Days Of Summer

1. Better Day

2. Haven

3. Days of Summer

4. Right Here

5. Fall Away

6. Walk the Line

7. Watch the World

8. Paintbox

9. Golden Leaves

Days Of Summer,Now Is Now,A Lot of Records,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: The Beach Boys at their Best The Bridge to "Pet Sounds" Side 2 of Today is a Masterpiece and so is I'm Bugged at my Old Man Simply the best Two great albums :]

Today/ Summer Days (and Summer Nights) The Beach Boys Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Surf Rock | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Little Deuce Coupe/ All Summer Long Surfer Girl/Shut Down, Vol. 2 Friends/20/20 Smiley Smile/Wild Honey Surfin' Safari/Surfin' U.S.A. ASIN: B00005A1N2 Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

1. Do You Wanna Dance
2. Good To My Baby
3. Don't Hurt My Little Sister
4. When I Grow Up (To Be A Man)
5. Help Me, Rhonda - (LP version)
6. Dance, Dance, Dance
7. Please Let Me Wonder
8. I'm So Young
9. Kiss Me Baby
10. She Knows Me Too Well
11. In The Back Of My Mind
12. Bull Session With "Big Daddy"
13. The Girl From New York City
14. Amusement Parks U.S.A
15. Then I Kissed Her
16. Salt Lake City
17. Girl Don't Tell Me
18. Help Me, Rhonda - (single version)
19. California Girls
20. Let Him Run Wild
21. You're So Good To Me
22. Summer Means New Love
23. I'm Bugged At My Ol' Man
24. And Your Dreams Come True
25. Little Girl I Once Knew, The - (stereo track, single version)
26. Dance, Dance, Dance - (stereo, bonus alternate take)
27. I'm So Young - (bonus track, alternate take)
28. Let Him Run Wild - (stereo, bonus track, alternate take)
29. Graduation Day - (bonus track, studio version)

Amazon.com essential recording

Put simply, this is the Beach Boys at their mid-'60s prime. Ironically, the band's greatest evolutionary leap was spurred by its leader, Brian Wilson, who decided to drop out of the band's live performances after a December 1964 nervous breakdown to concentrate on honing the Beach Boys' studio sound. With Wilson's productions gaining a significant new depth and confidence (note the innovative modulations on "Dance, Dance, Dance"), the first half of Today seems a logical, upbeat step forward from its predecessors. But it's the album's second act that steals the show, setting the stage for the triumph of Pet Sounds. Indeed, it's easy to imagine gorgeous, introspective tracks such as "Please Let Me Wonder," "She Knows Me Too Well," and "In the Back of My Mind" intertwined with the best of Sounds. Set against that standard, the follow-up, Summer Days, feels like a step backward, despite the presence of another Wilson world-beater production, "California Girls," and the band's second No. 1 single, "Help Me, Rhonda." Ever pressured by commercial concerns, Wilson and the band created what was in essence the true follow-up to the All Summer Long album. Still, there's a level of musical sophistication to tracks such as "The Girl from New York City," the Phil Spector tribute "Then I Kissed Her," and especially "Girl Don't Tell Me" and "Let Him Run Wild." Reissued (with 24-bit digital remastering) in a long out-of-print twofer edition to mark the band's 40th anniversary and Lifetime Achievement Grammy, this set features several bonus tracks as well as the insightful notes of David Leaf (The Beach Boys and the California Myth). Bonus cuts include the spectacular "The Little Girl I Once Knew" and revealing outtakes of "Dance, Dance, Dance," "I'm So Young," and "Let Him Run Wild," along with a studio version of a song previously only available on the Beach Boys Concert collection, "Graduation Day." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

The Beach Boys at their Best.......2007-07-02

After reading a lot of the reviews, I began to think I'm one of the few people left around that actually am a fan of just about everything the Beach Boys did starting from day one up to Pet Sounds. After Pet Sounds, the Beach Boys to me stopped sounding like the Beach Boys and evolved into something completely different. Apparently, for a lot of fans they didn't really get interested until Pet Sounds. Truly this was a landmark recording with the Beach Boys at a creative high point, but sounding less & less like the band that their fans had grown to love in the previous years. This CD however is a special package in that it gives you the best of everything. In these recordings they still sound like the Beach Boys with their trademark musical sound & vocals, but with the benefit of Brians genius production & writing skills and the groups collective years of experience on the road and in the studio. As you listen though, as many others have said you begin to get clues of where Brian was going musically and the changes that were happening in the music industry as a whole. The very first 45 and recording I ever bought was, "Little Deuce Coupe/Surfer Girl". That was the sound that made them, and that was the sound that most of the world loves them for. Even though the early albums are a little immature and slightly rough, remember that they were basically a teenage garage band from Hawthorne, California whose youngest member was around 12 or 13 years old at the start!They came a longgggg way in a short time, and if you listen to each of the albums chronologically, you will see the talent all the way through. If you love the Beach Boys for their original sound, you will love these albums. There are great extra tracks on all of these re-released CD's, some of which will find you wondering why you haven't heard them until now. Worth the money for sure!

The Bridge to "Pet Sounds".......2007-03-01

Many people in 1966 thought that "Pet Sounds" was some kind of departure from Brian Wilson's previous work. That's because they didn't listen to these two albums, particularly "Today!" closely enough. Side two of that album (in the original vinyl) was, for those who sought it, a clear indication of Brian's thinking and a signpost for what was to come.

Side 2 of Today is a Masterpiece and so is I'm Bugged at my Old Man.......2007-01-30

Side 2 of Today is equal to Pet Sounds for quality and songwriting.

Summer Days is fun and the last blast at surf/amusement park stuff, I'm Bugged at my Old Man is worth the price of admission, you have to hear it to believe it. Also contains the great "Let Him Run Wild" that for some odd reason didn't make it onto the Box Set "Good Vibrations", so a BB fan will need this CD.

