Across The Room

About the Artist
Our names are Steven and Enrique. We are the artists that make up the band, "Across The Room". Thanks for visiting with us. We have written and recorded a CD for you. It is our hope that these songs take you places you’ve never visited, introduce you to people you’ve never met, and put you back in touch with the feelings you thought you lost. Through the songs, you can be a voyeuristic fly on the wall. You get to experience the events and emotions of the song and our life without the danger and pain of going through it yourself. We’ve tried to paint you a picture where the outlines are faded so you can fill in the rest of the portrait. You can participate in the music and make the story your own. The songs are about real life. They aren’t always upbeat, nor are they necessarily dark. They are our truth. So many times bad things happen to good people, but we believe good people get better at being great. We are part artist, part philosopher, part author, part musician, with a rounded dose of story-telling. Take all these sides, blend it together with our own backgrounds (Enrique-Mexico City / Steven-midwest Ohio) and season it with our interpretation of what’s going on in this chaotic, sometimes disappointing, yet beautiful world, and what you get is our art. Plain and simple. And we hope you find nuggets and gems in the art that helps you, motivates you, and let’s you escape into the depths of your own mind (and ours as well). If you get a chance to see us perform live, please do. We share all the normal jobs of a full band instead of being locked into individual instruments. On any given song, you might see both of us bouncing back between percussion, bass, guitars, keyboards, samplers, and vocals – all depending on the mood and message of the song. It’s difficult, sometimes, to expose ourselves., but we play our music because we really don’t have another choice. If we didn’t write and play, we would emotionally whither and die away! . We are doing what we do out of an intense desire to make an impact in our communities and with those around us. We do this by making better the lives of those we come in contact with – one person at a time. So come escape with us and live part of the story through the debut CD. Our music is sincere, and the experience is charismatic. Listen to the CD and let your mind go… We hope you enjoy the ride…

Product Description
Our names are Steven and Enrique. We are the artists that make up the band, "Across The Room". Thanks for visiting with us. We have written and recorded a CD for you. It is our hope that these songs take you places you’ve never visited, introduce you to people you’ve never met, and put you back in touch with the feelings you thought you lost. Through the songs, you can be a voyeuristic fly on the wall. You get to experience the events and emotions of the song and our life without the danger and pain of going through it yourself. We’ve tried to paint you a picture where the outlines are faded so you can fill in the rest of the portrait. You can participate in the music and make the story your own. The songs are about real life. They aren’t always upbeat, nor are they necessarily dark. They are our truth. So many times bad things happen to good people, but we believe good people get better at being great. We are part artist, part philosopher, part author, part musician, with a rounded dose of story-telling. Take all these sides, blend it together with our own backgrounds (Enrique-Mexico City / Steven-midwest Ohio) and season it with our interpretation of what’s going on in this chaotic, sometimes disappointing, yet beautiful world, and what you get is our art. Plain and simple. And we hope you find nuggets and gems in the art that helps you, motivates you, and let’s you escape into the depths of your own mind (and ours as well). If you get a chance to see us perform live, please do. We share all the normal jobs of a full band instead of being locked into individual instruments. On any given song, you might see both of us bouncing back between percussion, bass, guitars, keyboards, samplers, and vocals – all depending on the mood and message of the song. It’s difficult, sometimes, to expose ourselves, but we play our music because we really don’t have another choice. If we didn’t write and play, we would emotionally whither and die away. We are doing what we do out of an intense desire to make an impact in our communities and with those around us. We do this by making better the lives of those we come in contact with – one person at a time. So come escape with us and live part of the story through the debut CD. Our music is sincere, and the experience is charismatic. Listen to the CD and let your mind go… We hope you enjoy the ride…

Across The Room,Across the Room,Convertible Fly Records,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Star Wars: A Musical Journey (2005) (V) Not one of his bests, but very close John Williams' finest work A Great Conclusion to the Prequel Trilogy Williams is slumming it

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Star Wars Trilogy Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope ASIN: B000850IS6 Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

1. Star Wars and The Revenge Of The Sith
2. Anakin's Dream
3. Battle Of The Heroes
4. Anakin's Betrayal
5. General Grievous
6. Palpatine's Teachings
7. Grievous and the Droids
8. Padme's Ruminations
9. Anakin vs. Obi-Wan
10. Anakin's Dark Deeds
11. Enter Lord Vader
12. The Immolation Scene
13. Grievous Speaks to Lord Sidious
14. The Birth Of The Twins and Padme's Destiny
15. A New Hope and End Credits

