What We Must [Limited Edition]

What We Must [Limited Edition]

Track Listings
Disc: 1

1. All I Know Is Tonight

2. Stardust Hotwl

3. For All You Happy People

4. Oslo Skyline

5. Swedenborgske ROM

6. Mikado

7. I Have a Ghost, Now What?

Disc: 2

1. Mikado [Spydeberg Demo] [*]

2. All I Know Is Tonight [Piethropaxis Rough Rough Mix] [*]

3. Stardust Hotel [*][Demo Version]

4. Swedenborgske ROM [Spydeberg Demo] [*]

What We Must,Jaga Jazzist,Ninja Tune,Dance Music,Electronic,Jazz-House,Pop,Progressive Jazz

Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
Average customer rating:

Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits

The Gold By Andrew

The best of Webber

THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES

Super good CD

Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000657XY
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Superstar - Murray Head w/ the Trinidad Singers (Jesus Christ Superstar)
As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand (Sunset Boulevard)
The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
You Must Love Me - Madonna (Evita)
Any Dream Will Do-Donny Osmond (Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)
Memory - Betty Buckley (Cats)
Pie Jesus - Charlotte Church (Requiem)
The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman (Jesus Christ Superstar)
Don't Cry For Me Argentina -Patti Lupone (Evita)
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball (Aspects Of Love)
All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman (The Phantom Of The Opera)
The Perfect Year - Glenn Close & Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard)
The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones & Sounds Of Blackness (Whistle Down The Wind)
No Matter What - Boyzone (Whistle Down The Wind)
Oh What A Circus - Mandy Patinkin (Evita)
Whistle Down The Wind - Sarah Brightman (Whistle Down The Wind)
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman & Jose Carrerras (1992 Olympics Theme)

Amazon.com

The critical debate over Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical legacy will no doubt rage for decades. Is he the shrewd populist composer who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical--or a crass, Barnum-esque showman (who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical)? This 18-track anthology chronicles the high points of Sir Andrew's enduring songcraft and the irrefutable impact it's made across a remarkably disparate swath of tastes and genres, from Broadway to Top 40 radio and even the classical repertoire.

If some have accused Lloyd Webber's songs--like "The Music of the Night" (from Phantom of the Opera) and the title tune from Whistle Down the Wind, included here--of having all the melodic and lyrical sophistication of a children's lullaby, that's likely the very element that's made them so appealing to a mass audience. If nothing else, it's a compelling argument for that old notion about it being "the singer, not the song." Indeed, there are few contemporary composers whose music could entice divas from Streisand ("As If We'd Never Said Goodbye" from Sunset Blvd.) to Madonna (Evita's "You Must Love Me") and Charlotte Church ("Pie Jesu" from Requiem) to cover it, let alone forge the very careers of artists like Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. And if there's any substance to that other criticism of Lloyd Webber lifting the melodic ideas of composers from Verdi to John Williams (we swear that's the theme to Jurassic Park bubbling up in Tom Jones's camped-up take on Whistle's "The Vaults of Heaven"), at least, like virtually every major composer, he's stolen--er, borrowed--from the best. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits.......2007-07-13

I sent this CD to my parents and they love it! It is nice to preview the songs on-line instead of with greasy headphones in a music store! The shipping is always speedy and makes sending gifts across the country so much easier.

The Gold By Andrew.......2007-04-23

This cd is a must have for any Webber fan. It has many great songs from his most sucsessful musicals. But something I don't like about this cd is that some of the singer how sings some of the songs arn't the onse that sings the originals. Like "The Phantom Of The Opera" and "Love Changes Everything". Witch is so sad. Couse the original songs are so much better.
But besides that this cd is very good. With manye nice and difficult songs (I've sung some of the myself in siningclass).
So if you like Andrew's music this most sertanly is a most have.

The best of Webber.......2005-09-12

Although I like Andrew Llloyd Webber and his music very much, this collection earns only 4 stars and it's not because of the quality of the music but the level of performers. If a best of collection is made it should contain the best version ever done and this time it's not true. I could write the same review for the European edition (labeled import here) because the blend of the two would be a perfect best of.

Some examples: this version contains Memory sung by Betty Buckley while the Elaine Page version is light years better. Then it contains Patti Lupone's version of Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Even though Madonna wasn't the best Evita, she definitely sung Argentina in a way no-one could before or will ever. Whistle Down The Wind is represented with 3 songs - the place of the Tom Jones song is not here (the same could be said of Tina Arena's song o the European edition). Instead of the TJ song they could have included Take That Look Off Your Face by Marti Webb - one of the best songs by Webber. Pie Jesu from the Requiem is much better sung by Sarah Brightman. These are the faults.

What about the rest? Pure joy and material worth of 6 stars. Superstar, Phantom Of The Opera, Music Of The Night, I Don't Know How To Love Him, All I Ask Of You, No Matter What, Oh What A Circus - wonderful songs and wonderful performers. My all-time favorite from Webber will always be Music Of The Night and the version included here is the mesmerizing adaptation of Michael Crawford.

I don't advise anyone not to buy this album - it's good material, however it's far from being perfect.

THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES.......2005-01-31

There are numerous compilations out on the market full of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music. As most people know, Lloyd Webber is the most successful musical composer of all time and many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. This compilation captures some of the best songs he has ever written, he personally supervised it and it is the best thing to have if you can't afford his five-CD compilation called "Now and forever", which was selected and supervised by him as well. You should bear in mind, however, that there are two compilations called Gold out there: The one made for the European and the British market, and this one, made for the American buyers. Some of the songs on both of them are the same, the others are performed by different artists and some can be found only in one of the two. This one here was issued later and it is digitally remastered. Therefore you should check your favourites and buy accordingly, or, if you can, buy them both, since both of them contain interesting songs and performers.