Simply the best.......2007-01-18

this CD proves that these guys were more than just surf band--they were the pinacle of pop music in the 60's and beyond. Who else wrote such beautiful melodies and rich harmonies with instrumental back-up with such finesse than Brian Wilson? Buy this CD and forget about the "best-of" compilations. I went for years thinking that I had heard the "best-of" before buying actual albums in their entirety. It was only then that I discovered that pretty much everything they did was "the Best"! I love these guys!

Two great albums :].......2007-01-16

The Beach Boys really created two awsome albums here. Both carry unique songs which do hint to the later creativity they come up with afterwards in their careers (Pet Sounds). The songs carry great arrangements, great vocals, and just simple messages. I recommend this disc along with Pet Sounds and Friends/20/20

Average customer rating:

Jerry Hadley - Golden Days - Tenor hits from the Golden Age of Operetta Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romberg, Sigmund | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The World Is Beautiful: Viennese Operetta Arias In the Real World Famous Opera Duets Jerry Hadley: Vienna When I Grow Too Old to Dream ASIN: B000003FQQ Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

1. Song of the Vagabonds
2. I'm Falling in Love With Someone
3. Streets of New York
4. Neapolitan Love Song
5. Desert Song/One Alone
6. Every Day Is Ladies' Day with Me
7. Donkey Serenade
8. Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise
9. Drinking Song
10. When You're Away
11. I Love to Go Swimmin' With Wimmin
12. I Might Be Your Once-In-A-While
13. Marianne
14. Serenade
15. Indian Summer
16. When I Grow Too Old to Dream
17. Gypsy Love Song
18. Golden Days - Jerry Hadley, Mario Lanza

Average customer rating: Simply Pop Fantastic! responding to a hater rocket summer! Rocker Summer Sizzles

Calendar Days The Rocket Summer Manufacturer: Militia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hello, Good Friend The Early Years EP Do You Feel The Everglow This Is Where You Belong ASIN: B000089IYL Release Date: 2003-02-25

Tracks:

1. Cross My Heart
2. Skies So Blue
3. This Is Me
4. Saturday
5. She's My Baby
6. That's So You
7. Mean Thoughts And Cheap Shots
8. Movie Stars And Super Models
9. What We Hate, We Make
10. TV Family

Customer Reviews:

Simply Pop.......2006-04-04

This is one of the better truely pop albums that i have heard in a while. The song structure is quite simple and the time signature not all that complex. but it's a very refreshing change from bands that try to showcase complexity and forget their average listener. The songs are undeniably catchy without having the lyrics being too intuitive. while they don't sound exactly like copeland they are similar and if your a fan of copeland or mae it's pretty good bet that you'll like these guys too.

Fantastic!.......2006-01-07

First of all, I just want to let the reviewer a number of reviews below that I have heard Mae and Copeland (in fact I have albums from both of them right here), and I agree that The Rocket Summer DOES NOT sound like them. However, I disagree with your idea that because Bryce does not sound like Mae or Copeland than he sucks. It is close-minded to listen to not like a singer because he doesn't sound like the typical singer you enjoy. Bryce has an incredible voice. My best description is that he sounds like Michael Jackson on crack. That may sound like an insult, but Michael Jackson on crack sounds awesome! He is an amazing songwriter and has put together some incredible music here. It is unfortunate that one critic thinks that anyone who likes this music must be musically ignorant. Well, I am not musically ignorant. I am a musician and I listen to a varied music selection. Music is very deeply apart of me. I don't like every band or singer I here. This particular person, Bryce Avary, has amazing talent. The fact that there are people with closed-minds and a chip on their shoulder doesn't negate the fact that this is truly music. It makes sense that negative people would want to attack music that is extremely positive. What kind of person that is living a sad life wants to come on and congradulate someone who is full of positive energy and enthusiasm. They would most likely despise him, and thats sad. I don't mean to judge the first of the critics below, but I've seen many, many similar critiques (if they can be called that) of other artists by sad, unhappy people.

Buy this album, and the latest "Hello, Good Friend". Give it a chance to grow on you. If you are very passionate about music, like me, then I'm asking you to trust me. This one is well worth it.


(sorry for any errors. I tend to skip words without realizing it)

responding to a hater.......2005-12-10

Were it not for the fact that this album is quite listenable - and indeed enjoyable - I would be tempted to give this five stars just to spite Adam Lindsley, the profoundly closed-minded and musically stunted spawn of the 1970's music scene who gave it one star in his review. He lambasts this album, citing the decline in music sice the 90's (when, presumably, he listened to such musically intellectual bands as INXS or some such repetitive dance music nonsense).

I might feel a modicum of guilt for giving this album a good review simply for the sake of argument. Thank God that the Rocket Summer deserves the five stars it seems to be almost universally getting. What Lindsley passes off as garbage is simply a new and different style that obviously does not appeal to him. And that's just fine... or it would be if he kept his disrespect off of a forum such as amazon.

This album is quite a pleasing listen, nice, warm, and laid back. It is peaceful music, and, as another reviewer noted, it is for those who haven't been jaded into thinking that upbeat and optimistic lyrics are a sign of immaturity. I would highly recommend it for anyone searching for something new, something that they can feel good while listening to. Just say no to disgruntled 70's-music-wannabe's and pick up this album. You won't regret it.

rocket summer!.......2005-07-28

this is definitely an amazing cd. i love it so much! if you're into indie, get this. please, get this. the lyrics might be high school level but it's just an amazing CD that almost everyone can rock out to. seriously, get it. it's just a great CD.

Rocker Summer Sizzles.......2005-05-26

I recently stumbled acrossed this band a few days ago. I would have to say that I'm quite impressed with their effort. I have yet to hear their first cd or the new one that came out a fews days ago, but if they sound anything like Calendar Days, then I'll be buying them as well.

If you like the indie rock, emo sound then this is a cd to get you started.

Well most people will say and i'll agreel Lyically they aren't as good as someone such as Copeland or Mae, but then again they sound completely different all together. With the expections of "cheap shots and TV family" most of the lyrics seems to be writted for high schoolers. The song titled Saturday says it all. The tracks just have a carefree, immature style to them. But hey it still works... for the most part. It's a great cd to pop in the car and just drive.

