Whistle

Whistle

Track Listings
1. Rest in Peace
2. Damn Thing
3. (Nothing Serious) Just Buggin'
4. Chance for Our Love
5. Please Love Me
6. Just for Fun
7. We'recalledwhistle
8. Barbara's Bedroom


Whistle
Armchair Apocrypha
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • I wish he would learn to play the freakin' guitar!
  • Not to my taste
  • An Antti Keisala Comment: Tales Of The Mysterious Moon
  • memorable 'apocrypha'
  • Andrew a Bird than I'm a bird
Armchair Apocrypha
Andrew Bird
Manufacturer: Fat Possum Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
  2. Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs
  3. The Reminder
  4. Sound of Silver
  5. Sky Blue Sky

ASIN: B000MV9A1C
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

  1. Fiery Crash
  2. Imitosis
  3. Plasticities
  4. Heretics
  5. Armchairs
  6. Darkmatter
  7. Simple X
  8. The Supine
  9. Cataracts
  10. Scythian Empires
  11. Spare-Ohs
  12. Yawn At The Apocalypse

Amazon.com

Strip away the music of an Andrew Bird song, and you're left with brilliant prose ("across the great chasms and schisms and the sudden aneurysms"), vignettes about mentally fending off plane crashes, infiltrating characters like the kings of Macedonia and Lou Dobbs, and titles such as "Yawny at the Apocalyspe." It's hard to believe that, really, his music reigns, but when Bird adds understated acoustic guitars, Wurlitzer and Rhodes, and his own mesmerizing pizzicato violin, his songs take on a progressive mood all their own. The Chicago Bird's tenth album (and his debut for extraordinary Mississippi blues label Fat Possum) is perhaps his most diverse, expansive, and resourceful yet, catering to a half-dozen genres of music while exploring storylines that are naïve ("Dark Matter"), candid ("Fiery Crash"), and blatantly comical ("Armchairs"). Making no palpable effort to crack the conventional with overflowing melodies and love songs, Bird instead latches up the intellect to create tiny packages of literature that make always leave you thinking--and snapping your fingers at the same time. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars I wish he would learn to play the freakin' guitar!.......2007-07-20

First of all, let me offer my support of Invisigoth. A very well-balanced and thoughtful review (which maybe didn't match with the 1-star rating).

Secondly, I refuse to join the bandwagon of Andrew Bird worship. Especially around here (the Twin Cities), he gets played very frequently on indie rock stations here (namely, The Current), and the DJs seem to adore him. While I freely admit he's incredibly gifted as a musician, most of his songs seem to boil down to about 2 quite uninteresting chords. And anybody's who's ever plugged in an electric guitar at the music store could sound like his guitar. He seems to have no idea of how to nuance a guitar and amp to really get the richness that is possible. And I'm sorry, but "Fiery Crash" is just plain boring!

He can do better than this, and I hope he does on his next album.

2 out of 5 stars Not to my taste.......2007-07-14

Based on the reviews I read, I was really looking forward to hearing this. The artwork featuring a bird is very eye-catching. I just couldn't get into the music. I've listened to it twice, hoping that it would improve with familiarity. It didn't. The lyrics might be good but, the musicality of Andrew's work escapes me. There's nothing catchy here and most of the songs are downright depressing.

5 out of 5 stars An Antti Keisala Comment: Tales Of The Mysterious Moon.......2007-06-02

Some people go by the charts, but I belong to the other group that has found out that for them the most rewarding process in finding new music is indeed in the search itself. Some of the music I know are recommendations from friends, but quite a bit is based on the same kind of research-like relationship I have with cinema, where IMDb helps quite a bit. An example: you start from a Béla Tarr and end up being introduced to a Polish cameraman or his assistant who had worked with David Lynch on Inland Empire. I can't think of a funnier or more rewarding experience of finding new music and taking it actually into our life.

I am new to Andrew Bird. This I'm ashamed to confess, but better late than never; I only stumbled on him at the time of the release of this album a few months back, then had to get The Mysterious Production of Eggs, Weather Systems and his work with the Bowl of Fire. I came to him pretty straight through the usual companions, Sufjan Stevens and Jeffrey Foucault, and I don't know how I've managed so far without him: he's a part of the new wave of post-indie rock channeled through self-conscious resurgence of American folk music culture. But that's only part of where he's rooted: there's some of The Arcade Fire and some Jeff Buckley, and yet transcending comparison and forming a recognizable entity on his own.

Bird is a great musician and the live recordings, the three Fingerlings, should give some weight to this argument about his sense of using the instruments; he's like the young Warren Ellis of violin. He's also absolutely hilarious; his humour is witty and ironic, and his lyrics and singing completely complement the mood the song sets musically. The album opener "Fiery Crash" opens like a trashy garage rock song and evolves to an immesurably sophisticated pop song, almost echoing a Belle And Sebastian composition; but this is pop music that isn't pop music; it has twists and turns that continuously shape the direction the song and album are going to. Every time my mind grasps a hook and settles onto it for continuity, Bird changes the direction. I've scarcely had so much fun whilst listening.

A gem that's special. Have fun.

With best regards,
AK

5 out of 5 stars memorable 'apocrypha'.......2007-05-21

After seeing Andrew Bird live playing this new material I've really grown to appreciate this new album. He is taking his music in a new direction, and I for one like it a lot. My advice: buy the album, see him live, experience all the wonderful colors and lyrics that he has to offer.

4 out of 5 stars Andrew a Bird than I'm a bird.......2007-05-16

Sorry I don't have time for a well thought out review, but if you've ever dug anything by Andrew Bird, this is a sure thing.
The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • FINALLY, KEER AND NIXON BOTH SING
  • The King and I--a distinguished, beautiful score laced with tenderness and sorrow
  • A fine King and I soundtrack reissue
  • great album
  • a classic
The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack)
Deborah Kerr , Yul Brynner , Marni Nixon , Rita Moreno , and Alfred Newman
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack)
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  3. Carousel (1956 Film Soundtrack)
  4. My Fair Lady (1964 Film Soundtrack)
  5. The Music Man (1962 Film Soundtrack)

