Tip

1. Quicksand

2. Tip

3. Shudder

4. Awake and Dreaming

5. Above

6. Condenser

7. Thin Spirits

8. Glimpse

9. Costume for a Gutterball

10. Temporary Arms

11. Swallowtail

Tracks:

Sweet And Lowdown
Novelette In Fourths
That Certain Feeling
So Am I
Rhapsody In Blue
Swanee
When You Want 'Em, You Can't Get 'Em...
Kickin' The Clouds Away
Idol Dreams
On My Mind The Whole Night Long
Scandal Walk
An American In Paris

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully American.......2007-05-14

I've had a copy of this CD for years and love it. The power and optimism of the music is really quite remarkable... regardless of who or what is actually playing here. The arrangement of Swanee is light but rich with major chord trains like you just want to go marching around the room. And American In Paris leads you on a swaying, dischordy journey the deeper you go, as the narrative begins to trade delicacy for passion. (and I love renditions where you can hear the MUSIC and the instruments don't get in the way, like four-voice midi versions of Bach which reveal the eloquence).

When I listen to this CD now, and which is most surpring to me, I hear a profound pride in America - back "before." I play it when I have people over and we put burgers on the grill. This CD is the song of sitting in my back yard with the clouds blowing by and for the moment things feel OK.

"Before" - OK, there is no old perfect Amercia; but I'm thinking of the time before we learned to distill petroleum into toxic pollution, before pride meant vanity and thuggery, before hate-filled invective became public amusement, and before presidents went to war because it was good for business.

A Gersh-winner.......2007-01-07

George Gershwin had a long association with the mechanical device known as the player piano. At the age of ten, Gershwin used a neighbor's pianola to teach himself how to play, by very slowly pumping the foot pedal that advanced the hole-punched rolls, and placing his fingers on the depressed keys. His parents were so impressed by his abilities they enrolled the boy in formal piano studies when he turned 13. Thus, an American genius was born.

The existing films of Gershwin (who died of a brain tumor at age 38 in 1937) show him to be a virtuoso at his instrument. His 1924 acoustic recording of Rhapsody In Blue (with the Paul Whiteman orchestra) is further evidence of this. But no film or recording has what is contained within the album GERSHWIN PLAYS GERSHWIN: THE PIANO ROLLS, and that is-- full fidelity range.

The CD comes in a standard jewel case packaged in a heavy paper slipcover. Biographical liner notes are included along with details on the rolls. The earliest performance in this set is from 1916, made when Gershwin was an 18-year-old song plugger. My favorites here are "Swanee," from 1920, and "An American In Paris," from 1933, which is undoubtedly one of the last significant piano rolls ever made.

Gershwin's dynamic performances are not in the least obscured by the few extra notes added to the piano rolls (such practice was standard in those days). Listening to these recordings is like sitting next to this brilliant man, observing his fingers fly over the keys as he plays some of his best work.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 60:36

Interesting... but I think I'd prefer a good Gershwin interpreter.......2006-05-14

Composers are not necessarily the best performers of their own work. A songwriter's songwriter like Jules Shear or Jimmy Webb comes to mind -- surely the best representations of their songs are on other artist's albums.

This album is charming in its own way -- a taste of the music and performance style of a bygone era. Someone complained that these rolls were edited. So what? I'm going to review the final product, now how it was made. Do you eat sausage? Ask not what's in it!

I like to listen to this CD in short bits -- a few songs at a time. For some reason I find it to be fatiguing if I listen for more than 20 minutes or so. I'm not absolutely sure why this is so. Possibly the meter is just a little too metronomic on many of the songs. This lends a "mechanical" quality to the performances.

Additionally, I felt that the dynamic range was restricted. The music does get louder and softer, because of the piano rolls themselves and because of the computer programming used to read the piano rolls -- the dynamics were deliberately adjusted by the record producers in some spots, if I read the liner notes correctly. And yet. And yet. Still these songs do not dynamically "breathe" fully in and out the way they ought to. I find this disappointing, but I think it has something to do with inherent limitations in piano roll recording technique. I'm guessing.

Taken for what it is, it is an interesting concept, and the sound quality is very pleasant. The performances are very good for piano rolls, but fall short of what a good interpreter could do. Take, for example, the Rhapsody in Blue from Woody Allen's Manhattan soundtrack. Listen specifically to the piano part -- the dynamics and variations in rhythm. This is not by any means the best performance of Rhapsody, but it is better than the Gershwin rolls.

Gershwin's playing overated.......2006-04-09

After I heard this cd I bought Gershwin plays Gershwin on the naxos label which arn't piano rolls. Any pianist can tell that many of these rolls are heavily edited and can't be played by a pianists with two hands. On the naxos album that has some of these same songs Gershwin's actual playing doesn't sound very good. Many of Gershwins contempories such as James P. Johnson, Eubie Blake, Luckey Roberts and even Zez Confrey were much better pianists than he was, however they didn't have his melodic gifts as a composer. I would recommend Artis Whodhouse's
transcriptions of Jelly Roll Morton's piano rolls (on the same label) instead because most of those are exactly how he played them and in my opinion Morton was a better musician in every way than Gershwin.