The vocals aren't as clean as I think they could have been. Some peopole complain about the lead's whining, straining. FOr me it's actually what i liked about the songs. He sings his heart out, in tune or not. Another great thing, is something that I find rare; the music(the tempo, sounds etc) actually supplments the lyrics and the vocals. It's seems the wrote the lyrics to a track, rather than adding a track to lyrics if that makes sense.

Stand Out tracks: TV Family, Mean Thoughts and Cheap Shots, What we Hate We Make, and This is me.

There are 1 or 2 filler tracks on the cd, but tother than that, I think the cd is pretty good. I would somewhat recommend.

Average customer rating: not enough Galway Too Good to Last

Henry Mancini -The Ultimate Collection James Galway Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rota, Nino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Easy Listening & Lounge | Box Sets | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: James Galway & Henry Mancini In The Pink Ultimate Mancini The Wind Beneath My Wings Greatest Hits The Very Best of James Galway ASIN: B0000071UZ Release Date: 1995-12-06

Tracks:

1. Pink Panther Theme - Plas Johnson, Henry Mancini & His Orchestra
2. Moon River
3. Days of Wine and Roses
4. Baby Elephant Walk
5. Theme from Hatari
6. Charade - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
7. Thorn Birds Theme - National Philharmonic Orchestra
8. Blue Satin
9. Two for the Road
10. Mr Lucky
11. Theme from the Molly Maguires - National Philharmonic Orchestra
12. Moment to Moment
13. As Time Goes By - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
14. Shot in the Dark
15. Misty
16. Theme from Love Story
17. Pennywhistle Jig - National Philharmonic Orchestra
18. Everything I Do (I Do It for You) - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
19. Moonlight Sonata
20. Tender Is the Night - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
21. Theme from "Mommie Dearest" - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
22. Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head
23. Crazy World
24. Mona Lisa

Tracks:

1. Peter Gunn
2. Unchained Melody - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
3. Summer Knows
4. Experiment in Terror
5. Windmills of Your Mind
6. Till There Was You
7. Speedy Gonzales - Henry Mancini,
8. Sweetheart Tree
9. Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet
10. Dream a Little Dream of Me
11. Lonesome
12. Pie in the Face Polka - National Philharmonic Orchestra
13. Love Is a Many Splendored Thing
14. By the Time I Get to Phoenix
15. Dear Heart
16. Charade [Opening Titles]
17. Shadow of Your Smile
18. One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) - Henry Mancini, Henry Mancini
19. Breakfast at Tiffany's
20. That Old Black Magic
21. Evergreen
22. Midnight Cowboy

Album Description

1995 compilation on RCA Victor featuring 46 of the composer's finest & most memorable recordings from 1956-1991on two digitally remastered, full color picture CDs. Contains 'The Pink Panther Theme', 'Moon River', 'A Shot In The Dark', Wine And Roses', 'Baby Elephant Walk', 'Peter Gunn', 'Everything I Do (I Do It For You)', 'Mona Lisa', 'Unchained Melody', 'Midnight Cowboy' and much more. Well over two hours of easy listening ecstasy! Double slimline jewel case. The full title is 'In The Pink: The Ultimate Collection'.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Double Anthology of the Pop and Soundtrack Composer from the 50's and 60's. Perhaps his Best Counterpart of Today Would Be John Williams. A Film Maker Could Always Rely on Mancini to Deliver a Composition that Hit the Mark for a Film and Conveyed Exactly What was Required and More. He also Filled the Role of an American Mantovani, Recording 'muzak' Versions of Popular Hits. He was Handsome, Personable, but Most of All, Well Respected for his Craft.

Customer Reviews:

not enough Galway.......2003-10-02

There are only four songs with James Galway. The way this recording is presented is misleading and buyers should be aware that this is NOT a joint effort between these two great artists.. I was totally disappointed. I think Henry Mancini is wonderful but was expecting to hear a collaboration. So if you're looking for flute music this isn't it. However it's a great collecton of Henry Mancini's work.

Too Good to Last.......2000-03-03

I heard this on PBS. Galway and Mancini may be two of the most talented musicians of our century. Galway for his complete mastery of the flute and Mancini for his ability to arrange , produce and in this instance direct the orchestra while Galway performs. They do several duets of a comical nature as well. This is important because it is one of Mancini's last efforts prior to his unfortunate passing.

Average customer rating: Relive you movie experiences

The Ultimate Movie Music Collection Erich Kunzel Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Incredible Film Music Box Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores Simply the Best Movie Themes Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 ASIN: B000BFH26Y Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

1. The Imperial March: The Empire Strikes Back
2. Main Theme: Jurassic Park
3. Main Title: Shakespeare In Love
4. Themes: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
5. Main Title: The Last Of The Mohicans
6. Theme: The Godfather
7. Unchained Melody: Ghost
8. Theme: Goldfinger
9. We're Losing Him: Somewhere In Time
10. Space Camp
11. Opening And Closing Titles: Henry V
12. Theme: The Thorn Birds
13. Suite: Moonwalker
14. The Time Of Your Life: A Bugs Life

Tracks:

1. Batman Theme: Batman
2. Bicycle Chase: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
3. Suite: Independance Day
4. Love Theme: Romeo & Juliet
5. Theme: Back To The Future
6. End Credits: Contact
7. Theme: Breakfast At Tiffany's
8. Main Theme: Star Trek
9. May It Be And Themes: Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Ring
10. Love Theme: Cousins
11. Sean's Theme: Minority Report
12. I Will Wait From You: The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg
13. Theme: Rocky
14. The Sand Volcano: The Mummy
15. The Raider's March: Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Tracks:

1. Theme: Mission Impossible
2. Casablanca Suite
3. Book Of Days: Far And Away
4. Love Theme: Superman
5. Tara's Theme: Gone With The Wind
6. Don't Mess With: Z
7. Main Title: The Mask Of Zorro
8. Finale: Victor / Victoria
9. Carol Ann's Theme: Poltergeist
10. Love Theme: Star Wars: Episode ll: Attack Of The Clones
11. Main Theme: Willow
12. Main Title: Star Trek ll: The Wrath Of Kahn
13. MAin Theme: On Golden Pond
14. Theme: A Summer Place
15. Theme: Chariots Of Fire

