Al America

1. Happy

2. Nicotine

3. In My Mind

4. Free

5. Beautiful Treason

6. 'Til the Lights Go Down

7. The Way We Are

8. Road Less Travelled

9. Fake

10. Mortimer's

Al America,Rhythm Jones,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: I almost died laughing. It will have you ROTFLOL. "Weird Al" comes "Straight Outta Lynwood" and right onto the Billboard charts Loved it!! "That's not why I bought this album"

Straight Outta Lynwood Weird Al Yankovic Manufacturer: Volcano ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Novelty Music | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Comedy Rock | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Weird Al Yankovic - The Ultimate Video Collection Poodle Hat The Weird Al Show - The Complete Series Running With Scissors Weird Al Yankovic - Greatest Hits, Volume 2 ASIN: B000H9HWSM Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

1. White & Nerdy
2. Pancreas
3. Canadian Idiot
4. I'll Sue Ya'
5. Polkarama!
6. Virus Alert
7. Confessions Part III
8. Weasel Stomping Day
9. Close But No Cigar
10. Do I Creep You Out
11. Trapped In The Drive-Thru
12. Don't Download This Song

Tracks:

1. Don't Download This Song
2. I'll Sue Ya'
3. Virus Alert
4. Close But No Cigar
5. Pancreas
6. Weasel Stomping Day

Amazon.com

All hail the return of novelty music's reigning king! Straight Outta Lynwood easily bests 2003's Poodle Hat and shows that Yankovic does know what he does best. Part of the secret to Weird Al's success is that he's never been very weird at all, and very rarely are his satires in any way "biting"--or even satires, really. The 11-minute parody of R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet" is funny at least for the first listen, but it's hard to ridicule something so largely ridiculous in the first place (plus Jimmy Kimmel totally got the jump on him). The best thing Mr. Yankovic has always done is to take some decent pop tune, change a word or phrase, invent an entirely new premise for the tune, and make an inspired video to go along with it. He does that several times here; Green Day's "American Idiot" becomes the hockey-obsessed "Canadian Idiot," and "White & Nerdy" is a truly inspired take on Chamillionaire's "Ridin'." That song (and video, included here on the dual-disc CD/DVD) is breakneck-paced and so funny it's a disservice to quote from it at all. "Polkarama!" is a return to W.A.'s novelty roots: a handful of mildly dated hit songs (50 Cent to Modest Mouse!) delivered in straight-ahead, sped-up polka style. It's toe-tapping and sweet. Hopefully we'll not have to wait three years for another Weird Al record. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

"Weird Al" continues to reward his countless fans around the globe with yet another collection of insanely incisive musical comedy. As a special bonus, Straight Outta Lynwood will be available on DualDisc. which will include all original animations of all Al's original tracks! All-star animations include Academy Award nominee Bill Plympton, John Kricfalusi (Ren and Stimpy), Seth Green and Matt Senreich (Robot Chicken/Adult Swim, Family Guy). Also featured are Karaoke versions of the entire album including a scrolling lyric sheet for each track. As if that wasn't enough the Dual Disc also contains a behind-the-scenes featurette. All of this in a 5.1 Dolby mix of the entire album!

Customer Reviews:

I almost died laughing........2007-06-28

I listened to this album for the first time tonight. Eleven years ago tonight, a friend got us tickets to a Weird Al concert. While driving home from the concert, we had a car accident and he died. After the first verse of "I'll Sue Ya," I seriously wondered if I might die laughing and join him!

I'll go through track by track:
White and Nerdy: Funny, I've heard this before so it didn't seem as new, but as a computer programmer I got a lot of good laughs. And I do hand-code HTML4!
Pancreas: Another novelty artist named Mindless Drug Hoover released a song with the same name and a similar concept. I wondered if by some weird hand of Eris, Weird Al had done the same song, but nope! He did something even more insane, even tying in things like gravity.
Canadian Idiot: I don't listen to much pop music, so haven't heard the originals, but another fun song making fun of racism. Everyone bags on Canadians anyway. One note: Weird Al even parodies the war.
I'll Sue Ya: Okay, here we go, definitely a favorite song. As said, after the first verse I wondered if I would join my friend, and if I could even handle a second verse! I did leave Earthlink, because I became dissatisfied with their tech support, so that struck a chord. Everyone has had issues with Verizon. And don't even mention New Jersey! I see this listed as an original song, but it sounds like a song done in the style of Rage against the Machine. Perfect! I really enjoy it when he doesn't parody a song per se, but parodies a group or style. This has always brought out his creativity. Sadly, some of the ridiculous things he yells out have actually happened (a guy sued someone for breaking his ankle while robbing his place.) I love this song!
Polkarama: Another classic Polka tune. As said I don't listen to much popular music, so for me these Polka songs provide a good insulated way to absorb the dirtier music of this time. I'll stick with these versions!
Virus Alert: Another great computer song! The main part would make a great sound alert. It has one of those catchy melodies and concepts that will just stay in your head for days, especially the next time your antivirus software alerts you with a new update! Virus Alert! (You could, of course, just use Linux, but we'll save that for another rant.)
Confession Part III: I don't know if he parodied a song here, or simply parodied the style of the current music, but either way he did a hilarious job. Every guy will love the last spoken line of the song.
Weasel Stomping Day: A little silly song, not much to say, but have fun!
Close but No Cigar: Okay, now I have a confession to make. I downloaded this album on bittorrent, and this song didn't play, so I did not hear it. I feel doubly glad I bought the CD.
Do I Creep You Out: Okay, I've heard the original, but can't put my finger on it. In a silly way, I consider this a song from every guy to every girl!
Trapped in the Drive Thru: I've heard the original referenced, and saw the South Park episode, an can imagine the original. This song treks in at around eleven minutes, and it does sort of go on, fut for me, this just added to the theme of the song, a tedius hunger-driven trip to the drive thru.
Don't Download this Song: A great capper for the album. Doubly funny since my downloaded copy missed a track, as if to underscore the point. It reminds me of the South Park episode which covered this theme. Buy my CD so I can afford a diamond-studded swimming pool. Classic!

In summary, I love this album, and consider it one of his best. I know my friend would have loved it too! Through various events, I know Weird Al as a very compassionate human being, and in his own way, a visionary.

It will have you ROTFLOL........2007-06-24

I've been a fan of "Weird Al" Yankovic for 24 years now. After all these years, he's still as funny as ever (or perhaps my sense of humor hasn't matured since I was a teenager). If you are a fan of Al, you pretty much know what you're going to get on an album; about an equal number of parodies and original songs, plus a polka medley of recent hits. Hey, it's a proven formula, so why mess with it? This is a very funny album. "White & Nerdy" is probably the funniest song, but all of them are at least somewhat funny. Go and buy the CD like you know that you should.

