Out of Myself [Import]

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
With his first album for !K7 Records, Benjamin Diamond, whose voice graced the worldwide Stardust mega-hit "Music Sounds Better With You", confirms that music in 2005 will in fact sound much better - with him.

After the huge success of the Stardust track, Diamond recorded his debut album Strange Attitude for Epic / Sony France which appeared in 2000. Since then, Benjamin Diamond has concentrated on the development of his own label, DiamondTraxx, as well as acting as guest vocalist (Octet, Cosmo Vitelli) and a remixer for various releases on Kompakt.

This captivating singer-songwriter record bounds through a variety of genres and pulls influences from Prince, Bob Dylan, Ray Davies from The Kinks, Arthur Lee from Love, Paul Weller and New Order in uptempo rock hymns, tracks with fine orchestrations, and melancholic reduced Folk-Pop.

The 11 fabulous pearls of pop that Diamond has brought to the surface are intriguing enough to keep your attention throughout the album. It's all so good, be it the incredibly light-footed, oscillating "Let's Get High", the pleading-fascinating- empathetic "I Wish" or accomplished rockers like the opener, "Mr. Fate", which opens with, "Hey Mr. Fate, take me down your way and show me some places I’ve never been...".

It is precisely such a place to which an album like Out Of Myself takes us. In fact, no pop record has been so simultaneously brilliant, simple, wily and effortlessly thrown together. Out Of Myself doesn't re-invent the wheel of pop music, but it fits it with a shiny new tire inflated with fantastic songs and a tread that doesn’t wear out, even after ten thousand miles.

Out of Myself,Benjamin Diamond,K7,Dance,Dance Music,Indie Electronic,Indie Rock,Pop,Rock/Pop
Out of Myself
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Skill And Emotion Collide
  • Ruined Perfection!
  • Not to bad, however it could have been better!
  • Current Pinnacle of Prog
  • Riverside is making some of the best progressive music out now - my first 5 star review.
Out of Myself
Riverside
Manufacturer: Laser's Edge
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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  1. Second Life Syndrome
  2. Voices in My Head
  3. Fear of a Blank Planet
  4. Blackfield
  5. Stupid Dream

ASIN: B0002VEONQ
Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

  1. The Same River
  2. Out Of Myself
  3. I Believe
  4. Reality Dream
  5. Loose Heart
  6. Reality Dream II
  7. In Two Minds
  8. The Curtain Falls
  9. Ok

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Skill And Emotion Collide.......2007-05-23

This album is truly one of the best debuts from a band that I have ever heard, if not thee best. If the debut album of 2003 for prog was The Mars Volta's De-Loused In The Comatorium then this is definatly the debut of 2004.

Riverside is a band in the truest sense of the word. Each insturment performs its part marvelously. Vocalist/Bassist Mariusz Duda who is truely an amazing force in this music and could give Geddy Lee a run for his money as best Singer/Bassist. His vocals are absolutly perfect for this kind of music, melancholic and full of emotion, adding to the shadowy mood that this music creates. The bass work here is amazingly creative and often a focal point in the quieter parts, helping to build tension to a louder part and even there it is still very noticable. Druming here is simply superb and also quite inventive. This inventivness is quite noticable during the two Reality Dream insturmentals. Nearly constant atmospheric keyboards create a richly colorful background for the other insturments to add to, which is best demonstrated on The Same River and The Curtain Falls. And finally we come to Piotr Grudzinski who plays guitar. Piotr has a very distinct sound, both during his solos and during his rhythm work. His solo tone is pretty much as good as solo tone gets.

The balance between insturments is amazing and provides for a moody and atmospheric experience beyond that of which most other bands can create, prog or otherwise. Riverside create the kind of music that you can put on during a drive at night or right before bed and feel at peace with the world and when this music is experienced outside of a dark enviroment, it dosn't really feel in the correct place.

1. The Same River- A twelve minute epic that is highly reminiscent of Pink Floyd. The sample says it all. 5/5

2. Out of Myself- A 3 minute song that is a little more intense than most of the album. Starts out with a cool bassline and some whispered vocals and then the keyboard comes in with some cool licks. 4/5

3. I Believe- This begins with a group talking and a confused man contemplating over his situation. Once the actual song starts it is quite enchanting and beutiful. Duda's vocals create perfect harmony here and the keyboards are superb. This song is drumless, which is actually not a bad thing. 5/5

4. Reality Dream I- An insturmental song with a harder edge than most of the other songs here. Guitar work here is quite heavy and slightly fierce, leaving way for the keyboards to create the melody. Even the insturmentals show many different parts and they never get old or stuck on one structure. Drum work here is quite good and of coarse the bass work is awsome. Watch this on YouTube along with Reality Dream II and Acronym Love(voices in my head)and if your not sold on this band you are crazy. 4.5/5

