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| 1. Radio Mix |
| 2. Kakalaka Koffee Mix |
| 3. Born Into The '80's Mix |
| 4. Houseaholics Mix |
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Together for 4 years, Triquetra are LJ, Kymberley and Lucy-May. The band have toured with Blue, Liberty X, Lemar, Joe, Alexander O'Neal, Blu Cantrell, Mario Winans and The Game. This single features the Radio mix backed with the Kakalaka Koffee mix, Born Into The 80's mix & Houseaholics mix. Eminence. 2005.
For starters, where's Lewis's first single, Crazy Arms? You read that right: His FIRST SINGLE. A 3-disc set, 65 songs, but not his very first commercially-released song? Also MIA in this set: The seemingly-biographical ballad That Lucky Old Sun (and yes, I'm aware it was recorded by others prior to Lewis's version). And whatever you might think of the 1989 film GREAT BALLS OF FIRE, the "Killer" recorded some great material, including updated versions of many of his best-known hits. There was also his 1993 "Youngblood" album.
A fourth discs of rare and unreleased songs would have also been nice, although many such gems can be found on Rhino's Rare and Rockin': Original Sun Recordings.
This may all sound like nit-picking to casual fans. And it is. And for most folks, this is all the Jerry Lee Lewis they will ever need. And I'm certainly glad to have the set in my collection. Although I have most of the songs on previously-released discs, the sound quality of those eariler recordings varies greatly. So these discs will no doubt receive some heavy rotation at my house. But if you want the WHOLE Jerry Lee Lewis story, you'll have to look elsewhere to complete your collection.
Perhaps the only ommission is the lack of a couple gospel tunes. The Killer had his spirtual struggles.
..although there are a few 'buts'...
The Time-Life VP's introductory remark that there has 'never been a truly definitive JLL anthology' is, of course, nonsense and, leaving aside the obvious attraction of the 1952 recordings, this collection bears some comparison with an essentially similar project called ..er... 'The Jerry Lee Lewis Anthology' (aka 'All Killer No Filler') produced by Rhino in 1993. (Albeit the actual marketing is, of course, pitched at a different level, so one can perhaps forgive this 'oversight'). Rhino have, of course, also overseen this Time-Life issue, and the 1993 set would have made a good starting point for this project in terms of track selection, i.e. the 2 discs of 'All Killer No Filler' could have been complemented effectively by much of the third in the new collection.
To some of the particulars. Another reviewer has already commented on the absence of 'She Still Comes Around' and, as was the case with Universal's recent "Definitive Collection", another of Jerry Lee's biggest hits on Mercury, 'Touching Home' is yet again forgotten. Moreover, this set goes further and overlooks another #1 from the same era, 'Would You Take Another Chance On Me'. The collection is, in fact, hopelessly short of living up to the billing of including '..every JLL Top 20 Pop & Country Hit'. In truth, the only way of accommodating all the hits, and retaining the existing balance of lesser known tracks, would have been to expand the set to four discs with two CDs covering the Mercury era, thus also allowing for better coverage of the 'locust years' from '63 to '67, which are represented by a miserly total of four tracks. So this all begs the question 'why doesn't `A Half Century of Hits' include 4 discs?' - the packaging is consistent with a 4-disc set, and who would have begrudged another $8 or so on the list price?
But it goes beyond bizarre that the 'air-brush' has, far more seriously, been applied to 'Crazy Arms' - not simply excluded from the track list, but even ignored in the text. After 50 years we are now told that 'End of the Road' was JLL's first record. Period. No mention whatsoever of 'Crazy Arms'. This is tantamount to saying that Elvis' first record was "Blue Moon of Kentucky" making no mention whatsoever of "That's All Right, Mama", and who would think to do that?
I also think it unfortunate that in an essay spread over more than thirty pages no room could be found for a mention of Kenneth Lovelace, who has served loyally at Jerry Lee's side for no fewer than forty years of this 'Half-Century of Hits', both on stage and in the studio. Kenny is probably far too modest and unassuming to worry about it, but it is an unfortunate oversight to say the least. I suspect, however, that Colin Escott's words have been rather crudely edited at various points in his text.
These gripes apart, though, overall it is a fantastic collection. Terrific value for money!
The first disk consists of recordings from his 1956-1963 stint at Sun studios, where he became the biggest rock star this side of Elvis. The inclusion of the religious discussion is a nice touch. But the ommission of his first single, "Crazy Arms" and the instumental of "in The Mood" in favor of the so-so cuts "Night Train to memphis" and "I'm Feeling Sorry" is a bit puzzling. The last three, more country-oriented singles at the end of this disk make for a nice lead in to the second disk and phase of his career, the Smash/Mercury years.
Disk two contains what is probably the best single-disk collection of his smash/mercury era recordings I've ever heard. Its a great mix of his rockers and hard-lived country recordings, and doesn't skip over any of the hits. Its clear why the original vocals he recorded for "A Damn Good country Song" weren't used; his voice was in horrible shape. But in some strange way, they fit the song very well and it was a treat for time-life to include this version in the set.