ASIN: B00005A7XC
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

  1. Main Title - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  2. I Whistle A Happy Tune - Marni Nixon/Rex Thompson
  3. My Lord And Master - Rita Moreno
  4. The March Of The Siamese Children - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  5. Anna And The Royal Wives - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  6. Hello, Young Lovers - Marni Nixon
  7. A Puzzlement - Yul Brynner
  8. Getting To Know You - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon
  9. Garden Rendezvous - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  10. We Kiss In A Shadow - Leona Gordon/Reuben Fuentes
  11. I Have Dreamed - Leona Gordon/Reuben Fuentes
  12. Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You? - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon
  13. Something Wonderful - Terry Saunders
  14. Prayer To Buddha - Yul Brynner
  15. Waltz Of Anna And Sir Edward - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  16. The Small House Of Uncle Thomas - Rita Moreno
  17. Song Of The King - Yul Brynner/Marni Nixon
  18. Shall We Dance? - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon/Yul Brynner
  19. The Letter - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
  20. Something Wonderful (Finale) - Chorus/Alfred Newman
  21. Overture (LP Version) - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman

Amazon.com essential recording

Compared with the Broadway cast recording, the 1956 soundtrack to the film version of The King and I wins hands down. Yul Brynner is the king (literally and figuratively) in both formats (how could anyone else own such a role?), but the movie's score has better sonics, Brynner's voice is stronger, and the tunes are more memorable (thanks to Alfred Newman's conducting and Ken Darby's scoring) than on any of the various cast recordings. Marni Nixon sings the role of Anna (played onscreen by Deborah Kerr), Brynner delivers his hallmark performance, and the best-loved tunes--"Hello, Young Lovers," "Getting to Know You," and "I Whistle a Happy Tune" are the versions we'll always remember. A classic. --James Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars FINALLY, KEER AND NIXON BOTH SING.......2007-05-26

WHAT A COMPLETE JOY TO HEAR MARNI NIXON AND
DEBORAH KERR BOTH SING. TRULY A COLLECTORS
ITEM WITH ALL THE NOSTALGIA, OUTSHINES ALL
OTHER ATTEMPTS TO RE-MASTER THIS MAGNIFICANT
MUSIC.

5 out of 5 stars The King and I--a distinguished, beautiful score laced with tenderness and sorrow.......2007-04-08

The King And I soundtrack is presented magnificently on this excellent 76 minute CD. This CD offers us much music and vocals that were cut from the film as well as material that never made it to the record album release of the soundtrack back in 1956. We get stunning performances by giants including Yul Brynner, Terry Saunders and Marni Nixon. This CD is so complete and generous with it's treatment of the soundtrack that it must be considered as the definitive soundtrack edition of the music from The King And I.

The CD starts off with the music for the "main title" of the film; and this also serves as an appetizer to whet out appetites for what's to come. "I Whistle A Happy Tune" gives us Marni Nixon singing the vocals for Deborah Kerr; the melody is infectiously catchy; this song is one of the highlights of the CD. "My Lord And Master," performed by Leona Gordon who sang the vocals for Rita Moreno, is another masterpiece with a softness to it that belies the pain Rita's character Tuptim feels because she is separated from her one true love. "The March Of The Siamese Children" is performed by the 20th Century Fox Orchestra to perfection without a single superfluous note; the melody infuses this number with an Asian flavor as well.

Other gems on this CD--and that would, quite honestly, include every single track--include "Hello, Young Lovers" sung by Marni Nixon as Deborah Kerr's character Anna Leonowens laments a love gone awry back in England; the touching and heartrending "We Kiss In A Shadow;" Terry Saunders as Lady Thiang performing "Something Wonderful" with exceptional sensitivity and "Shall We Dance?" which is performed by Deborah Kerr, Marni Nixon and Yul Brynner. As you listen to numbers like "Shall We Dance?" that calls for Anna, played by Deborah Kerr, to speak and then sing, you will have a hard time discerning where Deborah Kerr leaves off speaking and Marni Nixon starts singing. It's THAT good.

As long as I include the words "Something Wonderful" when writing this review I must add that the extras you get are stupendous. As I stated above, the CD boasts much that the record album soundtrack never included. Indeed, we get music that didn't even make it to the final cut of the movie! I loved the beautiful and sensitive rendition of "The Small House Of Uncle Thomas" which was previously unreleased and "Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You" is a marvelous song--cut from the final edited edition of the film--that highlights Anna's contempt for the King's backward ways.

The CD package offers more still. Along with the CD comes a generous 32 page booklet with an extensive essay by Charles L. Granata that tells the history of both the stage play and the making of the stage play into a major motion picture at Fox. In addition, you get the song credits and there are rarely seen photographs as well.

The quality of the sound shines like solid gold. These performances reflect great sensitivity to the emotions each character felt. It is a special treat to listen to Yul Brynner's songs; he infuses each song and even every word with just the right emotions so that the listener experiences exactly what his character feels at every turn.

This CD is one of the very few that truly remind me of the old MGM logo which boasted of having "more stars than there are in the heavens." Indeed, five stars are nowhere near enough for this treasure. I highly recommend this CD for people who truly loved and appreciated The King And I both in its several onstage productions as well as on the big screen; and fans of show tunes will delight in this CD soundtrack with its' diamonds scattered broadly in all directions.

5 out of 5 stars A fine King and I soundtrack reissue.......2007-02-10

Of the three recent EMI-Angel R&H film soundtrack reissues, I find that this reissue of the King & I soundtrack is the best-executed. The King and I shows a new maturing of the R&H element and this superb 1956 film adaptation more than certainly does it justice. The superb soundtrack presented here includes the complete score, along with some of Alfred Newman's underscoring, and boasts splendid performances by Marni Nixon and Yul Brynner. And of course the orchestra is sumptuous and properly lush, enveloping us in sweltering renditions of some of Rodgers' most heartfelt melodies.

I won't reiterate the critic-proof performances here. Other reviewers have covered them elsewhere. Nixon as a voice-dubber is in her element as Anna, and portrays her characterfully. Brynner is in his element as the King, as firm, commanding and authoritative as we've always known him to be. This performance shows him at his best, ripe, fresh and mature. Leona Gordon and Reuben Fuentes shine as the star-crossed lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha, bringing a melancholic quality to their brief numbers. It's really a treat to hear their renditions of the omitted songs My Lord and Master and I Have Dreamed. Rita Moreno as the real Tuptim acquits herself well when narrating the Uncle Tom's Cabin ballet sequence, presented for the first time on an official soundtrack recording. It's good to also hear Terry Saunders as Lady Thiang, in a heartfelt, humane and imploring rendition of Something Wonderful, and she is the icing on the cake of this superb soundtrack recording.