5. Loose Heart- Another ballad that really stands out. The mood here is melancholy and toward the end, even angry, where Duda lets out several roars of frustration. Far from 'ruining the sound' as said by another reviewer, the harsh vocals add to the dynamics and mood. 5/5

6. Reality Dream II- This insturmental is basically a montage of guitar solos , culminating in a furious jam. Keyboard work here is impressive and the high hat work on the drums is awsome. Duda again has awsome bass licks. 5/5

7. In Two Minds- Another acoustic song similar to I Believe and almost as powerful, if not more so. Vocals here once again are perfect for the mood and the guitar solo is as well. 4.5/5

8. The Curtain Falls- This awsome song starts out alot like a lullaby that we would hear from a music box and it continues the same peaceful road. the first part has awesome vocal work and the second part is an atmospheric insturmental that is perfect to get lost in. Perfect for bedtime or nightime driving. 5/5

9. OK- An excellent way to end the album, musically and especially Lyrically. The Drummer uses some brush tip drums here for a bit of a jazzy sound and the guitar work is very dreamy. After the last chord sounds, a minute of silence follows and then one last tribal-like vocal note sounds , leaving room and transitioning into the second part of the trilogy, Second Life Syndrome.

Without a doubt, this is one of my favorate albums. Atmospheric, Emotional and Perfect.

3 out of 5 stars Ruined Perfection!.......2007-05-17

More realisticly it would be closer to 4, let's call it 3 and a half.
I am an older guy (37), and my tastes are as diverse as one can get. The comparisons from other reviewers fit in some cases and miss the mark greatly in others.
To compare this singer to Steve Wilson of Porcupine Tree is only slightly accurate. The soothing nature of most of his focals fit in many places. However, the growling and pointless screaming snuffs out many of the great moments in many of the songs.

Musically, this (and their next) are great records. The rhythm section is supurb, and the guitar work is quite nice (the instrumental pieces are quite interesting pieces of prog magic). The vocals over 90% of the record are fine, but the 10% that they choose to scream are enough to lower the rating. The screaming serves NO point to the message they wish to convey.

One can only hope that they realize that they have many fans that appreciate intelligent rock music and that they do not have to add the adolescent bellowing in order to be "cool". They just need to grow up a bit, perhaps.

3 out of 5 stars Not to bad, however it could have been better! .......2007-05-11

This cd is a very good prog cd. However I don't think it's as earth shattering as some have made it out to be. A really good prog cd that not to many people know about is Arena's "The Visitor". Now that is a truly outstanding listen!

I find Riverside to be lacking a little something with this release. I can't put my finger on it, but somethings missing? Yes they have their moments that at times that border on greatness, but it kind of jumps around a little to much for me. Some songs/ideas don't seem to fit or flow well enough together to be a really cohesive effort. At times this really disappointed me as it took away from the overall enjoyment of this fine cd. I like the general idea here, but I think it needs to be polished a wee bit more before we can call it great!

The mix is pretty good with all the instruments being heard and well defined. My only mix grip is the guitar can sound a bit thin at times and that should have been fixed up before this was released. His solo tone is awesome though!

All in all though, I would recommend this cd to friends as it is a good listen and it gets a 3.8 out of 5 stars.

5 out of 5 stars Current Pinnacle of Prog.......2007-04-20

Ive been a Prog Rock fan ever since I can remember. I find myself digging out "Suernatural Fairy Tales" (the Rhino compilation on early prog) just to stay in touch with the base of the pyramid these guys are building on from time to time. These guys are the current capstone of the Genre for me. If you are a less unilateral thinker, you'd have to admit these guys are expanding the art on their part of the frontier and doing it with a classic link to their predecessors contributions. Now isn't that the intrigue of this whole genre... ...transition, segue, innovation, and intricate flow? These guys are masters in my book. Makes me wonder which of the predecessors they got their influence and inspiration from. "Second Life Syndrome" is equally intriguing and a great second contribution. It will be interesting to see where they take it from here. I hope this innovative little spring segues into a "river" of intricate flow.

5 out of 5 stars Riverside is making some of the best progressive music out now - my first 5 star review........2007-02-07

I regularly survey the progressive rock/metal scene hoping to find some decent new progressive talent. I have been appreciating prog since the seventies and even late sixties. In comparison to virtually all prog before it I can confidently state that Riverside is a phenomenon. There music is deliciously complex, crisp, intelligent, musically compelling and unexpected - the last of which is the best possible thing I could think to say of progressive music. The musicianship is top shelf. In a nod to Dream Theater, Riverside is clearly influenced by them but has one advantage - a decent vocalist. No, not decent, extraordinary - although decent would be enough to trump DT. Not only the lyrics, but the vocal melodies are well thought out and musically interesting. Riverside, with Out of Myself and Second Life Syndrome, is the band I have been waiting for since the mid eighties when When Dream and Day Unite came out.

