Ha [Import]

Product Description
Sophomore album for the innovative British dance artist, his followup to 1998's 'O.K.'. Singh created a fusion of Indian bhangra music and drum'n'bass electronica in addition to achieving fame his remixes for Bjork, David Bowie and LTJ Bukem to name a few. This release features a whole host of musicians from the classical music scene of India. 11 tracks including the UK bonus track, 'Bobby Style'. 2001 release. Standard jewel case.

Ha,Talvin Singh,Polygram Int'l,Dance,Dance Music,Electronica,England,Pop,Techno,Trip-Hop

Average customer rating: ...for a place in America Not just a one hit wonder A great debut album! Where it all started a-ha, at their finest hour

Hunting High and Low a-ha Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Norway | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | 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 Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Scoundrel Days Stay on These Roads Singles 1984-2004 Analogue Minor Earth Major Sky ASIN: B000002L7Y Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Take On Me
2. Train Of Thought
3. Hunting High And Low
4. The Blue Sky
5. Living A Boy's Adventure Tale
6. The Sun Always Shines On T.V.
7. And You Tell Me
8. Love Is Reason
9. I Dream Myself Alive
10. Here I Stand And Face The Rain

Customer Reviews:

...for a place in America.......2007-07-05

You know how the story goes. Obscure European band labors in obscurity for years. Somehow, through sheer chance, has one track (which may or may not be typical of their work) hit it stateside and rocket up the charts. Make them megastars, a household name...until their one hit dies out and they never come close to striking gold again.

Yes, before Aqua, there was the strangely similar-sounding A-ha, and this was an otherwise perfectly ordinary album where their one shining star (which I always suspected became popular mainly due to the unbelievable range on the chorus part) came from.

Not much else to say. Typical, ordinary synthpop, what I'd call "waiting room music". The singer, despite his best efforts, has some trouble with the English language. I've heard a lot worse, but it's no surprise why A-ha never could find its niche here.

Not just a one hit wonder.......2007-05-21

a-ha is most known for "Take On Me", but that's not it. Hunting High and Low is a ten song half hour masterpiece. This is the way pop music should be done in the 80's, it's just as good as Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Welcome To the Pleasuredome".

Take On ME had a breakthrough video, it's one of those that are probally labeled by _______ Thriller as one of the greatest breakthroughs. Train Of Thought is a song that belongs in the _______ future. A lot of the songs would be the music of the future, since it was released when the world was predicted would have flying cars and the other future ____ ala the Jetsons. There is a ballad song, a dark samba beat, some rock, and a ____load of electronic sounds, but dosen't totally make it sound cheesy. You will hear it at the best times you can. This is how pop in the 80's should sound, not that ________ Bangles or the horrid hair metal. In fact, the whole cd has so much _______ atmosphere, and it never sounds polished. IT's more like a totally _______ awesome space age enivronment.

IT's a bit of a shock to any _____head like Bjorn Everfrost (you call me a poser, you get the unfair comparisons too, you ___________. Calling Squash a metalhead? For shame!), but you shouldn't just forget about it. If this band would get more credit than they deserve, then I would be fine. This is one of the most underrated pop records ever. The 80's actually wasn't too bad. Just looked bad with some of the horrible ____.

9.0/10

A great debut album! .......2007-02-16

I bought the Trilogy of this, Scoundrel Days, and Stay On These Roads. So far I've only listened to Hunting High and Low and Scoundrel Days, and I'm very impressed!
I bought them because, as an artist, when I saw the music video for 'Take On Me', I just couldn't help but wanting to know more about this amazing band. This CD gave me exactly what I wanted: more fantastic music from a very talented trio!
The songs are very inspiring and sometimes a little sad, like the title track (which sounds a lot different than it does remixed on Headlines and Deadlines... I like that version better than the one on this. Oh well!) and 'Living a Boy's Adventure Tale', full of things that really make you think about life and what's surrounding you. The music in general, Magne and Pal's songwriting and instrumental skills, brings you out of this world! But then again, I do have a strong love for synthesizers and keyboards. Not to mention the angelic vocal talents of Morten! WOW! He could sing opera if he wanted to; he's that good.

Some great tracks besides the hits/singles: The Blue Sky, Living a Boy's Adventure Tale, Here I Stand and Face the Rain.

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone that wants to feel inspired and witness one of the greatest (and underappreciated) bands in history, and also to fellow artists and anyone who loves great synth music. Even 22 years later...

Where it all started.......2007-02-08

This is a great CD. Even back then they were ahead of their time. Great songs on this one. Made me love the band's music. I've been hooked for over 20 years!

a-ha, at their finest hour.......2006-08-27

introduced back in the phils. in '85, a-ha music such as "take on me", "love is reason" & "the sun always shine in tv" were the staples of new wave dance parties, such parties won't be complete without any a-ha music. but what appeals to me even back then was the diversity of their sound, ballads like hunting "high & low", and a personal fave, "living a boy's adventure tale" still linger on my mind after 20+ years. i've introduced my kid lately to the beatles & other class acts, and i wont mind my 4 year old daughter fall in love like i did with them especially with a debut like hunting high & low. their later materials like crying in the rain, living daylights & you are the one (which were single releases) were great stuff, but other songs from the respective albums won't much ring a bell. this is the best album they came out critically & commercially. 80's lives on forever!