This EMI-Angel R&H soundtrack offers an extra benefit in addition to the extra musical sequences. Unlike the companion CDs of Oklahoma and Carousel, it presents the extra material from the original unmixed studio vault masters, except for the Prayer to Buddha and the Uncle Tom's Cabin ballet. This means that this reissue is blessedly free of the extraneous sound effects that plague the Oklahoma and Carousel CDs. I know that the sound effects and little snippets of dialogue drown out the music, but at least these reissues are a start in presenting comprehensive R&H soundtracks worthy of their films. What a pity that none of these R&H soundtrack reissues aren't 2-CD sets, otherwise we would have been able to hear the underscore.

In short, this is a superb presentation of a fine R&H film soundtrack.

5 out of 5 stars great album.......2006-07-15

Great songs for kids to learn to sing along, instead of bubble gum fluff.

5 out of 5 stars a classic.......2006-06-05

A true musical theater classic. Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Other classics not to forget about are:
Mary Poppins
My Fair Lady
The Wizard of Oz
Chitty Chitty Bang Band
The first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Sound of Music
Oliver
West Side Story
Fiddler on the Roof
Singing in the Rain
The Wiz
Little Mermaid
Aladdin
Beauty and the Beast
Grease
The King and I
Oklahoma
The Music Man
South Pacific

My Voice Students are always asking me for recommendations so I though I'd post it for all! We can't forget about these great musicals!
Disney's Greatest 3
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Disney's greatest hits, volum 3
  • Timeless Disney Music
  • Disney songs are the best
  • Great Disney Music
  • Not as good as Vol 1 and Vol 2
Disney's Greatest 3
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Disney's Greatest, Vol. 2
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ASIN: B00006EXKT
Release Date: 2002-08-20

Amazon.com

Cynical types will accuse Disney of milking the "greatest" concept until it's drier than Tinkerbell's fairy dust ("Supercalafragilisticexpealidocious," "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Da," and "Heigh Ho" were hits off of Vol. 1; "Bare Necessities," "It's a Small World," and "Some Day My Prince Will Come" stole the show on Vol. 2), but a glimpse of this installment's track listing is all it'll take to squash their suspicions. Once again running reverse-chronologically, Vol. 3 opens with Jonatha Brooke's gorgeously achy ballad "I'll Try," from 2002's arguably not-so-great Return to Neverland, and gradually reaches back through the years to re-raise the curtain on Toy Story 2 ("When She Loved Me," performed by Sarah McLachlan), The Lion King ("Can You Feel the Love Tonight"), Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews's classic "A Spoonful of Sugar"), Pinocchio ("Give a Little Whistle"), and a bundle of treasured others, bottoming out at 1933's "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" from The Three Little Pigs. Vol. 3 is not without its weak moments--would a G-rated movie-goers' poll produce Beauty and the Beast's "Gaston" or The Hunchback of Notre Dame's "Topsy Turvy" on a hits list? Seems unlikely. Still, the bulk of these tracks are, as the included Little Mermaid song goes, "Part of Your World," and the spread of decades they represent proves their staying power. Don't expect Disney to latch the lid on its inexhaustible archives until a dozen or so of these records, each as strong as the next, beckon you back for more. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Disney's greatest hits, volum 3.......2007-05-13

This is one of the better volums for kids and for those who are
above 18 but still have some kid in them

5 out of 5 stars Timeless Disney Music.......2007-05-07

Nothing brings sweet recollection of Disney movies like hearing the wonderful songs. In an age where there so much music with no redeeming qualities, these Disney CDs are priceless. Wonderful for the entire family to listen to around the house or in the car while traveling. We can't help but sing along. We love that these are the original tracks from the movies! Wonderful! We now have all three volumes.

5 out of 5 stars Disney songs are the best.......2006-03-18

I love the songs on this volume. I'll Try by Jonatha Brooke is such an amzing somg. I especially bought this CD fort that song but, was pleasantly surprsed by the rest of the playlist.

4 out of 5 stars Great Disney Music.......2006-02-21

I have bought the first 2 volumes of Disney's Greatest Hits and the 3rd volume doesn't disapoint. My 2 young children love to listen to this CD and talk about the movies that they come from. A definate must have!

3 out of 5 stars Not as good as Vol 1 and Vol 2.......2005-09-11

This Disney CD represents the "leftovers" that didn't make it on Vol 1 and Vol 2 of this series. Although it has some of my favorites, I don't listen to the entire CD often. Disney could have done a better job of editing the which sound files should make the cut on this one. Still, it's nice to have all 3 CDs.
Restless
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Pick Up
  • SARA'S SMOOTH, SULTRY, AND SEXY VOICE!!!!!!
  • Awesome Album!
  • Great cd!
  • Sara's best album
Restless
Sara Evans
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Born to Fly
  2. Real Fine Place
  3. No Place That Far
  4. Three Chords and the Truth
  5. Twice the Speed of Life

ASIN: B0000AC8PE
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Tracks:

  1. Rockin' Horse
  2. Backseat Of A Greyhound Bus
  3. Restless
  4. Niagra
  5. Perfect
  6. Need To Be Next To You
  7. To Be Happy
  8. Tonight
  9. Otis Redding
  10. Feel It Comin' On
  11. I Give In
  12. Big Cry
  13. Suds In The Bucket

Amazon.com

Sara Evans's 2000 effort, the platinum-selling Born to Fly, put her in the front ranks of the most promising of modern country singer-songwriters. As a woman with a strong traditional background, she found a way to marry contemporary sounds and sensibilities with her bedrock country and bluegrass history, and, with the help of producer Paul Worley, delivered a complete, believable, and very fetching record. But Restless sounds as if she and Worley just went in and cut a passel of songs. A lot of them carry a message of hope, of making "something magic out of something frightening," as she sings in "Rockin' Horse," one of five tracks she co-wrote. But most of them just sound as if she had getting on radio more in mind than anything else. It's hard to tell if the album doesn't know what it wants to be, or if it's Evans who's confused. Worley over-produced the majority of it with unnecessary layers and busy arrangements, and the repertoire ranges all over the place, from an awful attempt at swaggering R&B ("Big Cry") to the hay-bale-and-pickup milieu of "Suds in the Bucket." While the languid and affecting "Backseat of a Greyhound Bus" sticks in the memory and the sensual "Otis Redding" gets the hormones charged, too many of the songs just roll by. Evans remains a wonder of a singer, however, whether she's projecting her clearer pop voice or calling on the nasality of her Missouri barn-dance-and-bluegrass training, something in too short supply on this uneven effort. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Pick Up .......2007-07-02

