Word...Life

Word...Life

Track Listings
1. Creative Control
2. Word...Life
3. O-Zone
4. Born 2 Live
5. Time's Up
6. Point O Viewz
7. Constables
8. Ga Head
9. No Main Topic
10. Let It Slide
11. Ma Duke
12. Story
13. Outtro
14. Born 2 Live


This American Life: Stories of Hope and Fear
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Unexpectedly heartwarming
  • mesmerized
  • Radio Documentaries For Long Drives
  • Not the best but worth a one time listen
  • Regular Folks With Amazing and Hilarious Stories
This American Life: Stories of Hope and Fear
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Shout Factory
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Crimebusters & Crossed Wires: Stories from This American Life
  2. This American Life: Lies Sissies & Fiascoes
  3. Driveway Moments
  4. Driveway Moments, Vol. 2
  5. David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B000IONLFY
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

  1. If I Can Make It There - Jorge Just
  2. Is This Thing On? - Jonathan Goldstein
  3. Thinking Inside The Box - David Wilcox
  4. Infinite Gent - Alex Blumberg
  5. Miami Vices - Sascha Rothchild
  6. The Babysitters - Myron Jones

Tracks:

  1. Fears Of Your Life - Tom Wright
  2. On Hold No One Can Hear You Scream - Julie Snyder
  3. Anti-Oedipus - Nancy Updike
  4. So A Chipmunk And A Squirrel Walk Into A Bar - David Sedaris
  5. Slingshot - John Hodgman

Album Description

2-CD collection of the smartest and funniest show on the radio

This American Life is one the most popular yet most unusual programs on radio today, airing on public radio stations all across the country. Each week listeners tune in to hear riveting stories that explore the highs and lows of the human condition.

Host Ira Glass and the staff of This American Life selected some of their favorite segments for the This American Life: Stories Of Hope And Fear 2-CD set. Featuring segments by bestselling writer and humorist David Sedaris (Naked), Comedy Central's Daily Show correspondent John Hodgman and many others, this eclectic anthology addresses topics ranging from gender reassignment to karaoke comedy, with over two hours of alternately hilarious and heart-breaking spoken performances set against a hip indie-rock and electronica musical background. Includes music by Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Blonde Redhead, Calexico, Morcheeba, Mogwai, Tortoise and others.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Unexpectedly heartwarming.......2007-07-03

I have a set appointment each Saturday to tune in to NPR for another introduction to "This American Life". I am thrilled that I have access to old shows on cd. This is ideal for a long road trip and conversation.

5 out of 5 stars mesmerized.......2007-02-12

I was fortunate to receive this CD the day before I had a 2 hour car ride ahead of me. I put in the CD and I have no memory of the trip, the traffic, or the route I took. I play the CD frequently, and I learn something new each time. Ira Glass - you are the best.

5 out of 5 stars Radio Documentaries For Long Drives.......2007-02-01

I've listened to This American Life going on 8 years now either on NPR or on-line on the website. Great program, this is the 3rd compliation CD I have purchased and I must say that this was interesting especially the Stories of Fear. I am interested in how the human psyche handles fear given certain levels of stress introduced through everyday normal situations. Quite frankly it can be more than a little funny. The story that really clicked with me was On Hold No One Can Hear You Scream, one persons ordeal dealing with an unresponsive phone company. This is a great cd. Better than the last compliation cd for This American Life.

3 out of 5 stars Not the best but worth a one time listen.......2007-01-20

This American Life is my favorite show of all time. I listen to it religiously. I didn't like this one. It's kind of depressing, whereas I have listened to the other CD's over and over again.

5 out of 5 stars Regular Folks With Amazing and Hilarious Stories.......2007-01-05

Ira Glass has a job that everyone would love to do. He gets to interview people and learn about life lessons. I have listened to the NPR show on occassion but could never follow the program faithfully. If you are like me, then this will be your solution. In this 2-CD collection, there are stories about hopes and fears in a new light. I think that the 2nd CD is the most interesting of the 2 CDs.

The story that really made an impression was Julie Synder's dilemna with cell phone customer support (CD 2 Track 2). She really articulates her frustrations that we can all relate to. I worked as an software engineer and dealt with customer service issues on occasion. It's good to see how sometimes mis-communication and tempers often flair into after-the-fact humor. You definitely see the views from both sides which sheds some light on problems with customer support. But, the problems with a phone company just compounds to the humor with technology issues that you cannot imagine. Believe me, it's laughter after laughter but you soon realize that we can all relate to it.

Another touching but eerie story (CD 2 Track 3) is about a closeted son who takes care of his mother. It borders on the unreal as the interviewer learns about the ordeal with his father than suddenly changes things completely. As you listen, there are intimate details that you feel as if you are in the same room. This is one of the true experience that you lack with TV today. It just seems to be all about the shock factor and nothing about the fact that we are all human. It's wonderful that NPR still has shows out there for everyone to listen instead of being glued to the tube.
This American Life: Lies Sissies & Fiascoes
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A few great ones, the rest mediocre
  • This American Life from PRI is fabulous!
  • Mostly good stories from NPR's radio show
  • disappointed baby boomer
  • Absolutely compelling and entertaining!
This American Life: Lies Sissies & Fiascoes
Ira Glass
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Crimebusters & Crossed Wires: Stories from This American Life
  2. This American Life: Stories of Hope and Fear
  3. Driveway Moments
  4. The David Sedaris Box Set
  5. David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall

ASIN: B00000I725
Release Date: 1999-05-04

Tracks:

  1. Peter Pan - Mr. Jack Hitt (An Interview)
  2. Drama Bug - Mr. David Sedaris
  3. Letterman! Cookies! - Mr. Dishwasher Pete
  4. Mr. Loh's Not Afraid To Be Naked - Ms. Sandra Tsing Loh
  5. Teen Getaway - Ms. Cheryl Tryku
  6. Shooting Dad - Ms. Sarah Vowell

Tracks:

  1. Get Over It! - Mr. Ira Glass
  2. Hands on a Hardbody - Rob Bindler
  3. The Test - Mr. Scott Carrier
  4. Xmas Freud - Mr. David Rakoff
  5. Apology Line - Ms. Marissa Bridge (An Interview)

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

With the rise of more and more forms of media, the American storytelling tradition has become increasingly fractured. Praise be then for This American Life, a weekly radio anthology of stories that never fail to move even the most casual listener. Lies, Sissies, and Fiascoes purports to be a best-of compendium, but at two discs there's plenty more where this comes from. --Randy Silver

Amazon.com

Are you a sucker for a well-told story--one that'll make you hoot with pleasure, drop your mouth in disbelief, tear up with empathy? If that be the case, you're likely already a fan of the brilliant beyond-hip This American Life. If you're not yet familiar with the Public Radio show and its ingenious host, Ira Glass, Lies, Sissies & Fiascoes will tickle your ears and engage your sense of wonderment. Underscored by adroitly chosen musical bits from Jonathan Richman to Liz Phair to Yo La Tengo, The Best of TAL springs into action illustrating the criterion for true fiasco with Jack Hitt's lively narrative of an uproariously bad production of Peter Pan. David Sedaris recounts reeling off insults and complaints in iambic pentameter as a teen bitten by the Drama Bug (which bites "Jews, homosexuals and plump women who wear their hair in bangs" the hardest). Dishwasher Pete tells how he duped the Letterman show, Scott Carrier gives a moving account of how his life unraveled and came back together during the season he conducted interviews with schizophrenics, and Ira Glass sounds off on getting over heartbreak. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A few great ones, the rest mediocre.......2004-06-04

I enjoy listening to T.A.L. whenever I'm able to catch it, which unfortunately isn't very often. I had anticipated that this disc would contain the show's very best segments, but it was a bit of a mixed bag.

For example, "Shooting Dad" by Sarah Vowell is a terrific essay about Sarah's relationship with her gunsmith father. Well-written, funny, sharp and poignant. But compare that with the dreck that follows: "Get Over It!" by host Ira Glass, where he mopes at length about his recent encounter with a former girlfriend. Sarah Vowell once stated in an interview that radio stories are "edited down within an inch of their lives", but Ira's segment -- full of his own deep sighs, his laughter at his own comments, his voice often choked with emotion -- seems to have undergone no editing whatsover. It reminded me of the scene in "Broadcast News" where William Hurt's TV reporter character inserts a shot of himself shedding a tear during an interview. It reeks of "look at me, aren't I so 'real'"; that is, until you realize that it was created with multiple takes.

As for the rest, I enjoyed Sedaris's "Drama Bug" and Bindler's "Hands on a Hard Body", but many of the others struck me as mediocre for one reason or another.

5 out of 5 stars This American Life from PRI is fabulous!.......2003-12-16

What a fantastic "best of" This American Life CD. It was the first and one of the best. I have been a fan of the program distributed to public radio by PRI, Public Radio International (NOT NPR) for years. This American Life describes such wonderful stories in such a unique way, and creates "driveway moments" for me! It truly is some of the best public radio has to offer and its story telling is up there with ANY medium.

4 out of 5 stars Mostly good stories from NPR's radio show.......2003-01-29

As a fan of NPR who no longer lives in the US, I jumped all over the chance to buy a best-of compilation of "This American Life". The 2-CD set is split into funny stories on the first disc and serious ones on the second, although I thought both "Hands on a Hard Body" and "Christmas Freud" had some nice funny bits. Also on the second disc are the very chilling pieces "Test" and "Apology Line".

The only segments I did not like in this set, in fact, are the first one on each disc; these happen to be the ones that feature the show's host Ira Glass. I found "Peter Pan" (a piece about a small town drama production that goes awry) to be patronizing and overly long; the remainder of the first disc was very funny. Opening the second disc is "Get Over It!", a segment in which Mr. Glass explores an awkward weekend with an ex-girlfriend for whom he still has feelings. Although it has a good ending, I thought that he was just begging for sympathy with this story, and I felt manipulated. It's admirable in a way that Mr. Glass is willing to showcase his private pain for our entertainment, but not if he's going to make it a pity party.

But otherwise I think the compilation is great and I thank him for creating and hosting the show. I recommend it for anybody who's been a fan of the show (and most of you will probably enjoy Mr. Glass's pieces more than I did).

1 out of 5 stars disappointed baby boomer.......2002-11-22

perhaps I'm too old to appreciate these stories. I was too impatient to hear several of them out to the end, though all I was doing was driving to a destination, without alot on my mind. A few were good, but not good enough to immortalize on a CD.

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely compelling and entertaining!.......2002-10-17

I have long been a fan of This American Life, and when I went to review this CD at Amazon, I realized that I have owned it since 1999. I have listened to it in bits and pieces several times since then, but just recently did I get a chance to listen to the entire thing from start to finish. For those of you who are looking for some really good listening for a long car trip or perhaps an introspective vacation, you have found the right CD.

Lies, Sissies, and Fiascos is a wonderful blend of sarcasm and sentiment, of tenderness and hilarity. Host Ira Glass's voice is soothing and familiar, and you really can't lose when it comes to anything involving David Sedaris. Sandra Tsung Loh's entry is one that is particularly memorable to me. She tells about how her relationship with her father is enriched when she views him through the most unlikely viewpoint imaginable: that of a local punk rock band, which has idolized her father and thinks of him as some kind of spiritual icon.