"Weird Al" comes "Straight Outta Lynwood" and right onto the Billboard charts.......2007-06-10

I picked up this CD because "Weird Al" Yankovic is coming to town and I have tickets to go with my daughters (do not tell them, but we have seats in the front row, just left of center so I can hear with my one good ear). When I was a kid most of the records I had were Smothers Brothers records, I had a teacher who played Spike Jones songs for us, my father taped several Allan Sherman albums for us, and in college I discovered Dr. Demento and Tom Lehrer (not necessarily in that order). So I am a big fan of musical parodies and there can be no doubt that Yankovic is the Shakespeare of that peculiar little niche of the music business. I consider "The Saga Begins" to be his magnum opus and in looking at his body of work what is impressive is not only his longevity but the way his work has improved from those early days when it was just him on accordion and Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz banging on the accordion case.

It turns out that "Straight Outta Lynwood" is Yankovic's most successful album of all time and his most successful single with "White & Nerdy" making it all the way to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 ("Eat It" was his previous top single which made it to #12). I still think "Running With Scissors" is his best album, but I am definitely heartened to know Yankovic is going strong. With albums coming out every three or four years he appears to have found his stride. There is the obligatory polka medley and several new style parodies, with "Pancreas" (Brian Wilson), "I'll Sue Ya" (Rage Against the Machine), "Virus Alert" (Sparks), "Close But No Cigar" (Cake), and "Don't Download This Song" (fundraiser songs). The surprise is that I liked the style parodies more than I did the parodies of particular songs, which is obviously turning my "Weird Al" universe upside down.

My only problem with this album is clearly my personal problem because with the exception of "Canadian Idiot" I had to look at the liner notes to find out which songs were parodies and which were originals. The fact that I had not heard (or perhaps only not remembered) "White & Nerdy" is a parody of "Ridin'" by Chamillionaire (featuring Krayzie Bone) was received with jaw-dropping astonishment by my daughters. I am down to recognizing only three songs out of 14 in the album's pokla medley, "Polkarama!" ("Let's Get it Started," "Don't Cha," and "Pon de Replay"). I had forgotten that Taylor Hicks had done "Do I Make You Proud," but I do not think I am alone in that regard. But I had no idea "Trapped in the Drive-Thru" is based on a R. Kelly song, although I did recognize Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog" when it popped up.

Flip over the CD and you get to the DVD, which has animated videos for all of the original songs, namely: "Don't Download This Song," "I'll Sue Ya," "Virus Alert," "Close But No Cigar," "Pancreas" and "Weasel Stomping Day." The videos for "White & Nerdy," "Do I Creep Your Out," "Canadian Idiot," and "Trapped in the Drive-Thru" are all for parodies and for some reason that justified exclusion (insert pout here). The videos are followed by a short documentary that simply shows Yankovic and his band recording some of the songs and paying testament to his attention to detail. You can also listen to the entire album with the lyrics as subtitles, each song accompanied by a photograph of Yankovic from infancy to young adulthood (his parents liked the triple image option). Finally, you can do the karaoke function and get the music and the lyrics so you can sing the songs yourself. Consequently, there are enough extras here to justify rounding up on the disc overall.

Concert Update: So last night "Weird Al" came to town and as I suspected they set up two rows in the orchestra pit for winners of radio contests for tickets (sigh). But during one of the songs (that does not appear on any of the albums) he came down in the audience. Al was singing to the women in the audience but when he was walking in front of it was all dads and kids, so he sang to my oldest daughter (she just got accepted into the Peace Corp to go do what she wants to do where she wants to do it so she is having a good week). We also picked up over a thousand dollars in "Weird Al" money. For the record, he does complete versions of five songs from this album (1, 3, 4, 5, 9), excerpts from three more (7, 10, 11), and one music video (8).

Loved it!!.......2007-05-29

I'll be the first to admit that some of these songs DID NOT catch on with me right away!! In fact at first I thought this would be the first Weird Al Album I bought that I would not enjoy very much.... I WAS WRONG!!! After a few listens these songs really grew on me!!
I loved "White and Nerdy" straight away (I am White and Nerdy accorging to my wife) and the song nails a few asects of the nerd culture that I perssonally have seen or experienced so it was quite a treat!
"Pancreas" is an AWESOME tribute to Brian Wilson and his style of music (if you are too young to know who Mr. Wilson is....listen to the beach boys and check out some of his own albums).
I also thought "Canadian Idiot" was great!! Being a Floridian and knowing a bunch of seasonal Canadians it was rather funny and hit home!!
Close But No Cigar was an excellent song that was an abvious style parody of CAKE. Loved the words to the song and the little flaws that made him break up with each gorgeous woman!!
I could list reasons for liking all the songs but I don't want to take up too much space!! Let me just say that you will love this album as long as you give it a chance!!
Don't forget to visit Weird Al's website and get the free parody "You're Pitiful" (parody of "You're Beautiful") which was originally going to be on the album but was tanked at the last minute do to record company lawyers.

One more thing. This album is a dual disc. One side plays as a DVD the other as a CD. This disc MAY NOT play in certain drives or DC players so just be careful!!
The videos were hilarious though!!

"That's not why I bought this album".......2007-05-26

I'm here to tell ya, there are a lot very good reasons to buy this album. But most of them are not why I bought this album.

Sure Al's parodies are all great fun, but that's not why I bought this album. Sure this whole album is fraught with hilarity, but that's not why a bought this album. I didn't even buy this album because of all the cool video's included. IT'S THE MUSIC, MAN. That's why I bought this album. Can this Al guy sing or what - even if he is a little weird. (Although, I'm not too sure about the weird part, but that's what Al keeps telling everyone so I'll go along with it.)

Case in point; So there I was, sitting in my mini van at a red light, jamming to the music, not really paying any attention to the lyrics, just enjoying the sounds the band and singers were putting out. With my head bobbin' to the beat and hands drumming on the steering wheel, I noticed an elderly lady in the car next to me looking my way. She seemed to have an air of disdain about her at seeing a gentleman of my years acting like some dang fool kid. That very moment is when my ears picked up on the words "I blew my nose and wiped it on your cat". The lyric caught me totally off guard and I spontaneously burst into laughter. Seeing that, the lady snapped her head forward, stomped on the accelerator and speed through the red light trying to get away from that dang fool (being myself) as fast as she could.

Well, I guess that probably isn't why you should by this album either, but I can tell ya... This double CD sure is a lot of fun and you will absolutely enjoy the music.

Jim

Average customer rating: it's been stated by so many others... Perfect Package for Al Green's Hits A Greatest Hits Masterpiece Very good Oh, Al Green...Never fails to please!

