Japanese remastered reissue packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve. Details TBA. Sony. 2004.
River of Dreams,Billy Joel,Sony,Pop,Rock/Pop
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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005QZWI Release Date: 2001-11-20 |
Tracks:
- The Prophecy
- Concerning Hobbits
- The Shadow Of The Past
- The Treason Of Isengard
- The Black Rider
- At The Sign Of The Prancing Pony
- A Knife In The Dark
- Flight To The Ford
- Many Meetings
- The Council Of Elrond [featuring the song "Aniron (Theme For Aragorn And Arwen)" composed & performed by Enya]
- The Ring Goes South
- A Journey In The Dark
- The Bridge Of Khazad Dum
- Lothlorien
- The Great River
- Amon Hen
- The Breaking Of The Fellowship
- May It Be [composed & performed by Enya]
Amazon.com
Score composer Howard Shore has informed this first installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy with his distinctly modern sensibilities. Revolving loosely around a brief, heroic brass theme, this epic is infused with a powerful rhythmic thrust and a musical range that encompasses centuries (from the Renaissance pastoralism of "Concerning Hobbits" to the fiery, Prokofiev-influenced drama of "A Knife in the Dark"). Key to the score's sense of mystery and magical place are the rich choral passages that are interspersed throughout, some so ominously gothic they make The Phantom Menace's "Duel of the Fates" sound almost sunny by comparison. Enya's contributions ("The Council of Elrond" and the song "May It Be") add a sense of organic tranquility, but it's Shore's Wagnerian-scaled orchestral score that should long be cherished by admirers of film music and hobbits alike. --Jerry McCulleyCustomer Reviews:
The music is good but the movie is better.......2007-04-10
A grand sountrack..........2007-01-10
Lord of the Rings Original Soundtracks, films 1 and 3.......2006-11-08
Awe inspiring!.......2006-10-02
It is the best of the three CDs!!!.......2006-09-10
I think that the other CDs are a bit repetitive once you've got this one, even if I still like the music of the second soundtrack 'The Two Towers'. As for the 3rd sequel, I seldom listen to it as there is only one track that I like, 'The Return of the King'.
Now, this first CD of the trilogy is actually very good. Thanks to Enya, it is haunting and the songs are beautiful. There are a few eery but melodious songs like 'The Council of Elrond', 'Lothlorien', 'May it Be'. I love the change of tempo, the balance between fast and slow movements in 'A Knife in the Dark', 'Flight to the ford', and 'Amon Hen' which is my favourite piece (the Death of Boromir) with the oboe sound mixed with the beat of the drums and finaly the haunting voice of the singer. Track 17 is also worth listening. I like this CD because you've got different tempos and melodies and Anya is a great singer to me. But I also enjoy listening to Emiliana Torrini's song 'Gollum's Song'in the second soundtrack...
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The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music
Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000C6K09 Release Date: 2003-10-07 |
Tracks:
- The Sugarland Express-Main Theme
- Jaws-Main Theme
- Close Encounters Of The Third Kind-Suite
- Raiders Of The Lost Ark-March
- Raiders Of The Lost Arc-The Map Room:Dawn
- E.T. The Extra-Terrestrail-Adventures On Earth
- Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom-Mine Car Chase
- Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom-End Credits
- Empire Of The Sun-Exsultate Justi
- Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade-Indy's First Adventure
Tracks:
- Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade-End Credits
- Always-Follow Me/Dorinda's Solo Flight
- Hook-Main Themes
- Jurassic Park-Main Themes
- Schindler's List-Main Theme
- Amistad-Dry Your Tears, Afrika
- Saving Private Ryan-Hymn To The Fallen
- A.I. Artificial Intelligence-Where Dreams Are Made
- Minority Report
- Catch Me If You Can
Tracks:
- The Rare Breed-Suite (Universal Emblem/Hilary's Plight/Scottish Romeo/The Hunt)
- Jane Eyre-Suite: The Jane Eyre Theme
- Jane Eyre-Suite: To Thornfield
- Jane Eyre-Suite: Restoration
- The Cowboys-Overture
- The Poseidon Adventure-Prelude
- The Towering Inferno-Main Titles
- Family Plot-End Titles
- The Fury-Main Titles
- Superman-Main Theme
- Dracula-Main Titles & Storm
- The River-Main Theme & Love Theme
- The Witches Of Eastwick- Dance Of The Witches
Tracks:
- Born On The Fourth Of July-End Credits
- Presumed Innocent-End Titles
- JFK-Arlington/End Titles
- Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone-Hedwig's Theme
- Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets-Fawkes The Phoenix
- Star Wars: A New Hope- Main Theme
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back-Hans Solo And The Princess
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back-The Imperial March
- Star Wars: The Phantom Menace- Anakin's Theme
- Star Wars: The Phantom Menace-The Flag Parade
- Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones-Across The Stars
- Star Wars: The Phantom Menace-Duel Of The Fates
Customer Reviews:
Very disappointing, considering what it could have been.......2007-04-20
Disc 1: 60 minutes
Disc 2: 50 minutes
Disc 3: 61 minutes
Disc 4: 58 minutes
What gives Silva? There is *MUCH* more John Williams in the silva screen back catalogue by the Prague Philharmonic than what is in this set, and thats not including their entire discs devoted to Star Wars Films, Indiana Jones Trilogy etc. Why isn't Hook "When You're Alone" included on Disc 2? There's room. Why isn't 1941 on Disc 1? There's room. Why isn't Earthquake on Disc 3? There's room. Why isn't Far and Away on disc 4? There's room. Where's the other ten minutes of the Rare Breed suite on disc 3? Why isn't Midway on disc 1? Where are the Land of the Giants, Time Tunnel and Lots In Space tv themes? Etc. Etc. Etc.
C'mon Silva, most of these 4 disc mega boxes released in the past few years are packed to the brim, but not this one, and with new recordings made after this was released (the terminal, munich, geisha, war of the worlds, star wars ep 3, harry potter 3), it only makes sense for a "re-do" in the next couple of years.
Further, with Silva releasing the 100 Greatest Film Themes on six discs in a couple of months, it's only a matter of time before we see the ultimate six disc john williams set.
This isn't a BAD set to own, but it could have been much better and when compared to the Jerry Goldsmith and John Barry sets in this same series, this one is a major letdown.
Always a pleaser.......2007-03-31
JOHN WILLIAMS 40 Years of Film Music.......2007-01-10
Movie Music Magic & Memorabilia.......2006-12-13
John Williams: 40 Years of Outstanding Film Music.......2006-11-28
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River of Dreams
Billy Joel Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00000DCHM Release Date: 1998-10-20 |
Tracks:
- No Man's Land
- The Great Wall Of China
- Blonde Over Blue
- A Minor Variation
- Shades Of Grey
- All About Soul
- Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)
- The River Of Dreams
- Two Thousand Years
- Famous Last Words
Customer Reviews:
Billy in a different hemisphere.......2007-07-18
"No Man's Land" pops open the album with just that, pop. Like cold water in the face, this may seem a bit much at first. If it doesn't please you, do as I did and simply save it for another time. It might grow on you. Next you're greeted with a catchy chorus of voices in "The Great Wall Of China" that's a tad down tempo from the previous track. One of the better songs on here and if one listenes closely, beneath the rough exteriors lies a core beat reminiscent of Billy's early days. "Blonde Over Blue" may blend in with the rest of the material just a little. Skip down to the interesting "A Minor Variation" where Billy seems to shed all of his former music schemes to embrace something new here. The style set in this song seems to accomodate his voice finely, just rough enough around the edges. You might be familiar with "All About Soul" if you've heard Billy's 'Essential' CD along with the sweet lullaby "Goodnight My Angel", the next really good one. I love this song and its nice to explore Billy's quieter side here. Following is the title track well deserving of that status. This is the song that got me into this album. Before, I used to listen to it all of the time on the 'Essential' collection. Probably the best 'new' thing Billy Joel has managed to conjure up in these last few years. My favorite anyway. After a slow fade to the end, you find yourself listening to just the man and his piano until the drums and backup kick in on "Two Thousand Years". I hope you are able to hear the reaccuring chorus delivered up here in the Amazon sample. It really is the strong point of the song accompanied with accordion, an unusual tool for Joel, but one which balances out the song and seems to help make it timeless. "Famous Last Words" is an appropriate ending for this work, upbeat and familiar in style to his classic work. This song seemed to satisfy any doubts I had about the strength of the album in it's entirety. I'd say it brought the album from a 3 star to a 4 star in satisfaction.
