Journey's End [Import]

Product Description
Japanese 24 bit remastered reissue of the Procol Harum founder's 1973 solo album. BMG. 2004.

Journey's End,Matthew Fisher,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Simply beautiful CD has missing track Disappointed Worth Buying! Great Album

Out Of Africa: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Clarinet | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Out of Africa Somewhere In Time: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Dances with Wolves The Mission: Original Soundtrack From The Motion Picture Legends Of The Fall: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B000002O4X Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Main Title (I Had A Farm In Africa)
2. I'm Better At Hello (Karen's Theme l)
3. Have You Got A Story For Me
4. Concerto For Clarinet and Orhestra
5. Safari
6. Karen's Journey - Siyawe (African Traditional)
7. Flight Over Africa
8. I Had A Compass From Denys (Karen's Theme II)
9. Alone On The Farm
10. Let The Rest Of The World Go By
11. If I Know A Song Of Africa (Karen's Theme III)
12. End Title (You Are Karen)

Amazon.com essential recording

The great irony of John Barry's Academy Award-winning score for Out of Africa (which also took the Oscar as Best Picture) is that it almost never was; director Sydney Pollack had originally envisioned the film with native African music, going as far as laying the indigenous score down as he was editing. But the weight of John Barry's arguments--not to mention his considerable track record and composing gifts--held sway, and the composer delivered on his intent: a lush, romantic masterpiece for the ages. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Simply beautiful.......2007-01-11

Out of Africa is a CD with beautiful music. When I listen to it, I imagine myself in the nature of Africa. You will enjoy it!

CD has missing track.......2006-12-03

John Barry's compositions are pleasantly sweeping. There's nothing wrong with this album, just not really enough to recommend it.

I was puzzled to learn that some time between my buying the LP record and the issuing of this CD, the track "The Music of Goodbye (love theme from Out of Africa)" was omitted. It's not that this song, sung by Melissa Manchester, is a must-have; it's more that it's sneaky to leave off tracks when you reissue a soundtrack in another format.

Disappointed.......2006-11-10

I absolutely love the music from Out of Africa, but I do not recommend this CD at all. The sound quality is so poor that I could only bear listening to it once.

Worth Buying!.......2006-11-06

Highly recommended for those who love instrumental music. A lot of beautiful flute, strings and some piano and harp. Very contemplative and hauntingly beautiful music.

Great Album.......2006-11-04

For me, one of the best music of last decade. Romantic, full of sense. Please give a listen at least

Average customer rating: Wonderful, but not my first choice THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever... Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah

Mendelssohn: Elijah Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem] ASIN: B0002XV31A Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

1. Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
2. Overture
3. No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
4. No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
5. No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
6. No.4: If With All Your Hearts
7. No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
8. No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
9. No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
10. Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
11. No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
12. No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
13. No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
14. No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
15. No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
16. No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
17. No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
18. No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
19. No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
20. No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
21. No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
22. No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
23. No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

1. No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
2. No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
3. No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
4. No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
5. No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
6. No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
7. No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
8. No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
9. No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
10. No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
11. No.31: O Rest In The Lord
12. No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
13. No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
14. No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
15. No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
16. No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
17. No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
18. No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
19. No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
20. No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
21. No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
22. No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
23. No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!

Average customer rating: harem New to Sarah Brightman Stranger in Paradise - More Like Stranger in a Lost Cause No voice like hers in the world Brilliant Brightman, Her best CD.

Harem Sarah Brightman , and Frank Peterson Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Brightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Interviews | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | 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: Eden (US Release - 16 tracks) La Luna Time to Say Goodbye Sarah Brightman Classics Dive ASIN: B00008W2QZ Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

1. Harem
2. What A Wonderful World
3. It's A Beautiful Day
4. What You Never Know
5. The Journey Home
6. Free
7. Mysterious Days
8. The War Is Over
9. Misere Mei
10. Beautiful
11. Arabian Nights
12. Stranger In Paradise
13. Until The End Of Time
14. You Take My Breathe Away

Amazon.com

If one's notion of "world music" promises a touch of the exotic and indigenous, often overlooked is the fact that the influence of western pop music has seeped into every corner of the globe, creating a hybrid that's often more than merely the sum of its influences. Theater vet Brightman steps into that pan-cultural hall of mirrors here, wedding her fascination with the music and rhythms of the "forbidden places" (the title's Arabic meaning) of the Middle East to her own oft ethereal vocal charms and rock-solid sense of drama. And if the diva's equally sound crossover sensibilities (and that of longtime producer Frank Peterson) sometimes mire it in familiar world-beat pastiche, Brightman's charmed muse manages some transcendent moments nonetheless. Her musical borrowings (Borodin for the title track; Puccini's *Madame Butterfly* for "It's a Beautiful Day") are as compelling as her choice of collaborators: classical violin star Nigel Kennedy and Iraqi vocalist Kadim Al Sahir add compelling touches to the weary timeliness of "The War is Over." The musical influences range from Europe across the Mediterranean and as far East as the Indian roots of "Bollywood" composer A.R. Rahman's "The Journey Home" and Brightman's own "You Take My Breath Away" to evocative recastings of the emblematic standards "Stranger in Paradise" and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," while ex-Killing Joke keyboardist Jaz Coleman provides the savory East-meets-West orchestrations that ensure Brightman's star turns the seamless foundations they deserve. --Jerry McCulley

Amazon.com

Sarah Brightman Photos

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Customer Reviews:

harem .......2007-05-28

As usual a quick and effecient service ,especially for people who live abroad.Keep up the excellent work John Williams.