So here are my thoughts about the tracks in this one:

1. "Superstar" and "I don't know how to love him" are both from the concept album of "Jesus Christ Superstar". They sound wonderful as ever, although the orchestrations may seem a bit dated by now.

2. "Sunset Boulevard" is marked here with two songs. Barbra Streisand's powerful voice shines all the way through in "As if we never said goodbye"; it's a shame she never played Norma Desmond on Broadway, since Patti LuPone wasn't allowed to take her Norma to New York, and Glenn Close butchered the role. Her limited vocal abilities were hardly suited for the material, as it is shown by the second Sunset song, "The perfect year", performed by Close and Alan Campbell. They both lack a decent singing voice, so this is the one song I skip regularly. The song itself sounds much better in its single version with pops orchestration, as can be heard on the European version of this compilation, where it is performed by Dina Carroll. This version here can hardly be considered a gold one.

3. "The Phantom of the Opera" is represented by three songs. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performance in the song of the same title is amazing. They were both born to play their roles in this show and their voices fit together perfectly. Sarah can hit the high notes in the end like no other Christine. Cliff Richard and Sarah sing the lovely ballad "All I ask of you" with passion, and Cliff has a wonderful warmth in his voice. Finally, Michael Crawford gives his unique and mesmerising interpretation in "The music of the night".

4. The 1996 movie version of "Evita" is Madonna's best role to date and it brought an Academy Award for Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who wrote "You must love me" especially for the big screen. This is another wonderful ballad with the haunting cello and piano solo. It just proves that Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were the best collaborators. They really should do another musical together.

5. "The Joseph and his amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was Webber's first musical and the signature song "Any dream will do" is performed here by Donny Osmond, who also appeared in the video version. I find his rendition even better than London's Jason Donovan, since Donny isn't strictly bound by the notes and so sings it more casually. A wonderful pop piece.

6."Memory" from "Cats" is probably the most famous of all Webber's songs, recorded by numerous artists. This version is sung by Betty Buckley, who was Broadway's Grizabella. Although Betty's performance can't be considered bad, I prefer Elaine Paige, who sung the song first, in the London production. Elaine has a note of sorrow in her at times husky voice, which I found very intriguing. Her performance can be considered definite, as heard on "Cats" DVD or in her latest two-disc compilation, "Centre stage: The very best of Elaine Paige", issued in May 2004. Still, those who prefer Ms. Buckley or who saw her on stage in this role won't be disappointed.

7. "Pie Jesu" is the best known song from Webber's "Requiem", written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. I'm not too keen on the version included here, performed by Charlotte Church, because her voice isn't as pretty as Sarah Brightman's on the original recording and the tempo is somewhat faster here.

8. "Don't cry for me Argentina" is among my all-time Lloyd Webber's favourites. I like all the ladies who performed "Evita" on the stage and on the screen (Julie Covington, Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone and Madonna), but on this disc is the version I am most satisfied with, since it is sung by Patti LuPone. Ms. LuPone has a very powerful voice with an amazing range and she deserved her Tony Award for this role. She was able to sound both vulnerable and decisive while singing this, whereas the other leading ladies emphasized one or the other in their interpretation. Mandy Patinkin's "Oh what a circus" is not the best, the orchestration is a little bit weak and his voice sounds thin to me. David Essex on the London cast recording is more suitable.

9. "Aspects of love" boast here with its top song, "Love changes everything", performed wonderfully by Michael Ball. It was his #1 hit and is probably one of the most beautiful love anthems ever written.

10. Three songs come from "Whistle down the wind". The studio release of the same title is one of the reasons I bought this compilation, although I already have the European one. It is performed by Sarah Brightman with Lloyd Webber playing the piano and a symphonic orchestra who nicely takes the lead of the main melody. Sarah voice is angelic; she sings it like a little bird. Very charming. Boyzone's "No matter what" was a huge pop hit in the charts. Again, we have a song with the suitable orchestrations and vocals. And lastly, Tom Jones' deep voice in combination with the back vocals of "The Sounds of Blackness" gives a rocking rendition of the church hymn "The vaults of heaven". It can't be found on the European version and Tom's voice shows it hasn't aged. Way to go.

11. For the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Webber wrote, together with his long-time lyricist Don Black, this last song, "Amigos para siempre or Friends for life". It's a nice duet between Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras, their voices sore when bound together. The melody itself is neat, especially when the orchestra takes the lead.

Besides the fact that some of the performers here were not the best for my taste, there is also the fact that some of Lloyd Webber's shows are omitted in this version, most notably, "Tell me on a Sunday". Also, unlike its European counterpart, this compilation isn't aligned chronologically, so we have 1970 Superstar being the first song, 1993 Sunset Blvd comes the second, followed by The Phantom from 1986 and so on. None the less, this CD is excellent as an introduction to Lloyd Webber's music and one can continue with his cast recordings from there. It's also very handy as a single disc compilation for the American fans.

Super good CD.......2004-12-31

The songs on this CD are great. If you also play piano, the book of the same title goes perfectly with the CD. You can following along with the music and learn the songs on the piano.