Amazon.com

John Williams' lovely and moving score for the sixth Star Wars film brings thirty years of collaborating on George Lucas' beyond-popular intergalactic franchise to a close. (Is this really the end of Star Wars? Can't Lucas and Williams work together on a prequel to these prequels? Let us hope so, and that Jar Jar Binks is nowhere near it.) As this music accompanies the most exciting Star Wars film in many a moon, the soundtrack itself is more fun, more evil, more nasty and bumpy. Many of the heroic, anthemic themes woven throughout Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith will necessarily be familiar to any fan of the series, from the "Imperial March" to the main theme. It's remarkable how stirring the latter can be, no matter how many times you've heard it, and even for those who do not have all their money invested in S.W. memorabilia. There is a lot of new music here, and the lush, extensive range of both Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra is on display, most notably in the menacing, percolating "General Grievous" and the rousing "New Hope" end theme. --Mike McGonigal

The Force Is Also with:

Star Wars Trilogy soundtrack box set	Star Wars Episode II sountrack	Star Wars Episode II, Attack of the Clones
Star Wars Episode I, The Phantom Menace	Star Wars Trilogy on DVD	Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Customer Reviews:

Star Wars: A Musical Journey (2005) (V).......2007-06-21

product: Star Wars: A Musical Journey (2005) (V), included as bonus disc in Episode III soundtrack.

The bonus dvd with this soundtrack was the reason I purchased. I enjoy film soundtracks, and science fiction, but this dvd was a real highlight for me. I got the soundtrack cd out of the local library. The cd was missing from the case, but I found this wonderful dvd instead that I went out to purchase later.

With optional segments of dialog from Ian McDiarmid, this film is a stunning visual and musical overview of the full epic story of episodes I-VI of Star Wars. For those of us who felt that eps. IV-VI fell short of our expectations, this film presents them well as parts of the whole story. The Musical Journey also stands as a summary of the entire SW opus for someone who is not familiar with the Star Wars characters and plot. Highly recommended.

Options: no subtitles or other options.

Not one of his bests, but very close.......2007-05-21

The Episode III soundtrack is very good. Not great, but very, very good. You can tell that Williams is getting old, but he still manages to weave together a very memorable score.

My favorite tracks are "Battle of the Heroes," "Anakin's Betrayal," Palpatine's teachings, "Anakin vs. Obi-Wan," and the "Immolation Scene."
The others are very good as well, but these are especially nice. "Battle of the Heroes" is Dual of the Fates for Revenge of the Sith. "Anakin's Betrayal" is a very sad track that is, in my opinion, one of William's most powerful pieces. "Palpatine's Teachings" is really, really neat. It's very dark and moody, a perfect piece for the evil emperor. The only weird thing is the end. "Anakin vs. Obi-Wan" is the action piece that plays during the battles of Anakin and Obi-Wan, and Yoda and the Emperor. Finally, "The Immolation Scene" is another sad piece, even more so than "Anakin's Betrayal."

Although I really like this CD, there are some things that are missing (as usual). First, the whole sequence where the droids are looking for Obi-Wan after he was shot. You see Obi-Wan in his ship with Senator Organa on the Hologram (or whatever it is), and Obi-Wan says that his clones turned on him. That was some pretty awesome music that OF COURSE was left out of the CD. Then there was Dual of the Fates in the movie, but completely absent from the CD. And probably the most annoying was that whole piece of music before Obi-Wan and Anakin fight. It was so touching and sad and I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY LEFT IT OUT! Absolutely amazing. Also, did anyone notice that some little bits were cut out? For example, in Anakin vs. Obi Wan, they cut out about a second or two of choir. What?! What the heck is with that? It's when Anakin is running on the long thing and jumps on the droid on the lava. Also, there was some pretty cool drumming when you see Yoda and the Emperor fighting, and you can see the whole stadium (the big room). There's also drumming in "Enter Lord Vader" that is muted in the soundtrack.

Oh well...if I'm going to collect movie scores, I'm going to have to get used to the fact that in almost all cases there's not going to be every bit of music. I've experienced this in both Pirates of the Caribbean, Jurassic Park I (there was very little left out on this score), and almost everything else. At the moment, I'm just waiting for the 22nd, for the Pirates of the Caribbean 3 soundtrack. It's gonna be amazing.