Tracks:

1. Iceberg!
2. Back To Titanic
3. Main Themes: Hook
4. Theme: Pink Panther
5. Lara's: Doctor Zhivago
6. Theme: Love Story
7. Right Stuff
8. Theme: Jaws
9. When You Believe: The Prince Of Egypt
10. Smile: Modern Times
11. The Apollo 13 Mission
12. Re-Entry And Splashdown: Apollo 13
13. Main Title: Beetlejuice
14. War: Pearl Harbor
15. Cavatina: The Deer Hunter
16. Throne Room And End Title: Star Wars: Episode lV: A New Hope

Customer Reviews:

Relive you movie experiences.......2006-01-24

This collection of movie themes, will allow you to relive the chilling experiences from practically all (4 CDs)of the great movies. Great movies would not be great without great music. The Cincinnati Pop with Eric Kunzel are unbeatable recordings. Every minute is more beautiful and inspiring to the next. If you love Pops music, this is the begin all, end all.

Average customer rating: More does not necessarily mean better

The Boston Pops: Romance Classics Alex North , Marvin Hamlisch , Johnny Alfred Mandel , Henry Mancini , Michel Legrand , Georges Auric , John Williams , Sammy Fain , Barbra Streisand , Nino Rota , Leonard Bernstein , Max Steiner , Francis Lai , Boston Pops , and Arthur Fiedler Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rota, Nino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best Of The Boston Pops Swing Swing Swing Pops in Love Fiedler Greatest Hits Best of the Boston Pops: 20th Century Masters the Millennium Collection ASIN: B0000041FY Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

1. Unchained Melody (Ghost)
2. The Way We Were - The Shadow Of Your Smile (The Sandpiper)
3. Moon River (Breakfast At Tiffany's)
4. Days of Wine and Roses
5. The Summer Knows (Summer Of '42)
6. Where is Your Heart? (Moulin Rouge)
7. Superman - Love Theme
8. Love is a Many Splendored Thing
9. Evergreen (A Star Is Born)
10. Romeo And Juliet
11. West Side Story
12. The Godfather
13. A Summer Place - Love Theme
14. Tara Theme (Gone With The Wind)
15. Where Do I Begin (Love Story)

Customer Reviews:

More does not necessarily mean better.......2005-09-21

This recording sounds less like the Boston Pops and more like 101 Strings. (That's not a compliment.) In fact, I know there are better performances of each one out there. These are actually all pleasant, familiar pieces which I like. I'm not at all sure they should all be on the same album. If you want background music while you're reading, or making love, this is perfect. If you're driving late at night and trying to stay awake, not so good! In short, the sum is less than the total of its parts. But I'm giving it a 3, because I do like most of the individual pieces, and I never give more than 4.

Average customer rating: More expensive than the other Essential but worth it. Excellent compilation of an important composer. "film composer Dimitri Tiomkin gave his all and then some"

The Alamo: The Essential Film Music Collection Dimitri Tiomkin Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tiomkin: Red River The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection Way Out West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection, Vol. 2 The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection Giant ASIN: B00022MBNK Release Date: 2004-07-13

Tracks:

1. Night Passage
2. Tension At Table Rock
3. High Noon
4. The War Wagon
5. The Wild Wild West: Main Theme
6. The Wild Wild West: The Ballad Of Jim West
7. Gunfight At The O.K. Coral
8. Rio Bravo
9. Rawhide
10. Red River
11. The Unforgiven: Across The Texas Panhandle
12. The Unforgiven: The Need For Love
13. The Unforgiven: Horse Ballet
14. The Young Land
15. Duel In The Sun

Tracks:

1. The Fall Of The Roman Empire: Overture
2. The Fall Of The Roman Empire: The Fall Of Love
3. The Fall Of The Roman Empire: Pax Romana
4. 55 Days Peking
5. Land Of The Pharaohs
6. Circus World (The Magnificent Showman)
7. Dial M For Murder
8. Strangers On A Train
9. Giant: Main Title
10. Giant: Love Theme
11. Giant: The Jett Rink Theme
12. The High And The Mighty
13. Wild Is The Wind
14. The Guns Of Navarone

Tracks:

1. Cyrano De Bergerac
2. The Well
3. Friendly Persuasion
4. Town Without Pity
5. It's A Wonderful Life
6. Tarzan And The Mermaids
7. The Thing From Another World
8. The Alamo: Overture/Prologue
9. The Alamo: Davy Crockett
10. The Alamo: Tennessee Babe
11. The Alamo: The Battle Of The Alamo
12. The Alamo: The Green Leaves Of Summer
13. The Alamo: Finale

Tracks:

1. Giant: This Then Is Texas
2. Rawhide: Rawhide
3. High Noon: Do Not Forsake Me
4. Night Passage: Follow The River
5. Giant: The Ballad Of Jett Rink
6. Friendly Persuasion: Thee I Love
7. It's A Wonderful Life
8. Wild Is The Wind
9. The High And The Mighty
10. The War Wagon: The Ballad Of The War Wagon
11. Rio Braco
12. The Young Land: Strange Are The Ways Of Love
13. The Wild Wild West: The Ballad Of Jim West
14. The Wild Wild West: The Wild Wild West

Amazon.com

Dimitri Tiomkin was one of the most prominent composers of Hollywood's Golden Age and beyond, his career spanning a half-century and some of America's most classic films. This sprawling, four-disc anthology (its title a marketing nod to the modern remake of one of Tiomkin's notable collaborations with John Wayne) features new digital recordings of full-bodied performances by the City of Prague Orchestra and Festival Chorus, the most ambitious and comprehensive tribute to the composer yet attempted. There's something here for film score buffs (rarities like a suite from his sci-fi genre-defining Thing From Another World and the "Main Theme" for the pilot of TV's Wild, Wild West) and novice alike; indeed one could scarcely ask for a more complete overview of Tiomkin's robust orchestral oeuvre. Divided into four chapters, disc one chronicles how the Ukrainian immigrant concocted a rich Western film heritage (including such genre landmarks as Red River, High Noon, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and Rio Bravo) from largely European traditions, while the next two CD's cover his rousing work for epics and thrillers of every stripe, and collaborations with Hitchcock, Wayne, Capra, Stevens and more. The concluding disc pays homage to Tiomkin the unlikely pop tunesmith, via his hit vocal themes to Rawhide, Wild is the Wind and High Noon's "Do Not Forsake Me." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