The jazzy Gershwin. What a CD!!!!!!!.......2006-02-23

I got this CD as a gift. I am all for the austrogerman post- romantic music and as imagined Gershwin is not my favourite composer. I know him from his best known works such as the 'Rhapsody", the 'American' and his great songs. This CD is a treasure as mentioned from other reviewers of this site. Gershwin full of passion, his music being jazzy to the very end and that great feeling you get after a great live performance is present all over the length of this 'treasure'. No question about the presence of the music. Not to be missed

Average customer rating:

Bell & Gershwin
Enchanting
Joshua Bell's playing is exquisite
S'Wonderful
My Starter Bell CD

Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy
Joshua Bell , George Gershwin , and John [composer] Williams
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Romance of the Violin
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Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B000009OP5
Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

Fantasy For Violin And Orchestra On Porgy And Bess
Three Preludes: I. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
Three Preludes: II. Andante
Three Preludes: III. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
Songs For Violin And Orchestra: I Got Rhythm
Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Embraceable You
Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Nice Work If You Can Get It
Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Liza
Songs For Violin And Orchestra: But Not For Me
Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Sweet And Low-Down
Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Love Is Here To Stay

Amazon.com essential recording

On Gershwin Fantasy, Joshua Bell's Stradivari embraces the lyrical spirit of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess with more success than most vocalists. Accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, Bell's violin literally sings through "It Ain't Necessarily So," "Summertime," "I Got Rhythm," and "Love Is Here to Stay," while John Williams (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List) serves double duty as conductor and pianist on several tracks. Three Preludes employs the violin and piano transcription by Jascha Heifetz, a longtime Gershwin friend, and features Bell at his jazziest. Even Gershwin himself--well, the recording of a 1926 piano roll of the composer--joins the virtuoso on the swinging "Sweet and Low-Down." --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Bell & Gershwin.......2007-05-20

Two of my faves, George Gershwin and Joshual Bell -

Can't beat that!

Also, "Porgy" is a fave opera... so three out of three isn't bad!

Enchanting.......2007-03-24

A very talented (to say the least) young musician playing the beautiful music of a very talented composer. I listen over and over again and especially like his rendition of "Embraceable You" and "But Not For Me" . . I'm a romantic!

Joshua Bell's playing is exquisite.......2005-07-08

Joshua Bell's exquisite playing turns these arrangements into Gold. In the hands of Perlman or Shaham these arrangements would be pure shmaltz, but Bell's playing is of the highest caliber.

S'Wonderful.......2004-10-20

Love it! I had heard of Josh Bell but never had purchased any of his music. I am a full fan now. This cd is wonderful. I am a Gershwin fan and have been for years. Bell breathes new life into the old classics and the result is breathtaking. His touch with the violin is beyound discription. He even plays with George in one cut, Sweet and Low Down. That alone is worth the price of the cd. Buy this cd and expect to be enchanted. It has been in my changer for weeks now, I can't get enough.

My Starter Bell CD.......2003-11-05

This CD was my introduction to Joshua Bell after hearing a track on our local Washington, DC, classical radio station. It was hard not to be struck not only by the warmth of Mr. Bell's playing but also by his phrasing. He is almost never flashy, but his nuances made me find new musical possibilities which I hope -- but somehow doubt -- Gershwin intended. This is Gershwin as you have never heard him before, and it desires a place in anyone's classical or jazz collection.

Average customer rating:

Where it all began
Scratched
4.5 stars
Debut
Do I rate for then or now?

Ooooooohhh...On the TLC Tip
TLC
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

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Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000013G1
Release Date: 1992-02-25

Tracks:

Intro
Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg
Shock Dat Monkey
Intermission I
Hat 2 Da Back
Das Da Way We Like 'em
What About Your Friends
His Story
Intermission II
Bad By Myself
Somethin' You Wanna Know
Baby-baby-baby
This Is How It Should Be Done
Depend On Myself
Conclusion

Amazon.com

A hip-hop album with major pop crossover appeal, TLC's 1992 debut was an instant success. The trio of young women--T-Boz, Chilli, and Left Eye--projected a playful and colorful image, wearing bright, floppy clothes and using prophylactics as fashion accessories (Left Eye used to wear a colored condom as an eye patch, hence the nickname). The music was equally vibrant, trading off Left Eye's sandy raps, T-Boz's low-register come-hither croon, and Chilli's sultry R&B vocal melodies, creating an infectious, high-energy buzz. With singles like "Baby-Baby-Baby," "What About Your Friends," and the party-anthem shout-out "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg," the group approached subjects like sex and friendship with a youthful, inexplicit innocence. --Beth Bessmer

Customer Reviews:

Where it all began.......2007-06-05

Imagine the late '80s - early '90s R&B group Bell Biv Devoe as a girl group - and TLC is what you get. Little did we know we had legends in the making!! They had a unique look and style, and they weren't like ANYONE else out there - and this is why people are STILL talking about this group. We will never forget the almost cartoonish Day-Glo clothes that were baggy as all get out, and condoms worn as the "must-have" fashion accessory.