The third disk is the true jem of this set- The Electra recordings! Just about every cut on this disk has been out of print for a while. It covers his stint at Electra and Sire records (and gracefully skips over the mediocre MCA sessions). I believe some of the Killers best work was from the three electra albums, and this disk has all the best cuts from them. While the killer had more or less passed his prime by the time he made the sire records, they prove he still has a ton of talent to share with the world. The final two tracks are the much-hyped New Orleans acetate sides he made for himself as a teenager. "Don't Stay Away" shows that Jerry was ready to shake up the world long before he made the trip to Memphis. What I found most interesting was the flip side- his "New Orleans Boogie". He became completely engrossed in the energy generated by the music and let the beat slip away from him several times. It painted a vivid picture of a young rebel who refused to be tamed by society's rules- the world's original punk rocker!
Noone is better, noone could do better.
American masterpiece with european feelings.
I would buy the ORIGINAL CAST SOUNDTRACK released by MGM records. You will enjoy this version ever so much more without all the extras!!!
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.
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.
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.
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!
And what's with the title of this album? I think she is a classy artist and deserves better than such silly title, her label probably came up with that.
Nice try overall, but I hope Ms Voigt will do more Strauss and Wagner from now on, not more songs like these.
Similar to what countertenor David Daniels did with his 2003 disc with guitarist Craig Ogden, "A Quiet Thing", Voigt and pianist Brian Zeger have created a wide-ranging lyrical repertoire that encompasses significant vocal demands while remaining intimate in setting. In fact, both Daniels and Voigt cover Leonard Bernstein's anti-war lullaby, "So Pretty", with haunting aplomb. She also manages to dance effectively over the "Da-ga-da-ga-dums" of Bernstein's challenging "Piccola serenata". Voigt does wonders with the opening Charles Ives selections by not overplaying the innate sentiment of the tunes, in particular, soaring with the highly dramatic "The Children's Hour" by Longfellow and even covering the churchy warhorse, "At the River", with conviction.
There are eight highly individualistic songs by Ben Moore that stretch Voigt with bountiful results. The standouts of the Moore set are the English sea chantey-like "The Ivy-Wife" by Thomas Hardy, the lushly romantic "I Am in Need of Music" by Elizabeth Bishop; the sweeping "Darkling, I Listen" by John Keats; and the discordant waltz, "Bright Cap and Streamers", by James Joyce. For me, the highpoints of the recording are the last two sets by Charles Tomlinson Griffes and Amy Beach, both of whom tap impressively into Voigt's natural theatricality proven especially by her performances of Griffes's lush "Cleopatra to the Asp" and Bishop's rolling "I Send My Heart Up to Thee".
The one shortcoming of the recording overall is that the briefness of the songs does not really capitalize on Voigt's impressive dramatic capabilities in showcasing changes in characters she would have been allowed in her opera roles. For all the limitations it represents, this is a genuine recital album, and truly transcendent moments are fleeting at best especially given the variety of moods that need to be expressed in lightning-flash strokes. However, taken for the genre it represents, this is a stellar recording to appreciate a singer who is able to do more than Wagner and lose weight.
The movie retained all of the original cast leads except for Janis Paige as Babe (replaced by Doris Day.) Day sings Babe's songs better, so your choice between the cast album and the movie soundtrack will depend on whether you need the whole score or not.
As for ths reissue...once again Sony has done a first-rate job. The sound is full bodied and rich, though necessarily mono, and the package includes some well-written liner notes.
Together for 4 years, Triquetra are LJ, Kymberley and Lucy-May. The band have toured with Blue, Liberty X, Lemar, Joe, Alexander O'Neal, Blu Cantrell, Mario Winans and The Game. This single features the Radio mix backed with the Kakalaka Koffee mix, Born Into The 80's mix & Houseaholics mix. Eminence. 2005.
Half the Time,Triquetra,Eminence,5-Inch CD Singles,Rock
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A Half Century of Hits
Jerry Lee Lewis Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
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ASIN: B000FIMFZK Release Date: 2006-06-13 |
Tracks:
- Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On
- It'll Be Me
- Hand Me Down My Walking Cane
- You Win Again
- End Of The Road
- I'm Feelin' Sorry
- Great Balls Of Fire
- Lewis Boogie
- It All Depends (Who Will Buy The Wine)
- Breathless
- Down The Line
- High School Confidential
- Big Leg Woman
- Real Wild Child (Wild One)
- Let's Talk About US
- Little Queenie
- Bonnie B.