So there it is. One more winning creation from the prolific and perennial Billy Joel, and I even like the artwork. Despite it's deviation from the iconic Billy, it still seems to satisfy, but try it for yourself.
Oh Billy, where art thou?.......2007-06-14
That meant that his old brashness was tempered with a mature wisdom. As simplistic as it may seem, "Shades Of Grey" making the claim that "I'm old and tired of war, I hear the other man's words but I'm not that sure anymore" are a universal poem from a man moving through his late 40's. That's not to say he has totally mellowed. His former manager and ex-brother-in-law gets a musical spanking on "Great Wall Of China" (he was accused of embezzling from Joel while serving as his manager).
The main topic, however, remains love. Christie Brinkley was still his wife and the love songs on "River of Dreams" are all directed to her (she designed the cover, as well). His daughter Alexa is the focus of a beautiful "Lullabye," once more showing this to be Billy The Family Man album. His optimism comes through on the last two songs, "2000 Years" and "Famous Last Words," which bluntly stated "It's time to put this book away, ain't that the story of my life?" Who knew that the last verse on the album would be the epithet of his popular music career?
Just the same, as an album of immaculate pop, "River Of Dreams" is an excellent way to close the curtain. I may be hoping for Joel to return to the studio, but this will always have a place on my CD shelf. But one can always hope that Joel may once again feel like he has something new to say.
Famous Last Words?.......2007-04-06
There are many highlights on the album, but the opening and closing pairs of tracks are all absolute stunners. 'No Man's Land' is a great, driving opener and anybody familiar with Joel's career will instantly recognise precisely whom 'The Great Wall of China' is aimed at...let's just say his ex (but not his ex-wife!) The next six tracks are all very good (this is one of only a few Joel CDs where there are no 'must skip' tracks), including the smash hit title track, although I can understand some people being a bit sick of it, I don't think I'll ever tire of it.
But then we come to 'Two Thousand Years', probably the best pre-millenium song ever written and one of my favourite Joel tracks of all time, and the brilliant album closer, 'Famous Last Words'. The only thing wrong with this track is that Billy has often used it's lyrics 'These are the last words I have to say' as something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, despite the fact that on several occasions he also sings, 'there will be other words some other day' and it is these lyrics on which my hope rests. Whatever happens, this is a great album that should be in any Joel fan's collection.
Don't laugh Critics, but Billy's swan song may be his best? .......2007-03-08
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)Is a modern Masterpiece
The River Of Dreams - Yes it's nauseating and very "a.m radio", but it has an "in the pocket" groove that is infectious
Famous Last Words - The last song Billy will ever write? It's not a bad way to end.
Get me out of here, please!!!.......2006-06-02
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Down the River of Golden Dreams
Okkervil River Manufacturer: Jagjaguwar ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000B17RU Release Date: 2003-09-02 |
Tracks:
- Down The River Of Golden Dreams
- It Ends With A Fall
- For The Enemy
- Blanket And Crib
- The War Criminal Rises And Speaks
- The Velocity Of Saul At The Time Of His Conversion
- Dead Faces
- Maine Island Lovers
- Song About A Star
- Yellow
- Seas Too Far To Reach
Customer Reviews:
perfection.......2005-10-21
This is one of the most honest and beautiful albums ever. Ever.
Each and every song has it's own beauty in it's own special way. It seems like even when I don't comepletly see what a song is getting it, I can still relate to the words in my own way.
There isn't any one single track I would claim to love more than any other because I really only listen to the whole cd at once. (though the album version of 'The Velocity of Saul at the Time of His Conversion' is kind of weak, I much prefer the one from Stars Too Small to Use but that hardly makes a difference).
If you're a fan of Neutral Milk Hotel, Murder by Death, or other such melancholy, instrument-laden, emotional, lo-fi, indie-folk bands, and you don't like this you should be beheaded, end of story
the kind of great that creeps up on you slowly.......2005-03-22
Excellent music.......2005-02-11
The great thing about this album is the more you listen to it, the more the rest of the album become your favorite songs, meaning, there won't be just one or two standout tracks. The whole album will be one complete enjoyment.
makes me think of the ocean on a foggy dawn.......2004-06-09
Best stomache ache you'll ever get.......2004-03-28
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Just for the Record: The Golden Voice
Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B0000TAYR0 Release Date: 2003-11-11 |
Tracks:
- L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera)
- Mon Coeur S'ouvre A Ta Voix
- Eccomi Al Fine In Babilonia
- Cruda Sorte!