For context, other contemporary prog artists I find to be quite good include, of course, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Green Carnation, Transatlantic, Spock's Beard (pre-Morse departure), Blackfield, and Siege's Even.

This is a masterpiece. If you love intense, complex, hauntingly beautiful progressive music then you can not dislike this work. I have never given a 5-star review before. This well deserves it. Congratulations Riverside, and keep the music coming!
Judy in Love & Alone
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Perfect Release of a two-fer
  • Finally "Alone" on CD!
  • Terrible sound and terrible packaging
  • JUDY AT HER BEST with SPECTACULAR SOUND!
  • Garland the Great
Judy in Love & Alone
Judy Garland
Manufacturer: S&P Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000641C8
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

  1. Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart
  2. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
  3. This Is It
  4. More Than You Know
  5. I Am Loved
  6. I Hadn't Anyone Till You
  7. I Concentrate On You
  8. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)
  9. Do I Love You?
  10. Do It Again
  11. Day In-Day Out
  12. By Myself
  13. Little Girl Blue
  14. Me And My Shadow
  15. Among My Souvenirs
  16. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues
  17. I Get The Blues When It Rains
  18. Mean To Me
  19. How About Me
  20. Just A Memory
  21. Blue Prelude
  22. Happy New Year
  23. Then You've Never Been Blue (bonus track)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Perfect Release of a two-fer.......2004-11-20

The person who wrote the review below is wrong : the "Alone" album was recorded and released in mono sound, in 1957. "Judy in Love" was Garland's first album recorded and released in stereo, in 1958.

The sound on this disc is spectacular. The original session tapes were used, for the best sound possible. It is glorious sound here, folks.

Pehaps the person that wrote the review below is thinking of the previous two-fer of "Judy in Love" from England, a few years back, paired with the "Judy" album. That CD sounded very flat and dry.

Get this new and improved disc, and you'll love it.

5 out of 5 stars Finally "Alone" on CD!.......2003-10-01

I just received this Judy "double bill" and I can only say it's GREAT!! "Alone" was always one of my favorite Judy albums, and I am more than pleased to have it on CD now. The sound is not stereo, as another reviewer point out, but it never was recorded in stereo. I have the old vinyl, and that's mono too, but also pretty worn, after all these years. The liner notes actually are pretty good too. The original covers are reproduced, with the original liner notes reprinted, AND some fresh liner notes about this re-issue. There, you can read that the "alone" recordings are from 1957, and that "Judy in Love" is from 1958, and was her first stereo album for Capitol.

So why is "alone" my favorite Judy album? Maybe simply because it was one of my first encounters with Judy, when I was 17 years old. I didn't realize at the time that the selection of songs is pretty unusual. It's not the repertoire she sang a lot in her live and TV shows. I love the mostly subdued pathos on this album, although she does belt it out occasionally, in her own inimitable way. The songs are about 'surviving on your own', and some times about finding your inner strength, in a bittersweet way. The album is not very cheerful, but it does make me feel good, in a sentimental way. The arrangements are very good, just right, in the 'proper' fifties style. The strings have a very warm quality, which wasn't always the case in those days. There is also a beautiful large choir singing in the background on some tracks.
Some of the songs are very unknown, which makes this album special too. Happy New Year, for instance, is a beautiful torch song, written over a very slow version of Old Lang Syne in minor key; a real gem of a song! Blue Prelude is also a great song, so don't be discouraged by the titles you may not know.
All in all, a 'must have' for any Judy fan, but also a wonderful introduction if you want to get acquainted with Judy's singing. "Judy in Love" is an excellent example of her warm joyful singing, while "Alone" gives you all those wonderful torch songs. A balanced package, with a passionate Judy in great voice!!

1 out of 5 stars Terrible sound and terrible packaging.......2003-06-27

Let me rant. This CD has 2 albums on it. 1 is mono and the other stereo!? I have these albums on records and they are both stereo. I feel ripped off. Also, these albums do not sound anywhere like the records in quality. In fact, they sound very boring and lacking of any sort of life. Judy did very big, exciting production numbers and the sound on this CD makes them sound stale and dead. I returned this CD and demanded my money back. The store clerk said I wasn't the only one. Thumbs way down.