New to Sarah Brightman.......2007-03-12

I'm very new to Sarah brightman's music and I enjoy this CD. I think she has an amazing voice. Very talented young woman and this cd was very relaxing and joyful to listen to. I like to learn and heard more from Sarah Brightman.

Stranger in Paradise - More Like Stranger in a Lost Cause.......2006-12-30

I'm not throughly pleased with this album! This CD is only good if you know how to dance in a Middle-Easters fashion. About half of each track is dominated by all orchestrations and no Sarah. Plus, Pop-Sarah isn't really for me. I much prefer the Classical-Sarah. Some of the tracks are okay, like "Harem", "The Journey Home", "Beautiful", and "Stranger in Paradise". Really, this is a good CD for your collection, but I wouldn't listen to it on a 24/7 basis.

No voice like hers in the world.......2006-10-01

I own this cd. I saw her in person at the "Harem" concert. Never had I heard or seen any voice like this. What a performer, best concert I'd ever seen. Beautiful voice, I can never get enough of Sarah Brightman's music. It is so comforting at times. I have all her music and this cd makes you wonder, how can she top this? Thank you Sarah Brightman for giving us your beautiful gift of music.

Brilliant Brightman, Her best CD........2006-09-18

Sarah is just the best, she can hit any note and her individuality shines on this CD. She sings "The Journey Home" from the musical Bombay Dreams and her voice just soars. "Harem", "Mysterious Ways" and "You Take My Breah Away" are songs that take me to dreamland. Amazing! A master piece!

Average customer rating: A good value The Sound Track Since Bernard Hermann Good mix of film music A mixed collection of movie music Uplifts your soul, takes your mind into the heavens

Varese Sarabande 25th Anniversary Celebration Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Elfman, Danny | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herrmann | Herrmann, Bernard | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Holdridge, Lee | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kamen | Kamen, Michael | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schifrin | Schifrin, Lalo | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Waxman | Waxman, Franz | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores In Session: Film Music Celebration The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music Music In Film (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium) ASIN: B00008WI90 Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

1. The Man from Snowy River (Bruce Rowland)
2. The Winds of War (Bob Cobert)
3. Blue Velvet (Angelo Badalamenti)
4. Witness (Maurice Jarre)
5. Raising Arizona (Carter Burwell)
6. Pee Wees Big Adventure (Danny Elfman)
7. Halloween (John Carpenter)
8. A Nightmare On Elm Street (Charles Bernstein)
9. The Fly (Howard Shore)
10. RoboCop (Basil Poledouris)
11. The Empire Strikes Back (John Williams)
12. The Right Stuff (Bill Conti)
13. The Final Conflict (Jerry Goldsmith)
14. The Abyss (Alan Silvestri)
15. Brainstorm (James Horner)
16. Peggy Sue Got Married (John Barry)
17. My Left Foot (Elmer Bernstein)
18. The Dead (Alex North)
19. Stanley & Iris (John Williams)
20. The Milagro Beanfield War (Dave Grusin)
21. Driving Miss Daisy (Hans Zimmer)

Tracks:

1. Steel Magnolias (Georges Delerue)
2. Unforgiven (Lennie Niehaus and Clint Eastwood)
3. Raggedy Man (Jerry Goldsmith)
4. The Grifters (Elmer Bernstein)
5. Green Card (Hans Zimmer)
6. City Slickers (Marc Shaiman)
7. Father Of The Bride (Alan Silvestri)
8. While You Were Sleeping (Randy Edelman)
9. Babe (Nigel Westlake)
10. The Adventures Of The Great Mouse Detective (Henry Mancini)
11. The Adventures of Robin Hood (Erich Wolfgang Korngold)
12. The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (Laurence Rosenthal)
13. The Secret Garden (Zbigniew Preisner)
14. A Little Princess (Patrick Doyle)
15. Rudy (Jerry Goldsmith)
16. Iron Will (Joel McNeely)
17. Memphis Belle (George Fenton)
18. Eye Of The Needle (Mikl)
19. Total Recall (Jerry Goldsmith)
20. Back To The Future Part III (Alan Silvestri)

Tracks:

1. To Die For (Danny Elfman)
2. The Player (Thomas Newman)
3. Black Robe (Georges Delerue)
4. Medicine Man (Jerry Goldsmith)
5. 2001 (Alex North)
6. Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire (Joel McNeely)
7. The Crow (Graeme Revell)
8. Blade (Mark Isham)
9. The Omen (Jerry Goldsmith)
10. Vertigo (Bernard Herrmann)
11. Scream (Marco Beltrami)
12. The Sixth Sense (James Newton Howard)
13. Xena: Warrior Princess (Joseph LoDuca)
14. Air Force One (Jerry Goldsmith)
15. Starship Troopers (Basil Poledouris)
16. The Matrix (Don Davis)
17. The Iron Giant (Michael Kamen)
18. Youve Got Mail (George Fenton)
19. A Little Romance (Georges Delerue)
20. Pleasantville (Randy Newman)

Tracks:

1. Sunset Boulevard (Franz Waxman)
2. L.A. Confidential (Jerry Goldsmith)
3. Rounders (Christopher Young)
4. The Score (Howard Shore)
5. The Replacements (John Debney)
6. Gone In 60 Seconds (Trevor Rabin)
7. The Bourne Identity (John Powell)
8. Rush Hour 2 (Lalo Schifrin)
9. XXX (Randy Edelman)
10. Die Hard (Michael Kamen)
11. The Last of the Mohicans (Trevor Jones)
12. Moby Dick (Christopher Gordon)
13. The Mists Of Avalon (Lee Holdridge)
14. Cleopatra (Alex North)
15. Life As A House (Mark Isham)
16. Emma (Rachel Portman)
17. In The Bedroom (Thomas Newman)
18. Cast Away (Alan Silvestri)
19. One True Thing (Cliff Eidelman)
20. Unfaithful (Jan A.P. Kaczmarek)
21. Far From Heaven (Elmer Bernstein)
22. Ice Age (David Newman)
23. Shrek (Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell)

Customer Reviews:

A good value.......2007-05-17

I wasn't expecting to have 4 discs for this price, and the music is a quality selection of film music, giving a good scope of the genre, and a very listenable transfer.

