Lovin [CD-single] [Import]

Lovin [CD-single] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Lovin' (CRW Extended Mix)

2. Lovin' (Claxixx Mix)

3. Lovin' (Mauro Picotto's Pulsar Remix)

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Follow-up to the dance act's 1999 hit 'I Feel Love'. Tracks, 'Lovin'' (CRW Extended Mix, Claxixx Mix and Mauro Picotto's Pulsar Remix). 2000 release. Slimline jewel case.

Tracks:

Do You Belive In Magic
You Didn't Have To Be So Nice
Daydream
You Baby
Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind
Wild About My Lovin'
Younger Girl
On The Road Again
Didn't Want To Have To Do It
Jug Band Music
Summer In The City
Rain On The Roof
Pow (Theme From 'What's Up, Tiger Lily?')
Nashville Cats
Lovin' You
Darlin' Companion
Coconut Grove
Full Measure
Darling Be Home Soon
Lonely (Amy's Theme)
You're A Big Boy Now
Six O'Clock
She Is Still A Mystery
Money
Younger Generation
Never Going Back

Amazon.com

It sometimes feels as though the Lovin' Spoonful have been reduced to a footnote in the history of rock & roll. Yet few of their contemporaries could match the likes of "Daydream," "Summer in the City," and the transcendent "Do You Believe in Magic?"--a song that can still turn January into June. Legend has it that the Spoonful auditioned for The Monkees, and they'd have been good in those roles, having the right candy-sweet sound and a warm humor in constant evidence. But it wouldn't have lasted: lead songwriter John Sebastian was too willful and idiosyncratic, coming on like an American Ray Davies on songs such as "Younger Generation," a prescient meditation on the hippie generation's future parental dilemmas. Greatest Hits is a fine 26-song introduction to a perennially underrated band. --Taylor Parkes

Customer Reviews:

Look for a bettern collection!.......2007-04-11

This collection was ok, but it seemed they were just trying to fill a cd. I would not say that it was a "greatest hits".

What I expected.......2007-04-10

CD came in a reasonable amount of time, and in excellent condition.

The one and the only: Lovin' Spoonful.......2007-04-02

The reviewers who simply group the Spoonful among all the other "good time" bands of the 60s, like the Turtles or the Grass Roots (etc.), simply don't know the musical history of these bands. First of all, the Spoonful, unlike many of these other bands, wrote ALL of their hits (primarily by the composer-ship of John Sebastian). Also: The Spoonful were one of the first of these bands to arrive on the scene, and just about all of their hits were produced in the time span of a brief two year period. The latter factor is probably why the Spoonful aren't better remembered: they split up before many of these other bands came to the forefront. With having had 5 top ten hits in 1966, the Spoonful were probably United States' biggest band that year next to the Beach Boys, and even The Beatles tried to imitate their sound (most notably with the failed effort, imo: Good Day Sunshine). The vocals of Sebastian and guitar playing of Zal Yanovsky were not only originally distinctive but are fun to try to imitate. I should know: their stylings were one of the key inspirations for my own current attempts at making music.

I recommend this as well as their four original albums (including their last album: "Everything Playing"), plus any of the pairings available of their two film soundtracks ("What's Up Tiger Lily?" and "You're a Big Boy Now"). BTW: Now that John Sebastian's infrequent solo releases have been finally re-released, I'd like to recommend the most under-rated of the bunch: what I suppose to contain the most Spoonful-inspired songwriting of the five: "Welcome Back" from 1975. After the Spoonful, Sebastian became a personal, introspective songwriter (following the pattern of the Spoonful song: "Younger Generation"). But "Welcome Back" seems to me his return to writing fun material more general in nature. Welcome Back Hopefully soon, Zal Yanovsky's only solo release will be available also: 1967's "Alive and Well In Argentina."

Still sounds good.......2007-03-09

If you used to love the Lovin' Spoonful, you'll particularily love "Do you Believe in Magic". What a great band.

Okay, I'm a bit biased, but this really IS a great CD.......2006-12-07

Having grown up listening to mostly rock-themed mid-70's thru 80's music, you can imagine my surprise when I was literally offered a job doing a morning show on an Oldies radio station some years ago. It was definitely not MY music, at least not what I chose to listen to on a regular basis. However the offer was too good to pass up, and I quickly discovered that unlike music of the past 30 years, the Baby Boomer generation that considered the 60's to be *Theirs* really, REALLY cared about the music and the details surrounding it like no other generation before -- or since. Face it, NOBODY cares on which day of the year Jessica Simpson recorded, well anything...but when you bring to the audiences attention that 'Summer In the City' by the Lovin' Spoonful went #1 for three weeks straight on This Day in R&R History in July of 1966, believe me THEY CARE. I can't exactly tell you why, but it's TRUE.

Ever since the Lovin' Spoonful hit the scene in the latter part of Summer 1965 with 'Do You Believe In Magic' they were a regular staple on the American charts. With their earlier ties to the more folksy Mamas & The Papas (members John Sebastian and Zal Yanovsky were both members of the Mugwumps with Cass Elliot & Denny Doherty) to their eventual induction into the R&R Hall of Fame, this was a band that made a serious mark upon the turbulent 60's, and as such seriously affected millions of fans.

Even though they only scored 10 actual charted hits of note, ending with 'She Is Still A Mystery' in Nov. 1967) it is difficult to imagine just how much ground they covered in a very small amount of time. In barely two years, they made such a tremendous impact. Not many American (or British for that matter) bands can take credit for doing so much so quickly. Even though they stuck it out until disbanding in '68, it is difficult to measure their true impact upon the music scene at the time or how they have influenced it since, but one thing IS certain: they DID incite a great number of people to purchase millions of records. Call them pop or bubblegum, but just remember to add the phrase: VERY Successful to that. A truly GREAT American band that gave us fans what we wanted most of all: great tunes at a time when the country needed something, anything to take our minds off the concerns of the day. This collection is almost as perfect a collection as I have seen available. If you are a fan of the Spoonful, you owe it to yourself to include this CD in your collection.

Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers

Average customer rating:

Not a bad cd
A real sleeper
Great Performances of Louvin Bros songs
Great Music
GREAT covers of Louvin material!

Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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When I Stop Dreaming: The Best of The Louvin Brothers
Charlie Louvin
The Unbroken Circle - The Musical Heritage Of The Carter Family
Satan Is Real
Tragic Songs of Life

ASIN: B0000CD5JG
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

Introduction to Ira and Charlie Louvin
Cash On The Barrelhead - Joe Nichols/Rhonda Vincent
My Baby's Gone - Emmylou Harris/Rodney Crowell
How's The World Treating You - James Taylor/Alison Krauss
I Can't Keep You In Love With Me - Vince Gill/Terri Clark
Must You Throw Dirt In My Face - Merle Haggard/Carl Jackson
If I Could Only Win Your Love - Ronnie Dunn/Rebecca Lynn Howard
When I Stop Dreaming - Glen Campbell/Leslie Satcher
I Wish You Knew - Kathy Louvin/Pamela Brown Hayes
New Partner's Waltz - Linda Ronstadt/Carl Jackson
Are You Teasing Me - Patty Loveless/Jon Randall
I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby - Harley Allan/Dierks Bentley
You're Running Wild - Larry Cordle/Carl Jackson/Jerry Salley
The Angels Rejoiced - Dolly Parton/Sonya Isaacs
Let Us Travel, Travel On - Marty Stuart/Del McCoury
Keep Your Eyes On Jesus - Pam Tillis/Johnny Cash with the Jordanaires

Amazon.com

Given their impact on generations of country, country-rock, and bluegrass acts, it's amazing the Louvins haven't had a modern tribute before. Unlike tribute albums that stumble through inconsistent performances and ill-matched material, this one soars, the selections well matched to the paired artists. Joe Nichols and Rhonda Vincent capture "Cash on the Barrelhead's" sassy humor. Emmylou Harris--who spearheaded the Louvin revival--and Rodney Crowell are relaxed on the Louvin hit "My Baby's Gone." Merle Haggard and the album's producer Carl Jackson capture the anguish of "Must You Throw Dirt in My Face." Glen Campbell and Leslie Satcher wring maximum passion from "When I Stop Dreaming." Obscure gospel tunes receive equally stellar treatment. "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus" teams Pam Tillis with Johnny Cash (handling the recitation) and the Jordanaires. Marty Stuart and Del McCoury establish the Louvins' bluegrass ties on "Let Us Travel, Travel On." By seamlessly blending traditional and modern Jackson's created a magnificent tribute that doubles as a fine introduction to the Louvins' earthy, breathtaking majesty. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

Not a bad cd.......2007-03-24

As tribute albums go, this one is pretty good. But...did you ever hear a Beatles tribute that was anywhere close to being as good as the Beatles? Same goes here. These are decent performances, but frankly I think they lack the alchemy that made the Louvins' vocal performances so amazing. I was happy to see a tribute to the Louvins because they sure did earn it. But why get this cd when you can get the real thing? And there are so many more good songs done by Charlie and Ira than are captured on this cd, that it would be a shame to stop here. Go get some of their own cds, no way you're gonna regret it.

