Swimming

1. Quick Kick

2. Dark Goggles

3. Smoke

4. Porpoise Fashion

5. Long Stroke

6. Urban Waltz

7. Funnels

8. Captain Webb

9. Strong Downward

10. Chicken Chiefly

11. Lost Bearings

12. Scurvy Trick

Swimming,Baby Mammoth,Pork,Dance,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Morphine Best of the Best this album has everything... I feel like swimming right now.... yes and cure for pain are better, but this one's good a good one

Like Swimming Morphine Manufacturer: Dreamworks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Alternative Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Night Yes Cure for Pain Good B-Sides & Otherwise ASIN: B000005AM3 Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

1. Lilah (Instr.)
2. Potion
3. I Know You (Pt. III)
4. Early To Bed
5. Wishing Well
6. Like Swimming
7. Murder For The Money
8. French Fries w/ Pepper
9. Empty Box
10. Eleven O' Clock
11. Hanging On A Curtain
12. Swing It Low

Amazon.com

Morphine's music, which connects with listeners on a very physical level, is so simple it's amazing no one's done it before. Using exclusively low-register instruments, Mark Sandman's two-string bass and baritone voice, and Dana Colley's bass and baritone saxophones, the band's songs actually reverberate in the chest, treating listeners to a low-impact massage. And anything that feels this good can't be bad.

But Morphine's blessing--that distinctive low rock sound--is also their curse. Not only do they bind themselves to an instantly recognizable sound, but they also limit themselves in their arrangements: Voice and sax can each hit only one note at a time (though Colley sometimes manages to honk two saxes at once), while the bass can manage a two-note interval at best. It's hard being dynamic using only three or four sounds.

So where does that leave Like Swimming, Morphine's fourth album (and first since signing on with the big boys at DreamWorks)? Pretty much where the band started, it seems--with a blessing and a curse. As with past records, Like Swimming is easy to appreciate, full of loping bass lines and slithery sax riffs that strut through jazzy rock numbers like "Wishing Well" and "Empty Box." But while newcomers may be happy with the band's warm swing, others will pine for the first time they heard the band's earlier breakthrough on Cure For Pain. Only with the album closer "Swing It Low" (a title that could be a band manifesto) does Morphine hint at changes to come: With guitar, keyboards, programmed drums, and no saxophone, the song (first released as a Sandman solo project) proves it possible to capture Morphine's noir moods in midrange as well. --Roni Sarig

Customer Reviews:

Morphine Best of the Best.......2006-01-07

Being a huge Morphine fan for years now, and having all of their albums I figured it was time for me to share my thoughts (finally!)

If I had to order the albums in terms of least to most favorite I'd go Good, Yes, Cure For Pain, The Night, & Like Swimming...Like Swimming is their best album in my opinion. Take for example the song Like a Curtain totaly symbolizes what Morphine was about. Drawing beauty from things that seem dark simplistic. The song only has one "riff", but as it progresses it seems to become more and more complex. It might be my favorite Morphine song...period.

I Know You (PartIII) strong enough to carry the album by itself. Billy Conway could not have added a more perfect drum beat during the Chorus ("I know you, you know me too, I know everything that you're gonna do")

French Fries w/ Pepper is another song that proves Mark to be an absolute genius. For those true music lovers (and even more so for bass players), the bass riff itself is amazing. The lyrics are also very good.

I have to end this review a little abruptly, but I definately recomend this album to everyone, as I'm sure you Morphine fans already own it. Bottom line, this is just a very cool album.

this album has everything..........2004-08-31

it's sexy, it's soft, it's hard, it's jazzy, it's rock, it really is a complete package. however, i understand why a lot of people don't like it, it really isn't for everyone. morphine is a unique sound that incorporates a lot of different moods and music types into one album. give it a listen, or three, and it'll grow on you. i promise, you wont be disappointed.

I feel like swimming right now...........2004-06-06

Being from Boston, and being friends with Mark, i can say that i thought he was a man with a vision...well...anyway... I loved this album, and actually found it to be my favorite. Yes I do like all of his albums, but i especially like Like Swimming, for his haunting lyrics and saxaphone sounds. I thought it was a brilliant balance of jazz and rock with poetic verse to bring this album to a life of its own. I love every song but my favorite is Empty Box for its words, they're very meaningful, and whatever one person thinks, another thinks something completely different which brings perspective, that is brilliant... I don't think i have anything more to say except for the people that found it monotonous and boring, or so drawn into the "Morphine Style" get a life, because you completely miss the point Mark wanted and so you just think about what sounds good rather than what's interesting and different and how it continues on as such....

yes and cure for pain are better, but this one's good.......2003-12-20

as i alluded to in the title, cure for pain and yes have more standout tracks, and flow as albums better than like swimming. 'swing it low' is a nice touch on the end, very low and mellow, but also melodic. 'like swimming' was originally going to only be a cd5, with the title track, 'early to bed,' 'french fries with pepper,' and a live version of another song. glad they decided to release these sessions as a full album. not their greatest, but still much better than 95% of other groups' best albums.

a good one.......2003-05-30

I am still a huge fan of "Yes" but I do like this one too...Morphine's sound is bluesy and jazzy...cool and calming...you will love them...once you heard them you're hooked!! A great band from Boston!

Average customer rating: Very Stylish a depressing change Great Album Discerning the Core From the Rind Only Andrew can rock out with a violin!

The Swimming Hour Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire Manufacturer: Rykodisc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Weather Systems Oh! The Grandeur Thrills Andrew Bird & the Mysterious Production of Eggs Armchair Apocrypha ASIN: B00005ARFB Release Date: 2001-04-03

Tracks:

1. Two Way Action
2. Core And Rind
3. Why?
4. 11:11
5. Case In Point
6. Too Long
7. Way Out West
8. Waiting To Talk
9. Fatal Flower Garden
10. Satisfied
11. Headsoak
12. How Indiscreet
13. Dear Old Greenland

Customer Reviews:

Very Stylish.......2007-01-09

This is a great album. I recommend it highly. I will say that on the strength of this album I went back and checked out some of Bird's other albums and was disappointed. Some of his other stuff is...well...weird, and lacks the groove that this one does.

