that's what Medeski Martin and Wood almost exclusively produce these days.

Not that that's a bad thing, mind you. There are some superbly realized jams to be found here, not to mention r&b and straight blues that will require repeated listenings. And if that weren't enough, there is an ethereal and fragile rendition of the Beatles' Julia. Anyway, mix it all together and Bob's your uncle.

Or at least that's the theory.

There is, however, something about this recording that screams out to be highlighted. There is a measure of restraint that makes this album superior to anything Medeski, Martin, and Wood have done in the last nine years. Perhaps it is the presence of Scofield, but gone are the overblown performances of Uninvisible and The Dropper. What we are left with, rather, are scaled down recordings where interplay arrives subtly as opposed to occurring within an ever-increasing contest of volume and overflourish.

While this recording doesn't exceed the brilliance of Combustication (a pinnacle that may never be repeated), it is the next best thing, and one suspects the inclusion of Scofield in the group's name is a tip-off to that fact.

A Very Good Album and a Very Good Combo!.......2007-01-27

The thing one will notice right off about this album is that this music does not sound like a trio + 1, but a self-sufficient quartet that has been playing together for years. And unlike MMW and Scofield's previous meeting on "A Go Go" this CD is not attributed to one artist with guests, but to Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood AS a quartet. And this is fitting because these guys should play together more often. This music makes all four shine.

First off, the compositions on this disc are great, especially if you are used to the fairly structureless jams that MMW has been doing as of late. The songs on this disc, unlike those on "Dropper" and "Uninvisible" have strong melodies and seem to musically go somewhere - at least, somewhere recognizable. Contrary to what some may have thought, direction and structure do not hamper MMW, but (at least, to me) makes them stronger.

Scofield's very noodly sounding guitar fits in perfectly with MMW's rough-around-the-edges sound and production (this album certainly has more bite than "A Go Go" in part because it is on MMW's own label).

A variety of styles and sounds are explored here. We have the Meters-esque "Little Walter," the bluesy "Untill the World Changes It's Mind," the latin tinged "Tequlla and Chocolate," and the unexpected ballad "Julia" (have you ever heard Billy Martin on brushes??). These songs really do not get old (as both MMW and Scofield can do from time to time). All the songs (save for two; attribute that to personal taste) are very listenable; just tame enough to be accessible, just edgy enough to be interesting.

This is a CD that I will be playing for some time to come. I really hope these four musiciains release more material together as I believe this to be a combo that brings out the best in eachother.

A respectable production........2007-01-19

I'm an MMW fan who owns three of their previous albums and have seen them perform live. Although Out Louder is a pleasure to listen to, I was a bit disappointed. I always thought MMW could use a guitar in their line up to spice things up a bit, in fact I thoroughly enjoyed Scofield's "A Go Go". I guess I expected Out Louder to build on that album, but I think it fell short. I would have liked to hear more standout guitar work. If your a fan, it's worth adding to your collection, if you're not, check it out anyway. It's MMW after all.

Out Louder: It's growing on me........2007-01-11

At times, it sounds like a great guitar-based Miles Davis jam, circa Jack Johnson, but more often it sounds like Booker T. and the MGs on steroids, which is a very good thing. I've got it on heavy rotation, and it yields more with each listening. The opening track ran through my head for about 24 hours earlier this week.

Average customer rating: The first of Tull's "so-called" folk-rock trilogy still resonates 30 years on Songs from the Wood Rocks!!!! Well, maybe THIS is my least favorite Tull album. The glory years of Tull Their last great album?

Songs from the Wood Jethro Tull Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Heavy Horses Minstrel in the Gallery Thick As A Brick Aqualung Warchild ASIN: B00008G9JN Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

1. Songs From The Wood
2. Jack-In-The-Green
3. Cup Of Wonder
4. Hunting Girl
5. Ring Out Solstice Bells
6. Velvet Green
7. The Whistler
8. Pibroch (Cap In Hand)
9. Fire At Midnight
10. Beltane
11. Velvet Green (Live)

Amazon.com

The earth-worshipping revelry of 1977's frisky Songs from the Wood was far removed from the heavyweight progressive rock of Jethro Tull's early years. Taking a leaf from the book of Steeleye Span, Songs from the Wood is bright and festive as it mines a rich, green seam of ancient British folklore for inspiration. By marrying the characters ("Jack in the Green") and traditions of the old religion's ritual calendar ("Ring Out Solstice Bells" was an unlikely Christmas hit) to their eccentricity and half-imagined interpretations of British traditional music, Tull came up with one of their albums. This collection unintentionally beseeches the concrete-jungle-dwelling set to retreat to the countryside. With tin-whistles, peppy acoustic guitar, medieval twists and turns, much May Day gaiety and debauchery, and even the odd touch of prog, Songs from the Wood still sounds bewitching in the 21st century. --Kevin Maidment

Album Description

Digitally remastred reissue of 1977 album includes two bonus tracks 'Beltane' (taken from the album 20 Years of Jethro Tull - track done at end of sessions) & 'Velvet Green' (live) (taken from 20 years of Jethro Tull - BBC In Concert Recording 1977). 11 tracks & liner notes written by Ian Anderson. Chrysalis. 2003.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of the 1977 Album that Followed their Answer to Punk ("Too Old to Rock N Roll Too Young to Die"). This Set Contrasts Radically with It's Predecessor in that it features Some Some of their Most Melodic and Sweet Material Ever. Hard Rockers Intersperse with Greater Intensity, but this is One of Ian Anderson's Most Satisfying Albums in the Canon. As Always, Martin Barre's Guitar Simply Shines as One of the Band's Greatest Assets.