Although CRAZYSEXYCOOL is probably TLC's best selling and most popular disc, OOOOOOOHHH...ON THE TLC TIP, the Atlanta group's debut, is my favorite by the trio. Primarily produced by Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, L.A. Reid and Babyface, this is one of the few CDs that features samples throughout it that I really love. While all the ladies contribute their now trademark sounds, it is the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes who dominates the material here. I still listen to it at least once everyday. I first purchased it on cassette and wore it out so badly, I had to get another one and the same thing happened. Finally I just got the CD and I still have it today. I can honestly say that this was the CD that changed my life when I first brought it in '92. TLC might have taken a page from Salt 'n Pepa by talking about female empowerment, safe sex, loyalty, black-on-black crime, double standards and true friendship - issues that touched me in a huge way back then (and still do today, to a degree) but they took it to an even higher level. This is GIRL POWER in its finest form. The message on it gave me the confidence and courage to face the dilemmas in my life instead of running away from them, to rely on myself, and I haven't looked back since! This is why these girls mean so much to me, and why I've supported them from day one.

OOOOOOOHHH....ON THE TLC TIP grabs you right from the start - yes, even the intro makes you interested in what you are about to hear. (And yes, the interludes between the songs will crack you up, too.) Exploding with the sounds of New Jack Swing, funk, rap, hip-hop, catchy pop hooks, and crazy, frenetic Public Enemy-like samples all over it, this CD is an instant injection of fun and youthful energy. The material sounds just as good now as it did back in the day. It kicks off with the Grammy-nominated hit "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg", goes right into the red-hot "Shock Dat Monkey" and keeps the momentum going with "Hat 2 Da Back". The CD sort of hits a bump with "Das The Way We Like 'Em" - all I can say is I prefer that Left Eye do the rapping, and let T-Boz and Chilli stick to singing. However, it picks right up again with the hit "What About Your Friends" and "His Story", an amazing song that showed that TLC had a serious side to them as well. This tune caused a bit of controversy back then because Left Eye mentioned the name of a prominent rape victim in the intro. (For those who don't know, this was a huge story in the late 1980s in New York and the news spread nationwide. The teenage girl, who was black, accused six white men, some of them police officers in Westchester County, NY of kidnapping and raping her but when it came down to it, she was accused of lying about the attack. She continued to stand by her story. It's been said that the song "His Story" is loosely based on that event.) What I loved so much about this group is they almost always had important messages in their songs, subjects we all need to pay attention to - as we see with their later smashes, "Waterfalls" and "Unpretty".

The CD keeps up the pace with the hyped-up girl-power anthem "Bad By Myself", and segues into the smoother ballads "Something You Wanna Know" and the # 1 R&B hit, "Baby-Baby-Baby". Another misstep here is "This Is How It Should Be Done" - don't really like this much even though it does feature Left Eye. But a perfect closer to this is MY personal anthem - "Depend On Myself", words I truly live by and take to heart. Ladies, if you ever need a dose of confidence and something to lift your spirits, this is the CD to listen to! Energetic, lively and positive, if you are a TLC fan then there is no reason for you NOT to own this. Put it on, dance and have a good time - I know Lisa would want it that way.

Scratched.......2007-05-18

Half of the songs on this CD were scratched. However, the seller did make it a priority to send me the tape.

4.5 stars.......2007-04-09

For awhile now, I had all of TLC's albums except for this one. (I have a weird tendency to purchase an artist's discography backwards.) Anyway, I finally bought it and when I popped it into my CD player, I listened to it threee times straight through. I absolutely love it! It's so fun and energetic. This is obviously the album that Left Eye had the creative control on. Every song is great, especially "His Story." I also loved "Intermission I." Funny stuff. This is definitely one of those albums you clean your house to, or you can just listen to it without any disruptions. Either way, I highly recommend.

Debut.......2006-04-06

...Tip is not a consistent effort. The singles are good as well as a handful of album cuts. But some of the other songs are mediocre or just cringe-inducing, particularly the Marley Marl produced song Das Da Way We Like'em. There is a reason why Left-Eye is the rapper in the group and not Chilli. You can tell Marley Marl didn't understand tlc or the make-up of the group.

I also don't care for the album's version of Hat 2 Da Back. The remix they used for the video was MUCH better.

This is tlc's most hip-hop sounding album and they are certainly having fun, but in comparison to their later efforts, this one is sub-par and underproduced.

Addendum 7/26/06 The above comments don't do these girls justice. Let me start over.

When I was 10, I remember seeing tlc on Arsenio Hall. I was very intrigued. I liked their style and their attitudes. Up until this point, I just listened to music on the radio. I didn't own any albums.

One day I decided to buy some music. I was in the record store with my mom, and I got one of the clerks to pick me out 2 albums. One was Oooooooh...and the other one was the first record from Wreckx in Effect(what can I say, I liked Rumpshaker.) To my horror, my mom told me I could only get one. I picked TLC, and haven't looked back. I had it on tape and I listened to it 3 or 4 times a day on my walkman. Fourteen years later, TLC is still my favorite musical act. Even though I don't listen to their music as much anymore, they're the only act that I would buy an album from blindly. This means, I would buy their cd without having to hear one note from it first. Just the fact it is them would be enough. As I've grown, I realize the album is still all of the things I said in my review at the top. It is inconsistent, and certainly not their best album. But it's still tlc: the GREATEST girl group of all time.