Average customer rating: Great band, but songs are all redone took me back An A-Ha Moment! overlooked band 'The Sun Always Shines on POP music'

Singles 1984-2004 a-ha Manufacturer: Warner Strategic Marketing ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Norway | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Analogue Hunting High and Low Minor Earth Major Sky Lifelines Headlines and Deadlines - The Hits of A-HA ASIN: B0006FX2PO Release Date: 2004-12-21

Tracks:

1. Take on Me
2. Sun Always Shines on T.V.
3. Train of Thought
4. Hunting High and Low
5. I've Been Losing You
6. Cry Wolf
7. Manhattan Skyline
8. Living Daylights
9. Stay on These Roads
10. Touchy!
11. Crying in the Rain
12. Move to Memphis
13. Dark Is the Night
14. Shapes That Go Together
15. Summer Moved On
16. Minor Earth Major Sky
17. Velvet
18. Forever Not Yours
19. Lifelines

Album Description

a-ha celebrates their 20th anniversary with the release of a new singles collection. Throughout their career, a-ha has officially released 32 singles. 13 of them became top ten singles in the UK, and 14 singles have been number one on the radio lists over the world. The new singles album includes some of the highlights from a-ha's last 20 years. 2004.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered and Updated Anthology of the Norwegian Trio's Greats Issued on their 20th Anniversary. Includes all of their UK Top 10 Singles and Then Some, as Well as Remixed and Special Versions of Catalog Favorites.

Customer Reviews:

Great band, but songs are all redone.......2007-07-20

I guess I need to learn how to burn my own greatest hits CD, because I had no idea that hardly any of these songs are the versions from the original albums. In fact, many of the songs on this CD are cut shorter. I guess people don't realize the difference, because everyone seems to give such high ratings. I think that The Living Daylights is a HOT song, but this version, which was in the movie, sucks compared to the version that's on their Stay On These Roads CD. I can't imagine why they couldn't use THAT version in the movie, and why they couldn't put the same version in this CD. When I buy a "greatest hits" CD, I usually get the original recordings, and if they're different versions, it is mentioned on the cover. I don't know if Headlines and Deadlines is the same, but I heard it is.

took me back.......2007-01-10

I lost touch with the band, but this collection brought me back up to speed. I enjoyed them all.

An A-Ha Moment!.......2007-01-04

It's a shame that A-Ha never fully realized their star potential with American audiences. Other then the still charming "Take On Me" and the follow-up "The Sun Always Shines On TV" from their "Hunting High And Low" debut, their chart success stateside never matched the band's international superstardom. Which means that - as far as American audiences are concerned - neither of their best-of's has been issued here. I actually picked my copy of this up while on vacation in London. It was well worth it.

A-Ha were far more than their pretty faces on the MTV videos. (But to be the band that could lay credit to the "Take On Me" - or even the lesser known "Cry Wolf" - video.) Seven studio albums and world-wide sales of more than 60-thousand albums certainly vindicates that point. What most of us Yanks missed was the frequently inventive pop-music this trio turned out. They were masters of the confectionary ballad, with songs like "Manhattan Skyline," "Velvet" and "Stay On These Roads" masterworks of melodrama.

In their later albums, A-Ha was finding conflict within their group and the albums began to reflect the turmoil. (The CD also contains an honest recollection of the band's history.) The synths began to take a lower profile and more live (and livelier) recording began to unfold. While A-Ha was still making some cutting edge pop, a song like "Minor Earth Major Sky" is particularly dark. There is even a relatively faithful version of the Everly Brothers' "Crying In The Rain."

And then there is the matter of that voice. Morten Harket had a falsetto that rivaled Freddie Mercury's and certainly influenced singers like The Darkness' Justin Hawkins. It hit that impossibly high note in "Take On Me" but could also add to the drama of the band's shot at a James Bond theme, "The Living Daylights." Obviously hoping Bond would do for them what "A View To A Kill" did for Duran Duran, A-ha rocks it in a cinematic way, and it could possibly be both Harket's best vocal and the most under appreciated of all the James Bond movie themes.

Which about sums up this collection. There is some of the finest pop you've never heard here, new wave of otherwise. Terrifically re-mastered for this CD, A-Ha "The Singles - 1984/2004" showcases an under appreciated band who created some perfectly realized music, even without the sun shining on them in the US. (Come on Rhino - we know you can do it.)

overlooked band.......2006-11-15

Boy, I forgot about this band. What a treat to find them again. Great compilation of songs for those that don't want to purchase all their CD's. Great gift for that 80's lover, as well.

'The Sun Always Shines on POP music'.......2006-06-20

A-Ha burst onto our CD players in the early 80's with the infectious 'Take On Me' and the very MTV-friendly 'Music-Vid' that accompanied the track. Their first album spurned classic pop hits like 'Hunting High & Low' and 'The Sun Always Shines On TV'....and the scene was set. Typically, a band like this disappear after 3 albums but not A-Ha...They have matured and if you take time to discover, there is a lot more to them than pretty-boys & 3 minute pop tunes..Their later albums 'Lifelines', 'Analogue' and 'Minor Earth, Major Sky' prove that they are fine musicians that can produce finely crafted songs...ok, there are one or two throwaway tracks like 'Touchy' and 'Cry Wolf', but on the whole, it is a good way to get to know A-Ha and these two mediocre tracks still have their place....enjoy the music, but don't analyse the lyrics...it is pop music after all, designed to entertain !!

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

Enchantment Richard Rodgers , Michel Legrand , Leo Delibes , American Traditional , Erik Satie , British Isles Traditional , Jerome Kern , Johann II Strauss , Lucy Simon , David Foster , Sian Edwards , John Clark , Eric Rigler , Frank Ricotti , John Parricelli , Mark Hammond , Paul Keogh , and Michael Thompson Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Church, Charlotte | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Prelude: The Best of Charlotte Church Voice of an Angel Charlotte Church Dream a Dream Tissues and Issues ASIN: B00005OWEJ Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

1. Tonight
2. Carrickfergus
3. Habanera
4. Bali Ha'i
5. Papa Can You Hear Me?
6. The Flower Duet
7. The Little Horses
8. From My First Moment
9. The Water Is Wide
10. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
11. The Laughing Song
12. If I Loved You
13. A Bit Of Earth
14. Somewhere
15. The Prayer

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall, this CD is very beautiful! BUY IT!