Al Green - Greatest Hits Al Green Manufacturer: The Right Stuff ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Memphis Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Barry White - All-Time Greatest Hits The Very Best of Otis Redding Stevie Wonder - The Definitive Collection Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits Al Green - More Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002TTP Release Date: 1995-08-01

Tracks:

1. Tired Of Being Alone
2. Call Me (Come Back Home)
3. I'm Still In Love With You
4. Here I Am (Come And Take Me)
5. Love And Happiness
6. Let's Stay Together
7. I Can't Get Next To You
8. You Ought To Be With Me
9. Look What You Done For Me
10. Let's Get Married
11. Livin' For You
12. Sha La La (Make Me Happy)
13. L-O-V-E (Love)
14. Full Of Fire
15. Belle

Amazon.com essential recording

One of the must-own soul albums, Greatest Hits is fattened with five extra tracks in this reissue. Al Green brought the Memphis Sound into the '70s by slightly softening it, melding smooth funkiness with his miraculous voice and innate sensitivity: his love songs, while perfect for the bedroom, are as conversational as they are blatantly seductive. By adding the likes of "Belle," a 1977 single that's a near-goodbye to the pop life, to the original lineup of "Let's Stay Together," "Look What You Done for Me," "Call Me," and the others, this edition of Greatest Hits also intriguingly fills out the story. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

it's been stated by so many others..........2007-07-01

No one, but no one, is better than Al Green when it comes to heart-wrenching, gut-churning tales of heartbreak and woe.
I call it singing that is absolutely emotionally honest and believable and easy to relate to (if you've ever been in any of these situations--and who hasn't?)

The man (with his voice) has the ability to heal/mend when it comes to matters of the heart. It certainly seems that way.
Can't praise him enough.

Perfect Package for Al Green's Hits.......2007-05-16

All the best known Rev. Green songs are here, along with several lesser known, but still enjoyable, selections. This is must-have music for rock and rhythm and blues fans. You will find yourself trying to sing along.

A Greatest Hits Masterpiece.......2007-03-29

A lot if not most greatest hits collections have some hits and some padding.Not this album.This is one great collection.The five songs tacked on at the end made this album a must own masterpiece.If you like Al Green's 70's output,you WILL like this CD.Every single song is a classic.Ol Skool Al Green fans (like myself) might already have at least a couple of his albums already,but this CD sums up why he's soul legend.


P.S.:Do yourself a favor and pick up some of his 70's era albums starting with "I'm Still In Love With You" if you haven't already.

Very good.......2007-01-25

I've heard his music but never owned a CD of his, this one is really good and I enjoy it very much. Happy to add to my music collection.

Oh, Al Green...Never fails to please!.......2007-01-19

This CD is great! His music is so soulful and every song has a certain sound to it. It is pretty hard to not love Al Green. The compilation of songs chosen for this particular album are some of his greatest!!

Average customer rating: George & Al - what an awesome combo!!!!! The wrong song won the Grammy! nice Great Combination Awesome Duo

Givin' It Up George Benson , and Al Jarreau Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shine X Before Me Forever, for Always, for Luther II (Dig) Feeling Good ASIN: B000HT3Q3M Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

1. Breezin'
2. Mornin'
3. Tutu
4. God Bless The Child
5. Summer Breeze
6. All I Am
7. Ordinary People
8. Let It Rain
9. Givin' It Up For Love
10. Every Time You Go Away
11. Four
12. Don't Start No Schtuff
13. Bring It On Home To Me

Amazon.com

Not trusting the drawing power of its co-billed veterans, singer-guitarist George Benson and singer-"vocal percussionist" Al Jarreau, or the eventfulness of their teaming, the producers of Givin' It Up have hedged their commercial bets with a full array of guest stars. But none of the guest singers lifts the proceedings above a sleek professionalism--not Paul McCartney, who participates in a humdrum, album-ending jam on Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me"; not the wonderful Jill Scott, who emulates Billie Holiday on a modest treatment of "God Bless the Child"; and not old pro Patti Austin. Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Stanley Clarke, and Marcus Miller also turn up, agreeably but unexcitingly enough, among smooth jazzers including Marion Meadows and Patrice Rushen. The material ranges from two songs to which Jarreau adds lyrics--the 1976 Benson hit "Breezin'" and "'Long Come Tutu," based on the Miller-written title track of Miles Davis's "Tutu"--to covers of Seals and Crofts' "Summer Breeze" and the Daryl Hall-penned Paul Young hit, "Every Time You Go Away." Benson and Jarreau seem a bit hemmed-in by the crowd of name contributors. Even in smooth mode, they have done livelier work than this. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

George & Al - what an awesome combo!!!!!.......2007-06-20

We bought this 2 weeks before seeing their concert. It took a few listens to really appreciate the blend.

Went to their concert and was BLOWN AWAY!!!! They are awesome together. Highly recommended!!! If you get the opportunity to see them live together - DON'T MISS IT!!!! Best concert I've ever been to and now the album is one of my most loved and brings back memories of that amazing night!!!!

The wrong song won the Grammy!.......2007-06-12

With so many guest artists on this disc, the release reminds one of those big-budgeted 80's albums produced by Quincy Jones and featuring all of his friends and neighbors. Benson and Jarreau are so individually gifted that the special appearances were not necessary but such additions stay with the current trend of star cameos.

As far as the songs go, the covers are well done, adding intriguing changes in the two songs ("Breezin" and "'Mornin'") made famous by Benson and Jarreau, respectively. Besides those two, there are other "re-workings" that are soulfully jazzy, especially "Summer Breeze" and John Legend's "Ordinary People." The final selection, "Bring It on Home to Me" features an impressive Paul McCartney on lead vocals.

Though "God Bless the Child," with Jill Scott adding her distinctive style on vocals, won last year's Grammy for best traditional R & B performance, it is "Let it Rain," with Patti Austin that should've taken home the coveted prize. The singer provides the perfect compliment to Jarreau's singing and Benson's guitar licks.

This song is truly what R & B is all about!

nice.......2007-06-11

good music but my only slight discomfort is that the cuts are somewhat disjointed with some instrumentals thrown in with vocals that don't seem to meld and flow for good background music for dinner parties. i am buying some other smooth jazz for background music that is more homogenous like boney smith and jeff golub.

Great Combination.......2007-06-08

Really enjoyed this CD. It is good background music. Particularly enjoyed Al Jarreau singing to George Benson's "Breezing." Some tracks I wasn't as keen on however, overall, a great combination.

Awesome Duo.......2007-04-13

I love them both separately but together they have created a dynamite CD. It is good for in the car, at the gym on the treadmill, or just everywhere. The arrangements are fun, familiar, and well done.