- Night Train To Memphis
- What I'd Say
- Invitation To Your Party
- One Minute Past Eternity
- I Can't Seem To Say Goodbye
- Carry Me Back to Ol' Virginia
- Jarry Lee Lewis and Sam Phillips: Religious Discussion
Tracks:
- Hi Heel Sneakers
- I'm On Fire
- Green,, Green Grass Of Home
- Memphis Beat
- Another Place, Another Time
- What's Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made A Loser Out Of Me)
- Workin' Man Blues
- She Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye
- Me And Bobby McGee
- To Make Love Sweeter For You
- There Must Be More To Love Than This
- Think About It, Darlin'
- Chantilly Lace
- Once More With Feeling
- Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee
- Middle Age Crazy
- Meat Man
- A Damn Good Country Song (Alternate Vocal)
- That Kind Of Fool
- No Headstone On My Grave
- Your Cheatin' Heart
- Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On
Tracks:
- Rockin' My Life Away
- Rita May
- Don't Let Go
- I Wish I Was Eighteen Again
- Folsom Prison Blues
- Who Will The Next Fool Be
- Rockin' Little Angel
- I'd Do It All Again
- Thirty-nine And Holding
- Rockin' Jerry Lee
- Over The Rainbow
- Down The Road A Piece
- Miss The Mississippi And You
- Crown Victora Custom '51
- It Was The Whiskey Talkin' (Not Me)
- Good News Travels Fast
- One Has My Name...The Other Has My Heart
- Hadacol Boogie
- Don't Stay Away ('Til Love Grows Cold)
- Jerry Lee's Boogie
Album Description
Jerry Lee Lewis has dominated every stage he walked on for fifty years and out-lasted virtually every critic along the way. The last survivor of the Million Dollar Quartet session at Sun, which included Elvis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash, his presence remains indomitable. He's recognized by his powerful musical and performance style and his unique personality. A prodigious piano player, Lewis plays with uncontrolled fury and abandon and is never at a loss for words. He's a rock `n roller who could never quite get the country out of his soul, and a country singer who could never forget that he'd been rock `n roll's brightest star. Jerry Lee Lewis is the stuff of legend.Customer Reviews:
A few glaring oversights in an otherwise fantastic package.......2007-04-27
For starters, where's Lewis's first single, Crazy Arms? You read that right: His FIRST SINGLE. A 3-disc set, 65 songs, but not his very first commercially-released song? Also MIA in this set: The seemingly-biographical ballad That Lucky Old Sun (and yes, I'm aware it was recorded by others prior to Lewis's version). And whatever you might think of the 1989 film GREAT BALLS OF FIRE, the "Killer" recorded some great material, including updated versions of many of his best-known hits. There was also his 1993 "Youngblood" album.
A fourth discs of rare and unreleased songs would have also been nice, although many such gems can be found on Rhino's Rare and Rockin': Original Sun Recordings.
This may all sound like nit-picking to casual fans. And it is. And for most folks, this is all the Jerry Lee Lewis they will ever need. And I'm certainly glad to have the set in my collection. Although I have most of the songs on previously-released discs, the sound quality of those eariler recordings varies greatly. So these discs will no doubt receive some heavy rotation at my house. But if you want the WHOLE Jerry Lee Lewis story, you'll have to look elsewhere to complete your collection.
The Killer is a Legend........2007-03-13
Perhaps the only ommission is the lack of a couple gospel tunes. The Killer had his spirtual struggles.
Fantastic.......2007-01-25
Should've been 4 discs - but great anyway!.......2006-06-23
..although there are a few 'buts'...
The Time-Life VP's introductory remark that there has 'never been a truly definitive JLL anthology' is, of course, nonsense and, leaving aside the obvious attraction of the 1952 recordings, this collection bears some comparison with an essentially similar project called ..er... 'The Jerry Lee Lewis Anthology' (aka 'All Killer No Filler') produced by Rhino in 1993. (Albeit the actual marketing is, of course, pitched at a different level, so one can perhaps forgive this 'oversight'). Rhino have, of course, also overseen this Time-Life issue, and the 1993 set would have made a good starting point for this project in terms of track selection, i.e. the 2 discs of 'All Killer No Filler' could have been complemented effectively by much of the third in the new collection.
To some of the particulars. Another reviewer has already commented on the absence of 'She Still Comes Around' and, as was the case with Universal's recent "Definitive Collection", another of Jerry Lee's biggest hits on Mercury, 'Touching Home' is yet again forgotten. Moreover, this set goes further and overlooks another #1 from the same era, 'Would You Take Another Chance On Me'. The collection is, in fact, hopelessly short of living up to the billing of including '..every JLL Top 20 Pop & Country Hit'. In truth, the only way of accommodating all the hits, and retaining the existing balance of lesser known tracks, would have been to expand the set to four discs with two CDs covering the Mercury era, thus also allowing for better coverage of the 'locust years' from '63 to '67, which are represented by a miserly total of four tracks. So this all begs the question 'why doesn't `A Half Century of Hits' include 4 discs?' - the packaging is consistent with a 4-disc set, and who would have begrudged another $8 or so on the list price?
But it goes beyond bizarre that the 'air-brush' has, far more seriously, been applied to 'Crazy Arms' - not simply excluded from the track list, but even ignored in the text. After 50 years we are now told that 'End of the Road' was JLL's first record. Period. No mention whatsoever of 'Crazy Arms'. This is tantamount to saying that Elvis' first record was "Blue Moon of Kentucky" making no mention whatsoever of "That's All Right, Mama", and who would think to do that?
I also think it unfortunate that in an essay spread over more than thirty pages no room could be found for a mention of Kenneth Lovelace, who has served loyally at Jerry Lee's side for no fewer than forty years of this 'Half-Century of Hits', both on stage and in the studio. Kenny is probably far too modest and unassuming to worry about it, but it is an unfortunate oversight to say the least. I suspect, however, that Colin Escott's words have been rather crudely edited at various points in his text.
These gripes apart, though, overall it is a fantastic collection. Terrific value for money!
The best concise career retrospective available.......2006-06-19
The first disk consists of recordings from his 1956-1963 stint at Sun studios, where he became the biggest rock star this side of Elvis. The inclusion of the religious discussion is a nice touch. But the ommission of his first single, "Crazy Arms" and the instumental of "in The Mood" in favor of the so-so cuts "Night Train to memphis" and "I'm Feeling Sorry" is a bit puzzling. The last three, more country-oriented singles at the end of this disk make for a nice lead in to the second disk and phase of his career, the Smash/Mercury years.