Average customer rating: another great sound experimentation for a-ha in the new century Very good An album to listen to very closely ... One of their best works yet! Not their best effort....take two steps back.

Analogue A-Ha Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Norway | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lifelines Minor Earth Major Sky Singles 1984-2004 East of the Sun, West of the Moon Memorial Beach ASIN: B000BI0QNC Release Date: 2005-11-14

Tracks:

1. Celice
2. Don't Do Me Any Favours
3. Cosy Prisons
4. Analogue (All I Want)
5. Birthright
6. Holy Ground
7. Over the Treetops
8. Halfway Through the Tour
9. Fine Blue Line
10. Keeper of the Flame
11. Make It Soon
12. White Dwarf
13. Summers of Our Youth
14. A-Ha Desktop Player

Album Description

International pressing of their 2005 album for Universal. 13 tracks in all including the first single, 'Celice'. Some 20 years after their heyday (commemorated recently with their Singles: Best Of 1984-2004 album), and after solo albums by leader Magne Furuholmen, and fresh off their Berlin concert as part of Live8, a-ha return with this brand new album.

Album Details

2005 Label Debut Album from Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen and Paul Waaktaar-savoy, their First for Universal/Polydor and the First Studio Material from the Group Since the Release of "Lifelines". "Analogue" is their Eighth Studio Album Overall, Following Many Years on Warner Brothers/Reprise. The Sessions were Produced by Martin Terefe and Engineered and Mixed by Flood (U2, Nine Inch Nails, Crowded House, Depeche Mode, Pj Harvey).

Customer Reviews:

another great sound experimentation for a-ha in the new century.......2007-06-29

Luis Mejia (son)- I don't wonder why I always mention A-ha among people they look back in the 80's and sing Take On Me in their heads, but come on, they're still young and they're stil singing! I can say that Analogue shocked me a little bit, and I won't exagerate saying that the've always been geniuses but the word for this album is "exeptional". It's also the first time that I've heard the term "alternative pop" in my life.

Talking about the songs, it seems that A-ha takes always a little bit of every album in their next one. Their's a lot of pop around them still, and that is shown in the songs like Halfway Through The Tour, The Summers Of Our Youth, Birthright and Analogue (All I Want). Guitars and alternative moods in rock are also shown, a little bit alike with Minor Earth Major Sky, like in the songs Celice, Don't Do Me Any Favours and The Fine Blue Line. As well as they're completely new rythms never seen in A-ha but wich they apply them so beautifuly and organized, such as Cosy Prisons (the best track), Birthright, White Dwarf, Make It Soon and Over The Treetops. Talking about Keepers Of The Flame, it assimilates all of the album's moods.

In conclussion, the album is wonderful and leaves us with a question about their new musical direction, but the bad aspect is that the accessibility of the album is truly poor, I mean, it will be appreciated by we loyal fans, but not for those who listen to A-ha the first time.

Very good.......2007-04-20

It took me a few listen-throughs, but I really have come to appreciate this album. The title track, "Analogue," would be an excellent candidate for mainstream radio.

An album to listen to very closely ... .......2007-03-21

A-ha has always had their own unique style, raging from the poetic illusionism or at times romantic impressionism. They were once a group with a potential for very dramatic dynamics (Morten's being at his pick with a unique operatic voice as one can recall in songs like "The Sun always shine on TV"). At such, many of their recent albums had the feeling that they've were trying hard to regain this market audience. But through the years their sound changed more to a somber, at times decadent and obscure sound, which included their own palate for psychedelic.

Now with this new album they seem to sound more like 70's songwriters. Hence a more cohesive, realistic and at times reflective sound. They have parted ways with their 80's style pop synth music. Now they have opted for a more conservative sound that at times seems reminiscent of the Beatles. Songs like "The Fine Blue Line", "Birthright", and "Keeper of the Flame" are examples.

Songs like "Celice", which is reminiscent to early A-ha repertoire and "Don't do me any favors", are among the more upbeat tempo though keeping their somber tone due to their subject matter. "Halfway through the door" is definitely a song that reminds anyone to the Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour", specially the long instrumental section closing the song. Even though it has a cozy feeling to it, turns out to be the least effective effort on the record.

More interesting songs found are "Cozy Prisons", perhaps the best song of the record, and "White Dwarf", with its mellow and reflective mood somehow reminiscent to the 70's songs like David Bowie's "Major Tom" and Elton John's "Rocket Man" but in a different perspective. The title track falls in the category of pure pop brit-style song in which seems to be another effort for commercial radio.

It is an album to listen to very closely. The thematic style is one mature in nature. For those looking for a pop-songs album it will disappoint you! This one though has more substance than perhaps their previous ones.

One of their best works yet!.......2007-02-08

From the first time I listened to it, I loved most of the songs. They still put out great music! And they still look fine as ever!

Not their best effort....take two steps back........2006-11-10

Birthright, Holy Ground and Fine Blue Line are the best songs here. Celise and Don't Do Me Any Favors are okay as atmospheric filler. Cozy Prisons is almost good but is basically trite twaddle. Everything else is subpar junk. I thought "Lifelines" was better. There needs to be more songs that showcase Morten's incredible range with a few sweet songs in between. Average pop songs don't work because Morten is a unique talent. Flaunt it. "Over the Treetops" sounds a lot like "Oranges and Apple Trees" from their last CD. No more songs like that....they're really boring. A-ha has such potential, but they need better songs....more DRAMA!

