Propaganda [Import]

1. Propaganda

2. At Home, at Work, at Play

3. Reinforcements

4. B.C.

5. Thanks But No Thanks

6. Don't Leave Me Alone With Her

7. Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth

8. Something for the Girl With Everything

9. Achoo

10. Who Don't Like Kids

11. Bon Voyage

12. Alabamy Right

13. Marry Me

Tracks:

Nanna's Lied
Complainte de la seine
Klops-Lied
Berlin im licht-Song
Und was bekam des soldaten weib?
Die muschel von margate: Petroleum Song
Wie lange noch?
Roger Fernay: Youkali: Tango Habanera
Der abschiedsbrief
Es regnet
Oscar Hammerstein II: Buddy On The Nightshift
Schickelgruber
Je ne t'aime pas
Das lied von den braunen inseln

Customer Reviews:

No lyrics enclosed.......2007-07-09

It is a disgrace that there are no lyrics enclosed. This is NOT a budget cd.

Superb.......2007-06-27

This is one of the best recordings of Kurt Weill ever and one of the best recordings of the magnificent Teresa Stratas.

Stratas is good. Others are better........2005-10-08

'The Unknown Kurt Weill' sung by Maria Stratas is a fine recording. The problem is that there are many fine recordings of Kurt Weill songs done by Lotte Lenya and several other Weill specialists, lead by Ute Lemper and Gisela May.

So, this album may be valuable if indeed it included a lot of numbers which do not appear on other recordings, but that is not the case either. On my collection of about ten (10) disks, not including recordings from specific shows, I have other recordings of at least half of these songs.

I really think Weill's legacy is better served by recordings who do his complete works rather than 'interesting' selections of his songs.

This is a good, enjoyable recording. I listen to it at least once a year, but it is not as good as other Weill records.

STRATAS WALKS THE RAZORýS EDGEý.......2003-07-11

I don't review many classical recordings - but this one, from 1981, has always been one of my favorite Weill collections, and after reading the rather negative comments from one reviewer, I felt I had to add my two cents' worth to the fray. Everyone is of course entitled to his or her own opinion - and music in SUCH a subjective topic that this should go without saying.

I've been a bug admirer of Weill's work - particularly his collaborations with Brecht - for years. His songs tread the thin, tricky line between classical and cabaret more daringly that most. Brecht's collaborations with Hanns Eisler, for example, are closer to the theatrical than are Weill's. In my humble opinion, Stratas walks this `razor's edge' very nimbly on this recording - her voice is obviously a finely trained instrument, but she is also able of conveying a lot of feeling and emotion with these lyrics. Her choice - or perhaps the producer's - of accompanying here with only a piano is a good one. Woitach does a fine job - and the recording itself is crystal-clear.

My only real complaint with the cd version of this album is the size of the type in the liner notes - Nonesuch could have easily `sprung' for a lengthier booklet, to allow us `old fogies' the opportunity to read it without a magnifier, and also to include the lyrics and translations. I can't recall for certain if the lp version offered the lyrics, but I believe it did. At any rate, these complaints are indeed small ones - this is a timeless, beautiful recording, and one that any fan of Weill's work should at least hear.

Leave Weill enough alone ..........2000-07-08

I don't know just what Lotte Lenya said on her deathbed, but I personally feel that other singers carry the torch for Kurt Weill as well or better than Teresa Stratas. Of all my Weill albums, this one gives me the least pleasure. The German is bad, the interpretations are shrill and forced. Some of the tracks are almost unlistenable. Was Teresa Stratas simply the first world class singer to rediscover this body of work? Was Lenya giving her a sympathy vote? I love Stratas' singing elsewhere, in the Boulez recording of Lulu (for example), but she is no good here.

Tracks:

Propaganda
At Home, At Work, At Play
Reinforcements
B.C.
Thanks But No Thanks
Don't Leave Me Alone With Her
Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth
Something for the Girl With Everything
Achoo
Who Don't Like Kids
Bon Voyage
Alabamy Right
Marry Me

Album Details

Digitally Remastered and Includes the Bonus Tracks 'Alabammy Right' and 'Marry Me'.

