Shapes

1. Mass in B minor, for 5 voices, 6-part chorus, violin, orchestra & continuo, BWV 232 (BC E1) Qui tollis
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, Dominic Miller, James Banbury, Marianna Pleszkan, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

2. Adagio, for violin, strings & organ in G minor, T. Mi 26 (composed by Remo Giazotto; not by Albinoni)
Composed by Tomaso Albinoni
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, Dominic Miller, James Banbury, Marianna Pleszkan, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

3. Shape of My Heart
Composed by Dominic Miller, Gordon (Sting) Sumner
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, Dominic Miller, James Banbury, Marianna Pleszkan, Sting, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

4. Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068 Air on a G string
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, Dominic Miller, James Banbury, Marianna Pleszkan, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

5. Sonata for solo violin No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001 Presto
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, Dominic Miller, James Banbury, Marianna Pleszkan, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

6. Ellens Gesang III ("Ave Maria"), song for voice & piano, D. 839 (Op. 52/6)
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, James Banbury, Dominic Miller, Marianna Pleszkan, Placido Domingo, Sting, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

7. Enigma Variations, for orchestra, Op. 36 No. 9. Nimrod
Composed by Edward Elgar
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, Dominic Miller, James Banbury, Marianna Pleszkan, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

8. Gymnopedie for piano No.1
Composed by Erik Satie
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, Dominic Miller, James Banbury, Marianna Pleszkan, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

9. La Misa Criolla for tenor, piano, chorus & orchestra Kyrie
Composed by Ariel Ramirez
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra, London Session Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, James Banbury, Dominic Miller, Marianna Pleszkan, Placido Domingo, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

10. Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 Ciaccona arr. as song Mi Fe
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Alejandro Lerner, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, Dominic Miller, James Banbury, Marianna Pleszkan, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

11. Work(s) Prelude No. 3 for Clavier
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Chris Botti, Nick Patrick, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, James Banbury, Dominic Miller, Marianna Pleszkan, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

12. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor ("Moonlight"), Op. 27/2
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Budapest Film Orchestra with Pino Paladino, Rufus Miller, Miles Bould, Dominic Miller, James Banbury, Marianna Pleszkan, Richard Cottle, Jason Rebello
Conducted by Nick Ingman

Shapes,Pino Paladino,James Banbury,Marianna Pleszkan,Tomaso Albinoni,Johann Sebastian Bach,Ludwig van Beethoven,Edward Elgar,Dominic / Sumner, Gordon (Sting) Miller,Ariel Ramirez,Erik Satie,Franz Schubert,Unspecified,Nick Ingman,Dominic Miller,Rufus Miller,London Session Orchestra,The Budapest Film Orchestra,Miles Bould,Nick Patrick,Jason Rebello,Plácido Domingo,Chris Botti,Alejandro Lerner,Gordon [Sting] Sumner,Moya Brennan,Sting (Gordon Sumner),Decca,Adagio for Orchestra,Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra,Chamber,Choral,Choral Music,Crossover Jazz,Jazz,Keyboard,Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title,Mass,Miscellaneous,Miscellaneous Music,Orchestral,Pop,Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard,Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard,Romantic Variations for Orchestra,Violin Solo,Vocal,Vocal Music

Average customer rating: one listen and you are hooked... Songwriter's Dream Wow...This is Great!! Go Richard Shindell! A Folk Tour De Force: Shindell's Poetic Magnum Opus

Somewhere Near Paterson Richard Shindell Manufacturer: Signature Sounds ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Vuelta Sparrows Point Courier Blue Divide Cry Cry Cry ASIN: B000040JCT Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

1. Confession
2. Abuelita
3. You Stay Here
4. My Love Will Follow You
5. Spring
6. Wisteria
7. Waiting For The Storm
8. The Grocer's Broom
9. Merritt Parkway, 2 AM
10. Transit
11. Calling The Moon