Average customer rating: Thoroughly enjoyable Disappointed Gratzi for the Italian Renaissance refreshing, sprightly and fun

Italian Renaissance Dances Manufacturer: Hmf Classical Exp. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande Galliardes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gesualdo | Gesualdo, Carlo | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Monteverdi | Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gesualdo, Carlo | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Monteverdi, Claudio | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Italian Renaissance Dances, Vol. 2 English Country Dances Baroque Lute Music, Vol. 1 Lute Music, Vol. 2 Early Venetian Lute Music ASIN: B000059WLF Release Date: 2001-05-08

Tracks:

1. Galliard III Based on "La Mantoana"
2. Galliard
3. Non Ha'l Ciel Cotanti Lumi - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
4. Qual Cadavero Spirante - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
5. Pavane II
6. Se Pur Ver
7. Dances from il Scolaro:Aria del Gran Duca
8. Dances from il Scolaro:Gagliarda Di Santino Detto la Muzza
9. Dances from il Scolaro:la Bergamesca
10. Dances from il Scolaro: Basso Delle Ninfe
11. Dances from il Scolaro: Bassa Gioiosa
12. Dances from il Scolaro: Il Ceferino
13. Gagliarda Falsa
14. Lagrime d'Erminia - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
15. Sonatae Concertate, Book 2:Sonata XVI a 4
16. O Durezza Di Ferro - David Douglass, Ellen Hargis, Andrew Lawrence-King
17. Galliard
18. DSoletto
19. Galliard I, Known as "The Gallant One"
20. Consonanze Stravaganti

Customer Reviews:

Thoroughly enjoyable.......2005-01-28

I have listened to this CD a great deal and I love it. I just want to answer vvic's point below: it's true that not all the tracks on this disc are rumbustious romps, but Renaissance dance had many different forms, genres and functions. It was an important means of personal expression and social interaction - you only need to think of the formal and ritualised minefield that surrounded love and courtship (especially in the higher strata of society) to be able to see dance's potency as an emotional outlet. In fact, dancing quickly was the one thing that would have been difficult because costume was often bulky and ungainly, especially for ladies.

So give these performances a chance, because this disc is bursting with life and musicianship: The King's Noyse play like a group of old friends together; Andrew Lawrence-King's harp playing is enchanting, and Ellen Hargis produces richly nuanced, beautifully coloured and poignant performances of the laments. The whole mixture is delighful.

It's also superbly engineered: the sound is detailed, rich, vibrant and delicate. (It's set in a fairly warm acoustic, which may partly account for vvic's feeling of 'churchiness'.) A pity there are no sound samples here on Amazon.

I presume this is a re-release of an earlier disc. The budget savings come from corners cut in packaging - the booklet is fairly perfunctory, but as my Dad says, 'you pays your money. you takes your choice'!

ps. I'm a really terrible dancer!

Disappointed.......2003-05-04

I am a big fan of renaissance instrumental music, and since these are dances, I was expecting some pleasant, spirited melodies, like on the excellent English Country Dances. Although there are several tracks like this on this CD, many are slow and dirgy. These, combined with the tracks with soprano vocals, make one feel as if they were in church, which is not a bad thing, if that's what you're looking for.

Gratzi for the Italian Renaissance.......2002-03-24

The sounds of the Italian Renaissance are very uplifting, beautiful and rational. The songs have structure and melody and flow very naturally. This collection is a pleasing variety of instrumental and vocal music with period instruments and authentic arrangements. The performances and sound quality are extremely good.

I don't know if I should feel guilty for having spent so little on this CD or irritated that more CDs of this quality are not available at this price. The other releases I have heard from the Classical Express label have been as good. (e.g. Mozart Horn Concertos, French Love Songs)

refreshing, sprightly and fun.......2001-07-12

THis is a sprightly and thoroughly well performed arrangement of Renaisaaance music. If you think there is no place for such period music think again. I snuck this on while entertaining and everyone began complimenting it. They loved the joyful upbeat quality it posseses and as I, were delighted with the quality of musicianship and recording. Give that next dinner party a historical twist or just give yourself this wonderful CD

Average customer rating: Mill. Classical review classical music for the unitiated Some little gems there that I had forgotten! A very helpful collection Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set] Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. 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Tracks:

1. Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
2. Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
3. Violin Concerto In E First Movement
4. Prelude In C minor
5. Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
6. Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
7. Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
8. Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
9. Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
10. Easter Oratorio - Overture
11. Minuet In D minor
12. Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
13. Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
14. Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
15. Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
16. Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
17. Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
18. Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
19. Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
20. Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
21. Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
22. Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
23. Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
24. Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
25. Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
26. Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
27. Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
28. Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
29. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
30. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
31. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
32. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
33. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
34. Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
35. Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
36. Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
37. Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
38. Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
39. Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
40. Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
41. Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
42. Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
43. Water Music - Air
44. Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
45. Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
46. Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
47. The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
48. Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
49. Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
50. Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
51. Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
52. Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
53. Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
54. Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
55. Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
56. Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
57. Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
58. Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
59. String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
60. Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
61. Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
62. Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
63. String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
64. Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
65. Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
66. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
67. Piano Concerto in A - second movement
68. Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
69. Serenade - Minuet
70. Violin Concerto - first movement
71. Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
72. Clarinet Concerto - second movement
73. Turkish March
74. Divertimento - Minuet
75. Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
76. Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
77. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
78. Overture
79. O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
80. Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
81. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
82. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
83. Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
84. Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
85. Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
86. German Dance No. 1 In C
87. Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
88. Heidenroslein
89. Ave Maria
90. Der Lindenbaum
91. Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
92. Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
93. Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
94. German Dance No. 2 In G
95. Piano Sonata In B-Flat
96. Nachtgesang Im Walde
97. Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
98. German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
99. Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
100. Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
101. Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
102. Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
103. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
104. Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
105. Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
106. Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
107. Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
108. Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
109. Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
110. Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
111. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
112. Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
113. Violin Concerto - second movement
114. The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
115. Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
116. Swan Lake - Waltz
117. Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
118. The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
119. Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
120. Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
121. Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
122. Hungarian Dance No.5
123. Lullaby
124. Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
125. Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
126. Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
127. Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
128. Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
129. String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
130. Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
131. Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
132. Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
133. German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
134. Die Fledermaus - Overture
135. Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
136. Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
137. Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
138. AnnenPolka, Op. 117
139. Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
140. Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
141. Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
142. On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
143. Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
144. Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
145. Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
146. Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
147. The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
148. The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
149. Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
150. Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
151. Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
152. Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
153. Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
154. Don Juan, Op. 20
155. Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
156. Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
157. Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
158. Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
159. Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
160. Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
161. Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
162. Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
163. Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
164. Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
165. Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
166. Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
167. Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
168. Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
169. Angelus
170. Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
171. Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
172. Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
173. Les Préludes
174. Boléro
175. Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
176. Rhapsodie Espagnole
177. Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
178. Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
179. Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
180. La Valse
181. Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
182. Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
183. Humoresque, Op. 101
184. Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
185. Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
186. Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
187. Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
188. Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
189. Carneval Overture, Op. 92
190. Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
191. Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
192. Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
193. Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
194. Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
195. String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
196. Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
197. Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
198. Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
199. Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
200. String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
201. Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
202. Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
203. Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
204. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
205. Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
206. Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
207. Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
208. Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
209. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
210. Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
211. The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
212. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
213. Nordic Melody Op. 63
214. Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
215. Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
216. Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
217. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
218. Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
219. Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
220. Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
221. Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
222. Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
223. Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
224. Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
225. Frühlingsgruss
226. Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
227. Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
228. Manfred Overture, Op. 115
229. Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
230. Die Rose stand im Tau
231. Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
232. Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
233. Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
234. Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating: Almost as good as The Warrants... To call these guys a "one-hit wonder" is the ultimate sin! Some great music from the 80's Scandinavian Talent! Siempre los mejores

Headlines and Deadlines - The Hits of A-HA a-ha Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Norway | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Singles 1984-2004 East of the Sun, West of the Moon Scoundrel Days Lifelines Minor Earth Major Sky ASIN: B000006SA5 Release Date: 1992-01-01

Tracks:

1. Take on Me
2. Cry Wolf
3. Touchy!
4. You Are the One [Remix]
5. Manhattan Skyline
6. Blood That Moves the Body
7. Early Morning
8. Hunting High And Low (Remix)
9. Move to Memphis
10. I've Been Losing You
11. Living Daylights
12. Crying in the Rain
13. I Call Your Name
14. Stay on These Roads
15. Train of Thought [Remix]
16. Sun Always Shines on T.V.

Album Description

16 track 1991 retrospective from WEA International of the '80s Norwegian pop trio's finest, including the #1 U.S. smash 'Take On Me' and the U.S. top 20 hit 'The Sun Always Shines On TV', as well as remixes of a few tracks.

Album Details

The Breakthru Video Band's Best Includes the Hits 'Take on Me','Sun Always Shines on TV', 'Hunting High and Low', 'Train of Thought', 'Crying in the Rain', 'Touchy' , 'The Living Daylights', and Many More.

Customer Reviews:

Almost as good as The Warrants..........2004-01-14

This album lived up to the expectations which were first created in 1985 with the release of the hit single (with the equally successful video clip) Take on me. But, it wasn't as good, or as fulfilling as John Doe and The Warrants: The Hits 1984 - 1990. My recomendation to any A-Ha, or Duran Duran fan is get yourself a copy of this, or any of their other hit albums (Sleep On Monday, Her Name was Lena)as you definitely won't be dissappointed.

A top album - John Doe and The Warrants.

To call these guys a "one-hit wonder" is the ultimate sin!.......2003-08-24

Chances are, these days, if you asked a random person on the street if he or she had heard of A-Ha, they would say no. If they said yes, then more than likely the only song they would remember the band for would be Take On Me. Because of that track's vast success, the band often goes unappreciated. But, hopefully the release of this compilation will change all that. Read on for my review of Headlines And Deadlines - The Hits Of A-Ha.

PROS:
It doesn't need to be said. If you just want to buy an A-Ha hits compilation for Take On Me, you'll find it on here. Plus, you'll also get several highly underrated tracks that have always had to live in the shadow of their lone hit. Many of these tracks are remix versions, which are extremely hard to find. Likewise, on this compilation, you get The Living Daylights, which was recorded for the James Bond film of the same name. Though this track never achieved the success of other Bond themes, like Duran Duran's A View To A Kill, it is no less excellent.

CONS:
There is only one real problem with this CD - When it was released. It was released in the early nineties, and though this seems like the ideal time to release a hits package for a group predominantly considered an "eighties band", the band has made several excellent tracks since this was released, and needless to say, you won't get those on here.

OVERALL:
This is the best A-Ha hits package out there, and it is strongly recommended to any fan of the band, casual or die-hard. Even if you're a die-hard fan of the band, it's very unlikely you'll ever find all of their material on CD (if you live in the United States), so I suggest you just buy this. It should be all the A-Ha you'll ever need.

Some great music from the 80's.......2003-06-02

Maybe you don't even know who A-ha is, but you sure know a song of theirs. When you first hear this album you might feel like "where do I know this track from?" but even if you can't remember, I'm sure it'll sound as good as if you could. The album gathers their 16 greatest hits, they're all amazing songs from the 80's that you have probably heard at least once in your life.
A-ha used to be a big band when I was younger (and they made a lot of success in my country), and this album proves that even if they're not so good as they used to be before, they have same classic songs that are going to stay in our memories forever. I bet you still remember "Take on me", don't you?

