The Lovely

Product Description
Mara Carlyle, singer-songwriter and saw player extraordinaire, cut her teeth singing her way through church music, bluegrass, music hall, indie rock, opera and electronica. Her beautiful collaborations with techno innovators Plaid (released on Warp) were followed by a guest appearance on The Matthew Herbert Big Band’s Goodbye Swingtime album in 2003. The Lovely is her debut album as a solo artist, a selection of bitter-sweet songs about love, death, courage and murder (songs born on nightshifts in hospitals and hostels). Dark tales sung with a smile...

The Lovely,Mara Carlyle,Accidental,Dance Music,Electronic,Pop

Average customer rating: Magic Moments A CD for lovers De-Lovely is De-Lightful fabulous De-Lovely is truly De-Lightful

De-Lovely Various Artists , and Cole Porter Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: De-Lovely It's De Lovely - The Authentic Cole Porter Collection The Very Best of Cole Porter Ultra-Lounge: Cocktails With Cole Porter Beyond the Sea ASIN: B00023GGHQ Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

1. It's De-Lovely - Robbie Williams
2. Let's Do It (Let's Fall In Love) - Alanis Morissette
3. Begin The Beguine - Sheryl Crow
4. Let's Misbehave - Elvis Costello
5. Be A Clown - Kevin Kline, Peter Polycarpou and Chorus
6. Night And Day - John Barrowman and Kevin Kline
7. True Love - Ashley Judd and Tayler Hamilton
8. What Is This Thing Called Love? - Lemar
9. I Love You - Mick Hucknall
10. Just One Of Those Things - Diana Krall
11. Anything Goes - Caroline O'Connor and Chorus
12. Experiment - Kevin Kline
13. Love For Sale - Vivian Green
14. So In Love - Lara Fabian and Mario Frangoulis
15. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye - Natalie Cole
16. Blow, Gabriel, Blow - Jonathan Pryce, Kevin Kline, Cast and Chorus
17. In the Still Of The Night - Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd
18. You're The Top - Cole Porter

Amazon.com

At first glance, the approach picked for De-Lovely will be familiar to those who already own Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute to Cole Porter. On both albums, contemporary pop stars cover classics by Porter. But many of the interpretations on Red Hot + Blue were modernized, whereas the approach on De-Lovely is more traditional---it's the soundtrack to a biopic about Porter, after all, so a classic (though not quite period) sound prevails. What's surprising is how well many of the singers handle the songs without the crutch of a contemporary pop retooling. Who would have thought that Alanis Morissette had such a natural affinity for "Let's Do It (Let's Fall in Love)," for instance? She fares equally well in her screen cameo, whereas Diana Krall sounds superb on "Just One of Those Things" but looks horribly uncomfortable in the film. Other good surprises include Robbie Williams's "It's De-Lovely" and Kevin Kline as Porter, coming across as a more tuneful Rex Harrison. Elvis Costello, meanwhile, confirms he's a better songwriter than singer, and as Linda Porter, Ashley Judd is hesitant at best. In a nice touch, a recording of Cole Porter himself performing "You're the Top" provides the album's coda. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Magic Moments.......2007-05-14

Since this CD came in the mail, I've played it over and over. Very fine updates to some of the best music ever written. Sweet.

A CD for lovers.......2007-03-23

If you have seen the movie you will love this upbeat and romantic collection of tunes.

A great Valentine Day gift or perfect for "You're the One" days!

De-Lovely is De-Lightful.......2007-02-19

Cole Porter was and is the finest American composer and lyricist we've ever had. His music is timeless; and while his lyrics are contemporary to the period written, they're often just as appropriate now. More often than not, any film you watch will have a snippet of a Cole Porter tune and even rappers "borrow" his lyrics. Every tune on this CD is performed beautifully, though not necessarily the way it was originally composed. Some lyrics have been changed to fit our current time--apparently. Vivian Green's superb rendition of Love for Sale is sweetly enjoyable and vastly superior to earlier versions.

fabulous.......2006-11-10

the music is wonderful. i can listen to it on repeat all day and never get tired of it.