A real sleeper.......2007-02-03

I discovered this cd by chance and what a find! The vocals (all duets), instrumentation and arrangements are pure and exceptional. In addition to outstanding performances by the recognizable stars I also heard a very talented Carl Jackson for the first time. Especially enjoyable are Emmy Lou Harris/Rodney Crowell, James Taylor/Alison Krause but every cut is great listening. Whether or not you've heard the Louvins' original recordings any true country music fan will appreciate these excellent performances of their timeless songs. A must addition to any traditional country music collection.

Great Performances of Louvin Bros songs.......2007-01-29

The CD features songs made famous by the Louvin Brothers, performed by some of today's greatest country-western singers. These songs have wonderful harmony and entertaining lyrics. If you like two-part harmony and old-fashoned country songs you'll love this CD.

Great Music.......2007-01-12

This CD is a wonderful collection of the Louvin Bros music. The artists have performed these songs with great feeling and I hear a certain pride in their renditions. I'd buy this one any day!!

GREAT covers of Louvin material!.......2006-08-12

I'll just pile on here and echo what everybody else is saying. This is one of the best CDs I've bought in a long time. The matching of singers with material is perfect. The harmony singing is imaginative and spot on. The instrumentation is hot when it needs to be and always appropriate. The differing voices make for a nice variety as you move through the songs. Charlie and Ira would surely be proud of what's been done with their music on this CD.
Now there needs to be a second volume that contains "River of Jordan", "The Christian Life", "You'll Be Rewarded Over There", and other great Louvin gospel numbers. Hopefully, Carl Jackson (the architect of this set) will put that one together soon. Looks like there are plenty of potential buyers out there.

Average customer rating:

Bleck!
Voice of an Angel!!
fun cd
Good? Yes. Great? No. Over-rated? HECK YES!
Enchantment Indeed!

Enchantment
Richard Rodgers , Michel Legrand , Leo Delibes , American Traditional , Erik Satie , British Isles Traditional , Jerome Kern , Johann II Strauss , Lucy Simon , David Foster , Sian Edwards , John Clark , Eric Rigler , Frank Ricotti , John Parricelli , Mark Hammond , Paul Keogh , and Michael Thompson
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Prelude: The Best of Charlotte Church
Voice of an Angel
Charlotte Church
Dream a Dream
Tissues and Issues

ASIN: B00005OWEJ
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Tonight
Carrickfergus
Habanera
Bali Ha'i
Papa Can You Hear Me?
The Flower Duet
The Little Horses
From My First Moment
The Water Is Wide
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
The Laughing Song
If I Loved You
A Bit Of Earth
Somewhere
The Prayer

Amazon.com

Of course, we couldn't expect time to freeze its relentless path and forever preserve the Welsh sensation Charlotte Church in a chrysalis of precocious youth. And yet, at 15 and now taking bolder steps into expanding her repertory on Enchantment, the soprano remains a marvel of a prodigy. Here, she scours a wider range of sources than on her previous albums. Church moves with breathtaking ease from classic Broadway (West Side Story, Show Boat, South Pacific) to traditional Celtic, film ballads, and even a couple of high-operatic numbers. Church's straightforward approach to the melody of "La Habanera" may not exactly be what Bizet had in mind for his Carmen, but fans will get double pleasure out of the singer's exquisite duet with herself on the haunting "Flower Duet" from Delibes's Lakmé. What's more, there's a greater freedom of expression and sense of how to shape a phrase in many of these tracks--notice how much there is to savor, for instance, in "The Water Is Wide" and "Carrickfergus." It all adds up to a widely varied course, demonstrating the continued growth of a singularly gifted young artist. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

Bleck!.......2007-05-30

Charlotte has a producing voice, not quite mature, but it's bearable. I don't really appreciate opera unless your name is Sarah Brightman, Hayley Westenra or Holly Stell. Carrickfergus and Somewhere are decent for her voice, but "The Prayer" and "The Water is Wide" is very damaging to my ears due to the fact, her Italian sucks, her range is not wide enough in "Water".

Voice of an Angel!!.......2007-02-05

I enjoy listening to this cd by Charlotte Church! She has such a lovely voice. I especially love listening to Habañera and The Flower Duet as both are sung beautifully by Ms. Church!!

fun cd.......2006-12-29

I love this cd and have had it quite a while. I was just enjoying it again today and thought I'd write a review because I do enjoy it so much. It's just a fun, enjoyable album. Pretty orchestration, a lovely voice, nice to sing along with. Especially at the top of my lungs in the car (alone when no one can hear me!)
I really don't know why one would NOT enjoy this cd.

Good? Yes. Great? No. Over-rated? HECK YES!.......2006-12-15

I bought this CD when I was still in high school, singing soprano I & II in choir. It's not bad but she does much better than even some older kids attempting soprano. I think due to the popularity she gained this poor girl has endured much harsh criticism. True, we can't cut her slack JUST because she is a little girl but on the other hand for someone to sing opera at that age her work IS superb. Whether she's a prodigy or victim of over-ambitious parents & media, she deserves credit where it's due. At least she DID break out as some-what of a mainstream artist & exposed this type of music to those who stereotyped it as fat ladies w/powder-white make-up belting out notes that would shatter glass. Some say the same for Josh Groban who broke into the scene as a mainstream tenor/baritone vocalist. As far as skills & talent, he not the greatest either but many people adore his music. The same credit should go to Charlotte Church.

As far as feedback on the quality...
It's VERY hard to believe the deliverance of her performance. A 15-year-old (even younger on her debut cd) singing songs about love & being able to see the world seems silly. Cracking voice? Yeah, you can really tell she had a difficult time hitting the high note in The Laughing Song because it got all air-y. Honestly, some trained sopranos over-shoot their high notes too & get extremely SHARP so I didn't mind her air-i-ness. I think she did a great job on The Flower Duet though. It still has the same relaxing quality as some other versions I've heard from various movie soundtracks. But compare this to the likes of professionals - real professionals - she's merely tolerable. Try Sarah Brightman if you want to listen to some nice musical sopranos. She even has some pretty remakes of modern songs.

Enchantment Indeed!.......2006-08-20

This CD is simply amazing! However, I am sick and tired of people pressuring her to be someone that she's not! Trying to fit into today's popular music scene, Charlotte has turned to pop, and her career isn't flying well because of it! Her voice is simply amazing for opera, and I will not hear another insulting word about her!

Anyways, the CD is genius! Tonight from "West Side Story" is beautifully sung. Carrickfergus, Habanera, and Bali Ha'i are sung with a hypnotizing beauty. Papa, Can you Hear Me and The Flower Duet are amazing as well!

However, on The Flower Duet, Church's vocals seem strained a bit. The Little Horses is a decent piece, a remake of the standard English folk song. I prefer it straight instead of a varied beat, so that Church's voice could soar on and on.

From my First Moment is a fairly nice song, but The Water is Wide is simply amazing! Her vocals are soaring and mezmerizing!

Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man is NOT the song for her, because she puts a weird accent on the song, like she's trying to sound like a hoodlum! The Laughing Song is something that SHOULD NOT be tried by children, because the vocals are so strained! If I Loved You is a simple yet wonderful piece!

A Bit of Earth and Somewhere are both beautiful pieces, with excellent work from the orchestra.

Overall, this CD is very beautiful! BUY IT!