The Sound Track Since Bernard Hermann.......2006-07-25

This collection is bound to capture your heart and evoke a tin ear on successive tracks. I found much to like and some duds - easy to skip over.
Very good value.

Good mix of film music.......2006-07-02

Good mix of films!
I'm a big fan of this soundtrack music and will be looking for more CD's like this.

A mixed collection of movie music.......2006-02-23

For the price, this CD is a great bargain. The musical selections, as you might expect, are mixed in quality ranging from extraordinary to so so, the balance being worthwhile and interesting. Sonically the CD is excellent.

Uplifts your soul, takes your mind into the heavens.......2006-01-06

I have been listening to great scores for many years and this collection is truly inspirational in so far as the choice of different scores takes you on a journey of listening pleasure matched by only a few collections.The price is incredibly reasonable for hours of listening pleasure. Don't pass this one up

Average customer rating: Over all great score. Completely surprising Best animated film music ever! I'm so glad to have it! didn't get enough time???

Shrek: Original Motion Picture Score Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shrek 2 Shrek - Music from the Original Motion Picture Shrek 2 Shrek The Third Shrek The Third (Original Motion Picture Score) ASIN: B00005RZTY Release Date: 2001-12-04

Tracks:

1. Fairytale
2. Ogre Hunters / Fairytale Deathcamp
3. Donkey Meets Shrek
4. Eating Alone
5. Uninvited Guests
6. March of Farquuad
7. The Perfect King
8. Welcome to Duloc
9. Tournament Speech
10. What Kind of Quest
11. Dragon! / Fiona Awakens
12. One of A Kind Knight
13. Saving Donkey's Ass
14. Escape from the Dragon
15. Helmet Hair
16. Delivery Boy Shrek / Making Camp
17. Friends Journey to Duloc
18. Starry Night
19. Singing Princess
20. Better Out Than In / Sunflower / I'll Tell Him
21. Merry Men
22. Fiona Kicks Ass
23. Fiona's Secret
24. Why Wait To Be Wed / You Thought Wrong
25. Ride the Dragon
26. I Object
27. Transformation / The End

Customer Reviews:

Over all great score........2006-10-23

I've been a fan of Harry Gregson-Williams for quite some time (and to a lesser extent, John Powell). Gregson-Williams is known for working with Hans Zimmer (they worked together on the soundtrack for The Rock) and he is also known in the video gaming community for his work on the Metal Gear Solid franchise (his take on the theme, not originally composed by him, is absolutely breathtaking in both the second and third games).

So it was no shock to me that I absolutely adore his work on the Shrek franchise. I can't say much here that hasn't been said by other reviewers, but I will say that the strongest work on the soundtrack involves the more serious, epic pieces (of which there are far too few).

Stand out tracks, for me, are "Fairytale", "Escape the Dragon", "Ride the Dragon", "I Object", and "Transformation/End".

The action theme of the film is used perfectly throughout the film, but it shows up far too rarely on the disc. I'm not sure if it's actually present less, or if it was a less-is-more kind of thing when it did play in the film. Regardless, it's a beautiful composition (though it does remind me of the "hero" theme from Deep Blue Sea).

You can feel Gregson-Williams' influence on "Escape the Dragon", as there are similar pulsing electric beats that are reminiscent, to me, of his arrangement of the Metal Gear Solid 2 main theme (which to this day remains one of my favorite pieces of soundtrack music ever - it's exciting, it's patriotic, it's epic. What more does one need?)

There's also some beautiful solo guitar work on this score that's a bit reminiscent of Trevor Rabin, but excellent regardless. My only gripe is that the disc feels a bit short in running length, but I think that's because a portion of the soundtrack was dedicated to pop and rock tracks, which show up on the second album.

If you're a fan of Gregson-Williams, Powell, or just film music in general, I strongly recommend picking this disc up. It'll make you sad and it'll get your blood racing.

Completely surprising.......2006-05-24

Harry Gregson-Williams is a fairly new composer, but despite that, he is beyond comparison. (Except for John Williams and Howard Shore and Hans Zimmer). This is supposed to be an animated film, where music doesn't matter AS much. But this composer goes beyond all expectations, putting forth all his best efforts, bringing out the best in Shrek. You can hear some links from this CD to the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Harry's later work. Even by listening to the samples you can tell this music is hard to beat. I don't think Shrek would have won Best Animated Film if Gregson-Williams had not composed the music. BUY THIS CD!!!

Best animated film music ever!.......2004-03-19

Although the other reviewers are right in that there isnt a lot of music on this disc, a little over 40 minutes, it's worth the price just for the first and 25th tracks. There are so many awe inspiring tracks on this cd it's impossible to pass up. The disc opens up with a very serious and magical theme on the strings and oboe. This theme is the same one that the princess sings in her fatal duet with the bird, that track is on here too. Also, there's the memorable Welcome to Duloc theme with the child choir. Also, the fight with Robin Hood theme with some riverdance in it is on this disc. The best theme on the disc is first introduced in the escape from the dragon track, with a funky beat behind it. It's presented in it's full orchestra and choral glory in the Ride the Dragon track which is guaranteed to give you goose bumps. All in all this is a very wide ranging score with some of the most light-hearted/goofy music ever along with some of the most inspired and passionate heroic music. I can't recommend this soundtrack enough. The music of Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell added so much to Shrek, making it the best animated film I've ever seen.