5 out of 5 stars JUDY AT HER BEST with SPECTACULAR SOUND!.......2002-05-11

JUDY IN LOVE is perhaps Garland's greatest studio album. A superb collaboration with Judy in wonderful voice, and arranger Nelson Riddle at the top of his form. Inexplicably, this album is only now making its CD debut in the U.S. Capitol Records seemingly had no interest in releasing it themselves, so they've sublicensed it to S&P Records, who have done a terrific mixing and remastering job. Comparing the sound to a recent UK import is overwhelmingly impressive. The UK release sounds mediocre, and this new issue belies its having been recorded 44 years ago.
JUDY IN LOVE is paired with her monaural ballad album ALONE, which was arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins. The two albums together are a distinct contrast and yet only show the versatility and mastery of Garland. The highlight of the ALONE tracks is Jenkins' schmaltzy, yet irresistable I'VE GOT A RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES. ALONE was previously issued on CD by Capitol years ago, but has been long out of print, so this collection is a dream come true for Garland fans.

The 5 Star rating is for the recordings and the way they've been beautifully produced. It does not, however, represent a true rating for the package itself, which has been saddled with awful,
amateurish liner notes which are so poorly written that it's a blatant insult to Garland. What a shame the producers who took such care in creating such a great sounding album, didn't bring the same kind of excellence to the accompanying package. This should not detract anyone from buying this CD, but buyers looking for an interesting commentary on the legendary lady and these specific tracks will have to go elsewhere.

5 out of 5 stars Garland the Great.......2002-05-02

A beautiful compilation of two classic, original "Judy" albums. These are two of the six studio albums she recorded for Capitol in the fifties, and these are probably the best. While Judy's vocal tone is not at its best on "Judy in Love", the song selections and her interprative genius make up for the slight vocal imperfections. "More Than You Know", "I Am Loved" and "By Myself" are absolute delights, and are clearly definitive versions of these songs. In addition, the ballads shine with passion and tenderness. "Alone" is mostly filled with similarly tender songs, and on this one Garland is in fine, full voice throughout. "Little Girl Blue" is a particular standout, and the addition of the never before released "Then You've Never Been Blue" is a special treat for fans and newcomers. Popular singing doesn't come any better than this.
Michael Feinstein with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Musical Wit in an Orchestral Setting
  • A Cabaret Singer Grows Up
  • This cd is about average, it could have been better
  • Fabulously Fantastic!
  • Michael has done it again
Michael Feinstein with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Michael Feinstein , and Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005Q6LL
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

  1. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
  2. The Best Is Yet To Come
  3. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry
  4. By Myself
  5. Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year
  6. Stormy Weather
  7. Laura
  8. On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever)
  9. Love Is Here To Stay
  10. How Deep is The Ocean?
  11. Somewhere
  12. I Won't Send Roses

Amazon.com

If there's a precious tone to Michael Feinstein's interpretations of the American songbook, it probably stems from a fervent dedication to preserving the original context of his material. This is, after all, a musician who spent many of his formative years in personal service to the late Ira Gershwin. This collection further underscores that commitment, with the lush sound of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (augmented by the piano trio of Alan Broadbent, who also provides all but one of the arrangements here) adding considerable dramatic resonance to Feinstein's performances.

While singers from Sinatra and Streisand to Fitzgerald and Bennett have imbued many of these songs with considerable dollops of jazz, blues, and their own strong personas, Feinstein mines melancholy jewels like "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year," "How Deep Is the Ocean," and "By Myself" for all their introspective emotion. "Somewhere" pays tribute to Bernstein with glorious, unabashed melodrama, while "Laura" (one of the most recorded songs of all time) gets recast in something approaching its original intent via an arrangement written for this recording by composer David Raksin. Feinstein himself penned the album's notes, paying careful tribute to each composer represented and noting that all were Jews, yet their music came to represent a richly American spectrum that included black and white and encompassed jazz, the theater, and even classics in its scope. There's a lesson herein, and one that spans more than mere history and musical archaeology. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Musical Wit in an Orchestral Setting.......2004-01-04

The one problem a record collector encounters when he has an album too many of one artist, is the tendency of the artist to sing the same songs in succeeding albums/settings. Feinstein, who I consider as the leading proponent in reviving the American Popular Song standards to its unfettered glory is backed by a philharmonic orchestra in this album with the musical direction of conductor Alan Broadbent. And yes, he sang some songs that were sung in sparse and acoustic settings in his previous albums. As usual, just like any cabaret singer who never really sings the same song twice (listen to the grand old dames of cabaret like Julie Wilson and Mabel Mercer), Feinstein delights in the varied ways he can see a song in different contexts. Having said that, I thought he was a bit overly cautious in exploring his rich bari-tenor (sorry for this oxymoron but that is the word to apply to his voice) in soaring the vocal lines of Kern's The Folks Who Live on the Hill. Other than that, he was at his wittiest and conversational (not to mention just plain beautiful) voice when singing I Won't Send Roses and he can revisit the Bernstein/Sondheim Somewhere without evoking the famous version of uber diva Barbra Streisand. If you like good crooning vocals in a grand and orchestral setting, this is the album to listen or give as a gift -- you/they won't regret it.