Do I rate for then or now?.......2006-01-14

If I had to rate the song based on how I would feel about it after listening now I would probably give it a two or three stars since I was only 12 when the album debuted in 1992. But back then I listend to it over and over and over again so I know I would have definitely given it a five star. I've just matured since then and I'm sure they have to. Well I hope so. TLC (T-Boz, Left-eye, and Chili) where all adults when this album debuted but their energy and youthful clothing and behavior made them appear much younger and it made them appealing to a much younger crowd. I wish I still had the album so that I could listen to it now and see what memories it would bring back . In the early nineties I didn't own a cd player. I thought they were for rich people or people like my brother who didn't mind spending so much money on a cd player and expensive cds. Now I own an ipod.
TOLD YA THINGS CHANGE!

Average customer rating:

Allure of Sanctuary
Allure of Sanctuary
A Brilliant Piano Album (reviewed by Stephen Cairns at [...])
Allure of Sanctuary
from Solo Piano Publications

Allure of Sanctuary
Karen Marie Garrett
Manufacturer: Karen Marie Garrett Publishing, Waterstreet Records and Publishing Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000BGQXKE
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

Tip Toe Dancer (Kathryn's Song)
Lake EWOK Muse (Piano & Cello)
Simple Things
Allure of Sanctuary
Welcome B.
The Green Hills
Gnossienne No 1
Gnossienne No 2
Gnossienne No 3
Will's Song
Toll of War
Lake EWOK Muse Reprise (Piano Solo)

Album Description

A STUNNING CD RELEASE BY KAREN MARIE GARRETT AND LEGENDARY PRODUCER WILL ACKERMAN, creator of Windham Hill Records, gold and platinum record producer, and Grammy Award-Winning recording artist.

Recorded between George Lucas' Skywalker Sound Studios in Marin County, California and Mr. Ackerman's Imaginary Road Studio in Windham County, Vermont.

VICTORY REVIEW; ACOUSTIC MUSIC RESOURCE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST; TOM PETERSEN
"Karen Marie Garrett is a top-drawer pianist headed for bigger things. Allure of Sanctuary is the Olympia artist's third release, following a straight classical disc and another in this New Age vein. This new release is as soothing as it's intended, but it's also energizing. Where a lot of New Age is so light it begins to drift and grow unidentifiable, Garrett's compositions are distinct, with melodies for the listener to hook into. It's billed as New Age, but several cuts qualify as Light Jazz - very mellow Vince Guaraldi, perhaps. Thus, Garrett is a distinctive new artist in this field and could, with the right promotion, see herself at the top of the New Age charts (Allure is already getting significant airplay on Easy Listening stations). It won't hurt a bit that she is a pupil of the founder of the New Age genre, Will Ackerman; nor do dead-enders get invited to record their albums at Skywalker ranch, using Lucas's Bluthner grand! Get this album, neighbors - you can say you "knew her when."

Reaches #8 on Top 100 New Age Radio Charts in just FIVE weeks!

TOP 20 ALBUM LIST OF THE YEAR FOR 2005
Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications, New York

Recipient of ENGLAND'S PIANO HEAVEN "GOLD AWARD"
Stephen Cairns, Piano Heaven, England

Customer Reviews:

Allure of Sanctuary.......2007-06-13

Allure of Sanctuary is an outstanding album. The music seems to draw you in and want to play it over again

Allure of Sanctuary.......2007-05-13

I received this as an Easter present and it is one of the best CD's I have heard in a long time. The music is wonderful.

A Brilliant Piano Album (reviewed by Stephen Cairns at [...]).......2006-12-09

What an amazing album! This is Karen Marie Garrett's third album, and it is a real find. I am immensely impressed with the delightful melodies which run consistently throughout this album. Tip-Toe Dancer has to be heard to be believed. It is such a beautiful piece of music, and makes the listener want to stand up and start dancing. This track is just one of an album full of highlights. Welcome B and Simple Things are so delicate. This album is produced by Windham Hill founder Will Ackerman. Consequently, the production is first-class. A joy from beginning to end. Bravo!!

Allure of Sanctuary.......2006-07-19

Soothing, relaxing music to release tension and smooth out those tight muscles.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2005-11-14

"Allure of Sanctuary" is the second CD released by Karen Marie Garrett. It is astounding how much this artist has grown since her 2002 debut, "Pensare Piano." Will Ackerman's gifts as producer certainly helped to make this CD as breathtaking as it is, but if the quality of music isn't there, no producer in the world can give it soul and depth - and this CD has mega-doses of both. A classically-trained pianist from the age of five, Ms. Garrett plays with the strength and emotional clarity that come from years of expressing oneself at the piano, sharing the joys and sorrows of life with the beloved 88's. The twelve pieces include eight original compositions, a lovely arrangement of "The Green Hills" by Brian Gibson, and Erik Satie's "Trois Gnossiennes," performed as originally composed. Most of the pieces are piano solo, but Garrett is joined on two by award-winning cellist Eugene Friesen (I LOVE cello and piano together!). Some of the other tracks have English horn, light percussion, and wordless vocals, but this is truly an incredible piano album.