Customer Reviews:

Nothing weirder, nothing better!.......2006-02-18

Ever thought you would hear Tiny Tim singing with a hardcore punk band? Well, now's your chance. Actually, the vocals are much better than Tiny Tim's, the song melodies stick in your head *forever*, and, despite (or because of) the highly unusual vocals, the band is truly powerful in an almost metal sense. Also, I think these guys might have invented rap (check out the song BC). DON'T MISS THIS BAND. They are like *nothing* else you've ever heard.

The Ever-Interesting Sparks.......2005-04-23

I came to the Sparks roundabout. I was listening to one of the last BBC shortwave radio broadcasts to the U.S., to John Peel's pop show (Peel died in 2004) and was gobsmacked at "This town ain't big enough for the Both of Us." I've collected the group since then. This is an interesting album for completists. The Sparks are an extremely quirky group, at times banal, at times geniuses. "Don't Turn Your Back On Mother Earth," "B.C." and "Bon Voyage" are extremely good. The rest of the entries are, well, extremely sparky and adventurous, but they don't always succeed. Still, this is a remarkable group. They almost make a fetish of clarity, incredible chromatic chord changes, like Richard Strauss on 78 rpm, and they are always on key. They do really astounding arpeggios and the notes are like gunshots, dead-on. They have very Dada lyrics, which are often extremely funny and witty. I can see why they were popular in Germany. In short, they're a remarkable musical combination, completely out of the ordinary and still thought-provoking after all these years. Some good came of the 1970s. This is not average music. This is very original.

ANOTHER SPARKS MASTERPIECE!.......2004-10-24

This album instilled in me the burning desire to drop leaflets from helicopters declaring Sparks the greatest band in the world!! Having no access to a helicopter at the age of fourteen, word traveled slowly but surely, by various subversive missives.

Despite the Maels' intentions to take a completely new direction, ignoring the successful formula of Kimono My House, it segued right into Propaganda. Sparks' third and fourth albums (both on Island Records) complemented each other like a pair of bookends. Britain's `Holy Trinity' Melody Maker, Sounds and NME raved! They gave Ron and Russell tremendous coverage, featuring lengthy interviews in which they mostly discussed their favourite topic...food!

In 1974, recorded immediately after the smashing British reception of Kimono My House, Propaganda retained the same producer, Muff Winwood (brother of Traffic's Steve Winwood). The album was made in the anglo-maniac Maels' new home, England with Sparks' live touring unit; bassist Ian Hampton (replacing Martin Gordon from the Kimono sessions) and guitarist Trevor White - both former Jook members, (the late) Adrian Fisher also on guitar and drummer, Dinky Diamond.

The album cover of Propaganda launched a succession of hilarious cover shots, presenting the frail Mael brothers in extraordinary predicaments, usually helplessly victimized in some way. Here they are on the south coast of England - abducted, bound and gagged at the back of a speeding boat, and on the back cover, held hostage at a petrol station in the rear of a car. Their captors (Ian, Dinky and Trevor) are fiendishly deciding their fate. The inner sleeve finds the brothers breaking their ties and attempting to telephone for help.

Russell shines on the a'capella title track, with his voice overdubbed 30 times! The rest of the songs are sung in various narratives; the voices of animals left behind on Noah's ark ("Bon Voyage"), a kid who likes taking candy from strangers (potential abductors) but can't understand why he shouldn't ("Thanks But No Thanks"), a girlfriend being bribed by abundant eccentric gifts to keep her from divulging incriminating information ("Something For The Girl With Everything"), a cowardly army recruit ("Reinforcements") and many more. This was some of the most multifaceted pop music ever recorded. It was almost operatic with its amazing range and orchestrations, sudden tempo changes and strange storylines - and it rocked! Gilbert & Sullivan would have either been proud or envious!

Guitarist Trevor White told Goldmine in July, 1995, "'Achoo' ended with this really great characteristic long solo... (from Adrian) and they wiped it off and put on all those horrid multi-tracked sneezes. They figured everyone had heard a guitar solo, but they hadn't heard us all sneezing." Yes, guitar solos are a dime a dozen, but sneezing on a Sparks record was groundbreaking! Unfortunately, it never did catch on.

1974 brought Sparks four hits in the UK Top Twenty within nine months. The album charted instantly, and "Something For The Girl With Everything" / "Marry Me" reached #17. All of the UK singles from Propaganda contained non-LP B-sides.