I'd like to see him do more stuff like "Satisfied". That track hits like a hammer.

a depressing change.......2006-06-03

oh how very depressingly bad this cd is! I bought it on pure faith after being thrilled with his previous efforts, only to be very sadly disappointed with it. It lacks the passion and creativity the Oh! The Grandeur and Thrills held. I get shivers of revulsion just thinking of some of the songs. I respect his desire to grow stylistically, but I just don't care for the boring songs he's produced. It honestly does depress me, because his previous combination of modern meets swing was exactly to my liking. People might suggest I turn to Squirrel Nut Zippers, but their poppish shallow jazz is no consolation -- not even worth comparison. I'll look into his other cds, but he's lost my trust.

Great Album.......2005-03-16

I'm admitting up front- This is the only album I have heard from Andrew Bird, (no rhyme intended) but I'm very impressed. Borrowing from many different musical genres- traditional pop, jazz, latin, country, etc, he can be critcized for sounding derivitive/contrived. However, from my perspective he suceeds at borrowing elements, but at the same time introducing something uniquely Andrew Bird in each song. After all music is not created in a vacuum. Its obvious that he is a gifted songwriter, singer, and musician from hearing this, but I noticed that there are a couple 1 star reviews. They read a bit like the pretentious 'he fell off/ sold out after he released his first album.' I can never understand this type of stupidity. Its as if some people want the same album released over and over again. Or maybe its the ol' "I listened to him way back before he was born"

Update- Now that I've listened to his other albums, this one still stands up as very good. Its not the first of his albums that I'd reach for today (that would be Oh! The grandeur), but its the most accessible and is solid throughout. He has changed his approach dramatically from album to album, but the quality remains for all of them. The albums before "Oh! the Grandeur" are weaker than the rest

Discerning the Core From the Rind.......2004-10-18

How could anyone think that Oh! The Grandeur and Thrills are better than this CD? Even Andrew admits on his web site that this is his favorite. I couldn't agree more. This album is far more creative than his previous work and it is much more ambitious - and it succeeds magnificently. His previous work is adept and shows a tremendous amount of musical talent - but it was pretty anachronistic, and didn't really offer anything new or terribly interesting. If you own one SNZ album you really don't need any more CDs like it. Hell, you probably don't even really need one SNZ CD since it's all been done before too. This album, on the other hand is a modern classic. There's nothing shallow about this music. As if music from the jazz era wasn't often shallow and silly. And there's plenty to like here if you like his older music or the SNZ. It doesn't stray completely from that music. I'm sorry some of you think that Andrew didn't make a CD that is appropriate to dance the Charleston to in a coat-tailed tux with a young flapper. It's the 21st century. Get over it. Andrew's moved on. We should too.

On another note, if you ever get a chance to see this man perform live DO IT! It's a life changing experience. MUCH more moving and enjoyable than listening to the CDs. I saw him a couple nights ago here in town. He lives on a farm about an hour from where I live so, I expect that I will have many opportunities to see him in the future and I don' t plan on wasting them. Make sure you visit his website ( http://www.bowloffire.com ) and purchase his two homemade live CDs (Fingerlings, and Fingerlings 2) which include some songs you won't find anywhere else. You'll get a taste of the amazing work he does whistling and singing to his violin, guitar, glockenspiel, and a Line 6 DL4 delay pedal that allows him to perform as a one-man orchestra. It's amazing to see in person.

Only Andrew can rock out with a violin!.......2004-04-18

I love this Cd. I'd listened to "Oh, the Grandeur" nonstop for weeks, so I'd been eagerly awaiting "the Swimming Hour." Initially, I listened to S.H. and was appalled. How could this be the same Andrew Bird I had grown to love!? This was rock and not jazz! And now he has backup singers?!

So I put the CD back in the case and didn't listen to it for a year. DO NOT MAKE MY MISTAKE! (How many hours of pleasure had I denied myself in that year...?) I'd only listened to it once, but eventually I slipped this CD into the player again... and after some listening, I adored it!

At first, it's shocking to hear Andrew play pop/rock, but then it grows on you and it's hard to take the CD player off "repeat one" to hear another song. His use of the violin in modern-sounding (yet unclassifiable) music is ingenious. Andrew has pulled off the impossible and made a violin a rock instrument.

This Cd is perfect for driving down the expressway with the windows rolled down and the car stereo cranked way up. It's fun, beautiful, and thought-provoking (what lyrics!) all at the same time. 11:11- oh! What a song! soothing violin with his signature strumming over the top melts away and is replaced by rhythm guitar accenting some hardcore sawing at the fiddle, in that way that only Andrew can play. Amazing. You need this CD!

This album is *not* a sell-out effort. We are talking about a man who had never listened to anything but classical music until directly before he made this CD. All of his albums are different, and show off how versatile he truly is. I am fond of saying, "Andrew has a CD for every mood!" This is the crazy, hyper album.*

And do yourself a favor and see him play live! I drove 3 1/2 hours to see him and he was absolutely stunning! He is in his element on stage; so if you think this recording is something, you ain't see nothin' until you go to a live show. *swoon*

*A note about his albums: Music of Hair is ethnic, folksy and soothing, Thrills is hot jazz with Euro influence, Oh! the Grandeur is dark, brooding, and unlike anything you've ever heard, this is rock, Weather Systems is floaty, serene New Age and indicates a move back to the more obscure jazz of Grandeur. If you can find Fingerlings or any other live recording of his, you should snatch it right up.

Andrew is beyond amazing and with or without his band Bowl of Fire, he creates some of the most innovative and original music of our time. BUY THIS CD RIGHT NOW! And if you enjoy this, check out his other releases (Kevin O'Donnell's Quality Six is BOF + 2 more musicians). You will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating: The vinyl version is better Do some research! Missed oportunity! Two classic scores! Missing the Best

Patton/The Flight of the Phoenix Manufacturer: Film Score Monthly ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wilder | Wilder, Alec | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fantastic Voyage Rio Conchos The Great Escape (Score) Beneath the 12-Mile Reef Patton (1970 Film): Also Featuring Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970 Film) (1997 Studio Recording) ASIN: B0006SSQH0 Release Date: 2005-01-11

Tracks:

1. Main Title [From Patton]
2. Battle Ground [From Patton]
3. Cemetary [From Patton]
4. First Battle [From Patton]
5. Funeral [From Patton]
6. Hospital [From Patton]
7. Prayer [From Patton]
8. No Assignment [From Patton]
9. Entr'acte [From Patton]
10. Attack [From Patton]
11. German Advance [From Patton]
12. Eloquent Man [From Patton]
13. Pay-Off [From Patton]
14. Change in the Weather [From Patton]
15. Pensive Patton/End Titles [From Patton]
16. Airborne [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
17. Main Title [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
18. Windy/Heartbreak [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
19. Brave Sargent [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
20. Harris Leaves [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
21. Senza Fine [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
22. Gabriele's Death [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
23. Water [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
24. Let's Get Back to Work [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
25. Caravan [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
26. Naughty Boy [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
27. Model Planes [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
28. Difference [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
29. Propeller [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
30. That Big Pull [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
31. Rest Stop/The Ground Run [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
32. Going Up [From the Flight of the Phoenix]
33. Swimming Hole/Finale [From the Flight of the Phoenix]

Customer Reviews:

The vinyl version is better.......2006-02-19

This is the film version, and it is inferior to the original album release. Often times, soundtrack releases differed from their film versions because composers could tweak passages here and there and get a relaxex, dedicated recording, away from the harsh deadlines of film making. The result was often glorious, as was the case for Jerry Goldsmith's Patton.