Average customer rating:

Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLI8
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Average customer rating:

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

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

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

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

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

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Broadway: America's Music 1935-2005

Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000B8I93Q
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'
Summertime
I Could Write a Book
It Never Entered My Mind
I Can Cook Too
Make It Another Old Fashioned, Please
If I Loved You
My Heart Belongs to Daddy
Thou Swell
I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen
There's No Business Like Show Business
South American Way

Tracks:

Shall We Dance
Ohio
Luck Be a Lady
Mack the Knife
There's a Small Hotel
Once in Love with Amy
Yodel Blues
Lazy Afternoon
There Must Be Somethin' Better Than Love
You're Just in Love
Now Is the Time

Tracks:

Impossible Dream
Love Makes the World Go 'Round
Try to Remember
Put on a Happy Face
I Say Hello
Happiness
She Loves Me
What Kind of Fool Am I?
Shy
Consider Yourself
Poor Little Person

Tracks:

Magic to Do
They're Playing My Song
I Don't Know How to Love Him
I Won't Send Roses
Good Morning Starshine
Don't Cry for Me, Argentina
Hard Candy Christmas
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
Won't You Charleston with Me?
Applause

Tracks:

Phantom of the Opera
Memory
On My Own
Muddy Water
How Could I Ever Know
American Dream
I Know Him So Well
Dr. Jazz
Me and My Girl
Suddenly Seymour

Tracks:

Mamma Mia!
Popular
Seasons of Love
Oh, the Thinks You Can Think
Whatever Lola Wants
Crazy
How Deep Is Your Love
Stars
People Like Us
I Go to Rio

Average customer rating:

Etheral, moving and transportive
An absolutely amazing band
The symphonic jazz of What We Must. One of years best CD's
The Extra Content Makes this the best version....

What We Must
Jaga Jazzist
Manufacturer: Ninja Tune
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00080EU44
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Tracks:

All I Know Is Tonight
Stardust Hotwl
For All You Happy People
Oslo Skyline
Swedenborgske ROM
Mikado
I Have a Ghost, Now What?

Tracks:

Mikado [Spydeberg Demo][*]
All I Know Is Tonight [Piethropaxis Rough Rough Mix][*]
Stardust Hotel [*][Demo Version] - Wolfgang Gonnenwein
Swedenborgske ROM [Spydeberg Demo][*]

Customer Reviews:

Etheral, moving and transportive .......2007-03-20

It is easy to know what I mean by etheral and moving. However, transportive might seem a bit vague. What I mean by this is, these soundscapes really grab you and take you somewhere else, to some other headspace that is so lush and engaging that it may seem a bit unsettling at first. Only at first, however.

I first really listened to this album while travelling and it truly encompasses the swell and excitement of surrounding yourself in a new, exotic location. These songs are so lush and vivid (and many other adjectives synonymous with the aforementioned) and elicit emotions you probably didn't know you had and cannot properly name. Similar to the feeling I got with Sigur Ros, something about those Scandinavian folk...
I mean, these guys do very well on the charts in Norway apparently, and there's not a hope Jaga Jazzist would ever do the same here. I cannot describe how happy it would make me if Nickleback or Green Day were replaced with Jagga Jazzist...one day...

An absolutely amazing band.......2007-03-15

I heard this group for the first time in concert last night in Singapore at the Mosaic Music Festival 2007. The Straits Times review says it (almost) all: "They conquered hearts and minds and set people free...call them the best little big secret this year's Mosaic has to offer...nothing could have prepared one for Jaga's heady 100-minute set...a breathtaking feat...compelled the famously sedentary Singapore crowd to stand up in awe." They were mind-blowingly amazing and I have just ordered every CD they've ever cut. This group is one day going to be very, very big.

The symphonic jazz of What We Must. One of years best CD's.......2005-07-05

'What We Must' basically sounds like what Kevin Shields would dream-up if he was influenced by jazz and prog-rock. A 10 piece ensemble from Norway, Jaga Jazzist's fourth album strays from the jazz-electronica of their first three, creating for a cacophony of celestial sounds, orchestral and ambient, cinematic and lush. 'What We Must' is almost unclassifiable because it draws from so many influences, a symphonic soundtrack where jazz-meets-progressive rock-meets-New Age-meets-psychadelia. An ambitious album that's a melting-pot of musical styles; swirly shoegazers (as strange as it may seem) like The Pale Saints/Slowdive/MBV, the atmospheric New Age sounds of Terry Riley and Mike Oldfield, 70's prog-rockers Soft Machine, the jazz-fusion of Spyro Gyra, and a dash of Flaming Lips neo-psychadelia. Occasionally a recording will come along that's so beautiful, spiritual, and profoundly powerful, 'What We Must' gets my vote as one of the strongest, if not one of the best albums of 2005.

The Extra Content Makes this the best version...........2005-04-27

Jaga Jazzist (consisting of central linchpins, Multi-instrumentalist's "Lars & Martin Horntveth") have only a (small) handful of albums to their name, but although not fully able to break through to the mainstream with the canopy of 'Progressive Jazz, Nu-Breaks, Jazz-House & Electronica that they are largely known for. They remain a hugely likable act, that have amassed a small and devoted following for their leftfield interpretations of Jazz/Electronica.

From the ambitious creative jazz with electronic exploration of "A Livingroom Hush", through to the futuristic Modern Big Band Jazz/Electronica hybrid of "The Stix", Jaga Jazzist have seemingly always comfonded people expectations of what to expect, and the limitless possibilities that Jazz (and its various sub-genres) throws up to them. This their most recent release find the band changing tack and side-stepping expectations by creating an album that although elaborate and Dynamic in its deconstruction of jazz, also largely retains elements of European jazz, and creatively is still a highly individualistic one, this time around...its a fusion of subtly amplified rock with Jazz that makes up a large part of this album.