- Hence, Iris, Hence Away
- Dove Sei, Amato Bene?
- Che Disse! Che Ascoltai!
- Addio, Addio O Miei Sospiri
- O Pretres De Baal... O Toi, Qui M'abandonne
- Elle Est La! Pres De Lui!
- Mura Felici
- Tanti Affetti
Tracks:
- Superbo Di Me Stesso
- Il Segreto Per Esser Felici - London Symphony Chorus
- Mi Chiami, O Norma!
- Deh! Con Te, Con Te Li Prendi
- Mira, O Norma
- Si, Fino All'ore Estreme
- Soli Or Siamo... Condotta ell'era In Ceppi - Luciano Pavarotti
- Non Son Tuo Figlio? - Luciano Pavarotti
- Mal Reggendo - Luciano Pavarotti
- E Un Anatema! - Renata Tebaldi
- Nacht Und Traume, D 827
- Abendlied
- Traume
- Jesus De Nazareth
- Shenandoah
- I Bought Me A Cat
- The Lord's Prayer
- Somewhere
- At The River (Lowry)
- Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair
Customer Reviews:
Marilyn Horne scintillates.......2007-05-20
Some cuts well depict her artistry across a range of genres and composers.
The "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen" is, to be sure, an old chestnut by now, but she sings it with a rich and lustrous voice. She sings a seductive aria seductively.
"Eccomi al fine in Babilonia" is from Rossini's "Semiramide" and shows off her skills nicely. This piece shows off the range of her voice well. Her voice is very agile, as it would need to be to do Rossini justice. There are some nice runs; the cabaletta showcases her agility and allows her to display well sung ornamentation.
From Handel's "Semele," we hear "Hence, Iris, Hence Away." This is a sprightly piece that is characteristically well sung by Horne.
Handel's "Rosalinda" features a nice work for mezzos, "Dove sei amato bene?" If I hear correctly, Horne begins this with a trill in piano; there are a number of nicely executed trills in this work. This cut is smoothly and richly sung throughout.
"Addio, addio o miei sospiri" comes from "Orfeo ed Oridice" by Gluck. A sprightly paced work. Horne shows off excellent ornamentation; her coloratura technique is terrific.
From "Norma" (by Bellini) there are 4 cuts (from a longer scene), featuring collaboration with Joan Sutherland. The two singers worked well together in a number of operas, and this set of works illustrates that synergy beautifully. "Mi chiami, o Norma!" starts things off. The two voices meld extremely well together. "Deh! Con te, con te li prendi" features fine work all around. Both singers display good vocal dexterity. Horne hits one high note with a bit of harshness, but not an issue of any moment. "Mira, o Norma" is ravishing; Sutherland's and Horne's duet is absolutely wonderful. Finally, "Si, fino all'ore estreme." This is a fast paced duet, with both singers manifesting considerable vocal agility and sound coloratura technique. When they sing together, their voices almost sound "twinned."
Finally, "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair." Horne sings this straight, without the ghastly "opera-tizing" that some singers cannot resist. Sung simply and powerfully. Her rich voice produces a very good vocal effect.
And so on.
Although this CD does not fully represent her repertoire, it does provide a good sense of the art of Marilyn Horne and it suggests the range of her singing. For those wanting to get a sense of Horne's oeuvre, this is one recording that provides entrée to her body of work.
One Of The Greatest Voices of All!.......2006-01-29
Not 100% satisfied with the selections, but what artistry!.......2004-11-03
There was certainly plenty of material to choose from, as Horne was one of the most recorded mezzos in the twentieth century. As advertised, Madame Horne personally approved the final recital list, and the diva undoubtedly has sentimental attachment to certain selections. Furthermore, a conscious attempt was made to represent the different genres explored during her decades-spanning career. This approach, however, leaves out some truly stunning material that would have made an even stronger case on why she was such an operatic institution.
In summary:
The first disc begins with the Habanera from Carmen. Horne was very proud of her Carmen, noting that it surpassed sales of Callas's Tosca at one point. It deserved to be included, but I don't think she was "THE" Carmen, and besides, the whole opera is so warmed-over by now, it's hard to get anyone excited about it!