Add the famous George C. Scott speeches as prologue and epilogue and you have a classic. But only on vinyl. The vinyl version has better audio quality and is a better performance. It is a shame we are stuck with this dubbed version, which ironically is available on the Patton DVD as well.

Do some research!.......2006-01-14

This is a great CD for collectors. This is the ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK to the film. These arrangements are the ones that were ACTUALLY USED in the film, NOT the ones that were on the album with the speeches. So, if you are looking for the opening and closing speeches, you won't find them here.
Why?
Because there are actually THREE different versions of the score for this FANTASTIC film.
There was another version conducted by Jerry Goldsmith in 1997.
And.... there was ANOTHER one that was recorded in 1970. THAT is the one with the speeches. As far as I know, it has NEVER been released on CD. Hopefully, at some point, someone will see fit to release that version. Personally, I feel those are the best arrangements of the music used in the film. Or, better yet, make a special edition using all 3 versions.
So, you should be HAPPY to have THIS version as well.
By the way, I believe this info is in the liner notes of this CD.

Missed oportunity!.......2006-01-06

While I can appreciate that this release is a very competent recreation of the musical content of the original vinyl, I too was totally dismayed at the absence of Patton's speeches(as delivered by George C Scott) which are virtually inseparable from the music for anyone who owned the original vinyl release.All of which subsequently leaves this release a rather hollow experience.

Two classic scores!.......2005-11-22

This cd includes Frank DeVol's score for the Robert Aldrich classic, "Flight of the Phoenix"; an exciting score for an equally exciting movie. Goldsmith's justifiably famous score for Patton features the original recordings, including the haunting "echoplexed" trumpets. Also, the previous reviewer's one-star rating is rather inexplicable considering this is FILM SCORE release. Why would soundbites from the film be included? Bizarre. All-in-all a great package and a limited edition (only 3,000 copies). Get yours while you can - you won't be disappointed!

Missing the Best .......2005-06-25

This album does not have Patton's opening speech or the closing "All Glory is Fleeting" speech. It misses the two most important segments of the original soundtrack.

Average customer rating: Varèse Sarabande à son meilleur! A copy in every household . . . A sampler feat. some of the greatest film scores in history. "the man behind Varese Sarabande ~ Robert Townson"

In Session: Film Music Celebration Robert Townson , Joel McNeely Jerry Goldsmith , and Royal Scottish National Orchestra Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Herrmann | Herrmann, Bernard | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Newman | Newman, Alfred | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Waxman | Waxman, Franz | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Star Trek | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Varese Sarabande 25th Anniversary Celebration Music In Film (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium) The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores The Incredible Film Music Box ASIN: B00005ABOI Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

1. 2001
2. Rebecca
3. Citizen Kane
4. That Hamilton Woman
5. Anna and the King of Siam
6. Captain From Castille
7. A Streetcar Named Desire
8. Viva Zapata!
9. The Trouble With Harry
10. Peyton Place
11. Vertigo
12. The 7th Voyage of Sinbad
13. The Twilight Zone
14. Psycho
15. The 3 Worlds of Gulliver
16. Breakfast At Tiffany's
17. To Kill A Mockingbird
18. Marnie
19. Hamlet

Tracks:

1. The Agony and the Ecstasy
2. The Sand Pebbles
3. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
4. Born Free
5. Fahrenheit 451
6. Patton
7. Tora! Tora! Tora!
8. Jaws
9. Midway
10. Superman: The Movie
11. Star Trek: The Motion Picture
12. Somewhere In Time
13. Body Heat
14. Out of Africa
15. Platoon
16. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
17. Taras Bulba
18. Agony and the Ecstacy (Main Title) - Jerry Goldsmith, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
19. Sand Pebbles (Overture) - Jerry Goldsmith, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
20. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Moon and Main Title) - Jerry Goldsmith, National Philharmonic Orchestra
21. Playtime [Born Free Dub Mix II] - Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Frederic Talgorn
22. Road [From Fahrenheit 451] - Joel McNeely, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Seattle Symphony Orchestra
23. Patton (Entr'acte) - Jerry Goldsmith, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
24. Tora! Tora! Tora! (Main Title) - Jerry Goldsmith, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
25. Man Against Beast - Joel McNeely, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
26. Midway (Main Title and End Title) - Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Rick Wentworth
27. Superman The Movie (Love Theme) - John Debney, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
28. Enterprise [Star Trek: The Motion Picture] - Jerry Goldsmith, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
29. Somewhere in Time (Theme) - John Debney, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
30. Body Heat (Main Title) - The London Symphony Orchestra, Joel McNeely
31. Out of Africa (Main Title) - Joel McNeely, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
32. Platoon (Theme) - Georges Delerue
33. Shadows of the Empire (Xizor's Theme) [Star Wars] - Joel McNeely, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
34. Ride of the Cossacks [Taras Bulba] - Cliff Eidelman, Seattle Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Varèse Sarabande à son meilleur!.......2003-04-17

Robert Townson célèbre ici le 500ème cd à être édité par Varèse Sarabande en créant une compilation receuillant les nombreux réengistrements que Varèse Sarabande sut faire au travers des dernières années. Regroupant du matériel de Jerry Goldsmith, Bernard Herrmann, John Williams, Alex North et plusieurs autres, In Session propose un parcours éclectique au travers des années de compositions de chacune des bandes sonores présentées au sein de la compilation. Le voyage commence à avec la musique rejetée de 2001 d'Alex North, pour faire un parcours passant par Rebecca, Citizen Kane (Félicitons ici le FABULEUSE voix de la soprano Janice Watson et la direction impécable de Joel McNeely), Viva Zapata!, Psycho, The Sand Pebbles, Patton, Jaws, Platoon (Autre musique rejetée du regreté Georges Delerue, pastiche du célèbre Adagio pour cordes de Samuel Barber), Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Musique composée par Joel McNeely pour le livre se déroulant entre The Empire Stricke Back et The Return of the Jedi) pour finalement clore avec Tara's Bulba. Il s'agit ici d'une sélection très riche, des morceaux d'une durée appréciable et d'une direction et d'une sonorité incroyable. Il s'agit ici d'un merveilleux cadeau de Robert Townson et Varèse Sarabande (Label qui célèbre en 2003 son 25ème anniversaire. Surveillez aussi la compilation de Varèse Sarabande (4 cds pour le prix de un!) qui verra le jour le 22 avril 2003) et c'est une compilation que toute personne sensible à la musique doit posséder! Chapeau Varèse!