De-Lovely is truly De-Lightful.......2006-11-10

Modern artists singing Cole Porter - a true gem. The movie was great, the soundtrack even better.

Average customer rating: Simply . . . DeLovely Anything they could do, Cole Porter could do better... Disappointing, not delovely, collection It's De Lovely-The Authentic Cole Porter Collection Absolutely

It's De Lovely - The Authentic Cole Porter Collection Cole Porter Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Tin Pan Alley | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Cole Porter De-Lovely Sinatra Sings Cole Porter De-Lovely Ultra-Lounge: Cocktails With Cole Porter ASIN: B000294SIE Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

1. Anything Goes - Cole Porter
2. You're The Top - Cole Porter
3. Begin The Beguine - Artie Shaw And His Orchestra
4. From This Moment On - Lena Horne
5. You Do Something To Me - Sonny Rollins
6. It's Delovely - Shorty Rogers And His Giants
7. Night And Day - Frank Sinatra
8. Let's Misbehave - Irving Aaronson And His Commanders
9. Don't Fence Me In - Roy Rogers
10. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To - Dinah Shore
11. I Love Paris - Coleman Hawkins
12. Easy To Love - Ray Noble & His Orchestra
13. Just One Of Those Things - Lena Horne
14. What Is This Thing Called Love - Leo Reisman And His Orchestra
15. I've Got You Under My Skin - Paul Desmond
16. I Get A Kick Out Of You - Tommy Dorsey And His Orchestra
17. Night And Day - Leo Reisman And His Orchestra
18. You Do Something To Me - Rosemary Clooney
19. Night And Day - Esquivel and His Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Simply . . . DeLovely.......2007-05-13

The biggest surprrise: each song is by the original artist! The CD label even bears the old RCA Victor Trade Mark . . . and THAT goes back quite a ways! But all the arrangements and artists are wonderful to hear from
Cole Porter, himself, to Sinatra, Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney, and others, all singing the "old favorites" as done originally by themselves! And . . . there's Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and other favorites of those bygone days. If you saw the Movie "It's Delovely" and liked it, then you'll LOVE this CD: "IT;S DeLovely: The Authentic Dole Porter Collection."

Anything they could do, Cole Porter could do better..........2007-05-02

Cole Porter remains one of the brightest stars of the 20th century and this CD shows us why. You get a whopping 19 tracks on just one CD and the variety of these numbers reinforces the belief that Porter's music could be found in just about any genre of music.

The CD opens with two classic Porter numbers entitled "Anything Goes" and "You're The Top." Although these songs are well performed with terrific musical arrangements they are actually reconstructions of what these tunes would have sounded like if Porter were recording them today. They let us hear what Porter probably would have sounded like were he recording today using older equipment; but please make a note that this "reenactment" of Cole Porter singing to his own music may not work for some people.

Other gems on this CD include "Let's Misbehave" performed by Irving Anderson and His Commanders; the great Lena Horne singing so sweetly her renditions of "Just One Of Those Things" and "From This Moment On" and the incomparable Frank Sinatra crooning "Night And Day."

"I Love Paris" gets the royal treatment by Coleman Hawkins who plays that tenor saxophone to perfection! Manny Albam and His Orchestra provide the rest of the flawless musical arrangement for this instrumental track. In addition, fans of Cole Porter music will surely love Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra performing "I Get A Kick Out Of You." Moreover, one of the three bonus tracks features Fred Astaire singing "Night And Day" very well. Another bonus track features Rosemary Clooney delivering a powerful rendition of "You Do Something To Me" while Perez Prado and His Orchestra bat out a winning Latin style musical arrangement. Great!

The liner notes include an essay about Cole Porter and his career in the arts by Will Friedwald; and you see portions of Porter's recording contract with RCA Victor as part of the art work. You get all the song credits and there are very nice black and white pictures of Cole Porter himself, too.

Overall, Cole Porter fans will consider this CD a "must-have" for their collections. People who enjoy classic pop vocals will enjoy this CD as well.