Average customer rating: Reminisce on Days Gone By Al Green Greatist Hits One saving grace... Long overdue anthology of one of the great artists of the 1970's. So sweet

Definitive Greatest Hits Al Green Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Memphis Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stevie Wonder - The Definitive Collection The Definitive Soul Collection Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits In My Songs The Very Best of Otis Redding ASIN: B000KP62H0 Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

1. Let's Stay Together
2. Tired Of Being Alone
3. Take Me To The River
4. I'm Still In Love With You
5. Look What You Done For Me
6. Here I Am (Come And Take Me)
7. Love And Happiness
8. Keep Me Cryin'
9. Call Me (Come Back Home)
10. Livin' For You
11. Let's Get Married
12. Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)
13. L-O-V-E (Love)
14. You Ought To Be With Me
15. Oh Me, Oh My (Dreams In My Arms)
16. Full Of Fire
17. Back Up Train- Al Green & The Soul Mates
18. I Can't Get Next To You
19. Belle
20. I Can't Stop
21. Perfect To Me

Amazon.com

Amazon.com essential recording

One of the must-own soul albums, Greatest Hits is fattened with extra tracks in this reissue for a total of 21 songs. Al Green brought the Memphis Sound into the '70s by slightly softening it, melding smooth funkiness with his miraculous voice and innate sensitivity: his love songs, while perfect for the bedroom, are as conversational as they are blatantly seductive. By adding the likes of "Belle," a 1977 single that's a near-goodbye to the pop life, to the original lineup of "Let's Stay Together," "Look What You Done for Me," "Call Me," and the others, this edition of Greatest Hits also intriguingly fills out the story. --Rickey Wright

Al Green Photos

More Al Green

Let's Stay Together

I'm Still in Love With You

Call Me

Customer Reviews:

Reminisce on Days Gone By.......2007-05-14

This compilation of hits, took me back to the days of yesteryear, when I was a little girl, in NE DC. My Childhood was a good time and there was always good music. Music that made you happy, music that identified, with whatever you were going through, and Al Green was a staple in my family's component set. To hear his smooth, melodic voice again, transports me back to those days and makes me reminisce on those days long gone.

Al Green Greatist Hits.......2007-03-09

About half of the CD was good to listen to. I mostly bought it for the song, "Let's Stay Together".

One saving grace..........2007-02-22

First thing's first: Whatever you do, don't buy the original version of this Greatest Hits album. They heartbreakingly cut off the climax of Let's Get Married and didn't bother including Take Me To The River. That aside...while an improvement over the shameful original issue of this package, the compilation still falls short! Where's For The Good Times? Where the heck is How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?? Any Al Green collection that doesn't include both, not to mention even one of, Al's most compelling and beautiful slow numbers is INCOMPLETE! Instead, they put relatively obscure songs on here like Keep Me Cryin' and Oh Me, Oh My. Do these compilers even listen to Al Green? It would be worth it to borrow or steal this, if only for the DVD live performance of Love And Happiness in 1978. It captures Al in top form in Chicago with excellent clarity and camera work. Do yourself a favor and buy the Motown Compact Command Performances, which includes all the truely essential tunes with a better track order. Then buy Let's Stay Together and I'm Still In Love With You.

Long overdue anthology of one of the great artists of the 1970's........2007-02-20

As decades go the 1970's was never among my favorites. I have always felt that save for a handful of artists the music of that decade left an awful lot to be desired. For about three and a half years in the early part of that decade, Al Green and his producer Willie Mitchell collaborated on some of the finest and most memorable soul records ever made. Finally, Capitol records has seen fit to do justice to the music of this extremely important American artist. "Al Green: The Definitive Greatest Hits" features 21 of the finest recordings spanning Al Green's entire career. By any standard this disc truly should be considered essential to any serious collection of American popular music.
What seperates "Al Green: The Definite Greatest Hits" from previous anthologies is that it offers selections spanning the entire length and breadth of Al Green's remarkable recording career. Of course this disc includes all 7 of Al's Top Ten tunes from the early 70's including "Look What You Done For Me", "I'm Still In Love With You", the #1 smash "Let's Stay Together" as well as my personal favorite "You Ought To Be With Me" from 1972. Add to these other great hits like "L-O-V-E (Love)", "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" and Al's first big Hi records hit "Tired of Being Alone" and you will quickly understand why Al Green is such an important American recording artist. One of the things that really impressed me about this collection is that Capitol chose to include Al Green's very first chart record from 1967. At that time, his name was Al Greene. His backup group was the Soul Mates. Al released "Back Up Train" on his own label and you can clearly hear why Al Green was destined to become a major star. In 1976, Al Green decided he wanted to pursue a career in gospel music. This change in musical direction would cause Al and his long-time producer Willie Mitchell to part company. His final charted record at Hi would be a tune called "Belle". The gospel influence on this tune is quite apparent. I had never heard it before and I must tell you that I absolutely loved it. Shortly thereafter, Al Green would leave the music business altogether to become a full-time minister in Memphis. In 2002, Al Green and Willie Mitchell decided that they wanted to make music together again. They would record in the very same studio in Memphis where they had made magic and history in the early 1970's. As an added treat, Capitol has chosen to add a pair of these new tunes to this collection. As you will see, Al Green has not lost it one little bit!
"Al Green: The Definitive Greatest Hits" includes a thoughtful 12 page booket that features some marvelous photos and very informative biographical information. I had completely forgotten that Al Green had a hand in writing virtually all of his hit singles! His was Southern Soul at it's absolute best! It is also worth mentioning that the remastering job is first rate. As I recall, the fidelity on those old Hi 45's was never the best. So whether you are a life-long fan or a younger person just interested in sampling this music then "The Definitive Greatest Hits" would certainly be a great choice. Highly recommended!

So sweet.......2007-02-17

If you want romance in your music this is the quintessential cd. It is Al Greens early works that put him in my heart oh so many years ago. Truly beautiful and romantic. Listen with someone you love and you will have Valentines Day all year round.

Average customer rating: Al Green's Best! Al Green At His Best Have I been asleep? Minister of Soul... saved my life

The Absolute Best Al Green Manufacturer: The Right Stuff ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Memphis Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dreams To Remember: The Otis Redding Anthology The Ultimate Collection Al Green - More Greatest Hits The Very Best of Otis Redding Al Green - Greatest Hits ASIN: B00015YVCW Release Date: 2004-01-27

Tracks:

1. Strong as Death, Sweet as Love
2. Love and Happiness
3. Let's Stay Together
4. I'm a Ram
5. I've Never Found a Girl
6. Driving Wheel
7. La La for You
8. I Can't Get Next to You
9. So You're Leaving
10. Tired of Being Alone
11. Look What You've Done for Me
12. I'm Still in Love with You
13. Sweet Song (previously unreleased in U.S.)
14. Love Is Real (previously unreleased in U.S.)
15. Funny How Time Slips Away
16. You Ought To Be with Me
17. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

Tracks:

1. Love Ritual (remix)
2. Here I Am (Come and Take Me)
3. Call Me, Come Back Home
4. Livin' for You
5. Rhymes
6. God Blessed Our Love
7. Let's Get Married (LP version)
8. Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)
9. Take Me to the River
10. Oh Me, Oh My (Dreams in My Arms)
11. L-O-V-E (Love)
12. Got to Be More (Take Me Higher)
13. Together Again
14. Full of Fire
15. Belle
16. Keep Me Cryin'
17. Simply Beautiful

Customer Reviews:

Al Green's Best!.......2007-02-14

This CD has it all. The very best of Al Green is just that. If you want a great CD this is it. I love this CD. Do not hesitate to buy it!

Al Green At His Best.......2007-01-24

This album gets most of the best of Al's early recordings,but it missed a few. All in all this is a good collection of the best of Al Green.