A copy in every household . . ........2003-02-09

This disc is so chock-full of classic scores from classic films that every movie-and-music lover should own a copy. Thanks to Robert Townson for producing this collection and the entire Varese film score catalog. My favorite tracks from this disc are "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf"; "Star Trek: The Motion Picture"; and "Midway".

A sampler feat. some of the greatest film scores in history........2001-09-06

Words cannot convey what a collection like this means to a film music collector such as myself. Varese Saraband has been releasing quality film scores and music for the last 20 plus years. My vinyl and CD collections burst with so much great stuff from Varese. One day I was looking in the bins of my local record store and noticed this little gem of a collection. I looked at it and saw a virtual cornucopia of the great film score cues for only $ (and 2 discs). So I purchased it and opened it up. Much to my surprise, the booklet is chock full of information about each scoring session and pictures to boot. I also learned more about some of these wonderful pieces as well. Well thanks to Mr. Townson and this nice collection, I plan to purchase some of the recordings these cues were released on since I don't own classics like Viva Zapata, Alex North's 2001, Superman (not the Varese version, I do have the other release), and Patton. Guess I will have to save a few pennies, but it will be worth it. I recommend this collection to anybody who wants to discover and learn about the history of film music. I also think it's a great listen from the first song to the last on both discs. My compliments to Varese on a great collection of classics (and keeping it under $).

"the man behind Varese Sarabande ~ Robert Townson".......2001-04-06

The music that this label releases is without a doubt in a class by themselves, always perfection. Here we have the 500th CD release from ~ "The Man Behind The Music" ~ Mr. Robert Townson. So much care is taken with each album, that you feel you are witnessing the birth of a newborn baby, and that may be just what it is.

For those of us who buy each album ~ people who work to create them ~ the artwork ~ musicians ~ and a list of some of the most talented composers and conductors ~ John Barry, Elmer Bernstein, John Debney, Georges Delerue, Cliff Eidelman, Jerry Goldsmith, Bernard Herrmann, Michael Lang, Henry Mancini, Joel McNeely, Alfred Newman, Alex North, Miklos Rozsa, Dimitri Shostakovich, Frederic Talgorn, Franz Waxman, Rick Wentworth and John Williams ~ and as always the sound quality and performances by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra and National Philharmonic Orchestra is dynamically flawless and simply superb.

This economically priced 2-CD-Set ~ pure film score sampling ~ is worth it's weight in gold. One should not have a favorite from this vast collection, but if asked ~ it would be "TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD" (1962) composer Elmer Bernstein took it to the limit and beyond, the story-line, cast and score was the perfect marriage.

A big, big thank you to ~ Matthew Joseph Peak (cover/session photography) ~ Jonathan Allen, Geoff Foster, Bernie Kirsh, Mike Ross, Mike Sheady and Al Swanson (recording engineers) ~ Rich Breen (mastering engineer) ~ and for the extensive 28 page liner-note booklet featuring "behind the scenes" memories of these past 500 albums, may we look forward to future classics on the next 500 CD's from producer...ROBERT TOWNSON!

Total Time: Disc One 71:20 on 19 Tracks & Disc Two 71:24 on 17 Tracks...Varese Sarabande 302 066 225 2...(2001)

Average customer rating: great CD Pleasing to the Ears Swimming Pool Soundtrack - dance song anyone

Swimming Pool Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Soundtracks | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Swimming Pool (Unrated Version) The Painted Veil Amelie ASIN: B00008Z0FW Release Date: 2006-04-17

Tracks:

1. Th
2. Writing
3. Fausse Piste
4. Rlation
5. Journal Intime
6. Mance
7. Soups
8. Flashback Meurtre
9. Ouverture
10. Apparition de Jean
11. Sur le Sable
12. Grique
13. Adagio
14. Grique Fin

Tracks:

1. Bang Bang, Extrait de une Robe d'
2. Tanze Samba mit Mir (A Far l'Amor Comincia Tu), Extrait de Gouttes ...
3. Traeume, Extrait de Gouttes d'Eau Sur Pierres Bres
4. Septembre (Quel Joli Temps), Extrait de Sous le Sable
5. Toi Jamais, Extrait de 8 Femmes
6. Papa T'Es Plus dans le Coup, RMX - Int Extrait de 8 Femmes
7. Gorecki, Extrait des Amants Criminels
8. Undenied, Extrait de Sous le Sable
9. Mirrorball, Extrait de Swimming Pool
10. Promised Land, Extrait de Swimming Pool

Customer Reviews:

great CD.......2007-03-11

I watched the movie that this soundtrax goes with had to have it found it on amazon at a real good price

Pleasing to the Ears.......2006-02-11

After getting this Cd as a gift, I was very interested in hearing the other scores that Francois Ozon had done for his other very interesting films. Each song on the first Cd is very somber, mystery enriched songs. Gives a similar backdrop to what Ozon has to offer in his earlier works, maybe making "Swimming Pool" the sophmore contender in his career.
The second Cd is highly inviting, and makes me curious about his other wonder film, "8 Femmes". Each song is catchy, whether it be the Cher influenced remake of "Bang, Bang", or the cutesy pop tune, "Papa t'es plus dans le coup" remix sung by Ozon's starlet, Ludvine Sagnier. Of course there was the song that I had lucked out on finding which was, Steve Everitt's "Mirrorball (let's do it)". I took a screenshot of the credits and saw that it was Koka Atmos 126, so I searched for that on the internet to find some more of Mr. Everitt's works. However Koka media was in french, so like the American I am I waited for this purchase and made sure that I told everyone about it and the movie. I recommend this to those who like independant and foriegn films.