Customer Reviews:

The first of Tull's "so-called" folk-rock trilogy still resonates 30 years on.......2007-04-11

Jethro Tull's tenth studio album entitled Songs From The Wood was released in February of 1977.
The album saw the band (which comprised of lead singer/songwriter/flute player Ian Anderson plus guitarist Martin Barre, keyboard player John Evan, drummer Barriemore Barlow, bass player John Glascock whom were now joined by orchestrator David Palmer as second keyboard player) go in a different musical route after the dismal sales of 1976's concept album Too Old To Rock and Roll Too Young to Die (despite the fact that album is one of my personal favorites which was overlooked in the year of Peter Frampton Comes Alive). The Songs From The Wood album when released was the folkiest in sound that the band had recorded up to that point. Was it a good or bad thing, read on and find out as I did when I heard the album on vinyl late last year and then acquired the remastered CD a few months ago.
The title cut opens the album with a superb and funnyish sounding acapella singing which then gives way into a killer song with it ping-ponging between folk and classic hard rock tinged prog rock.
The next track is the acoustic number "Jack-in-the-Green" which tells about an old protector and nurturer of the English woods. The track also states if Jack still exists in this modern world of cars and power lines amongs other things. "Beltane" follows and is another great tune. We follow with the rocker "Hunting Girl" which uses a foxhunting equestrienne as a metaphor to a high-born woman who takes advantage of a lower class person. Great rocker. The first side closed with the band's second Holiday season track "Ring Out Solstice Bells" which is a great number to play at Christmas.
The second half of the album starts with "Velvet Green" which is as folk influenced as can be. The track is a love song set in the folk mentality. "The Whistler" follows and is another English folk influenced number which tells of a minstrel type individual. Next is the epic "Pibroch (Hat in Hand)" which is a rocker with some folk music influences but just burns! The original album ends with the folk number "Fire at Midnight" which celebrates a fellow relaxing by the fire with his love at the end of a long hard, day.
The Songs From The Wood album originally peaked at #8 on the Billboard album chart (to date Tull's last US Top 10 charting album) and was the band's first million seller since 1975's Minstrel in the Gallery.
In 2003, the album was re-released as a remastered CD with two additional songs. First is "Beltane" which is a great number about celebration of the Celtic festival Beltane. Next is a live BBC recording of "Velvet Green" which is probably from the BBC transmitted show which is out on bootleg as Songs From the Hippodrome.
Songs From The Wood is a great record, and still sounds fresh today.
RECOMMENDED!

Songs from the Wood Rocks!!!!.......2007-04-10

I bought the original while stationed in Iceland and the Wood sounds much better today. The song " Pibroch " reminds me of medival acid rock. Each song has it identify and flows freely.

Well, maybe THIS is my least favorite Tull album........2007-03-15

This has got to be the least meaningful, and most frivolous, Tull album ever. Apparently Ian had grown tired philosophical jousting, and wanted to take a mental vacation in the country with his pants zipped none too tightly.

Thank goodness it wasn't a permanent retirement.

The glory years of Tull.......2007-03-07

My final analysis: Tull reached their musical apex with the power trio of Heavy Horses, Stormwatch and this wonderful musical experience known as Song for the Wood. Absolutely essential listening for prog lovers.

Their last great album?.......2007-02-18

Tull was a controversial band back in the 70's. Were they a rock band at all? Were they even a prog. rock band like Yes and Floyd? Or were they something totally unclassifiable? With an enigmatic leader, Ian Anderson, they have some of the biggest hits ever, Aqualung and Locomotive Breath, both with plenty of radio play, and followed up that success with two albums that had only one song each (Thick as a Brick and A Passion Play, both which strangely became #1 albums- how is that possible?). Then in 1977, after a couple of other very successful albums, they popped out Songs From the Wood. This album rocks in a real woodsy sort of way. The title track sounds great on the remastered version, especially the vocals. Hunting Girl is a real standout too. This album stands as a musical work that will never go out of style. It is timeless and a keeper in your collection.

Average customer rating: Touching Pays music a complement. I love the classical pieces! the Notebook soundtrack (Audio CD) Very Nice A sweeping, emotional standout!

The Notebook Various Artists Manufacturer: New Line Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Notebook (New Line Platinum Series) The Notebook Finding Neverland A Walk to Remember The Lake House ASIN: B00023B1E4 Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

1. Main Title
2. Overture
3. "I'll Be Seeing You" Performed by Billie Holiday
4. "Alabamy Home" Performed by Duke Ellington
5. Allie Returns
6. House Blues/The Porch Dance/The Proposal/The Carnival
7. Noah's Journey
8. "Always And Always" Performed by Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
9. "A String Of Pearls" Performed by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
10. On The Lake
11. "Diga Diga Doo" Performed by Rex Stewart And The Ellingtonians
12. "One O'Clock Jump" Performed by Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
13. "I'll Be Seeing You" Performed by Jimmy Durante
14. Noah's Last Letter
15. Our Love Can Do Miracles

Amazon.com

Based on Nicholas Sparks' novel, director Nick Cassavetes film spins the bittersweet tale of a 60-year romance, as seen from the polar perspectives of its promising youth and the travails of an old age cursed by Alzheimer's. Its soundtrack effectively echoes those polar dramatic concerns, with composer Aaron Zigler's gentle orchestral score largely giving voice to the character's melancholy present, while a rich, well-chosen slate of vintage material by Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller imparts a restless energy to their youth. There's a certain schmaltz to much of Zigman's work here, yet cues like "House Blues/The Porch Dance.." and "Noah's Journey" argue he's achieved something more elusive than mere melodramatic wallpaper with the deceivingly difficult task at hand; it can't be easy to have your work seasoned with the likes of Ellington's sassy "Alabamy Home" and Goodman's still-vibrant "One O'Clock Jump." Sharply contrasting versions of "I'll Be Seeing You" by Holiday and Jimmy Durante bookend the soundtrack, perfectly evoking the story's alternating shades of hope and fading nostalgia and framing Zigman's understated work in the bargain. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Based on the best selling novel by Nicholas Sparks ("A Walk To Remember", "Message In A Bottle"), "The Notebook" is the story of Noah and Allie, teenage lovers torn apart by WWII and Allie's parents' demands to marry a respectable lawyer. After 14 years apart, they meet again and rekindle their true love. Starring Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner, and Gena Rowlands. The soundtrack is a propelling force. In addition to classic WWII era pieces, Aaron Zigman's score suites enhance the record with beautifully dramatic themes. Score performed by the Hollywood Studio Symphony.