Followers of Jaga's previous albums may well baulk at the introduction of rock instrumentation and the decided 'Progressive Rock' sensibilities that run throughout this album, in fact the first track "All I Know is Tonight", arguments insistent guitars, muted horns, textured keyboard sounds and the most slight of Jazz percussion underpinning the whole thing. It's sounds as if a more jazz-minded "Pink Floyd" had decided to scale back on the excess, make the track wholly instrumental and fuse the quicktime percussion of Jazz with the immediacy of Rock. What's so surprising about all of this is the fact that it is, just that....So Surprising!!, soundly virtually nothing like what the band have done before, it takes a mental readjust to comprehend what is being played here. Not that its inaccessible....it's very accessible, but also a departure from what you'll probably be expecting, yet stick with it, because repeated listens begin to unravel a subtle complexity & structure that although not the Jaga Jazzist we know, easily retains that non-conformist attitude to Jazz/Electronica that brought them to us, in the first place.

Although running at a length, just shy of 45 minutes, its certainly not a long album, to truly get lost in, but thankfully there are enough ideas and memorable arrangements to make-up for the relatively short running time, with more emphasis on desirable tracks, rather than a hours worth of mediocre content. Thoroughout the album, there are interesting diversions in approach, wether it is the pouring, reverb-drenched dream of flight coupled with the bright soaring melodies, and chiming acoustic guitars, keyboards, that make up tracks such as "Stardust Hotel". Or indeed on "For All You Happy People", which manages to completely impress by linking sections that almost contrast in structure, but yet are seamlessly linked between expertly utilising sections of bass clarinet and keyboards, with a sound that becomes a little more engaging with every listen, almost danceable rhythms, involving chiming acoustic guitars, and surprising almost this plethora of instruments, the tuba. With this all balanced out beautifully and although not delving deeper into jazz motifs, that earmarked the last two albums, still retains a hugely likable, yet original composition. Sure it's certainly not as freewheeling as their previous work, but shows an impressive ensemble willing to resist being pigeonholed by previous work, and the subtle innovations in electronic music previously, gently creep into this album..

With the leftfield improvisation of before, largely missing from this release, and the sound far more that, of a band working as a modern Big Jazz Band, there is much here that although may not immediately impress, the powerful set of rock dynamics, will be unfamiliar to all, that have heard Jaga's previous work, but the luscious sounds of rich guitar, bass & Horns & drums, with that keen ear on electronic percussion, with eventaually begin to take hold of you, it's not hard to eventually warm to (and hugely enjoy) the more FM Radio friendly sound, on this album. Those that are expecting (or indeed hoping) for an album that runs along similar lines to "The Stix" & "A Livingroom Hush", will probably be hugely disappointed, and should avoid this, as the more radio friendly / Rock inclusive sound may well repel purists. But this is also arguably their most melodic & accessible album. "The Stix" & "A Livingroom Hush" still remain arguably the more experimental, envelope pushing, creative jazz albums, that they have created, but this superb album still stands amongst such distinguished work, although it's charms really start to unfolded over several listens. It's a gorgeously likable instrumental album and take heed of the fact that it's unlike their previous work, and it's memorable arrangements will amply reward.

the accompanying second disk contains a second disk, that is almost half the length of the main disk, and it's a disk that is taken from the same 'Spydeberg Sessions', that spawned the first disk. What is contained here in alternate versions, Demos from the sessions and various rarities. which although don't replace the main disk in anyway, give a broader spectrum of the ideas and demos, that would go on to become the completed tracks. The idea is relatively similar to what goes on with certain classic Jazz albums (John Coltranes - A Love Supreme" for instance), where you get the complete sessions, in that the standalone disk makes up the main meat of the album, but for real fans, that extra / alternate tracks from the same session..(in this case the 'Bonus Disk'), are akin to the complete recordings. If you can stretch to the 2-Cd edition, then I strongly suggest you do, the cost isn't that much more that the single CD edition, and it interesting to hear the demo versions, and considering the the single disk edition is a fairly short album anyway, this bolsters the album into a far more substantial affair (and boosts the score rating up a notch).

Average customer rating:

Great music/stories as well as sound quality
Fabulous for Kids
Music Box Series

Music Box V. 2
Classical Kids , Johann Sebastian Bach , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Christian Pezold , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Spiritual Traditional , Matthias Weckmann , Errol Gay , Walter Babiak , Studio Arts Orchestra , Adriana Braun , Gordon McLeod , Marjorie Sparks , Monica Whicher , and Nils Brown
Manufacturer: Children's Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000212W
Release Date: 1997-09-30

Tracks:

Lost In The Opera House: Oh Help Me (Zu Hilfe) - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
Papageno And The Birds: The Best Bird-Catcher (Der Voglefanger) - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
The Queen Of The Night: You Must Journey (O Zitt're Nicht) - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
Pamina Arrives, Papageno's Magic Bells: A Girlfriend (Ein Madchen) - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
The Castle Of Sarastro: O Endless Night (O Ew'ge Nacht) - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
The Magic Flute: O Listen, Hear The Song (Wie Stark) - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
The Escape: Let Us Hurry (Schnelle Fusse)/What Twinkles So Brightly (Das Klinget)/Sarastro's ... - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
Sarastro's Welcome: The Gods Above (O Isis) - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
The Attack Of The Queen: The Powers Of Night (Der Holle Rache)/Tamino's Trial: This Path... - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
Pamina's Lament: Oh My Heart Is Broken (Ach, Ich Fuhl's) - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
In The Labyrinth: O Seekers Of The Light (Der, Welcher Wandert)/Tamino Mine/We Pass Proctected... - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
Papageno And Papagena: Ring, O Bells (Klinget Glockchen)/Pa-Pa-Papagena - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak
Conclusion: Our Journey Is Over (Bei Mannern)/Overture - The Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak

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Piano Concerto #1, 1st Movt/Danse Napolitaine (Swan Lake) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Trepac (Nutcracker) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot/Turkey In The Straw/Waltzes (Serenade, And Swan Lake) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Tea (Nutcracker)/Coffee (Nutcracker)/Chocolate (Nutcracker) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Danse Des Cygnes, Allegro (Swan Lake) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
1812 Overture (Excerpt) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Silver (Sleeping Beauty)/Ragtime - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Overture Act II (Swan Lake) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Girls' Chorus (Eugene Onegin) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Coda, Act II (Nutcracker)/Rag On Tchaikovsky Theme - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Marche Slav - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Violente (Sleeping Beauty)/Sugar Plum Fairy (Nutcracker) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Le Sommeil, Panorama (Sleeping Beauty) - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Long, Long Ago/Onegin (Girls' Chorus)/Waltz Op.20 - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Amazing Grace - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak
Serenade For Strings: Movt 1/Finale/1812 Overture: Finale - Studio Arts Orchestra/High Park Girls Choir/Walter Babiak

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Orchestral Suite #3, Mvt. 1/Minuet In G/Gigue In G (French Suite #5) - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring/Chromatic Fantasy/Prelude In B Minor - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Introducing The Orchestra/Organ Chorale Prelude: 'Allein Gott' - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Brandenberg Concerto #5, Movt. 3 - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Flute Sonata in C, Mvt. 2/Organ: 'Es Ist Das Heil'/Orch Ste #2, Mvt. 6/Violin Sonata In E, Mvt. 2 - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Prelude In C (Book 1 Of WTC)/Orchestral Suite #2, Mvt. 2 - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Bist Du Bei Mir - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Orchestral Suite #2, Badinerie - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Orchestral Suite #3, Air For G String - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Orchestral Suite #3, Gigue - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
'Adventure In Music' - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
Goldberg Variations/Art Of Fugue - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
'Liebster Jesu': Flute Sonata In C, Mvt. 4 - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson
'We Hasten,' Cantata #78 - Studio Arts Orchestra/Walter Babiak/The Toronto Boys Chor/Ned Hanson

Customer Reviews:

Great music/stories as well as sound quality.......2004-02-11

The stories on CD are well written and very entertaining. I listened through all 3 CDs in one sitting when I got them! What's more, its sound quality is very good. I have other classical music CDs for kids and almost always I'm disappointed with the sound quality. (Violines sound like they have flu!)

This is a great buy for kids of all ages!!!

Fabulous for Kids.......2002-01-01

My two children, ages 7 and 5 received the Classical Kids Music Box, volumes 1 & 2 for Christmas this year and they can't seem to get enough of it! Each box contains 3 CD's, each on a different composer. Some are narrated by children and tell a story of the particular composer. Their popular compositions play in the background - this way the listener hears a partial biography of the composer as well as some music. Volume 1 contains stories of Handel, Beethoven and Vivaldi, and Volume 2 contains stories of Mozart, Bach and Tchaikovsky. I highly recommend this for all children who listed to music CD's, whether they're musically inclined or not.

Music Box Series.......2001-04-23

To say this series of music is "CAPTIVATING" is a total understatement. We have enjoyed these immensely for 2 years now and are hoping they will continue to release more composers. These well-told stories will hold the interest of everyone at any age while introducing them to these brilliant composers. My son is a 12 year old AAA travel hockey player and listens to these CD's while going to sleep, every night, without fail! Last week he asked if he could go online to find music and I thought he was looking for something along the line of latest hits. What a surprise to find him looking for more of the Music Box Series. These collections are as valuable to classical music as Harry Potter has become to children's reading! The story of Beethoven is especially poignant, when you realize what he accomplished with his gift in spite of his many challenges. I won't give away the plots of these wonderful stories told in this series, however I will say they will be listened to over and over again! And just like Harry Potter, you can't wait for the next one!

Average customer rating:

The best ever version
The Golden Cast of D'Oyly Carte!
The Definitive Recording

Gilbert & Sullivan: Patience
Philip Potter , Kenneth Sandford , Mary Sansom , Jennifer Toye , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Gilbert & Sullivan: The Gondoliers

ASIN: B0000041VE
Release Date: 1989-07-21

Tracks:

Overture
Act One: Twenty love-sick maidens we
Act One: Still brooding on their mad infatuation
Act One: I cannot tell what this love may be
Act One: Twenty love-sick maidens we
Act One: The soldiers of our Queen
Act One: If you want a receipt for that popular mystery
Act One: In a doleful train two & two we walk all day
Act One: Twenty love-sick maidens we
Act One: When I first put this uniform on
Act One: Am I alone & unobserved?
Act One: If you're anxious for to shine
Act One: Long years ago-fourteen, maybe
Act One: Prithee, pretty maiden-prithee
Act One: Though to marry you
Act One: Let the merry cymbals sound
Act One: Now tell us, we pray you
Act One: Heart broken at my Patience's barbarity
Act One: Stay, we implore you, before our hopes are blighted
Act One: Your maidens hearts, ah, do steel

Tracks:

Act One: Come, walk up, and purchase with avidity
Act One: We've been thrown over, we're aware
Act One: And are you going a ticket to buy?
Act One: Hold! Stay your hand!
Act One: True love must single-hearted be
Act One: I hear the soft note of the echoing voice
Act One: But who is this, whose god-like grace
Act One: List Reginald, whilst I confess a love
Act Two: On such eyes as maidens cherish
Act Two: Sad is a woman's lot who, year by year
Act Two: Silvered is the raven hair
Act Two: Turn, oh turn in this direction
Act Two: A magnet hung in a hardware shop
Act Two: Love is a plaintive song
Act Two: So go to him & say to him
Act Two: It's clear that the mediaeval art
Act Two: If Saphir I choose to marry
Act Two: When I go out of the door
Act Two: I'm a Waterloo House young man
Act Two: After much debate internal, I on Lady Jane decide