Swimming Pool Soundtrack - dance song.......2005-12-30

The song is called 'Lets do It' and is perfromed by Mirror ball and composed by Steve Everitt.
It is featured on the second disk of the 'Swimming Pool' soundtrack
which you can purchase at the Amazon France.
www.amazon.fr
Its all in french though so just type in Swimming Pool at the search bar at the top and should be ok.
The 'Lets Do It' track is a little shorter than the one featured in the film but i think the version in Swimming Pool was deliberately lengthened do last the scene appropriately.
hoped this helped and happy hunting.

anyone.......2005-11-17

one song that i like on this movie, a really cool dance,trance song..is being played when there getting stoned...if anyone knows the name please post it.

Average customer rating: Great Band Fantastic! Forerunners of The Cure Robert meets Ian No mere Joy Division copyists...

Swimming + Singles The Names Manufacturer: Ltm / Boutique Nl ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Belgium | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Here Comes Everybody + Singles Spectators of Life Always Now Harmony + Singles The Plateau Phase ASIN: B00004W3MN Release Date: 2000-07-07

Tracks:

1. Music for Someone [*]
2. Discovery
3. Floating World
4. Fire
5. Life by the Sea
6. White Shadow
7. Calcutta [*]
8. Postcards [*]
9. (This Is) Harmony
10. Shanghai Gesture
11. Leave Her to Heaven
12. Light
13. Nightshift [*]
14. I Wish I Could Speak Your Language [*]
15. Astronaut [*]
16. Cat [*]
17. I Wish I Could Speak Your Language [*]

Album Description

UK compilation for cult Factory Benelux/Crepescule band. Featuring the entire 1982 debut 'Swimming' plus non-album singles etc. Produced by Martin Hannett (The Buzzcocks, Happy Mondays, Joy Division). Reminiscent of Joy Division/Magazine. Includes original artwork plus detailed liner notes. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

Collection Combining 'swimming', the Group's Sole Album Originally Released in 1982, with Bonus Tracks Taken from Singles and Compilations.

Customer Reviews:

Great Band.......2007-01-27

Great album. Be sure to check out their complilation CD, Spectators of Life, which I like even more!

Fantastic!.......2005-06-11

Everyone reviewing this album did a very good job but I'd like to add that The Names are far more comparable to New Order's first album "Movement" then to anything Joy division did - I must admit that I would sometimes get "The Wake" and "The Names" confused because their sound is very similar (the Wake being the more "pop" sounding of the two). This CD will fit nicely next to your "A Certain Ratio", "Crispy Ambulence", "Section 25" and "Eyeless In Gaza" albums...

Forerunners of The Cure.......2004-11-14

The Names were one of the most obscure bands to record for Manchester's Factory label, but their ethereal sound had a profound and direct impact on everything The Cure recorded after 1982. This close-to-comprehensive disc collects their lone album: 1982's Swimming, a few A and B sides, and two self-produced outtakes. Though the quality ranges from astonishing to mediocre, fifteen of the seventeen songs on this compilation received the magically digitized production touch of the mysterious Martin Hannett.

Apparently Hannett refused to listen to any of the band's demos, insisting instead that they perform the material live in the studio while shaking their instruments. This gives the music a hazy, almost narcotic quality. As he did with Joy Division, Hannett changed the texture of nearly every instrument by delaying the sounds for little fragments of milliseconds. The timing of each note remained perfect, but the songs themselves emerged from the mixing desk with a weirdly unique, inorganic feel about them.

Hannett also convinced the group to approach their debut LP conceptually. The up-tempo, piano-inflected numbers appear on what was the first side of the record, while the dark, nocturnal pieces follow on the second. On side one, the listener feels like she's swimming, on side two, like she's drowning. Between each song, Hannett inserted the digitally manipulated sound of water coursing through pipes. Intriguingly, the way in which the motion of the fluid is recorded makes it seem solid, metallic, and clunky. My biggest complaint is that the compiler of this reissue upset the flow of the album by placing non-album tracks without the water segues between the two sides of the original record.

A handful of uneven songs aside, Swimming + Singles is a really worthwhile release and testament to The Names under-recognized importance.

Robert meets Ian.......2003-12-17

Have you ever asked yourself, "What would have happened if Robert Smith and his boys (The Cure) had gotten together with Ian Curtis and his boys (Joy Division) and put some songs together?" Well, that's the sound that Belgium band The Names captured. They had a rhythm section like Joy Division on Closer, and keyboards, vocals and overall atmosphere like The Cure on Faith and Pornography. It really is a shame and a mystery that this Factory band had been looked over by both the critics and music lovers (I keep the two compltely separate on purpose). Unfortunately, because they were on Martin Hannett's Factory label, they were written off as "just another Joy Division copycat." This couldn't be further from the truth... Just one listen to this album and you'll realize that - though they can be compared to Joy Division and early Cure - they have a sound all their own.

They are several standouts on this collection. "White Shadow" (my personal favorite) is a somber, reflective, atmospheric piece that is reminiscent of "All Cats Are Grey" from The Cure's Faith album. The tracks "Nightshift" and "I Wish I Could Speak Your Language" are the highlights here. The upbeat yet somber atmosphere, combined with the catchy riffs, will have you hooked.

If you like The Sound, The Cure, Joy Division, or any of the other sorely overlooked atmospheric post-punk bands og the 80s, then you will want to look these guys up. Trust me...

No mere Joy Division copyists..........2002-08-30

I'm sick of lazy critics writing off all Factory-related bands as Joy Division rip-offs! These halfwits fail to see the Factory scene as a loose conglomerate of artists with a similar, modernist approach to music. A defining force for this scene was the late producer Martin Hannett, whose profound influence on the *sound* of post-punk came from his radical use of the studio as an instrument. To compare the Names to Joy Division as a convenient stylistic reference is one thing, but to brand them plagiarists overlooks Hannett's role in shaping the sounds, as well as the overall vision that many Factory/Crepuscule/Benelux bands shared.

This CD collects all of the Names' output from the early 80s. "Swimming" itself isn't an exceptional album, but the inclusion of stellar singles "Calcutta" and "Nightshift," and other bonus tracks, more than makes up for any weaknesses in the original LP.