Customer Reviews:

Touching.......2007-07-04

There isn't much I can say about this beautiful movie, except that it was so touching!
It say's go for the "true love", settle for nothing else no matter what may be in store, because love that is "true" and as beautiful as their's was, is a rare thing!
I absolutely loved the ending.
I also loved that a movie CAN be truly wonderful, beautiful and touching WITHOUT grafic "sex scenes!" Also sadly a rare thing in movies today.

Ever seen "Hanover Street?" Equally beautiful. No SEX scenes either!

Angelfish

Pays music a complement. I love the classical pieces!.......2007-05-27

I do not have the soundtrack to The Notebook, but I do have the movie itself. Having said that, every song is wonderful. Some music carries with it, a wealth of emotion and a sense of timelessness. I love all of the classical pieces , perhaps the best, in this particular movie. Classical has never been my speed when it comes down to music, but something about this movie's classical masterpieces struck a chord in me...made me smile and maybe even sniffle a bit. If you are a fan of the movie, I'm sure you would love its soundtrack too. Music like this is ideal for a romantic evening or just for pleasure listening. You don't know if you'll like something until you give it a chance! So give this a chance!!

the Notebook soundtrack (Audio CD).......2007-05-13

This is a beautiful collection of music from the movie, The Notebook. Most is instrumental, very relaxing, as well as lively at times. Two renditions of "I'll Be Seeing You" are included.

Very Nice.......2007-03-30

I really enjoyed listening to the soundtrack, but I'm also a big fan of background music and this cd was great for both. Listening to the cd took me back to the movie and reminded me how much I enjoyed it, but I also put the cd on during a nice meal with friends and it worked out very well, they all enjoyed the music.

A sweeping, emotional standout!.......2007-01-11

The music from The Notebook brings you right back to the film, capturing your heart and soul. It's music will roll live waves through your soul and bring you from nostalgia to your own feelings of love and desire. The selections, arrangements and orchestrations are to be admired, and Mr. Zigman is to be praised. This soundtrack truly completes the legacy of "The Notebook".

Average customer rating: Surprise hit! Good music OK recording Sonic and musical masterpiece better with time Wow are these guys amazing!

Ways Not to Lose The Wood Brothers Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Little Willies People Gonna Talk Songlines Fox Confessor Brings the Flood All the Roadrunning ASIN: B000E6UK4G Release Date: 2006-03-07

Tracks:

1. One More Day
2. Tried and Tempted
3. Luckiest Man
4. Glad
5. Chocolate On My Tongue
6. Atlas
7. Time To Stand Still
8. The Truth Is the Light
9. Spirit
10. Angel Band
11. Where My Baby Might Be
12. That's What Angels Can Do

Amazon.com

Modern folk and blues rarely sounds as inventive and colorful as the Wood Brothers' spare, soothing studio debut. Currents of jazz, pop, and country also ripple through these 12 lovely arrangements built around Chris Wood's upright bass (previously heard in Medeski, Martin & Wood) and Oliver Wood's gentle acoustic and electric guitars. It's not simply that the brothers' sweet, high voices have the genetic gift of close harmony: they're in absolute synch creatively, too. So when one's singing lingers over a lazy phrase in a number like the languid ode to living "Chocolate on My Tongue," the other hangs back on his instrument until just the right, complementary moment. Drummer Kenny Wollesen, who plays on a handful of tracks, is on the same wavelength--never rushing or pushing the Woods' behind-the-beat sensibility. And the rich dark tones of the bass and, in particular, slide guitars perfectly illuminate their unhurried stories about spiritual discovery and the trials of life. All of which makes Ways Not to Lose a delightful, relaxed listening experience. --Ted Drozdowski

Customer Reviews:

Surprise hit!.......2007-05-03

If someone had told me a year ago that I would now be listening and singing along DAILY (mostly in the car, but sometimes in the shower--better acoustics for singing "Spirit" and "The Truth is the Light" all bluesy) to a CD from the "folk" bin, I would have called that person crazy. Now I've been to see The Wood Brothers twice and am eagerly awaiting their next CD. I am a fairly new Medeski Martin and Wood fan (Chris Wood being the bassist in both bands) and found Ways Not to Lose while perusing their website. TOTALLY different music and just as enjoyable! I like that it's just the two brothers and their two instruments (okay, and a little bit o' drums). It makes me feel all nostalgic...for what exactly, I do not know. The songs are infectious and I seem to have a different favorite every few days. I agree with what some of the other posters have said...every single one of the songs is a keeper, not one bad or even so-so one. I also recommend their Live at Tonic CD. AND I recommend whatever their next CD is because I've already heard some of their new songs at their shows and am all a-quiver with anticipation.

Good music OK recording.......2007-03-08

I got this CD after seeing and loving the duo on the Public Radio show Mountain Stage.

On the show they played as a duo and I was happy that on the record that there were no additional musicians or studio stuff.

All of the songs are great, to me they have sort of a bluesy style that has hints of Van Morrison. My favorite is Luckiest Man Alive.

Anyway my only complaint is that the quality of the recording is not that good. I have a tape of the radio show with them on it and it is actually clearer than the album. I hope at some later time they will do a live album with a really crisp sound quality that has some of these songs on it.

In the meantime enjoy this album although the bass is MUCH crisper in real life and PLEASE go see these guys live!! Totally worth seeing!!!