From then on, we are treated to a bonanza of wonderful arie and scena. The aria from Samson et Delilah is a real gem. Horne was certainly not the most glamorous singer, but My God, the interpretation is heavenly. This is what the aria sounds like in the hands of a world-class contralto. Eccomi in Babilonia follows, and by anyone's measurement, she is the finest Arsace on record. Blessed with an extraordinary range, she is as fulminating in both the top and bottom registers. What's more, her spirited delivery magnifies the pure genius of Rossini's music. As for Cruda Sorte, "ditto," as Marilyn herself might say.
Next, we are treated to two excellent Handel arias. Iris, Hence Away gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it. This was recorded in the early sixties, for inclusion in the Age of Bel Canto recital she shared with Joan Sutherland and Richard Conrad. Now, if she had recorded this a few years later, she might have drove the coloratura harder. However, at this point, the voice had a somewhat lighter quality, thus the aria isn't sung with that all-purpose "Marilyn Horne" voice we are so used to. Speaking of lightness, Dove Sei, Amato Bene will send shivers down your spine. Again, Marilyn wasn't known for her subtlety, but she proves here that she was more than capable. Just listen to the fluttering trills and fil di voce, and dare to disagree with me! One of my major complaints is it there isn't more Handel on the recital. Sure, a whole recital of Handel arias by Horne is still available, but in this best-of disc, there was room at least for Or La Tromba, the trumpet aria from Rinaldo, and a personal favorite. Also, nothing is included from Vivaldi's Orlando Il Furioso, another travesty.
The pinnacle of the first disc is Addio, I Miei Sospiri, from Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice. This is Horne magified to the nth power. Where to start? A scrumptiously sung recitativo, then the aria itself, with Marilyn pulling out all the stops. The bronzed tone, perfect breath control, spectacular coloratura fireworks, superlative diction, evenness and security from top to bottom, and Marilyn's own way of generating excitement will floor you. This is bravura singing at the highest level.
After a few other selections from the French reperetoire, the disc closes with two Rossini warhorses. Again, the "ultimate" Horne best-of would have saved room for more Rossini, on the second disc. But the evidence here is ample enough to proclaim her honorific as the leading interpreter of Rossini in the last century.
The second disc is less satisfactory. The first selection, Superbo Di Me Stesso sounds like it came from an inferior source, and wasn't remastered properly. Il Segreto Per Esser Felici, from Lucrezia Borgia is fine enough, but Marilyn could have ornamented more, and that snare drum is too loud! Then, we have an extended scene from Il Trovatore. Now, Marilyn herself stated that she wasn't perfect in Verdi. As she put it, she sang Verdi by not taking "both feet" out of the bel canto waters, so that she could go on singing the roles that brought her the most fame. This is understandable, but if that's the case, then we didn't need this long scene. Perhaps she wanted to highlight her collaboration with Luciano Pavarotti, and I'm sure Decca saw this as a way to lure the casual listener. For my money, though, they should have just included Stride La Vampa, and called it a day. This would have freed up lots of room for the stuff for which she's better recognized!
Now, another extended scene, from Norma, is completely justified. Equally important to Marilyn's legacy as an individual artist is her legacy as one-half of the Sutherland/Horne duo. I don't need to write more- the music speaks for itself.
The rest of the second disc throws in a bit of verismo (Horne is unrecognizeable in Ponchielli; Simionato she's not), a bit of German lieder, and some patriotic tunes. Along with Leontyne Price, Marilyn Horne was the most conciously patriotic singer out there, and to have left out her American recordings would have been a disgrace. But, again, we are given an ample serving of it, when it could have been scaled back some to make room for her operatic triumphs.
All in all, there is enough glorious material here for any fan of the legendary Marilyn Horne, and also those who want a taste of how a superlative mezzo/contralto sounds like.