More expensive than the other Essential but worth it........2007-04-22

This is an excellent set of music of Dimitri Tiomkin's music! The 4th disc is short (at just over 30 minutes), but thats because it is just the vocal versions of tracks which appeared in instrumental form throughout the first 3 discs. Whenever you buy a silva screen compilation, the first thing you ask yourself is 'when were these recordings made' and 'do I have these tracks on other compilations? Thankfully, this set has TONS of new recordings, but there is some recycled stuff and they are as follows:

Dial M For Murder is from the 1993 History of Hitchcock Vol. I, while Strangers on a Train is from 1995's History of Hitchcock Vol. II.

Three tracks originate from 1994's "Music From the Films Of John Wayne". They are "The High and the Mighty", "The Alamo - Overture" and "The Alamo - Green Leaves of Summer".


Red River is from 1996's "How The West Was Won: Classic Western Film Scores Vol. One".

The Thing From Another World suite is from the excelllent 1998 set "Alien Invasion: Space And Beyond II"

Many tracks first appeared on "Way Out West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection Vol. Two". They are: "Duel In The Sun", "The Alamo (Davy Crockett)", "Friendly Persuasion", "Giant (Main Theme)", "Gunfight at the OK Corral", "High Noon", "Rio Bravo", and "The Unforgiven (The Need For Love)".

The rest of the tracks are brand spankin new, and most are not available on other discs, so snag this one up in a hurry!

Excellent compilation of an important composer........2004-07-16

This long overdue collection of Tiomkin standards and rarities is a must for any fan of symphonic music; albeit, for film or concert hall. As the liner notes clarify; these recordings are a real labor of love for James Fitzpatrick and the Silva Screen team. Tiomkin is; undoubtedly, one of the most difficult of composers to replicate. This recording comes extremely close to "hitting the nail on the head" particularly with tracks such as: "Across the Texas Panhandle" from the Unforgiven, The Entr'acte from Duel in the Sun, The Guns of Navarone, The War Wagon, and the main title and Jett Rink theme from Giant. This recording is a bargain, particularly for collectors who have sought after many of Tiomkin's composer conducted soundtracks (which are getting harder and harder to obtain). Listeners who enjoy this set should consider seeking out previous cd releases of the soundtracks to "The Guns of Navarone" (SONY, Varese Sarabande), "The Fall of the Roman Empire" (Varese Sarabande, PEG), "55 Days at Peking" (Varese Sarabande), and "The Alamo" :original soundtrack (still available on SONY-Legacy).

"film composer Dimitri Tiomkin gave his all and then some".......2004-07-13

Silva America presents the ultimate in film music during the illustrious career of an icon and legendary composer of film scores ~ "Alamo:Dimitri Tiomkin Essential Film Collection/O.S.T", featuring some long forgotten 53 cues that sent chills and thrills into the pulses of world events ~ selections from a limited collectors edition that would make any "film-score-buff" green with envy.

Tiomkin was born in Ukraine, Russia [1894-1979] attended and graduated from St. Petersburg Academy[studied under the famed composer Glazunov] ~ had a degree in music as well as law ~ came to America in 1925, shown great interest for Native American music early in his film career.

Great fondness for "The Western" ~ "DUEL IN THE SUN" (1946) (Gregory Peck, Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotton, Lionel Barrymore, Lilian Gish and Charles Bickford - one of biggest and successful epic Westerns ever, score & photography was simply breathtaking), "RED RIVER" (1948) (John Wayne, Monty Cliff and Walter Brennan - the Duke should have won an Oscar for his performance as the aging cantankerous cattle baron)"HIGH NOON" (1952)(classic film with Gary Cooper in his Oscar winning performance of Will Kane), "TENSION AT TABLE ROCK" (1956), "GUNFIGHT AT THE OK CORRAL" (1957)(Burt Lancaster as Wyatt Earp & Kirk Douglas as Doc Holliday pulled this off with the help of the Main Theme), "NIGHT PASSAGE" (1957), "RIO BRAVO" (1959) (top box office leaders John Wayne, Dean Martin, Walter Brennan and Ricky Nelson), "THE YOUNG LAND" (1959) (young Dennis Hopper), "RAWHIDE" (TV Series) (1959-66) (Eric Fleming as trail boss Gil Favor & Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates), "THE UNFORGIVEN" (1960) (Burt Lancaster, Audie Murphy and Audrey Hepburn), "THE WILD, WILD WEST" (TV Series) (1965-69)(Tiomkin's music never saw the light of day), "WAR WAGON" (1967) (John Wayne & Kirk Douglas starred) (beautifully melodic) ~ it's easy to see why Tiomkin loved Western lore.

Second disc contains The Epics ~ "LAND OF THE PHARAOHS" (1955) (Jack Hawkins as Pharaoh Cheops and a beautiful Joan Collins as his scheming wife), "55 DAYS AT PEKING" (1963) (Charlton Heston, David Niven and Ava Gardner is the all star cast), "THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE" (1964) (featuring Alec Guinness as emperor Marcus Aurelius), "CIRCUS WORLD" (1964) (John Wayne, Claudia Cardinale and Rita Hayworth under the big top) ~ next we Hitchcock Thrillers with "STRANGERS ON A TRAIN" (1951) (a masterpiece film featuring Robert Walker and Farley Granger are both very convincing as we learn, never talked to strangers on a train or anywhere), "DIAL M FOR MURDER" (1954) (tense moments come from Grace Kelly, Ray Milland and Robert Cummings - they don't get any better than this) ~ finally Drama and High Adventure with "HIGH AND MIGHTY" (1954) (another outstanding performance by John Wayne, as the co-pilot of an airline whistling the haunting theme), "GIANT" (1956)(another big epic film with Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean and Chill Wills show us what it's like to be a Texan, with oil and money), "WILD IS THE WIND" (1957) (Anthony Quinn, Anna Magnani and Anthony Franciosa), "THE GUNS OF NAVARONE" (1961) (World War II film featuring Gregory Peck, Anthony Quinn, David Niven and Stanley Baker on a small Greek Island trying to outwit the Germans and a very big gun) ~ some of Tiomkin's most inspiring themes rise to the surface.