Sonic and musical masterpiece.......2007-02-08

Bought this on recommendation from a hifi forum to which I belong. It is wonderful music and the sound quality is fantastic. Exceptional recording. Great songs with deceptively simple arrangements.

better with time.......2007-01-16

I wasn't affected one way or another on my 1st few 'spins' of this CD.
However, I kept putting it on and it has really grown on me - a sign of a strong CD...after a while it gets infectious.
Just don't know if I'd call it folk..more like modern blues. The instrumentation is sparse or make that uncluttered, but effective.

Wow are these guys amazing!.......2007-01-12

The Wood Brothers (Oliver Wood guitars, vocals, Chris Wood standing bass, vocals, and Kenny Wollesen, drums and percussion) are wonderful. They are distinctive and unusual, kind of folk, kind of blues, kind of jazz...kind of not like anything else out there. With the exception of one traditional song Angel Band, Chris and Oliver wrote all the songs and there ain't a lemon among `em. They somehow manage to be mellow and edgy at the same time, though how that is managed I have no idea. I do know I have been spinning this cd nonstop (well, truth be told, I have been iTuning it nonstop on the old `puter, but you know what I mean) since I bought it a few days ago, and have already ordered another of their cds. The bluesy smooth Chocolate On My Tongue is my favorite (at least right now) but every song is wonderful. Check `em out!

Average customer rating: great music Stupendous Andre Rieu Collection (2CD)

Andre Rieu Collection (2 CD) Manufacturer: Laserlight ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Johann Strauss Sr. | Strauss Sr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Josef Strauss | Strauss, Josef | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Roses from the South The Homecoming The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart Andre Rieu in Concert Emperor Waltz ASIN: B000F2CAAQ Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

1. Tritsch Tratsch Polka, Op. 214
2. Voices Of Spring, Waltz Op. 410
3. Moulinet Polka, Op. 57
4. Kaiser Waltz, Op. 437
5. Cachucha Galopp, Op. 97
6. On The Beautiful Blue Danube, Waltz Op. 314
7. At The Hunt Polka, Op. 373
8. Morning Papers, Waltz Op. 279
9. Entrance March - Thy Gypsy Baron, Op. 422
10. Without Worries Polka, Op. 271
11. Tales From The Vienna Woods, Waltz Op. 325
12. Radetzky March, Op. 228
13. March Potpourri
14. Sports Palace Waltz
15. Blaze Away
16. In The Saloon Potpourri
17. Horlepiep
18. Funiculi, Funicula
19. Medley
20. The Jolly Widow Potpourri
21. Souvenirs de Paris Potpourri
22. Tulips From Amsterdam
23. Die Hände zum Himmel
24. Die Kleine Kneipe
25. Am Aschermittwoch ist Alles Vorbei
26. Auld Lang Syne
27. Miene Vogel is Trök
28. Radetzky March

Album Description

ANDRÉ RIEU 2CD Collection CONTAINS CD: 32 493 - The Strauss Gala CD: 32 494 - Carnival!

Customer Reviews:

great music.......2007-04-11

My Wife & I, just enjoy Andre Rieu spectacular shows we watch & listen to his music a great deal of time , very excelarating,plus it was very easy to purchace this pruduct at Amazon

Stupendous.......2007-02-19

It is hard to put into words how one feels about Andre Rieu DVD's enough to say that I have purchased all of them bar one .... at the Music Hall in the United States..... and this was only due to inavailablity. The Entertainment factor of all his DVD's are beyond ANYTHING I have ever purchased. All who visit my home and watch one of his DVD are mesmorised by the sheer pleasure this person brings and go out and purchase their copies.
For sheer pleasure, entertainment, and romance one needs not go further then Andre Rieu DVD.
I cannot recommend them highly enough.
I only have one criticism....and that is the he has not toured Australia.

Andre Rieu Collection (2CD).......2007-02-07

This recording has nice music that I enjoy, however when listening with the Sennheiser headphones to get a true depth of the sound, it is not there. It sounds flat and the orchestra does not sound any better than a non professional (high school, etc) orchestra. It may be fine for some lively outdoor concerts, but for a recording,in and out of studio location it fails. I would now reconsider purchasing any other recordings and I do have many.

If those responsible for making the recording would take the time needed for a professional recording, it would make for a vast improvement and to me this is just an attempt to get as many recordings out to the public. If you want to get people, who enjoy music, to return and buy additional recordings, make the recording you would want to hear again and again. After hearing this once, I will probably not listen to them again and go for some good orchestras.

Average customer rating: Pretty good. MANSON No Longer Popular Attention: Marilyn Manson Peaked Here... The Further Decline of Marilyn Manson

Holy Wood (In The Shadow Of The Valley Of Death) Marilyn Manson Manufacturer: Nothing ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Industrial | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Alt Industrial | Industrial Dance General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mechanical Animals (Explicit Cover) Antichrist Superstar The Golden Age Of Grotesque Portrait of an American Family Smells Like Children ASIN: B000050ITX Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

1. Godeatgod
2. The Love Song
3. The Fight Song
4. Disposable Teens
5. Target Audience (Narcissus Narcosis)
6. 'President Dead'
7. In The Shadow Of The Valley Of Death
8. Cruci-Fiction In Space
9. A Place In The Dirt
10. The Nobodies
11. The Death Song
12. Lamb Of God
13. Born Again
14. Burning Flag
15. Coma Black: A. Eden Eye B. The Apple Of Discord
16. Valentine's Day
17. The Fall Of Adam
18. King Kill 33
19. Count To Six And Die (The Vaccuum Of Infinite Space Encompassing)