Customer Reviews:

The best ever version.......2002-06-07

The wonderful cast transports you to the realms of Gilbert and Sullivan, to make you feel that you are experiencing a first night in 1881! John Reed, as Bunthorne, an aesthetic poet is superb, camp, subversive and a complete fraud. If anyone is not aware, the story of the opera is based upon the idiosyncracies of the Aesthetic movement in England of the 1880's and Gilbert used the public parodies of his friend Oscar Wilde as his major source. The rest of the cast, chorus and orchestra , under the long experienced 'Goddie' are superlative and make for one of the finest line-ups in D'Oyly Carte history. Revel and enjoy, for this is quite the best.

The Golden Cast of D'Oyly Carte!.......1999-04-13

My wish had always been to see John Reed and the D'Oyly Carte Company in a performance of Patience. My mother had done so, remarking that, 'You'd need patience to watch it', she was coloured in her opinion, since she wanted to see 'The Mikado', but had gotten the wrong tickets! The recording, made in 1961, is superb in every detail. You are with the cast, on stage, in the auditorium, it is such a 'live' performance. The dialogue is delivered exquisitely, whilst the singing is uniformerly of the highest standard. I recently portrayed 'Bunthorne' and throughout my performances, I felt that I was continuing the legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan. All the past history of performers were there. I feel that Patience is a magical Savoy Opera. Do not miss the opportunity to own such a definitive performance. Maybe the subject of the 'Art Nouveau' periodof Victorian England is dated, but as one critic has already stated, every generation 'throws up' its poseures, to be knocked. 'Ah, me! lack aday!' BUY IT!

The Definitive Recording.......1998-12-09

For those who prefer the traditional Savoyard renderings of the G&S canon, this is far and away the best recording of this parody of the cult of celebrity. John Reed leads the cast as a delightful Bunthorne, and the recording contains all of the opera's dialogue. "HMS Pinafore," "The Mikado," and "The Pirates of Penzance" may be better known, but "Patience" is deserving of a wider audience.

Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus; The Gypsy Baron (Highlights)

Average customer rating:

Die Fledermaus/Gypsy Baron CD

Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus; The Gypsy Baron (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights)
Offenbach: La Belle Helene; Orpheus in the Underworld; La Vie Parisienne (Highlights)

ASIN: B00009KHY5
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Overture - Alexander Young
It's The Talk Of The Town...I'll Be At The Ball Tonight - Alexander Young
Then I Must Leave...Ah, Woe Is Me - Alexander Young
Drain A Draught Of Wine With Me - Alexander Young
What A Feast - Alexander Young
I Always Feel Beholden (Chacun A Son Gout!) - Alexander Young
My Dear Marquis (Laughing Song) - Alexander Young
What A Tonic, What A Beauty (Watch Duet) - Alexander Young
Brother Mine, Brother Mine And Sister Mine - Alexander Young
Romantic And Secluded - Alexander Young
The Clink Of Champagne Glasses - Alexander Young

Tracks:

Overture - Derek Hammond-Stroud
Since I Was Left An Orhan Lad - Derek Hammond-Stroud
A Suitor For The Bride...A Suitor For My Hand - Derek Hammond-Stroud
There's No One In The World (Gypsy Song) - Derek Hammond-Stroud
Here In This Dear Land - Derek Hammond-Stroud
The Trace Of Dawn - Derek Hammond-Stroud
I Dreamed I Wondered By The River - Derek Hammond-Stroud
Who Made Us One? - Derek Hammond-Stroud
Come And Join The Gay Hussars! - Derek Hammond-Stroud
For Gay Times At Night - Derek Hammond-Stroud
We Raise Our Voice And Rejoice - Derek Hammond-Stroud
Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Op. 214 - Johann Strauss II

Customer Reviews:

Die Fledermaus/Gypsy Baron CD.......2007-02-08

Die Fledermaus has long been a favourite of mine and this CD coupled with highlights from the Gypsy Baron makes it outstanding. I'm thoroughly enjoying listening to it. Judy

Average customer rating:

An AntiWar Masterpiece
Visceral power & beauty coupled with stunning performances!!
One of the best and most easily grasped of modern operas

Tippett: King Priam

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000AXV
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

King Priam: Prelude
King Priam: Hecuba: What Is It, Nurse?
King Priam: Priam: Old Man Of Troy, You're Welcome
King Priam: Hecuba: Then Am I No Longer Mother To This Child
King Priam: Priam: A Father And A King
King Priam: Priam: The Queen Is Right
King Priam: First Interlude - Nurse, Old Man: Thus Shall A Story Begin
King Priam: 1st Huntsman: The Bull Is Away Over There
King Priam: Paris: They Have Taken My Bull
King Priam: Hector: Father, He's A Shepherd Boy
King Priam: Priam: So I'd Hoped It Might Be
King Priam: Second Interlude - Nurse, Young Guard, Old Man: Ah, But Life, Life Is A Bitter Charade
King Priam: Helen, Paris: Ah, Ah ...
King Priam: Hermes: Divine Go-between, That's Who I Am
King Priam: Paris: Lady Athene, If I Honor You ...
King Priam: Paris: Lady Hera, If I Honor You ...
King Priam: Paris: Aphrodite, If I Honor You ...
King Priam: Hector: So You've Given Up Fighting!
King Priam: Priam: So Trojans Honor Menelaus ...
King Priam: First Interlude - Old Man: Hermes, Hermes, With The Winged Feet Come Quick!
King Priam: Achilles: O Rich-soiled Land
King Priam: Achilles: Why Are You Weeping, Patroclus?
King Priam: Second Interlude - Old Man: O, O, What A Threat To Troy
King Priam: Hermes: A Hero In Achilles Armour ...
King Priam: Hector: All Trojans, All Fought Bravely