Amazon.com

Richard Shindell saw his fervid following expand thanks to Cry Cry Cry, an album of covers he recorded with fellow folk stars Dar Williams and Lucy Kaplansky. But fans are keen to take him straight up, and folk's Velvet Fog has obliged them with Somewhere Near Paterson. His fourth release is in fact a return to form after the uneven Reunion Hill. Still, longtime fans--and those lucky to come upon this singer-songwriter for the first time--should cherish almost everything here. In the jingle-jangle opener, "Confession," a Wall Street type is desperate for pharmaceutical grace. Some will consider this monologue a chip off the Michael Stipe-ish block, yet its compound of irony, sympathy, and slant observation is Shindell's own. Other great tunes include "You Stay Here," narrated by a war-zone Everyman, "Waiting for the Storm," featuring another of the disc's quiet outlaws, and "Spring." Though this cut's Celtic-style coda has its longueurs, few would be without its paradoxical chorus: "Maybe will be certain / You can take it as a vow / Winter's just the curtain / Spring will take the bow." Shindell insists that his dramatis personae exist only in "songland," but his best work makes one beg to differ. And no one does dynamics and drop-D tunings better. --Kerry Fried

Customer Reviews:

one listen and you are hooked... .......2007-06-14

there I was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the night before my own one-man show was set to take center stage and I was invited to attend a concert being given by the foks of Legion Arts. That was my first introduction to the music of Richard Shindell. I bought this CD that night after the concert. A unique singer-songwriter with lyrics that run deep. Beautiful music, one of the great unknowns of American music with a loyal, dedicated following. Listen and you'll know why. My wife became a fan after I played it for her and it is still one of my most played cd's that I own. Confession, You Stay Here and My Love Will Follow You are my favs.

Songwriter's Dream.......2007-02-26

Richard Shindell explores a variety of personal emotions in his work. Every song is interesting and most will stick with you. I believe "You Stay Here" is one of the best songs ever written. It packs a huge, unspoken story into such simple lyrics.

"Wisteria" ids also a favorite of mine. "The Grocer's Broom" is moving.

Shindell is probably too introspective for some, but if you're in a contemplative mood, you won't go wrong with this one.

Wow...This is Great!!.......2005-11-09

"Confessions" and "My Love Will Follow You" are the strongest tracks. There is also the poignant "You Stay Here," about survival and family, and "Transit." Shindell has a knack for crafting haunting and compelling stories and music. This is a very gifted singer/songwriter. "Lately I've been thinking, something has to give....I left the doors ajar, sitting here in this rocking chair waiting for the storm." Powerful. I cannot believe I'm just discovering his music now. I just received this CD and have been playing it over and over in the car, feeling more enriched after each listening experience. I've ordered his live CD "Courier" which I understand is even better! I look forward to seeing him in concert some day soon too.

The lyrics are very meaningful and not like the tripe we see in commercial music nowadays. The excellent music enhances the lyrics, taking them to another level. There is almost a blunt honesty in his music that shines through very graciously. As one reviewer said, this is "great music to listen to on a summer night in the car with the windows open." Congrats on an excellent recording Mr. Shindell :) Your music is a true treasure.

Go Richard Shindell!.......2005-10-17

I loved this CD! It was almost like sitting at one of his concerts. The songs are poignant, and the music is diversified, some mellow and reflective, some just fun. Richard's music is story-telling at its best!

A Folk Tour De Force: Shindell's Poetic Magnum Opus.......2001-04-12

If anyone questions Richard Shindell's place in folk music, he/she need only listen to this glorious, passionate tour de force and all doubts will vanish. Shindell has created a collection of astounding beauty and heartfelt tenderness. With this cd, he has raised the poetic simplicity of "Blue Divide" to astonishing heights of insightful commentary (Confession, Transit), poetic wistfullness (Wisteria, Thr Grocers Broom), and sumptuous music (Spring, Merritt Parkway). This is some of the fimest folk music ever recorded. His warm vocals and depth of spirit will at once break your heart and make you shout on the rooftops for joy.

Average customer rating: Relax and rejuvenate. A Superb Escape Classical guitar magnificence beautiful work Relaxing music doesn't get any better than this

Shapes Dominic Miller Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: First Touch Third World Second Nature My Funny Valentine: Sting at the Movies Songs from the Labyrinth (Music by John Dowland) ASIN: B0000ZS9US Release Date: 2004-03-02

Tracks:

1. Mass In B Minor
2. Adagio In G Minor
3. Shape Of My Heart
4. Air On A G String
5. Presto [Violin Partita In G Minor]
6. Ave Maria
7. Nimrod [9th Variation]
8. Gymnopedie No. 1
9. Misa Criolla
10. Mi Fe
11. Prelude No. 3 For Clavier
12. Moonlight Sonata

Customer Reviews:

Relax and rejuvenate........2005-12-11

I bought this album after a massage therapist played it during a massage. Miller evokes many emotions through his mastered art of guitar playing and I think many can appreciate the tone and mood his music sets. A-list singers paired with his rendition of popular and traditional pieces are a winning combination. Truly magical!