The sound is classic Hannett: sharp and crisp, drums and bass high in the mix, with treated guitar and washes of synths pushed out to the edges, creating an atmospheric, hypnotic swell. Most songs feature catchy but understated hooks, and the various sounds/tones employed suit the melodies perfectly, resulting in lush, colorful textures. Songs like "Floating World," "Fire," and "Life by the Sea" are breezy, attractively melodic, and haunting. Comparisons to Magazine aren't off the mark. However, the Names might actually be *better* songwriters, if only because they avoid Magazine's overzealous, prog-like tendencies and focus more on space and color.

The singer's mopey, monotone hampers things at times and a few of the songs drag, but if you dig Magazine, Joy Division, early 80s Cure, Stockholm Monsters, the Wake, etc., you should give this a listen. Oh, and the cover by in-house Crepuscule artist Hennbert, rules.

Average customer rating:

World War Two Point Five Swimming Pool Q's Manufacturer: DB ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Jangle Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Royal Academy of Reality The Deep End ASIN: B0002JB0BW

Tracks:

1. 1943 A.D.
2. I'd Rather Feel This Pain (Than Be Nowhere)
3. You Don't Wanna Grow up to Be Like That
4. In the Place of Milk and Honey
5. Lord of Wiggling
6. Common Years
7. Broken Pieces
8. Sweet Reward
9. More Often Than Never
10. Good Money Gone Bad [*]
11. Firing Squad for God [*]

Average customer rating: This record is kicking my can! There's a strange light over Memphis ... A treasure chest of sound, song, and words Really Regal Just "Royal"

Royal Academy of Reality Swimming Pool Q's Manufacturer: Bar/None Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: World War Two Point Five Time on Earth ASIN: B00008XES9 Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

1. Introducing Time
2. Light Arriving Soon
3. Out Of Nothing
4. The Earth Makes Us Feel Things
5. Yesterday's Rain
6. The Discovery Of Dawn
7. Cosmogonical Heliopolis
8. Deep South
9. Everybody Knows Tomorrow
10. The Radio In Memphis
11. The Do What And The Who What
12. Yin Yang
13. Nocturnal Transmission
14. Electron Gardens
15. For No Reason
16. Sky Land
17. What Is Beyond
18. Pharaoh's Rocket
19. The Wheel Of The Sun
20. Alpha Centauri's Rise

Customer Reviews:

This record is kicking my can!.......2006-07-07

This record is just a joy to listen to. Mostly because they're covering almost 40 years of pop music so deftly that you don't even notice. If you listen it's all in there. From the Beatles to the Beach Boys on down they've nicked everyone but they don't beat the hell out of YOU for it. It's also recorded BEAUTIFULLY. It's just a good time for me whenever it's on.

There's a strange light over Memphis ..........2005-08-31

... and while Elvis may have indeed left the building on pharoah's rocket, this rocking little mini-symphony takes its view more from ancient Egypt than Tennessee. It's a planetary tour, bending space and introducing time itself to take in all the psychedelic sights: "The Discovery of Dawn," "The Wheel of the Sun," and "Alpha Centauri's Rise" are conjured in all their gauzy, 3-D grandeur. Meanwhile back on Earth, Jeff Calder and company get down with their bad selves and groove to the mysteries of "Yin Yang" and "The Do What and the Who What," muse sweetly about "Yesterday's Rain," and generally cavort in a musical, mystical be-in circa 1968. "I got a big idea/from the walking dead/down at Piedmont Park," Calder sings at one point, but the magic mushrooms must have cleared his head to put together this little gem. Ten years between albums seems a little long, and maybe Jeff can talk Anne Boston in front of a microphone more often, but these are just quibbles in what is really one of 2003's best, if criminally overlooked, pop albums. Where was the single (I nominate "Everybody Knows Tomorrow") that would have put this across?

A treasure chest of sound, song, and words.......2005-08-18

"The Royal Academy of Reality" is a treasure chest of sound, song, and words, a sprawling masterwork without any real connection the Swimming Pool Q's earlier work. Head Q Calder and Q guitarist Elsey are the mainstays, and a swarm of supporting musicians contributes all manner of instruments from the traditional to the exotic.

All manner of adjective suggest themselves as appropriate to describe this collection of songs focused on earth, cosmology, mythology, and physics---not your typical subject matter. It takes several listens to start pulling together the themes that thread their way through the CD, but the music pulls one in from the first: swirling electronic effects, orchestral passages, spacious sections for the instruments (both the normal and the unusual) to shine, great guitar riffs, and enough bass, percussion, drums, and keyboards to keep the enterprise grounded.

Jeff Calder handles the vocals ably, but it's the all too brief appearance of Q's long-time female vocalist Anne Richmond Boston on a few tracks that leaves the listener yearning for more. The lyrics, which are intriguing and well-developed, may send some listeners scrambling for those arcane paperbacks on the Sirius mystery or ancient civilizations or physics and mysticism many of us accumulated during our younger years.

Calder, Elsey, and company spent a decade working on this CD, and the attention they have paid to nuance and detail reveals itself. (I was initially drawn in by the fine packaging and artwork before I realized this was a Swimming Pool Q's CD.) Let's hope the next effort from this collective does not take a decade.

Really Regal.......2004-12-15

After their last effort, which was to be kind, a struggle to listen to, this is major ear candy. Every track holds sonic secrets to be discovered and re-discovered upon repeated listenings. And, you WILL listen to this one again and again.

Just "Royal".......2004-11-18

The Swimming Pool Qs radically change their sound in "Royal Academy of Reality," moving away from a sort of Southern new-wave sound into a... well, they sound like the long-lost Southern cousin of the Elephant 6 Collective. Part spacey, part psychedelic, part southern rock.

It opens with a too-soft-to-really-hear Mini Moog opener, which slides into the sunny pop of "Light Arriving Soon." With several songs like "Yesterday's Rain" and "The Radio in Memphis," the Swimming Pool Qs cling to their Southern pop-rock roots. These songs are a lot grittier, and there are several in the middle of the album, before switching to something a bit odder.

After the brassy cacophony of "Out Of Nothing," the Swimming Pool Qs display their willingness to explore every other kind of music. They take on the watery "The Earth Makes Us Feel Things," ethereal instrumental numbers, funky dancepop about pharaohs and "yin... yang!", stately organs, and languid bassy trip-hop sweeps. In short, a third is Southern-tinged rock, and the other two-thirds are anything else.

It feels like the Swimming Pool Qs are transitioning from one style to another -- and unlike most transition albums, it doesn't feel weird. Instead, it feels like the band is strapping itself onto the "Pharaoh's Rocket," and are heading off to more surreal, spacey places to inspire their music. But, I might add, without leaving their old inspirations behind.