The CD begins with "Tip-Toe Dancer (Kathryn's Song)," one of the lighter pieces in this collection. It was inspired by a story told by a close friend about a childhood dance performed for friends and family. Graceful yet playful, it is easy to imagine the seriousness of the young dancer and the warm reception of the adults. "Lake EWOK Muse" is an improvisational duet for piano and cello that followed a sunrise meditation beside Lake EWOK at Skywalker Ranch, where the album was recorded. The feeling of serenity envelops you as you listen to the two artists interact seamlessly, creating a perfect sense of peace. "Simple Things" is a celebration that begins in a classical style reminiscent of a children's piano study and evolves, retaining the sweet melody and simplicity of the message but becoming a full and graceful solo. The title track is fascinating. It begins with a mournful piano prelude and becomes a rhythmic dance with a seductive Spanish flavor. Susan Whittle's vocals and percussion provided by Will Ackerman and Derrick Jordan add to the enchantment. "Will's Song" is an improvisational piece that is so deeply felt that it almost sends a chill - what a beauty! "Toll of War (Adagio)" is a wrenching duet for piano and cello. A profound statement of humanity rather than of politics, the sense of loss and pain reach to the depths of the soul. This is a piece that needs to be heard. The gentle, pensive closing track is a solo piano reprise of "Lake EWOK Muse."

"Allure of Sanctuary" is a must-have CD!

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection

Average customer rating:

Well worth the price
Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection...
Where's the chicks?!?!
Not quite the ultimate....
Great Music - Questionable Selection

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Topsy-Turvy
The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

ASIN: B000007OU0
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.

Average customer rating:

read this before the review up top
What's wrong with having a little fun?
Terrible commercial album
Abstract
stick this funking shiiit in your ear

Amplified
Q-Tip
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beats, Rhymes and Life
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The Low End Theory

ASIN: B00002R0K9
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

Wait Up
Higher
Do It
Moving With U
Let's Ride
Things U Do
All In
Go Hard
Breathe And Stop
Vivrant Thing
N.T.
End Of Time

Amazon.com

Breaking up is hard to do but sometimes the aftermath can shine a light on the individuals and just what they brought to the mix. Over the course of five albums (three of which are certified hip-hop classics), Q-Tip, the dominant wordsmith and resident sex symbol of A Tribe Called Quest, was the guy with the goods. With his adenoidal tone and nimble way with a rhyme, he was the focus of much of the attention Tribe justifiably received. Yet left to his own devices, Tip falls short and Amplified is not the triumph fans might have expected. Part of the fault lies in the production, which with the exception of two great cuts (both produced by DJ Scratch), is provided by Tip and partner J.D., who also worked the last two (weak) Tribe CDs. Tip's new sound is typified by the revved up, sexy push and pull of his smash "Vivrant Thing." But that song's sound and subject matter--sex--is the main theme throughout this album. Adding to the dilemma is the fact that the advances sent to press were sequenced as if Amplified was one continuous track, which makes the sameness of many of the cuts even more obvious. True, Tip is playful and pointed, but the lyrics are remarkably linear for a guy who once dubbed himself "abstract" and the similarity of the drum patterns and tempo start to grow tiresome. Sadly, what should have been a breakthrough solo debut from a truly gifted artist only makes you yearn for the subtle jazzy touches and deadpan retorts former Tribe members Ali and Phife provided. --Amy Linden

Customer Reviews:

read this before the review up top.......2006-12-27

this album is great. and the girl that reviewed this album doesn't have a clue what she's talking about. the drums sound the same because all drums in every song at that time sounded the same. it was 2000 and it wasn't until timbo blew up that drums in hip hop changed. secondly. J.D is JayDee and he killed the last two (still classics) that tribe put out. he was also a part of tribe before those albums came out, he just didn't get the credit. this album was way ahead of it's time, now jaydee is a legend. this album is nuts

What's wrong with having a little fun?.......2006-12-18

After the tragic breakup of the greatest rap trio of all time, A Tribe Called Quest, Q-Tip released his first solo offering, "Amplified," in 1999. Fans expecting the abstract lyricism and social consciousness of a Tribe album will not find it here, so some I'm sure were disappointed. When I first heard "Amplified" I was surprised for sure because this sounds nothing like a Tribe album, but I grew to like it a lot. This album is full of upbeat, light, and happy songs that aren't very deep lyrically but are just basically fun songs. Tip's raps aren't exactly thought provoking, nor are they meant to be. Production comes mainly from Tip and Jay Dee, the duo known as The Ummah that produced the last two Tribe albums, "Beats, Rhymes, and Life" and "The Love Movement." The production uses horns and heavy instrumentals, but sounds very unlike ATCQ music. It's fast and consistently joyful sounding. As a huge ATCQ fan who has enjoyed all five of their albums, I also enjoyed "Amplified" even though it is a very different kind of release.