Sara picked up the pace in her 4th album to good effect. This is the album of hers that I first heard and that got me interested in her. Sara recovered energy and tempo in this album in comparison wiht "Born to Fly." There are a number of good songs that serve as the pillars of this album, with very presentable songs in between. A strong 4 stars. Some worthy songs:

Rocking Horse
Back Seat of a Greyhound Bus - giving birth while on a bus trip
Niagra Falls - good imagery in this one, about love being as unstopable as a waterfall

Perfect - very catchy tune and lyrics

To Be Happy - stirring

Otis Reading - has a nice, homey feel to it. Sweetness of lover coming over

Feel it Coming On - great energy

Suds in the Bucket - excellent spirit and good story about girl who grows up real fast one day and leaves parents shocked

5 out of 5 stars SARA'S SMOOTH, SULTRY, AND SEXY VOICE!!!!!!.......2007-02-24

Great CD!!!! All the tracks are awesome!!! Way to go Sara!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Awesome Album!.......2007-02-05

This is hands down Sara Evans's best album EVER!!! It's such a great blend of country and pop (even with some R&B and jazz) and it's easy for everybody to find a song they like on it. Here's my track by track review of it:

1. Rockin' Horse- Sara sings about a childhood experience and the life lesson she gains from it. It's a cute, upbeat song, but not one of the best on this album. It would have been great for someone else though (4/5)

2. Backseat Of A Greyhound Bus- This is probably the deepest song on the entire album. It's about a girl who gets pregnant before marriage, and gets kicked out of her hometown. Sara injects so much emotion into it and makes it a great song to listen to (5/5)

3. Restless- This is a song that most single people could be able to relate to. It's about feeling out of place in the world and not being able to find "the one." I think this is one of the easiest songs to relate to on this album (5/5)

4. Niagara- This is my favorite song on the album. It's an amazing, well-written ballad and you can just feel Sara's emotions when she sings it. It definitely is a contender for one of the best songs Sara has ever recorded (5/5)

5. Perfect- Very radio-friendly, upbeat rocker. I can definitely see why it was sent to radio. She sounds kind of quirky and cute when she sings it, and you can't help but sing along with her (5/5)

6. Need To Be Next To You- Very beautiful ballad. You can definitely tell how much Sara loved her soon-to-be-ex-husband at the time this song was recorded. This would make a very good wedding song actually (5/5)

7. To Be Happy- Probably the worst song on the album. Now don't get me wrong, it's a cute, upbeat song, and it definitely sticks to you, but it just doesn't size up to any of the other songs on this album (3/5)

8. Tonight- Beautiful, sexy song. This is another good indicator about how she felt about Craig before the whole ordeal happened, and it would also be a good wedding song (5/5)

9. Otis Redding- This song is very...unique. And that's why I love it. The song sort of starts out very mellow, kind of like something you would hear at a coffee shop, but then Sara sings her heart out on the chorus. Just a great song (5/5)

10. Feel It Comin' On- Sara could probably go up to Craig and sing this song to him right now. It's such a sassy love-gone-bad song, and it's a great one too (4.5/5)

11. I Give In- This is another great song that shows how Sara felt about Craig, and it's ANOTHER great wedding song. Most young couples will be able to relate to this song (5/5)

12. Big Cry- The most soulful song on this album. The horns accent Sara's stunning, passionate vocals amazingly, and she just sounds down-right great on it (5/5)

13. Suds In The Bucket- The fun, country tune on the album. You can definitely see why she sent it to radio, and the video is very fun to watch too! (5/5)

OVERALL GRADE: 5/5

5 out of 5 stars Great cd!.......2007-01-06

Sara Evans has an awesome voice, she was made to sing country. This album has more pop sound than her usual traditional country songs. But it's a joy to listen to, 13 great tracks. If you like Sara you will not be disappointed in this cd.

5 out of 5 stars Sara's best album.......2006-12-30

I would say that "Restless" Is Sara's best album to date - It's a perfect combination of Pop and Country music. There are many themes on this album: Love, romance, life, break-ups, and having babies. Sara sings all of these songs perfectly - And every one can relate to at least one song on this album - IF not more! :)

Choice tracks:
Niagara,
To be Happy,
Tonight,
I give In,
Suds in the Bucket.
Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits
  • The Gold By Andrew
  • The best of Webber
  • THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES
  • Super good CD
Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  5. Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Premiere Collection Encore

ASIN: B0000657XY
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits.......2007-07-13

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

5 out of 5 stars The Gold By Andrew.......2007-04-23

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

4 out of 5 stars The best of Webber.......2005-09-12

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

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

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

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

4 out of 5 stars THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES.......2005-01-31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 out of 5 stars Super good CD.......2004-12-31

The songs on this CD are great. If you also play piano, the book of the same title goes perfectly with the CD. You can following along with the music and learn the songs on the piano.
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
  • Top Shelf
  • TERRIFIC CD'S
  • Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
  • Great Compilation!
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
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ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
  2. Swanee- Al Jolson
  3. When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
  4. A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
  5. My Man- Fanny Brice
  6. Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
  7. If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
  8. Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
  9. Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
  10. Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
  11. Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
  12. Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
  13. Body And Soul- Libby Holman
  14. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
  15. Night And Day- Fred Astaire
  16. Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
  17. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
  18. You're The Top- Ethel Merman
  19. Summertime- Anne Brown
  20. September Song- Walter Huston
  21. My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
  22. It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
  23. Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
  24. Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
  25. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

  1. New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
  2. If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
  3. Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
  4. There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
  5. How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
  6. Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
  7. Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
  8. Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
  9. Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
  10. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
  11. Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
  12. Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
  13. Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
  14. Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
  15. Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
  16. Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
  17. Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
  18. I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
  19. Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
  20. The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
  21. Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
  22. Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

  1. Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
  2. I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
  3. Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
  4. My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
  5. Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
  6. Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
  7. Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
  8. Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
  9. I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
  10. The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
  11. Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
  12. What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
  13. As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
  14. Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
  15. People- Barbra Streisand
  16. Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
  17. If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
  18. Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
  19. The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
  20. If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
  21. Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

  1. Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
  2. Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
  3. I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
  4. The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
  5. Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
  6. I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
  7. I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
  8. We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
  9. Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
  10. Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
  11. Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
  12. One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
  13. All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
  14. Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
  15. Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
  16. Come Follow The Band
  17. Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
  18. And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
  19. The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

  1. Memory- Betty Buckley
  2. I Am What I Am- George Hearn
  3. Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
  4. Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
  5. The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
  6. You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
  7. The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
  8. Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
  9. With One Look- Glenn Close
  10. On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
  11. Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
  12. Seasons Of Love-
  13. Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
  14. I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
  15. Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
  16. Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
  17. Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
  18. I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
  19. Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