Average customer rating:

An underrated musical
Wonderful Lesser Known Gem
Keep Working!!!
a good, if obscure CD
off the beaten path

Working (Original 1978 Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Studs Terkel's Working (Broadway Theatre Archive)
The Baker's Wife (Members of the 1976 Original Cast)
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Working: Vocal Selections
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00005LZSR
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Tracks:

All The Livelong Day (Schwartz)
Lovin' Al (Grant)
The Mason (Carnelia)
Neat to Be a Newsboy (Schwarz)
Nobody Tells Me How (Rodgers-Birkenhead)
Un mejor Dia Vendra (Taylor-Daniele-Landers)
Just A Housewife (Carnelia)
Millwork (Taylor)
If I Could've Been (Grant)
Joe (Carnelia)
It's an Art (Schwartz)
Brother Trucker (Taylor)
Fathers & Sons (Schwartz)
Cleanin' Women (Grant)
Something to Point To (Carnelia)
I'm Just Movin' (Schwartz) (from the L.A. Theatre Works complete recording of the 1999 revised version)
Hots Michael at the Piano (Carnelia) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
The Mason (Carnelia) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
Joe (Carnelia) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
Lovin' Al (Grant) (previously unreleased demo recording performed by the composer)
Fathers & Sons (Schwartz) (performed by the composer)

Amazon.com

The original 1978 Broadway cast recording of Stephen Schwartz's Working has long been awaited on CD, and this great-sounding 2001 release proves it was worth the wait. Surely one of the more unlikely sources for a musical was Studs Terkel's 1972 book that compiled interviews of American working people discussing their jobs and what they liked and disliked about them. Schwartz transformed these interviews into a series of songs written by himself, Craig Carnelia, Mary Rodgers and Susan Birkenhead, Micki Grant, and pop singer James Taylor, and accordingly the variety of songs is as great as the variety of the workers featured. There's the lyric beauty of "The Mason," the rueful "Just a Housewife," the retiree's wry "Joe," the waitress's lilting "It's an Art," Taylor's pop-country "Brother Trucker," and the powerful emotion of "Fathers and Sons," realized by a compelling cast that features David Patrick Kelly, Joe Mantegna, Bob Gunton, and Lynne Thigpen, among others.

Six bonus tracks include a new version of the grocery checker song written for the 1999 L.A. Theatreworks production, Carnelia and Grant performing their own songs (unfortunately, Grant's track comes from a poor-quality audio source), and Schwartz's moving performance of "Fathers and Sons" from 1999's The Stephen Schwartz Album. Also welcome are 2001 notes from Schwartz paired with 1978 notes from Terkel, and a detailed listing of the composers and performers of each song. Working was filmed for American Playhouse in 1982. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

An underrated musical.......2006-03-16

This musical seems to be very underrated, because it isn't done in a traditional style. There is no set storyline or characters. It is essentially a grouping of songs about different people and the work they do in their lives. Some of the songs are very powerful, like "Millworker", and some are just fun, like "Lovin' Al". Some songs date the recording, as songs like "Brother Trucker", while good, have a bit of a synthesized 70's feel. The majority of the songs are more traditional.

I saw this show done by my high school years ago, so maybe it holds a bit of nostalgia for me, but it is definitely worth checking out.

Wonderful Lesser Known Gem.......2005-12-26

I have never seen Working, but would love to, and I would love to perform it so as to revive interest in it. I found out about this recording from an online site, and I fell in love with it. It's a very modern style musical although from 1978. Were it on Broadway today, it would still be revelent to today's working class. My favorite number probably has to be "It's An Art", just because of its sheer fun. I could listen to that song all day and never get bored with it. I do, however, find "Brother Trucker" to be a bit tiring, and "Neat To Be A Newsboy" is just plain old, outdated, and ANNOYING! Other than that, wonderful ablum for an almost forgetten show.

Keep Working!!!.......2004-06-12

I had the privilege of seeing a production of this wonderful musical at L.A. Valley College in May 2004. I quickly fell in love with the songs and the entire premise of the musical. Now, with this CD, I can finally sing along to all the brilliant songs over and over again, belting them out like there is no tomorrow.

What makes Working so special is that anyone can relate to the lyrics, they are powerful, beautiful, touching, and extremely real. Anyone who has ever worked a day in their life will feel the lyrics hit close to home. Whether you're a housewife, a valet parker, a fireman, a millworker, a teacher, a cleaning woman, or even a hooker, this musical has a place for you, no matter what job you do.The emotion, sincerity, and love expressed in the songs are amazing, and they are all extremely unique and a pure joy to listen to.

All the songs are fantastic but the stand-outs have to be "All the Live Long Day," "Just a Housewife," "If I Could've Been," "It's An Art," "Father's and Sons," "Cleaning Women," and "Something to Point to." I also have a soft spot for "Brother Trucker" and "I'm Just Movin" from the 1999 revival, which I am so grateful is included in this CD. This is a terrific, feel-great album everyone should listen to. Give Working a chance, it's worth it.

a good, if obscure CD.......2003-09-26

i admit that this is an obscure musical, but nevertheless i found myself in a production of WORKING as Grace, the millworker. upon listening to the cd, i found that each song characterized the character well. the newsboy song is NOT annoying and my favourite songs are "its an art", "cleaning women", "if i could've been" and "lovin al". I would only recommend this CD for a real musical theatre afficionado, as those who don't appreciate the beauty of a musical won't understand these songs.

off the beaten path.......2003-07-10

I had never heard of this show until I stage managed a musical revue that included "If I Could've Been." That song grew on me, and I finally had to check out the rest of the soundtrack. All of the music on this CD is fantastic, and the lyrics feel sincere, creating beautiful moments for each character. Stephen Schwartz's best decision with this show was collaborating, allowing different composers to bring their own talents and specialties to the music, thus making it more real and less "Broadway." My only criticism is that the liner notes are slim.

Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

Average customer rating:

They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!
One of the best cds I ever bought.
Never Sounded Better
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
"Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us"

Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ultimate Broadway
Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need
The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology)
Greatest Hits: Broadway
That's Entertainment!: The Best Of The M-G-M Musicals - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology

ASIN: B000066RO5
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Singin In The Rain - Gene Kelly
Theres No Business Like Show Business - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern
'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary
Thats Entertainment! - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant
Stranger In Paradise - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone
Easter Parade - Judy Garland & Fred Astaire
Lullaby Of Broadway - Winifred Shaw, Dick Powell & Chorus
Get Happy - Judy Garland
Night And Day - Fred Astaire
True Love - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly
Honeysuckle Rose - Lena Horne w/ Benny Carter & His Orchestra
They Cant Take That Away From Me - Fred Astaire
Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet - Nancy Walker & The M-G-M Studio Chorus w/ Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
Baby, Its Cold Outside - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban
For Me And My Gal - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
Puttin On The Ritz - Clark Gable & Co.
Hallelujah! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs & Co.
Bless Yore Beautiful Hide - Howard Keel
Taking A Chance On Love - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson w/ Elliot Carpenter (Bonus Track)
Laras Theme (Main Title) - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (Bonus Track)

Tracks:

Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
Its A Most Unusual Day - Jane Powell
Wunderbar - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel
Cant Help Lovin Dat Man - Ava Gardner
Going Hollywood - Bing Crosby
The Trolley Song - Judy Garland, The M-G-M Studio Chorus
Gigi - Louis Jourdan
I Got Rhythm - Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney & Co.
Aba Daba Honeymoon - Debbie Reynolds, Carleton Carpenter & M-G-M Studio Chorus
The Lady Is A Tramp - Lena Horne
The Best Things In Life Are Free - June Allyson & Peter Lawford
Cheek To Cheek - Fred Astaire
A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Louis Armstrong
Put 'Em In A Box - Doris Day & The Page Cavanaugh Trio
If Swing Goes, I Go Too - Fred Astaire
Almost Like Being In Love - Gene Kelly
Lets Face The Music And Dance - Fred Astaire
Be A Clown - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
Embraceable You - Connie Francis
On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe - Judy Garland & Co.
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Fred Astaire

Amazon.com

The "Golden Age" referred to here spans The Jazz Singer and the advent of the talkies to the death throes of the old studio system in the 1960s. So vast was the era's musical landscape that even this 42-track, double-disc anthology can't encompass all its peaks. Not surprisingly, the bulk of this collection originated with the Tiffany's of the screen musical, M-G-M, a body of work whose riches here encompass both pop-cultural bedrock ("Over the Rainbow," "Singin' in the Rain," "There's No Business Like Show Business," etc.) and some less familiar, if equally delightful star turns: Clark Gable gamely "Puttin' On the Ritz"; the sassy, 1948 original of "The Lady Is a Tramp" by Lena Horne; and a loopy duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban. Fred Astaire's elegant, epochal reign at RKO and M-G-M is represented by "Night and Day," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," and three others, while Metro mainstays Gene Kelly and Judy Garland share equal time and billing. It's not perfect--Cagney's "Yankee Doodle Boy" and/or some Sinatra seem more logical choices than the odd "bonus" duet of Casablanca's "As Time Goes By" and "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago that close out disc one--but it's a stunning, surprisingly comprehensive primer on the Hollywood film musical nonetheless. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!.......2006-11-18

Everything that happens in life
Can happen in a show
You can make 'em laugh
You can make 'em cry
Anything
Anything can go....