Have I been asleep?.......2006-07-24

Just seen him live in Brooklyn NY,which compelled me to go out and buy this timeless Jewel. The show was pretty awesome as well. I've always heard the usual radio tracks and knew he was probably someone very special,musically,but after seeing him then picking up this double disk, I now realize that of course his voice is like silk but the bands music was just pure Brillance.
As I listen to these timless great tracks it's easy to get lost in either his voice,the words,the organ,the rhytym guitar,the horns or the Drums. It like their either all working or theirs a standout instrument,the Voice and the words are always their.
Like in "I'm Still in love with you" it's possible to get lost in any one of these elements
but what really stands out is the Drums,the way he sets the tempo,changes it then comes back to it,while everyone else comes in and out one at a time is just something to marvel at.an audiophiles dream,their's just so much to listen to in this one track catching it once in a while on the radio could never do it justice,and I'm sure you could say that about anyone of these 34 tracks,they each have something special about them and Al is always just right there, steady and smooth.
In concert this past week his vocal was strong and steady and on few occasions while he was singing songs like "Lets get Married" and "Simply Beautiful" he looked like he took a short trip to that other place, the place few of us get to,while alive.
He was still in total control of the voice,mic and the crowd.
It's not just my Farthers music anymore.
I"m so glad he's still with us.

Minister of Soul..........2005-04-20

I grew up on a steady diet of Al Green and I always said when I got my own place, I would never listen to an Al Green song, nor would I eat okra! Well at least, I kept to one of those promises I made myself! I refuse to eat okra but as far as Mr. Green, well he's down in my bone marrow, so I have no choice. It's amazing as much as I cried about Saturday morning house cleaning while listening to Al Green, it turns out that I have become my mother! I do exactly as she did...I wake up on Saturday mornings put on my Al Green and commence to cleaning my house, from top to bottom. The only difference is that its not an 8 track and I don't use Pine Sol or Ajax! Isn't it strange how we come full circle!

Anyway..this is a classic collection of great soul music...treat yourself..bring in something new, or visit something tried and true! This CD contains great rare hits like "Belle" and "Full of Fire", most compilations don't usually include those 2 tracks. I'm glad they finally did a two disc set of his music...that has all the great radio hits and plenty of rare and off the beaten path tracks too! I love Al Green, and as much as I tried to get away from him, it's amazing how I ended up happily with him, just like an old trusty blanket!

Oh and this CD also has two of my all time favorite Al Green songs..,"Livin' For You," and "You Ought To Be With Me." They could have added his version of "Pretty Woman," but this set doesn't lack because it isn't here, just a personal choice of mine. Other classic rare cuts: "I've Never Found A Girl," and "I Can't Get Next To You."

Please, please, take my advice: Run...don't walk to purchase these classic gems! You will never regret the decision to add Mr. Soul Man himself in all his splendid glory to your music collection. He personifies Gritty Soul!

saved my life.......2005-02-10

i have been in a world of darkness now since al showed me the light he has saved my life and kept me happy instead of sad. i used to try to kill myself but this cd helped me out alot

Average customer rating: a nice evening out Very Appealing Live Trio Set Best CD I've bought this year. Hail the Return of the Great Steve Kuhn Trio Solid and Stylish

Live at Birdland Steve Kuhn Trio Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Live at the Village Vanguard Lawn Chair Society Night & the Music Kids: Duets Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola Metheny Mehldau Quartet ASIN: B000MM0L7S Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

1. If I Were A Bell
2. Jitterbug Waltz
3. Two By Two
4. La Plus Que Lente/Passion Flower
5. Little Waltz
6. Lotus Blossom
7. Stella By Starlight
8. Slow Hot Wind
9. Clotilde
10. Confirmation

Amazon.com

Even though he accompanied any number of legends during the late 1950s and '60s, Steve Kuhn doesn't have the name recognition of other jazz artists who came of age during that period. But few pianists have maintained as high a standard as he has in the mainstream trio setting. Live at Birdland, which occasions the reunion of one of his best threesomes--the bassist is Ron Carter, the drummer Al Foster, both Miles Davis alumni--is one of his most consistently engaging albums. A keen intelligence and lively wit is at work on this tuneful terrain, which ranges from the shifting tempos and tones of "Jitterbug Waltz" to the luminous reflection of Carter's "Little Waltz" (which the bassist graces with a lovely solo) to the lovely intersection between Billy Strayhorn's "Passion Flower" and a Debussy waltz, "La Plus Que Lente." There's a romping aspect to the set as well: In his late 60s, Kuhn has lost nothing in speed or agility, rendering Kenny Dorham's "Lotus Blossom" with light-fingered brilliance. If another pianist hadn't stolen the "State of the Art" tag, he certainly could hang out that shingle on this album, one of the most enjoyable in this vein in quite some time. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

a nice evening out.......2007-06-28

a light deft touch marks kuhn's style. had me thinking of art tatum and oscar peterson. if i were a bell reminded me of miles' rendition on relaxin' with miles. some other jazz standards, a selection written by kenny dorham, trumpeter, two kuhn originals. one of my favorites, jitterbug waltz by fats waller, has me regretful i was not at birdland the night this was recorded, what a nice night that must had been. and you can't go wrong with al foster and ron carter, little waltz written by carter. a theme of music and flowers, two waltzes, a passion flower and a lotus blossom, in starlight, a slow hot wind blowing. this could be a presumptuous picture in other hands, kuhn, nicely, carries it off.

Very Appealing Live Trio Set.......2007-06-05

The 10 tracks were selected by Kuhn as the best from a four-night run at Birdland. The pianist rented a Hamburg-D Steinway (his favorite) for the occasion, and makes it sparkle. As others have indicated, audio quality is outstanding, making you feel like you're sitting in the club. I probably own close to 50 CDs with Ron Carter on bass, but I've never heard him as clearly as on this recording. The music is spontaneous and inventive, and should please just about anyone. Great playing all around by these 3 classy veterans; Kuhn's virtuosity peaks on the final cut --Charlie Parker's Confirmation, a most appropriate selection for this venue.

Best CD I've bought this year........2007-05-26

Great album! It is rare to have such musical genius and recording excellence combine on one CD. Steve Kuhn sounds like - Steve Kuhn and nobody else. Teamed with Ron Carter and Al Foster, the trio creates wonderful chemistry on the best-engineered live performance you will ever hear. Katherine Miller is credited with recording, mixing and mastering the album. If this is an example of her expertise, I am going to start looking for her name in album credits like I used to look for Rudy Van Gelder.

Hail the Return of the Great Steve Kuhn Trio.......2007-04-12

On the 20th anniversary of their 1986 recording at the Village vanguard, the Steve Kuhn trio (featuring Ron Carter on bass and Al Foster on drums) reconvenes for two glorious nights of traditional AND adventurous jazz at Birdland. Like its predecedssor, the sessions are marked first and foremost by Kuhn's incredibly rich and distinctive tone. The Big-Ben theme that opens the first tune, "If I Were a Bell," establishes the sound right away. And like the 1986 date, the interplay between the three players is dazzling--and seemlingly effortless.