The album begins with "Wait Up," which uses nice keyboard and saxophone instrumentation for Tip to flow over. "Higher" has vibesy, soulful production and a good chorus. "Breathe and Stop" is a single, fast and simple sounding but very catchy. The electronic and experimental sounding "Moving With U" follows. I love "Let's Ride," it's a laidback, fun song about riding in cars and listening to music. Tip would never have made this kind of song with Phife and Shaheed, but I like hearing him do it by himself. "Things U Do" and "All In" follow, adding to the consistency of "Amplified." "Go Hard" is a funkier song aimed for the ladies. "Vivrant Thing" is one of the best, a song with good production and funny lyrics. Busta Rhymes collaborates on the piano-heavy "N.T." and rock band Korn make an unlikely appearance on "End of Time," which is a song I actually like a lot, it's really different from everything else on the album. A bonus track is also included, which lyrically is the best. It explains the rise and fall of A Tribe Called Quest, chronicling their career and breakup, with inside stuff a fan wouldn't have guessed.

I recommend "Amplified" mostly because it is an album of catchy, fun hip hop music even if lyrically it is not what a lot of fans expected. I think a lot of different kinds of music listeners will enjoy it, and Tribe fans such as myself will like it in a lot of ways too. Overall "Amplified" is an enjoyable album that I really like to listen to on a lot of occasions, and I definitely recommend it.

Terrible commercial album.......2006-12-15

I was very disappointed in Amplified album since i'm A Tribe Called Quest fan. QTip tried to go commercial and pop on this album and i think he let a lot of his fans down. Only songs i liked on the album is Higher, Breathe And Stop, Vivrant Thing(this was already on the Violator compilation so it shouldn't have been on Amplified album). End Of Time song with rock group Korn would've been better if Korn wasn't on the song. I liked the beat and the lyrics on End Of Time but QTip should've rapped more on the song and left Korn off the song. I also like the bonus hidden track Do It, Be It, See It. I'm so glad his 2nd solo unreleased album Kamaal The Abstract never came out because from the reviews i read about it, i read that he sang on all of the 9 songs on the album LOL. What's the deal with rappers singing now? LOL. QTip is a homo. He was wearing house slippers in Breathe And Stop video hahahahahahahahahaha.

Abstract.......2006-02-14

This is an album I bought when it first came out. I was a big tribe fan. I felt that Q-Tip had such a distinct sound and lyrically was one of the most underrated in the game. I felt that this album was slept on by many. I feel, in my opinion that this was one of few cd's that you can let start at the beginning and play all the way through. I was a little affraid for Tip at first but after hearing this, this was a great effort and something I would reccomend anyone to check out or buy.

stick this funking shiiit in your ear.......2006-01-10

and let it clear out all that nasty built up wax from all those whack jack arse slacks who recylcle tracks and fony lyrics and listen to some dope shiiit get with it or get lost!!!!!!

Take My Tip: 25 British Mod Artefacts From The EMI Vaults

Average customer rating:

Take My Tip: 25 British Mod Artefacts From The EMI Vaults
Various Artists
Manufacturer: EMI/Zonophone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Fairytales Can Come True: UK Popsike from the Late '60s
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Too Much to Dream - Original Group Recordings: Reprise 1966-1967

ASIN: B000PC6XZE
Release Date: 2007-06-11

Tracks:

Baby Please Don't Go
Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air
If I Get Lucky Someday
Yes I Do
Take My Tip
Buzz With The Fuzz
Curtains
Cruisin'
Shake Shake Senora
Strange Feeling
Medley: 60 Minutes Of Your Love/A Lot Of Love
Mix-A-Fix
What's She Got
Jackpot
Love
I Just Got Some
Like The Big Man Said
You Bore Me
Harlem Library
Boggle Woggle
Evil Witchman
Scotch On The Socks
Jack O'diamonds
Gin House
Music Played On

Album Description

2007 compilation on the re-activated Zonophone label, a fascinating jukebox of classic rarities, hard-to find collector's items and genuine discoveries. Mod was the catch-all term used to describe the newly acquired lifestyle adopted by many teenagers - with a strongly identifiable look, the emphasis on the neat, the sharp, the modern. Four decades on, Mod has now come to symbolize the era, inseparable from the iconography of the mid-60's, with a thriving scene of people who weren't even born at the time. 25 tracks from the likes of Duffy Power, Mannish Boys, Geno Washington, Long John Baldry, Mike Patto, The Shadows and many others. Zonophone.

Album Details

This Series of Zonophone Compilations is Dedicated to the Enduring Appeal of 60's Music in Various Guises. Mod was the Catch all Term Used to Describe the Newly Acquired Lifestyle Adopted by Many Teenagers - with a Strongly Identifiable Look, the Emphasis on the Neat, the Sharp, the Modern. Four Decades On, Mod Has Now Come to Symbolise the Era, Inseparable from the Iconography of the Mid-60's, with a Thriving Scene of People who Weren't Even Born at the Time.

Average customer rating:

Solid Foundation
Goes down easy...
Finger Eleven at their Best
A Brave Debut
In my opinion: The GREATEST Hard Rock Album EVER

Tip
Finger Eleven
Manufacturer: Wind-Up
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Greyest of Blue Skies
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Saturate

ASIN: B00000BIKF
Release Date: 1998-09-15

Tracks:

Quicksand
Tip
Shudder
Awake and Dreaming
Above
Condenser
Thin Spirits
Glimpse
Costume for a Gutterball
Temporary Arms
Swallowtail

Customer Reviews:

Solid Foundation.......2006-08-01

While it was Finger Eleven's third album that broke through in the US, it's still their debut album, 'Tip,' that I keep in my CD player. Many bands take some time to establish their own sound, but Finger Eleven proves with this album that they stand apart from the rest. 'Tip' still sounds new and innovative today, with hard hitting songs like 'Tip' and 'Condenser', to the hypnotic melodies of 'Costume For A Gutterball' and 'Temporary Arms.' I'd recommend this CD any day of the week.