In October of 1974, "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth" /"Alabamy Right" reached #13. It was the nearest thing to a ballad that Sparks had ever done, featuring beautiful mellotron and synth strings.

Sparks were uncomfortably wedged somewhere between Glam and Rock although they were neither one entirely. As refreshing as their music was to some, it was equally annoying to others - a high standard which Sparks maintain to this day!

The Propaganda album elaborately set the stage for Sparks' next excursion...the inimitable Indiscreet.

NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON SPARKS.......2004-01-16

I'm not that old, but my 1st copy of this album was on 8-track (found it in the bargain bins for less than a dollar)! Some years later I finally upgraded to vinyl. Here I am again downgrading to compact-disc. Don't get me wrong...it's great to hear these songs skip/scratch free w/2 bonus tracks included. "Propaganda" was the 2nd Sparks album I had ever purchased. I came late, during the "Angst in my Pant" era, but since then, I have never lost interest in the Mael brothers. It's great to see such a large following of the band after so many years. "Propaganda" is probably the music industry's best decision to re-issue in the last decade. But, as you can see, it is only available as an "import." This import is worth those extra dollars you pay! Though I love "Kimono My House", "Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing" as well as the post-1974 albums, "Propaganda" has always remained my favorite. It's fun, witty, & the quickest 45 minutes of anyone's listening! Only the 1st Halfnelson/Sparks album (produced by Todd Rundgren)comes so close! Why aren't all of the Sparks' albums available in some shape or form? Why is there not at least an import version available of 77's "Introducing Sparks"? Well, loving Sparks after all these years is definately snobbery for all of us fans...for we know the secret ingredient that the music industry has been missing after all of these years. "Propaganda" is proof that Sparks' fans are simply a "fun bunch of guys that come from outer space!"

The ultimate Sparks.......2003-09-15

This is 'the' Sparks recording by which all others should be judged. Coming in the middle of the 'great trio' of albums that Sparks recorded in the seventies, 'Propaganda' combines the best of the insanity (which got a bit out of hand on 'Indiscrete') while remaining true to the rock cred that they established with 'Kimono'. This magic combination is caught at its best on 'B.C.' and 'Something for the Girl with Everything' but there is not a weak track on the album. Right from the short and sweet intro which dives headlong into 'At Home, At Work, At Play', the Mael boys are totally in control of the material. A classic that has not aged. You don't know what Sparks can do until you listen to this album.

Average customer rating:

A Secret Wish
Propaganda
Manufacturer: Ztt
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Outside World
1234
Welcome to the Pleasuredome
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Information Society

ASIN: B000AMU11Q
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

Dream Within A Dream
The Murder Of Love
Jewel
Duel
Frozen Faces
P-Machinery
Sorry For Laughing
Dr. Mabuse
The Chase
Strength To Dream

Product Description

Tracks:

Propaganda
At Home at Work at Play
Reinforcements
B.C.
Thanks But No Thanks
Don't Leave Me Alone with Her
Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth
Something for the Girl with Everything
Achoo
Who Don't Like Kids
Bon Voyage
Alabamy Right [*]
Marry Me [*]
Interview -- Saturday Scene 8/11/74 [*]

Album Description

Digitally remastered and expanded reissue of Ron and Russell Mael's 1974 album featuring three bonus tracks: 'Alabamy Right', 'Marry Me' and 'Interview' (Saturday Scene). Island. 2006.

Album Details

2006 Issued Digitally Remastered "21st Century Edition" of the Brothers Mael's Fifth Opus. After the Success of "Kimono My House", the Brothers and Band Quickly Recorded and Issued this Followup which Yielded "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth" and "Something for the Girl with Everything". When Listening to Sparks, It's Essential to Remember that Tongue Should Be Planted Firmly in Cheek. This Special Edition Adds Two Single B-sides ("Alabamy Right" and "Marry Me" ) Along with an Interview Recorded on the BBC'S "Saturday Scene" from 1974.

Customer Reviews:

At Home At Work At Play.......2007-05-14

This is the followup to the brilliant glam-rock excess of Kimono My House, which is an essential 70's album. Propaganda was written in the studio, a sort of brain-dump by Ron Mael of all the stuff that sticks in his head -- appropriation of british music hall and classical music themes, pun-filled juvenile/clever sexual innuendo. It has the same production values (bombastic excess), and a really really strong opening. But, if you want to buy just one Sparks album, get Kimono My House. If you want to buy a second one, get Angst in My Pants. If you want a third....well, you have a bunch of good ones to pick from, including this one.