I'm so glad to have it!.......2003-01-12

I'm so glad I got this score. Such a humorous film like Shrek doesn't sound like it would have so much beautiful music, but this score proves it does. The music is absolutely stunning, sometimes powerful, sometimes scary, sometimes sad and sometimes just beautiful. There are a few recurring themes, but they are great themes and sound nice in every song. Although most of the soundtrack is pretty serious, there are a few funny songs placed in, which only add to it's greatness. If, while watching Shrek, you happened to notice some of the nice themes like I did, then I suggest getting this score. It really is a great CD and I'm happy to have this part of my collection.

didn't get enough time???.......2002-12-21

This is the third score that Harry Gregson Williams and John Powell composed together and after buying "Antz" and "Chicken Run" I had high expectations. Unfortunately this score is by far not as good as their previous ones. Still good though, but especially less comfortable to listen to. Most songs are just too short. By the time the theme had captured you the song is over. Strongest part of this album is the humor Powell and Williams have used. Some endings of songs are quite "unusual", like "farquaad's speech" and "merry men", which can crack me up if I'm in a funny mood. Strongest tracks on the album are "escape from the dragon" and "fairytale". The rest of the album kinda sounds as if the composers didn't get enough time to compose the music, so they just put the pieces they already had behind each other. Too bad, because this is a duo that has a lot to offer and hopefully they will soon again, with less, but much longer tracks.

Average customer rating: EPICS THAT DO NOT DISAPPOINT Interesting selections . . . "Epics featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra ~ 60 years of film scores"

Epics: The History of the World According to Hollywood Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Alwyn | Alwyn, William | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Newman | Newman, Alfred | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Orff | Orff, Carl | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vangelis | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Waxman | Waxman, Franz | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music The Incredible Film Music Box The Magnificent Westerns The Longest Day: The Ultimate World War Movie Theme Collection ASIN: B0009KIYCW Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

1. Pre- Historic: One Million Years B.C.
2. The Ancient World: The Ten Commandments
3. The Ancient World: Alexander
4. The Ancient World: Sodom And Gomorrah
5. The Ancient World: The 300 Spartans
6. The Ancient World: Troy
7. The Ancient World: Alexander (Eternal Alexander)
8. The Might Of Rome: Quo Vadis
9. The Might Of Rome: The Robe
10. The Might Of Rome: Demetrius And The Gladiators
11. The Might Of Rome: Cleopatra
12. The Might Of Rome: Antony And Cleopatra
13. The Might Of Rome: Gladiator (Suite)
14. The Might Of Rome: Gladiator (Now We Are Free)

Tracks:

1. The Fall Of Rome: Masada
2. The Fall Of Rome: Spartacus (Main Theme)
3. The Fall Of Rome: Spartacus (Love Theme)
4. The Fall Of Rome: The Fall Of The Roman Empire (Pax Romana)
5. The Fall Of Rome: The Fall Of The Roman Empire (Overture)
6. Biblical Epics: The Greatest Story Ever Told
7. Biblical Epics: Jesus Of Nazareth
8. Biblical Epics: Ben-Hur (Parade Of The Charioteers)
9. Biblical Epics: Ben-Hur (Love Theme)
10. Biblical Epics: The Silver Chalice
11. Biblical Epics: The Passion Of The Christ
12. Medieval Europe: The War Lord
13. Medieval Europe: El Cid (Love Theme)
14. Medieval Europe: El Cid (Overture)
15. Medieval Europe: The Vikings (Suite)

Tracks:

1. Medieval Europe: Flesh & Blood
2. Medieval Europe: The Last Valley
3. Medieval Europe: Prince Valiant
4. Medieval Europe: Taras Bulba
5. Pirates & Swashbucklers: The Sea Hawk
6. Pirates & Swashbucklers: The Crimson Pirate
7. Pirates & Swashbucklers: Pirates Of The Caribbean
8. Pirates & Swashbucklers: Captain Blood
9. Kings & Queens: The Lion In The Winter
10. Kings & Queens: Henry V (1989)
11. Kings & Queens: Henry V (1944)
12. Kings & Queens: Mary Queen Of Scots
13. Kings & Queens: The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex

Tracks:

1. Heroes: Excalibur - O Fortuna
2. Heroes: First Night
3. Heroes: The Adventures Of Robin Hood: March Of The Merry Men
4. Heroes: Braveheart
5. The New Worlds: Mutiny On The Bounty
6. The New Worlds: 1492 - Conquest Of Paradise
7. The New Worlds: Captain From Castle
8. The New Worlds: The Mission
9. The New Worlds: The Alamo
10. The British Empire/The Orient: The Charge Of The Light Brigade
11. The British Empire/The Orient: Lawrence Of Arabia
12. The British Empire/The Orient: Zulu
13. The British Empire/The Orient: The Last Samurai
14. The British Empire/The Orient: Exodus

Customer Reviews:

EPICS THAT DO NOT DISAPPOINT.......2007-05-14

WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA TO TAKE HOLLYWOOD'S COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL EPIC MOVIES, EXTRACT THE BEST PORTIONS OF THE SCORES AND COMBINE THEM FROM THE DAWN OF MAN TO THE RECENT PAST. I PARTICULARLY ENJOY THE SUITES FROM GLADIATOR, BRAVEHEART AND THE VIKING. THE REPRODUCTION OF THESE SCORES BY THE CITY OF PRAGUE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS IS BRILLIANT, AND THE RECORDING WAS EXCELLENT. I ONLY WISH THERE WERE EIGHT DISCS INSTEAD OF FOUR TO COVER THE VOLUMES OF SCORES THAT COULD NOT BE INCLUDED. LET'S HOPE FOR A VOLUME II.