Vive Madame Horne !.......2004-01-09
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Legendary Irish Tenor
Manufacturer: Goldies ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005RVT2 Release Date: 2001-11-26 |
Tracks:
- Mother Machree
- Kathleen Mavourneen
- Killarney
- Dear Little Shamrock
- Ave Maria
- Little Love, A Little Kiss
- Macushla
- Wearing of the Green
- Where the River Shannon Flows
- Eileen Alannah
- Molly Brannigan
- Low Back'd Car
- I'll Sing Thee Songs of Araby
- Angels Guard Thee
Tracks:
- My Wild Irish Rose
- Serenata
- Come into the Garden, Maud
- Turn Ye to Me
- Somewhere a Voice Is Calling
- Beautiful Isle of Somewhere
- Barcarolle
- Sunshine of Your Smile
- When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
- Rose of Tralee
- Ireland, Mother Ireland
- Mother O' Mine
- Bard of Armagh
- Irish Emigrant
Tracks:
- I Hear You Calling Me
- Star of the County Down
- Londonderry Air
- She Moved Thro' the Fair
- Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms
- Kerry Dance
- South Winds
- By the Shortcut to the Rosses
- Fairy Tree
- Harp That Once Thro' Tara's Halls
- Garden Where the Praties Grow
- I Dream of Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
- Bantry Bay
- Dawning of the Day
Customer Reviews:
Legendary selections by a legendary voice.......2004-03-24
McCormack was perhaps the most popular entertainer in the world during his career, comparable with the superstars of today, only richer in the currency of his day.
Though purists may have criticized his shift to the popular venue as opportunism, and perhaps desertion of his training in the classical tradtions, he was simply presenting what people wanted to hear. Whether he set a pattern of career management followed by modern entertainers or was simply happiest when the accolades flowed over him matters not. The talent and richness are his legacy to us.
His range and vocal dexterity are well illustrated and represented by this larger than usual collection, and anyone with a particular favorite tune in his rather loose genre will likely find it here.
After a journey through this collection, listeners may well gain another special melody or two for addition to their personal list of "best ever" songs and singers.
Although it may be considered a bit foolish, some will choose this album for only one or two tracks. Some call that trait wasteful, but when a jewel of performance is played again and again, the teardrop may fall once more, and the heart will thrill yet again.
This album will please many musical palates, even those who claim no special fondness for "Irish Tenors."
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River of Dreams
Billy Joel Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000002COJ Release Date: 1993-07-20 |
Tracks:
- No Man's Land
- Great Wall of China
- Blonde over Blue
- Minor Variation
- Shades of Grey
- All About Soul
- Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)
- River of Dreams
- Two Thousand Years
- Famous Last Words
Customer Reviews:
Billy in a different hemisphere.......2007-07-18
"No Man's Land" pops open the album with just that, pop. Like cold water in the face, this may seem a bit much at first. If it doesn't please you, do as I did and simply save it for another time. It might grow on you. Next you're greeted with a catchy chorus of voices in "The Great Wall Of China" that's a tad down tempo from the previous track. One of the better songs on here and if one listenes closely, beneath the rough exteriors lies a core beat reminiscent of Billy's early days. "Blonde Over Blue" may blend in with the rest of the material just a little. Skip down to the interesting "A Minor Variation" where Billy seems to shed all of his former music schemes to embrace something new here. The style set in this song seems to accomodate his voice finely, just rough enough around the edges. You might be familiar with "All About Soul" if you've heard Billy's 'Essential' CD along with the sweet lullaby "Goodnight My Angel", the next really good one. I love this song and its nice to explore Billy's quieter side here. Following is the title track well deserving of that status. This is the song that got me into this album. Before, I used to listen to it all of the time on the 'Essential' collection. Probably the best 'new' thing Billy Joel has managed to conjure up in these last few years. My favorite anyway. After a slow fade to the end, you find yourself listening to just the man and his piano until the drums and backup kick in on "Two Thousand Years". I hope you are able to hear the reaccuring chorus delivered up here in the Amazon sample. It really is the strong point of the song accompanied with accordion, an unusual tool for Joel, but one which balances out the song and seems to help make it timeless. "Famous Last Words" is an appropriate ending for this work, upbeat and familiar in style to his classic work. This song seemed to satisfy any doubts I had about the strength of the album in it's entirety. I'd say it brought the album from a 3 star to a 4 star in satisfaction.
So there it is. One more winning creation from the prolific and perennial Billy Joel, and I even like the artwork. Despite it's deviation from the iconic Billy, it still seems to satisfy, but try it for yourself.