But "Live at Birdland" is not a mere re-do. If, at the time, the Village Vanguard sessions proved a high-water mark for the pianist's career, he proceeded to follow it up with an uninterrupted flow of excellent live and studio recordings that showed him stretching his vocabulary and developing his prowess in ways one had previously not expected from him. "Live at Birdland" is a masterful culmination of such experiments. He has more confidence than ever before, which enables him to solo more effectively.

"Jitterbug Waltz" was a highlight of the first record. It was a restrained, elegant classic that underwent a series of impressive tempo shifts without ever undergoing a change in mood. Here it acheives all this plus more: in the opening solo Kuhn states the theme more fully. The trio then treat it to a number of variations and tempo shifts. At roughly the seven-minute mark, there is a terribly exciting kick into another gear for several minutes, which then cools down into the closing section.

There are inevitable comparisons between the two recordings, since Kuhn decides to use a handful of the same tunes for each. Thankfully, this decision is not repetitious. And, when Kuhn does introduce new material, it startles. The final tune, a driving rendition of Parker's "Confirmation," will leave you breathless.

Solid and Stylish.......2007-03-16

If this isn't my very favorite Steve Kuhn album, it's still very stylish, creative and lovely. It's nice to hear these vets together in live setting and Kuhn remains one of the best unheralded players. I
would still go first for his trio albums with David Finck and Billy Drummond (mostly on Reservoir I think), or some of the ECM titles for their 'experimentalism.' This one shows another side though. Very fine stuff.

Average customer rating: Boy, is this guy good... His Best in a Long Time Al Di Meola fans this CD is not more of the same Thought provoking............ Consequence of Chaos by Al Di Meola

Consequence of Chaos Al di Meola Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Industrial Zen Vocal Rendezvous Who Let the Cats Out Elegant Gypsy Out Louder ASIN: B000HIVOAK Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

1. San Marco
2. Turquoise
3. Odyssey
4. Tao
5. Azucar
6. Sanctuary
7. Hypnose
8. Red Moon
9. Cry For You
10. Just Three Words
11. Tempest
12. Storm Off-Shore
13. Black Pearls
14. Africana Suite
15. San Marco (Vecchio)
16. Untitled

Amazon.com

In the '70s, guitarist Al Di Meola was the teenage phenom who burst on the scene with pianist Chick Corea and Return to Forever. Three decades later, his Memphisto-like prowess is still in effect, as evidenced by this impressive disc. With a number of world-class musicians--including drummer Steve Gadd, bassist John Patitucci, and keyboardist Barry Miles--Di Meola conjures up a whirling dervish of sounds that easily groove in fusion, world music, and techno contexts. The two versions of "San Marco" are cast in New World improvisations and Old World airs. "Tao," "Hypnose," "Tempest," "Black Pearls," and the "Africana Suite" swing with East Asian, Arabic, and West African harmonic and rhythmic motifs. Corea joins his former bandmate on the Santana-like "Red Moon" and the light but funky "Odyssey." Di Meola, who also plays percussion and keyboards, has grown with the times, with his killer power chords intact. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Album Description

Legendary guitar hero Al Di Meola's first release in four years is a searing, high caliber affair, brimming with colorful and complex arrangements. Di Meola's fifth Telarc album offers a contemporary set of fifteen original, genre-blurring compositions. The roster of special guests includes pianist Chick Corea, drummer Steve Gadd, keyboardist Barry Miles, bassists John Patitucci and Victor Miranda, and percussionist Kornel Horvath.

Customer Reviews:

Boy, is this guy good..........2007-06-21

The only conclusion I can come to after reading some of the negative reviews of this CD is that people tend to judge too quickly, and don't give the work time to "marinate" in their heads. The bulk of DiMeola's work for about the last 15 years requires (and I think deserves) repeated listening before public review. Even the negative reviews acknowledge that this is an instrumentalist of immense talent, and if there are any shortcomings I think they're primarily due to the understandable challenge of finding the right musical avenues to display it. So many people seem to want Al to relive the Elegant Gypsy days, but as good as that was he's been there, done that--there were no more places to take that style. DiMeola's current "world music" phase includes such highly structured and multi-textured performances that it's impossible to fully appreciate them on one or two listenings, and I speak from experience on this. I have been a fan of his since the RTF days and continued to buy his work, but actually lost interest in it for a number of years after "Kiss My Axe" in 1991. I bought "Orange & Blue", "Infinite Desire" and "Flesh on Flesh", but listened to them only occasionally and superficially until I heard "Orange & Blue" being played during a set break at (of all things) a Marian McPartland concert. I almost had forgotten I owned the CD, and upon my return home began playing it and Al's other later work almost continuously for several months. I then introduced it to a co-worker who was a big Metheny listener (as am I), and the contrast to that style made me appreciate DiMeola all the more--as good as Metheny can be, DiMeola's talent and versatility are second to none, and "Consequence" is a fine example of that. I challenge any guitar aficionado to listen to San Marco (Moderne) and tell me this guy still can't rip it better than anybody.

Notice that the negative reviews of this recording are almost all dated shortly after its release, while the latest reviews are almost all very positive. This is complex music--it takes a while to fully sink in.

His Best in a Long Time.......2007-05-15

The sticker on the cover of this cd announces its di meola's return to solid body electric guitar. I think this statement led many people think this was going to be Land of the Midnight Sun 2 or Elegant Gypsy 2. It is not and it is not meant to be. This cd is not that sort of electric pyrotechnic showcase, but it is an excellent release - my favorite since Tour de Force. While it has some quieter acoustic moments mixed in, it never dips into "soft jazz" and there is a lot of great electric and accoustic playing here. Red Moon alone would be worth the price, but there are many top notch tunes here and no clunkers. There is no techno synth sounds like Jeff Beck has been doing lately, which is a great relief. This is real guitar playing. Listen to this with the right expectations and I think you will hear a great guitarist, great interplay among outstanding musicians and an excellent recording.

Al Di Meola fans this CD is not more of the same.......2007-01-20

Di Meola has created a fresh sounding, easy to listen to mix on this CD with short interludes making it the kind of music you will enjoy one cut after the other. I've collected his music for years sometimes finding redundancy in the work. While I'm also a fan of his guitar choice, a Paul Reed Smith, no one plays a PRS like Al....I highly recommend fusion fans add this to their stack.

Thought provoking...................2007-01-15

Oddly enough, and this is not an attempt to trump the other reviewers, but I'm diggin' "Consequence of Chaos". I mean I really like it! So it's nothing like "Kiss My Axe." It's not suppose to be! It's not suppose to sound like his earlier recordings. At least Al is true to his art form. Most would have sold out in an attempt to appease the so-called "new generation." Not so with Al. This is his signature sound. I like it! It's kickin', it's off the chain, I like it! I've always been an Al Di Meola fan since the early 90's. Now, don't get me wrong, there are some of his recordings that leave me with one eye brow up, scratching my head, wondering what heck he was thinking, but that's Al. He's an artist, he's not perfect. He's entitled. Give the guy a break.

Consequence of Chaos by Al Di Meola.......2007-01-11

Not bad, but not one of his best.....