Interesting selections . . ........2006-12-15

This compiiation album makes an excellent gift for that person wanting to discover great, epic scores. I'm surprised, however, that Vangelis' Alexander is included in this one. Not bad, just surprised.

The reason I give this album 4 out of 5 stars is because of the swashbuckler section. How is it that CutThroat Island - one of the greatest epics in history - was scrubbed out of the list? Pirates of the Caribbean is included on the selection but nothing from Debney's masterpiece?!

Yes, that is a huge compilant. If you haven't discovered CutThroat Island, I suggest you get it then you'll understand my frustration. Still, this album is a great buy and worth looking into!

"Epics featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra ~ 60 years of film scores".......2005-09-07

When I think of the "Golden Age of Hollywood", many composers come to mind...you gave the usher your ticket in the theater and sat down, knowingly you were going to get your moneys worth...when the curtain opened and you heard those first few notes...you sat back, watched and listened as the film score and orchestra worked their magic...now we have the ultimate from Silva Screen Classics "EPICS:THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HOLLYWOOD", featuring a four disc set of the essential film scores of the past 60 years...covering several decades right and up to the present 2005.

There are compilations and then there are "Compilations" beginning with a classics that even the youngsters today recognize...sweeping scores that capture the drama, mystery, adventure, action and romance...one great cue after another, it doesn't get any better than this...many nominated and winners by the Academy for Best Original Score...

Silva Screen Classics as usual, has put quality into this 4-CD-Set featuring The City Of Prague Philarmonic Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus conducted by Kenneth Alwyn, Paul Bateman, James Fitzpatrick, Mario Klemens and Nic Raine. Recorded in "Dolby Surround" with the new technology of "HDCD", this is a "film-score-buffs" dream, one to treasure now and years to come...this collection is aimed directly at the "Serious Film Score" music fans and collectors...Silva is as always, perfect in every way...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 4-CD-Set ~ Silva America 1170 ~ (9/6/2005)

Average customer rating: A Perfect Blend of Piano Solo and Rock-N-Roll Fabulous! from Solo Piano Publications

Rockfluence Scott D. Davis Manufacturer: Scovis Music Productions ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pianotarium - Piano Tribute to Metallica Tahoma Winter Journey Eclipse: Piano Tribute to Evanescence ASIN: B000EDWW6S Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

1. Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns 'N' Roses)
2. Hotel California (Eagles)
3. My Immortal (Evanescence)
4. Nothing Else Matters (Metallica)
5. Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)
6. Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin)
7. In the End (Linkin Park)
8. Wanted Dead or Alive (Bon Jovi)
9. Open Arms (Journey)
10. The Final Countdown (Europe)
11. White Wedding (Billy Idol)
12. Scherzo (Scott D. Davis)

Product Description

Heavy Metal or Heavy Mellow? What if Slash, Kirk Hammet, or Richie Sambora learned the piano instead of guitar? It would have sounded something like this... Pianist Scott D. Davis reveals his rock roots with his latest CD "Rockfluence", performing some of his favorite rock songs, guitar solos and all, with nothing but a solo grand piano. Includes songs originally recorded by Guns 'N' Roses, The Eagles, Evanescence, Metallica, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Linkin Park, Bon Jovi, Journey, Europe, Billy Idol, and one Scott D. Davis original.

Customer Reviews:

A Perfect Blend of Piano Solo and Rock-N-Roll.......2006-06-30

Scott's music is soothing as well as entertaining, emotional as well as inspiring, gentle as well as invigorating. You have to listen to it to catch the blend and beauty of his work.

Fabulous!.......2006-02-20

I just purchased this CD today, and song after song I just smile and think "this is so beautiful", and it's mostly original hard rock songs, it's like an oxymoron but it is wonderful. My 7 year old daughter doesn't know the songs originally, and she kept saying how the songs were bringing tears to her eyes. I got this CD after hearing him at the Galleria Mall in Roseville, Ca. because it was so awe inspiring as he played. I wanted to share it with my family, especially my 5 year old who can play music on the piano from ear, which aparently is how Scott started playing himself, and I wanted his music to be an influence to her. He is a true inspiration. Thank you, Scott, for sharing your talent with us.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2006-02-07

Pianist/composer Scott D. Davis has been referred to as "the rocker of new age/contemporary classical music" for a couple of years now. When fellow pianist/composer David Nevue introduced Davis as such at a Whisperings Solo Piano Radio concert something resonated within him. He had been urged for years to record an album of recognizable cover music, but he resisted, preferring to record his own original material. Somehow, Nevue's introduction freed Davis to return to the music that helped shape his energetic performing style and to create solo piano arrangements of some of his favorites. It's a wide-ranging collection spanning thirty-two years of rock and metal music from 1971's "Stairway to Heaven" (Led Zeppelin) to 2003's "My Immortal" (Evanescence). Davis stays true to the spirit of the originals, and yet makes them his own. Actually, there is one piece on the album that is newer than 2003 - Davis' own "Scherzo." Most of the twelve tracks are intense and rather dark - no bubble-gum teeny-bopper stuff here - so it's obviously geared for a more mature audience. Even though I can remember just some of the words to the oldies that I grew up with and wasn't familiar with the more recent hits, I thoroughly enjoy this album. There should be at least one song here that just about anyone can say, "Oooh! I love that song!"