On disc three ~ as we continue with Drama and High Adventures "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" (1946) (James Stewart, Donna Reed, Thomas Mitchell, Lionel Barrymore and Ward Bond with wholesome warm and endearing themes from our favorite composer), "TARZAN AND THE MERMAIDS" (1948) (in his 12th film as Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller still had what it takes to swim and defeat the man-god Balu - Weissmuller and Tiomkin the perfect combination for this Tarzan adventure), "CYRANO DE BERGERAC" (1950) (Jose Ferrer stars as Edmond Rostand's famous swordsman with a even more famous nose), "THE WELL" (1951) (intense cues give the film musical triumphs in final scenes), "THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD" (1951) (exciting Howard Hawks film with a score to match), "FRIENDLY PERSUASION" (1956) (director William Wyler shows the life and times of a Quaker family played by Gary Cooper, Dorothy Mcguire and Anthony Perkins during the American Civil War, very touching), "THE ALAMO" (1960) (big budget epic western with Big John Wayne it's producer, director and star as Davy Crockett with a haunting and never to be forgotten "The Green Leaves of Summer"), "TOWN WITHOUT PITY" (1961) (Kirk Douglas in a post-war Germany story, blends jazz themes with Tiomkin signature arrangements) ~ Tiomkin always made the difference when it came to scoring a film.

The last and final disc four ~ The Tiomkin Vocal Songbook featuring "This Then is Texas" (Giant), "Rawhide" (Rawhide), "Do Not Forsake Me" (High Noon), "Follow the River" (Night Passage), "The Ballad of Jett Rink" (Giant), "Thee I Love" (Friendly Percuasion), "It's A Wonderful Life", "Wild Is The Wind", "The High and the Mighty", The Ballad of the War Wagon" (The War Wagon), "Rio Bravo", "Strange are the Ways of Love" (The Young Land), "The Ballad of Jim West" (The Wild Wild West), "The Wild Wild West" (The Wild Wild West) ~ many were hit makers of the day and in the top ten.

Outstanding performances by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (Nic Raine, Paul Bateman, Mario Klemens - are the conductors), Crouch End Festival Chorus (David Temple - choir master), featuring vocals by Jason Howard and Keith Ferreira ~ hats off to James Fitzpatrick (producer), Reynold da Silva (executive producer), Olilvia Tiomkin Douglas, John Waxman, Rick Clark and Gareth Williams (associate producers) ~ all film producers and directors welcomed the legendary composer with open arms for their forthcoming projects ~ the "film-score-buff" collectors are ecstatic about this four disc release on the essential film music collection of DIMITRI TIOMKIN, the arrangements and performances are top notch inclusive of HDCD/Dolby Surround.

When listening to the music of a film, you had the feeling of the storyline, characters and convictions of the whole picture, they'll never be another to come this way again ~ Silva America has outdone themselves on this one, it is definitely a five star film score box set...gotta love it!

Total Time: 4-CD-Set ~ Silva America 811 ~ (7/13/2004)

Average customer rating: What Memories Voice treasure in not regular repertoire Old Standards - Easy going "early 1900 & Broadway Musical tunes ~ Nat "King" Cole" Not Nat's creative heights, but an enjoyable set

Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer/My Fair Lady Nat King Cole Manufacturer: EMI Gold Imports ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dear Lonely Hearts/I Don't Want To Be Hurt Anymore Sings the Great Songs!/Thank You, Pretty Baby Where Did Everyone Go?/Looking Back! Tell Me All About Yourself/Touch Of Your Lips At the Sands ASIN: B0000AXL2D Release Date: 2003-11-03

Tracks:

1. Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer
2. Get Out and Get Under the Moon
3. There Is a Tavern in the Town
4. On a Bicycle Built for Two
5. That Sunday, That Summer
6. On the Sidewalks of New York
7. Our Old Home Town
8. After the Ball Is Over
9. You Tell Me Your Dream
10. That's What They Meant (By the Good Old Summertime)
11. Don't Forget
12. In the Good Old Summertime
13. Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer
14. With a Little Bit of Luck
15. I Could Have Danced All Night
16. Rain in Spain
17. On the Street Where You Live
18. I'm an Ordinary Man
19. Get Me to the Church on Time
20. Show Me
21. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
22. You Did It
23. Wouldn't It Be Loverly?
24. Hymn to Him

Album Description

UK twofer combines 'Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer' & 'My Fair Lady', both originally issued in 1963 & unavailable domestically. 24 tracks. EMI. 2003.

Album Details

Two Albums on One CD.

Customer Reviews:

What Memories.......2006-07-16

When I was a child my Mom and Dad used to play this album all the time on the weekends and especially in summer. Over the years the record got scratched and I wanted to replace it for my Dad and to share some memories with him for his birthday. He loved it and remembered not just Lazy Crazy Days of Summer. He remembered all of them and he was very happy. I had not heard that smile in his voice for quite some time-he is 93 years younger now.
Thanks for the opportunity to share.

Voice treasure in not regular repertoire.......2006-02-12

The late Nat Cole is one of those treasures of American Music. He was a great Jazz pianist and singer, no doubt. Also a stylish balladeer with great albums but with some neglectable ones.

This EMI twofer shows his two sides as a balladeer. First a neglectable album of unimportant repertoire with some few exceptions. Second there is the splendid album with 'My Fair Lady' repertoire. This is worth buying the CD.

Here you'll find Mr. Cole at his best in vocal performance.

A Note on UK's EMI twofers: it's incredible that we could ever have the opportunity to listen to such old and rare material. EMI has issued a long series of CD twofers in a memorable initiative to show all the splendid material by splendid artists never before released in CD.