--hal

Mid 1970's legends-Sparks.......2007-02-17

Propoganda is impressive and a great example of "real" songwriting,although quirky and WAY off-beat. I first saw the Brothers Mael on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert on a Friday night in 1975 and was an instant fan,although I was in to way heavier music at the time. Being a musician, I "got it",as far as what they were doing musically and lyrically. This is a classic album from the 70's era,a multi-tracked master-piece with classic hooks,guitar licks,piano fills and melody galore. Some VERY witty tracks on this CD,folks,and proof there was some artistic,humorous rock and roll of the highest order made in the mid-1970's.
If you can only understand 3-chord rock,don't buy this CD,but if you savvy what a recording artist is all about,turn yourself on to the work of two near-genius brothers. You will not regret it,I promise...

Average customer rating:

Old Propaganda : New again!
why does it hurt when my h e a r t s k i p s a beat
Excellent! But...
How Bitter Sweet It Is
Power, force, emotion, drive...

Outside World
Propaganda
Manufacturer: Ztt
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Secret Wish
A Secret Wish
1234
Item
Laughter, Tears and Rage

ASIN: B000063BKP
Release Date: 2002-06-17

Tracks:

Dad Testament Des Dr Mabuse (13th Life Mix)
Lied
P. Machinery (Beta Mix)
Duel (Bitter Sweet)
The Lesson
Frozen Faces (12" Version)
Jewel
Complete Machinery
Das Testament Des Dr Mabuse (Dj Promo Version)
Femme Fatale (The Woman With The Orchid)
Echo Of Frozen Faces

Album Details

A Treasure Trove of Remixes and Rarities for Propaganda Fans! Includes the Beta Mix of 'p-machinery', Both the 13th Life Mix and a DJ Promo Mix of 'das Testament Des Dr. Mabuse', a 12 Inch Version of 'frozen Faces' and More Great Chestnuts.

Customer Reviews:

Old Propaganda : New again!.......2007-01-17

I really love this album. It's just like their Secret Wishing album, but the mixes are even more danceable... I really love every single song on this cd... If you're a Propaganda fan, this is a must-have.

why does it hurt when my h e a r t s k i p s a beat.......2006-09-24

dear god they were geniuses in the studio. I do not regret the expensive price of this - it is ear candy with a red bull. Just beautiful. Ah, the wonderful 80s.

Excellent! But..........2004-04-07

they didn't include the extended Femme Fatale?!? It's an elongated version of the song mixed in with [The Ninth Life of...] Dr. Mabuse. It's an awesome mix. But ah well, I still have the maxi-single. [Maxi-single... sounds fun-knee now-a-days! heehe!]

How Bitter Sweet It Is.......2004-02-10

Although I love all things Propaganda (OK, "1234" I only kinda liked), my favorite composition from "A Secret Wish" was, is, and always will be "Duel." So I've been waiting nearly 20 years for a CD release of the Bitter Sweet remix that I originally owned on vinyl (still own, actually, along with its two decades of hiss and pop). Now I can die happy: There's the extended intro with the buildup of instruments, then Claudia's vocal sounding clearer than ever, and finally the mournful guitar solo that takes the track out. I'm not usually nostalgic for my lost 80s youthfulness, but the first time I played it, this disk had me on my knees . . . .

Power, force, emotion, drive..........2003-11-07

I've been waiting nearly twenty years for a worthy successor to A Secret Wish - forget 1234 - and this it. Stunning collection of ubermixes from the Abba Of Acid. Can anything from the 80s - and indeed beyond - come even close to the intro of Dr Mabuse or the danceability of Jewel? Nein. Fantastically produced CD.