Disk two contains what is probably the best single-disk collection of his smash/mercury era recordings I've ever heard. Its a great mix of his rockers and hard-lived country recordings, and doesn't skip over any of the hits. Its clear why the original vocals he recorded for "A Damn Good country Song" weren't used; his voice was in horrible shape. But in some strange way, they fit the song very well and it was a treat for time-life to include this version in the set.
The third disk is the true jem of this set- The Electra recordings! Just about every cut on this disk has been out of print for a while. It covers his stint at Electra and Sire records (and gracefully skips over the mediocre MCA sessions). I believe some of the Killers best work was from the three electra albums, and this disk has all the best cuts from them. While the killer had more or less passed his prime by the time he made the sire records, they prove he still has a ton of talent to share with the world. The final two tracks are the much-hyped New Orleans acetate sides he made for himself as a teenager. "Don't Stay Away" shows that Jerry was ready to shake up the world long before he made the trip to Memphis. What I found most interesting was the flip side- his "New Orleans Boogie". He became completely engrossed in the energy generated by the music and let the beat slip away from him several times. It painted a vivid picture of a young rebel who refused to be tamed by society's rules- the world's original punk rocker!
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The Michael Feinstein Anthology
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin
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ASIN: B000065DVH Release Date: 2002-05-21 |
Tracks:
- Nice Work If You Can Get It
- Isn't It Romantic
- Swinging On A Star
- Ask Me Again
- Rhode Island Is Famous For You
- 'S Wonderful
- Wonder Why
- Too Marvelous For Words
- Where Do You Start
- Theme From The Bad And The Beautiful
- Easy To Love
- Alexander's Ragtime Band
- Who Are You Now?
- You're An Education
- You Are There
- Sophisticated Swing
- Love Can Change The Stars
- Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are
- Half Of April (Most Of May)
- Marianne
- They Can't Take That Away From Me
- I Love A Piano
Tracks:
- That's Entertainment
- My Favorite Year
- Ten Feet Off The Ground (With Rosemary Clooney)
- I Never Felt Better
- Someone To Watch Over Me
- Kiss Her Now
- The Ugly Bug Ball
- For You, For Me, Forever More
- The Mole People
- And So To Bed
- You're All The World To Me
- Old Friend
- Isn't It A Pity (with Rosemary Clooney)
- Pattisserie
- Open Your Eyes
- For Love Alone
- I Won't Send Roses/Time Heals Everything
- Get Out And Get Under The Moon (with Page Cavanaugh)
- My Romance
- Love Is Here To Stay
- Violin (with Liza Minnelli)
Amazon.com
The line between evangelist and entertainer has always been somewhat indistinct. But as showcased on this 43-track, double-disc collection culled from his '87-'96 recordings for Elektra/Nonesuch/Atlantic, Michael Feinstein's dedication to spreading the gospel of the American song often blurs it beyond recognition. While the singer's pedigree for the task is impeccable (a long-term stint as Ira Gershwin's assistant and early career sponsorship by Liza Minnelli), his interpretations often succeed by playing off a tense axis of fervent emotionalism and a joyous sense of irreverence.If his readings of romantic standards can sometimes tend toward the precious, they're often balanced here by sheer dramatic power and telling insights ("Isn't It Romantic" fairly bristles with ironic chauvinism) and a few loopy curves ("The Mole People," the Sherman Brothers' "The Ugly Bug Ball," and the previously unreleased "Rhode Island Is Famous for You"). Feinstein's dedicated song archaeology is also showcased on several gems: "Violin," a duet with Liza Minnelli; "My Favorite Year," a rejected ballad for the film of that name; the sublime "lost" Gershwin classic "Ask Me Again."
Sprinkled with live performances (the forum where Feinstein's talents seem most energized) and studio outtakes and featuring a lengthy print interview with the singer, the set chronicles both the pioneering efforts of one of pop music's most successful revivalists and, crucially, the cream of his beloved American songwriters, from stalwarts Gershwin, Berlin, and Porter to later legends like Herman, Styne, Lane, Martin, and Mercer. --Jerry McCulley
Album Description
The definitive collection of performances by the Grammy nominated singer features 43 tracks from 14 albums released by Elektra, Elektra Nonesuch, and Atlantic labels from 1987-1996. Plus 8 previously unreleased live tracks only available here 'Rhode Island is Famous For You', 'S Wonderful', 'Alexander's Ragtime Band', 'I Love A Piano', 'Patisserie', 'Get Out And Get Under The Moon' (with Page Cavanaugh), 'Love Is Here To Stay' & 'Violin' (with Liza Minnelli). 2 Digipacks housed in a slipcase with a booklet. Rhino Records. 2002.Customer Reviews:
Mixed feelings.......2005-10-05
Your love for this superb collection will be here to stay..........2002-07-18
He's done it again.......2002-07-15
This is perfect background music for a dinner party for a whole group but especially for two. Light, romantic and just gorgeous. You just can't go wrong when Michael Feinstein is your musical choice.
Way to go Michael, you've done it again!
Absolutely 'S WONDERFUL!.......2002-06-10
This collection not only contains all the favorites one would expect, but a neat group of surprises too. I especially love the duets with people like Liza Minnelli and Rosemary Clooney, and the various collaborative efforts with songwriters like Jule Styne and Burton Lane accompanying Michael at the piano.
This collection is a classic to be treasured. Bravo Michael!
Bravo Rhino!