Tracks:

King Priam: Serving Woman: Lady Andromache, Should We Not Light The Fire?
King Priam: Hecuba: Daughter Andromache, You Must Go Out ...
King Priam: Andromache: Did You Hear?
King Priam: Helen: Let Her Rave
King Priam: Hecuba: O That My Ears Should Hear Impiety So Gross!
King Priam: Andromache: Now You Shall Go
King Priam: First Interlude - Serving Women: No ... No ... No ... We Have It From The Runner
King Priam: Priam: What Is Happening?
King Priam: Young Guard: A Crime
King Priam: Nurse: The Soul Will Answer From Where The Pain Is Quickest
King Priam: Second Interlude
King Priam: Achilles: Priam! Here! What Is This?
King Priam: Priam: I Clasp Your Knees, Achilles
King Priam: Achilles: Old Man, I Am Touched
King Priam: Third Interlude -
King Priam: Paris: Where Is My Father, Where Is Priam?
King Priam: Chorus: Ah, Ah! Ah, Ah!
King Priam: Chorus: Ah, Ha, Ha, Ha
King Priam: Chorus: Ah, Ah!

Customer Reviews:

An AntiWar Masterpiece.......2002-08-26

Tippett and Britten were composers who, though very different in temperment and style, had many interests in common. One of the overiding concerns with both composers was the moral response to war and it's horrors. For Britten, the War Requiem and Owen Wingrave are his very clear moral response to war. Tippet, in his fashion is much more psychological in this work, which must rank as one of Tippett's best and most powerful operatic statements.

King Priam is a dramatic tour de force. Based on the Illiad as seen through the eyes of the Trojans, the work is a meditation on the inevitability of fate in mass movements like war. Priam, though illdisposed to the war, is unable to stop or control it as it takes both of his sons, his kingdom and then finally his own life. He emerges as a figure of moral power and grandeur, but ultimately as impotent and tragic. This libretto is one of Tippett's best and most clear statements.

Musically, Priam is a powerhouse, inaugurating Tippett's second major style. Priam is constructed in a mosaic style. Small chamber groups of instruments with defined musical content are assigned to characters. As the work develops, these small groups combine and recombine in a shifting maze of patterns that seems to endlessly reinvent itself. The music starts out as largely tonal, but the tonality breaks down as Fate takes over and dooms the Trojans. The work is never serial, but it takes an almost Bergian view of tonality, sometimes more and sometimes less tonal as the dramatic situation warrants. The vocal lines are mostly declaimed, but with moments of lyricism that are unfogettable, such as Priam's first aria, A Father and a King, or the beautiful scene between Priam and Achilles in the third act. And Achilles war cry at the end of act two is bone chilling!

This is a great performance of this piece. Many of the singers originated the roles and sing them with power and authority. Phillip Langridge is terrific as Paris. Robert Tear is a marvelous Achilles. David Aetherton conducts this difficult score with precision and a fine ear for balances.

This is a profound opera by a major 20th century composer. If you like Britten, you should own this as well. It is increasingly looking like Tippett's masterpiece.

Visceral power & beauty coupled with stunning performances!!.......2001-06-13

I bought this on a whim, having heard only the slightest bit of Tippett's orchestral music and none of his operas. I expected the music to be "difficult," and the performances stilted, but I was oh so wrong! Yes, this is definitely late 20th century music -- often dissonant and atonal, but it is utterly beautiful, emotionally moving music. I'm a huge fan of Britten's operas, and judge all modern opera composers by his standards, and (pardon my gushing) Sir Michael is more than up to the challenge. First of all, he takes on the daunting task of adapting the Iliad into a opera libretto and manages to compress the drama beautifully into 3 acts that tell the story imaginatively, comprehensively and in a wholly theatrical manner. Second, he uses the music to heighten the sense of character by giving each persona a unique style of vocal line and orchestration (yes, this is what all composers do, or try to do, but Tippett succeeds in a way few others do). Several of the characters are accompanied by solo instruments (bravura parts of concerto-like difficulty performed brilliantly) -- Achilles by solo guitar, Helen by solo cello, King Priam by violin, etc. Three characters form a sort of Greek chorus who comment on the action and bring a sense of questioning morality to the whole.

All of the solo singers are astutely cast and sing with amazing power. Standouts (difficult to single out any of them, they're all so brilliant): Phillip Langridge is first-rate as Paris, Priam's second son -- he sings with enormous power and pathos at the same time. Felicity Palmer is velvety sex personified as Helen. Norman Bailey as Priam has a raw edginess to his sound, which lends such a sense of reality to a man pushed to the edge by fate and his warring sons. The London Philharmonia gives a virtuoso performance, led sensitively and intelligently by David Atherton. The digital sound is crystal clear and beautifully engineered: the sound couldn't be better live at the Met! Take a chance on this one, and enter into an operatic world you will never forget.