Oh Billy, where art thou?.......2007-06-14
That meant that his old brashness was tempered with a mature wisdom. As simplistic as it may seem, "Shades Of Grey" making the claim that "I'm old and tired of war, I hear the other man's words but I'm not that sure anymore" are a universal poem from a man moving through his late 40's. That's not to say he has totally mellowed. His former manager and ex-brother-in-law gets a musical spanking on "Great Wall Of China" (he was accused of embezzling from Joel while serving as his manager).
The main topic, however, remains love. Christie Brinkley was still his wife and the love songs on "River of Dreams" are all directed to her (she designed the cover, as well). His daughter Alexa is the focus of a beautiful "Lullabye," once more showing this to be Billy The Family Man album. His optimism comes through on the last two songs, "2000 Years" and "Famous Last Words," which bluntly stated "It's time to put this book away, ain't that the story of my life?" Who knew that the last verse on the album would be the epithet of his popular music career?
Just the same, as an album of immaculate pop, "River Of Dreams" is an excellent way to close the curtain. I may be hoping for Joel to return to the studio, but this will always have a place on my CD shelf. But one can always hope that Joel may once again feel like he has something new to say.
Famous Last Words?.......2007-04-06
There are many highlights on the album, but the opening and closing pairs of tracks are all absolute stunners. 'No Man's Land' is a great, driving opener and anybody familiar with Joel's career will instantly recognise precisely whom 'The Great Wall of China' is aimed at...let's just say his ex (but not his ex-wife!) The next six tracks are all very good (this is one of only a few Joel CDs where there are no 'must skip' tracks), including the smash hit title track, although I can understand some people being a bit sick of it, I don't think I'll ever tire of it.
But then we come to 'Two Thousand Years', probably the best pre-millenium song ever written and one of my favourite Joel tracks of all time, and the brilliant album closer, 'Famous Last Words'. The only thing wrong with this track is that Billy has often used it's lyrics 'These are the last words I have to say' as something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, despite the fact that on several occasions he also sings, 'there will be other words some other day' and it is these lyrics on which my hope rests. Whatever happens, this is a great album that should be in any Joel fan's collection.
Don't laugh Critics, but Billy's swan song may be his best? .......2007-03-08
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)Is a modern Masterpiece
The River Of Dreams - Yes it's nauseating and very "a.m radio", but it has an "in the pocket" groove that is infectious
Famous Last Words - The last song Billy will ever write? It's not a bad way to end.
Get me out of here, please!!!.......2006-06-02
Average customer rating:
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John McCormack: The Acoustic Victor and HMV Recordings (1912-14)
Manufacturer: Romophone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000061K8 Release Date: 1998-02-10 |
Tracks:
- Maire, My Girl
- Like Stars Above
- Take, O Take Those Lips Away
- A Child's Song
- Asthore
- A Farewell
- My Commander As Envoy Bids Me Come
- I Know Of Two Bright Eyes
- Eileen Aroon
- The Wearing Of The Green
- The Rosary
- The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls
- Silver Threads Among The Gold
- T'eri Un Giorno Ammalato
- At Dawning
- Dai Campi, Dai Prati
- Giunto Sul Passo
- Mi Par D'udir Ancora
- Nirvana
- There Is a Flower That Bloometh
- My Dreams
- Sweet Genevieve
- I'll Sing Thee Songs Of Araby
- Where The River Shannon Flows
- Silver Threads Among The Gold
Tracks:
- Within The Garden Of My Heart
- Dear Love, Remember Me
- Chiudo Gli Occhi 'Il Sogno'
- Molly Brannigan
- A Foggy Dew
- The Low Back'd Car
- Sospiri Miei, Andate Ove Vi Mando
- Say 'Au Revoir', But Not 'Goodbye'
- Mother O' Mine
- Down In The Forest
- Votre Mere Avec Moi Sortait De La Chapelle
- I Hear A Thrush At Eve
- Goodbye
- A Little Love A Little Kiss
- Questa O Quella
- Nearer My God To Thee
- Eileen Allanah
- Goodbye, Sweetheart, Goodbye
- Le Portrait
- Angel's Serenade
- Le Nil