The clown with his pants falling down
Or the dance that's a dream of romance
Or the scene where the villain is mean
That's entertainment!

The lights on the lady in tights
Or the bride with the guy on the side
Or the ball where she gives him her all
That's entertainment!

The plot and the hot simply teeming with $ex
A gay divorcee who is after her ex
It could be Oedipus Rex
Where a chap kills his father
And causes a lot of bother

The clerk who is thrown out of work
By the boss who is thrown for a loss
By the skirt who is doing him dirt

The world is a stage,
The stage is a world of entertainment!

This two CD set amply proves that the musical melodies and lyrics from the golden age of the Hollywood musical remain unsurpassed to this day. This generous two CD set offers 42 incredible songs from Hollywood classic musicals. Most of these fine numbers are indeed from MGM, as Amazon correctly notes; but there are some RKO numbers and even a little from Warner Brothers. Thank goodness, though, that most of these songs came from MGM movies; MGM was the only studio that could boast that it truly had "more stars than there are in the heavens."

I love so many songs on these two CDs. Of course, there's the unforgettable classic "Over The Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland; she also performs "Easter Parade" and "Get Happy" on this two CD set and she carries most of the tune for "I Got Rhythm" even though Mickey Rooney helps her a little. I love "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for its' romantic overtones; and Lena Horne's "The Lady Is A Tramp" is flawless! We also get a rare chance to hear Clark Gable sing in "Puttin' On The Ritz;" and Bing Crosby's "Going Hollywood" may be brief but it's a fun song anyway.

There are two "bonus" tracks on the first CD: "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca and "Lara's Theme" from Doctor Zhivago. "As Time Goes By" is a good choice; it is another unsurpassed classic song that brings back memories and touches even the hardest of hearts. "Lara's Theme," however, is from the mid 1960s and I don't consider this period to be part of the "golden age" of Hollywood musicals.

The liner notes are excellent and they offer wonderful photos of the stars as well. The cover art is well done and the reverse cover art tells which movie each song is from and who is performing each song. Moreover, the quality of the sound is excellent especially when you consider that these numbers were recorded quite a few decades ago.

In short, this superlative two CD highlights the glory of the Hollywood musical when a certain type of sophistication dominated professional movie production. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Hollywood musicals, classic pop vocals and fans of the artists and actors who perform on this two CD set.

One of the best cds I ever bought. .......2006-06-07

What an amazon collection of songs! This is bar none my favorite cd just because of the variety and the quality of songs on it. I love music from this era, and this cd is the perfect companion to my life. Love it! Buy it, you won't regret it for a moment!

Never Sounded Better.......2006-03-16

Apart from the great selection of soundtracks, what really makes this compilation top value is the quality of the sound processing. Executed with finesse, these tracks sound better than when first issued and many are unedited, fuller versions: like "Singing In The Rain", for example. Throw in the great price, and this double disc set is a "must have" for all lovers of classic movie music.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow.......2006-02-24

A Sensational CD with Lots of Showtunes that Keep You Happy and makes You Want To Sing Along With!!!

"Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us".......2005-07-13

Rhino Records and Turner Classic Movies Music present - "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW: THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS", some of the long ago musicals and stars that will never be forgotten...a 2-CD-Set covering several decades from 1935-1965 with many of the show stoppers of that time...some rare moments from entertainers that you haven't heard or thought of in sometime.

The lineup is fantastic and gives the listener a variety of what musicals were all about in the "Golden Age of the Hollywood Musicals"
June Allyson, Kay Armen, Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Ann Blyth, Jack Buchanan, Louis Calhern, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone, Doris Day, Nanette Fabray, Connie Francis, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Kathyrn Grayson, Georges Guetary, Lena Horne, Betty Hutton, Louis Jourdan, Howard Keel, Gene Kelly, Grace Kelly, Peter Lawford, Oscar Levant, Ann Miller, Ricardo Montalban, Page Cavanaugh Trio, Debbie Reynolds, Winifred Shaw, Nancy Walker, Ethel Waters, Esther Williams, Dooley Williams and Keenan Wynn.

On Disc One 21 Classic Songs from great musicals with songs in alphabetical order:
AS TIME GOES BY - Dooley Wilson with Elliot Carpenter, pianist (1942)
BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban (1949)
BLESS, YORE BEAUTIFUL HIDE - Howard Keel (1954)
EASTER PARADE - Fred Astaire & Judy Garland (1948)
FOR ME AND MY GAL - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland (1942)
GET HAPPY - Judy Garland (1950)
HALLELUJAH! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs (for Russ Tamblyn) (1955)
HONEYSUCKLE ROSE - Lena Horne with Benny Carter & His Orchestra (1943)
LARA'S THEME (MAIN TITLE) - M-G-M Studio Orchestra (1965)
LULLABY OF BROADWAY - Winifred Shaw & Dick Powell (1935)
MILKMAN, KEEP THOSE BOTTLES QUIET - Nancy Walker with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra (1944)
NIGHT AND DAY - Fred Astaire (1934)
PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ - Clark Gable & Company (1939)
'S WONDERFUL - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary (1951)
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - Gene Kelly (1951)
STRANGER IN PARADISE - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone (1955)
TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson (1943)
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant (1953)
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern (1950)
THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME - Fred Astaire (1949)
TRUE LOVE - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly (1956)

On Disc Two more memorable performances from the Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals:
A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON - Louis Armstrong (1951)
ABA DABA HONEYMOON - Debbie Reynolds & Carleton Carpenter (1950)
ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE - Gene Kelly (1954)
BE A CLOWN - Judy Garland & Gene Kelly (1948)
BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE - June Allyson & Peter Lawford (1947)
CAN'T HELP LOVIN' DAT MAN - Ava Gardner (beautiful woman, who my youngest grandaughter is named after...Avalon) (1951)
CHEEK TO CHEEK - Fred Astaire (1935)
EMBRACEABLE YOU - Connie Francis (1965)
GIGI - Louis Jourdan (1958)
GOING HOLLYWOOD - Bing Crosby (1933)
I GOT RHYTHM - Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney (1943)
IF SWING GOES, I GO TOO - Fred Astaire (1946)
IT'S A MOST UNUSUAL DAY - Jane Powell (1948)
LADY IS A TRAMP - Lena Horne (1948)
LET'S FACE THE MUSIC AND DANCE - Fred Astaire (1936)
ON THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND THE SANTA FE - Judy Garland & Company (1946)
ONE FOR MY BABY (AND ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD) - Fred Astaire (1943)
OVER THE RAINBOW - Judy Garland (became her theme song for the rest of her life) (1939)
PUT 'EM IN A BOX - Doris Day & the Page Cavanaugh Trio (1948)
THE TROLLEY SONG - Judy Garland & MGM Studio Chorus (1944)
WUNDERBAR - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel (two of MGM's favorite singing duos) (1953)

It was once said by the songwriters of that era - "There are two artists you want perform your songs on the big screen, they are Fred Astaire and Judy Garland they sing it just the way we wrote it, for which you will have a guaranteed hit on your hands"...well, this collections certainly has some merit to that statement...because with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire performing seven songs each, there must be something to it.