Old Standards - Easy going.......2006-02-01

I am lucky to have been introduced to all kinds of music. Nat King Cole is a legend and his music will live forever. He's smooth and nostalgic. I own a lot of his albums and love them all. These particular albums are just another great batch of songs by this fantastic singer.

"early 1900 & Broadway Musical tunes ~ Nat "King" Cole".......2005-01-10

Ordered this from Amazon and received it within that same week...and the shipping was FREE, great service and outstanding album of "Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer" and "My Fair Lady", featuring early songs from the early 1900's and one of the most popular musicals every to hit Broadway...both albums were in my LP collection for years, almost forty of them during the early years while my children were growing up...and now that they are adults, they appreciate the one and only master of interpretation NAT "KING" COLE...no other singer in the business had the warmth that this man gave during a performance...along with Frank Sinatra, Cole built the Capitol Towers and brought them fame and fortune. Cole in my estimation did more for Capitol Records than any other recording artist of that time (and that my friend is saying something), but is the gospel.

Nat had a major hit with "THOSE LAZY HAZY CRAZY DAYS OF SUMMER", remember hearing this on all the major radio stations and everyone during that time was sitting around the local swimming pool enjoying it...other highlights are "GET OUT & GET UNDER THE MOON", "THAT SUNDAY, THAT SUMMER", "THAT'S WHAT THEY MEANT BY THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME"...and then "I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT", "ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE", "I'VE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO HER FACE", each song has been remastered to perfection...now on digital compact disc we can continue being delighted by Nat's God given talent.

Nat had a tenderness in his voice, completely flawless...he could never deliver a bad tune...his style and signature of making a song his own has never been duplicated...within this twofer album are happy upbeat and Broadway musical tunes...some are timeless and remain classics, while others are songs that have never seen the light of day...the sound quality of this collection isn't the main issue here...but this release is a dream come true...more selections from the greatest entertainer of our time!

For many of Cole's fans, this has been a long awaited release...now we can relive the songs that gave us so much pleasure...remember Nat was with us for such a short time...just sit back, give a listen and enjoy the sounds we grew up with...songs we've come to love over these past plus decades...his music is never out of date...a wonderful human being NAT "KING" COLE!

Total Time: 63:32 on 24 Tracks ~ Universal Int'l 592656 ~ (10/27/2003)

Not Nat's creative heights, but an enjoyable set.......2003-11-18

These two albums are not Nat King Cole's best original albums. In fact, creatively, they're probably the least of them all. However, that's a relative statement! Enjoying Nat's albums are hardly difficult, and these are no exceptions. This is probably the most "cheerful" set.

The first is a collection of very old 'Americana' (in the form of turn-of-the-20th century "chestnuts") and newer material of a compatible spirit. Some of the authentics here - 'On a Bicycle Built for Two' or 'After the Ball' for example - would have their last mainstream outing here, I suspect. Most should enjoy the affable way these long-cherished but now largely forsaken ditties are done.

The newer cuts are enjoyable, particularly the showpiece ballad 'That Sunday, That Summer'. The title track 'Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer' was a very popular hit in '63, but I would single out 'That Sunday, That Summer' and the almost barbershop-quartet real oldie 'You Tell Me Your Dream' as the best of the lot.

By this time (1963), the "Mitch Miller sing-along" approach (bouncy tempos, a chorus singing along much of it, large orchestra with occasional novelty adaptations like a bicycle horn to fit 'On a Bicycle Built for Two') was popular, and this album does reflect that. It does so in an engaging way, however, and of course the main attraction is clearly Nat's game performances.

The second album (also 1963) is Nat "covering" select songs from the Broadway show 'My Fair Lady'. It is admittedly uneven. Nat is not an ideal Henry Higgins in those numbers, excepting of course, 'I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face'. He obviously enjoyed himself, and it's hard not to let quibbles go and enjoy the somewhat ironic readings. What's harder to enjoy is 'The Rain in Spain' which, out of the context of the program, sounds as close to "throw away" as Nat's albums get. Perhaps cutting it way down and adding 'Why Can't the English?' would've been ideal.

On the upside, however, there's several wonderful examples of classic pop. 'On The Street Where You Live', 'I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face' and 'I Could Have Danced All Night' are particularly loverly. 'Show Me' is the most interesting. Its transformation to tender Nat ballad is both notable and effective. The uptempo numbers 'Get Me To The Church On Time' and 'With a Little Bit Of Luck' retain their roughish charm.

The sound quality of this CD won't be a factor to most, as these were good sounding stereo recordings to begin with, and are passably, if hurriedly, transferred. They sound okay. In all fairness I should probably point out that the sound transfer is not of the quality of the above titles. Although the thin, hazy quality of the mediocre digital resolution may not be a known artifact to many, the difference will be apparent with a comparison of the track 'That Sunday, That Summer' or 'On the Street Where You Live' on the 1990's 4-CD Nat King Cole box set where it is cleaner, clearer and richer. At least we're spared another over-processed Capitol CD "remastered by Bob Norburg."

Commendably, both original album sleeves are reprinted at about the full size of the booklet, both front and back. Imagine that! Check out the original cover for 'Summer' - wow is that ever an "idealized" '63 Los Angeles beach! The cover of 'Lady' features a handsome picture of Nat.

For Nat's premium titles in the EMI 2-on-1 CDs series in terms of creative quality, I suggest the following before the purchase of this CD:

- Tell Me All About Yourself (big band) / The Touch of Your Lips (ballads)
- Where Did Everyone Go (ballads) / Looking Back (pop singles)

EMI deserves thanks for this issue, and it's significant: this release reissues both of the two remaining original Nat King Cole LPs not to be issued on CD (counting both the USA and the UK together). Would that Capitol USA, for whom all were originally recorded, had released them all. They've only had twenty years to do it. And of course, most of the ones they have issued are now out of print.

Enjoy while you may, and a "thank you" to EMI!

- CJ

Average customer rating: No One Like Ray correcting Genre Soothing Melodies This is the Sweetest Song Peabo as a guest!