"Rockfluence" opens with "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses, a song full of rock-style tenderness and love. "Hotel California" is given a full almost-eight minute treatment that is very true to the original. "My Immortal" by Evanescence is a quieter slow-dance ballad that Davis fills with passion. "Nothing Else Matters" from Metallica is dark and very intense - a beautiful arrangement! I couldn't quite imagine "Stairway to Heaven" as a piano solo, but it works well! I really like the mystery and drive of "Wanted Dead or Alive" from Bon Jovi. "Open Arms" from Journey is one of my favorite songs from the early `80's, and Davis keeps it warm and loving - also a great arrangement! Another favorite is Europe's "The Final Countdown," a powerful, emotionally charged song with a gorgeous melody. Billy Idol's "White Wedding" really rocks, leading up to the closing track, Davis' own "Scherzo," a musical term that means "joke." I first heard this impressive piece in a live setting, and it really makes people sit up and take notice! Davis' fingers fly all over the piano with the various themes of the piece, which range from slow and almost sedate to a wild and crazy romp that makes me think of chase scenes in old movies. "Scherzo" clearly demonstrates Scott Davis' playing chops as well as his musical sense of humor. Fun!

"Rockfluence" is truly a musical good time, showing what these rock classics sound like stripped down to one instrument and no vocals. Good stuff!

Average customer rating: The movie it ain't! Dances With Wolves Dances With Wolves Soundtrack not all SACD are surround SACD, but NO surround sound

Dances with Wolves: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack [SACD] Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dances with Wolves Dances With Wolves: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Out Of Africa: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack Braveheart: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Last Of The Mohicans: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B00004THDI Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

1. Main Title - Looks Like a Suicide
2. John Dunbar Theme
3. Journey to Fort Sedgewick
4. Ride to Fort Hays
5. Death of Timmons
6. Two Socks - The Wolf Theme
7. Pawnee Attack
8. Kicking Bird's Gift
9. Journey to the Buffalo Killing Ground
10. Buffalo Hunt
11. Stands With a Fist Remembers
12. Love Theme
13. John Dunbar Theme
14. Two Socks at Play
15. Death of Cisco
16. Rescue of Dances With Wolves
17. Loss of the Journal/The Return to Winter Camp
18. Farewell and End Title

Customer Reviews:

The movie it ain't!.......2007-06-21

I purchased this SACD after reading the glowing reviews and was disappointed when I listened to the recording. Despite being the soundtrack to a VERY LONG film, there was very little contrast in the 18 offerings on the disc. Unlike numerous classical SACDs that have greatly moved me, "Dances With Wolves" merely lulled me to sleep.

Dances With Wolves.......2006-03-03

this wonderfull score is the bast score of all time. You must have this score in your movie music collection.

Dances With Wolves Soundtrack.......2005-09-23

This is beautiful haunting music. One of the best all-time movie scores.

not all SACD are surround.......2005-05-05

I just wanted to let everyone know who read that review that he doesnt know what he is talking about. Yes this is a STEREO only SACD. SACD was first made only in stereo. There was no surround or hybrid SACD. And if you listen to SACD dont buy the regular CD this will blow it away.Im not trying to be mean just stating the facts. Ive been listining to SACD since 1999 when sony released this format and when I heard Billy Joel I was hooked. Have fun and buy them all because Sony is thinking of not doing SACD anymore and that would be awful.

SACD, but NO surround sound.......2005-02-13

Very nice music - nothing wrong with that.
But.... this is a stereo CD. It has SACD written all over it and my new Denon DVD-3910 DVD player does recognise this as an SACD, but it only has 2 channels, instead of 5.1. I do own several other SACD's and these DO play 5.1 channel. Very strange....
So perhaps it's smarter to order the Stereo CD, the one with the special bonus tracks (Dances with Wolves (Special Extended Edition).

Average customer rating: Absolutely exquisite... A Journey of the Heart

My Architect: A Son's Journey Manufacturer: Commotion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ketèlbey, Albert William | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: My Architect: A Son's Journey I.M. Pei - First Person Singular/The Museum on the Mountain Einstein: His Life and Universe ASIN: B00029J1YA Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

1. Adagio (Opening Titles)
2. Penn Station
3. Beginnings...
4. The Mystery Of Louis Kahn
5. Arty Stride
6. Happy Returns
7. Burns
8. Flying To Salk
9. The Brick
10. Fanfare For The Common Man
11. American Hymn I
12. Travel Waltz
13. Letter To Harriet
14. Chez Louis
15. Hayom T'Amtzeinu
16. The Nomad
17. American Hymn Ii
18. Dhaka
19. Call To Prayer
20. Suite For Louis Kahn

Album Description

Joseph Vitarelli's (THE LAST SEDUCTION, SHE'S SO LOVELY, COMMANDMENTS) lush, orchestral score evokes a contemplative, playful, and sometimes haunting reflection of filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn's journey to piece together the life of his absent father, renowned architect Louis I. Kahn.

The MY ARCHITECT soundtrack also features two vocal performances: the devotional "Call to Prayer" (a striking solo by a Muslim muezzin recorded on location at the mosque in Kahn's monumental National Assembly Building of Bangladesh) and the celebratory Hebrew hymn "Hayom Tamtzeinu" rendered with fervor by a cantor originally from Kahn's home city of Philadelphia. Included also on the soundtrack is a taped snippet of Louis Kahn himself in the visionary moment captured in a track called 'The Brick.'