One of the best and most easily grasped of modern operas.......1999-02-27

Contemporary opera was never the same after King Priam, a suitable irony given that the Opera is perhaps the most easily grasped by the listening public of the 5 Tippett Operas. Even so, the "crisis of King Prian" stylistically and emotionally is the germ-seed for the eccentrism yet to come in "The Knot Garden", "The Ice Break", and "New Year". Tippett's theme is the futility of choice and the nature of the impact of choice on humanity in the micro-sphere of the individual and the macro-sphere of the community and history. Tippett's unusual yet perfectly conceived recasting of the Iliad from the Trojan persepctive does more than summarize plot, but pauses to comment on the universal human potential implicit therein. A must-buy for Tippett fans and for anyone who likes opera, Greek Mythology, classical music, or a good story.

Tracks:

All I Know Is Tonight
Stardust Hotel
For All You Happy People
Oslo Skyline
Swedenborgske ROM
Mikado
I Have a Ghost, Now What?

Customer Reviews:

are jaga jaga jazzist? .......2005-07-19

Jaga's "what we must" is their second album on Ninja Tune. They are a group of 10 multi instrumentalists whose previous release put out under the name Jaga Jazzist, more about this shortly, the Stix, was a complex excursion into the realms of jazz electronica. With "what we must" jaga have dropped to jazzist component, but not all of it, and replaced it with a couple of Fender Rhodes. That doesn't mean they'll now become Jaga Rockist however.

"Swedenborgske Rom" weaves Horntveth's wordless vocals into a complex instrumental piece before becoming a MASSIVE guitar after guitar of peaking walls. "Oslo Skyway" is constructed in three parts, the second slowly dissipating as Schei and Frolands guitars drive the piece to its conclusion. These are my two highlights from the album but every tune contains some kind of sophisitacted vibraphone, mellotron, marimba et al composition which are beautiful.

The only band Jaga remind me of are tortoise. Other reviews have compared them to My Bloody Valentine and Sot Machine. I thought this record was good...now i think it's amazing. The CD version comes with a second disc with outakes from a band session. Give this a listen next time you're out shopping.

Jaga Jazzist grows its rock fangs...........2005-07-18

When I heard that Jaga Jazzist would be releasing the aptly titled "What We Must" earlier this year, I have to admit that I thought it would probably be a disappointment. Honestly, I thought that Jaga's idea factory could not possibly churn out another IDM/ Jazz masterpiece, yet, as I sit here writing this review I have to say that the ten- piece collective from Norway has proven once again that new real estate is still available in the instrumental music community.

Like fellow instrumental outfits such as Tortoise, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and Do Make Say Think, Jaga Jazzist set themselves apart by moving forward from albums past and exploring not only new soundscapes and textures, but thematic elements and internal band dynamics as well. As most instrumental bands stay the course with one defined sound, Jaga uses its multi-horn, guitars, vibraphones, lap steel, bass, drums and electronics, to alter its environment. Coming from previous efforts such as the kinetic, "A Living Room Hush", to the electronic-infused "Stix", Jaga Jazzist is a band reinventing itself as fast as it can put out albums. On "What We Must", Jaga Jazzist strips away some of the over-produced haze that may have disguised the band from showing what they truly are- a great live band. While many styles still pervade the album, "What We Must" shows the band baring their teeth with straight-forward drumming and grand, arena-rock sized themes.

While most of the cut-up drums and digitized doodlings of albums past are gone, the jazz voicings, taught and sturdy drums, and filtered horns still remain intact proving that Jaga Jazzist can reinvent itself without reinventing the instrumental- rock wheel. What will prove to set Jaga Jazzist apart from those many other bands is that they are constantly reshaping, and never becoming stagnant or satisfied with one particular sound. Ironically enough, that constant musical shift is what gives Jaga its distinctive identity. And with "What We Must", the band has proven that ideas can still be born and not just recycled.

The symphonic jazz of What We Must. One of years best CD's.......2005-07-05

Incredible band, stellar album!.......2005-05-13

Whoever dismissed this album as new age crap in one of the earlier reviews obviously knows NOTHING about good music. Jaga Jazzist is one of the few bands out there keeping the spirit of jazz fusion alive while still creating music that is unique and progressive. If you've never heard of Jaga before, they are a 10-piece band from Norway consisting of guitars, bass, drums, horns, electronics and practically everything else under the sun. The music is heavily textured with weaving melodies, solid beats(for the most part) and amazing transitions & crescendos. Their three albums showcase different styles that make up their unique sound. "A Livingroom Hush" has a heavy jazz sound, "The Stix" is more glitchy and electronic, and this new one "What We Must" has more of a modern rock edge. All three albums are stellar, but since I am reviewing this one, let me finally get to it.
The first track "All I Know Is Tonight" steadily builds while horn and subtle vocal melodies swirl about until all ends triumphantly. "Hotel Stardust" has a definite progressive rock feel to it, with an eerie electronic wind instrument melody that always catches my ear. "For All You Happy People" is short and beautiful and transitions into the next track "Oslo Skyline," which is another driving rock-meets-orchestral fusion tune that is so unique to this band and this album. "Swedenborgske Rom" has an interesting acapella vocal chorus section where the Jagas debut their amazingly angelic voices. The last two tracks are probably my favorite. "Mikado" has the heaviest jazz-fusion influence of the songs on this album and has a crazy distorted guitar melody that I can't get out of my head. The final track "I have a ghost, now what?" speaks for itself. Evil crescendos followed by a spacey jazz house middle section. Only Jaga could pull this off so well!
If you like their first two albums, definitely buy this. If you haven't heard Jaga and you're a fan of heavily textured jazz and electronic music that takes some digesting, I highly recommend this as well. And if you read this whole rambling review, kudos!

You'll Need to take your Time with this one............2005-04-27