4 out of 5 stars A Cabaret Singer Grows Up.......2003-03-14

"Extraordinary how potent cheap music is." -Noel Coward

Like Coward, Mr. Feinstein seems to understand the power of popular, romantic song when flung into the void of an apparently cold universe by an all too human, understated voice...I first heard Michael Feinstein sing and play the piano umpteen years ago in the mad, bad '80s. At that time, I found his choice of material from the great 20th Century American composers refreshing & interesting, his skills as a pianist were good, and his diction to be above average. Yet his voice at that time was a bit weak--there was too much bravura nonsense, too much vibrato and he may have been too young for some of the songs that he sang at the time.

Well, we've both matured, (I hope), and Mr. Feinstein has delivered a remarkably smooth, yet heartfelt performance on this album. I'm particularly impressed by his vocal smoothness and emotional restraint, especially on "Love is Here to Stay", "How Deep Is the Ocean", "Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year" & "I Won't Send Roses". Mr. Feinstein appears to really understand the depth of feeling that these words and music evoke in him and us. The vibrato is there when needed, but the ripeness of a mature singer is beginning to be heard on his recordings and the Israeli Philharmonic simply gives his singing wings. The only song that doesn't seem to fit is "Stormy Weather"--I kept hearing Lena Horne in my mind's ear, rather than a polished cabaret singer. I hope that Feinstein continues to grow in vocal power and subtlety as he does here. A lovely album for sophisticated romantics.

2 out of 5 stars This cd is about average, it could have been better.......2002-08-18

First I would like to say i'm a Michael fan. I own all his catalog. Even though i'm a fan there are some things about this cd that I find in bad taste. Please let me explain!

I know it is hard to always be creative. There are just so many ideas to go around and then you have to start duplicating others. This is known as copying what others have done.

For this cd I felt like some of the arrangements were too long. For example, Laura as it was performed hear is a six minute song. It really should have been done in two minutes. I'm an engineer and I edited this version of Laura to run two minutes and it is just perfect. Sometimes less is really more. Also, I felt that some of the other songs didn't really have top notch arrangements attached to them. If the arrangements would have been better I whould have had no choice but to bring out the 5 star rating for this project.

To talk a little bit about the voice of Michael is my pleasure. His voice seems to be getting better with age. I have always liked Michael's voice and will continue to do so.

I will give this cd a favorable recommendation!

5 out of 5 stars Fabulously Fantastic!.......2002-07-21

Feinstein has outdone himself with this collection!! He is in fine fettle with songs that only He can do justice! His interpretations and stylings are beyond compare and trust you will not be disappointed with this recording!! Feinstein is simply fabulously fantastic!

5 out of 5 stars Michael has done it again.......2002-07-12

S'Wonderful, S'Marvelous.

If there is one thing you can say about Michael Feinstein it's that he knows how to put over a song. His new cd is absolutely magnificent, these are the only words to describe it.

Somewhere, By Myself, Stormy Weather and the rest of the songs are beyond compare. Do yourself a big, big favour and don't miss out on this cd; you'll love it.
Out of Myself
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Addictive!
  • Refreshing
Out of Myself
Benjamin Diamond
Manufacturer: K7
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007Q6S3K
Release Date: 2005-05-16

Tracks:

  1. Mr. Fate
  2. Lets Get High
  3. Lights In The Sky
  4. I Wish
  5. Give Me The Grace
  6. Out Of Myself
  7. These Emotions
  8. No One Knows
  9. There Is A Girl
  10. Shes Away
  11. Sun Is Shining

Album Description

With his first album for !K7 Records, Benjamin Diamond, whose voice graced the worldwide Stardust mega-hit "Music Sounds Better With You", confirms that music in 2005 will in fact sound much better - with him.

After the huge success of the Stardust track, Diamond recorded his debut album Strange Attitude for Epic / Sony France which appeared in 2000. Since then, Benjamin Diamond has concentrated on the development of his own label, DiamondTraxx, as well as acting as guest vocalist (Octet, Cosmo Vitelli) and a remixer for various releases on Kompakt.

This captivating singer-songwriter record bounds through a variety of genres and pulls influences from Prince, Bob Dylan, Ray Davies from The Kinks, Arthur Lee from Love, Paul Weller and New Order in uptempo rock hymns, tracks with fine orchestrations, and melancholic reduced Folk-Pop.

The 11 fabulous pearls of pop that Diamond has brought to the surface are intriguing enough to keep your attention throughout the album. It's all so good, be it the incredibly light-footed, oscillating "Let's Get High", the pleading-fascinating- empathetic "I Wish" or accomplished rockers like the opener, "Mr. Fate", which opens with, "Hey Mr. Fate, take me down your way and show me some places I've never been...".