A beautiful 2 disc CD-another hit for Michael.......2002-06-09
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An American in Paris (1951 Film Soundtrack)
George Gershwin , Gene Kelly , and Oscar Levant Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin
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ASIN: B0000033JE Release Date: 1996-07-16 |
Tracks:
- Main Title (An American In Paris/'S Wonderful/I Got Rhythm) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Paris Narration/Left Bank (Themes From An American In Paris) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Nice Work If You Can Get It (Outtake) - Georges Guetary
- Embraceable You - MGM Studio Orchestra
- By Strauss - Gene Kelly, Georges Guetary, Mac MacLain, Grace Stark, Pete Roberts
- Street Exhibit - MGM Studio Orchestra
- I Got Rhythm - Gene Kelly, MGM Children's Chorus
- But Not For Me - Benny Carter & His Orchestra
- Medley: Do, Do, Do/Bidiin' My Time/I've Got A Crush On You/Love Is Here To Stay - MGM Orchestra
- Someone To Watch Over Me - Benny Carter & His Orchestra
- Medley: My Cousin In Milwaukee/A Foggy Day/The Half-Of-It Dearie Blues/But Not For Me (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
- Tra-La-La - Gene Kelly, Oscar Levant
- I'm No Enemy (Love Is Here To Stay) (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Love Is Here To Stay - Gene Kelly
- Medley: What Time Is It?/Love Is Here To Stay (Reprise) - MGM Studio Orchestra, Gene Kelly
- (I'll Build A) Stairway To Paradise - Georges Guetary
- I've Got A Crush On You (Outtake) - Gene Kelly
- Love Walked In (Outtake) - Georges Guetary, Oscar Levant
- Medley: We Would Get Married (Love Walked In) (Outtake)/I Don't Think I'll Fall In Love Today... - Oscar Levant, MGM Studio Orchestra
- Concerto In F (3rd Movement) - Oscar Levant, MGM Studio Orchestra
Tracks:
- Painting Montage (Tra-La-La/Love Is Here To Stay) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Kiss Me (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- 'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly, Georges Guetary
- Lise, I Love You ('S Wonderful/Love Is Here To Stay) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Strike Up The Band (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Liza (Complete Version) - Oscar Levant
- Medley: Oh, Lady Be Good/'S Wonderful - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Medley: That Certain Feeling/Clap Yo' Hands - MGM Studio Orchestra
- I've Got A Crush On You (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- I Got Rhythm (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Tra-La-La (Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- But Not For Me - Georges Guetary
- Utrillo Did It (Love Is Here To Stay/An American In Paris/Nice Work If You Can Get It) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- An American In Paris Ballet (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Finale (An American In Paris) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Painting Montage (An American In Paris) (Deleted Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Main Title: An American In Paris (Alternate Version - Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
- Adam Cook Monologue (How Long Has This Been Going On?) (Extended Version) - Oscar Levant
- Nice Work If You Can Get It (Partial As Used In Film) - Georges Guetary, Oscar Levant
- Third Prelude (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
- My Cousin In Milwaukee (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
- A Foggy Day (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
- The Half-Of-It Dearie Blues (Outtake) - Oscar Levant
- But Not For Me - Oscar Levant
- Bidin' My Time (Outtake) - Oscar Levant, Saul Chaplin
- 'S Wonderful (Reprise) (Outtake) - Gene Kelly
- Finale (Alternate Version - Outtake) - MGM Studio Orchestra
Amazon.com essential recording
This is a considerably expanded version of the soundtrack album to Vincente Minnelli's Oscar-winning film. With two discs and 100 minutes of music (much of which is presented for the first time), these original session masters are highlighted by the MGM Studio Orchestra, Oscar Levant, Benny Carter, and Gene Kelly, all of whom perform such memorable Gershwin tunes as "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Love Is Here to Stay," and "S'Wonderful." Just about all of the material has a monotonously mono sound, but Levant's version of "Concerto in F" is included here for the first time in true stereo. Along with several Levant improvisational piano solos based on Gershwin's music, there are also some outtakes as well as extensive production and historical notes. --Joseph LanzaCustomer Reviews:
Magic of love.......2007-03-10
Noone is better, noone could do better.
American masterpiece with european feelings.
Filled with musical gems.......2004-02-17
TOO LONG !!!!!!!!!!!.......2002-06-17
I would buy the ORIGINAL CAST SOUNDTRACK released by MGM records. You will enjoy this version ever so much more without all the extras!!!
GERSHWIN'S TALENT.......2001-08-12
Ga Ga for Gershwin.......2000-12-13
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Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
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ASIN: B00005R5UJ Release Date: 2001-11-20 |
Tracks:
- Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
- Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
- Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
- Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
- Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
- Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
- Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
- Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
- Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
- Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
- Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
- Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
- Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
- Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
- Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
- Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
- Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
- Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Tracks:
- Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
- Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
- Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
- Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
- Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
- Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
- Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
- The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
- The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
- The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
- The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
- The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
- Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
- Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
- Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
- Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
- Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
- Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman
Tracks:
- Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
- Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
- Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
- By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
- By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
- By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
- Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
- Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
- Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
- Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
- Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
- Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
- Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
- Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
- Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
- The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
- The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
- The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
- The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir
Tracks:
- Oh What A Circus - David Essex
- Memory - Betty Buckley
- The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
- All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
- Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
- Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
- Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
- As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
- The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
- With One Look - Petula Clark
- You Must Love Me - Madonna
- The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
- A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
- Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
- No Matter What - Boyzone
- The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
- Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
- Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church
Tracks:
- Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
- Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
- I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
- Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
- Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
- Try It And See - Rita Pavone
- Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
- Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
- John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
- What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
- Disillusion Me - Gary Band
- The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
- Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
- It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
- It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
- Magdalena - Tony Christie
- Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
- Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
- I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
- I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
- Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers
Album Description
Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and DanceDisc 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
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
ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21
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
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
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!