Anne Sofie von Otter - Speak Low ~ Songs by Kurt Weill / Gardiner

Average customer rating:

Very Good
Excellent Weill Alternative to Lenya and Lemper
Everything is right but the style
Intelligent reading from both singer and conductor
Brilliant--The best of the 7 Deadly Sins recordings

Anne Sofie von Otter - Speak Low ~ Songs by Kurt Weill / Gardiner
Kurt Weill , John Eliot Gardiner , Anne Sofie von Otter , Bengt Forsberg , Hannover North German Radio Orchestra , Karl-Heinz Lampe , Frederick Martin , Christfried Biebrach , and James Sims
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Stratas Sings Weill
Teresa Stratas - The Unknown Kurt Weill
Sings Kurt Weill, Vol. 2
Anne Sofie von Otter - La Bonne Chanson

ASIN: B000001GM3
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Die Sieben Tods Prologue
Die Sieben Tods No. 1 Faulheit (Sloth)
Die Sieben Tods No. 2 Stolz (Pride)
Die Sieben Tods No. 4 Zorn (Anger)
Die Sieben Tods No. 5 Vrei (Gluttony)
Die Sieben Tods No. 6 Unzucht (Lust)
Die Sieben Tods No. 6 Habsucht (Avarice)
Die Sieben Tods No. 7 Neid (Envy)
Die Sieben Tods No. 8 Epilog
My Ship
One Life To Live
Buddy On The Nightshift
Nannas Leid
Bilbao - Song
Surabaya - Johnny
Das Leid Von Der Harten Nuss
Je Ne T'amie Pas
Schickelgruber
Der Abscheidsbreief
Foolish Heart
Speak Low
I'm A Stranger Here Myself

Amazon.com

Kurt Weill's ballet with songs is one of this century's greatest theatrical works. It has all the wit and melodic appeal of The Threepenny Opera and social conscience of Mahagonny, but more warmth and musical sophistication than either. It's also all over with in about 40 minutes. Some critics believe the piece was intended as a sort of love poem to Weill's wife, Lotte Lenya; given the tenderness of much of the music, it's hard to disagree. Lenya herself recorded the piece in the 1950s (a recording recently reissued by Sony) and this very much newer performance is welcome particularly for Anne Sofie von Otter's highly intelligent and musical way with the text. The other songs, from both Weill's Berlin and Broadway periods, make the perfect filler. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Very Good.......2006-01-03

This is a very nice selection of Weill pieces showing the full range of his output. These range from the ambitious Seven Deadly Sins to songs from Happy End to some of his Broadway work. All are very interesting. The performers, particularly Von Otter, are excellent. Recommended strongly.

Excellent Weill Alternative to Lenya and Lemper.......2005-09-29

`Speak Low Songs by Kurt Weill' is a great addition to the performances of Herr Weill's works by the prominent mezzo-soprano, Anne Sofie Von Otter. I have listened to many performances by Weill specialists from the archetype, Weill's wife, Lotte Lenys, for whom many of the songs were originally written to Ute Lemper and Gisela May, who lean heavily toward Lotte Lenya's gravel-voiced interpretation of Weill's songs.

Anne Sofie Von Otter breaks with this tradition and gives us what are easily the sweetest interpretations of Weill's songs from both his German and English works, which I have heard anywhere.

The flagship performance on this disc is `Die Sieben Todsunden' (`The Seven Deadly Sins') which was a cycle of songs to be sung on the stage, accompanied by dances done by a second performer. This takes the first nine (9) tracks and is at least as good as what I have heard from Weill specialist, Lemper. This album is the first time I have noticed that there are two versions of this work, and that Ms. Von Otter is performing the version for soprano.

But, I think the most moving performances come later, especially in von Otter's performances of the three numbers from `Happy End', `Bilbao-Song', `Surabaya-Johnny', and `Das Lied von der harten Nuss' (Song of the Big Shot). I have heard these done by many people, but never so sweetly. These numbers are so lovingly performed that I insist that you ignore the fact that the lyrics are in German. The accompanying booklet gives English translations, which I simply ignore and enjoy the musical talent with no filter. My understanding German has nothing to do with this, as I do the same with French, which I can just barely make out.

Kurt Weill may not be the most important influence on American musical theatre in the 20th century, but he is easily in the top five, along with the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers and collaborators, and Cole Porter.

Ms. Von Otter is ably accompanied on this disk by her favorite pianist, Bengt Forsberg plus the Norddeutch Rundfunk orchestra directed by John Eliot Gardiner. While I really like her selection on this disk, the collection makes me wish Ms. Von Otter would do some more Weill and spend less time hanging out with Elvis Costello, but that's a different story.