Scandinavian Talent!.......2002-11-25

I was 14 when a-ha stepped onto the scene in 1985.
Definitely the idea for the TAKE ON ME video was stuning, all that cartoons/live mixing was fresh stuff.
Plus the song was catchy and fast became a # 1 hit on both sides of the atlantic.
THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES ON TV did just great here in Europe but failed to repeat success in the US - although the mannequins storyboard for its video was just as good.
And the musical bridge boasts a great violin section.
A-ha proved to be polyedric artists: HUNTING HIGH AND LOW, TRAIN OF THOUGHTS are just nuggets, THE BLOOD THAT MOVES THE BODY and THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS (from the 1987 James Bond original soundtrack) border closely to high-class pop.
MANHATTAN SKYLINE and I'VE BEEN LOSING YOU are possibly the best tracks off their second album, while STAY ON THESE ROADS is a simple, well-crafted, radio-friendly tune.
The unreleased track MOVE TO MEMPHIS is stunningly poly-rhythmical, sensual and sung by a dark-voiced Morten Harkett.
The guys are long gone from the top of the charts but they're definitely not from my heart!

Siempre los mejores.......2002-04-24

Este album consiste en toda una recopilación de los mejores exitos de a-ha.
The sun always shines on T.V., Take on me, You are the one, Stay on these roads es uno de los exitos que mas me gustan de este excelente compacto. A-ha tiene otros hits excelentes com Living in a boys adventure que es tambien una de las mejores de este grupo el cual se puede encontrar en el famoso Hunting high and low.
A-HA por siempre en la memoria de los inovadores 80's

Average customer rating: This is not the same as the Archiv vinyl LP Not just beautiful Great Music, Great Price Good fun, variety, and versatility. Renaissance Rocks!

Praetorius: Dances from Terpsichore Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Michael Praetorius: Dances from Terpsichore (1612) Panorama: Dances of the Renaissance Sinners & Saints: The Ultimate Medieval and Renaissance Music Collection At the Sign of the Crumhorn Codex Faenza: Instrumental Music of the Early 15th Century ASIN: B00000FY7N Release Date: 1998-12-01

Tracks:

1. Dances From Terpsichore: Ballet des coqs
2. Dances From Terpsichore: Gaillarde
3. Dances From Terpsichore: Gaillarde
4. Dances From Terpsichore: Ballet du Roy
5. Dances From Terpsichore: Ballet
6. Dances From Terpsichore: Ballet
7. Dances From Terpsichore: a. Ballet des Baccanales - b. Ballet des feus - c. Ballet des Matelotz
8. Dances From Terpsichore: Pierre CERTON: La, la, la, je ne l'ose dire
9. Dances From Terpsichore: Bransle simple 1( La, la, la, je ne l'ose dire)
10. Dances From Terpsichore: Bransle double 3
11. Dances From Terpsichore: a. Bransle Gay 1 - b. Bransle de Montirande
12. Dances From Terpsichore: Bransle De La Torche
13. Dances From Terpsichore: Adrianus VALERIUS - La Boree
14. Dances From Terpsichore: La Bouree
15. Dances From Terpsichore: Pavane de Spaigne
16. Dances From Terpsichore: Spagnoletta
17. Dances From Terpsichore: La Canarie
18. Dances From Terpsichore: Orazio VECCHI - So ben mi ch'ha bon tempo
19. Dances From Terpsichore: Courante (So ben mi ch'ha bon tempo)
20. Dances From Terpsichore: Courante
21. Dances From Terpsichore: a. Courante - b. Courante - c. Courante
22. Dances From Terpsichore: Courante
23. Dances From Terpsichore: Courante La Mouline
24. Dances From Terpsichore: Volte
25. Dances From Terpsichore: Volte
26. Dances From Terpsichore: a. Volte - b. Volte - c. Volte
27. Dances From Terpsichore: Volte
28. Dances From Terpsichore: Volte

Amazon.com

Michael Praetorius, German composer and observer of things musical, was one of the most important musicians of the mid-17th century. His encyclopedia of musical instruments, Syntagma Musicum, richly illustrated and annotated, has in many instances given us our only description of the bewildering variety of musical noisemaking devices in use at the time. Terpsichore, similarly, is a collection of mostly French dance music that has never ceased to inspire players and listeners. It's the source for much of what we now call "Renaissance" music, even though it actually dates from about a hundred years later, and no early-music fair or festival would be complete without it. These performances, by an appropriately costumed Dutch early-music group, have the right sense of fun, and their instrumental arrangements are both zesty and colorful. Delightful. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

This is not the same as the Archiv vinyl LP.......2005-04-27

There was a terrific LP released by Archiv on vinyl in the 70s called "Dances from the time of Praetorius" - I bought this CD hoping it would be essentially the equivalent release. I realize now that the Archiv LP included only 6 dances actually written by Praetorius, which do appear to be included in this CD.

The Archiv LP also included 5 compositions by Erasmus Widmann and 12 by Johann Schein. As far as I can tell, that release is not available on CD. This CD may be only part of the solution for anyone who is trying to find it.

Not just beautiful.......2005-02-24

This music is not just beautiful but also serves as a great period piece that can be used in class to set a mood. This is clearly secular and contrasts nicely with other music that is religious to show that all people's minds were not just on the heavens -- but were also, at least occasionally, on earth as well. This is music that is light and lifts the spirit --then I am sure as well as now. Play this for students and they will like it.