5 out of 5 stars Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

5 out of 5 stars Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

5 out of 5 stars Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway
Celtic Spirit
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound as if I am in church.
  • Compensating . . .
  • No info
  • Best Celtic CD Ever
  • Beautiful; peaceful; classic Celtic
Celtic Spirit
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Narada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000005P62
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

  1. Ubi Caritas - Connie Dover
  2. Seacht Suailci' Na Maighdine Muire - Aoife Ni Fhearraigh
  3. Kyrie Eleison, An Ghloir, An Phaidir - Aine Minogue
  4. Be Thou My Vision - The Anjali Quartet
  5. Salve Splendor - William Jackson
  6. Noelenn Brehed - Groupe Vocal Jef Le Penven
  7. Mo Ghra' Thu' - Aoife Ni Fhearraigh
  8. Bi, A Losa, Im Chroi-se - William Coulter
  9. Our Father, God Celestial - The Baltimore Consort
  10. Puer Natus - Aine Minogue
  11. The Christ Child's Lullaby - Sheena Wellington
  12. Rosa Mystica - Therese Schroeder-Sheker

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Sound as if I am in church........2007-06-07

Though my title says chicano_punk, I have an apreciation for music also. I have a church choir, and I wish they would just sound like the voices ensembled in this album. I usually listen to this cd when I am doing my college work or I need to meditate, it is very relaxing. The vocals in this album are wonderful, and I have to say that it sounds good. I usually dislike songs that are ensembled with instruments, and choir voices, but this cd surely proved me wrong. As my comment said, it sets the ambience as if I am in church though, when I am listening to this cd. You should here the previews on this cd, and hear the voices that I am talking about. This is a great celtic album, and if you want something that is mind relieving, then you should listen to this cd.

5 out of 5 stars Compensating . . ........2007-01-24

. . . for the "non-listener" who just rated this CD three stars and admitted they hadn't even listened to it! First, why bother reviewing it if you haven't heard it! And drag down the overall score as well! This CD is beautiful by the way and deserves a full five stars. I am purchasing it again as a gift.

3 out of 5 stars No info.......2007-01-21

This CD was a Christmas gift and as yet I have not heard whether it was good or not.

5 out of 5 stars Best Celtic CD Ever.......2007-01-18

This is my absolute fav. celtic CD. I have had to buy it three times cause everyone loves it so much it keeps "turning up missing"

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful; peaceful; classic Celtic.......2006-11-28

This was one of the cd's I put with the cd player we gave my mother when she started getting suddenly really sick with cancer, and she played it a lot. I hope, and think it must have had to take her mind off for a while at least. My other 4 sisters and I do some traditional songs, and we sang "Rosa Mystica" (which we first heard on this CD), voices-only, at her funeral Mass -- she had a very close relationship with Mary and the Rosary and there couldn't have been a more fitting song. This is a great traditional Celtic album; haunting but so beautiful. Doesn't sound at all like your typical church music but is very spiritual and would actually work well for meditation of any kind, as well as just being a very beautiful album.
Csardas Hungarian Gypsy Music
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Good Hungarian Music, Even Though It Falls Slightly Short
  • can you say cacophony?
  • Mixed bag
  • Csardas Hungarian Gyspy Music
  • Gypsy fire!
Csardas Hungarian Gypsy Music

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001413
Release Date: 1995-03-21

Tracks:

  1. Csardas Music
  2. Csardas (Monti)
  3. Hungarian Songs
  4. Romanian Folk Dances
  5. Whistle Hora
  6. Hungarian Songs
  7. Kuruc Songs
  8. Hungarian Songs
  9. Doina and Hora
  10. Skylark (Dinicu)
  11. Hungarian Songs
  12. Quick Csardas
  13. Hungarian Songs
  14. Hungarian Songs
  15. Lightning Csardas

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Good Hungarian Music, Even Though It Falls Slightly Short.......2007-04-01

Being Hungarian myself, the son of a musician (my father plays the cimbalom) and a musician myself, I'd be lying if I said this CD by Santa Ferenc is great. Good? Yes. And well worth the price, but I've heard better Hungarian gypsy violinist in my time. If you really want to hear great Hungarian music try to find LPs by the lengendary Babai Bela, Lakatos Sandor, Berki Laszlo, and Banyak Kalman. Santa Ferenc has some good arrangements but lacks the feeling and depth of these other musicians. Although it probably isn't fair to him to compare him to others and is best if we judge his music purely on its own merits.

If you are familiar with Hungarian music you'll probably recognize many of the songs on the CD. They consist mainly of standard Hungarian and some Romanian gypsy songs. Track three which is titled on here merely as "Hungarian Songs" starts off with a song called "Gloomy Sunday" a song once deemed a suicide theme. We then have "Whistling Hora" a Romanian tune which has a nice arrangement and allows for some good solos. One of my favorite tracks on the album is "Doina and Hora" which is Romania but I believe the piece is really titled "Giabaralele" at least it sounds awfully close to it. It is a cimbalom solo, which unfortunately the album doesn't give credit to the other members in Santa's band. Whomever is on the cimbalom is quite good. He also has a good solo on another Romanian piece "The Lark" or as it is known in Romanian "Ciocirlia".

I've read some people have complained about the "sound" of the album, claiming it is not authentic Hungarian music. I honestly have no clue what they are talking about. I can honestly say, without exaggeration, I have listen to this music every day of my life since as far back as I can remember and this CD sounds pretty much like what you'd expect a Hungarian gypsy album to sound like.

Again, while it's not fair to compare Santa Ferenc (whom for the sake of complete honesty I should admit knows my father) to other Hungarian musicians, I still feel Santa merely plays the songs and doesn't add much emotion to them, the CD is still one most fans of Hungarian music should enjoy. *** 1\2 out of *****

Bottom-line: While not a great CD and not a great musician Santa Ferenc does have some good arrangements and good musicians backing him up plus a nice collection of famous Hungarian and Romanian songs. While he doesn't compare to other great musicians, for the price it is well worth it and doesn't need to compare.

1 out of 5 stars can you say cacophony?.......2007-03-20

Let me preface this review with the disclaimer that I *almost* know nothing about hungarian gypsy music - BUT I purchased this cd based upon the positive customer reviews found here. Don't believe any of it - this cd completely lacks ANY depth or richness expected of traditional gypsy music - most songs are fully overwhelmed by a single instrument of extremely annoying high-pitched screeching clearly produced by some solo egomaniacal musician not interested in texture but inducing suicidal tendencies in the listener, not unlike being subjected to a full hour of screaming cats in heat in the alley. Luckily you can just throw the cd in your garbage instead of having to hurl garbage at stray cats to shut the gawdawful noise up.