This collection of musicals still has the magic that we remember from those bygone years...but as long as we have the labels and networks who play and show these wonderful films of yesteryear, they will never be forgotten...hats off to Rhino Records, George Feltenstein (producer) and Doug Schwartz (engineer) and Turner Classic Movies for sharing those 42 selections from 42 films...celebrating decades of the tunes and artists that gave it their all...from what it commonly called "The Hollywood Dream Factory"...The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals is still among us...gotta love it!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Rhino Records 78323 ~ (6/02/2002)

Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast): Von Stade; Hubbard; Hadley; McGlinn

Average customer rating:

An American Treasure
DON'T DESPAIR. IT'S BEEN REISSUED!!!!!
An American tragedy....
Gorgeous!
Defective disc.

Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast): Von Stade; Hubbard; Hadley; McGlinn
Frederica von Stade , Jerome Kern , Jerry Hadley , Bruce Hubbard , Teresa Stratas , David Garrison , Leslie Fyson , John McGlinn , and London Sinfonietta
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Carousel (1987 Studio Cast)
Pal Joey: 1995 Original New York Cast Recording
Lady, Be Good! (1992 Studio Cast Recording)
Kiss Me, Kate (1948 Original Broadway Cast)
Oh, Kay! (1994 Studio Recording)

ASIN: B000002SJL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Overture
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cotton Blossom: Niggers all work on d Mississippi... (Stevedores, Gals, Queenie, Steve, Pete, 1st Mincing Miss, 2nd Mincing Miss, Beaux, Girls & Boys)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cotton Blossom: 'Andy!!!...' (Parthy, Windy, 1st Mincing Miss, 2nd Mincing Miss)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'Here comes the Show Boat parade!...' (Boy, Girls, Boys, Andy, Parthy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'Hey Julie...' (Pete, Julie, Steve, Parthy, Andy, Ellie)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'It's a man...' (Ellie, Ravenal, Vallon)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Where's the Mate for Me?: Who cares if my boat goes upstream... (Ravenal, Magnolia)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Make Believe: Only make believe I love you... (Ravenal, Magnolia, Vallon)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Ol' Man River: 'Oh, Joe!...' (Magnolia, Joe, Men)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Two - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man: 'What cher doin' all by yourself, Miss Nola?...' (Queenie, Magnolia, Julie, Joe, Servants)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Three - Life on the Wicked Stage: Why do stage struck maidens clamor... (Ellie, Girls)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Three - Till Good Luck Comes My Way: The man who ventures with chance... (Ravenal, Men)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': Mis'ry's comin' aroun'... (Queenie, Women, Joe Magnolia, Julie, Men, Solo Bass)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Take her up, Rubberface!...' (Andy, Julie, Steve, Magnolia, Parthy, Ellie, Windy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Hello, Windy...' (Vallon, Andy, Magnolia, Steve, Julie, Windy, Ellie, Parthy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'You needn't all look at us...' (Steve, Colored Chorus, Andy, Parthy, Magnolia, Ellie, Frank)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Looks like a swell...' (Andy, Parthy, Frank, Ravenal, Julie, Magnolia, Steve, Joe)

Tracks:

Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - I Would Like to Play a Lover's Part: Her face is fair to look upon... (Boys, Girls, Ellie, Frank)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - I Might Fall Back on You: Little girl, you are safe with me... (Frank, Ellie, Girls)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - Queenie's Ballyhoo: 'Is de theatre fillin' up, Cap'n Andy?...' (Queenie, Andy, Colored Chorus)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Six - Villain Dance
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Seven - You Are Love: 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal, Windy, Magnolia, Parthy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Eight - Finale Act One: Oh tell me, did you ever!... (Firls, Boys, Chorus, Andy, Women, Men, Negro Women, Magnolia, Parthy, Vallon, Pete)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - At the Fair: When we tell them about it all... (All, 1st Barker, Boys, Girls, Chorus, 2nd Barker, Men, 3rd Barker)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - Why Do I Love You?: I'm walking on the air, dear... (Magnolia, Ravenal, Chorus, Andy)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - In Dahomey: Dyunga doe!... (Dahomey Villagers, White Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Three - Convent Scene: Alma Redmptoris Mater... (Nuns, Mother Superior, Ravenal, Kim)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Four: 'All right, Jake...' (Jim, Jake, Julie)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Four - Bill: I used to dream... (Julie)
Show Boat: Magnolia's Audition - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Reprise): Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly... (Magnolia)
Show Boat: Magnolia's Audition - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Reprise): 'Whaddaya say, boss?...' (Frank, Jim, Magnolia, Jake)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Trocadero Opening Chorus: Let's make the new year... (Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Apache Dance
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Goodbye, My Lady Love: So you're going away... (Frank, Ellie)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - After the Ball: 'Ladies and Gentlemen...' (Jim, Drunk, Andy, Magnolia, A Man, All)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Seven - Ol' Man River (Reprise): Ol' Man River... (Joe)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Seven - Hey, Feller!: When you yen for a gent... (Queenie, Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Eight - You Are Love (Reprise): 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal)

Tracks:

Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine: Cottom Blossom (Reprise): Cotton Blossom... (Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - It's Getting Hotter in the North: Now up in the northern land... (Kim, Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - It's Getting Hotter in the North: 'Say, Cap'n Andy...' (Frank, Ellie, Andy)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - Finale Ultimo: 'Hello, Gay...' (Andy, Hope, Ravenal, Girl, Man, Magnolia, Old Lady, Chorus)
Show Boat: Appendix - Pantry Scene (Act One, Scene Two; deleted - 1927): 'What cher doin' all by yourself, Miss Nola?...' (Queenie, Magnolia, Julie, Joe, Servants)
Show Boat: Appendix - Waterfront Saloon Scene (Act One, Scene Three; deleted - 1927): 'Number four, black!...' (Voice (off), Ravenal, Loungers, Gambler)
Show Boat: Appendix - Yes, Ma'am (Act One, Scene Three; unused - 1927): Bet your hat... (Girls, Ellie)
Show Boat: Appendix - Kim's Imitations (Why Do I Love You?): (Act Two, Scene Nine; Ziegfeld Production - 1927): Why do I love you?... (Kim, Chorus)
Show Boat: Appendix - Dance Away the Night (Act Two, Scene Nine; London - 1928): Music in the air... (Kim, Girls, Boys)
Show Boat: Appendix - A Pack of Cards (Act One, Scene Six?; unused - 1927): One night as I sat by my fireside so weary... (Magnolia)
Show Boat: Appendix - The Creole Love Song (Act One, Scene Seven; unused - 1927): 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal, Windy, Magnolia)
Show Boat: Appendix - Out There in an Orchard (Act Two, Scene Four; unused - 1927): There was a sun sinking slowly in the west... (Julie)
Show Boat: Appendix - Gallivantin' Aroun' (Universal Film - 1936): Liza Matilda HIll... (Magnolia, Chorus)
Show Boat: Appendix - I Have the Room Above Her (Universal Film - 1936): 'Seems to me I've seen that stocking someplace...' (Ravenal, Magnolia)
Show Boat: Appendix - Ah Still Suits Me (Universal Film - 1936): 'Joe! Dere you go again!...' (Queenie, Joe)
Show Boat: Appendix - Nobody Else But Me (Act Two, Scene Nine; 1946 Revival): I was a shy, demure type... (Kim, Chorus)

Amazon.com

John McGlinn's sprawling, monumental three-CD set is about all the Show Boat any listener could ever ask for. In an obvious labor of love, McGlinn reconstructs the show as it ran on opening night, November 15, 1927, including every song, the original orchestrations, and all underscored dialogue. The most significant restoration is the dark choral number "Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun'," as Show Boat's serious subject matter helped establish its place as the most important turning point in the history of American musical theater. McGlinn also adds an appendix that includes songs cut before opening night and every song subsequently written for the show's many productions, most notably the love duet "I Have the Room Above Her," written for the 1936 film. (The recording is also available in a one-disc reduction called the "Broadway Show Album.")