Average customer rating: Frenetic Jazz Guitar Workouts! Stunning? Magnificent, a night to be remembered Masterful, someone help me out though Brilliant and beautiful...

The Guitar Trio Paco de Lucia , John McLaughlin , and Al Di Meola Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Spain | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Flamenco | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Passion, Grace and Fire Friday Night in San Francisco Cositas Buenas Elegant Gypsy Antologia, Vol. 1 ASIN: B000004756 Release Date: 1996-10-15

Tracks:

1. La Estiba
2. Beyond The Mirage
3. Midsummer Night
4. Manha De Carnaval - John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola
5. Letter From India - John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia
6. Espiritu - Al Di Meola
7. Le Monastere Dans Les Montagnes
8. Azzura
9. Cardeosa

Amazon.com

This was only the second recording for the Guitar Trio, coming a full 16 years after 1980's Friday Night in San Francisco, but it's a fitting sequel. Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola, and John McLaughlin once again demonstrate extraordinary virtuosity, accelerated runs tumbling over one another until identities blur. Repeated listening, however, starts to focus on the subtle differences in nuance, especially in the compositions. Though DeLucia grew up in a tradition of Spanish flamenco guitar, Brazilian rhythmic touches often appear in his work, beginning with the opening "Estiba." The American Di Meola seems influenced by music of the Middle East ("Beyond the Mirage"), and the English McLaughlin has strong affinities with the music of Northern India, most apparent here in his "Letter from India." Ultimately, the impression of dazzling techniques gives way, revealing the group's deeper empathy. --Adam Rains

Customer Reviews:

Frenetic Jazz Guitar Workouts!.......2007-01-17

This cd is a wonderful release by three of the top Jazz guitarists in the world. John McLaughlin, Al Dimeola, and Paco de Lucia combine their talents to create a compelling, fast paced acoustic bossa nova tinged jazz record. Each song features elegant riffing and frenetic runs up and down the fretboard. This music is lightning captured on disc, and it makes for a sizzling instrumental masterpiece. 5 stars easy!

Stunning?.......2006-05-26

I'm sorry to all the people who've praised this album so far, this was the only album (of the ones that I've owned) by ANY of the three great guitarists that I gave away for free. For those who enjoy the Azzura and Beyond the Mirage renditions found on this album, I can assure you that there exists a better version of each on Al Di Meola's "The Infinite Desire" album ... don't believe me, just go out and listen to this cd. As for Paco De Lucia, with the realease of "Cositas Buenas" he returns to playing the style that he was born for, and to me that is much more rewarding than hearing him on this cd trying to showcase his ability to go hand in hand with the other two guitarists ... quite frankly he's in a league of his own when it comes to the
guitar! As for John McLaughlin he's more mainstream than the other three ... yeah he has more of those over sappy lovey dovy tunes that corrupted North American music throughout his albums. To me he belongs with Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, George Lynch ... the G3 style of guitarists. As good as he is technically, I don't think he's on par with the other two guitarists on this album. Sorry for the directness, it's how I felt about this album! That's why it was an easy give-away.

Magnificent, a night to be remembered.......2005-02-14

When this three got together it was a night to remember. Each guitarist has his own style; Paco is pure gypsy passion and speed, Di Meola is creative strnght and improvisation and Maclughlin has that impeccable playing. The three put together is probably the best guitar live show ever, theres something here for everybody. It carries you effortlessly from flamenco to jazz to blues to the Pink Panther theme song without you even noticing it. I can listen to this album time and time again.

Masterful, someone help me out though.......2004-05-12

We all know how brilliant and hard working each of these musicians are and it shows in the music. I fully recommend the album and due to my love for Eastern and more specifically Indian music, I enjoy the piece, "A letter from India" the most. Does someone know where I can get the sheet music to this cd though? I really want to get it and play with some friends of mine but I haven't found any yet. If you know anything, please Email me at Changewiththeseasons@hotmail.com.
Yea, long mail I know.

Brilliant and beautiful..........2003-02-14

"Friday Night in San Francisco" is both among one of the greatest live recordings of all time and among the greatest classical/flamenco guitar recordings ever. The interplay is stunning between John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, and Paco De Lucia, three of the greatest musical geniuses of our time (and I do not say that lightly...the music these three produce on their own is always full of rich texture, technical brilliance, and musical quality). This '96 recording, while not possessing the same magic as the "Friday Night..." recording (how could it, when that was one of those magical nights when everything looks, sounds, and FEELS good?), is still a wonderful piece of work. It's clear that between these three guitarists is a rapport that stands the test of time, a collaboration the likes of which most bands can only strive for, that sense of mutual cooperation and enjoyment that just enhances the goodness of the music they make. Each person has their moment to shine, either as a soloist, or as a songwriter. I am partial to "Espiritu" and "Azzura," both penned by Al DiMeola, but the opening track, "La Estiba" by Paco De Lucia tells you, right away from the first notes that this is going to be a beautiful listening experience.
This is the kind of music for any occasion. Need background music for a party? This is perfect. Need to unwind after a long day at work? Or maybe you need something to hear while at work? Pop this in. Need to feel good after feeling bad? This music will do it. This is the kind of album that reminds us why we love music in the first place. Of course nothing can rival or compare to "Friday Night...", but this comes in at a close second, and it should belong in any true music lover's collection.

Average customer rating: Great Al Green Classic 5 star album, 1 star mastering job Soul has never been better! this is his best Forever Al

I'm Still in Love With You Al Green Manufacturer: The Right Stuff ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Southern Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Memphis Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Let's Stay Together Call Me Gets Next to You Al Green - More Greatest Hits Green Is Blues ASIN: B000087DSN Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

1. I'm Still In Love With You
2. What A Wonderful Thing Love Is
3. Look What You Done For Me
4. Simply Beautiful
5. Oh, Pretty Woman
6. For The Good Times
7. Love and Happiness
8. One of These Good Old Days
9. I'm Glad You're Mine
10. Up Above My Head (Bonus Track)
11. I Think It's For The Feeling (Bonus Track)

Customer Reviews:

Great Al Green Classic.......2007-02-08

This is one of the best of Al Greens' collection. I buy it, I play it until it's unplayable, and replace it. My cd collection can't be without it.

5 star album, 1 star mastering job.......2007-01-31

I agree with the other reviews -- this album is excellent and, for me, is Al at his best.

I wanted to add my two cents about this particular edition of it, though. I bought this when it came out just to hear the bonus tracks and was horrified at how horrible this cd sounded compared to the previous cd edition on the same label (The Right Stuff) as well as various other cds that contain some of the same hit tracks. The mastering engineer here definitely used too many of the tools at his disposal in an effort to enhance what was already on the master tapes. Unfortunately removing the analog tape hiss (not that it was excessive to begin with anyway) removed the sense of life from these recordings. And other processing REALLY screwed up some of these songs, causing the vocals to become an unfocused mess (I've heard that this is the result of an attempt to widen the stereo image). Do yourself a favor and seek out the previous cd on the same label (unfortunately no bonus tracks there) or an import version on the Demon label.

