Destiny Stone [Import]

Product Description
Japanese pressing of the melodic rock act's 2004 album includes one bonus track 'Reckless Love'. Nexus.

Tracks:

Opening
Mr. Jones' Bones
Narration
Oooey Gooey Stew
Narration
Dark, Dark Night
Narration
Hobnobbin' with a Goblin
Narration
The Giant Pumpkin
Narration
Dem Bones
Narration
Snow
Narration
Snow
Narration
The Tinker & The Ghost
Narration
The Coffin Story

Product Description

McDonald continues his rise to the top of the Contemporary Celtic genre with this breathtaking journey of music. The Stone of Destiny is the very symbol of Scotland's nationhood. This 336 lb. Block of yellow standstone is said to be the stone that, in biblical times, Jacob slept upon and received messages from God. Irish, Scottish and English monarchs have been enthroned upon the stone since 400 A.D. Taken from Scotland by King Edward I in 1296, the stone was returned to Scotland in 1996. It now sits in Edinburgh Castle. Steve McDonald continues sharing the history of Scotland and the Celtic culture through music. STONE OF DESTINY is the follow-up to his award winning Celtic album of the year - SONS OF SOMERLED.

Customer Reviews:

Stone of Destiny - Steven McDonald.......2006-05-28

If you don't know this performer you should. His group has a wonderful way of presenting music. "Stone of Destiny" is really beautiful. I think it matches his songs on "Sons of Somerled" if not better. Give yourself a treat and give a listen to this preformer's music.

Oh how I love this one.......2004-07-07

So much passion and inspiration went into this CD. Very moving. Loved it.

Rich, powerful and beautiful.......2004-02-27

Visionary, nostalgic, and awe inspiring. MacDonald takes traditional and new Scottish highland music and augments it with the unleashed power of a full orchestra and high-tech production. It's not the orchestra music of your grandfathers, for I have never heard timpani player(s) unleashed like a highland Celtic drummer, nor heard Celtic drums with the tonal quality of a tuned set of orchestral kettles. The singing is awesome, the music is fantastic.

Destiny does not quite have the power of Sons of Somerled, so if you only buy one MacDonald that's the best, but if you have Sons and want more MacDonald you won't be disappointed.

Celtic Stirrings.......2001-07-26

I was more than impressed with Steve McDonald when I bought Spinfield several years ago. It remains one of my favorite CDs - one that has quite literally stood the test of time. In his other works, including this one Steve's ability to grasp one's very spirit through the music is both inspiring and transcending. Thanks Steve - and spread the word a Master of Music...

Stone of Destiny.......2001-05-28

Stone of Destiny: My first exposure to Steve McDonald left quite an impression. I bought this one while on vacation and the first thing I did when I got home was check Amazon for more albums. After reading the reviews, I could tell that the Stone of Destiny apparently strays from his usual style but in no way should that take away from the pleasure derived from listening and reading this one. Yes I said reading. Inside the album jacket are not only the lyrics but a brief history describing the events that inspired each song. It's a wonderful way to learn a few of the myths, legends and events that contributed so significantly to Scotland's history. From the narrated poem of the battle of Bannockburn (as depicted by the movie Braveheart) to the obvious Pink Floyd influences in the song, Boadicea, this album is mesmerizing. After you've read the jacket cover to cover, it's the album that you will want put on when you need to make the most of the moments that belong to only you. When you can close your eyes and let the words and music carry you away on the wings of your imagination. For those of you who are Steve McDonald fans, please judge this one on it's own merit and not what you expect it to be. For those who've never heard him, this album has excellent orchestral and background singing but the voice of Steven McDonald and the feeling he puts into his songs is what will move you. I've just ordered all of his other albums based on this one and I'm hoping that all contain the history lessons and inspirationally moving lyrics I found on the Stone of Destiny.

Average customer rating:

POWERFUL VOICES
Best discovery in music in a quite some time.
Larger Than Life
very good
"brilliant arrangements and performances ~ The Ten Tenors"

Larger Than Life

Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Here's to the Heroes
Ten Tenors in Prayer
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Tenology

ASIN: B0002SPPG4
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

Water/Va Pensiero
Stonde
The Way Away From You
Angel
Por Una Cabeza
Together
Feet Lift Off The Ground
Cast In Stone
Sundance
World Anthem
Destiny Lies
Thunder Point
Conquest Of Paradise
Bicycle Race

Customer Reviews:

POWERFUL VOICES.......2006-02-28

Young tenors at their individual and collective best. Powerful, dynamic, and emotionally charged performance.
Good selection of vocal works for the newcomer, some light, some heavy.