Sweet Summer Days Ray Obiedo Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Modern World Sticks & Stones Iguana Zulaya Perfect Crime ASIN: B000000NLL Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

1. Casserra
2. Blue Cactus
3. Sweet Summer Days
4. Cha La Island
5. Juliet
6. Current State
7. Macondo
8. What In The World
9. Coco
10. One Wish

Customer Reviews:

No One Like Ray.......2006-12-14

Sweet Summer Days was the very first Ray Obiedo CD I purchased - the result of hearing the title track on the radio only once. I was awed by the melodies and flowing rhythms of this song. Having purchased the CD, I listened to it in it's entirety on a flight from LA to Dallas - by the time the flight landed, I was a devout Ray Obiedo fan, and immediately purchased everything else he'd published. I had to search diligently for some of his older albums (e.g., Perfect Crime), but managed to find them all. I then purchased and sent copies of all of his CDs to my family, and to those friends I thought might appreciate it. I am a bona fide hero - I discovered Ray for them, and they're telling two friends, and so on.

I can't rate any of his CDs with less than five stars, and honestly, I'm sorry there are only five stars! I consider myself a jazz fan, and if this is "smooth" jazz, then I'm a convert. I actually tried to find Ray to ask if he would play at my birthday party - he was already booked. I would have paid almost any price. I'm still trying to find the time to see him in concert . . . somehow, someday . . .

Ray is a rhythm guitar maestro - the way he layers rhythm upon rhythm is hypnotic. I find something new in every song every time I listen - - If you're a guitar fan, and especially a rhythm guitar fan, be prepared to surrender. There's no sense fighting it; you can't win - it's bigger than you . . .

correcting Genre.......2003-04-25

At times when music is reviewed we as "public" reviewers tend to forget what genre music we are reviewing or perhaps are expecting something else to be heard from what we are listening to. Such is a dilemma with "smooth "Jazz. Labelled as Jazz could be a misnomer, in which lies the dilemma. But saying that, on the other hand there are varying levels or styles of " Jazz" and this type of music that Mr. Obiedo offers definitely falls into the smooth Jazz category, as it so is called. Nothing more, nothing less. So it is unfair to give a poor rating on an artist`s work after listening expecting to hear something which the artist in question is not the style he/she is presenting, or maybe what the artist wants to present to his buying fans. Ray Obiedo presents Latin influenced smooth Jazz. Just nice rhythmic, mostly instrumental, melodious, tuneful, subdued "Jazz" music. Which if your a Smooth Jazz listener you should enjoy.

Soothing Melodies.......2003-04-02

I am definitely a fan of wind music, Everette Harp, Paul Taylor,and many others. However,this is a wonderful album. My husband has had it for years, and just last year we were at home painting, and he put Ray Obiedo (Sweet Summer Days) on, and we both instantly fell deeply in love with it. My favorite song of them all is #7 Macondo. Just simply smooth. Now when I listen to it, I find myself standing in the middle of the floor, with my eyes shut, swinging my arms, as if I am experiencing a sweet cool breeze from the ocean on a hot summer day. The melodies from the electric guitar seems to ignite my soul and it really moves me. This is a must have.

This is the Sweetest Song.......2002-04-27

One night a couple of my single friends and I went out to the beautiful Secrets nightclub in Dolton, Illinois, which is 2 minutes south of Chicago. It was ladies' night and if you know anything about Chitown, you know what I mean when I say the DJ was playing "Steppers" music. He turned this song on and within one minute, the tears began to fall as if somebody died! This beautiful song was touching something deep within me. Months earlier, I'd danced the night away to "The Sweetest Days" with my sweetheart at my sister's birthday party at 3G's nightclub. After 60 seconds of subliminal reminiscing, I had to excuse myself to the ladies' room. Today, 1 1/2 year later, after extensive web and record store searching, not knowing the exact title, I finally found out that this is an OBIEDO song and NOT primarily a Peabo song. The tears fell again as I listened...and FELT this song! The bittersweet effect is awesome. Anyone who has never experienced true, real, deep love (or even a walk on a moonlit ocean shore!) can listen to this gorgeous song and really feel true love. What an experience. My man and I are together again, so...shall we dance, baby?

Peabo as a guest!.......2000-04-08

The great Peabo Bryson sings lead on the title track which is beautiful. The cd is full of good material

Average customer rating: I waited for this for five years Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT! A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever Various Artists Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Broadway & Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Box Sets | Stores | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection Evita (Original London Cast) Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD) ASIN: B00005R5UJ Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
2. Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
3. Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
4. Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
5. Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
6. Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
7. Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
8. Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
9. Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
10. Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
11. Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
12. Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
13. Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
14. Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
15. Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
16. Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
17. Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
18. Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
19. Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
20. Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

1. Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
2. Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
3. Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
4. Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
5. Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
6. Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
7. Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
8. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
9. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
10. The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
11. The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
12. The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
13. The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
14. Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
15. Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
16. Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
17. Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
18. Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
19. Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

1. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
2. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
3. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
4. By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
5. By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
6. By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
7. Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
8. Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
9. Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
10. Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
11. Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
12. Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
13. Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
14. Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
15. Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
16. The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
17. The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
18. The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
19. The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
20. The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

1. Oh What A Circus - David Essex
2. Memory - Betty Buckley
3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
4. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
5. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
6. Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
7. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
8. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
9. The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
10. With One Look - Petula Clark
11. You Must Love Me - Madonna
12. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
13. A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
14. Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
15. No Matter What - Boyzone
16. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
17. Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
18. Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

1. Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
2. Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
3. I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
4. Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
5. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
6. Try It And See - Rita Pavone
7. Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
8. Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
9. John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
10. What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
11. Disillusion Me - Gary Band
12. The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
13. Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
14. It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
15. It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
16. Magdalena - Tony Christie
17. Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
18. Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
19. Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
20. I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
21. I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
22. Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.


Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

Rock Music:

1. Debut EP [EP]
2. Dernieres Sommations
3. De Viris
4. Director´s Cut
5. Donovan - Greatest Hits (+ Bonus Tracks) (Remaster [Original recording remastered] [Import]
6. Drastic Measure, Drastic Movement
7. Edge Of Life
8. Exit this Frame of Mind
9. Far Away
10. Fiinky Pie

Rock Music