The documentary MY ARCHITECT was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and won the hearts of audiences and critics alike, placing it on a large number of best film of the year lists.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely exquisite..........2005-02-21

An amazing film. I have never witnessed anything so inspiring. Nathaniel Kahn could have crafted a scathing--horrible even--portrayal of his father. Instead, this movie attempts to understand...rather than be understood. Only two things I wanted to know after watching: 1) What does Nathaniel Kahn do for a living? Is he an architect like his father? 2) Does Nathaniel Kahn have a family? Wife? Kids? Not that it matters but it would have been interesting to see, given his fractious almost non-existent relationship with his father, how this affected his own life choices.

A Journey of the Heart.......2004-11-23

You will never hear such a beautiful expression of all the emotions that have taken a lifetime to experience when you listen to The Architect Soundtrack.

The movie was so wonderful. The "forgotten" son searching for the Father who was an architectural genius but lacked all the ability to express his feelings to humans, yet expressed it all in his architecture. An amazing man. His buildings will go on forever and his son has paid him the greatest love by trying to understand his father, through all the pain he caused the people who loved him, by making this film and putting it to the most marvelous music you can imagine. Please buy this albumn and do get the DVD movie. You will not regret it. I only wish I could shake the hand of Nathaniel Kahn and tell him the true joy his film brought to me, and Joseph Vitarelli's music brought tears to my heart. An extraordinary film and soundtrack.

Average customer rating: Hey, wait a minute..... hey, matthew--who was the blonde? A personal favorite Undeserved Obscurity Strong Prog-Pop

Journey's End/I'll Be There Matthew Fisher Manufacturer: Bgo - Beat Goes on ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Matthew Fisher/Strange Days No More Fear of Flying Within Our House Broken Barricades Something Magic ASIN: B00004W3ML Release Date: 2000-09-11

Tracks:

1. Suzanne
2. Going for a Song
3. Play the Game
4. Separation (Theme from the Film)
5. Hard to Be Sure
6. Marie
7. Not This Time
8. Interlude
9. Journey's End, Pt. 1
10. Journey's End, Pt. 2
11. It's Not Too Late
12. Not Her Fault
13. Song Without Words
14. Taking the Easy Way Out
15. She Knows Me
16. It's So Easy
17. Do You Still Think About Me?
18. Cold Harbour Lane
19. I'll Be There

Album Description

Two 70's era albums by the Procol Harum keyboardist, remastered and reissued on one CD, 'Journey's End' (1973) and 'I'll Be There' (1974). Remastered from original master tapes. Additional sleeve notes. Faithfully restored artwork. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

1973 & 1974 RCA Albums Reissued Together on One CD (29 Tracks). Fisher is Best Remembered for his Keyboard Playing on Procol Harum's Classic 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'.

Customer Reviews:

Hey, wait a minute............2006-11-01

It figures, doesn't it? JOURNEY'S END, Matthew's first solo album, features some great tunes: "Suzanne," "Interlude" and "Journey's End" are all wonderful. However, my favorite tune on the album, "Not This Time" appears to be either an alternate version or a re-recorded version. Either way, it's certainly not as good as the original version. Why this song was replaced with an inferior version is beyond me.

Having said that, it's nice to see these albums see the light of day on CD. JOURNEY'S END is perhaps the stronger of the two, featuring nice melodies with bitter lyrics of lost love and/or contempt for his former bandmates in Procol Harum.

I'LL BE THERE continues the theme of bitterness and lost love, but this time the tunes rock a lot harder. "It's Not Too Late" is certainly the most aggressive thing Fisher's written since "Long Gone Geek" from his Procol days. "It's So Easy" and "I'll Be There" are also good.

All in all this CD is well worth hearing, especially to those of you who thought Procol Harum was entirely Gary Brooker's project.

hey, matthew--who was the blonde?.......2005-06-06

Matthew Fisher was the "especially fine organist" (cited by Lillian Roxon's Encyclopedia of Rock) who perennially played second banana to Gary Brooker in the band Procol Harum.

"Journey's End/I'll Be There" chronicles the two albums that began Fisher's solo career from 1973-4. "Journey's End" begins with "Suzanne", a sprightly number with downcast lyrics, showing Fisher's by now familiar Byronic sensitivity, spiced by a more upbeat pop accompaniment than ever would be found on a Procol Harum album.

The combination worked, because as a whole, "Journey's End" is better than many if not most of the Procol Harum albums. There is a perfectionist's ear in the fine arrangements of the songs, which form a kind of musical suite, as they fit together so seamlessly. Fisher is also revealed as a fine player, whether he is playing organ, piano, electric piano, or guitar.

"I'll Be There" is possibly even a better showcase for Fisher's diverse talents. Tracks like "It's Not Too Late" and "It's So Easy" rock out with bitter sarcasm and vocals reminiscent of John Lennon. Other songs such as "Not Her Fault" and "Do You Still Think About Me" focus on self-pity, although musically they are pretty and well composed, like 19th century paintings.

Matthew Fisher was never destined for rock stardom; with his temperament, he was probably too refined for that sort of thing. But, he created a few musical artifacts which anyone who appreciates things that are finely crafted should be able to enjoy.

A personal favorite.......2003-12-04

Probably sentimental favorite from college. Journey's End was solid and enjoyable all the way through. I'll Be There has some forgettable tracks but some very good ones as well and the title track is a hoot. I think Fisher had a real nice feel for singer-songwriter style pop. The keyboards are terrific and he writes solid lyrics. The tunes are varied and memorable. His only real drawback was the lack of a strong voice, but he covers that up with studio magic. I was delighted to find this in such good quality!