Rest assured this 221-minute blockbuster is not just dry scholarship; it's also terrific listening, with McGlinn conducting a dynamic London Sinfonietta and a strong cast including Frederica von Stade as Magnolia, Jerry Hadley as Ravenal, Teresa Stratas as the tragic Julie, Bruce Hubbard as the worldly wise Joe, Karla Burns as Queenie, and David Garrison and Paige O'Hara as the comic couple Frank and Ellie. And of course the songs by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II are among the most glorious ever written: "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Make Believe," "Why Do I Love You," "Bill," "You Are Love," and "Life upon the Wicked Stage." Also included are exhaustive production notes, a history of the show, a detailed synopsis, and a libretto. John McGlinn's Show Boat is a staggering achievement and a recording for the ages. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

An American Treasure.......2007-03-03

When PBS showed the 1989 Paper Mill Playhouse production of Showboat, my five year old daughter fell in love with musical theater. To this day we never miss a production of Showboat, West Side Story, Music Man, Oklahoma or the rest of the great American musicals. These 3 discs are the closest you can ever hear to the original in 1927 and the recordings are leaps and bounds above any movie version or revival cast. Listening to Bill or Make Believe you almost want to cry at what Kern and Hammerstein were able to create.

I defy anyone to come up with another Broadway production that has three songs in a row better than Make Believe, Ol' Man River and Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (West Side Story's Maria, America and Tonight are the best three in a row of a movie musical) and it's a shame that no movie version of Showboat can compare to this version. The first act is full of songs that are as good as any ever sung on a stage and I can't think of another production with a first act that compete against the big 3 plus Cotton Blossom, Where's The Mate For Me, Life On The Wicked Stage, Till Good Luck Comes My Way, Misry's Comin' Aroun', You are Love, Act One finale and Why Do I Love You?. You just don't want to have the music stop.

If you don't like opera you won't like this version. Sung the way Kern and Hammerstein wrote them, you can't help but feel the operatic nature of these songs. Tough noogies because Showboat is above all an opera disguised as a Broadway play and no sweetening should be allowed.

The four leads are all superb, Frederica von Stade as Nola especially. The booklet contains the complete libretto and allows a different way to appreciate the music.

If you buy just one version of Showboat you need this one. If you have other versions of Showboat you need this one. As a matter of fact, anyone with ears to hear needs this version. A true American treasure.

DON'T DESPAIR. IT'S BEEN REISSUED!!!!!.......2006-11-16

One of the great recordings of musical theatre ever. Although it's no longer available on EMI Angel, it was reissued in October, 2006, as an EMI Classic's "Great Recordings of the Century." It's been "Digitially Remastered at Abbey Road Studios from the Original Masters" and "noise-shaped via the Prism SNS system for optimum sound quality." If ART remastering does for this recording what it has done for other EMI Classics in my library, then it should sound superb. However, I understand the booklet is not as detailed as the one in the original 3-disc release.

Thank you, EMI.

I would hope other labels would follow suit and remaster and reissue other examples of classic American musical theater. It would be a pity if our children, grandchildren, and future generations were unable to savor "110 in the Shade" or "Little Mary Sunshine" or . . . . . . . . . (fill in the blanks.)

An American tragedy...........2006-02-06

This is the first of the great American musical plays, and probably remained unchallenged until the mid-1950s when West Side Story appeared. The term "musical comedy" does not apply. The few laugh lines are subsumed by the terrible sense of loss and disaster that work throughout the story. At its core is homelessness, the destruction wrought by racism, bad choices, human weakness, and reconciliation. The cast?--this was one of the few crossover recordings I've ever heard that actually worked. The trio of Jerry Hadley, Frederica von Stade, and Teresa Stratas is a marvel; Stratas in particular seems to have had a patented Dark Cloud that shadowed her. It's perfect for Julie Dozier Laverne. And the late Bruce Hubbard brings a magnificent dignity and voice to Joe--his singing of "Ol' Man River" amy not efface Paul Robeson, but can stand beside it.

Gorgeous!.......2005-08-26

Simply gorgeous! The most unforgetable music and the best voices! An album for all time!
M. J. Conrades

Defective disc........2005-08-15

I received this item on July 27, 2005. I played it on my portable CD player and found out that Disc 2 of the set was defective. It kept on skipping on my CD player. So, I returned it for a refund.

Average customer rating:

Fabulous
Dream Come True
IT DESERVES 6 STARS
Show Boat

Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast Highlights)
Jerome Kern , Jerry Hadley , Bruce Hubbard , Teresa Stratas , David Garrison , Frederica von Stade , John McGlinn , and London Sinfonietta
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Little Mary Sunshine (1959 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Brigadoon (1947 Original Broadway Cast)
110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)
South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B000002RR9
Release Date: 1990-05-08

Tracks:

Show Boat: Overture
Show Boat: Cotton Blossom
Show Boat: Where's The Mate For Me?/Make Believe
Show Boat: Ol' Man River
Show Boat: Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
Show Boat: Life On The Wicked Stage
Show Boat: Till Good Luck Comes My Way
Show Boat: I Might Fall Back On You
Show Boat: Queenie's Ballyhoo
Show Boat: You Are Love
Show Boat: Finale Act One
Show Boat: At The Fair
Show Boat: Why Do I Love You?
Show Boat: Bill
Show Boat: Goodbye, My Lady Love
Show Boat: After The Ball
Show Boat: Hey, Feller!
Show Boat: Finale Ultimo

Amazon.com

This one-disc reduction of John McGlinn's monumental three-CD version of Show Boat provides 75 minutes of highlights in a package dubbed the "Broadway Show Album." McGlinn reconstructs the show as it ran on opening night, November 15, 1927, including the original orchestrations, and conducts a dynamic London Sinfonietta and a strong cast including Frederica von Stade as Magnolia, Jerry Hadley as Ravenal, Teresa Stratas as the tragic Julie, Bruce Hubbard as the worldly-wise Joe, Karla Burns as Queenie, and David Garrison and Paige O'Hara as the comic couple Frank and Ellie. And of course the songs by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II are among the most glorious ever written: "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Make Believe," "Why Do I Love You," "Bill," "You Are Love," and "Life upon the Wicked Stage." John McGlinn's full version is a staggering achievement and a recording for the ages, but this single disc is also splendid listening. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2002-10-03

Let me start off by saying that my first experiences with Show Boat came through the splendid 1951 MGM movie version. Having never seen Show Boat performed live on stage, this CD pretty much brings the live experience home (and note I said 'this' CD; the full 3-disc set would be just short of actually being front row center). The immortal Kern/Hammerstein score is one of my favorites (right up there with My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, and Brigadoon) and is definately one of the greatest ever written for the musical theater.

Since Show Boat does not have an official original cast album, I suppose that this one suffices quite well. All original orchestrations are used here and the music is as it was on opening night in 1927. This is the most complete version available (whether you go with the full set or just this disc). The 1946 revival cast album is the oldest 'complete' album and is nice when paired with this disc to give one a sense of how Show Boat sounded in the early days.

I really didn't care much for this CD at first, but after listening to it a couple more times, I like it better and better each time. McGlinn certainly did right by this one! I'm not too familiar with most of the cast (save for Frederica Von Stade and Paige O'Hara), but they're all great. You'd think that this is a recording of a live performance, not just a studio album. Fantastic singing is had thoughout. McGlinn also did a great job with Brigadoon 3 years later, and did he not have a similar effort with Annie Get Your Gun as well?

I still think that the MGM movie version and its soundtrack album are the best but this rendition is definately not bad! Highly recommended. But if you can, pick up a copy of the movie soundtrack or of the 1946 revival album for comparison.

Dream Come True.......2002-08-22

First, "Showboat" is my all time favorite Musical, from the '40's and '50's when my mother took us to the movies every Sunday. I have video tapes of the 1951 MGM version with Howard Keel and Kathyrn Grayson, as well as the earlier movie version. A few years ago, I saw a TV special on the making of the three Disc complete remake of Showboat, true to the original score. I tried to get a cy of it but no local store could help me. Then through the magic of computers and AMAZON.com, I obtained the three disc set plus this single CD, which I treasure. This one is the best, without doubt. Now I have the complete version of songs and music I only vaguely remembered from the TV special. I wish someone would make a movie just like this version so I could have it on DVD. The whole cast and orchestra are awesome, especially Frederica von Stade. I have since bought other CDs of her work. Buy the three disc set if you can afford it, it has a thick booklet with the actual score and dialogue. But if you cannot, buy this CD. This is the ultimate, the prototype Broadway musical.