Goes down easy..........2006-02-14

I've been a fan of this band forever it seems like and each and everyone of their releases has resonated high with me...this being their debut has special importance because it marked the beginnning of their amazing career. Although they are not that well known they really have had influence on a lot of more popular bands around now, that you can see when you give a listen to this very different, very brilliant album. From the opening of "QUICKSAND" to the amazingly haunting closer "SWALLOWTAIL" you are drawn into this bands magnificence and truly come to see this band for what they are...a force to be taken seriously! "QUICKSAND" & "ABOVE" serve as you more radio friendly type songs, catchy and contemperary. The title track "TIP" is slightly heavier and is really one to get you pumped...great moshpit song. The next two tracks are close to my favorites, "SHUDDER" & "AWAKE AND DREAMING". "SHUDDER" uses the harmonics perfectly, adding this haunting vibe to the song. Scotts voice is infectious...soft and delicate one minute and then coarse and strained the next. "AWAKE AND DREAMING" shows the beautiful side of this band. With melody in the guitars and soft sincere lyrics that are perfectly dispatched by Scotts soothing voice. The chorus is just so serene. "CONDESER" kinda sounds like Manson's 'Beautiful People' at least the chorus. Shows a different side to this band. It's just great to see how diverse one band can be. Personally, if you listen to all three of their CD's back to back you won't get bored because nothing sounds the same...anyways. "THIN SPIRITS" has a great vibe to it, the beat is perfect and just draws you in. "Theres no way, theres no way out..." "GLIMSE" has some cool guitar work and cool effects on the voice, but all in all it doesn't touch me like some of the other songs. "COSTUME FOR A GUTTER BALL" is great. I love the bass lines. The lyrics are great and meaningful. "TEMPERARY ARMS" is one of the best songs here if not for the song as a whole, for the lyrics which are just great. I'm a stickler for the lyrics of a song. I don't like songs that use the same contemperary lyrics that every band recycles over and over again, but one of the great things about Finger Eleven is that you will only hear it here...no where else. This brings us to my favorite song here, the epic closer "SWALLOWTAIL" which is the most beautiful song, lyrically and instumentally I've ever heard. Scott is so soothing yet so vulnerable here, you can feel his emotions...you just want to comfort him while you lay with your eyes closed and soak up the beauty that is this song. Perfect.

Finger Eleven at their Best.......2005-12-23

every track on this album is awesome. quicksand, awake and dreaming, glimpse, costume for a gutterball, and swallowtail are my personal favorite. finger eleven can dish out heavy rock (glimpse, costume for a gutterball) or slow it down a bit (awake and dreaming, swallowtail). i would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys listening to music. 6 STARS!!!!!!

A Brave Debut.......2005-09-26

Finger Eleven are one of those great bands who have made a career out of sounding nothing like anyone else and avoiding trends. Their debut album, "Tip," was hardly keeping with the times. In 1998, they didn't sound like rap-metal, nor did they fit in with typical alternative radio. I hear a lot of things on this album that have been copied by a lot of bands to follow, which makes Finger Eleven one of the most underrated groups of the past decade. They've obviously had a bit of influence, even though hardly anyone knows their name.

"Tip," while not being as dark as the ultimately superior "The Greyest Of Blues Skies" or as sharp and catchy as their 2003 self titled album, still sticks out for me. As a debut, Finger Eleven sure got their feet on the ground rather quick, establishing a sound all their own. Fans working backwards through the groups catalogue may find this album a little harder to swallow, because it's not an instant click. You must listen to this album a few times before you get it. There are songs, though, that definitely catch you from the beginning. "Quicksand" and "Above," two of the best known songs from this effort are great examples of this, and "Awake And Dreaming" remains one of my favorite Finger Eleven songs, also a sign of what their second album would sound like. But hands down, the best song the group has ever written, in my opinion, is the title track "Tip." This song is so addictive. My first listen to this song nearly unhinged my jaw. If this song doesn't get you going, you just might be dead!

Finger Eleven have come a long way from this album, and admittedly have made better music (although a lot of fans will strongly disagree with me), but "Tip" still stands as a stellar debut effort. Few bands find their sound this quick, and coming from a band who used to go by the moniker, Rainbow Butt Monkeys, it's rather impressive. "Tip" is just an album that all fans of rock music can appreciate. From the heavy stuff to the more tender side, it's got it all.

In my opinion: The GREATEST Hard Rock Album EVER.......2005-09-12

Not a dull moment. Starts of rocking with Quicksand and ends smoothly with Swallowtail. Favorite songs on album are Quicksand, Awake and Dreaming, Thin Spirits, Glimpse, and Costume for a Gutterball. So much better than the Rainbow Butt Monkeys and Finger Eleven's latest self-titled album. Overall the GREATEST Hard Rock Album EVER!