Amazon.com

The impact of Marilyn Manson's subversive musical agenda has waned, and what's left is a provocative, talented artist writing affecting, powerful, and yes, controversial songs. Although Holy Wood is the third title of a trilogy that began with 1996's Antichrist Superstar, the album stands on its own. Rife with references to the Beatles and the Kennedys, and full of pop-culture barbs, Holy Wood is a musically diverse and powerful statement. The memorable sing-along "Disposable Teens" boasts the same kind of staccato, Teutonic, first-thrusting power introduced with "Beautiful People," while "Fight Song" is the Sex Pistols meets Blur by way of Nirvana. While a futuristic, nihilistic tint pervades Manson's work, passion is also prevalent, notably in the spooky acoustic number "A Place in the Dirt" and the brutal "Death Song." Like Marilyn Manson the man, Holy Wood is intelligent, dynamic, and multifaceted, with myriad charms that are evident to the tuned-in listener. --Katherine Turman

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good........2007-06-18

This Manson album settles pretty well with me. It has some great tracks, such as "Disposable Teens", "The Fight Song", "Godeatgod", "The Nobodies", "The Love Song", "The Death Song" and even more. It also has some great and well thought out lyrics to accompany its many hit songs. Most of the lyrical content revolves around Manson's feelings toward the Columbine High School incident in 1996 and how the media claimed that the two assassins involved had been great fans of his while only a short time after it was found that not one of the two boys had been even remote fans of Manson's and their statements were disproved.

The only downfall I saw with this album was how it seemed to drag on a bit. It's almost as if Manson was trying to fit just a little too many songs into one disc. Otherwise, the album doesn't have too many noticeable flaws.

Overall, this CD will definitely turn the listener's stomach with its passionately riveting sound and corresponding lyrics. This is definitely one of Manson's more emotionally driven LP's and it's very recognizable to anyone who listens that Manson put his heart and soul into it. This CD will definitely give you something to swallow. Recommended.

MANSON.......2007-05-10

THIS CD IS EXCELLENT!IT'S ALSO INTERESTING.I LOVE THE SONG TITLED: KING KILL 33. THE MUSIC'S HYPNOTIC. THE SONG TITLED: COUNT TO 6 AND DIE IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT.THE SONG TITLED: IN THE SHADOW OF THE VALLEY OF DEATH IS SO SAD.THERE'S SO MANY DIFFERENT STYLES OF MUSIC ON THIS CD,AND SO MANY EMOTIONS.MANSON'S REALLY SOMETHING SPECIAL!

No Longer Popular.......2007-04-26

The first Manson release of the millenium sees both the singer and his backing band's popularity in doubt, as Emenem and other rappers were all the rage. Not even a throwback to his gothic days could save this from going only gold certified, and gold certified years after its original release date. By this time they were stuck in the 70s, and Manson was again controversial but didn't draw much protest. The music itself is a throwback to his Potrait days, but like I said, the band's popularity was in doubt. It seemed more like the Thrill Kill Kult- famous, but not popular, camp industrial music only someone who didn't care if they were popular themself could get into.

Attention: Marilyn Manson Peaked Here..........2007-03-13

Yes folks, this is Marilyn Manson at his best. After this album, Marilyn Manson would begin their decline.

The Positives: John5's guitar work is at its peak on this album. Songs like "Disposable Teens", "The Fight Song", "The Nobodies", "The Death Song", "Lamb of God", and "The Love Song" are some of the finest Manson guitar tunes to date. Also, the lyrics reach their peak with this album. Lyrically, this album is a proper fuse of Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals. Therefore, I believe this to be the peak of Marilyn Manson. Everything is running on full power (lyrics, guitars).

The Negatives: None...every track on this record is very intelligent and enjoyable.

Personal Favorites: The Fight Song, Disposable Teens, The Death Song, The Nobodies, Lamb of God, The Love Song, Coma Black, and King Kill 33.

The Further Decline of Marilyn Manson.......2007-01-25

Marilyn Manson was a phenomenon to be reckoned with. Musically, Manson is inferior to other contemporaries of his day (ie, Nine Inch Nails); however, they were overshadowed by the fact that Manson was more than a band: it was a statement perfectly crafted for alienated teens. Manson gradually transformed from a band with a message to a lifestyle with its very own 'poster band'. Manson reached his musical zenith with 'Antichrist Superstar' (his best album), and then declined with 'Mechanical Animals'. 'Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)', although better than 'Mechanical Animals', is still not Manson at his best. He seems to sacrifice the music for the concept behind the album. The album seems long drawn out, and some songs are extremely repetitive (ie, 'The Fight Song', 'Disposable Teens'). The best song on the album is probably 'Cruci-fiction in Space'.

Average customer rating: WELCOME BACK, STONES! Biggest Bang Since Some Girls If only new bands were half this good and consistent Back to form They've still got the "Bang"

A Bigger Bang The Rolling Stones Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Back Home Chaos and Creation in the Backyard Prairie Wind Souls Alike No Direction Home: The Soundtrack (The Bootleg Series Vol. 7) ASIN: B000A7Q27I Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

1. Rough Justice
2. Let Me Down Slow
3. It Won't Take Long
4. Rain Fall Down
5. Streets Of Love
6. Back Of My Hand
7. She Saw Me Coming
8. Biggest Mistake
9. This Place Is Empty
10. Oh No, Not You Again
11. Dangerous Beauty
12. Laugh, I Nearly Died
13. Sweet Neo Con
14. Look What The Cat Dragged In
15. Driving Too Fast
16. Infamy