IT DESERVES 6 STARS.......2001-06-29

I can't thank enough all the people responsable for this terrific revival cast album.Here is a perfect example of how you should do a classic show and maintain the original intentions of the writer and the composer.If they were alive,JEROME KERN and OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN would have been proud of the way their masterpiece have survived them.It is impossible to imagine a better version of the show;this is the definitive one.It's funny when you think of it,most people know the songs by heart,yet it seems that we rediscover the show with this version.Suddently ,we are in 1927 and mister ZIEGFELD is scared like hell that he will loose a lot of money with this;but that's strangely the situation in which the modern AMERICAN musical was born.

Show Boat.......2000-09-10

I really like this recording! The voices are really great. I especially liked "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man." I would recommend this CD to everyone who likes the show and musical theatre.

Average customer rating:

This band is the best!
scratched a lot
Huey finds himself on the other side of the atlantic
great album
One of the greatest guitar oriented rap records ever

Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002U0J
Release Date: 1996-02-20

Tracks:

The Fun Lovin' Criminal
Passive/Aggressive
The Grave And The Constant
Scooby Snacks
Smoke 'Em
Bombin' The L
I Can't Get With That
King Of New York
We Have All The Time In The World
Bear Hug
Come Find Yourself
Crime And Punishment
Methadonia

Customer Reviews:

This band is the best!.......2006-09-21

There isn't a bad song on the CD. I bought it shortly after it came out and its still one of my favorites. I don't understand why this band isn't a huge success. Enough talk I need to buy their other albums.

scratched a lot.......2005-03-12

this is i think the only album that i've owned and it got so scratched that i bought it again. take care of your cds, dag!! this was the high point in a long and largely forgettable career. and not just cuz of scooby snacks though that song clearly did and still does rule.

Huey finds himself on the other side of the atlantic.......2004-07-16

The Fun Lovin' Criminals seem to have appealed a lot more to people over here on the far side of the pond than they did back Stateside, perhaps because it appeals to the British idea of what Cool America is like, rather than what Cool America is actually like: what sounded to well-educated British ears like really new, cutting edge, gritty authentic American music, I guess back at home probably came over not so much as authentic as bit middle class, a bit clever, a bit too "wiseass" to be the real thing. There's a limit to what you can get away with sampling - the horn riff in The King of New York is ripped off from a Richard Strauss tone poem, for crying out loud. Boys from the hood don't know about that stuff. Or at any rate shouldn't.

Nevertheless, this record stands the test of time - it lays down a tremendously appealing groove from the its very first resonator jangle, and the combination of that and the New York jazz sensibility (this from someone who knows and cares little for jazz, by the way), the smartarse sampling (*I* like it, even if the cognoscenti don't), Huey's laconic and irrepressibly funning rapping and big, BIG guitars does me quite nicely.

Carry on, chaps.

Olly Buxton

great album.......2003-10-10

a lot of catchy tunes on this album. everybody knows 'scooby snacks'. my favourites are 'fun lovin criminal' and 'king of new york'.. king of new york is about john gotti... although i think factually, it's a bit inaccurate, it's a fun song! i don't know if the late john gotti would have appreciated the "never fly coach never save the roach" bit .. i mean cmon.. we're talking about big john gotti the dapper don not snoop doggy dog the dogfather. if gotti did drugs, which he almost certainly didn't, he wouldn't do pot! heh. but still a great song. i got this album ages ago, and i can still listen to it today.

One of the greatest guitar oriented rap records ever.......2001-07-29

From the earth-shattering scream in the opening seconds of "The Fun Lovin' Criminal," to the end of "Methadonia," this talented NYC based trio delivers a contemporary rock n' roll classic, full of sharp hooks and intricate beats. This record is one of the most eclectic that has been made in a long while. Drawing on the best elements of hard rock, and urban rap, the FLC create a winning combination. Intelligent songwriting is found throughout the record. The songs here deal with a very wide range of topics, from gangsters, to bank robberies, the lyrics are funny, and witty. Hands down one of the best records of the 1990s, a winning combination of rap and hard rock, perforated with melody, and humor.

Average customer rating:

Do You Believe In Good Time Music ?
Love the Spoonful.
Magic Happens!
This isn't their best, but still very good.
It's all about Zal

Do You Believe in Magic
Lovin Spoonful
Manufacturer: Buddha
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000069KG2
Release Date: 2002-07-09

Tracks:

Do You Believe In Magic
Blues In The Bottle
Sportin' Life
My Gal
You Baby
Fishin' Blues
Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?
Wild About My Lovin'
Other Side Of This Life
Younger Girl
On The Road Again
Night Owl Blues
Allep Oop (bonus track)
Younger Girl (demo)
Blues In The Bottle (alternate vocal version)
Wild About My Lovin' (alternate vocal version)
Other Side Of This Life (instrumental)

Customer Reviews:

Do You Believe In Good Time Music ?.......2006-10-28

Formed in the Greenwich Village in 1965 by John Sebastian, Zalman Yanovsky, Steve Boone and Joe Butler, the Spoonful were one of the first, and best, American band to appear in the wake of the British invasion. Their music was an original blend of pop, rock and roots elements. It remains vital listening to this day.

"Do You Believe in Magic", their first album, showed signs of these various influences. There was the pop/rock side with the unforgettable title track (US Top 10) and "Did You Ever Have to Make up Your Mind" (US Top 2). Another Sebastian original, "Younger Girl", became a top 50 hit when covered by the Critters. They also showed great taste in reviving "You Baby", a Ronettes LP-only track that was sung by Joe Butler. This tune would later become a Top 20 hit for the Turtles.

A folk/blues song by Fred Neil titled "The Other Side of This Life" was duly electrified and, again, sung by Joe Butler.

Although it has generally been overlooked, the majority of the original album was primarily based on electrified interpretations of old-timey blues material.

To begin with, the chorus of the aforementioned "Younger Girl" was lifted from "Prison Wall Blues" released by the Memphis based Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers in 1930.

Two other tracks originate from the same time and place: "Wild about My Lovin'", which was first issued by Jim Jackson and "On the Road Again", which was first issued by the Memphis Jug Band (both 1928).

"Blues in the Bottle" (sung by Zal Yanovsky) came from a seemingly stranger background. It was one of a handful of tracks recorded by proto-western swing Prince Albert Hunt's Texas Ramblers in 1928, although the Spoonful cover is actually based on the 1964 version of this tune by the Holy Modal Rounders. Interestingly, Peter Stampfel, a musician from the Rounders, co-wrote the original liner notes for the first Spoonful LP.

"Sporting Life" is a "city blues" first waxed by Brownie McGhee in 1946.

"My Gal" is a very old vaudeville tune but it was probably directly inspired by the 1941 interpretation from the Delta Boys (including Sleepy John Estes and Son Bonds). Of interest is the fact that Jim Kweskin & the Jug Band released their own version of this tune on their first Vanguard LP (1963).

"Fishing Blues" was first released by "archaic" Texan singer/guitarist Henry Thomas who recorded it in 1928; it is a square dance song, also of probable vaudeville origin.

Lastly, there is an excellent original electric blues titled "Night Owl Blues" which concludes the original LP and is a real showcase for John Sebastian's harp and Zal Yanovsky's guitar.

It should be noted that these rocking' versions of old blues tunes are a zillion miles away from numerous scholarly renditions of say, "Parchman Farm" and "Dust My Blues" (if you see what I mean).
The words of most of these blues are full of fun and good humour and suit the "good time music" of the Spoonful to a tee. They are not note for note copies but are genuine electrified renditions of delighful slices of Americana.

It could be argued, in my opinion, that the Spoonful were, on their first LP, among the most interesting "white" blues performers of the time.

Instrumentally, the band was very strong. Sebastian was a gifted multi-instrumentalist, Yanovsky had realized his own fusion of folk/country/blues/rock guitar and the rhythm section was rock solid. In addition, Erik Jacobsen produced the LP expertly, letting the musicians ample room to be creative.