I immensely enjoyed listening to this CD, and I will return to it and find the stories familiar, not repetative (as I would with some audio books). Highly recommended.
Mendelssohn: Elijah
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful, but not my first choice
  • THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
  • Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah
Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation
  2. Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel
  3. Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
  4. Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw
  5. Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
  2. Overture
  3. No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
  4. No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
  5. No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
  6. No.4: If With All Your Hearts
  7. No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
  8. No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
  9. No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
  10. Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
  11. No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
  12. No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
  13. No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
  14. No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
  15. No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
  16. No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
  17. No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
  18. No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
  19. No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
  20. No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
  21. No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
  22. No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
  23. No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

  1. No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
  2. No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
  3. No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
  4. No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
  5. No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
  6. No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
  7. No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
  8. No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
  9. No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
  10. No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
  11. No.31: O Rest In The Lord
  12. No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
  13. No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
  14. No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
  15. No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
  16. No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
  17. No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
  18. No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
  19. No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
  20. No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
  21. No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
  22. No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
  23. No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

5 out of 5 stars THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

4 out of 5 stars Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!
Crimebusters & Crossed Wires: Stories from This American Life
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Some of the best This American Life ever
  • Hilarious! Wonderful!
  • Truly the best of TAM!
  • For people who enjoy storytelling. . .
  • This American Life Rocks!
Crimebusters & Crossed Wires: Stories from This American Life
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Shout Factory
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. This American Life: Lies Sissies & Fiascoes
  2. This American Life: Stories of Hope and Fear
  3. Driveway Moments
  4. David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall
  5. Driveway Moments, Vol. 2

ASIN: B0000TG9WY
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

  1. Squirrel Cop - A Police Officer Somewhere On The East Coast
  2. Loser - fiction by Aimee Bender, read by Matt Malloy
  3. Flight Vs. Invisibility - John Hodgman
  4. Watching The Detective - Ira Glass
  5. The Greatest Phone Message Of All Time - Jonathan Goldstein

Tracks:

  1. Jesus Shaves - David Sedaris
  2. Say It To Me In Guy Language - Ira Glass
  3. When The Wall Came Tumbling Down - A Teenager And His Dad
  4. Everyone Speaks Elton John - Starlee Kine
  5. Music Lessons - Sarah Vowell

Amazon.com

If storytelling and oral history often seem like endangered species in a culture dominated by disposable infotainment, NPR host Ira Glass could be seen as something of a preservationist, his low-key passion for the magic moments that inform everyday life the driving force behind his successful This American Life radio series. This second series anthology culls its 10 stories onto two discs loosely centered around notions of "Crimebusters" and "Crossed Wires." And while professional writers like Sarah Vowell and David Sedaris (whose bemused take on nationality-diverse French class attempting to explain their various impressions of Easter is characterized by mounting, masterfully constructed hilarity) participate, they are hard-pressed to better the tales of everyday people that are the collection's de facto focal points: a rookie cop's efforts at corralling a household-invading squirrel turning into chaotic slapstick worthy of Sellers or Benigni; a Beverly Hills teen and his father making war, then peace over a spiraling drug problem; Starlee Kline and Mekons founder Jon Langford forming a band of strangers solely through classified ads. Less enamored of their own voices and ideas, those tales of "everyday people" are the collection's true treasures. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Crimebusters and Crossed Wires is a collection of ten stories, with true tales of (sometimes hapless) crimefighters and investigators of all sorts on one CD, and real-life adventures in miscommunication on the other.

From a bungling, squirrel-chasing cop who burns, bloodies, and tears apart a new house in pursuit of the rogue rodent, to a father who resorts to tapping his drug-using teen's phone, Crimebusters and Crossed Wires offers comical and poignant insight. Among the storytellers featured are best-selling writers David Sedaris and Sarah Vowell.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Some of the best This American Life ever.......2007-05-07

Contains Squirrel Cop which is the stuff of urban legends.

5 out of 5 stars Hilarious! Wonderful!.......2007-01-20

I have listened to this over and over. It's so funny. I absolutely love it!
PS
Don't take this to the gym with you because you won't be able to do any exercise from laughing so hard.

5 out of 5 stars Truly the best of TAM!.......2005-12-19

I am a regular and avid listener of This American Life (TAM) and have loved Squirrel Cop since I first heard it on the radio. Then when they paired that amazing, anonymous confession of rookie cop bravado with the equally hilarious essay of language barriers by David Sedaris...I knew I had to have this CD set.

Since receiving them, I have listened to all the stories several times (and a few range into dozens of times). Each and every story is worth listening to more than once. The son and father who work out a drug problem by simple "spying on your kid", the lessons learned by being a band geek, and the newest, greatest party/dinner question of all time - it's a collection of stories that are diverse yet centric to life as a 21st century human.

The stories never get old, as I find more in them each time I listen, like petals opening in a blooming flower. I play them while I travel, at work in my office, at home while cleaning and for anyone who has never heard of TAM.

It has now become a topic of office discussion and I've had to buy more copies to give as gifts. In fact, at a recent gift exchange, it was the most sought after present there.

You have to get these CDs! If you're life if full of stress, involves a long commute or you just need a diversion from your everyday life - then here's the CD set you need!

5 out of 5 stars For people who enjoy storytelling. . ........2005-09-25

"This American Life" is fantastic, eclectic, unusual, and often funny. The art of storytelling is dying in America. This collection of stories breathes new life into it. Some of the stories are laugh out-loud funny ("The Little Mermaid") and some are thought-provoking, but all are worthwhile.

5 out of 5 stars This American Life Rocks!.......2004-12-20

This second volume of "the best" of "This American Life" is another gem! Each of these stories is amazing in its own right, and each is a perfect example of what a phenomenal show TAL really is.

Most of these stories are on the humorous side, which is really just one side of the show; however, it's still a well-rounded collection. If you are trying to turn someone on to the show, this is an excellent CD to introduce them to it.