See Yu

John Williams' finest work.......2007-04-20

There is little more I can say that hasn't already been said about the soundtrack to Episode 3, especially what Amazon contributor Dan Mohr wrote in his review of the soundtrack on 2/2/2006. His review captured almost all the thoughts, feelings, and emotions I had when I first listened to the soundtrack, and was, IMO, the best review of John Williams' greatest masterpiece.

Having said that, I will say that few soundtracks have ever so perfectly captured the underlying emotional currents of their respective movie; in the case of ROTS, the contemporaneous tragedies of Anakin's fall to the Dark Side, the extermination of the Jedi, and the rise of the oppressive Empire. The listener is confronted with the depth and totality of the evil that has beset the entire galaxy to a degree that the film could not reach in only 2 hours.

Bravo, Dan Mohr, and BRAVO John Williams!

A Great Conclusion to the Prequel Trilogy.......2007-04-07

This is a great work of art. I rank it 4th among Star Wars soundtracks after A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and The Phantom Menace. I had a hard deciding which I thought was better, The Phantom Meance or Revenge of the Sith, but I decided that The Phantom Menace lays the foundation for so much that is in this soundtrack and is thus the more masterful work. But that doesn't mean that this score still isn't great. Every piece is a thrill to listen to and pace never lets up. "Battle of the Hereos" is an amazing piece and the rendition of the "Funeral Theme" from Episoded I captures the film's tragety magnificently. Also I do not think John Williams could have portrayed the Jedi's extinction more perfectly than he did in "Anakin's Betrayal". This is without a doubt the best score of 2005 and one of the best of the decade.

Williams is slumming it.......2007-04-01

Williams's score for Revenge of the Sith is almost entirely overbearing, lacking any emotional subtlety. The music is overcomplicated and even a bit confusing, especially in the tracks that correspond to action sequences in the movie. His overuse of choral tracks and vocals is too bombastic and irritating to be listened to without the explosions and laser blasts of the soundtrack to soften them. (Yes, this music is actually softened by the sounds of warfare.) Worst of all, much of the music has simply been lifted from earlier scores. At times his self-imitation was so blatant that I actually wondered whether the editor who had complied this score had made a mistake and I was listening to The Empire Strikes Back or A New Hope. Also suffers from not including the entire score, in some cases cutting out musical segues in obvious and awkward ways.

Average customer rating: Very disappointing, considering what it could have been Always a pleaser JOHN WILLIAMS 40 Years of Film Music Movie Music Magic & Memorabilia John Williams: 40 Years of Outstanding Film Music

The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: John Williams - Greatest Hits 1969 - 1999 The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection Jerry Goldsmith: 40 Years of Film Music John Barry: The Collection Summon the Heroes ASIN: B0000C6K09 Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

1. The Sugarland Express-Main Theme
2. Jaws-Main Theme
3. Close Encounters Of The Third Kind-Suite
4. Raiders Of The Lost Ark-March
5. Raiders Of The Lost Arc-The Map Room:Dawn
6. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrail-Adventures On Earth
7. Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom-Mine Car Chase
8. Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom-End Credits
9. Empire Of The Sun-Exsultate Justi
10. Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade-Indy's First Adventure

Tracks:

1. Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade-End Credits
2. Always-Follow Me/Dorinda's Solo Flight
3. Hook-Main Themes
4. Jurassic Park-Main Themes
5. Schindler's List-Main Theme
6. Amistad-Dry Your Tears, Afrika
7. Saving Private Ryan-Hymn To The Fallen
8. A.I. Artificial Intelligence-Where Dreams Are Made
9. Minority Report
10. Catch Me If You Can

Tracks:

1. The Rare Breed-Suite (Universal Emblem/Hilary's Plight/Scottish Romeo/The Hunt)
2. Jane Eyre-Suite: The Jane Eyre Theme
3. Jane Eyre-Suite: To Thornfield
4. Jane Eyre-Suite: Restoration
5. The Cowboys-Overture
6. The Poseidon Adventure-Prelude
7. The Towering Inferno-Main Titles
8. Family Plot-End Titles
9. The Fury-Main Titles
10. Superman-Main Theme
11. Dracula-Main Titles & Storm
12. The River-Main Theme & Love Theme
13. The Witches Of Eastwick- Dance Of The Witches

Tracks:

1. Born On The Fourth Of July-End Credits
2. Presumed Innocent-End Titles
3. JFK-Arlington/End Titles
4. Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone-Hedwig's Theme
5. Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets-Fawkes The Phoenix
6. Star Wars: A New Hope- Main Theme
7. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back-Hans Solo And The Princess
8. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back-The Imperial March
9. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace- Anakin's Theme
10. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace-The Flag Parade
11. Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones-Across The Stars
12. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace-Duel Of The Fates

Customer Reviews:

Very disappointing, considering what it could have been.......2007-04-20

Take a look at the running times:

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

I listen to music all day with patients in my dental chair. This one is a winner with everyone. Patients always comment on how they recognize a song. Who doesn't love John Williams? His music transcends time.