Everything is right but the style.......2005-09-24

Weill and Brecht defined a nasty age with nasty art, writing some of the grittiest satire in the history of music. In this CD von Otter misses that edge, skirts all the dangerous, sleazy implications, and ultimately sounds too much the opera singer slumming it for an hour. Her earnestness is no subtitute for the right period style, a la Lotte Lenya.

Intelligent reading from both singer and conductor.......2005-01-27

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS is such a brilliant mini-masterpiece (and, to me, the pinnacle of the Brecht-Weill years) that it is hard to screw up. It is a testament to the staying power of this work (and to the brilliance of Weill's music in general) that it can be performed by the likes of Lotte Lenya, Julia Migenes, Ute Lemper, Judy Kaye, Marianne Faithfull, Teresa Stratas, and -- as here -- Anne Sofie von Otter, and STILL work... and EACH of these women are totally successful in the piece on their own terms.

Here, Anne Sofie von Otter gives us an intelligent (and highly musical) rendering of the text, keeping the musical line very much intact. She sings with vibrato at times, and then will turn around and use straight-tones at moments where it is dramatically appropriate to do so. She balances the performance well, shifting gears between cool detachment (which she is often criticized for) and impassioned outbursts (which her critics often fail to notice).

John Eliot Gardiner surprised me with how easily this music seemed to come to him, especially as he seems to be a man more at home with "Period-Instrument-Mozart" than highly charged 20th century works. However, his reading of "The Rake's Progress" by Stravinsky was totally staggering. For example, his choice beginning the climactic moment of the score ("Envy") as slowly as he does caught me very much off guard at first, and I didn't really care for it at all. However, with each successive listen, I find myself "getting" this choice more and more.

Finally, the "filler." As to be expected, she is more successful with the European material than she is with the songs from Weill's Broadway years. But this is the case with about 99.9% of all opera singers who try to sing Weill's Broadway scores. You will never hear any singer give "Je ne t'aime pas" a more hauntingly beautiful, passionately intense performance than Anne Sofie von Otter. Truly, the ultimate interpretation of one of my favorite Weill songs. "Nannas Lied," "Der Abschiedsbrief," and the HAPPY END selections. However, "My Ship" and "One Life to Live" seem to fail at catching fire -- the former because it is marred by an attempt to sound like a "pop singer," the latter because von Otter sings English better than native speakers (she knows where the ACTUAL emphasis in the phrase "nothing: the thing is to have fun" goes, as opposed to where Ira Gershwin placed it). I also -- surprisingly enough -- don't care for her performance of "Schickelgruber" -- she just seems totally lost to me. (I really think that this song is foreign territory to 'legit' sopranos and mezzos -- I don't even care for the Stratas rendition.) Just when I thought I would have to suffer through another bad batch of "opera-crossover," Anne Sofie turned around and surprised me by giving highly successful performances of the numbers from ONE TOUCH OF VENUS (especially on "I'm Stranger Here Myself").

All in all, a worthy purchase: highly recommended to all fans of THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS and Kurt Weill enthusiasts.

Brilliant--The best of the 7 Deadly Sins recordings.......2002-10-12

Weill, and particularly anything Brecht-Weill, has suffered for too long with interpertations based on tired ham theatrics, burlesques of Lenya's style, to the point where we have come to expect it as the only way to sing this music. Lenya herself is said, late in life, to have commented that a better singer (specifically Stratas at that time) would be more appropriate for properly interpreting Weill's music.

Here, after countless CD releases of the Seven Deadly Sins, is the first recording sung in the key the composer originally intended! The result is relevatory, sublime and magnificent.

Ms. Von Otter interprets the rest of the songs with mixed results--all are lovely, several are excellent, though several others have been handled better by singers with more "theatrical" talents. Nevertheless, this recording stands alone, head and shoulders above the others.

Terror Propaganda: Second Black Metal Attack

Average customer rating:

Terror Propaganda
THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END!!!!!
Great!
A Satanic Black Metal Attack!!!

Terror Propaganda: Second Black Metal Attack
Craft
Manufacturer: Napalm
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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616
Terror Propaganda

Album Description

The cult Swedish black metal terrorists return delivering a fatal blow of metallic propaganda! An absolute assault on humanity and democracy, Terror Propaganda is an unrelenting slab of true black metal filled with cult riffs and grim toned vox. The most influential Swedish Black Metal export in years!