- Beneath The Quivering Leaves
- Ave Maria, D.839
- Ave Maria 'Meditation On J.S. Bach's Prelude In C'
Customer Reviews:
When looking for "the most".......2001-05-14
A superb McCormack collection.......2000-10-21
Simply the Best.......2000-01-27
Average customer rating:
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Cumberland River Dreams
Dale Ann Bradley Manufacturer: Doobie Shea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B00005NNI6 Release Date: 2001-09-11 |
Tracks:
- I Wish It'd Been You
- Thursday
- The Rockin' Chair
- The Circle Is Small
- Granny Cat
- Passin' Thru
- Beyond A Shadow Of A Doubt
- Lonesome For The Mountains
- Planes, Trains And Automobiles
- Piney Rose
- Cumberland River Dreams
- Gonna Move On Out
Customer Reviews:
Awesome, Kentucky lady!.......2006-02-06
Dale Ann Bradley's a captivating and irresistible artist.......2003-06-13
With her undeniable talent as a singer, Dale Ann taps her varied musical influences to present a splendidly delightful contemporary sound. From Gordon Lightfoot's "The Circle is Small" to Randy Scruggs' and Johnny Cash's "Passin' Thru," Bradley sings in a polished, powerful manner. Five numbers penned by Bradley (and Vicki Simmons) are also included, with each song setting its own mood for the story to be told. The album opens with a love song, "I Wish It'd Been You." "Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt" reveals her strong faith during her mother's battle with cancer, while "Granny Cat" is a hard-hitting ballad of her great-great-grandmother, a pioneer woman who had the strength to leave an abusive relationship in search of a better life. Searching for the perfect place to sooth heartache is the topic of "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Bradley's title cut, "Cumberland River Dreams," is an autobiographical account with its nostalgic reflections of home.
Dale Ann Bradley builds on her solid bluegrass foundation to embellish her presentation with modern sensibilities. Her singing is bright and breezy, and the accompaniment is first-rate. She's a captivating and irresistible artist. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
Beautiful bluegrass from one of the best singers around.......2002-08-04
Traditional country music, sung with heart and soul.......2001-12-13
Average customer rating:
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Frederick Fennell Conducts
Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items:
ASIN: B000A5DLP6 Release Date: 2005-09-13 |
Tracks:
- Hands Across The Sea
- Father Of Victory
- The Golden Ear
- Old Comrades
- March, Op.99
- Valdres March
- Inglesina
- Knightsbridge March
- The U.S. Field Artillery
- The Thunderer
- Washington Post
- King Cotton
- El Capitan
- The Stars And Stripes Forever
- Amerian Patrol
- On The Mall
- Lights Out
- Barnum And Bailey's Favorite
- Colonel Bogey
- The Billboard
Tracks:
- Country Gardens
- Shepherd's Hey
- Colonial Song
- Children's March
- The Immovable Do
- Mock Morris
- Handel In The Strand
- Irish Tune From County Derry
- Spoon River
- My Robin Is To The Greenwood Gone
- Molly On The Shore
- I. Halcyon Days
- II. Springtime In Angus
- III. Youth Of Britain
Tracks:
- I. Covent Garden
- II. Westminster
- III. Knightsbridge
- I. Northwards
- II. Eastwards
- Pirate Dance From Goldilocks
- Suite Of Carols (Excerpts)
- A Christmas Festival
- Sandpaper Ballet
- Forgotten Dreams
- Trumpeter's Lullaby
- Penny-Whistle Song
- Bulger's Holiday
- I. The Irish Washerwoman
- II. The Minstrel Boy
- III. The Rakes Of Mallow
- IV. The Wearing Of The Green
- V. The Last Rose Of Summer
- VI. The Girl I Left Behind
Tracks:
- I. The Earle Of Oxford's Marche
- II. Pavana
- III. John Come Kisse Me Now
- IV. The Mayden's Song
- V. Wolsey's Wilde
- VI. The Bells
- Crown Imperial: A Coronation March
- Hammersmith: Prelude And Scherzo, Op.52
- I. Serenade
- II. Spiritual
- III. Celebration
- Fanfare And Allegro
Customer Reviews:
A Compendium of Classic Marches.......2007-01-10
Rock Music:
- Secret Migration [Import]
- Storm Front [Import] [Original recording remastered]
- Strike Back [Import]
- Stripped [Enhanced]
- The Best of Lesley Gore
- These Evil Things
- Thrak [Import]
- Three Imaginary Boys [Original recording remastered] [Import]
- Triple J Home & Hosed: Freshly Plucked [Import]
- Unicorn [Import] [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]