JOHN WILLIAMS 40 Years of Film Music.......2007-01-10

This 4 cd pack is an anthology of all John Williams works. From his earlier works "The Poseidon Adventure" and "Jaws" right through "Indiana Jones" and the most recent"Star Wars" prequel movies are included. Williams work in thriller and horror are also included. If you are into soundtracks and love movie music this is an essential buy. The quality of the music is excellent. With ten or more tracks on each cd it's well worth the money.

Movie Music Magic & Memorabilia.......2006-12-13

This four CD set expands on the previously released John Williams Greatest Hits. It's a grand collection of nearly four hours of famous music scores from over forty years. There are many songs never before available in any collection. The short liner notes tell a great tale of musical movie history and include all of his numerous award nominations and wins. Each song (oddly enough) mentions the actors and the director, so fond are John Williams's memories of his work with these people. All of the conductors are mentioned along with specific orchestras, choirs, arrangement and orchestration specialists and even the publishers (contractual, I am sure). The only things missing are his early television scores, such as those for "Lost In Space" (by Johnny Williams back then). But with four discs, one has nothing to complain about and everything to enjoy!

John Williams: 40 Years of Outstanding Film Music.......2006-11-28

I have been a huge fan of John Williams and I have known about his music for years. However, I never actually bought any of his music on CD. I was rather skeptical about purchasing this CD but when it arrived I knew I had made the right choice. The sound quality of the compilation is outstanding. The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra do a great job under the direction of Paul Bateman. The original London Symphony Orchestra CDs of John Williams' Star Wars Trilogy CDs are marginally better but this is still a great CD compilation. If you love ET, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter, you will love this compilation soundtrack. Buy it, listen to these CDs in the car and enjoy every minute of the collection!!!

Average customer rating: A Long Time Ago... Spectacular! Star Wars Tunes My son loves it Star Wars Saga

Music from the Star Wars Saga John Williams Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack The Ultimate Visual Guide to Star Wars The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars: The Ultimate Guide to Characters and Creatures from the Entire Star Wars Saga Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ASIN: B0002OOUTG Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

1. Main Theme
2. The Asteroid Field
3. Princess Leia
4. The Imperial March
5. Yoda's Theme
6. Forest Battle
7. Han Solo And The Princess
8. The Flag Parade
9. Anakin's Theme
10. The Adventures Of Jar Jar
11. Duel Of The Fates
12. Across The Stars
13. The Throne Room - Finale

Customer Reviews:

A Long Time Ago..........2007-01-12

I bought this CD to play at work for background music and it's great for that. The only thing missing is the usually obligatory 20th Century Fox theme before the main Star Wars theme. Other than that, the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and the Crouch End Festival Chorus do a very fine job with Maestro Williams' music, indeed.

Spectacular!.......2007-01-12

I thought this cd was excellent! I bought it as a gift for my brother, who is a huge Star Wars fan, and he loved it. The music reminds me of the best parts of the movies. I think anyone who is a fan should get a copy.

Star Wars Tunes.......2007-01-09

My kids love the Star Wars movies so I bought this hoping we would have something new to listen to in the car. They love it and I love listening to something different. John Williams is genius.

My son loves it.......2005-09-11

My six-year old has become a huge fan of Star Wars and enjoys listening to this disc. It has the best tracks of each episode.

Star Wars Saga.......2005-07-20

Wonderful music. Best from all the movies. How can you go wrong?

Average customer rating: Another Best Album Spooky rumination on love and its aftermath Pretty good, but Thompson has done much better Breaks the Borders of Popular Music Bridges the gap

Across a Crowded Room Richard Thompson Manufacturer: Bgo - Beat Goes on ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Singer Songwriters | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Folk | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Daring Adventures Hand of Kindness Amnesia Small Town Romance you? me? us? ASIN: B00002475Q Release Date: 2003-03-03

Tracks:

1. When the Spell Is Broken
2. You Don't Say
3. I Ain't Going to Drag My Feet No More
4. Love in a Faithless Country
5. Fire in the Engine Room
6. Walking Through a Wasted Land
7. Little Blue Number
8. She Twists the Knife Again
9. Ghosts in the Wind

Customer Reviews:

Another Best Album .......2005-08-12

Mr Thompson is almost review - proof in that everything he does is better than most folk's best efforts.
Listen to "Love in a Faithless Country" and try to stop those shivers down your spine. This was written many years before the 2005 London bombings, but could have been written immediately aftwards.
With not a bad track in evidence, this is a great way to start or further your RT collection.