A Superb Escape.......2005-11-29

I enjoy all sorts of music from techno & trace through to the classics and smooth jazz, and this is a superb easy listening album that spans an emotional spectrum. Thanks to Qantas who featured the album in-flight during November 2005 so I listened to it for hour after hour. What a find - this is music to escape to, favourite tracks: 3. Shape Of My Heart with Sting, 10. Mi Fe with Alejandro Lerner, 11. Prelude No. 3 with the smooth sounds of Chris Botti. But Dominic Miller's sublime guitar work is the presence that binds all these pieces into a fantastic journey that can be listened to now, and for all time.

Classical guitar magnificence.......2005-05-20

I too first heard Dominic perform as Sting's opening act in the second half of the Sacred Love tour. I ejoyed the set, and was prepared for the disc to be entertaining, but not as remarkable as it is.

In the little bend into the first note of the CD, Miller lets us know that what he's got in store for us will be subtle, respectful, elegant, and astoundingly technical and beautiful at the same time; that he respects and loves the music he's playing, but will play it as himself and from his heart, not just as a technically superior musician. His choices in the Bach pieces in particular are brilliant, unexpected, and profoundly affecting. The recording is very clean and very intimate.

I highly recommend this album to pop fans who aren't particularly interested in classical music, and to classical music fans who don't particularly like pop. Some very sophisticated arranging along with Miller's brilliant performances will convince both sides that maybe there's more in the other's camp than they thought.

beautiful work.......2004-09-06

I just saw Mr Miller do an opening set before the Sting/Annie Lennox concert in Atlanta. Then he got busy doing the Sting material I love. What an exquisite experience.

I was lucky enough to get Mr Miller's autograph on this album and found him to be a really nice guy.

This is a great album and one that I can listen to over and over again. The remake of "Shape of My Heart" is outstanding, especially with his long time partner Sting on vocals.

This album is a must have. Thanks Dominic!

Relaxing music doesn't get any better than this.......2004-05-17

Dominic Miller's Shapes is exquisitely beautiful.
From Bach's Air on a G String to Sate's Gymnopedie. From Moonlight Sonata to Sting's glorious vocals in Shape of my heart, everything about this album is stamped with class.
Turn down the lights and lie back and enjoy.

Average customer rating: Timony at her best Cool, Cool, Cool... Fan-freakin-tastic

The Shapes We Make Mary Timony Band Manufacturer: Kill Rock Stars ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Noise | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ex Hex Volta Learn to Sing Like a Star Lullaby for Liquid Pig (+Bonus CD) We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank ASIN: B000OPOAQ6 Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. Sharp Shooter
2. Killed By The Telephone
3. Pause/Off
4. Summer's Fawn
5. Each Day
6. Curious Minds
7. Pink Clouds
8. Window
9. Rockman
10. New Song

Album Description

Their Kill Rock Stars debut represents the latest stage in the evolution of one of the most important voices in underground music. Flowing from the mystic prog-laced veins that have informed her art for the past decade, this record builds upon the stark rebellious austerity of 2005's "Ex Hex" and imbues it with warmth and formidable urgency. Equal parts clairvoyance and virtuosity, Mary (formerly of Helium) and her musicians paint in broad strokes a vivid landscape of colorful musical shapes. Much more than a gifted crafter of melody, Timony is a talented multi-instrumentalist, recording among other things, intricately layered keyboards, banjos, analog synths, viola, the melotron, and a vintage Casio PT1.

Customer Reviews:

Timony at her best.......2007-06-06

The other reviewers are completely right. This CD is amazing like Magic City, and also has the moodiness of Mountains and the upbeat feel of Ex Hex. I can't stop listening to "Pause/Off" - it's my fave Timony song of all time. None of my other friends have been able to get into Mary, despite our similar musical tastes, but this CD may change that. I just wish she were touring somewhere near my city!