Customer Reviews:

Terror Propaganda.......2006-04-07

I see this item has an average of five stars, thus far. My inner iconoclast snob usually gets the urge to rate it less than a five in such a case, but not so here. Craft is one of Sweden's finest black metal acts, despite lurking in the shadows of Dark Funeral and Marduk. People are always quick to compare these guys to Darkthrone, but the similarities are superficial at best. Darkthrone are adept in creating a strange sense of ambiance with rather simple musical techniques, whereas Craft are more complex in execution. They often utilize a twining and hissing guitar counterpoint, morphing conflicting sounds into a discordant sense of melody that is harsh as well as infectious. (The instrumental 616 is a testament to the band's unforgivingly harsh songwriting.)

Craft is also alot less droning than Darkthrone usually, coming closer to Mayhem than anything. As a brief observation, it's amazing where this band can really take a song in under 10 minutes while remaining cohesive. If you just zone out while listening to this album, you'll often find yourself forgetting Craft is playing conventional song structures. It seems sort of like a "wake up!" slap in the face once you hear a song's main riff come rolling back in, after being sucked in to a dense sphere of frostbitten accordance that explores Eastern scales, and flailing tremolos that hit the gut like the cold winds of winter in Sweden. This is the kind of subtle yet irreputable atmosphere that can only be made with guitars, vocals, and drums.

Mikael Nox's vocals have to be mentioned. They're a lower register growl, not terribly different than most black metal acts; But his screams are terrifying to say the least. I've droned on long enough about the musicianship, but for a brief rundown-- Volatile guitars that slice like samurai swords, nice non-blastbeat abusive drums, and uber-distorted bass craft (ho ho) the band's abrasive compositions. One last thing, though. Though I've thrown around synonyms for the word "catchy," these aren't tunes you can bop your head gleefully to on a car trip or something. I'm just saying with lyrics like "Do you feel the foul stench in the air/like corpses left to rot in the sun/nearly dead parasites trying to survive/it smells like humans," don't expect 3 Doors Down.
- Thus says the Pellington

THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END!!!!!.......2005-08-11

Satanic terror propaganda. This album is what I call PURE KVLT BLACK METAL!!! It, however, avoids the paper thin production and is fvcking heavy. The vocals are just absolutely grim, and the drumming is nice because it avoids being just blastbeats and actually does some other cool stuff. You could tell that these guys don't like you, and actually hate you and humanity too (Just read the lyrics they give you.)

Also, this band managed to be kvlt without being unoriginal. In fact, this is some of the most original black metal I've ever heard. It's hard to choose a favorite song, because they're all fvcking awesome. BUY THIS ALBUM and you won't regret it, it's pure fvcking kvlt black metal satanic terror propaganda!!!

Great!.......2005-08-03

Best black metal album in years. Has the swagger of the more lax song / riff structure of Carpathian Forest, but also has the freezing cold bite of Ildjarn. Cheers to these true black metal heros!

A Satanic Black Metal Attack!!!.......2005-04-24

Craft's second release is totally awesome, much like Total Soul Rape but a little heavier. This is a combanation of Darkthrone's Transilvanian Hunger, Mayhem's Deathcrush, and early Burzum like Filosofem. This CD will chill you to the bone and make your blood run cold. Not for any of you weak, religious, or scaredy cats out there! This stuff is COLD!!!

Average customer rating:

Should have, could have, would have...
Surprisingly good

Propaganda
The Sound
Manufacturer: Renascent UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Shock of Daylight/Heads and Hearts
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Sleep No More

ASIN: B0000278FC
Release Date: 2003-01-01

Tracks:

No Salvation
Deep Breath
Cost of Living
Quarter Past Two
Night Versus Day
Physical World
Statik
Music Business
Propaganda
Words Fail Me
One More Escape
Missiles

Album Description

UK reissue of 1999 release that predates the underrated UK act's commercial debut, 'Jeopardy' (1980). Recorded in 1979 it features the original versions of three tracks which originally appeared on 'Jeopardy', 'Missiles', 'Night Vs Day' & 'Words Fail Me'. Digitally mixed by the legendary Wally Brill who produced their 1985 album, 'Heads & Hearts'. Packaged in a unique gatefold sleeve. 1999.