Spooky rumination on love and its aftermath.......2002-11-14

Although not Thompson's finest album, Across a Crowded Room leaves no doubt as to which side of the fence Thompson sits on when it comes to love; he's a cynical observer. Written in the aftermath of Thompson's messy divorce to folk singer Linda Thompson, Room features a handful of powerful Thompson classics dressed to kill.

The stand out cuts include When The Spell Is Broken, the bitter You Don't Say, the shimmering Ghost in the Wind and the spooky Love In A Faithless Country. BGO has done it's usual terrific job with this fine album. The sound is better than the original Polydor release on CD (one of their first and, sadly, it sounded like it). The artwork is faithful to the original LP design. There aren't any notes on the making of the album. The reissued CD doesn't include the lyrics which, as I recall, were issued with the original vinyl version and were definitely issued with the first CD issued.

The running order reflects the LP. Also, "Ghost in the Wind" runs a tad bit too fast (it was sped up a slight amount to allow the original tracks to fit on the vinyl version). A warning to Thompson fans. BGO used the wrong master for this reissued CD--the LP master was mistaken pulled out and used. As a result this reissue is missing the CD/cassette bonus track "Shine on Love" which was a nice little gem. This album needs to be remastered using the proper master and with the bonus track.

Pretty good, but Thompson has done much better.......2000-08-15

Any fan will want this in the collection, if for no other reason than the concert staples it contains ("When the Spell is Broken", "She Twists the Knife Again", "Ghosts in the Wind"). There are plenty of other fine songs here, as well, but I find the overall sound of this album to be a bit flat and tired (perhaps this is why RT switched producers after this one). Most of these songs just don't grab me the way Thompson's best stuff does.

The quality of RT's large catalog has set the bar very high, so while this album is certainly good, in the context of Thompson's other work it rates as only average. I would recommend "Hand of Kindnes", "Mock Tudor", "Shoot Out The Lights" or "Pour Down Like Silver", among others, far ahead of this one.

Breaks the Borders of Popular Music.......2000-06-30

Most artists can do "I fell in love - I fell out of love - I've never gotten over it" in one album. Richard Thompson just takes his time to examine the subject more deeply - say two decades. He's tenderly regretful (When The Spell Is Broken), perhaps still in love (You Don't Say), and optimistic concerning future possibilities (I Ain't Going To Drag My Feet No More).

Across The Crowded Room is a rocker with minor but distinguishable ties to traditional English folk music. Instrumentation similar to that of English Chamber Music gives his compositions an air of grace and royalty (Shine On Love, Walking Through A Wasted Land). And what would be more charming than framing the CD with the cheerful jangle of a 12-string Rickenbacker compliments of Simon Nicol (You Don't Say, Walking Through A Wasted Land). Richard's own scathing electric guitar rips through the CD (When The Spell Is Broken, She Twists The Knife Again). And like the work of B.J. Wilson (Procol Harum), Jim Keltner and Jim Gordon; Dave Mattack's drum rhythms are scintillating with no self-indulgent flash. The plaintive voice of an adorable lady (Christine Collister) contrasts Richard's rough delivery. She's most noticeable (and effective) on `When The Spell Is Broken,' `Shine On Love,' and `She Twists The Knife Again.'

Minor annoyances? Afraid so. Two tracks (`Fire In The Engine Room' and `Little Blues Number') are my least favorite style of rock. I can only describe them as "100-MPH boogie": super-fast rock-a-billy with no purpose except to see just how fast the band can play.

Two compositions clearly shine on Across: one is the angry hard driving `She Twists The Knife Again.' The other, `Love In A Faithless Country,' is one of those Richard Thompson haunted, dark and vindictive love songs that breaks the borders of popular music and goes straight for knife-in-the-heart emotion. With an exotic Kate Bush-like choir arrangement, and Richard's torrid lead guitar, the track is one of his most riveting compositions. Across A Crowded Room is a Richard Thompson "average" CD. By comparison, his average work is outstanding.