Great Music, Great Price.......2005-01-11

I have been a Praetorius fan since 1965 when I was a teenager, and I will always buy recordings featuring his music. I've had to re-order this particular CD again because I wore a hole in it playing it in the car, at home, hotel rooms, you name it. This CD is a lot of fun. One can dance to the tunes, hum along, and just kick back and relax ... not recommended when driving a car, however. Praetorius was also a "serious" religious musician, and this is a nice, secular change from his heavier stuff. Highly recommended!

Good fun, variety, and versatility........2004-04-09

What we call Renaissance Dance Music has enjoyed increasing popularity in recent decades. No self-respecting record catalogue can afford to be without it. Naxos offers this 57-minute CD, comprising 28 items from Michael Praetorius's collection "Terpsichore" of 1612. Nowhere in the published collection was instrumentation specified, hence modern groups such as this have fun "setting" each piece for the combinations of period instruments they play. Sometimes some fancy percussion is added to help point the dance rhythms.

Good fun, variety, and versatility are to be heard in the work of this fine Swedish ensemble, marred slightly by a narrow recording spectrum that lacks high and low frequencies. A reproduction of "The Peasant Dance" by Pieter Breugel the Elder adorns the front cover.

Renaissance Rocks!.......2002-07-15

This selection of music from Praetorius' Terpsichore (a small selection from over 300 individual pieces) is very enjoyable. It spans several different styles from few instruments to the whole kit and kaboodle, and voice. You can tell they had fun in those days. I keep this one in my car and listen to it over and over from start to finish, never needing to skip a track. If you are interested in Renaissance music, this is your ticket; and the price is right.

Average customer rating: not a detour but not a hit A-HA Minor Earth Major Sky CD Review The best Amazing I was hooked from the start

Minor Earth Major Sky a-ha Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Norway | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lifelines Analogue East of the Sun, West of the Moon Memorial Beach Scoundrel Days ASIN: B00004SYWZ Release Date: 2000-05-01

Tracks:

1. Minor Earth Major
2. Little Black Heart
3. Velvet
4. Summer Moved On
5. The Sun Never Shone That Day
6. To Let You Win
7. The Company Man
8. Thought That It Was You
9. I Wish I Cared
10. Barely Hanging On
11. You'll Never Get Over Me
12. I Won't Forget Her
13. Mary Ellen Makes The Moment Count

Amazon.com

After a seven-year absence during which the Norwegian pop trio went off to paint or record solo albums, A-Ha return with Minor Earth Major Sky, their sixth studio album. Recorded in New York over the course of a year, this one is filled with characteristically subtle melodies, sweeping pop production, and a haunting melancholy. Some tracks (like the winsome "Sun Never Shone That Day") border on the bland, but there are songs that have bite--such as the icy, William Orbit-style ballad "Little Black Heart"; the big, blowsy title track; and the satirical "The Company Man," where the band sing frankly of being ripped off by their record label ("Deals fell into our arms / And out of our hands"). There's also a nod to the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" in the epic, socially conscious ballad "Mary Ellen Makes the Moment Count." --Lucy O'Brien

Album Description

Sixth album for pop trio from Norway who first hit big in 1985 with their huge hit 'Take On Me'. 13 tracks including the first single 'Summer Moved On'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

After several years apart, A-Ha have roared back with their best album ever. The songs are expertly crafted, beautifully performed and yet dark and deeply emotional. Morten Harket's voice is crystal clear and he truly inherits the crown of best tenor in rock from the late Roy Orbison. Outstanding tracks include the title track, 'Summer Moved On,' 'The Sun Never Shone that Day,' 'To Let You Win' and the majestic beauty of 'I Wish I Cared.'

Customer Reviews:

not a detour but not a hit.......2007-06-29

Luis Mejia (son)- Finally, A-ha decides to continue with their classic line up and start with new material. This was the first album I heard from A-ha, and even though I like the album, I also notice that there's something missing. A-ha came up with a new experimentation, a mild experimentation, and I was expecting the old fashioned A-ha, the same that we love. Well, I gotta admit, they thought it well because synthpop and ballads are completely old fashioned and they would never attract a new audience, but even though couldn't they left just one song in an old way?

It's also noticed that they focused more on rock pieces and alternative moods, the guitars of Paul are amazing, and the use of a mild orchestra in almost every song is a new and nice touch. Within the songs the title track, Summer Moved On, The Sun Never Shone That Day and Thought That It Was You are excellent pieces perfect for adaptating for the new rythm of the album, they have moderate guitars, electronic arrengements and as I named before a great instrumentation. The songs To Let You Win, Velvet and You'll Never Get Over Me are songs that could be easily associated with the style of East Of The Sun..., but still experimental. The rest of the tracks are good, but lazy and out of tune.

In conclusion I would say that it's the worst among the best of A-ha's albums, but appreciatable after all.

A-HA Minor Earth Major Sky CD Review.......2007-05-12

This CD is a decent reflection of A-HA's talents, though I would have liked to hear it before buying it. I based my purchase decesion on glowing reviews and was hoping for a little more from the get go, though it does grow on you. No big hits like "Take on Me", and the main reason I bought this CD was for the song "I wish I cared" which is fantastic, and album would get 5 stars if they all followed it's strength.

The best.......2007-03-27

It is the best one so far. I've played it a hundred times. Can't praise it more.

Amazing.......2007-02-08

There are some really, really good songs on this CD. Even my young daughter likes to listen to it instead of wanting to watch a DVD when we're in the car. Love it!

I was hooked from the start.......2006-09-14

I really think this is better than most of A-ha's older stuff from the 80's. I really wish this would have been a bigger hit in the US, none of these songs ever got any radio playtime where I live.
Don't know why all the good music comes out of Europe, very few good American bands in the last 20 years.
Great stuff, all around wonderful songs. Summer Moved On ranks as one of my all time favorites.