Amazon.com

It should come as no surprise that it took sex, disease and death to shake the Rolling Stones out of their latest creative dry spell. Leading up to the making of A Bigger Bang, produced by Don Was, Mick Jagger endured a very public break-up with Jerry Hall, Charlie Watts battled throat cancer, and Ron Wood was devastated by the news of his ex-wife's suicide. Out of their collective struggles, the members of the venerable British rock band managed to piece together some of their best work in nearly two decades. It's a slick, slightly uneven affair bounding from raunchy blues to MOR rock songs that sound suspiciously like they were left over from the Alfie soundtrack, yes, but it also sounds vital at every turn. Even though they don't really need to, the jet-set vagabond rockers plunge into hot-button politics ("Sweet Neo Con"), rummage through their dirty laundry ("Oh No, Not You Again") and dip cautious toes back into ridicule-tempting "Miss You"-style funk ("Rain Fall Down"), without making any major missteps unless you count the ewwwww-factor of a 61-year-old Keith Richards singing "Come on honey, bare your breasts and make me feel at home" on "This Place Is Empty." --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

WELCOME BACK, STONES!.......2007-07-11

A Bigger Bang released in 2005 is one of the stronger albums the Stones have ever released. It is one that I continually go back to time and time again unlike anything they have done since 83's Undercover. What makes it so good? Well, for starters the Stones are not interested in chasing the latest musical trends on this release. It is straight ahead simple rock and roll-what we always have loved about the Rolling Stones. Secondly the band is playing like they WANT to play again. By that I mean there is a fire there that has been missing, an intensity that can make even an average song sound that much better. Perhaps the quality of the material reinvigorated them or perhaps it was simply the fact that on this release they used very little outside help and play all the instruments and sing all of the vocals themselves. Not too many cooks in the kitchen, if you know what I mean. It's not a perfect record, but a very very good one and it feels good to say that along with the 4 classics, Aftermath, Some Girls, Tattoo You and now A Bigger Bang can be seen as the core of this band's monumental musical legacy.

1. Rough Justice- kicks things off and it is a great rocker and album opener. Woody's slide work is phenomenal. A great way to open an album and this track tells you right from the start that the Stones as we know them are back.

2. Let Me Down Slow- A popier rock song with a catchy swinging beat. One of the better songs on the album and great lyrics by Jagger who appears to be the one most responsible for the song.

3. It Won't Take Long- This one opens with a trademark Richards riff, albeit a bit pedestrian. The Stones, however, play it with a passion that helps make it better than just filler.

4. Rain Fall Down- A sly funky tune reminiscent of Miss You but not as good. The song works, however, and is a welcome addition to their catalogue.

5. Streets of Love- This is one of 2 mistakes on the album. A slow ballad that weighs in on the sappy side. The Stones have done this before and much better. See Out Of Tears from Voodoo Lounge and Memory Motel from Black and Blue.

6. Back of My Hand- Ahh, ok we're back. A slow blues tune. Engaging guitar work throughout the song and you'll find yourself singing along with this one. It is the kind of song that the Stones, in the past decade or so, have saved for b-sides. I am glad they decide here to include it on an album. VERY welcome indeed.

7. She Saw Me Coming- This is one of my favorite songs on the album and maybe in past years this would have made an excellent single. The sense of humor is back in the lyrics and it also contains a nice riff to chug it along.

8. Biggest Mistake- A Jagger tune without a doubt, very similar to his solo material of late. It's not a bad song by any means but neither is it above average. It sounds good while it's playing but you won't miss it once it's over.

9. This Place is Empty- The first of 2 Richards sung songs. This one is a barroom styled ballad and a great one at that.

10. Oh No Not You Again- The Stones as we know and love them, great riffs and guitars harkening back to the Some Girls days. Yes, it IS them again and we are happy to have you back! Easily one of the better songs on this release.

11. Dangerous Beauty- Another rocker that seems as though it is filler, but it is better than that. I think this one will be one of those 'overlooked gems' because of it's placement so deep into the release. The solo sounds as it were done by BB King.

12. Laugh I Nearly Died- A slow rocker in which Jagger sings like he hasn't in a long time. Perhaps his best vocal performance since Gimme Shelter. He steals this one away and the breakdown at the end is priceless. Amazing creation!

13. Sweet Neo-Con- Ahh, mistake number 2. Many people have said that this is their favorite song on the album but I have to believe that is due to the political nature of the song. Judging it just as a song it isn't bad but it just never really goes anywhere. Would have made a nice b-side or bonus track.

14. Look what the Cat Dragged In- This is one of my favorite songs on the album. It has a funky, jazzy riff and guitars that are similar to those in Undercover. Charlie, as usual, keeps the beat rolling and this is one of the highlights of the album.

15. Driving Too Fast- Like the song before it this is another rocker. A very good song but not as good as 'Cat'. Play it loud for best effect!

16. Infamy- The second Richards tune that works but the Stones used to close out their albums with songs that were magnificent, not just good. Moonlight Mile, You Can't Always Get What You Want, Shattered, Fingerprint File to name a few. Well, this is nitpicking. I like the song and it fits in well with the album.

I gave this album 5 stars because the album itself deserves 4 stars but I added one because I feel that for a band in their 60's this blows away almost or all of the rock music being released today by much younger bands. Yes, this is the comeback album Stones fans have been waiting for. It is the Stones doing what they do. Nothing more and nothing less-which is always a good thing. That is the key to A Bigger Bang. The Stones are no longer at the forefront of the pop audience. They are not trying to keep up with the latest musical trends on this release. They are not concerned with top 40 radio nor are they interested in breaking new ground. The secret here is easy-Keep it simple, stick to the basics, crank it up and rock and roll.

Welcome back, boys! I am glad it's you again!

Biggest Bang Since Some Girls.......2007-06-20

A Bigger Bang is a great comeback by the Stones. Ron Woods slide on Rough Justice gets it off to arolicking start. It wont take long has good guitar.Rain Kept Falling has a Miss you vibe. Streets of Love is great. Back of my Hand continues the Stones great blues legacy. Laugh i Nearly Died is good blues too. The rock songs Oh No not you Again, Dangerous Beauty and Look At What The Cat Dragged In, make A Bigger Bang the best Stones cd since Some Girls.