Cool, Cool, Cool..........2007-05-30

....So cool, best describes Mary Timony's new album, Her best work since the Magic City, and at times even surpassing that very fine record. It should bring her a whole new audience, it deserves many ears to hear it, but it probably won't. It's also her most straight forward rock record, less of the Cartoon Monster feel of the Dirt of Luck, Less of the medieval feel of all her other records.

Pause/Off is a cool shimmering 60's spy flick soundtrack noise coupled with smart and witty feminist lyrics, it's easily her best song to date. The best record release of the year so far, go out and buy it and be one of the cooler kids.

Fan-freakin-tastic .......2007-05-09

To me this album sounds like a delicious melding of Ex Hex and Helium's Magic City. It has all of the trademark MT sounds and melodies but expands to include some really cool guitar work (some post-hardcore-esque riffs and Sonic-Youth-y picking), along with rockin' drums and bass and dreamy keyboard effects.

Average customer rating: a note about Musical Shapes..... a superb twofer from a perhaps overlooked artist...

Two Sides to Every Woman/Musical Shapes Carlene Carter Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Carlene Carter/Blue Nun Little Love Letters I Fell in Love Hindsight 20/20 Carlene Carter - Live in London ASIN: B000AP3034 Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

1. Do It in a Heartbeat
2. Lies
3. Swap-Meat Rag
4. Gold-Hearted Lady
5. Two Sides to Every Woman
6. It's No Wonder (Why I Love Him)
7. One Good Lover
8. Old Photographs
9. Radio Sweetheart
10. Cry
11. Madness
12. Baby Ride Easy
13. Bandit of Love
14. I'm So Cool
15. Appalachian Eyes
16. Ring of Fire
17. Too Bad About Sandy
18. Foggy Mountain Top
19. That Very First Kiss
20. To Drunk (To Remember)
21. Too Proud

Album Description

Carlene Carter is a country singer, with a little rock thrown in, thanks to her marriage to Nick Lowe. She is the daughter of June Carter. She has issued numerous albums over the 70s, 80s & 90s. Two Sides To Every Woman was her second album, issued in 1979. It features Paul Schafer & Clarence Clemons. It is making its worldwide CD debut as part of this two-fer. Musical Shapes is from 1980 and features Dave Edmunds & Nick Lowe. Wounded Bird. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

a note about Musical Shapes............2005-12-17

This reissue, for me, is notable for the second album. Musical Shapes is the great lost Rockpile country album- excellent Nick Lowe/Dave Edmunds/Billy Bremmer stuff with Carlene's tough girl vocals. Two Sides is indeed an excellent album, but for my money, Musical Shapes is the gem in the collection.

a superb twofer from a perhaps overlooked artist..........2005-11-01

Carlene Carter is perhaps best known for her ties to June Carter and Johnny Cash. June was Carlene's mother, and Johnny Cash would later go on to become Carlene's stepfather. Carlene has also been notorious for her troubled, hard-living personal life. She had some major commercial success with her early '90s comeback, but her excellent early work seems to have been badly overlooked.

In October of 2005, Wounded Bird Records reissued Carlene Carter's first four albums. Seemingly to make them more appealing, they released twofers instead of each album on a single CD. However, being the sly marketers that they are, Wounded Bird clearly took into account that there has previously been a CD released that paired her 3rd and 4th albums, "Musical Shapes" and "Blue Nun" respectively, onto a single CD. So, what they have done is paired her 1st and 4th albums onto one disc, and paired her 2nd album "Two Sides to Every Woman" with 1980's "Musical Shapes". (It's fortunate that Wounded Bird didn't pair "Two Sides..." with 1981's weak "Blue Nun".)

Anyway you look at it, this pairing of "Two Sides to Every Woman" and "Musical Shapes" makes for a CD that contains a wealth of great music. In particular, 1979's "Two Sides to Every Woman" is real stunner that can't be missed if you take country-flavored rock & roll seriously--it's a little-known classic that puts the likes of such future "country rockers" as Shania Twain to absolute shame. Not only does it happen to have one of the sexiest album covers of all time, but Carlene clearly upped the ante from her debut, and "Two Sides..." simply kicks ass all over the place--it's got the stomping "Swap Meat Rag"; the raging uptempo rocker "Lies" (written by Roger Troy & Nick Gravenites); the haunting minor-keyed ballad "Gold Hearted Lady"; and the roaring, ultra-catchy title track which sounds kind of like a disco-rocker with its catchy beat and string arrangement, but it rocks out devastatingly and has an infectious, impassioned Carlene vocal. The album also has the fun, lighthearted, rolling pop-rocker "Do It In A Heartbeat"; the sassy, riffy country-rocker "One Good Lover"; the memorable, tender and reflective "Old Photographs"; and the fine ballad "It's No Wonder (Why I Love Him)". The closing track is a version of the Elvis Costello composition "Radio Sweetheart" which has one of those damn endlessly-repeated fadeouts so characteristic of early Costello, but at least in this case it serves as a respectable 'anthemic' finale to the album.