I shall refrain to comment upon the "bonus tracks" because, although welcome, they add little to the content of the original LP.

The sound of this CD is terrific, which is not surprising as Sundazed's Bob Irwin did the remastering. It must be said that the original tracks (which I still own on both American and British vinyl) were pretty good to begin with, especially for the time.

To conclude, I will add that I have regarded this pioneering masterpiece as one of my quintessential albums ever since I bought the original UK mono LP issued on Pye Records when it came out forty years ago. What a sweet long trip it has been!

Definitely an album that no one with a remote interest in sixties music should be without.

Love the Spoonful........2006-02-22

This is the first of The Lovin' Spoonful's three great records. "Do You Believe in Magic", "Daydream", and "Hums" are as good as any three records by any of their peers. This recording brought the Spoonful and their Good Time Music to the ears of us all. Do yourself a favor and get this recoring and just try to listen without smiling or dancing or both. John, Zal, Steve, and Joe played with such joy and zest that it just poured out of their records.

Magic Happens!.......2005-07-02

Folk rockers from the sixties have set new standards and blazed many musical trails that have withstood the tests of time. The Byrds, Turtles, Mamas & Papas as well as the Lovin' Spoonful left indelible marks in music and in the minds, memories and lives of their countless delighted listeners.

1965 was a banner year for music. In addition to the Beatles, et al. from the United Kingdom, the Folk Rockers in America such as the ones listed above set their own special stamp on music. The title track "Do You Believe in Magic" is a fun, light-hearted song that is just plain feel good. I love it! Sebastian, et al. are virtuosos at creating a "feel good" atmosphere and incorporating a delightful blend of country into many of their songs. The result is a musical tapestry of folk, country and rock!

This isn't their best, but still very good........2004-11-29

If you like fun, enjoyable folk rock from the 60s, no better place to go than the Lovin Spoonful. But, although this seems to be the best selling of their original albums, it's not their best. Rather it's their first and, due to popular demand at the time of their first single, was hurriedly recorded in a few days. Supposedly, it's a studio session of their stage show from this time and, thus, includes quite a few cover songs (7 of the 12 songs). Actually, it reminds me of one of band-leader John Sebastian's more recent J-Band CDs. Of the Spoonful orginals, I personally prefer the follow-up 2nd album, which includes only original compositions: "Daydream." After all, John Sebastian was considered one of the top songwriters of this era. Their 3rd album, "Hums," actually suffers from too many hits! (including "Summer In the City")--most of which are included on any complete greatest hit CD. I also like, and prefer to this, the less-popular 4th album "Everything Playing," which has a slightly altered sound due to the onslaught of full-blown psychedlia and some line-up changes, but still worthwhile and enjoyable. All 4 of the albums are currently available on CD (as well as a two-fer with both of their soundtrack lps on one disk), all with bonus tracks. Enjoy them while you can before they go out of print!

It's all about Zal.......2003-04-29

With his simulated-steel-guitar bending, sliding, hammering-on, and volume swells, Zal is what makes the Spoonful for me,(but it's also pretty cool that the major rhythm instrument used by John Sebastion on tunes such as the title track is the autoharp!).

Average customer rating:

Silly And Sublime
A Spoonful of the Lovin' Spoonful Makes Your Day Brighter
The Magic Continues
The best of the spoonful
You can Hum every classic tune

Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful
The Lovin' Spoonful
Manufacturer: Buddha
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000894OW
Release Date: 2003-02-18

Tracks:

Lovin' You
Bes' Friends
Voodoo In My Basement
Darlin' Companion
Henry Thomas
Full Measure
Rain On The Roof
Coconut Grove
Nashville Cats
4 Eyes
Summer In The City
Darlin' Companion (John Sebastian Solo Demo)
Rain On The Roof (Instrumental Version)
4 Eyes (Alternate Vocal/Extended Version)
Full Measure (Instrumental Version)
Voodoo In My Basement (Instrumental)
Darlin' Companion (Alternate Vocal/Alternate Mix)

Customer Reviews:

Silly And Sublime.......2007-05-08

Most of these tracks are so filled with whimsy it's hard to take them seriously, but they are so seriously whimsical ("Bes' Friends," "Nashville Cats") that they bear repeated (and I mean repeated) listening. Sure, "Voodoo In My Basement" is about voodoo in one's basement (really!), but the catcalls and toms in the instrumental breaks are so arch that they render the whole idea as possible as a child might well convince you it is. Sure, "Henry Thomas" is in adoring affection for a pet dog (or is it a cat?), but the whole idea that such a song exists for adult listening (and this in 1966) suggests a seriously comic muse. And "Four Eyes," with its alternating time signatures and its "HA! HA! HA!" belie its whimsical tone. Likewise for "Coconut Grove" (personal fave) which is so summer-moody it will fill you with a languid lethargy that only the brilliant "Full Measure" will shake off. As for the bonus tracks - - I prefer the instrumental version of "Rain On The Roof" to the original as it allows more breathing space for close listening, revealing just how textured a song it is. "Full Measure" comes off as a great instrumental too. Just know that these guys were so out of their time they still kick. I could go on, but I won't.

A Spoonful of the Lovin' Spoonful Makes Your Day Brighter.......2005-06-27

1966 was a great year for Chryslers and music. A serious Dodge Dart 270 or a Dodge Coronet 500 set to the COOL dial and a collection like this and you are good to go!

This is truly a feel good collection. John Sebatian, et al. sound strong and pure and the guitar playing is excellent. Sebastian was a master at blending folk and country. "Summer in the City," their signature song from 1966 sounds as fresh and good now as it did then. "Nashville Cats" was a nod to country music while maintaining the rock foundation. The lyrics are also strong and pure, which make for a very pleasant listening experience indeed.

The bonus songs are just that - a pleasant addition that makes a good thing even better. Listeners are treated to the band's range of creativity. THANK YOU, LOVIN' SPOONFUL!

The Magic Continues.......2003-03-21

The Spoonful's third album (not counting the soundtrack LP to "What's Up, Tiger Lily?") is the most satisfying of their all too short career. It was their first album of all original material and all of the songs were written or co-written by John Sebastian. These are all Spoonful classics and continue to reflect their wide range of influences: the jugband sound of "Henry Thomas," the countrified "Darlin' Companion" and "Nasville Cats," the bluesy "Coconut Grove," the folk-influenced "Lovin' You" and the contemporary sound of "Summer in the City." The consistent high quality of the material on this album is all the more amazing when you realize this was their third album in 12 months!

On the back cover of the CD, R.E.M.'s Peter Buck declares HUMS is the "best, most consistent record by America's most underrated band." He's right. ESSENTIAL

The best of the spoonful.......2003-03-10

Flashback to the summer of 1968: I just discovered Hums of the Loving Spoonful in my sister's collection of LPs. She was away, and it's a good thing too, for I played it over and over. Rain on the Roof, Coconut Grove, Summer in the City, and Lovin' You are all pure gems. These are the songs of a simpler time, of a better time. They are still playing in my mind.

When I hear the Lovin' Spoonful, I think of lazy summer days in the country. I captured that feeling again a few years ago while traveling among the vineyards of western New York in late summer. Thank you Lovin Spoonful!

You can Hum every classic tune.......2003-03-10

It didn't get any better than this for the Spoonful. The late great Zal was shortly to leave (or be fired depending on what you read)for narcing on his pot dealer (it was either that or face being deported and possible jail time). Sebastian's originals were about as strong as they would ever be. Summer In The City, while the stand out cut and hit single, was only the tip of the iceberg. Voodoo In My Basement had the slightly off-kilter lazy day melody that was always so memorable; the witty paen to Tennessee session players Nashville Cats captures the feel of country music without imitating its cliches; Coconut Groove was the album's secret weapon. It's sly melody and witty lyric would be echoed and have an impact on other musicians (most notably Harry Nilsson).

The bonus cuts are icing on the delicious cake. There's nothing as interesting as on the previous reissues but that's not the point really; the bonus tracks provide fans a glimpse into the band's creative world.

If it was all downhill from here (and it was despite some wonderful moments on the underrated Everything's Playing), Hums was the original incarnation's Cody Jarret moment; Yep Ma, they were top of the world for a brief, brilliant and shining moment.
Thanks guys for such a marvelous album.

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