The only thing that I didn't like about the CD was the time between Vols. 1 & 2. Come on, TAL...give us more of the best!
Hello, Dolly! (1964 Original Broadway Cast) (Deluxe Edition)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful Soundtrack
  • DOLLY WILL NEVER GO AWAY
  • The excitement is there, but.....
  • Goodbye, Dolly!
  • Toxically Corny!!!!
Hello, Dolly! (1964 Original Broadway Cast) (Deluxe Edition)
Jerry Herman , and Carol Channing
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000099SZ0
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

  1. Prologue
  2. I Put My Hand In
  3. It Takes a Woman
  4. Put on Your Sunday Clothes
  5. Ribbons Down My Back
  6. Motherhood
  7. Dancing
  8. Before the Parade Passes By
  9. Elegance
  10. Hello, Dolly!
  11. It Only Takes a Moment
  12. So Long Dearie
  13. Finale
  14. I Put My Hand In [*] - Mary Martin
  15. Before the Parade Passes By [*] - Pearl Bailey
  16. Hello, Dolly! [*] - Pearl Bailey
  17. So Long Dearie [*] - Mary Martin
  18. Love, Look in My Window [*] - Ethel Merman
  19. World, Take Me Back [*] - Ethel Merman
  20. On Recording Hello, Dolly! [*] - Carol Channing
  21. When Did You Sense That Hello, Dolly! Would Be a Hit? [*] - Carol Channing
  22. On the Title Number [*] - Carol Channing
  23. "Dolly Changed Me..."; the Book [*] - Carol Channing
  24. Plot [*] - Carol Channing
  25. Optimism, And Finding One's Character [*] - Carol Channing
  26. Prime of Life [*] - Carol Channing

Amazon.com

Sitting in the balcony at the final preview of this 1964 Jerry Herman show, still very much in school and long before my career as a critic began, I knew somehow that I was witnessing theatrical history. Even as that callow youth, I was certain that Carol Channing had been born to play the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi, the meddling turn-of-the century New York widow who had been adapted from Thornton Wilder's straight play The Matchmaker. Channing has proved me right by playing the role ever since, of course, miraculously only improving with age. Beyond Dolly herself, however, the musical emitted a synergistic exuberance (at least five years before we used the word "synergy"). The supporting cast, including David Burns, Eileen Brennan, and Charles Nelson Reilly, were terrific. Herman's tunes and lyrics were sublimely crafted both to create their characters and stand alone. (The title song took on a life of its own.) The show's designers, librettist Michael Stewart and director Gower Champion, combined to transport the audience to 60 years earlier in little old New York. This wasn't all just my opinion: Hello, Dolly! won a record 10 Tonys. The original cast recording can still take you to that other time and place, even if you didn't see the original show. But, at the risk of offending my inner adolescent, the 1994 revival, naturally starring Channing, was even better--both on stage and on disc. --Robert Windeler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Soundtrack.......2007-06-27

This is the original recording, with all of the best names included. Wonderful, wonderful music.

5 out of 5 stars DOLLY WILL NEVER GO AWAY.......2007-05-17

Great re-mastering of original BWay cast album with wonderful other Dollys, particularly Pearl Baily who makesHello, Dolly! (1964 Original Broadway Cast) (Deluxe Edition) the title tune her own. It is still a great score and a delight to own.

4 out of 5 stars The excitement is there, but............2007-01-24

Hello Dolly is one of my favorite shows. When you listen to the cast album, you really do--as others have said--feel the excitement of being there on opening night when Broadway history was being made. The wonderful RCA cast album has been a best seller for 43 years. But while I do feel it is necessary for any musical fan to have this cast recording in their collection, this is not personally my "Dolly" album of choice. I have three of the 5 major DOLLY recordings in my collection; this Original Cast, the Barbra Streisand movie soundtrack, and the Mary Martin London cast on LP (the others I do not have are the Pearl Bailey cast album and the Carol Channing revival). My preferred recording is a tie between the movie soundtrack and the Mary Martin album, with this one trailing (not far) behind. As far as the supporting cast are concerned, the original cast wins hand down. But HELLO DOLLY is really about the star, and in my opinion, Carol Channing can't sing...err, croak...her way out of a cardboard box. I realize that that is Channing's trademark, but it just doesn't work for me. As I said, this album is required equipment in any serious musical lover's collection, but I think that I too will "stick with Streisand." And for God's sake, I wish RCA would get off their rump and get the Mary Martin cast album out on CD, and reissue the Pearl Bailey cast album too while they're at it!

2 out of 5 stars Goodbye, Dolly!.......2005-10-30

This Deluxe Edition of the orginal "Hello, Dolly!" has three distinct problems.

For starters, this is not the classic musical that afficianados would have you believe, nor is it Jerry Herman at his best (that honor goes to "Mame"). Rather, this is a fair to middling score with three socko numbers (title tune not included), three rather fine songs (title song included) and the rest either average or inadequate. "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "Before the Parade Passes By" are two of the most galvanizing songs ever written for the Broadway stage and no singer can detract from their euphoric energy (though Carol Channing tries -- more on that later). "So Long, Dearie", though slower in tempo than Barbra Streisand's definitve rendition, is a showstopping character song that's both clever and compelling. These three numbers are what gives "Dolly" it's class and they are three of the best things Herman ever wrote. Then we have "Dancing", "Elegance" and (gulp!) the by now overly familiar title song, each an accomplished tune that propels the plot with, well, elegance. The song "Hello, Dolly!" may now annoy as a Broadway warhorse, but it was as fresh as daffodils when it first premiered. The rest of the score, sadly, isn't up to these standards. "It Takes a Woman" and "It Only Takes a Moment" are indistinguished at best, and "Ribbons Down My Back" is downright annoying. Worse still, "I Put My Hand In" is a lackluster opener that pales in comparison to "Just Leave Everything to Me", its replacement in the movie and a bonifide Jerry Herman rouser. And "Motherhood" sounds like exactly what it was, a stage wait for the scenery to move in. Totally expendable.

The second problem here is that this may be the worst sung original cast recording in Broadway history. Charles Neslon Reilly's wobbly tenor struggles to maintain pitch, Eileen Brennan's stilted soprano sounds more like light operetta than musical comedy, and David Burns makes his movie counterpart, Walter Matthau, sound like Mario Lanza in comparision. Then there is Dolly, the incomprehensibly overrated Carol Channing. From her first froggy notes in "I Put My Hand In" you know it's going to be rough sledding and, sure enough, she croaks and screeches her way through one song after another, rendering most of what she sings unlistenable. Channing's voice is thin, harsh and completely unequalized throughout its range and she effectively saps all of the charm out of "...Sunday Clothes" and "Parade". By the time the recording has ended, you want to banish this CD to a deserted island. But wait, there's more! An almost unrecognizable Mary Martin starts the "extras" on this disc with a shock. Some of her last recordings, these "Dolly" numbers unfortunately display how Martin's once lovely instrument had deepened and thickened over the years. A full throttle but somewhat tremulous Ethel Merman fairs little better on some poorly recorded songs added to the show when she took over. These two giants actually make the songs Pearl Bailey does on this disc seem all the more astonishing. While arguably not as talented as Martin or Merman (although, in reconsidering this recording and her career, I think I'm entirely wrong in that observation), Bailey hits a home run on each of her renditions and her recording of the title song is absolutely definitive. Someone should quickly get the cast recording of her "Dolly" back in circulation. "She" and "we" deserve it.