It is precisely such a place to which an album like Out Of Myself takes us. In fact, no pop record has been so simultaneously brilliant, simple, wily and effortlessly thrown together. Out Of Myself doesn't re-invent the wheel of pop music, but it fits it with a shiny new tire inflated with fantastic songs and a tread that doesn't wear out, even after ten thousand miles.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Addictive!.......2006-02-22

Don't let Track 1 fool you, this is a full-on pop album crafted with the highest regard for 70s melody and accessibility. Track 2 introduces you to the sound that will carry the weight of the album. A incredibly listenable effort from start-to-finish, you'd never know this was the same "Ooooooh, baby" voice of Stardust's "Music Sounds Better With You". Top cuts are "Let's Get High", "Lights In The Sky", "I Wish", "Give Me The Grace", and "These Emotions". Lyrics are a decent effort -- considering the French origins -- but you will not stop singing along with all of these tracks. A huge improvement from the Diamond's first solo effort, "Strange Attitude". Search for this guy on MySpace, he occasionally will post free tracks from this CD.

4 out of 5 stars Refreshing.......2005-09-08

I borrowed this cd from a friend and couldn't get it out of my cd player. It's a mellow cd with great melodies, strong arrangements, and lyrics with substance that aren't too pretentious. Think John Mayer, Coldplay, Travis, and a bit of Everything But the Girl throw together in no particular order. It was surprising that no one has ever heard of him with the exception of a side project he did with Stardust on 'The music sounds better with you...'.

It's rare for an album to come along that you can throw in and listen to all the way through, but this one passes the test for me that cd's like Joshua Tree, Parachutes, Room for Squares, and White Ladder have passed.
The String Quartet Tribute to Beyonce
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The String Quartet Tribute to Beyonce
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
    SoulSoul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    TributesTributes | Pop | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B0000JKLTG
    Release Date: 2003-11-25

    Tracks:

    1. Crazy in Love
    2. Work It Out
    3. Closer I Get to You
    4. Naughty Girl
    5. Speechless
    6. That's How You Like It
    7. Me, Myself & I
    8. Baby Boy
    9. Be With You
    10. Rainy Day

    Product Description

    1. Work It Out
    2. Crazy In Love
    3. The Closer I Get To You
    4. Naughty Girl
    5. Speechless
    6. That's How You Like It
    7. Me, Myself & I
    8. Baby Boy
    9. Be With You
    10. Rainy Day (Original composition by Todd Mark Rubenstein)

    Format: CD
    Offenbach: La Belle Helene; Orpheus in the Underworld; La Vie Parisienne (Highlights)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Champagne Music!
    Offenbach: La Belle Helene; Orpheus in the Underworld; La Vie Parisienne (Highlights)

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

    All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Johann Strauss II: Die Fledermaus; The Gypsy Baron (Highlights)
    2. Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights)
    3. Offenbach: Orpheus in the Underworld / Burgess, Watson, etc (Highlights)

    ASIN: B00009KHY3
    Release Date: 2003-09-02

    Tracks:

    1. Overture
    2. The Happy Bride Never Stumbles
    3. You've Gone Too Far!
    4. May I Make Myself Known?
    5. My Death Appears Divinely Smiling
    6. When Diana Leaves The Mountains
    7. To Arms!
    8. When Jupy Feels The Inclination
    9. Here Comes Orpheus
    10. When I Was King Of The Boeotians
    11. I Thought That I Felt On My Shoulder
    12. What Heavenly Joy Is Mine
    13. Minuet And Galop
    14. Overture
    15. How Sad We've Made The Marchioness
    16. Well Isn't That Just Life All Over?
    17. I'm The Guide For Every Tourist
    18. I Am A Native Of Brazil
    19. In This Enchanting Queen Of Cities
    20. I Am A Dab At Carving Pork
    21. We Have Seen Sights Since Eleven... I'm A Colonel's Widow
    22. Dinner Is Served

    Tracks:

    1. Oh, Little Cloud
    2. When She Goes Out... Her Petticoats Go Frou, Frou, Frou
    3. Does He Know He's Splitting Down The Back
    4. Nobody Would Call Me A Rover
    5. I'll Have So Much To Say
    6. It's Most Important You Should Show
    7. Here You See The Place
    8. My Friends, I'm Most Delighted To See You
    9. In Songs And Shouts... Paris Blooms Like A Flower
    10. Introduction
    11. To Bow To Jupiter We Gather At The Shrine
    12. We've Had A Night Out
    13. On Mount Ida Three Great Ladies (The Judgement Of Paris)
    14. March And Entry Of The Kings
    15. Entr'acte
    16. We All Begin By Truly Trying
    17. It Is Her That Has Sent This Sweet Love Dream
    18. Come Here, You Kings Of Greece
    19. When All Of Greece Has Been Ravaged
    20. Do You See?