"Musical Shapes" isn't as exciting overall, but it's by no means less than respectable, and it has such moments as the album opening one-two punch of "Cry" and "Madness"; the venomous "Too Bad About Sandy"; and the highly catchy rockabilly-flavored "The Very First Kiss".

"Two Sides to Every Woman" hasn't been released officially on CD prior to this, and it's an absolute must for any serious listener, containing some of the hardest-rocking country music you could imagine. Adding "Musical Shapes" makes this CD even more valuable. Overall, a superb twofer.

Average customer rating: HIGHLY RECOMMEND Lush pop. Must have with Kaledoiscope world Love it!! More jazzy, soulful and smart pop

Shapes and Patterns Swing Out Sister Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Somewhere Deep in the Night Living Return Get in Touch with Yourself Where Our Love Grows Kaleidoscope World ASIN: B000001EU5 Release Date: 1997-06-17

Tracks:

1. Somewhere In The World
2. Here And Now
3. We Could Make It Happen
4. Shapes And Patterns
5. Better Make It Better
6. Something Out Of This World
7. Joe Meek's Cat
8. Stoned Soul Picnic
9. You Already Know
10. Always
11. Now You're Not Here
12. Icy Cold As Winter
13. Shapes And Patterns (Reprise)

Amazon.com

More swinging, instantly likable Burt Bacharach-style retro pop from the U.K. duo fronted by Corinne Drewery. Like a pre-Todd Terry, frown-free Everything But the Girl, SOS is at its sophisticated best on the Japanese No. 1 "Somewhere in the World," a jazzy "Now You're Not Here," and the irresistible cover of "Stoned Soul Picnic." --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

HIGHLY RECOMMEND.......2006-11-10

This is the best album Swing Out Sister has put out. I love every track on this album. The opener "Somewhere in the World" is a fun uplifting song that will put a smile on your face. "Here and Now" is my favorite on the album, it has a great vocal by lead singer Corinne Drewery with many different and pleasant chord changes. The song reminds me of something Dusty Springfield or Billy Davis Jr would of recorded in 1968. "Better Make it Better" is better than the original from The Living Return. It has more of a full orchestra sound, than the original and is more traditional to SOS. The cover tune "Stoned Soul Picnic" is very well done and is close to the original by the 5th Dimension.

After listening to this album, I am reminded of how great the music was back in the late 60's. It would be wonderful to see Swing Out Sister collaborate with The Original 5th Dimension. They've already worked with Jimmy Webb on their Kalidescope World album. I think a Swing Out Sister/Paul Staveley O'Duffy produced album by The Original 5th Dimension would be awesome.

Lush pop........2006-09-08

Swing Out Sister have always occupied various, if consistently beautiful, spaces in their soulful pop sound. On the previous two outing, 1992's "Get In Touch With Yourself" & 1994's "The Living Return" they went a little 1970's "Philadelphia soul", echoing The Stylistics & The Delfonics with modern flairs & jazz touches.

Here, they return to the 1960's halycon pop they were known for. "Shapes & Patterns" see's the return of their mainstay producer Paul Stavely O'Duffy who helps give Corinne & Andy the focus they needed for their fifth long-player.

The record opens on a reassuring pop note of "Somewhere In the World" before spilling into the patient "Here & Now", & swings toward the deliciously urgent "We Can Make It Happen". Each of these cuts are all "ba-da-ba's" & violins a plenty. Soul pop at it's best?