Average customer rating: Absolutely beautiful. Good follow-up CD Those were Scoundrel Days Really strong effort One of My All-Time Favorite CD's

Scoundrel Days a-ha Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Norway | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hunting High and Low Stay on These Roads East of the Sun, West of the Moon Minor Earth Major Sky Lifelines ASIN: B000005S5N Release Date: 1995-05-26

Tracks:

1. Scoundrel Days
2. The Swing Of Things
3. I've Been Losing You
4. October
5. Manhattan Skyline
6. Cry Wolf
7. We're Looking For The Whales
8. The Weight Of The Wind
9. Maybe, Maybe
10. Soft Rains Of April

Album Description

The '80s Norwegian pop trio's 1986 album for Warner Brothers, out of print in the U.S. 10 tracks, including the title cut, 'Cry Wolf', 'I've Been Losing You' and 'ManhattanSkyline'.

Album Details

Sophomoric Effort from the Norway Born and Bred Synth-Pop Band. Now Out of Print in the U.s., Scoundrel Days Includes the Title Track, "Swing of Things", "Soft Rains of April" plus Seven More.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely beautiful........2007-02-23

Scoundrel Days. The title says it all. It's darker and deeper, and more serious than a-ha's debut album Hunting High And Low. If you're not ready to discover something beyond happy(-ish, a lot of Hunting High and Low's songs have sad undertones in their stories), lighthearted pop music, don't go here!

If you are ready, however: GO FOR IT. This is probably one of the most amazing albums ever made. The title track starts it off with a bang: did a murder happen? Is the world ending? Maybe, but who really cares when you hear Morten Harket's voice soar up, up, and away, and Mags' and Pal's instrumental skills grow stronger and stronger with each moment. Each song follows a little storyline, I think. Except perhaps 'We're Looking For The Whales' (my favorite song off of this) and 'Maybe, Maybe', which are the lightest songs on here and can be fun, sort of like a comic relief for a tragedy.

The cover of Scoundrel Days reminds me of U2's The Joshua Tree. Or is it the other way around? This was made a full year before that.

The colors on the cover definitely reflect the songs within: angsty, a little dingy in a good way of course, with a big sky of hope!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Good follow-up CD.......2007-02-08

Maybe Maybe was one of my favorites off this CD. I thought it was a good follow-up album to Hunting High and Low.

Those were Scoundrel Days.......2006-09-28

SCOUNDREL DAYS may be a-ha's best album. This is a great album! No other band has such a lyrical and melodic sound as they have. "The Swing Of Things" is excellent. "I've Been Losing Myself" is really touching. No other band could have performed these songs or delivered them with such a unique sound. It's good to see that they are still in good form with ANALOGUE.

Really strong effort.......2006-01-08

A really strong album. I also find it marginally stronger than their first album, that had a bit of filler. I love 'scoundrel days'. It has that soaring vocal line that I think A-ha were excellent at- similar to 'take on me' and 'there's never a forever thing'. A beautiful memorable song.
'October' is also a really strong song. Morten uses a lower tone to his voice and to me, this sounds more like the pet shop boys, which is a good thing.
'Manhattan skyline' begins as a beautiful ballad, but is a multi part song and moves into a really rocking performance, before returning to the softer sections. Also one of the best.
I am also fond of the 'the swing of things', which reminds me a bit of 'train of thought. 'I've been losing you' is also strong and rocks quite hard for a-ha.
The reason for four stars is that I find the second side strong, but a little weaker than the first. 'Cry wolf' is good but not exceptional. 'Looking for whales' has a melody that will stick in your head, but it is not that amazing.
I really like 'maybe maybe'. I think people criticise it, as it is a light hearted style song, not the deep severity of a lot of A-ha songs. The keyboard parts are really catchy and the solo sounds a bit like Erasure, which is also a good thing! The melody is also strong. This is not a weak song, just a different dynamic.
'Soft rains of april' is a really nice title. The song doesn't disappoint. Ambient introduction and Morten sings in the lower, relaxed register, a bit like 'october', and I really like some of the expressive chord changes and the keyboard parts are again really expressive. A really mature recording, and a non-conventional ballad, one of the strongest tracks easily.
'The weight of the wind' to me is blatant filler. Again, a few nice keyboard parts, but it is one of those songs that I just cannot remember after I play it, no matter how many times.
Still, an incredible album chock full of talent.

One of My All-Time Favorite CD's.......2005-09-11

This is my favorite a-ha CD, and one of my favorites from my HUGE CD collection (I think I'm over 400 CD's now). And, no, I don't collect the standard bubble-gum stuff from the likes of Britney Spears and other worthless, talentless wannabes - the music in my collection comes from solid talent, for the most part - a lot of rare, eclectic, and hard-to-find music. So, for me to make the claim that this CD ranks as one of my favorites is quite a feat on a-ha's part!

With that said, there are many reasons I just love this CD. I fell in love with the song "October" the very first time I heard it and still love it to this day. "Scoundrel Days" is a fantastic, up-tempo song that kicks you in the gut after a quiet start. I think that the CD flows easily and smoothly from song to song, and that this was one of those rare CD's that just fell together perfectly. "Soft Rains of April" was the perfect last song for this CD, and it leaves you wanting more - I just want to shout, "Another song! Another song! Encore!" So, what do I do? I start the whole CD over again for another listen! :-) Yes, I can play this CD over and over and not tire of it. If you're an a-ha fan and don't already have this one, you need to add it to YOUR collection TODAY, before it goes out of print (how unfortunate).

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8. Life Styles [Import]
9. Lime, Vol. 2 [Import]
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