The final problen here is a lengthy recent interview with Ms. Channing that has to be heard to be believed. Does she actually think we're buying the idea that she was doing high kicks in the studio while recording her songs? Please! She barely catches her breath between phrases. And her comparing her premonition that the show would be a hit to a passage in the bible is as laughable as it is sacriligious. Yes, she may have done the show over 5000 times, but she lucked into a classic without earning her own classic status. No wonder all she could do was repeat herself for the rest of her career. Stick with Streisand.

And I guess from the reviews of THIS review, disliking Channing is sacriligous. I better watch my back.

1 out of 5 stars Toxically Corny!!!!.......2005-01-22

A lot of my friends wonder why I violently detest Broadway Musicals so much. Well, this particular recording is at least one reason why. Exposed to this piece of Toxic Schlock at a very young age (about 4 I reckon), and ever since, for me it has epitomized EVERYTHING I detest about musicals, the thin corny plots, even cornier songs, people breaking out into song at the most ridiculous times and so much glitz that my system nearly went into toxic shock. The worst part of it all, CAROL CHANNING!!!! This woman CANNOT SING TO SAVE HER LIFE, PERIOD!!!

I've even asked people who DO like B'way what is the deal with her? I hear it's that she has charisma. OK, since when does charisma equal talent (I honestly believe they are NOT the same thing).

And I have even tried to listen to other musicals over the years, and I just CANNOT get the appeal of it on ANY level! I guess this is well-done as these things go (there is work involved), but I just CANNOT understand what the fuss is all about.

Signed,

One perplexed Owl.



A Passionate Life
Average customer rating: Not rated
    A Passionate Life
    John Tesh
    Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
    Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    ElectronicElectronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
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    4. Forever More: The Greatest Hits of John Tesh
    5. Worship at Red Rocks

    ASIN: B000OPP9OS
    Release Date: 2007-05-01

    Tracks:

    1. Polar Express (CD)
    2. Cante Domine (CD)
    3. Desert Rose (CD)
    4. The Waltz (CD)
    5. Valley of Dreams (CD)
    6. Shape of My Heart (CD)
    7. Sonata Di Roma (CD)
    8. Halcyon Days (CD)
    9. In Your Eyes (CD)
    10. Bring Me To Life (CD)
    11. The Homecoming (CD)

    Tracks:

    1. One World (DVD)
    2. The Spanish Steps (DVD)
    3. Valley of Dreams (DVD)
    4. Against All Odds (DVD)
    5. Cante Domine (DVD)
    6. April Song (DVD)
    7. Venezia (DVD)
    8. Fields of Gold (DVD)
    9. Dear Unknown (DVD)

    Album Description

    This incredible CD/DVD collection, A Passionate Life, includes songs that have impacted John Tesh over the years and mark significant events in his life that have helped shape him creatively and spiritually. Featuring "Desert Rose," "In Your Eyes," and "Avalon," this album reflects a musical tapestry of the richest moments of this artist's remarkable life, woven together as only he could.
    Life Love & Other Mysteries
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Ah, the early nineties
    • Sing your songs, Point of Grace!
    • "YOU ARE THE ANSWER AND THE MEANING OF LIFE"
    • Awesome CD!
    • Life, Love and Other Mysteries
    Life Love & Other Mysteries
    Point of Grace
    Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Christian General | Christian & Gospel | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Christian General | Christian & Gospel | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    4-for-3 Christian & Gospel4-for-3 Christian & Gospel | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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    1. Steady On
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    5. I Choose You

    ASIN: B00006BTBH
    Release Date: 2002-07-02

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Ah, the early nineties.......2006-01-21

    Heh. Anyway, if you can get past that, the music on this album is pretty good, especially Keep The Candle Burning and That's The Way It's Meant To Be. Again: Highly Recommended.

    5 out of 5 stars Sing your songs, Point of Grace!.......2005-04-14

    It's a fact: Some CDs simply never get old. Count Point of Grace's LIFE, LOVE & OTHER MYSTERIES among these classics.

    After nearly 10 years, Point of Grace's third album still remains their best and most timeless creation. Here, the girls have created a diverse sound that explores pop, rock, gospel, soul, and tender ballads.

    The album's title track opens with a simple, beautifully-harmonized reminder of God's omnipotence. The soulful, gospel-tinged "Keep the Candle Burning" reminds listeners to remain faithful during times of hardship. Catchy "That's the Way It's Meant to Be" affirms the awesomeness of God's plan.

    Also well-harmonized, "Gone Are the Dark Days" and "You Are the Answer" are a powerful, soaring pair of songs that rejoice in God's redemptive powers.

    Point of Grace also manages to create gentle, moving ballads. "Jesus Doesn't Care" is a reminder that forgiveness is always available to humanity. "God Forbid" exalts God's power and urges His children to fear and respect Him. Point of Grace pays tribute to Jesus's faithful disciples in "Any Road, Any Cost." The album's final track, "Circle of Friends," celebrates the day when friends can meet in Heaven.

    Consider LIFE, LOVE & OTHER MYSTERIES a worthwhile investment. After all, how many CDs never lose their novelty after 10 years in a CD player?