Best discovery in music in a quite some time........2005-07-08

I happened to see this ensemble perform in concert on PBS one night last winter during a fund raiser.

All that I can say is, "Wow".

Since that time I have purchased this CD for myself and as gift to three other music lovers; all of which have offered me their gratitude.

It is not very often that a musical experience of skill and talent surfaces. They hold us within the magic of voice, combined with musical stanzas and lyric, and the chemistry of TEAMWORK.
The gentlemen excel in such offerings as Vangelis' "Conquest of Paradise", "World Anthem", and the melancholy Irish "Thunderpoint", which sends chills down my spine.

If I can choose one group to open the next Olympics celebration it is The Ten Tenors.
I can only hope that they broaden their US tour.
I can also only hope that they continue to produce and record more albums.

Bravo

Larger Than Life.......2005-07-04

Yes, clearly the name alone is a homage/copy from the Three Tenors and, no, they aren't as operatic as the others. However, they are 10 guys who sing a cross between choir, Broadway, opera and a capella. That said, you'll find these guys encapitvating. First of all, the operatic aspect is a misnomer, because when they're having fun, they're at their best. Listen to them do their Dancing Queen Melody. Not only is it well done, it's fun and hysterical.

This all said, the CD contains a bonus DVD disc, which in my opinion blows away the CD. Not that it's as well produced; however, you need to see these 10 guys interact to get the idea of how good they are. Their faces express the emotion, as all 10 of them work together to take you across various musical genres. Their interaction is what makes them special, which is why I say, "Buy this CD for the DVD"

very good.......2005-07-04

Delta Air Lines featured most of this album on thier in-flight audio, and I heard it on a long flight and its equally long return. Bought the album after that. Not a fan of opera, classical, or pop, I was surprised to find that The Ten Tenors did all of these better then any of the three genres' more popular artists. I enjoy the album and recommend it as adult contemporary.

"brilliant arrangements and performances ~ The Ten Tenors".......2004-10-23

Rhino Records presents not just Three Tenors or Irish Tenors...but the latest surprise on the classical scene is The Ten Tenors with their new album "Larger Than Life", featuring a fourteen track compact disc and four cue bonus Live DVD...Australian gentlemen who will thrill you with classical vocal repertoire of ballads and even a classic rock tune or two.

Students in 1995 studying opera classics, they performed in 1998 while attending the University and began touring...haven't stopped since ~ their individuality and comradeship with close touching harmony will soon grab you and never let go ~ outstanding performances "STONDE" [Patrick Abrial/Jean Marc Grossi/Thierry Micaelli], beautiful beyond words, "POR UNA CABEZA" [Carlos Gardel/Alfredo Le Para], the tango from the film "Scent Of A Woman", the vocal is extraordinary, "SUNDANCE" [Andy Arthurs/Philip Chambon], folk genre beat with tempos that get completely under your skin, terrific arrangements by the composer, "DESTINY LIES" [Craig Atkinson/Stewart Morris], lead vocal by Jason Turbull reads like a Top Ten New Age Hit, full orchestra and chorus abound ~ "CONQUEST OF PARADISE" [Vangelis], non stop harmony and brilliant orchestration with the full voices of The Ten Tenors, enough power to light up a big city block ~ "BICYCLE RACE" [Freddie Mercury], the ultimate big hit of Queen, brilliant arrangements by Shannon Brown and Drew Graham.

If you love classical and outstanding vocals by young talent, then this one has your name on it...watch out world here comes some of the best of the best around today...hats off to Rhino and Warner Bros. for this one of a kind release...hope to see more of the same...piano, arranger and synthesizer by Steven Baker..the DVD is really a trip and a half...great job by one and all ~ The Ten Tenors

Total Time: 56:12 on 14 Tracks/DVD on 4 Tracks ~ Rhino Records 76525 ~ (9/21/2004)

Average customer rating:

A super CD that takes a few listens
The `eye of the tiger' is alive and well
The Odd Duo Worked Another Wonder!

The Destiny Stone
Pride of Lions
Manufacturer: Frontiers Italy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pride of Lions
Above the Storm
Reach
Roaring of Dreams
Ignition

ASIN: B00064JT9S
Release Date: 2004-11-15

Tracks:

Courage to Love Somebody
Parallel Lines
Back to Camelot
Born to Believe in You
What Kind of Fool
Man Behind the Mask
Light from a Distant Shore
Letter to the Future
Destiny Stone
Second Hand Life
Falling Back to Then
Gift of Song

Album Description

2004 album from melodic rock act featuring Survivor frontman James Peterik. Frontiers.

Album Details

Second Album by this Band Whose Leader is Jim Pernick (Survivor).