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Half the Time
Pablo Manufacturer: Curb Appeal Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000I2JD6C Release Date: 2006-10-24 |
Tracks:
- Wall St.
- Hit The Time
- The Talk
- Loser Crew
- Focus
- Caller ID.
- Get Armed
- Coolin Down
- Words For Free
- This Will Be Our Year.
- Til We Die
Album Description
The Brooklyn based band PABLO is preparing to release their debut album Half the Time on Curb Appeal Records on October 24th. Their indie-folk sound immediately caught the ears of John Richards at KEXP, who has already brought the band in for an amazing in-studio session and is flying the band out to Seattle for KEXP's New Year's show. They are also preparing for an appearance November 4th at the CMJ Festival. The eleven songs on Half the Time helped PABLO win the Starbucks Avant Grande Contest affording him the opportunity to open up for Eddie Brickel in Grant Park as well as opening slots with Earlimart, Eric Bachman (Crooked Fingers), and Matt Pond PA. The music often draws comparisons to the Replacements' gentle moments. Stand out tracks like the haunting tune "Wall Street," the extremely catchy yet soulful songs "Loser Crew" and "Calm Down" will surely win you over as well.
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All My Heart: Deborah Voigt Sings American Songs
Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beach
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ASIN: B000AQACM0 Release Date: 2005-09-13 |
Tracks:
- The Side Show
- Two Little Flowers
- Down East
- The Circus Band
- Berceuse
- At The River
- The Children's Hour
- Piccola Serenata
- Greeting
- So Pretty
- In The Dark Pine-Wood
- The Ivy-Wife
- The Cloak, The Boat, And The Shoes
- I Am In Need Of Music
- To The Virgins To Make Much Of Time
- This Heart That Flutters
- Darkling, I Listen
- Bright Cap And Streamers
- The Half-Ring Moon
- Pierrot
- Cleopatra To The Asp
- Evening Song
- Ah, Love, But A Day
- I Send My Heart Up To Thee
- The Year's At The Spring
Amazon.com
This collection of American songs spanning 150 years shows Deborah Voigt, one of the world's leading sopranos, in a new light. She successfully achieves the transition from the larger-than-life operatic stage to the intimate world of song, especially in the more outgoing, dramatic pieces. Voigt enters into each composer's style with complete empathy. Charles Ives was an irrepressible maverick and a stylistic chameleon. Voigt captures the songs' hymn-like simplicity and irreverent rambunctiousness, though her voice is a bit too heavy for them. Leonard Bernstein's jazzy irony also needs more lightness, but the slow love songs are done beautifully. Voigt really comes into her own in Charles Griffes's lush impressionism, evoking the sultriness of Cleopatra and the rhythms of a Spanish dance, and Amy Beach's unabashed effusive romanticism. Composer Ben Moore is a child of our own time, born in 1960. He moves between many styles with natural ease. Set to great English and American poetry, some of his songs were written for Voigt, and she sings them to perfection. The splendid pianist Brian Zeger provides both leadership and support. --Edith EislerCustomer Reviews:
Mixed results.......2006-02-22
And what's with the title of this album? I think she is a classy artist and deserves better than such silly title, her label probably came up with that.
Nice try overall, but I hope Ms Voigt will do more Strauss and Wagner from now on, not more songs like these.
Like driving a Ferrari in a school zone........2006-02-02
Stellar Soprano Applies Her Considerable Talent to a Lightning-Quick, All-American Repertoire.......2005-11-08
Similar to what countertenor David Daniels did with his 2003 disc with guitarist Craig Ogden, "A Quiet Thing", Voigt and pianist Brian Zeger have created a wide-ranging lyrical repertoire that encompasses significant vocal demands while remaining intimate in setting. In fact, both Daniels and Voigt cover Leonard Bernstein's anti-war lullaby, "So Pretty", with haunting aplomb. She also manages to dance effectively over the "Da-ga-da-ga-dums" of Bernstein's challenging "Piccola serenata". Voigt does wonders with the opening Charles Ives selections by not overplaying the innate sentiment of the tunes, in particular, soaring with the highly dramatic "The Children's Hour" by Longfellow and even covering the churchy warhorse, "At the River", with conviction.
There are eight highly individualistic songs by Ben Moore that stretch Voigt with bountiful results. The standouts of the Moore set are the English sea chantey-like "The Ivy-Wife" by Thomas Hardy, the lushly romantic "I Am in Need of Music" by Elizabeth Bishop; the sweeping "Darkling, I Listen" by John Keats; and the discordant waltz, "Bright Cap and Streamers", by James Joyce. For me, the highpoints of the recording are the last two sets by Charles Tomlinson Griffes and Amy Beach, both of whom tap impressively into Voigt's natural theatricality proven especially by her performances of Griffes's lush "Cleopatra to the Asp" and Bishop's rolling "I Send My Heart Up to Thee".
The one shortcoming of the recording overall is that the briefness of the songs does not really capitalize on Voigt's impressive dramatic capabilities in showcasing changes in characters she would have been allowed in her opera roles. For all the limitations it represents, this is a genuine recital album, and truly transcendent moments are fleeting at best especially given the variety of moods that need to be expressed in lightning-flash strokes. However, taken for the genre it represents, this is a stellar recording to appreciate a singer who is able to do more than Wagner and lose weight.