    5 out of 5 stars "YOU ARE THE ANSWER AND THE MEANING OF LIFE".......2004-04-19

    Point of Grace has been a staple in Christian music since their debut in 1993 and with faith hope and the love of God they continue to be one of the most powerful Christian bands of all time and still continues to be a favorite among young and old alike. On their third cd life love and other mysteries Point of Grace shows their affection and love of God through their souls out to their fans. The cd's rock fused title track {which recieved limited airplay on christian stations} tells us that not only if you believe in yourself and no other person God will be your friend and help you in times of need. Then comes the powerful Keep the candle burning which is a beautiful ballad about even though some goals are hard to achieve you have to believe with a steady heart. Be sure to listen for the aweome guitar solo. The album's third single You are the answer {The first song i liked from life love and other mysteries} is a Clay Aikenish type song with inspirational lyics and a message that tells us that if we can believe in anything God will be the answer to all our questions {You are the answer is the song where the title of my review is from}. In addition to more great songs not to mention a GREAT cover of Earth wind and fire's sing a song there is also a advertisement for Mercy Ministries a charity that provides homes and money for poor children and family in a space of their own for free and also a order form to order Point Of Grace merchandise. The follow up cd Steady On is very good but it doesn't compare to life love and other mysteries.(...)

    5 out of 5 stars Awesome CD!.......2004-01-14

    A former girlfriend gave me this CD (without it's case or artwork) 2 years ago. I put it in my CD player & it was great! The group really swings on every song. In other words there's not a bad song on the whole CD. In fact I liked it so much I bought every CD the group has made since including this one as I wanted the CD artwork.

    Yep, this CD is a definite winner. I always play it all the way through. You want a group that praises the Lord? Then get this one. You won't go wrong.

    5 out of 5 stars Life, Love and Other Mysteries.......2003-09-30

    I love this album. They have beautiful voices. My favorite songs are "That's the way it's meant to be", "Any road, any cost" and "Life, love, and other mysteries." They really have a genius for creating songs that touch you where you are! Oh, and the song "God forbid" was especially beautiful. There were only one or two songs I was disappointed with, "Gone are the dark days" and "Sing a song".
    In short, I recommend this album to anyone who likes beautiful harmonies and sometimes fun, sometimes very emotional songs.
    Life Is Worth Losing
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • A place for more great stuff
    • Doing old material by Bill Hicks now too ???
    • Dark but truthful comedy
    • not really that good
    • George Still has it
    Life Is Worth Losing
    George Carlin
    Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    Country ComedyCountry Comedy | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    Classic ComedyClassic Comedy | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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    5. Playin' With Your Head

    ASIN: B000CCD07Q
    Release Date: 2006-01-10

    Tracks:

    1. A Modern Man
    2. Pussy Fart, Dingleberry, Cornhole
    3. The Suicide Guy
    4. Extreme Human Behavior
    5. The All-Suicide TV Channel
    6. Dumb Americans
    7. Pyramid Of The Hopeless
    8. Autoerotic Asphyxia
    9. The Save-A-Pussy Foundation
    10. Yeast Infection
    11. Coast-To-Coast Emergency

    Album Description

    George Carlin is back and he’s funnier than ever. The Atlantic Records companion album to the four-time Grammy Award-Winning comic’s 13th HBO comedy concert, LIFE IS WORTH LOSING, is another Carlin classic, a collection of side-splitting riffs and splenetic rants that cut straight to the heart of 21st Century America. Recorded live at New York City’s Beacon Theater, LIFE IS WORTH LOSING fi nds the legendary comedian with his dander at full mast, unleashing his righteous rage at such topics as â€~Dumb Americans,’ â€~Autoerotic Asphyxia,’ â€~Extreme Human Behavior,’ and more. As ever, Carlin’s blend of hilarious comedy and biting commentary forces listeners to confront the dark truths of modern culture while trying to catch their breath from non-stop laughter.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars A place for more great stuff.......2007-07-21

    I saw him perform this a couple years ago in Vegas and easily my favorite part both then and now is the first bit about being a 21st century modern man. A honkie senior citizen rap. Awesome. The middle of it had lots of good bits sprinkled amongst a bunch of insightful darkness. Lots of profundity, some laughs, and overall razor sharp acumen of the modern version of obeservation. The last bit just seemed like a pyromaniac masturbatory fantasy run amok and I must admit, I found this bit a little on the tedious side. Overall I would say this performance was very good by George's usual standard but not his best. On the scale of quality in general, this material was absoultely brilliant, despite it's unflinching and unapologetic submersion into the underbelly of American culture and a slight proclivity towards rambling at times. Even after all these years and multiple paradiem shifts, George is still edgy, relevant, provocative and still knockin 'em dead. You go George!

    2 out of 5 stars Doing old material by Bill Hicks now too ???.......2007-06-29

    There's no denying Carlin's importance as a comedian or his brilliance as an original voice and thinker. But you wouldn't know it from listening to this CD. George is way past his best with a misanthopic laughter-lite performance you won't want to listen to more than once.

    But worst of all is hearing him do a piece on how it's always the good people(Jesus, Martin Luther King, JFK, John Lennon) who get assassinated - a complete steal from an identical routine from the early 90's by the late great Bill Hicks, except without a funny pay-off.I can understand an opportunist like Dennis Leary notoriously stealing from Hicks, but the great George Carlin too? What's going on?

    4 out of 5 stars Dark but truthful comedy.......2007-03-02

    The only thing that prevents me from giving this 5 stars is the last track, I don't feel that George finishes the CD out strong. But, that having been said, this is a great show all in all. Not every track is funny, but they are all very thought provoking and it is nearly impossible to argue 99.9% of Carlin's points. The dumb Americans, necrophilia, and natural disasters segments are classic hilarious Carlin. I still have no idea how he delivers the Modern Man piece so perfectly without one slip up. It's incredible the way his mind works. This man is simply a genius and I hope he keeps going strong for years to come!!

    3 out of 5 stars not really that good.......2006-12-18

    Well, what can I say? First I'm going to review his life is worth losing album, and then go on and write a little about his 12/10/06 concert at Caesar's at Atlantic City.