Customer Reviews:

A super CD that takes a few listens.......2006-06-14

Initially I was disappointed by this second effort from Pride of Lions. However, after several listens the cd grew on me. Whilst there are no unbelievable power ballads like their first CD, Light from a distant shore is excellent. As for the rest of the material on this CD, I would say that if you are a fan of Journey, Toto,or Styx, you really should add this Cd to your collection. Singer Toby Hitchcock has an unbelievable range and could easily be mistaken for both Dennis De Young or Tommy Shaw. (hard to believe but true)
The courage to love somebody and Parallel Lines are awseome. Born to believe in you is an excellent rocker, while Man behind the mask sounds like Dennis de young and the song is eerily familiar - Mr. Roboto. Second hand life and falling back to then make the album complete.
The filler tracks Back to Camelot and Gift of song are listenable but not unforgettable - mind you the lead singer in Gift of song shows off his range here and listen out for an Alan Parsons like bridge in the middle of the song.
All in all a worthy CD in any collection

The `eye of the tiger' is alive and well.......2005-01-25

The Good
The production on "The Courage to Love Somebody" is just phenomenal. Granted it could be mistaken for a long-lost Survivor track, but they just something about the guitar tone and the synthesizers that make it work. The vocals send a strong message of love with their powerful delivery. "Parallel Lines" to easily pass as the soundtrack to an emotionally charged movie climax with its driving rhythms and over-the-top chorus. Peterik's flair for the keyboard takes center stage on "Born to Believe in You". Toby and Jim pull off a great duel vocal melody on the chorus. What kind of fool relies a lot on the keyboard as well, but this time around it's for power ballad. There's a very 1980s-esque solo that goes along with it.

Pride of Lions seem to excel in the ballad department, which is evident on "Light from a Distant Shore". Little guitar licks here and there add depth to the song. "Letter to the Future" walks a fine line between melodic rock and an Andrew Lloyd Webber production. The song begins slow and understated, but finishes with all pistons firing. A catchy muted riff dominates "Falling Back to Then". On the verses the vocals seem a little darker and deeper, but that makes way for a high-registered melodic assault. I wanted to note that Pride of Lions don't skimp on material. There's no song shorter than four minutes, with most tracks clocking in between five and six minutes.

The Bad
It's not quite clear who's singing what.

The Verdict
The `eye of the tiger' is alive and well, now traveling with a Pride of Lions. The Destiny Stone truly is the best of 80s-era melodic rock with a modern twist. Each song is powerful and sure to bring out every emotion possible. The guitar tone and heavy use of keyboards is what will reel you in. A nice slice of what's missing in American rock today.

The Odd Duo Worked Another Wonder!.......2005-01-16

How can the duo made up by rock veteran Jim Peterik known as great songs by Survivor, 38 Special and a lot more and 25-year-old bud Toby Hitchcock work? It is truly unprecedented combination. Yep similar things are tried in Santana's SUPERNATURAL album when the rock legend Carlos Santana made great combination with Rob Thomas young talented rocker of Matchbox Twenty. With Pride of Lions debut two years ago and
this one just released, Jim Peterik competes fairly well with talented new singer Toby Hitchcock having strong vocal the rock world has been waiting for. Before Survivor Jim did sing during Ides of March and latter-day Chase. But after finding great singer Dave Vickler he was content with background role concentrating on songwriting. For most of Survivor and 80's rock fans Jim Peterik taking co-lead vocalist role is quite fresh somewhat like meeting a new singer. Not only uncovering his great talent as vocalist but his songwriting shown in this album is better than ever. All the track included are well-written and well-hooked. Among the great songs I would pick LIGHT FROM DISTANT SHORE, BORN TO BELIEVE IN YOU, and MAN BEHIND THE MASK as my top favorites.

Must-have album if you are a rock connoisseur.

Average customer rating:

Stoneman, Destiny In Stone
Stoneman
Manufacturer: The Orchard
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00022WBR6
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

Baby Save Me
Kick'n It At The Pub
So Thankful
Get Down Fo Da Saka Get'n Down
We Rock
Brotha's And Sista's
We Rock Not Run
Brotha's Don't Even Give A Damn No Mo
I Just Wanna Love You
I'm Not Gonna Take It
The Next Phase
Destiny In Stone

Album Description

This CD is chocked full of many styles including R&B/Hip-Hop, Jazz, Rock, Funk, Reggae and Soul. Stoneman serves up up his own special blend of original music in which he plays all of the instruments, performs all the vocals and produces all the tracks. It is a small glimpse of the man known worldwide through his various #1 chart accomplishments at Soundclick, MP3.com, MP3.com.au, Ampcast and IUMA