The record only gets better, & slightly moodier, as you get further in. Corinne's voice manages to echo Marilyn McCoo of A Fifth Dimension; only more British. (S.O.S. gives the A.F.D. staple "Stoned Soul Picnic" a safe but pretty reading here.) Andy, ever the arranger, with a guidng hand from O'Duffy manages to immerse Corinne in jazzy, pop sounds. All at once are they retro & at the same time could fit into contemporary A/C radio format.

Highlights include, the beautifully haunting "Something Out of this World" where the star is Corinne's enuciation of the lyrics. Also, the heart-breaking ballad "Now You're Not Here" hint at a deeper sense of romantic longing. Corinne vamps (vocally) a little here, but never too much.

Overall, "Shapes & Patterns" finds Swing Out Sister returning to their pop roots of Bacharach & David, but at the same time moving the texture & feel of their sound forward. Highly recommend.

Must have with Kaledoiscope world.......2006-06-15

Please refer to the review of J. Collins "stoned-soul" -

This is a wonderful album, more lyric centered and exploratory than kaledoiscope world. It their finest work.

Love it!!.......2006-03-25

One of my favorite SOS cds ever! Corrine Drewery has such a beautiful voice! I love the jazzy, 60's, pop kind of sound.

More jazzy, soulful and smart pop.......2006-01-27

Swing Out Sister may be one of the most consistent pop acts you'll come around. Vocalist Corinne Drewery and keyboardist Andy Connell's music is always well arranged, densely layered and rhythmic enough to make you dance (or at least tap your feet). Add "Shapes and Patterns" from 1997 to the honor roll.

Again, the vibe is a combination of Motown and Burt Bacharach -- all with a contemporary pop production style. Again, Drewery and Connell are backed by other top-of-the-crop performers -- including jazz-soul fixtures like guitarist Tim Cansfield, percussionist Luis Jardim and the unmistakeable trumpet/fluegelhorn player Jerry Hey.

And again, Drewery's dry, simple vocals shine -- here contrasting well with the gospellish power of her backing vocalists (especially on "We Could Make It Happen," the cover "Stoned Soul Picnic" and "Always.")

There's even a bit of innocent trippiness in some of the CD tracks, such as "Something Out Of This World" and "You Already Know," jazz-flavored ballads whose backing tracks seem to float into the sky but never get too far out to enjoy. They're perfect for the girlish side of Drewery's voice. (A bit of "You Already Know" is sampled in the "Shapes and Patterns" mini-song bridges earlier in the album and in the finale).

There's a twist to this SOS set. As songwriters, Drewery and Connell seem to have taken and passed some courses at the Bacharach/John Barry school of killer chord changes. Dig the midtempo "Always" or the moving love ballad "Now You're Not Here," used as the theme for a Japanese TV serial. Each chord shift keeps you involved in the song after even hundreds of plays.

"Now You're Not Here" is the album's highlight -- a moody slow-burner that is among the best songs SOS has ever composed. SOS manages to mix the Bacharach sound with psychedelic soul and a touch of hip-hop (note the sampled sound of the opening bars) into classy pop you love but never seem to hear anymore. And at the end, there's the trademark scatting of Drewery, whose plaintive vocals during the whole song provide an elegant tour-de-force.

More quality music from an act that's been "about" quality throughout the bulk of its career. Excellent.

Average customer rating: Looking for "different." Look no further! disappointed These aren't your run-of-the-mill songs! Highly Awarded Early Childhood Music Pioneer Can A Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet?

Can A Jumbo Jet Sing The Alphabet? Hap Palmer Manufacturer: Hap-Pal Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music Children's Educational | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music Radio & CD Players | Electronics for Kids | Categories | Toys & Games Audio & Video Players | Electronics for Kids | Categories | Toys & Games Radio & CD Players | Music | Categories | Toys & Games Browse Refinements | Refinements | Toys & Games | Gender (target_audience_browse-bin) Similar Items: Can Cockatoos Count By Twos? Can a Cherry Pie Wave Goodbye? Learning Basic Skills Through Music Vol. 1 Two Little Sounds - Fun With Phonics And Numbers So Big - Activity Songs For Little Ones Product Features: GRADES K-2 ASIN: B00000I6UA Release Date: 1998-10-15

Tracks:

1. 'Round the World With Ways To Say Hello
2. Alphabet in Motion
3. What Could You Use?
4. Can a Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet?
5. Shapes That Surround You
6. Jig Along Shapes
7. Everybody Dance?
8. Take Me Out to the Ball Game
9. Letters in the Blender
10. Boogie Down and Cruise
11. The Bean Bag
12. Tug-A-Tug to Twenty-Two
13. Fun With the Rhyme Time Band
14. Action Fraction
15. Motion Memory Good-Bye Game
16. Good-Bye My Friends

Product Description

This lively mix of musical styles and original lyrics teach a variety of concepts from initial consonant sounds and word blends to counting patterns and fraction awareness.A good follow-up to Hap's ever popular "Basic Skills Series"; includes complete guide with song lyrics and activities. Includes these songs: 'Round The World With Ways To Say Hello, Alphabet In Motion, What Could You Use?, Can A Jumbo Jet Sing The Alphabet?, The Shapes that Surround You, Jig Along Shapes, Everybody Dance, Take Me Out To The Ball Game, Letters In The Blender, Boogie Down And Cruise, The Bean Bag, Tug-A-Tug To Twenty-Two, Fun With The Rhyme Time Band, Action Fraction, Motion Memory Good-Bye Game, Good-Bye My Friends. By Hap Palmer.

Amazon.com

Hap Palmer is a master of entertaining and teaching children with music. Can a Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet? overflows with fun songs that will have your child dancing along while he or she encounters themes such as vocabulary, shape recognition, problem solving, spatial awareness, numbers, and cultural diversity. Included in the liner notes is an extensive teaching guide, which lists skills and concepts, vocabulary, lyrics, suggested activities, variations, and follow-up questions for each song. These notes are a great resource for daycare or school instructors as well as parents, and, when implemented in moderation, can add another dimension to the listening experience. Palmer's original songs are diverse in style and are accompanied by strings, percussion, woodwinds, keyboard, vocalists, and even a children's chorus. --Tami Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Looking for "different." Look no further!.......2006-01-14

I have this CD and Can a Cherry Pie wave goodbye for my 3 1/2 and 15 month old and we LOVE it. The instructions are clear and gives the children enough time to move to the action. They have learned so much and are having so much fun while learning. Sometimes, I will pause the cd to give them time to answer. We do not listen to the cd from front to back, but I select 2-4 songs to listen to a program them into the cd player so that the kids don't get bored of it. The music is great (no rock or rap that preschoolers and toddlers cannot understand), but not your average Toddler CD.
We Love the title song as it teaches early phonics and recognizing that words start with a letter. I don't turn to the CD to teach my kids everything, but use it as a supplement to my teaching.

disappointed.......2005-08-28

I was looking for music that will help my students learn the sounds of the alphabet but to my disappointment there was none included in the album. Anyway, I said it was ok cause because it teaches about other things too like shapes, letters etc. But I was just not inspired by the music. It was not as lively as I expected and it sounded like country music to me. I know the type of songs that will really get my kids excited and this is just not it.

These aren't your run-of-the-mill songs!.......2005-04-12

I am always looking for innovative Childrens Music CD's and I was excited to fall upon this real gem. As you can tell from the title, Hap Palmer has a great sense of humor and imagination. I like music CDs that don't have the same ol' kid songs that we all know and have heard again and again. Instead, I like exposing my children to a lot of fun new songs. Not only are they more interesting to listen to, but I love to see how fast their great little memories can learn these new songs. You get everything in this CD! Part of the songs are pure fun and the other part mix fun with learning.

Some of the great fun songs include the title song "Can a Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet," "What Could a Bean Bag Be," and "The Compost Bin." His learning songs teach shapes, sound blends, and rhyming. I love "Letters in the Blender" and "Fun with The Rhyme Time Band" as well as "Jig Along Shapes" and "Action Fraction."

As you can see from reading the titles, these aren't your run-of-the-mill songs. Hap Palmer has a great talent at creating songs that are interesting to listen to and fun to dance with. This hour long CD is definitely worth it and will quickly become your family's favorite tunes! --Denise Steele-Darnell

Highly Awarded Early Childhood Music Pioneer.......2004-01-11

Hap Palmer has been honored with many awards for his music for young children. He is a pioneer of pairing movement and music, and integrating basic educational ideas into music. His music interests me as a parent.

So my family and I have made a point of listening to his music, mostly by loan through our local library. Unfortunately, we do not like his musical style or voice very much. Most of his albums are not singable or melodic. I praise Palmer for making music that is good for childen and not like most commercial "junk food" children's music products that are on the market, but we just don't like most of his songs.