Bridges the gap.......1999-08-31

This was a transitional album for Richard Thompson; the one that laid the groundwork for his solo career to follow, more so than its predecessor "Hand of Kindness," which was musically and lyrically an extension of "Shoot Out the Lights," the last Richard and Linda album. Pretty much everything RT has done since has its roots in "Across A Crowded Room"'s take on various rock and folk styles. The main difference is the Joe Boyd production; the controversial Mitchell Froom took over after this one.

However, with a couple of exceptions, this isn't an especially great batch of songs by RT standards, although the music is as excellent as you'd expect from Richard. The standout is the brooding "When The Spell Is Broken," still a staple of his live set. Several of the uptempo rockers (there are more of them than usual on this set) entertain but none quite reach the heights of "Tear-Stained Letter." "She Twists the Knife Again" is mean-spirited but irresistible musically, and "Walking Through A Wasted Land" is surprisingly rollicking for a pessimistic song of societal breakdown. But "Ghosts In the Wind" is rather dull, "Love In A Faithless Country" is unusually pretentious for RT, and "You Don't Say" is terribly slight (though interestingly, he would draw from its musical blueprint many times on the coming albums).

"Across A Crowded Room" isn't a must-own, but anybody mining the Thompson catalog will want it and won't be displeased with it.

Average customer rating: Another Best Album Spooky rumination on love and its aftermath Pretty good, but Thompson has done much better Breaks the Borders of Popular Music Bridges the gap

Across a Crowded Room Richard Thompson Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Daring Adventures Hand of Kindness Amnesia Small Town Romance you? me? us? ASIN: B000001FDZ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. When The Spell Is Broken
2. You Don't Say
3. I Ain't Going To Drag My Feet No More
4. Shine On Love
5. Ghosts In The Wind
6. Fire In The Engine Room
7. Walking Through A Wasted Land
8. Little Blue Number
9. She Twists The Knife Again
10. Love In A Faithless Country

Customer Reviews:

Another Best Album .......2005-08-12

Mr Thompson is almost review - proof in that everything he does is better than most folk's best efforts.
Listen to "Love in a Faithless Country" and try to stop those shivers down your spine. This was written many years before the 2005 London bombings, but could have been written immediately aftwards.
With not a bad track in evidence, this is a great way to start or further your RT collection.

Spooky rumination on love and its aftermath.......2002-11-14

Although not Thompson's finest album, Across a Crowded Room leaves no doubt as to which side of the fence Thompson sits on when it comes to love; he's a cynical observer. Written in the aftermath of Thompson's messy divorce to folk singer Linda Thompson, Room features a handful of powerful Thompson classics dressed to kill.

The stand out cuts include When The Spell Is Broken, the bitter You Don't Say, the shimmering Ghost in the Wind and the spooky Love In A Faithless Country. BGO has done it's usual terrific job with this fine album. The sound is better than the original Polydor release on CD (one of their first and, sadly, it sounded like it). The artwork is faithful to the original LP design. There aren't any notes on the making of the album. The reissued CD doesn't include the lyrics which, as I recall, were issued with the original vinyl version and were definitely issued with the first CD issued.

The running order reflects the LP. Also, "Ghost in the Wind" runs a tad bit too fast (it was sped up a slight amount to allow the original tracks to fit on the vinyl version). A warning to Thompson fans. BGO used the wrong master for this reissued CD--the LP master was mistaken pulled out and used. As a result this reissue is missing the CD/cassette bonus track "Shine on Love" which was a nice little gem. This album needs to be remastered using the proper master and with the bonus track.

Pretty good, but Thompson has done much better.......2000-08-15

Any fan will want this in the collection, if for no other reason than the concert staples it contains ("When the Spell is Broken", "She Twists the Knife Again", "Ghosts in the Wind"). There are plenty of other fine songs here, as well, but I find the overall sound of this album to be a bit flat and tired (perhaps this is why RT switched producers after this one). Most of these songs just don't grab me the way Thompson's best stuff does.

The quality of RT's large catalog has set the bar very high, so while this album is certainly good, in the context of Thompson's other work it rates as only average. I would recommend "Hand of Kindnes", "Mock Tudor", "Shoot Out The Lights" or "Pour Down Like Silver", among others, far ahead of this one.