If only new bands were half this good and consistent.......2007-03-30

I must say, the stones still have it in them.
As someone said before my, this is not the next best thing or the record to redefine music, it is just straight ahead good rock.
Man they are 60+ and listen to them ! Real musicians only get better with time... it's the public that stop listening really listening to what they are saying once they are not "pop" "mainstream" or young enough.
Listen to the record, yes it is a great record...
Oh one last thing, Sweet neo con, IMO is the best song on the album, music and lyrics, it stands on it's own as a great song.

Back to form.......2007-03-17

"A Bigger Bang" is the Stones album I've been hoping for since 1983's "Undercover." This album contains only the core band with a minimal amount of outside musicians, unlike the extravaganzas on prior ones. It's great to hear the four Stones, plus a bassist and maybe a piano player, cranking out rock-n-roll just like the old days. This basic rawness is sadly missing on every album since "Undercover".

"Bang" shows that the Stones still have it, and that they can give any modern act a run for their money. I hope the Stones know what works and make their future albums along this vein.

They've still got the "Bang".......2007-01-23

This CD, along with the Stones 2007 Wall Calendar, made a perfect gift for my rock 'n roll sister. Perfect pairing. We are contemporaries of the Stones and its good to see the old guys still tearing the house down.

Average customer rating: Bond Girls Rock!! Great Bond Millenium Bonds Classical and Pop/Dance I am surprised! Simply Stunning!

Born Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Shine Classified Explosive: The Best of Bond Remixed Bond - Live at the Royal Albert Hall ASIN: B00004XQK3 Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

1. Quixote
2. Winter
3. Victory
4. Oceanic
5. Kismet
6. Korobushko
7. Alexander The Great
8. Duel
9. Bella Donna
10. The 1812
11. Dalalai
12. Hymn
13. Victory (Mike Batt Mix)

Amazon.com

Born, the debut album by four conservatory-trained young women, has little to do with classical music. It's a gimmick, fusing a string quartet of frivolous femmes, spicy girls who all want to be "Posh," with dance beats, a big production mixing their violins, viola, and cello with polished electronics. Taking themselves less than seriously--they played the James Bond theme at their Royal Albert Hall debut--pop "Victory" looks assured. This single bounces along with a dash of Rossini's Barber of Seville and a real sense of pop melodrama, in spirit little different from what guitarist John Williams did with his rather less photogenic band Sky in the late 1970s. What may surprise is that tracks such as the frenetic world-dance "Quixote" are penned by the film composer Magnus Fiennes, brother of the more famous Ralph and Joseph. "Winter" adds Jean Michel Jarre-style synth and voice-over to the ghost of Vivaldi and the infectious beat goes on, and on, and on. Sex sells, and Bond's success seems assured. This is a state-of-the-art product, but with a bonus remix of "Victory" by Mike Batt of Wombles fame, just don't expect it to be art. --Gary S. Dalkin

Album Description

Asian edition of the classical crossover act's 2001 album includes one bonus track, 'Viva!', which is not included on the domestic version. Decca. 2001.

Album Details

Includes the bonus track 'Viva' not on the USA version.

Customer Reviews:

Bond Girls Rock!!.......2007-03-13

The Bond Girls are sensational!!! They capture the audience with their powerful songs. Most songs are in minor keys. Riveting and special, they are wonderfully blessed .

Great Bond.......2006-09-01

I'm new at enjoying instrumental music but I really like this cd. I think I will be buying more like it.

Millenium Bonds Classical and Pop/Dance.......2006-06-11

At the start of the new Millenium a group of professional musicians Classicly trained on violins, a viola, and cello, realized there was only one way to hit it big...
Violinists Haylie Ecker and Eos, violist Tania Davis, and celloist Gay-Yee Westerhoff fused their Classical background to that of Pop/Dance music. With the release of their debut album, Bond hit the Mainstream ears with a vengence all their own. Performing pieces with the basis of Classical music adding Pop/Dance beats, sounds, and feels, it was clear that old music would never be lost; it would simply be updated to present times. Everything from Classical music is here: the sounds, effects, beats, times, counterpoint, choral voices, movenment of musical lines and voices, but with the addition of Pop/Dance instrumentation. The most interesting piece off this album has to be "The 1812", which is Bond's interpretation of The 1812 Overature. This album is a work of art with a great display of how music changes over a vast period of time.

I am surprised!.......2006-04-20

I am the typical teen when it comes to music; I listen to rap, hip hop, pop, rock, and classical. but when I heard Bond's "Victory," I was hooked. As I did some research, I read that these four women played their instruments ever since they were 6! These women have been studying classical music but their music on this album begs to differ. Their beat is very jumpy and you cannot resist to tap your foot along with the music.

"Victory" is a blend of many different styles of music including pop's rythmns and beats, Spanish guitars, Latin dance, Spanish dance, etc. To top that off, "Victory" has a shot of techno in it.

Born is indeed a truly unique and fresh way for people to get introduced into classical music. Listen to the album, you'll know what I mean!

Simply Stunning!.......2005-06-02

I heard this album first, and I liked it. I'm "opening my horizons," so to speak, and this (among others) was the first albums I experienced. What a surprise!

As I listened to them, I ended up liking all of it, though my fave track is "Kismet". Following that was "Victory". The rest of the CD sounded like something I have heard before--from other sources.

If you've ever in your life wanted to listen to classical music, I suggest that you start off with "Born" by Bond.

Average customer rating: Sublime and ridiculous Eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww Better than I thought it would be Brava Renee Art is always new.