May have a heart but what good is it if the artistic results are a void?.......2005-10-31
Great new context for Voigt.......2005-09-30
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The Pajama Game (1954 Original Broadway Cast)
Richard Adler , Jerry Ross , John Raitt , and Janis Paige Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern
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ASIN: B000002521 Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Overture
- The Pajama Game/ Racing With The Clock
- A New Town Is A Blue Town
- I'm Not At All In Love
- I'll Never Be Jealous Again
- Hey There
- Her Is
- Once-A-Year-Day!
- Small Talk
- There Once Was A Man
- Steam Heat
- Think Of The Time I Save
- Hernando's Hideaway
- Seven-And-A-Half Cents
- Finale
Amazon.com
Based on the novel 7-1/2 Cents by Richard Bissell, The Pajama Game hit Broadway in May 1954 and ran over 1,000 performances. The plot revolves around a labor dispute at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, with two couples (Eddie Foy Jr. and Carol Haney, John Raitt and Janis Paige) in the middle of it. The score, by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, includes Raitt's classic ballad "Hey There" (dueting with himself as recorded on a dictation machine), the humorous "Think of the Time I Save," and "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway," both set to memorable choreography by a Broadway novice named Bob Fosse. The following year, the Adler-Ross-Fosse team would team up again with Damn Yankees.The 2000 remastered version of The Pajama Game features vastly improved sound and bonus tracks taken from a 1954 radio show: Raitt's "The World Around Us" (dropped from the show) and Raitt and Paige's "There Once Was a Man," both with a rehearsal pianist, and Adler and Ross themselves singing "Hernando's Hideaway" with Ross at the piano. --David Horiuchi
Customer Reviews:
Just Like I Remeber When I was Young.......2006-07-27
More is less........2004-08-15
The movie retained all of the original cast leads except for Janis Paige as Babe (replaced by Doris Day.) Day sings Babe's songs better, so your choice between the cast album and the movie soundtrack will depend on whether you need the whole score or not.
As for ths reissue...once again Sony has done a first-rate job. The sound is full bodied and rich, though necessarily mono, and the package includes some well-written liner notes.
A great recording, with the best cast, but..........2004-05-03
This recording of The Pajama Game, a remastered version on the original cast, has VASTLY improved sound and some great extra tracks. Despite the new tracks, though, a lot of the score is completley missing from this recording, and a lot of the songs have been abridged, cutting out dialogue sections and a lot of dance music, like the wonderful "Jealousy Ballet" number, but the loss can be both a blessing and a curse.
The cast is the best recorded, in my opinion.
John Raitt as Sid - I'm not sure if this show was Raitt's star turn or Carousel was, but regardless, he is a fantastic talent and it really shows on this recording. His solos on this recording are superior to any other renditions. "Hey There", "A New Town Is a Blue Town", and "There Once Was a Man"(my personal favorite) are just fantastic. Great all around.
Janis Paige as Babe - Ok...she grows on you. If Paige is not singing in a more characterized voice, than she needs to be shot because she sounds like a wounded animal, BUT for the role her funky voice is very well suited. Her belt voice doesn't use much vibrato or any classical broadway norms, but her much grittier voice brings a more "real" feel to her character. "I'm Not At All In Love" is great and her comedic-like turn in "There Once Was a Man" is also fantastic.
Eddie Foy Jr. as Hines - I just recently finished performing as Hines in a production of "The Pajama Game" so I know the role well. Foy is my favorite recorded Hines, he has such a different voice and personality to his character that simply cannot be imitated. It's a shame so much of his role was cut from the movie. "I'll Never Be Jealous Again" is pleasantly comic, "Think Of The Time I Save" is cute and pleasant, and the opening is also great. An excellent performance.
Carol Haney as Gladys - Gladys is THE show stealing role of "The Pajama Game", and the underrated and underused Carol Haney stole this production way back when. Haney is cooky, lovable, and on stage, a fantastic dancer. Haney stepped into the role originally envisioned for Gwen Verdon and made it the role it is today, funny and wonderful. Haney sings two of the show's classics, "Steam Heat"(the best recorded), and "Hernando's Hideaway" both totally wonderful.
Stanley Prager as Prez - A really great performance. Prager gives a rough, growling voice to Prez and it comes off as a great perfomance. "Her Is" is great, as is "Seven and A Half Cents"(although Prager's voice humorously cracks in mid-verse). A good performance.
Reta Shaw as Mabel - Can't pull off a cute and perverted old lady any other way. Shaw's performance is solid in "I'll Never Be Jealous Again" with Foy. Pleasant to listen to.
Well, all in all, this recording, though very abridged, has the best cast and is just as good as a choice for a recording of the show. Both is better, but for casual and curious listeners, this one beats the London cast. For those who really want the full score, go London. If I had to pick the superior, I would very reluctantly choose this one(reluctantly, due to the abridged score and Ms. Paige. One thing is for sure, every theater lover must own a copy of this wonderful show.