Average customer rating:

Brenda and the Tabs
Mr.O.B.G.(Oldies But Goodies)
Rough n ready
Rescued from obscurity

Right on the Tip of My Tongue
Brenda & the Tabulations
Manufacturer: Jamie / Guyden
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004S7MB
Release Date: 2000-05-30

Tracks:

Right On The Tip Of My Tongue
Don't Make Me Over
The Touch Of You
Lies Lies Lies
California Soul
Oh Lord, What Are You Doing To Me
A Child No One Wanted
Scuse Uz Y'all
You've Changed
Someday We'll Be Together
And My Heart Sang (Tra La La)
Always And Forever
Sha Na Na - He Loves Me
A Part Of You
Where There's A Will

Customer Reviews:

Brenda and the Tabs.......2007-03-23

Classic R&B!!! I loved it!! This is when music was really music!!!!

Mr.O.B.G.(Oldies But Goodies).......2005-12-18

What a great c.d.Outstanding sound! This c.d.gets my highest recomendation.If you like the artist you'll love the c.d.I'm looking forward to the Dry Your Eyes c.d.

Rough n ready.......2001-09-19

Ok, "Right on the tip of my tongue" is one of my all-time favourite pop-soul songs, so I was longing to get this album when I discovered the tracks were newly remastered and mixed by none other than the legendary Tom Moulton. And "Right..." sounds absolutely fantastic in full stereo! Apart from Brenda's gorgeous version of "Don't Make Me Over" there's nothing else here that rivals the title track, but the music is nothing less than energetic and soulful, if often very rough in performance. Worth buying as a good document of earnest yet fun soul music.

Rescued from obscurity.......2001-06-04

Thanks to the revived Jamie/Guyden outfit for bringing this material to market. Up to now, this stuff has only been available on some questionably legitimate foreign pieces in fairly horrible sound quality. While not achieving the recognition of better-known 60s R&B female groups, or making it to the top 10 pop, these girls managed to hit the top-100 pop charts 11 times. This piece covers the material they did for the Top and Bottom label late in the 60s and early 70s. The sound quality is excellent overall with all tracks in true stereo save one (Always and Forever) - having been newly mixed from the original masters for this project. Makes a great complement to the other B & T compilation (Dry Your Eyes) from Jamie/Guyden.

Average customer rating:

Hearing the ancient tones
Wonderful soothing melodies
Beautiful and touching
Water from an Ancient Well

Water From an Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Manufacturer: Tip Toe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001Z86
Release Date: 1994-01-05

Tracks:

Mandela
Song For Sathima
Manenberg Revisited
Tuang Guru
Water From An Ancient Well
The Wedding
The Mountain
Sameeda

Customer Reviews:

Hearing the ancient tones.......2006-12-30

Sometimes we get to experience visual beauty by walking through a well-tended garden or viewing excellently composed art. In this album by Mr. Ibrahim he treats us to another form of beauty: he shares in his gift of melody. The individual passages he crafts in Water From an Ancient Well seem to tell the story of our lives. We hear them, they fill us with joy and gently move us with sadness. In these jewels we hear the ancient promise for a good tomorrow. My personal favorite: A Song for Sathima.

Wonderful soothing melodies.......2002-06-29

Although this cd has some African rhythms and influence, its sound is primarily western, showing a strong influence from Elington. The melodies are great, ranging from lively swing to mellow and contemplative. The Wedding is a wonderful piece, as is Tuang Guru - but the cd really has no low points. Ibrahim has a distinctive piano style, and the performance of the entire septet shines.

Beautiful and touching.......2002-04-29

This wonderful CD is one of my favourite. As usual, Ibrahim blends truly African music to the highly westernized music form, jazz. This truly is jazz, but it, more than any other jazz music i've heard, begs us to think for a moment of all the injustice some people have had to go through. It does this in a similar way as Benigni's "La vita è bella" does to confront the Third Reich - with beauty and humour.
The title, gives us an idea of the concept - we see members of an african community, walk to and fro an ancient well for water. Their ancestors used to do this, and on this ground, the ancestors of all humankind lived some 150.000 years before. Its in Africa were our history begins - and its there where some of the greatest crimes have been commited. Let's remember that Ibrahim is from South Africa.
I've mentioned beauty, and there's beauty here all right. I'm not surprised that another critic here deemed "The Wedding" good enough for his own wedding. I think that's a wonderful idea - maybe I do it. But The Wedding (as The Mountain) can be found on several other of Ibrahim's recordings. There is another gem here, and that's the title song - its in my opinion huntingly beautiful, symbolic (musical term: programmatic) and brings out tears in my eyes.
Seldom has jazz music flown so high!

Water from an Ancient Well.......2000-06-27

This Abdullah Ibrahim album is a beautiful example of how he has fused African rhythms, voicings, and melodies to the song forms of American jazz, particularly of his mentor, Duke Ellington. This amalgam is best exemplified on his earlier masterpiece, African Marketplace, but it shines on selections like Mandela and Tuang Guru. The Wedding is one of his most luscious melodies. (My wife and I got married to it.) This is jazz that is barely classifiable--and still pleasant. I highly recommend it.

Rock Music:

Rock Music