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Champagne Music!.......2006-07-09

    Thank goodness that these well filled CDs of selections from three of Offenbach's most entertaining and tuneful operettas are available. Exactly the thing to provide some hearty nourishment for Winter nights. Ideal also for a Summer barbecue. In both cases, a glass of champagne, or at least some other bubbly beverage, would be good to have at hand - everything here no doubt will call for a toast or several.

    It is so nice to be able to hear in these translations the witty words, sung with welcome clarity and meaning by these admirable artists. As I recall, there were no microphones in sight, and perhaps not even used, when this production of Orpheus In The Underworld was brought to Australia, with a few cast changes but the same sparkle as shown here. Crisp diction and lively, often lovely, singing - a great recipe for enjoyable listening indeed.

    The recording sounds a bit shrill here and there, but what a churlish quibble; to Hades with such curmudgeonly qualifications! This is music to raise the spirits, and not just those from Hades.
    Ain't Misbehavin' (1995 London Cast)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Ain't Misbehavin' (1995 London Cast)
      Fats Waller , and Ray Shell
      Manufacturer: First Night Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. The Very Best of Fats Waller

      ASIN: B000026YP8
      Release Date: 2003-06-17

      Tracks:

      1. Ain't Misbehavin'
      2. Honeysuckle Rose - Ray Shell
      3. Squeeze Me - Company
      4. Handful of Keys - Company
      5. I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling - Company
      6. How Ya, Baby? - Company
      7. Jitterbug Waltz
      8. Ladies Who Sing With the Band/Yacht Club Swing - Dawn Hope, , Ray Shell
      9. Cash for Your Trash - Ray Shell
      10. Off-Time
      11. Joint Is Jumpin'
      12. Spreadin' the Rhythm Around/Loungin' at the Waldorf - Debbie Bishop, , , Dawn Hope, , Ray Shell, Company
      13. Viper's Drag - Company
      14. Mean to Me
      15. Your Feet's Too Big - Ray Shell
      16. Keepin' Out of Mischief Now - Dawn Hope
      17. Find Out What They Like - Debbie Bishop, Ray Shell
      18. Fat and Greasy - Ray Shell
      19. Black and Blue
      20. Finale: I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter/Two ... - Debbie Bishop, , , Dawn Hope, , , Ray Shell, Company
      Celebrations
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Beautiful wind ensemble music
      Celebrations

      Manufacturer: Citadel
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by HansonAll Works by Hanson | Hanson, Howard | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by PersichettiAll Works by Persichetti | Persichetti, Vincent | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MarchesMarches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
      General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
      Classic Big BandClassic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
      General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
      ASIN: B000003JVY
      Release Date: 1995-11-20

      Tracks:

      1. March Carillon
      2. Chorale And Alleluia
      3. A Movement For Rosa
      4. Chorale Prelude: Be Thou My Vision
      5. Celebrations - For Chorus And Wind Ensemble: Stranger
      6. Celebrations - For Chorus And Wind Ensemble: I Celebrate Myself
      7. Celebrations - For Chorus And Wind Ensemble: You Who Celebrate Bygones
      8. Celebrations - For Chorus And Wind Ensemble: There Is That In Me
      9. Celebrations - For Chorus And Wind Ensemble: Sing Me The Universal
      10. Celebrations - For Chorus And Wind Ensemble: Flaunt Out, O Sea
      11. Celebrations - For Chorus And Wind Ensemble: I Sing The Body Electric
      12. Celebrations - For Chorus And Wind Ensemble: Clear Midnight
      13. Celebrations - For Chorus And Wind Ensemble: Voyage
      14. Variants On An Advent Hymn: Theme And Variation I
      15. Variants On An Advent Hymn: Variation II
      16. Variants On An Advent Hymn: Variation III
      17. Variants On An Advent Hymn: Variation IV
      18. Themes From 'Greenbushes'
      19. Escape From Plato's Cave: The Cave, The Struggle And The Man From The Light!
      20. Escape From Plato's Cave: Message Of The Man (The Fragile Heart)
      21. Escape From Plato's Cave: Escape...Into The Light!