Album Details

This Album was Recorded Before Jeopardy (May-july 1979) , and is Seen by the Sound as their True First Album. The Band Then Consisted of Adrian Borland, Graham Greene, Michael Dudley and Bi Marshall. They Had Just Decided to Change their Name from the Outsiders to the Sound. Three of the Tracks (In Different Versions) Subsequently Appeared on Jeopardy - Words Fail Me, Missiles and Night Versus Day. It is a Raw Powerful Album, and a Fascinating Historical Insight Into the Evolution of One of the Most Exciting and Influential Guitar Bands of the 80's....and It is Brilliant!

Customer Reviews:

Should have, could have, would have..........2005-06-03

Recorded in 1979 and capturing the era perfectly. Had this album been released upon it's completion, I have no doubt that instead of being one of best kept secrets, The Sound would have taken their rightful place alongside Gang Of Four, Magazine, The Fall, The Comsat Angels, Echo and the Bunnymen and countless other now classic acts that welcomed the 80's. I would describe Propaganda as a mix of the first Damned album morphed with 'Black and White' by the Stanglers. The abrasive bar chord mayhem and glam rock inspired solos mixed with a unashamed use of a synth make this a must have for anyone into a cleanly produced, well thought out post-punk masterpiece.

Surprisingly good.......2004-04-14

The only other album I own by the Sound is Jeopardy and based on that album I always thought they deserved far better than they got. I recently purchased Propaganda and was amazed how good they were even before Jeopardy. For those of you who don't know, this was supposed to be their first album, but for one reason or another, it was never released until 2002. One or two songs (Music Business and Propaganda) are a little dated, but are still enjoyable.
This is a very raw album, in the best sense. Three songs, Missiles, Words Fail Me, and Night and Day were re-recorded for Jeopardy.
For those into the post-punk scene, The Sound is well-worth checking into. They were later lumped in with Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division, and the Cure, and while they shared some similarities with these groups, they definitely had their own style.

Average customer rating:

Very Nice...
The Most Fabulous Group Of The '80's Returns!!!

Outside World (CD+DVD)(Pal/Rc-2)
Propaganda
Manufacturer: Repertoire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Secret Wish
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Item
Another Language
Outside World

ASIN: B000068G2O
Release Date: 2002-06-24

Tracks:

Das Testament Des Dr. Mabuse (13th Life Mix)
Lied (Remix Of The Chase)
P.Machinery (Beta Mix)
Duel (Bitter Sweet)
Lesson (Remix Of Dr. Mabuse)
Frozen Faces (12- Version)
Jewel (Vocal Edited Version)
P.Machinery (Connected)
Das Testament Des Dr. Mabuse (Dj Promo Version)
Femme Fatale (The Woman With The Orchid)
Echo Of Frozen Faces

Album Details

Clever Marketing Ploy Here that was Advertised...buy The Dvd and Get a Free CD! the Dvd (Pal/Rc-2) Includes Three Different Versions Each of Dr. Mabuse and Duel, and the Video of P-machinery. The CD Has a Treasure Trove of Remixes and Rarities for Propaganda Fans! Includes the Beta Mix of 'p-machinery', Both the 13th Life Mix and a DJ Promo Mix of 'das Testament Des Dr. Mabuse', a 12 Inch Version of 'frozen Faces' and More Great Chestnuts.

Customer Reviews:

Very Nice..........2005-06-11

A fantastic compilation BUT BE WARNED! The DVD is in PAL format (Europe) and while you can most likely play it on your computer, there's a strong chance that your DVD player will choke on it....

The Most Fabulous Group Of The '80's Returns!!!.......2005-05-15

Wonderful remixes of all the hits from "A Secret Wish' and also includes the only Propaganda bonus track. The DVD is just the icing on the cake. A Must for any Claudia Brucken fan.

Average customer rating:

A Secret Wish
Propaganda
Manufacturer: ZTT
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000253JB
Release Date: 2006-04-07

Tracks:

Dream Within a Dream
Murder of Love
Jewel
Duel
Frozen Faces
P-Machinery
Sorry for Laughing
Dr. Mabuse
Chase
Strength to Dream

Rock Music:

Rock Music