Regal spacepop doesn't seem to meld easily with Southern rock, but it does. More grounded instruments like drums, guitar and bass are paired with cowbells, dulcimer and sax; at the same time, the band weaves in moog, violins, toy piano, turntables and shimmering Mellotron. The result can be funky pop, gritty rock, or sweeping, ethereal soundscapes that tremble under Calder's vocals.

Jeff Calder has an unusually good voice for this kind of music. It's full and flexible; he can sound sexy and languid one moment, and channel Wayne Coyne in "Electron Gardens" the next. The songwriting seems to be a bit out there as well, with songs about a pharaoh in orbit, loneliness in the Deep South, Alpha Centauri and ivy-covered fortunetellers. "Now we're caught in a trance/of high romance and the voltage of plants/will the things that we're seeing/bring us any closer to some new way of being?" Calder asks quizzically.

Take a healthy dose of Southern rock and mingle it with some of the better Flaming Lips songs, and the result is Swimming Pool Qs' "Royal Academy of Reality," a memorable and very promising album.

Average customer rating: Bill's Solo masterpiece One of my favorite solo guitar albums ever still swimming ... Bill Connors' Escape from Forever

Swimming with a Hole in My Body Bill Connors Manufacturer: ECM ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Theme to the Guardian Saudades The Widow in the Window Paris Concert I Have the Room Above Her ASIN: B000026FRM Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

1. Feet First
2. Wade
3. Sing and Swim
4. Frog Stroke
5. Surrender to the Water
6. Survive
7. With Strings Attached
8. Breath

Customer Reviews:

Bill's Solo masterpiece.......2003-09-07

Connors came to attention as the first wild electric guitarist with Chick Corea's Return To Forever group (Al Dimeola filled the spot after Connors left).
The RTF work may stillbe his best known, which is a shame really, because after leaving the group he concentrated on acoustic and nylon string guitars and recorded as a solo artist during the late 70's with ECM while, at the same time, being a part of several collaboritive recordings on the IAI label (Improvising Artists Inc), which was a New York-based jazz label run by pianist Paul Bley. Sadly, this label no longer exists, but Connors recorded at least 4 albums during this period for them (all of which also featured Paul Bley's piano). Those late 70's recordings were issued on CD however in the early 90's but seem to be out of print now. For fans of really avant-guarde improvised jazz, those records are worth seeking out (as well as Connors fans looking to hear a slightly different side than we get on the ECM records or with Chick Corea's RTF).
Connors recorded only 2 all-solo discs, both for ECM. The earlier "Theme To The Guardian" and this follow-up, "Swimming".
I really find that "Swimming" does the trick, so to speak, for me. It really delivers the goods. By that I mean, I believe if Connors intent here was to get the listener "lost" in his music, without any regard for passing time, well he suceeded. Especially with the longer cuts here. While "Guardian" is still also a fine companion album to this, I belive it's shorter pieces (though fine compositions) were harder to get that "lost-in" vibe to them , simply because they ended too soon.
I'm sorry ECM didn't keep Connors around as a solo artists though. He did also record another solo disc for ECM in a quartet context with Drummer Jack Dejohnette, Saxophonist Jan Garbarek and Gary Peacock on Bass, as well as make several appearences with the Jan Garbarek Group at this same time period.
This was Connors most prolific period: solo discs with ECM, guitarist with the Jan Garbarek group, several recording projects with Paul Bley on the IAI label. There was also a great, never released on CD recording on ECM done in Feb 1979 with Connors in a trio setting on an album by Vibraphonist Tom Van Der Geld called "Path", which also featured Roger Jannotta playing Flute, Oboe, and Saxophone. A great percussionless chamberish recording that all Connors fans should flock to buy if ECM ever deems it worthy of re-releasing. I burned my old vinyl copy onto CD years ago and still play this one along with "Swimming" as my most frequently-played Connors discs.
After this period Connors dropped from sight, re-emerged in the mid 80's for a few years making 3 electric guitar fusion recordings that are still in print, but no-one would believe that this is the same person as recorded these discs I am talking about here, then dropped from sight afterwards.
Connors 80's fusion music is so different from what you have here however, that, if you heard his 80's stuff and didn't like it, well, please do not let that deter you from sampling his 70's music. I'm not even so sure that many fans of Connors 70's music would like his 80's fusion recordings and i'm sure that also works vice-versa.
Well, he's still around and i'm still hoping that he returns to the world of recorded music again, specifically in the mode that we have here. Well, at least for now we still do have these recordings (are you out there reading this Bill??) .

One of my favorite solo guitar albums ever.......2002-07-11

I literally wore out the original import vinyl of this one, bought the moment it came out. The liquid guitar work just sings. I got my CD version from Amsterdam 'cause I couldn't find it in the states; thanks Amazon for carrying this now. Highly recommended. Timeless, playful, moving and quiet all at once.

still swimming ..........2002-04-08

I first heard the album right when it was released ,having been turned on to "theme to the guardian" roughly three years earlier. In stark contrast to the guitar scene at the time the quiet melody and detached rhythms spoke volumes about
the "ambient" possibilties of solo acoustic guitar.Not over the top virtuosity but reflective,thoughtful,genuine music.The compositions and arrangments have a depth that like most great records reveal new imagery with repeat listenings
the album was recorded by the unhearlded Jan Erik Kongshaug who brings an audiophile quality to it .As relevent now if not more so in our "got to have it now" world
"Swimming with.." causes you stop and think about what it is you've gotten yourself into and how that experience might
influence the future for the positive.
"Swimming with .. "is one of my 10 favorite recordings.

Bill Connors' Escape from Forever.......2001-06-17

I'm still waiting to get ahold of the cd version of this, but that's okay, the exquisite ECM vinyl that I rely on still delivers the goods: If you've heard Connors' prior ECM solo recording Theme to the Gaurdian, then you'll have some idea; Swimming was recorded in 1979, about 5 years after Connors left Return to Forever and went acoustic, performing rarely and woodshedding extensively in his Brooklyn loft. Although he had been playing lots of classical guitar during the late '70's, Swimming features acoustic steel-string, sometimes with one melody line over-dubbed on top of the chord progressions, which are often reminscent of Ralph Towner's composing, without the rhythmic drive which Towner usually has on display. Here on Swimming, the performances are often devoid of a discernable beat; rather meandering, but moody & beautiful.