    First let me say that I am of the younger generation, in my 30's, and as such, came around to Carlin when he was already angry--and I loved it. In fact, my favorite album by him was You are All Diseased. With George, you not only learn a lot about our society and the way it works, as opposed to how it should work, but laugh a lot as well.

    His latest album, Life is Worth Losing, simply put, is not really funny--its drab and bleak, and you can listen throughout the entire album without laughing hardly at all. He spends over 20 minutes alone, out of 70, on suicide. The best part, in my opinion, was his opening (I'm a modern man, a man for the millennium, digital and smoke-free...)." This is an amazing play on words that are part of our 21st century lexicon and he goes on for about 3 minutes, straight, in a monologue that is simply amazing. But his 2nd best part are tracks 5 and 6, and part of 7, where he examines how fat our society is (both in consumerism and people) and then goes off to talk about our failed education system, then rants about the corporations...then returns (from tracks 2,3,4) back to suicide (on track 7).

    I must have listened to this album about 5x since it was in my car, and initially i did not like it, but grew over time to appreciate his work.
    Do i recommend it? yes. but it was not nearly as witty as You are all Diseased.

    But here is the problem--as I said I went to Caesar's to see him, and he puts this idiot Vance or Vince Gilbert on for the opening act, who is just plainly awful. People in the audience were calling for George to come out, people at my table were yawning and ignoring Gilbert. Gilbert was singing these ridiculous songs that were not funny nor entertaining on a guitar. After about 20 minutes of torture, Carlin comes out and berates us for about 2 minutes over the way we responded to Gilbert, saying "Hey, I don't need this s***. I've come all the way from California to hear this?" "I could care less whether you find my jokes funny or not."

    And he went on and on. I thought that he was going to walk off, as it was his last night at AC, and he has been known to walk off the stage before if audiences didn't laugh.

    Anyways, the good thing is, he stayed on, and his material is entirely NEW. He kept on saying over and over, I have new material now, new jokes that I guarantee you have not heard, etc. And he did. He had 3 recycled jokes, from what I could count: (I'm here for me, you're here for me, no ones here for you. cockroaches with self-doubt spray, and something else.) And he did acknowledge to us that he was too morbid with the Life is Worth Losing album, and also said that he was not a cynic, but a skeptic. And he kept on referring to these points throughout--as if he was severely criticized by others, and changed his material accordingly. Carlin did say that this new act was going on for 3 months, so he probably did not have that much time to perfect it, given his heart troubles. But he was stumbling over his notes, blew a couple of jokes, forgot some things, etc. And when he forgot one of the punch lines, he just waved his arm hard, down at the audience, as if could care less, like "forget it."

    Are the jokes funny in his new act? Some were really good. But when it was over, my wife and I looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders, smiled a little, and walked out. People left with a smile on their face, but no one really talked about it. And it was such a quick act--about 50 minutes.

    I wanted to like it, I really did. We couldn't get tickets til the last minute, so we had to call ticketmaster and pay 150.00 each. And we got lit with long island ice-t's, to have a really good, entertaining night.

    Is he finished? No, I don't think so, but we cannot help but think he is 69 now, and stand-up has got to be tiresome.

    5 out of 5 stars George Still has it.......2006-10-13

    I don't care who wants to bash him George Carlin still has the edge and can easily find humor in things that most comics wouldn't touch with a forty foot pole. George is an honest no BS comic who tells it like it is even if we don't want to hear it. This album is George's cynical view of the world we live in. Many tell me Richard Pryor is the best comic I say nuts to that he was a good comic but he gave up what made him funny to become a lame movie star. George knew their is only one thing he truly does good and continues to do it to this day. All in all not his best but still great.
    Hymns Through the Centuries
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • How can you call these "Hymns"
    • wonderful collection of magnificent music
    • Flawed but enjoyable
    • Hymns through the Centuries
    • A must own for classic church music lovers
    Hymns Through the Centuries
    J. Reilly Lewis , Cathedral Choral Society , William Gardiner , Johannes Cruger , Melchior Teschner , William Henry Monk , Virgil Thomson , George Elvey , Thomas Hastings , and John [composer] Goss
    Manufacturer: Gothic Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Monk, William HenryMonk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00003XB8M
    Release Date: 2000-02-22

    Tracks:

    1. When In Our Music God Is Glorified
    2. Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
    3. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
    4. Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life
    5. O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
    6. All Glory, Laud And Honor
    7. Abide With Me; Fast Falls The Eventide
    8. My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
    9. Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
    10. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
    11. Rock Of Ages, Cleft For Me
    12. Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
    13. Come, Risen Lord
    14. Carillon Hymn: St. Peter
    15. Eternal Father, Strong To Save
    16. Amazing Grace! How Sweet The Sound
    17. Holy, Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty
    18. Nearer, My God, To Thee
    19. Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
    20. In Christ There Is No East Or West
    21. Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
    22. Crown Him With Many Crowns
    23. Word Of God, Come Down On Earth
    24. The Church's One Foundation
    25. God Of Our Fathers
    26. Father, In Thy Gracious Keeping
    27. Peal Bells

    Customer Reviews:

    1 out of 5 stars How can you call these "Hymns".......2006-08-05

    Not to harp on anyone here, but it's obvious that none of you grew up in a church or environment that had a good choir. I know, a Hymn is a genre of music, but a recording of a hymn isn't one if it doesn't contain HARMONY. If they're a "choir," then why don't the tenors sing a different note than the sopranos, altos, and basses? The organist is quite good, I'll admit, but you're wasting your time if you're looking for a good recording of these beautiful songs that were COMPOSED with harmony, not unison. If they want to sing in unison like this, they need to be stripped of their "choir" status and simply be called a "group."

    5 out of 5 stars wonderful collection of magnificent music.......2006-01-18

    Most everything on this CD is very well done. The recording environment might have been less than perfect, but that shouldn't dimish one's enjoyment very much. Most of the arrangements are very traditional, with the notable exception of Amazing Grace, which though it isn't terrible, it isn't very good either. Some songs had verses removed, which is understandable, though it was poorly done in Eternal Father, Strong to Save -- they did verse 1 ("Eternal Father"), then they skipped(!!!) verse 2 ("O Christ, the Lord") and went on to the final verses ("Holy Spirit" and "O Trinity") -- which is skipping Someone important! However, outside of that, it was excellent.