Haunted Heart Paul McCartney , Gustav Mahler , Joni Mitchell , Emile Paladilhe , Arthur Schwartz , James ("Jimmy") Van Heusen , Various Composers , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Jimmy Webb , Richard A. Whiting , Stevie Wonder , Guy Wood , Bill Frisell , Fred Hersch , and Renée Fleming Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sacred Songs Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss Renée Fleming Handel Renee Fleming: By Request ASIN: B0007Z9QUS Release Date: 2005-05-10

Tracks:

1. Haunted Heart
2. River
3. When Did You Leave Heaven?
4. You've Changed
5. Answer Me
6. My Cherie Amour
7. In My Life
8. The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
9. Wozzeck/The Midnight Sun
10. Liebst du um Schit
11. My One And Only Love/This Is Always
12. Can do Amor
13. Psych
14. Hard Times Come Again No More

Amazon.com

While countless fans flock to see soprano Renee Fleming's performances of the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro because she's got the voice and the dramatic ability to handle such meaty roles, the versatile singer throws her fans a curveball on Haunted Heart, singing popular standards and ballads as well as a few altered classical pieces. In her liner notes, Fleming calls this album a "look back at the road not taken" -- she played a weekly gig in a jazz club while in school. Nonetheless, her feel for the material here is undeniable. Interestingly, she drops her voice a full octave from her usual tessitura, and the change reveals a robust gospel-oriented approach filled with dramatic breaths and moans. The lyrical Fred Hersch (piano) and the idiosyncratic Bill Frisell (guitar) provide support, and both are adventurous jazz players who create subtle and uniquely haunting backdrops. It adds up to an interesting cross-section of ideas well carried off by the generous talents of all involved. --Tad Hendrickson

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Interview with Renee Fleming
Renee Fleming speaks about recent projects, including her memoir The Inner Voice and her recent Handel CD, in our interview.

Customer Reviews:

Sublime and ridiculous.......2007-06-13

The sublime: much of the artistry of this recording is about sound, and the subtle blending/responding of voice with guitar sounds and / or piano sounds. It is in the sensitive musical interplay between the artists where this effort shines. Definitely not recommended for road trips!

The ridiculous: Fleming ended the majority of most phrases in most of the songs with a guttural of some sort which for me becomes irritating to the point of distraction. These punctuations are mostly quite awful: really tasteless, clumsy, and overused big time and I'm amazed at how this ever got released. Without these ersatz testifyin' noises this CD would be stunning.

So, if you have the ability and inclination to edit out this garbage from your perception as you listen I think you'll be glad you experienced these artists at work together. (Unfortunately I'm not up to it).

Eeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww.......2007-06-06

Ugh. Like a manufactured home vs. a stick-built house, Fleming's manufactured (aka "training and technique") blues voice compares unfavorably to other jazz/blues singers/lounge acts. Would not, COULD not, listen to this recording straight through--one big long, breathy, minor key train wreck in the making. Took the CD on a road trip and had to pull over and remove from queue--either that or drive into a wall.

Better than I thought it would be.......2007-04-10

I have to admit, Haunted Heart was a lot better than I thought it would be,especially her recordings of "River", "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress, "My Cherie Amour" and "In my life".
I think this is the most artistically successful recording of Pop/Jazz by a classical singer. I enjoyed it even better than the Anna Sophie Von Otter'/ Elvis Costello CD.
The perspective I am coming from is that of a classical singer who started out as a pop singer/songwriter. I perform and teach cross-genre but love a world class instrument such as Flemming's
I wanted to get the perspective of a friend who used to sing jingles and is also a trained singer but is usually critical of any attempts that opera singers make at crossing -over.
My friend is very familiar with Flemming's voice, but did not recognise it in this context when I played the CD for her. Her reaction was very complimentary, although she did comment that the diction was a bit strange.
She then played it for her brother a well known jazz singer and arranger who had a somewhat negative reaction.He found the singing to be overly dark and round. He prefers a cleaner more 'spoken' approach to this style of singing. I understand this perspective and therefore personally prefer Ella to Sarah as well, but let's not get too picky. Obviously, Rene Flemming is of the Sarah Vaghan School of jazz singing, which is not too shabby.

I will continue to enjoy this CD and will wait for another opera diva to top this one. But, somehow I think the next really good CD of Pop/ jazz from an opera star will also come from Rene.

To those who have been unreasonably mean and negative towards her, I can only say you are not fit to polish her shoes!

Brava Renee.......2007-04-09

This talented woman can sing anything. I really enjoyed this cd with the lights turned down and a glass of wine to relax after a very stressful day at work. Renee could definitely have another singing career outside of opera should she choose. Hearing her drop that gorgeous voice down one octave rivals the best chanteuses in the business - Cassandra Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Regina Belle, Sarah Vaughan, etc. This cd of different musical styles reminds me of Nina Simone and Cassandra Wilson, two great singers whom could interpret any song genre and make their versions special. I loved all the songs and the standouts here are "Haunted Heart", "River", "My One and Only Love", "My Cherie Amour", "Cancao do Amor", and Beatles "In My Life", and "Hard Times Come Again No More".
I hope Renee keeps recording whatever catches her fancy because I'll certainly always listen.

Art is always new. .......2007-03-10

Renee Fleming is an artist bringing us something new, and beautiful. The poor will always be with us as manifest in those who resent other's movement from their established zones. Renee Fleming is a great female voice with accomplishments her detractors will never have, but in their dreams.

I welcome Renee's elan demonstrated with her recent recordings, Love sublime with Brad Mehldau, and Haunted Heart with Fred Hersch and Bill Frissell. Bravery, fun, and talent combined by artists and for people who are listening. Hearing long time favorites Mehldau, Hersch, and Frissell is all the more sublime.

Pop Music:

1. Written in the Stars
2. A Go Go
3. All I Found
4. Altered State
5. Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section
6. Big Swing Face [Live]
7. Bix Beiderbecke, Vol. 1: Singin' the Blues
8. Black Brown & Beige [Extra tracks]
9. Blue Mongol
10. Bob Brookmeyer & Friends [Content/Copy-Protected CD] [Original recording remastered]

Pop Music