Breaks the Borders of Popular Music.......2000-06-30

Most artists can do "I fell in love - I fell out of love - I've never gotten over it" in one album. Richard Thompson just takes his time to examine the subject more deeply - say two decades. He's tenderly regretful (When The Spell Is Broken), perhaps still in love (You Don't Say), and optimistic concerning future possibilities (I Ain't Going To Drag My Feet No More).

Across The Crowded Room is a rocker with minor but distinguishable ties to traditional English folk music. Instrumentation similar to that of English Chamber Music gives his compositions an air of grace and royalty (Shine On Love, Walking Through A Wasted Land). And what would be more charming than framing the CD with the cheerful jangle of a 12-string Rickenbacker compliments of Simon Nicol (You Don't Say, Walking Through A Wasted Land). Richard's own scathing electric guitar rips through the CD (When The Spell Is Broken, She Twists The Knife Again). And like the work of B.J. Wilson (Procol Harum), Jim Keltner and Jim Gordon; Dave Mattack's drum rhythms are scintillating with no self-indulgent flash. The plaintive voice of an adorable lady (Christine Collister) contrasts Richard's rough delivery. She's most noticeable (and effective) on `When The Spell Is Broken,' `Shine On Love,' and `She Twists The Knife Again.'

Minor annoyances? Afraid so. Two tracks (`Fire In The Engine Room' and `Little Blues Number') are my least favorite style of rock. I can only describe them as "100-MPH boogie": super-fast rock-a-billy with no purpose except to see just how fast the band can play.

Two compositions clearly shine on Across: one is the angry hard driving `She Twists The Knife Again.' The other, `Love In A Faithless Country,' is one of those Richard Thompson haunted, dark and vindictive love songs that breaks the borders of popular music and goes straight for knife-in-the-heart emotion. With an exotic Kate Bush-like choir arrangement, and Richard's torrid lead guitar, the track is one of his most riveting compositions. Across A Crowded Room is a Richard Thompson "average" CD. By comparison, his average work is outstanding.

Bridges the gap.......1999-08-31

This was a transitional album for Richard Thompson; the one that laid the groundwork for his solo career to follow, more so than its predecessor "Hand of Kindness," which was musically and lyrically an extension of "Shoot Out the Lights," the last Richard and Linda album. Pretty much everything RT has done since has its roots in "Across A Crowded Room"'s take on various rock and folk styles. The main difference is the Joe Boyd production; the controversial Mitchell Froom took over after this one.

However, with a couple of exceptions, this isn't an especially great batch of songs by RT standards, although the music is as excellent as you'd expect from Richard. The standout is the brooding "When The Spell Is Broken," still a staple of his live set. Several of the uptempo rockers (there are more of them than usual on this set) entertain but none quite reach the heights of "Tear-Stained Letter." "She Twists the Knife Again" is mean-spirited but irresistible musically, and "Walking Through A Wasted Land" is surprisingly rollicking for a pessimistic song of societal breakdown. But "Ghosts In the Wind" is rather dull, "Love In A Faithless Country" is unusually pretentious for RT, and "You Don't Say" is terribly slight (though interestingly, he would draw from its musical blueprint many times on the coming albums).

"Across A Crowded Room" isn't a must-own, but anybody mining the Thompson catalog will want it and won't be displeased with it.

Average customer rating:

Across the Room and into Your Lap Uncle Wiggly Manufacturer: Shimmy Disc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Noise | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: There Was an Elk ASIN: B00002DFAJ Release Date: 1993-12-08

Tracks:

1. Stick Up Your Smile
2. Nerve
3. Morphine & Ice Cream
4. Hope So, Hope Soon
5. Build Your Own Monster
6. That Piece Of String
7. Express
8. Best Boy
9. Big Epic
10. Toucan
11. Oven
12. Ba Ba Ba
13. My, My, My, How Are You?
14. Spitoon Cleaner
15. Julie In The Greenhouse
16. Ol' Pal

Average customer rating:

Nightsounds Manufacturer: Lee Kelm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAEW4I Release Date: 2002-07-23

Tracks:

1. Mass Confusion
2. You Can
3. Nightsounds
4. Mother Nature's Call
5. Friday Nights
6. Blessed
7. Charlie's Lament
8. Jenna's Song
9. Never Alone
10. The Centipede
11. Old 88
12. Cascade/it's Alright
13. Sometimes in the Morning
14. On the Shore

Average customer rating:

Across Boundaries, Vol. 3: Waiting Room Manufacturer: Eda Edition Abseits ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004WH8L Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