"Can a Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet" is one of the exceptions. The songs are interesting and fun to listen to. We like this CD. Plus, the messages are good for children, like most Hap Palmer albums. Thumbs up!

RECOMMENDATION: I suggest that parents start with CD's by Raffi. Then consider this CD. Hap Palmer's music is especially valuable if you use it to interact with your child, such as moving and thinking. Palmer's music is quality.

Can A Jumbo Jet Sing the Alphabet?.......2001-01-25

I am a volunteer storyteller for two year olds at the local library. After story time we danced to "Everybody Dance" and "The Bean Bag". The children and the parents were so excited when we finished that they broke out in cheers! I'm ordering my own copy of this CD today and so are a half dozen other parents and caregivers!

Average customer rating: Classic, underrated synthpop

Difficult Shapes & Passive Rhythms, Some People Think It's Fun to Entertain China Crisis Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Flaunt the Imperfection Working with Fire and Steel Possible Pop Songs, Vol. 2 What Price Paradise Diary of a Hollow Horse Autumnal Park ASIN: B000006XKR Release Date: 1994-11-10

Tracks:

1. Seven Sports for All
2. No More Blue Horizons
3. Feel to Be Driven Away
4. Some People I Know to Lead Fantastic Lives
5. Christian
6. African and White
7. Are We a Worker
8. Red Sails
9. You Never See It
10. Temptation's Big Blue Eyes
11. Jean Walks in Fresh Fields

Customer Reviews:

Classic, underrated synthpop.......2005-10-23

I came to China Crisis's first album rather late, but it is an absolute classic. More electronic than later efforts, like the equally good "Flaunt the Imperfection," it holds up well. It has a sound that can only be described as vintage early '80s, but it doesn't sound particularly dated. China Crisis mastered the art of using technology appropriately to match their lyrical sensibility. I find myself putting this on a lot, 23 years after its release.

Average customer rating:

Sibelius: Finlandia Op26/7; Karelia Op11 Manufacturer: Bis ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies ASIN: B00004RJNR Release Date: 2000-03-15

Tracks:

1. Andante Sostenuto - Allegro Moderato - Allegro
2. Andante Molto Sostenuto - Jukka Hirvikangas
3. Tempo Moderato E Sostenuto
4. III. Alla Marcia. Moderato
5. Andante
6. XVII. Antonio. Dance Of The Shapes. Moderato Assai - Allegro Molto Moderato - Poco Tranquillo - Allegro E Poco A Poco Stretto
7. I. Country-Scenery. Allegretto - Dong-Suk Kang
8. II. Evening In Spring. Andantino - Dong-Suk Kang
9. III. In The Summer. Vivace - Dong-Suk Kang
10. Lento - Poco Risoluto - Piu Risoluto E Mosso - Stretto - Lento Assai
11. VII. Entr'acte. Allegretto
12. VIII. The Death Of Melisande. Andante
13. Largamente - Allegro Moderato - Allegro - Allegro Moderato - Allegro - Allegro Moderato

Average customer rating:

Split Lips, Winning Hips, A Shiner Shapes and Sizes Manufacturer: Asthmatic Kitty ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Granddance The Reminder The Magic Position Armchair Apocrypha Plague Park ASIN: B000OQDUW0 Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Alone/Alive
2. Head Movin'
3. Geese
4. The Taste In My Mouth
5. Teller/Seller
6. Grassy Corner, A Sunset
7. Highlife (I Had Been Duped)
8. Con't Stop That (Sinking) Feeling
9. The Horse's Mouthy Mouth
10. The Long Difference
11. Canvas Skios, Muslim Trees
12. Victory In War
13. Piggy
14. One, Two, Three

Average customer rating: Good compilation of older material

Shapes Bola Manufacturer: Skam UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music IDM | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Gnayse Fyuti Soup Martes Utopía ASIN: B000H0MKKG Release Date: 2006-09-26

Customer Reviews:

Good compilation of older material.......2007-01-12

This is a compilation of the Shapes ep, which was released on horribly limited vinyl in the 1990s. The six tracks are reissued here, plus one that was on a Vertical Form compilation, and two new ones.

I like it. Some of the tracks are great, others are average. A worthwhile purchase.

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