3 out of 5 stars Mixed bag.......2007-01-17

My grandfather listen to alot of this music as I was growing up and I was hoping this cd would be like revisiting a stay at his house. On some levels it was, the basic sound was there, and some of the songs sounded right but there was not that fevered pitch that I was used to in Hungarian Gypsy Music. Some of the songs sounded totatly different from what I expected, there was one that broke down into this atonal, disjuncted fiddle and horns combo that I had never incountered before.

Not what I was expecting and wanting but still brings back fond memories.

5 out of 5 stars Csardas Hungarian Gyspy Music.......2006-03-10

The music is what I expected and the delivery and price were very acceptable. All was in excellent condition when it arrived.

5 out of 5 stars Gypsy fire!.......2006-03-06

This music is amazing. Authentically captures the spirit of traditional gypsy folk music wonderfully. I guess the best way to describe this music is to tell you what the liner notes say: "Popular Hungarian gypsy music owes much of its form to earlier aristocratic encouragement. In particular the csardas, which makes use of folk elements, provided entertainment for the nobility, among whom it was supposed that the csardas, which derives its name from the word csarda, a country inn, was danced on Sunday afternoonns by the peasantry. The dance was introduced to polite society in the late 1830s, notably, it is said, by Count Bela Wenckheim, who coined the name. The csardas is similar in form to the verbunkos or recruiting-dance, with its slow opening section and rapid second section, and has come to epitomize Hunagarian gypsy music. It was Franz Liszt who, in the heyday of musical nationalism, seized on the csardas as a source for his Hungarian Rhapsodies, wrongly supposing this to be an example of real Hungarian folk music, rather than the hybrid form that it was. It was left to Bela Bartok and Kodaly in a later generation to collect and classify the true folk music of Hungary and neighboring regions, distinguishing this from the form of popular music provided by the gypsy bands. The bands themselves have long history, whether providing music for the Esterhazy family at their great palace of Esteraza in the time of Franz Josef Hadyn or for later generations in less distinguished surroundings. Basic instrumentation continues very largely the traditions of the 18th Century, with a solo violin carrying the improvisatory melodic burden, accompanied by a second violin or viola, double bass and cimbalom, with the additional use of the the tarogato, an instrument similar in timbre to the clarinet, which sometimes replaces it. The tarogato has a long association with Hungarian nationalism and was at one time banned by the Austrian authorities for that very reason. The music of Ferenc Santa and his gypsy band includes examples of the csardas, with the famous use of the form by the Italian violinist Vittorio Monti (1868-1922), who made his later career in Paris. Also included is Skylark by the Romanian violinist and Carl Flesch pupil Grigoras Dinicu (1889-1949), who arranged a number of popular Romanian melodies and is well remembered for his famous Hora Staccato, using the traditional dance-form, also coupled here with a traditional doina, a popular improvisatory form. In addition to the prominent sol violin, the gypsy band also provides variety in solos for the cimbalom, with reminiscences of material used by Kodaly in his Hary Janos, and for the characteristic tarogato." So there you have a bit of history behind these folk tunes. It is strangely evocative, fiery, nationalistic music that has influenced Western music in several ways. I even sensed some jazz-type rhythms in track 3. Check out Ligeti's Old Hungarian Parlor Dances - seems like he draws much of this piece from these gypsy rhythms, especially track 8. Wonder if this Ferenc Santa ever tours as I would love to hear him and his band perform live - just you dare try to keep your feet still when listening to this! Pick this Naxos gem up today, especially if you have some Hungarian roots like me - this music will come alive for you, it's in your blood. Enjoy!
Whistle Bait: 25 Rockabilly Rave-Ups
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Rock-A-Billy Review
  • OK I Guess
  • Whistle Bait
  • GREAT COMPANION TO THE "AIN'T I'M A DOG" CD
  • Like drinking good Scotch on the rocks
Whistle Bait: 25 Rockabilly Rave-Ups
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004W59Z
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Tracks:

  1. Whistle Bait - Larry Collins
  2. You're Humbuggin' Me - Lefty Frizzell
  3. Snatch It And Grab It - Freddie Hart
  4. Rawhide - Link Wray & The Wraymen
  5. Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor - Johnny Horton
  6. Wild Wild Young Men - Rose Maddox
  7. Bop-A-Lena - Ronnie Self
  8. Ugly And Slouchy - Maddox Brothers
  9. Everybody's Rockin' - Werly Fairburn
  10. Jive After Five - Carl Perkins
  11. Bo Bo Ska Diddle Daddle - Wayne Walker
  12. Ah. Poor Little Baby - Billy 'Crash' Craddock
  13. Hoy Hoy - The Collins Kids
  14. Dig Boy Dig - Freddie Hart
  15. Guitar Rock And Roll - Joe Maphis
  16. I Got A Hole In My Pocket - 'Little' Jimmy Dickens
  17. Big Fool - Ronnie Self
  18. All Over Again - Johnny Cash
  19. Romp Stompin' Boogie - Jaycee Hill
  20. Baboon Boogie - Jimmy Murphy
  21. Good Rockin' Baby - Sid King & The Five Strings
  22. Rocky Road Blues - Ronnie Self
  23. Pink Pedal Pushers - Carl Perkins
  24. I'm Coming Home - Johnny Horton
  25. Mean Mama Blues - Marty Robbins

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Rock-A-Billy Review.......2007-02-07

The song selections on this cd are not as strong as the "Ain't I'm a Dog" disc, but still well worth the money. If nothing else Johnny Horton's Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor and the Coop cover art are worth the price of the cd. Rock-A-Billy fans will enjoy most all of the tracks.

The Mean Eyed Cat
KNON Radio 89.3
Dallas, Texas

3 out of 5 stars OK I Guess.......2006-05-02

I was a little disappointed in this one. The second is way better by far. Not that all the songs suck there is a handful of good ones The Collin Kids "Whistle Bait" and "Bo Bo Skadaddle" other than that I wouldn't recommend this to somebody who is wanting to hear the Rockabilly sound (Try "Ain't I'm a Dog" for that).