1. Son No.1
2. Nocturne
3. Intermezzo
4. Menuet After Gluck
5. Sonatina No.3
6. Con: 1. Stately
7. Con: 2. Jolly
8. Con: 3. Poetically
9. Con: 4. Energetic And Capricious
10. Ste Dansee: 1. Allegro Non Troppo
11. Ste Dansee: 2. Andantino Con Anima
12. Ste Dansee: 3. Andantino
13. Ste Dansee: 4. Andantino Non Troppo
14. Ste Dansee: 5. Andantino
15. Ste Dansee: 6. Con Fuoco (Marche Hebraique)
16. Three Shadows: Omen
17. Three Shadows: A Poet
18. Three Shadows: Grass
19. Second Tale

Average customer rating: Good Debut Release A gem of a CD that you will be glad you discovered first

Across The Room Across the Room Manufacturer: Convertible Fly Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000DK3B4 Release Date: 2003-09-29

Tracks:

1. Enough
2. Take That Road
3. Shades of Grey
4. Down
5. Walls
6. 7even Wishes
7. She Makes my Day
8. Rain
9. Numb
10. Stay

Album Description

Across The Room is disturbed, yet hopeful. When you hear them, you might get angry, you might empathize, you might contemplate, and you might even fall back in love. But one thing for sure, you will be moved.

Their new self-titled album follows in the same vein as their live shows. You'll find the energy of AudioSlave, the restlessness of Radiohead, and the depth of U2. The theme of their first album can be summarized in the spirit of this duo - they may lose the battle, but rest assured, they will win the war. It is a journey into the inner parts of the souls of Steven Cox and Enrique Platas, where their strength and passion is balanced by vulnerability.

The two artists share all the normal jobs of a full band instead of being locked into individual instruments. On any given song, you might see Steven or Enrique bouncing back between percussion, bass, guitars, keyboards, samplers, and vocals - all depending on the mood and message of the song.

"We write about real life. The songs aren't always upbeat, nor are they dark. They are truth." says Cox, "So many times bad things happen to good people, but we believe good people get better at being great."

The track, Take That Road, introduces you to a young woman, on her own, against the odds, and searching for answers to the question burning in her mind. She's not satisfied with living the mediocre life planned for her, and it's time for her to break out - even with the world rolling the dice against her. It's an experience we all deal with: how do we become our own person when it's so easy to become someone else?

Across The Room is also realist band, with the life experiences that have taught them that sometimes life hurts, with no healing to temper the blow. The song "Numb" takes the listener on a journey of manipulation; falling in love and giving everything, only to find out that the person we fell for was not who they claimed to be.

In their debut album, ATR (as their fans have called them) have been able to reach inside and deal with issues important to them and their fans. You'll find overtones of substance set against a backdrop of tension. The message is clear. They are disturbed, yet hopeful. Listen to the CD. Let them move you.

Customer Reviews:

Good Debut Release.......2005-01-28

This is a good debut release. I was turned on to these guys by a friend of mine who saw them do an acoustic gig. Some of the standout tracks are Take That Road and Numb. Some of the tracks are ok, but I'd like to have seen them take more risks. Kindof "let it all hang out". I will probably go see them live. Overall, a good CD for cruising in your car.

A gem of a CD that you will be glad you discovered first.......2003-10-14

A good friend of mine in the music community, who scouts up and coming talent, turned me on to this CD and this could probably go down as the best lead to new music I have heard in the past 3 years. This CD blends many different genres of rock n' roll, along with brilliant lyrics. The CD feels like a fusion of Matchbox 20/Perfect Cirle/RadioHead/Coldplay, etc. My girlfriend fell in love (and had a tear) in the song "Shades Of Grey". My personal favorite was the hard hitting and passionate, "Down". Pick up this little gem and you will be playing it for all your friends.

Average customer rating:

Masquerade Jiva Manufacturer: Jiva ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA9OH8 Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

1. Velvet Noose
2. Hold Me Down
3. Far Beneath
4. Masquerade
5. Heaven's Too Late
6. White Washed Heart

Rock Music:

1. All Time Rock & Roll Hits: Whole Lotta Shakin Goin on [Import]
2. Ambient V.2: Plateaux of Mirror [Import]
3. Any Day in June
4. A Typical Day
5. Back on the Map [Import]
6. Bail Is Set at $6m [Import]
7. Best of [Enhanced] [Import]
8. Best of [Import]
9. Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole [CD-single] [EP] [Import]
10. Blue Suede Shoes [Import]

Rock Music