    If you like sacred music, or hymns, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this CD. If you're a Christian, you should enjoy this as well, no matter your taste in music (and you might just learn to like hymns as well!). It is a well-chosen set of some of the most magnificent, God-honoring music of all time, done is a mostly very traditional manner, and it was done well.

    3 out of 5 stars Flawed but enjoyable.......2005-04-15

    The huge size and reverberating acoustics of Washington National Cathedral make it difficult to hear any kind of live choral performance clearly, even if you're sitting in the front rows in the nave. The Cathedral Choral Society is handicapped by having to record in this acoustically mushy space, and it shows in this CD, often creating an uneven balance between the organ and the chorus as noted by other reviewers. The repertoire is well-chosen, but the quality of the arrangements is uneven. Too often, the chorus seems to be singing in unison right out of the Hymnal, like any parish church choir at an ordinary Sunday service. Certain pieces do suggest the heights which the Society is capable of attaining. But the group never achieves the splendor that the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys displays every Sunday morning. Just when the Society seems to be getting there, the conductor pulls them back. And the shrill folk arrangement of "Amazing Grace" will have you covering your ears as the sopranos shriek clumsily, confusing volume with fervor.

    5 out of 5 stars Hymns through the Centuries.......2002-03-18

    This is not a review. I just have a question. Does "Hymns through the Centuries" contain the hymn "It is Well with my Soul?" Thanks.

    5 out of 5 stars A must own for classic church music lovers.......2002-02-16

    I purchased this CD just based on the titles and am very glad I did. There are only two downsides to the album. First is the fact that there isn't a companion CD with 26 more hymns! Second is picky, but I do agree with another rater that the organ could have been a little louder related to the singing. Hope you enjoy listening!
    Life Is a Church
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Another winner
    • Good but not great
    • Love it!
    • Amazing
    • Inspiring - A Vocal Masterpiece
    Life Is a Church
    David Phelps
    Manufacturer: Word Entertainment
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Revelation
    2. David Phelps
    3. Legacy of Love: David Phelps Live
    4. The Best of Guy Penrod
    5. Give It Away

    ASIN: B000AGTQLS
    Release Date: 2005-09-27

    Tracks:

    1. With His Love (Sing Holy)
    2. Something's Gotta Change
    3. Life Is A Church
    4. That's What Love IS
    5. Behold The Lamb
    6. Long Time Coming
    7. Gentle Savior
    8. Visions Of God
    9. Power
    10. The Names Lives On
    11. Legacy Of Love

    Album Description

    One of the preeminent voices in Christian music. David Phelps has been wowing crowds with his powerhouse vocals as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band since 1996. In addition to the title cut, other stand out tracks include "Something's Gotta Change", and "That's What Love Is". Musically, this album is everything a David Phelps fan would expect!

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Another winner.......2007-05-28

    I like having the fold-outs with the words to the songs. This album has some songs with really good messages, and it helps to be able to follow along with the words until one becomes accustomed to them. It is more fun and meaningful to know the words, because I was accustomed to hymns and anthems much unlike the more contemporary music. I did not care for the cover either, but after buying two CDs by this artist, I wanted more, so I bought this CD as well. I love it, and so do my friends. (I wish they would buy their own. . . just kidding.) Actually, I enjoy sharing. This singer has much to offer. Such talent, and depth. Good album, -entertaining and thought-provoking.

    4 out of 5 stars Good but not great.......2007-03-15

    David has a great voice but I still like him best when he is singing with the Gaither Vocal Band.

    5 out of 5 stars Love it!.......2006-09-10

    I love this CD as much as his previous CDs. I have 3 out of 4 of my David Phelps CDs in my CD changer at all times, including this one. At Christmas time, I have all 4. I have several favorite songs from each of his CDs. I've ordered the CD and DVD, Legacy of Love - David Phelps Live! that comes out Sept 12. I can't wait. I recently saw him in concert and can say it was the best concert I've ever been to. His voice is incomparable! I am so glad he decided to go solo. He was great with the Gaither Vocal Band but, to me, I was always waiting to hear 'more of David' - now I can hear much more of his beautiful voice and inspiring massages. Even my teenage daughter listens to David Phelps - she always has several of his songs on her iPod Shuffle, on mixed Cds and often when at the computer, she is playing his songs on iTunes. How many mothers can say that about their teenagers?! Needless to say, we both are inspired and moved by his music. Each song is like a hug from God. David is truly blessed and I am thankful that he went solo. I look forward to many more CDs from him.

    5 out of 5 stars Amazing.......2006-07-07

    I have not had the pleasure of listening to the cd yet because it's just been ordered, but I did hear David live on television last night and I was deeply moved. David's lyrical range is absoutely incredible.

    5 out of 5 stars Inspiring - A Vocal Masterpiece.......2006-06-28

    I have been a huge fan of David Phelps for about 5 years now. I was raised with southern gospel music all of my life, so I really enjoyed watching him sing with the Gaither Vocal Band. Now that he has gone solo, I truly miss his presence in the GVB, but I love his newer music. It is definitely more contemporary, but his ardent delivery, unbelievable range, and soul-inspiring lyrics move me deeply.

    David is blessed with an incredible voice - I truly believe he is one of the greatest male singers alive. He is classically trained and the quality of his voice is amazing. Although I believe I have seen him at his best performing at a Gaither Homecoming, this is an exceptional collection of music.

    The words to his songs are very powerful and profound. I adore "That's What Love Is," "Legacy of Love," and "The Name Lives On." However, all of the songs offer great inspiration and catchy melodies.

    His choice to go contemporary is one I strongly support because of his ability to reach more people. Others who have also grown up with southern gospel music have expressed a desire for him to stay with his roots, but I feel he has so much to offer and shouldn't be limited to one style when he can do so much more for Christian music.

    David is a passionate singer with a prodigious voice and once again has made a fantastic album.

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