4 out of 5 stars Whistle Bait.......2006-03-13

This type of music takes me back to a feel good time in my life. I heard most of these songs on a static filled radio stations.... Ahh, take me back........Mick Addington

1 out of 5 stars GREAT COMPANION TO THE "AIN'T I'M A DOG" CD.......2006-01-22

I GOT THE ABOVE TITLE FROM ANOTHER VENDER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO SEND THIS ONE AND THIS IS ABSOLUTLY THE BEST ROCKABILLY ON RECORD/CD. COLUMBIA RECORDS WAS NOT KNOWN FOR THEIR ROCK AND ROLL IN THE 50'S AND IF THIS IS NOT ROCK AND ROLL I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. GET THIS CD AND THE COMPANION "AIN'T I'M A DOG". YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FIVE STAR RATING INSTEAD OF ONE--IT WAS ENTERED BY MISTAKE.

5 out of 5 stars Like drinking good Scotch on the rocks.......2006-01-21

I thought this CD would just be a good way to get introduced to some of the not-so-famous-as-Carl-Perkins rockabilly singers of the '50s. (To correct the last reviewer, all of the tracks on the CD were recorded in the '50s per the liner notes.) And a great introduction it is, but the sound quality is excellent, despite apparently being mono recordings, and thus the CD is fun to listen to as well as being good rockabilly schooling. "Ain't I'm a Dog," the companion CD, is just as good.
Anyone Can Whistle (1964 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • COOKIE JAR
  • Not Sondheim's Best Work... or even close
  • Okay, so it's not a perfect musical...
  • A Cult Musical
  • Simply delightful!
Anyone Can Whistle (1964 Original Broadway Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Angela Lansbury , and Lee Remick
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000996G0
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

  1. Prelude
  2. Me and My Town - Angela Lansbury
  3. Miracle Song - Angela Lansbury
  4. There Won't Be Trumpets - Lee Remick
  5. Simple - Angela Lansbury
  6. Come Play Wiz Me - Lee Remick & Harry Guardino
  7. Anyone Can Whistle - Lee Remick
  8. A Parade in Town - Angela Lansbury & ensemble
  9. Everybody Says Don't - Harry Guardino
  10. I've Got You To Lean On - Angela Lansbury
  11. See What It Gets You - Lee Remick
  12. The Cookie Chase
  13. With So Little to Be Sure Of - Lee Remick & Harry Guardino
  14. I'm Like the Bluebird (bonus) - Stephen Sondheim, piano & vocals (previously unreleased demo)
  15. The Lame, the Halt, and the Blind (bonus) - Stephen Sondheim, piano & vocals (previously unreleased demo)
  16. Come Play Wiz Me (bonus) - Stephen Sondheim, piano & vocals (previously unreleased demo)
  17. Anyone Can Whistle (bonus) - Stephen Sondheim, piano & vocals (previously unreleased demo)
  18. With So Little to Be Sure Of (bonus) - Stephen Sondheim, piano & vocals (previously unreleased demo)

Amazon.com

Give credit (and thanks) to Goddard Lieberson and Columbia Records for preserving the original cast recording of Anyone Can Whistle despite a blink-and-you-missed-it run of nine performances in 1964. That's often blamed on the challenging and confusing book, which features a Mayoress (Angela Lansbury) whose town is economically depressed until the fortuitous arrival of an apparent miracle. Unfortunately, the resulting influx of tourists clashes with 49 patients (known as "cookies") from a local mental hospital led by nurse Fay Apple (Lee Remick) when a traveling physician named Hapgood (Harry Guardino) arrives to sort things out. The score is fascinating early Stephen Sondheim and includes numerous songs that have become staples of Sondheim song collections: "There Won't Be Trumpets," the gentle title tune, "A Parade in Town," "Everybody Says Don't," and "With So Little to Be Sure Of." Almost exactly 31 years later, Anyone Can Whistle was recorded as a gala benefit concert, with 20 additional minutes of music and dialogue, an all-star cast including Lansbury and Bernadette Peters, and the excitement of a live performance. For heart, though, it still doesn't measure up to the original cast recording. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars COOKIE JAR.......2007-02-01

What a complex, unexpected, unwelcome show for 1960s Broadway! And how fascinating to hear it today thanks to the, as ever, fine Goddard Lieberson produced OBC Album; a prized museum piece.

Arthur Laurence (a McCarthy witch-hunt-victim) must have been embittered, eager to retaliate with a vengeance here; and his sophisticated, ever willing to innovate and experiment, young collaborator Stephen Sondheim backed him up with a (some of them, indeed bizarre!) mixed bag of musical numbers. The impetus ranges from Brecht, Offenbach, Viennese Operetta through the likes of Ionesco, Pinter to the more conventional (Me and My Town recalls the Marilyn & Boys "Heat Wave"; "Come Play Wiz Me", the saucy Sellers/Loren doctor song). All told, a Broadway musical imposing such adamant, incisive, lunatic angle on US executive corruption was then, indeed, audacious at all risks.

The core of this (then doomed) effort is the number called "Simple"... and simple it is not at all: an extended, frantic, absurd, sardonic ensemble-scene leading to the end-of-Act-One "you are all mad" idea where the audience were impelled to see themselves as reflected on a mirror, lights on the house, the actors on stage facing and applauding them. What would today audiences see? Do they acceed to (and welcome) experiment and innovation so much more nowadays, as Sondheim's later (comparable) opus, ASSASSINS finally and successfully evolved from 'Off' to 'On' Broadway stage?

Recording sessions must have been sweaty for Lieberson, for Sondheim, not the least for musical director Herbert Greene, as principal love couple struggled to comply with their pitch range, syncopations, machine-gun lyrics and proper voice technique as well as the required emotion. Lots of the latter abounds though, not unlike every original cast album recorded days after its premiere, this one recorded the day after the show folded! And quite a cookie chase it had been: sundry internal squabbles during previews; director Laurents' continual --desperate, stubborn-- re-stagings and cuts (like the marvelous "There's Always A Woman" which Kaye Ballard and Sally Mayes recently recorded beautifully in the album "Unsung Sondheim"); the quarrels between producers and creators (a fist-fight is legendary); an actor's death of heart attack during rehearsals... Whatever, the Sondheim Cult has proclaimed this album 'a must' and so it must be.