Average customer rating: Swimming in the Make Believe - Jeff Larson Jeff Larson changes style Jeff is a treasure.... Another good one Ear Candy of the Highest Order!

Swimming in the Make Believe Manufacturer: New Surf North ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Horizontal Fall Here & Now Two Part Confessional, pt 1 Sepia Fragile Sunrise ASIN: B000FFL0MM Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

1. You Remind Me Of The Sun
2. Play Through
3. A Faraway Girl
4. Southaways
5. I'll Be Gone
6. Summer Fades
7. Hand Me Down
8. Something Of Magritte
9. Under The Weather
10. Rain On Me
11. She Has To Know By Now
12. Leaving California

Product Description

Twelve new tracks for the Summer of 2006, completing a trilogy that started with 2002's "Fragile Sunrise" and followed by 2004's "Sepia". Guest include Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell (America), Robert Lamm (Chicago), Jeff Foskett (Brian Wilson Band), Randell Kirsch (Beach Boys Band) among others.

Customer Reviews:

Swimming in the Make Believe - Jeff Larson.......2007-06-14

Refreshing to hear a collection of music that I don't have to skip over songs to get to the good ones! You can definitely hear the influence of America's Beckley and Bunnell. Great listening for that weekend afternoon, with friends on the deck sipping Mohitas, or on the beach. Have recommended this one to many friends and family and all love it! If this was played on the radio, could be another John Mayer. Best sampling is #7 Hand Me Down, and #3 A Faraway Girl. Also recommend his other CDs for more of same style.

Jeff Larson changes style.......2007-03-08

I had previously purchased two prior cds of Jeff Larson, and I must admit, I wasn't thrilled with his earlier work. I had heard him on an FM syndicated radio show playing his work acoustically, and really liked what I heard. Once he donned the electric guitar and was joined by his badn, I felt his music lost the crispness and clarity I had originally heard.
But his new work has grabbed my attention. I found it on Amazon and listened to two or three tracks, and was amazed as the direction sounded much more along the lines of what I prefer personally. While somewhat more mellow, he still sounded contemporary and clear; there was a message to what he had to say. Swimming In The Make Believe has received repeated plays on my cd player, with many more to come.

Jeff is a treasure...........2006-09-22

There's something about the music of Jeff Larson that sets it apart from the rest of the noise out there. Exactly what it is besides the obvious (great voice, brilliant songs, tastefully creative arrangements, and sweet layered harmonies) is hard to put into words. But for me, this guy simply 'has it'. His music has 'magic'. There is an authenticity in his voice, that when combined with the beauty of the music itself, has the power to trancend life itself.

I happend to first stumble on Jeff's music during the summer of 2005, and he definatley became 'artist of the year' in my book, although I realize he's been making recordings for several years now. I joyfully soaked in his entire catalog of superb music within the subsequent months. In his past work, there have been so many truly outstanding tunes: (A place where I belong, Half Moon Bay, Windblown Mind), so when I got wind of this release, I didn't hesitate to purchase it.

On this offering he continues to deliver in a variety of creative and diverse musical expressions and actually surprised me with a continued maturity and exploration of new music. This is an artist that takes his art seriously and takes care to make each track an authentic reflection of himself and where he is at in that moment. It really shows.

Jeff Larson's music contains alot of subtlety. And he's a master at what I would call 'sonic layering'. This is very listenable, sophisticated pop music, disguised in songs that feel like they have always been around, yet they are refreshingly new. Does that make any sense? His layered harmonies are simply gorgeous and are arranged like a work of art. Like several reviewers have expressed here, his music grows on you the more you hear it. The art really is in the subtlety. By the 3rd or 4th listen, the songs really sink into your soul and you really start to 'hear' what he's saying.

I suggest you give this one several listens and allow that to happen. I am still discovering new things about this recording to marvel at. Jeff is also uniquely 'california', in the very best sense of the term. If you ever spent time out there on the west coast and felt the crisp cool wind blow through your hair at Big Sur or Mendocino, then you know how well this music and Jeff's whole persona fits that delicious ambience.

Its obvious where Jeff draws inspiration from: (Beach Boys, America, among others). In fact, I understand the he and Gerry Beckley of America are good friends and Gerry sings harmony and 2nd vocals on many of Jeffs tracks. Also, Beach Boy stand-in vocalist/guitarist and Brian Wilson Band's musical Director, Jeffrey Foskett is also known to collaborate with Larson, so he's in good company with the likes of these guys.

But this is an artist in his own right as he has evolved a sound and style that has the unique imprint of his own signature on it. And, it's beautiful. Don't miss any of Jeff Larson's albums, especially this one. Buy it. Artist like him truly deserve the support.

Another good one.......2006-08-24

So I'm not the only guy from across the pond who has found Jeff Larson. I agree with all the other reviews, this man is a treasure, I wasn't too impressed with my first hearing but just kept playing it. It just gets better & better the more you play it, it's a pity we will never see him live over here. So I might have to come over there.

Ear Candy of the Highest Order!.......2006-06-22

Jeff and Producer Hank (Linderman) continue to amaze me! According to them, this CD completes the triumverant "Fragile Sunrise", "Sepia" though you could include "Room For Summer" in this genre also (same players, similar feel). The up-tempo songs are wonderful, make you think you are in the early 70's and the Eagles/Beach Boys/Byrds just released a killer CD. The only "solo" artist who has ever come close to this I can recall is Dan Fogelberg. I also can't believe Jeff is not a "rock star" with quality of material like this. Buy this CD, you won't be disappointed!

Album Review:

1. The Action Packed Mentallist Brings You the Fucking Jams
2. The Best of Amant: If There's Love
3. The Boy And The Tree
4. The Dirtchamber Sessions, Vol. 1 [Explicit Lyrics]
5. The Message at the Depth [Enhanced]
6. The Stars Are Real
7. Tre
8. Trust It [Explicit Lyrics]
9. Tunnel Trance Force, Vol. 32 [Import]
10. Unkle Sounds Wwiii [Import]

Album Review

album review

Album Review

In Deep [Extra tracks] [Import]

Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky and others

Shoot Out the Lights [Gold CD]

Music: Il Meglio del Meglio

Younger Days [Import]

Restless & Wild [Original recording remastered]

Stir A Cry

Romantic Dreams

Swingin Out West

Pistoleros Famosos

Some Stupid with a Flare Gun

Popstars [Import]

Sunshine Suite [Import]

Bluesgotus

In Love Again - The Music of Richard Rodgers