Undeserved Obscurity.......2003-08-19

For fans of the old Procol Harum, the trinity of Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher and Keith Reid was the foundation of one of the greatest bands to come out of the 1960s. Fisher, with his captivating organ, was the heart of the band while Brooker with his incomparable vocals and piano was its soul. Reid, with his brooding, often inscrutable lyrics was its guiding spirit. When Fisher left, the heart was torn from Procol Harum and it went on to fame and fortune as a quite different kind of band.
What then happened to Matthew Fisher? I like almost all of Procol Harum's line-ups, but with Fisher gone so was the ineffable aura of baroque melancholy which surrounded the band.
When Fisher left, I watched the record stores for any solo releases and was delighted when Journey's End was issued shortly followed by I'll Be There.
I was instantly enthralled by some of the songs on each of them but was sorely disappointed in the [weak]top-40 style commerciality of some of the others. So his albums eventually languished in my record room unheard and unappreciated.
Fisher recently rejoined Procol Harum, I saw them on tour, and that re-awakened my interest in his solo material. So I purchased all of his remastered CDs as featured on this site.
Journey's End features two songs instantly evocative of his work with Procol Harum. "Separation" is a wonderful instrumental that could have come from Procol Harum's first album, while "Hard To Be Sure" is a fine bit of introspection worthy of Fisher's A Salty Dog period.
Hearing the album again today with new ears, I also really like "Suzanne", his declaration of independence and self-worth on "Play The Game", "Marie", "Not This Time", and his bitter rant directed at Gary Brooker on the glorious title track.
The whiny, self-pitying "Going For A Song" knocks a star off of an otherwise fine album. Matthew, please don't ever play that song again, I can't stand to hear it.
I'll Be There is a much edgier album though at times it too wallows in Fisher's morass of self-despair.
There are a couple of excellent rockers with "It's Not Too Late" and "It's So Easy", the obligatory instrumental on "Song Without Words", and a bitter anthem in "I'll Be There". I also like "Taking The Easy Way Out" and "Cold Harbour Lane".
The maudlin "She Knows Me" and "Do You Still Think About Me" knock a star off of this album.
Fisher is a fine musician and a talented, thoughtful writer of intelligent songs when not feeling sorry for himself. His work has suffered undeserved obscurity which may yet be remedied now that he is back where he belongs with Procol Harum and their star is once again ascendant. Perhaps the band will record some of the best of both Fisher's and Brooker's solo work.
You wouldn't be reading a review of this CD if Matthew Fisher's music did not interest you on some level, so if you don't yet own this, buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Strong Prog-Pop.......2003-06-18

As virtually everybody that might be reading this review knows, Matthew Fisher was the organist for prog pioneers Procol Harum from 1967-1969, playing on the band's first three albums, and leaving (or getting fired) right after the masterful "A Salty Dog". "Journey's End", his first solo album, was released in 1973; "I'll Be There" was released the following year.
"Journey's End" is probably the inferior of the pair, although it has its highlights, namely the beautiful instrumental "Separation", the stirring, anthemic two-part title track. The album, though, is hurt by the leaden rhythm section, especially the drummer, and Fisher's rather bland, repetitious lyrics, although it's important to remember that in 1973 he was still quite bitter about being fired from Procol, and it definitely shows. (There are some impressive invectives directed at Procol leader Gary Brooker in the title track and "Going for a Song", among others.)
"I'll Be There" is, in my opinion, better, although it's nice both albums are available on one disc. Fisher's songwriting is much stronger, in particular the rocking "It's So Easy", which has an amazingly catchy Beatlesque guitar hook. The production is somewhat rawer and more bracing than the previous album (which, to me, is an improvement, but may irritate some listeners), but there are some nice touches, such as the dreamy, delicate electric piano and chorused guitar drifting through the diaphanous ballads "Taking the Easy Way Out" and "Do You Still Think About Me?". The rhythm section is also much more limber and fluid; in particular, bassist Jim Ryan displays a Jack Bruce-like rhythmic and melodic imagination on the punchy "Cold Harbour Lane", as well as elsewhere on the album. Fisher's lyrics are also an improvement; while there are still good-sized doses of self-pitying and/or "girl don't go" songs, there's a much wider range, from the incredibly hateful title track (sample: I'll be there to watch you wriggling as you burn/I'll be there to give the knife an extra turn), supposedly written about Richard Nixon, and the melancholy introspection of "Taking the Easy Way Out", to the wry, cynical "It's So Easy". Still, there are quibbles; Fisher's reedy, choirboy tenor isn't particularly suited to the raucous "It's Not Too Late", and the lush strings on "Not Her Fault" skirt muzak territory, although Fisher's outstanding organ solo saves the song from maudlin sentimentality. Nothing on either of these two albums is up to the standards of, say, "Pilgrim's Progress" or "Wreck of the Hesperus", but it's still some damn good prog-pop from an undeservedly unknown talent, and it proves once and for all that Fisher's more than "that guy that played organ on A Whiter Shade of Pale".

Rock Music:

1. Jumpin' in the Night [Import]
2. June 17, 2002 St. Louis, MO: On the Road [Live]
3. June 18, 2002 St. Louis, MO: On the Road [Live]
4. June 19, 2002 St. Louis, MO: On the Road [Live]
5. June 26, 2002 Memphis, TN: On the Road [Live]
6. June 27, 2002 Little Rock, AR: On the Road [Live]
7. June 28, 2002 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: On the Road [Live]
8. June 29, 2002 Kansas City, MO: On the Road [Live]
9. Leave No Ashes [Import]
10. Legion of Boom [Import]

Rock Music