Soul has never been better!.......2006-06-09

I agree, why aren't there more reviews of this album?

Al Green is quite possibly the most underrated artist ever, soul music or otherwise. Though some might disagree, most of this is due to the fact that the 70's was extremely competitve music-wise. Whlie The Reverend is remembered, he is not remembered as fondly as Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass and Barry White. And that beloved is a shame.

Still in Love with You is a complete album. The type of album that you can play straight through, in order, time after time. Each songs flows into the next creating the sense of a man giving a melodic testimony concerning his innermost feelings about love, life, longing, pain, sadness melancholy and redemption. Not a wasted note, sound or breath is to be found on the entire album.

Of all of the instruments used in the making of this album, Al's voice is the greatest of them. It can be heard best on "Simply Beautiful". It is simple, controlled and seductive. He purposely teases with a falsetto that's as light as a feather yet as powerful as a tiger. All within his control at the same time. He sings as if he's whispering in his lady's ear - the moans at the end are potent enough to produce babies themselves.

You cannot be a music fan or collector of any kind without owning this album. Masterpiece is an understatement..this is what the soul afterlife must be like.

this is his best.......2006-03-05

Al Green was the first great soul singer in the 70's. Plenty of releases until today; yet he failed to release a better album than this, with another one called "call me". These 2 albums stand apart from all the rest of his work.
This album definitely sets the standard of what we call today Smooth Soul.
If you are new to Al Green's work, this album next to "call me", are the ones. You will not regret it.

Forever Al.......2005-08-21

Listining to this cd brought back fond memories of my early 20s in Detroit rivaling the Motown popularity when music was king,
Al Green is a timeless testamony of love and happiness.Yes Al we're still in love with your music.

Average customer rating: Excellent recording Highly Recommended! Amazing A gentleman musical agreement! Extreme virtuosity

Christopher Parkening - The Great Recordings ~ By America's Preeminent Guitar Virtuoso Johann Sebastian Bach , François Couperin , Gabriel Fauré , Isaac Albeniz , Anonymous , Francisco Tarrega (y Eixea) , Silvius Leopold Weiss , Claude Debussy , Maurice Ravel , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Gordon Young , Georg Philipp Telemann , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Manuel de Falla , Manuel Ponce , Enrique Granados , Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco , Andrew York , Fernando Sor , Gaspar Sanz , Joaquin Rodrigo , and Christopher Parkening Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Couperin, François | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Falla | Falla, Manuel de | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Granados, Enrique | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tarrega | Tarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Telemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Guitar | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Parkening, Christopher | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Christopher Parkening plays Bach Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method - Volume 2: Guitar Technique Christopher Parkening - A Tribute to Segovia ASIN: B000002RTR Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

1. Fugue From Violin Sonata No. 1, BWV 1001 - J S Bach
2. Estudio brillante
3. Etude No. 1 In E Minor
4. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
5. Leyenda
6. Romance
7. Rumores de la Caleta
8. Capricho Arabe
9. Cantata 147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
10. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 1
11. Well-Tempered Clavier: Prelude No. 6
12. Cantata 140: Sleepers Awake
13. Prelude, Fugue, And Allegro: Allegro
14. Cantata 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
15. Les Barricades mysterieuses
16. Preambulo & Allegro vivo: Preambulo And Allegro vivo
17. Passacaglia
18. The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
19. Gymnopedie No. 1
20. Empress Of The Pagodas
21. Afro-Cuban Lullaby

Tracks:

1. Fourth Lute Suite: Praludium
2. Fairest Lord Jesus
3. Praise Ye The Lord, K. 339
4. Simple Gifts
5. Hymn Of Christian Joy
6. Cantata 29: We Thank Thee, Lord
7. Cantata 156: Arioso
8. Cantata 99: What God Hath Done
9. Canon
10. Dolly Suite: Berceuse
11. La Vida breve: Spanish Dance No. 1
12. Terezinha De Jesus
13. Prelude (In The Baroque Style)
14. Goyescas: Intermezzo
15. Prelude & Fugue No. 4 In E: Fugue
16. Evening Dance
17. Variations On A Theme Of Mozart
18. Canarlos
19. La Maja de Goya
20. El Noi de la Mare
21. Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio - J. Rodrigo

Customer Reviews:

Excellent recording.......2007-05-12

If you are a fan of classical guitar than this is a must own set. I enjoy every moment.

Highly Recommended!.......2006-12-23

I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves music--period! Christopher Parkening is unquestionably one of the greatest classical guitarists of all-time. He embodies personal excellence like no other and is a brilliant artist. This CD is a must-have for any classical enthusiast. My favorite pieces include: Tárrega's "Recuerdos de la Alhambra," "Romance," Bach's "Prelude No. 6," and Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez." There are other versions of these pieces as well, but I always prefer Parkening's renditions, as they are oh so extraordinary--especially the recording of Aranjuez!! Other guitarists never seem to capture the essence of Rodrigo's musical masterpiece (e.g., Göran Söllescher in "Mad About Guitars"). But Parkening did! And the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a perfect accompaniment.

This CD is definitely worth buying. Included is a CD booklet, which illustrates the history of Parkening's illustrious career, interesting tidbits about all 25 recorded pieces, and several photos of his early life to his "breathtaking performance" at Rodrigo's 90th birthday celebration at the Royal Festival Hall in London, 1992.

Amazing.......2006-05-08

I am not going to go into great detail. I am working on a degree in classical guitar and I can say this is something to strive for. His musical interpretation of the peices represented here are some of the best I've heard. His tone,color, and phrasing is incredible.

A gentleman musical agreement! .......2006-03-16

In guitar ` s playing there have been many renowned performers, gifted of exuberant technique. But curiously the Apollonian playing is not by itself strictly enough. The guitar is the instrument which is closer to heart as any other one. It demands from you passion and sentiment. There have been three well known guitarists, one of them from England and the other one from Spain and the third one from Japan whose sensibility was totally absent in their performances.

But fortunately for us, there have been notable interpreters that have been maintained a desired balance and contrast between brain and heart, achieving great distinction and total acknowledgement around the world. I would name seven primordial names along the instrument `s story. First of all: the mythic soloist Andres Segovia, Regino Sainz de la Maza, John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Manuel Berrueco, Siegfried Behrend and Christopher Parkening, among the most representative ones of a great list.

Christopher Parkening `s career has made a brilliant colorist, an impeccable and sensitive interpreter of this well reduced repertoire. His profound artistic conviction and convincing phrasing has been a perpetual motive of constant invitations and presentations around the world.

Extreme virtuosity.......2005-09-25

CP has become my chief inspiration to improve as a classical guitarist. His performances here are, without exception, phenomenal. He makes the most difficult pieces sound effortless. I prefer CP over John Williams because, while Williams is also unquestionably a master, he sounds a bit robotic to me at times. CP, on the other hand, never sacrifices musicality to precision. He sublimely maintains both.

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8. Bless It's Pointed Little Head [Original recording remastered]
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