Excellent musical...one of the best.......2003-05-28
I also have to _deeply_ disagree with Mr. Stuart Howard, and to suggest that he in fact has no idea what he is talking about. All the musicals he said were "more important" than the Pajama Game only seem that way because they have been revived time and again. "Pajama Game" simply had the bad luck to become hopelessly dated due to cultural changes, and thus nearly impossible to revive successfully. Still, I personally think "Hernando's hideaway" and "Think of the time I save" still qualify as modern classics, and certainly it's hard to argue that "Once-a-year-day" hasn't been absorbed into our cultural consciousness.
As for Ms. Paige, I _love_ her cynical, witty delivery and extremely unique voice and style of singing, and I tend to believe that anyone who can't see her appeal has, to be blunt, outlandishly poor taste in music.
I love the Pajama Game, and, incidentally, I _highly recommend this CD. John Raitt's voice is a little cold, but it is also amazingly beautiful. The three comedy relief roles will all have you howling, Janice Paige is, as stated before, a genius, and unlike in my musicals, the songs will give you a sufficient idea of not only the story, but the characters...and "The Pajama Game" has deeper and more complex characters than any of the other old-fashioned musical comedies I can think of.
The Cat's Pajamas.......2003-02-18
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Lil Abner/Broadway Bouquet
Manufacturer: Collectables ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein
| Bernstein, Leonard
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ASIN: B0000996GC Release Date: 2003-09-16 |
Tracks:
- It's A Typical Day
- The Way To A Man's Heart
- Love In A Home
- Medley: Jubilation T. Cornpone / (What's Good For) General Bullmoose (Is Good For The U.S.A.)
- Unnecessary Town
- The Country's In The Very Best Of Hands
- There's Room Enough For Us
- Progress Is The Root Of All Evil
- If I Had My Druthers
- Oh Happy Day
- Matrimonial Stomp
- Namely You
- Hello, Dolly!
- Once Upon A Time
- Somewhere
- Sunrise, Sunset
- Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
- A Quiet Thing
- Make Someone Happy
- What Kind Of Fool Am I?
- Long Ago
- The Sweetest Sounds
- As Long As He Needs Me
- Theme From "Golden Boy"
Album Description
The jaunty Gene DePaul score for the musical play "Lil' Abner" based on the comic strip by Al Capp is heard instrumentally - and it's quite a show! "Broadway Bouquet" from 1965 is an important part of the famed Faith "string" album series - perhaps the pinnacle of his rich string sound that spanned gorgeous melodies and counterlines across sections of the large orchestra. (Bill Halvorsen)Album Description
Pianist Percy Faith, a pioneer of the Easy Listening genre, had a successful and lengthy career as the in-house conductor and arranger for Columbia Records. Faith was renowned for his musical interpretations of Broadway and motion picture music. These two reissues from Collectables on 1 CD were originally released in 1965. 24 tracks. 2003.Customer Reviews:
It's not stereo.......2005-01-10
classic arrangements by the classic gentlemen ~ Percy Faith.......2004-02-16
Let's begin with "IT'S A TYPICAL DAY" along with "LOVE IN A HOME", both from "Li'l Abner", wonderful opening counterparts and the stirring arrangements by Maestro Percy Faith ~ "JUBILATON T. CORNPONE", uplifting cue that will keep bouncing in your head for hours, maybe even days ~ "IF I HAD MY DRUTHERS", one of the forgettable tunes from the show ~ "NAMELY YOU", has to be the best and favorite song of the Johnny Mercer and Gene De Paul score ~ by the way, these two composers penned the lively screen musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", both scores were sure winners from two talented songwriters, Percy Faith steps up to the podium and takes it to another level.
Now with "Broadway Bouquet", we have perfection within the realm of lush arranging, so flawless "HELLO, DOLLY!" (Jerry Herman), "ONCE UPON A TIME" (Adams/Strouse), "SOMEWHERE" (Sondheim/Bernstein), "SUNRISE, SUNSET/FIDDLER ON THE ROOF" (Harnick/Bock) (one of my all-time favorites, can't get enough of this score), "WHO CAN I TURN TO (WHEN NOBODY NEEDS ME)" (Bricusse/Newley), "A QUIET THING" (Ebb/Kander), "MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY" (Comden/Green/Styne), "WHAT KIND OF FOOL AM I?" (Bricusse/Newley) (two of the best songwriters in the business), "LONG AGO" (David Heneker), "THE SWEETEST SOUNDS" (Richard Rodgers) (his credit of compositions goes through the ceiling, will never be another like 'em), "AS LONG AS HE NEEDS ME" (Lionel Bart) (a wonderful classic that is still popular by today's standards), "THEME FROM "GOLDEN BOY" (Adams Strouse) (another team of composers that have made an impact on the Broadway scene) ~ an example of the "Percy Faith Touch", so effortless, you feel like you're floating on a cloud ~ falls into Percy's many albums of fabulous string arrangements, they grabbed the attention of the listener and wouldn't let go. Can't think of any other arranger/composer who left such a great legacy as this man!
Highly recommend to ALL fans of Percy Faith ~ thanks to Collectables for releasing this collection from the vaults of Columbia Records ~ so listeners sit back, relax and enjoy a small part of Maestro Percy Faith's fabulous career!
Total Time: 70:49 on 24 Tracks ~ Collectables 7564 ~ (9/16/2003)
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Paul Sperry Sings Songs of an Innocent Age
Manufacturer: Albany Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beach
| Beach, Amy Marcy Cheney
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ASIN: B0000049LD Release Date: 2006-10-24 |
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Symphony 9: Introduction to Dvorak
Dvorak Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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