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Beautiful wind ensemble music.......2003-06-29

      This treasure of a CD features some beautiful wind ensemble music, which really should receive more attention in the mainstream. Not your typical Sousa CD, this features the wind ensemble at its best, with both sections of the full, gorgeous ensemble sound and solo sections featuring the individual tone colors that contribute to the unique ensemble sound. The emotional capacity of this type of ensemble is huge, and this CD demonstrates that well. I would certainly recommend this CD to any lovers of band music and classical music, particularly those who enjoy the Romantic and 20th century composers who tend to use the winds to a fuller extent.
      Music from the Time of Tilman Riemenschneider
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • Music from 15th Century Germany
      Music from the Time of Tilman Riemenschneider

      Manufacturer: Naxos
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by ObrechtAll Works by Obrecht | Obrecht, Jacob | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      CompilationsCompilations | Classical | Styles | Music
      ChansonsChansons | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      LiederLieder | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      4-for-3 Classical4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
      4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. The Black Madonna

      ASIN: B0006M4ST6
      Release Date: 2005-01-18

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Music from 15th Century Germany.......2005-06-09

      Some of this music is familiar - in fact six tracks are licensed - from a budget CPO disc by the Hedos ensemble. Though the emphasis here is more on Germany not so much the whole of Europe. I hadn't heard Il Curioso before but they strike me as similar to the Unicorn Ensemble also found on Naxos.

      There are two similarly titled CDs

      8.557138 Music from the Time of Tillman Riemenscheider
      8.558145 ART AND MUSIC - Riemenscheider Music of His Time

      The latter disc has an extra four tracks [30]-[33] sampled from relevant releases by the Oxford Camerata. It also has a chronology of Riemenscheider's life and photos of some of his sculptures. Unfortunately it has no sung texts. I cannot comment on whether 8.557138 also has no sung texts as I haven't seen it.

      Julie Wilson Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • An excellent exploration of Arlen
      • fascinating, multi layered performance, never boring
      Julie Wilson Sings the Harold Arlen Songbook
      Harold Arlen , Julie Wilson , and William Roy
      Manufacturer: Drg
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Vocal Jazz GeneralVocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      CabaretCabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
      Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000000PFE
      Release Date: 1992-06-30

      Tracks:

      1. Blues In The Night
      2. Fun To Be Fooled/This Time the Dreams On Me
      3. Buds Won't Bud/You're A Builder Upper/Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea..
      4. Last Night When WE Were Young
      5. One For My Baby/The Man That Got Away
      6. Lydia The Tatooed Lady
      7. Out Of This World/That Old Black Magic
      8. I've Got The World On A String
      9. Mianin' In The Mornin'/Down With Love
      10. A Sleepin' Bee
      11. It's only A Paper Moon
      12. Push De Button
      13. I've Got A Right To Sing The Blues/Stormy Weather/When The Sun Comes Out
      14. Stay Out Of My Dreams
      15. horray For Love/Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive
      16. Anyplace I Hang My Hat Is Home, Come Rain Or Come Shine, I Had Myself A True Love

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars An excellent exploration of Arlen.......1999-07-20

      Julie Wilson offers another masterclass performance of songs by Harold Arlen with his numerous lyricists. Arlen's name is not as well known as some of his contemporaries, but his talents as a songwriter were magnificent. Julie Wilson and William Roy mine the Arlen songbook to produce an album of sterling quality, delivering delightful duets on such gems as 'Push De Button' and 'Lydia The Tattooed Lady'. Wilson offers brilliant readings of ballads and rhythm songs, capturing the mood and flavour of each song perfectly. Her sensuous take on 'Last Night When We Were Young' is particularly compelling. Roy's piano embellishments are, as ever, full of wit, sensitivity and formidable musicianship. A stunning offering.

      5 out of 5 stars fascinating, multi layered performance, never boring.......1999-03-15

      no matter how many time you listen to her, you'll hear something new each time. Julie Wilson is the consumate cabaret singer.

      Album Review:

      1. Palookaville [Explicit Lyrics]
      2. Party Groove: Soakin Wet, Vol. 2
      3. Penetrate Deeper
      4. Polar Sequences [Import]
      5. Premiers Symptomes [Enhanced] [EP] [Extra tracks] [Limited Edition]
      6. Put 'Em High (Enhanced) [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
      7. Reflections [Limited Edition]
      8. Rhythm of Love [Import]
      9. Romantica: Great Love Songs from around the World
      10. Saint Germain Café, Vol. 2: The Finest Electro-Jazz Compilation [Import]

      Album Review

      album review

      Album Review

      Bitch Attack

      Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 8

      Invincible Summer

      Music: Gravy Train [Import]

      I Like Compulsion and Compulsion Likes Me [Import]

      In the Arms of God

      In a Different Light

      Flute Concertos by Scheibe, Agrell & Hasse

      Gunfighter Ballads & Trail Songs

      Gigante Del Sur [Import]

      Hard/Solid Gold

      Hoje Lembrando [Import]

      Forevernevermore [Import]

      Rachmaninov: Symphonies Nos.1 - 3

      Trilogy