'Whistle' producers' later comments that neither Guardino or Remick could sing are exaggerated; flaws included, they could deliver a song with plenty of charisma. And a little less Sondheim tough, convoluted writing might have eased it all. Exquisite blue-eyed Lee Remick, whose acting talents rendered every word she sang so clearly defined and felt, couldn't cope with the syncopated vocal line in most of "There Won't Be Trumpets" but we can forgive her, after all, the song was cut for the premiere and, although recorded, also from the 1964 released vynil album. (Had they computer mixing and Pro-Tools facilities then, some of Remick's voice track could have easily been shifted to fit the orchestra; also some pitching repair would have delivered them all flawless.) Whatever, I never heard a more moving rendition of "Anyone Can Whistle" than Remick's (or Sondheim's own voice & piano bonus track demo). That Guardino couldn't utter "Everybody Says Don't" very fast was not such a sin then, as the world hadn't as yet experienced Sondheim's virtuoso speedy lyrics ("Getting Married Today" or the Seurat-inspired numbers for Patinkin were still in God's mind... let alone the Ballad of Czgolgosz.....) still, Guardino's singing is ripe, heavy-cigaretted and seducingly charming... The renderings of his songs in the 1995 Carnegie Hall Concert Revival sound epicene in comparison.

Last but not least, Angela Lansbury's debut in music theatre whose casting alone is worth cherishing this recording, where she coped bravely and astoundingly with the whole bravura, dazzling span of her material, introducing her distinct, bewitching, everlasting performance magic.

A Sondheim/Laurents flop well worth cherishing.

2 out of 5 stars Not Sondheim's Best Work... or even close.......2006-12-08

Well, there are a few good songs ("Everybody Says Don't", "There Won't Be Trumpets"), but the majority of songs on the album are forgettable at best. I find myself pressing the "next" button when most of the songs come up on iPod, which is always set to "shuffle all songs" mode.
I also have the concert version of the show, which was done as benefit for GMHC (why I have two versions of a show I don't like is beyond me), and even with the best stars, there's just no there there. Perhaps if I had seen the show and could appreciate the songs in context... or perhaps not.
I love Sondheim, really I do. It's just some of his music that bores and/or annoys me. And certain songs in Anyone Can Whistle are a perfect example. It's like getting the Complete Symphonic Recording of a show and realizing there was a reason that only certain songs were included in the Original Cast Recording, except that this IS the original cast recording, and there just aren't enough good songs to make an album of it.
If I were to do it again, I'd just download a few songs from iTunes or one of those sites (assuming they have showtunes on those sites) rather than buying the album. Or both versions. That was really dumb.

4 out of 5 stars Okay, so it's not a perfect musical..........2006-11-29

Anyone Can Whistle is a one of a kind musical. Looking at the evidence- an incomprehensible plot line, deathly challenging music and an infamously short broadway run- one would think that this Stephen Sondheim musical is a deservedly forgotten flop and nothing more. However, Anyone can Whistle is a poignet and relevant musical that deserves another day in the sun.

Angela Landsbury plays a corrupt mayoress who, in order to restore her town to economic prosperity, creates a fake "miracle"- water pouring from a rock. Pilgrims come to the miracle but unfortunately become mixed up with visiting resedences, "cookies", of a sanitorium. The cookies are accompanied by their nurse, Lee Remick, who sees through the mayoresses plot and refuses to identify her patients. The mayoress calls in Doctor Hapgood (Harry Gaurdino), who will separate the mass of tourists into who is sane and who is not. Then, all hell breaks loose. Some may say the plot is needlessly confusing, but the plot comes second the Sondheims magnificent score.

The best songs are ME AND MY TOWN, where we meet the mayoress and her crooked assistants, and they bemoan their failing town. In THERE WON'T BE TRUMPETS, which was originally cut from the show but included in this recording, Lee Remic denounces the mayoress' evil doings, and prophesizes a hero coming to save the town. SIMPLE has Doctor Hapgood winning the town's trust by dividing them into Group 1 and Group A- one group is sane, the other is not. Its a smart and funny song about the fine line between sanity and brilliance. In A PARADE IN TOWN, the mayoress watches her once loyal population be won over by the Doctor and his non-regime leadership. EVERYONE SAYS DON'T, possibly one of the most musically difficult songs in the show, has the Doctor teaching the nurse about his free lifestyle. I'VE GOT YOU TO LEAN ON is a song of extreem divotion between the mayoress and her lackees. WITH SO LITTLE TO BE SURE OF is a tragic love duet about the realities of love, and about the uncertanties we all feel about the future.

Anyone Can Whistle is pure genius and a must have for every Sondhiem collector.

4 out of 5 stars A Cult Musical .......2006-07-20

It was a commercial flop when it opened in Broadway (only 9 performances, according to the booklet)but it has remained just the way "cult" material lingers in the mind of fans. And that's exactly what it is: a "cult" musical, such as "Tenderloin", "Little Shop of Horrors" or Paul Simon's "Capeman". Musically, I think it's quite uneven: it does contain some beautiful songs and others are not that good. However, as a whole, it's quite well-worth listening and highly valuable to Sondheim's followers.


5 out of 5 stars Simply delightful!.......2006-05-29

Simply put, ANYONE CAN WHISTLE is just delightful. It's a shame that it wasn't seen as such in its own day and time, because Sondheim's music and lyrics are first-rate.

Originally having opened on Broadway on April 4, 1964, the show quickly folded, closing on April 11, 1964 after only nine short performances. Why this happened is a mystery to me, but some attribute it to the time in which the show was extant, the perhaps confusing book by Laurents, and other factors. The key here is that each of these factors were less related to the show itself and more to the unchangeable things of the day. In the end, it's a great shame that ANYONE... closed; just have a listen to this CD and see for yourself.

Angela Lansbury, marvelous as ever, stars as Cora Hoover Hooper, the mayoress of a small town facing one problem after another. She laments how her "peasants" detest her in "Me and My Town." Along with her town council, she hatches a not-so-brilliant but strikingly humorous plan to revive the town's economy in "Miracle Song." In an effort to prove this "miracle" a farce, Nurse Fay Apple (played by Lee Remick) gathers her patients from the local sanitarium, in an effort to confront the Mayoress and out her scheme. J. Bowden Hapgood, a sham psychoanalyst, arrives on the scene and separates the town into groups, claiming that he can tell who is sane and who is crazy -- the only problem is, he refuses to tell anyone!

While a bit complex at times, and often goofy, ANYONE... has become a cult classic in spite of (and perhaps in part due to) it being a financial flop. Ahead of its time in many ways, it's a shame that even now, some forty years later, there has yet to be a true revival.

All-in-all, the vocal performances here are superb. Lansbury is deliciously devious as the Mayoress, Remick is strong and powerful as Nurse Fay Apple, and Harry Guardino is hilarious as the misguided Hapgood.

It's a shame that they don't make them like this anymore -- in spite of it not being a success in 1964, this is truly one of the most fascinating and funny scores that classic Broadway has to offer. Very highly recommended.

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