Disappointing, not delovely, collection.......2006-10-04

Perhaps I should have read the print on the back more closely when I bought this on a whim. I should've known what to expect from Sonny Rollins or what they meant by "period performances" (i.e,. performances in the style of a period, but not necessarily from the period). So I got what was coming to me.

Nonetheless, I still feel cheated. This collection isn't what it appears to be, from the front cover, to the back blurbs, to the liner notes. It's a very uneven hodge podge of various recordings of Porter songs by a pretty wide assortment of artists. For too many tracks, these aren't "authentic" interpretations reflective of the period Porter and wrote and lived in, but typical "jazz standard" types of interpretations more reflective of the performing artist's own period. And don't be fooled (like I was) by seeing Cole Porter's name listed as the recording artist for two tracks - yes, those are his vocals, but the backing band is a contemporary band who've re-recorded the band section in a "period performance" style. It makes for a "cleaner" sound overall, but any one with a discerning ear will likely find the sonic incongruency between the '34 recording of Porter's voice and the '04 recording of the band too irksome.

And that's just one of several problems with this CD. It's not that these are bad performances - they're not. It's just that as a collection, they're not reflective of what the CD packages tries to tell you they are. For example, Sonny Rollins' hard bop era rendition of one of Porter's most beloved songs, "It's Delovely," is solid as anything Rollins did at the time. But it's hard bop, not swing, and it's instrumental, not vocal. So you get Rollins' wicked sax noodling, but not Porter's charming and witty lyrics. For a *Porter* collection, that's a considerable disappointment, and especially so, seeing the liner notes themselves set you up for that: "[Porter's] comic opuses like "It's Delovely" and "Let's Do it" exploit the lyricist's idea to tell topical jokes in rhyming patterns and exaggerated language, but at the same time they're wholly dependent on Porter the melodist to propel them with a catchy rhythmic motif." [liner notes, pg. 4] Well, it's would great to have to chance to hear that, but you won't with this CD. Not only is Rollins' "It's Delovely" instrumental, the other song they offer us as a choice example of Porter's comical lyricisms isn't even on this CD.

The other thing that boggles my mind is that there's no clear logic to how they selected these particular tracks. Some of the vocal tracks are very short, and don't give you a chance to ingest their Porterness. For example, Horne's "From This Moment On" and Clooney's "You Do Something to Me" both clock in under 2 minutes (compare that to Rollins' lyricless track that nearly 7 minutes long). I fear the tacks on here are so more because these were the ones the CD compliers' were able to get rights for, more than being ideal representations of Porters' songs.

I'll give it 2 stars because the preformances aren't bad in and of themselves, but regrettably, if you're looking for that one CD that'll scratch that distinctly Porter itch, I doubt this will be the one. It certainly isn't for me.

It's De Lovely-The Authentic Cole Porter Collection.......2005-08-20

I got chills when I heard this cd for the first time and the thrills did not stop until the last number. It had been years since I had experienced the old masters playing authentic music rather than the many remakes and retakes we have today. Does anyone today use brushes on a snare---fantastic sound. And hearing Lena Horne in her prime--an extra bonus.

What a musical treat this is!!!

Absolutely.......2004-12-29

I've always liked Cole Porter's songs, so of course I've heard them performed by many different singers. But what made this album for me was the recording of Porter himself singing "Anything Goes." Of course he doesn't have the voice of a Sinatra or a Mel Torme, but if you want to hear the definitive version of a song, you go to the composer himself, and this one is terrific. Porter sings with an urbane, knowing sophistication the others can't match, and in his own words--"God knows, anything goes," not the sanitized versions later singers used. It's fabulous, and the CD is worth the price for that track alone. But the rest of it's pretty easy on the ears too. Performances range from early jazz sounds to splashy big band arrangements to savvy vocals framed by swingy riffs. I like it better every time I listen to it. This is a worthy tribute to a great songwriter, and taken together with "The Very Best of Cole Porter" would be a great introduction to a suave, stylish kind of music that's sorely needed today, in this world of women singers groaning like cats in heat and men pumping out lyrics about bitches and hos. Let it roll--Cole's still tops.

Average customer rating: EXCELENT LIVE CD good but not the same with ray thomas Somewhat cheesy but very entertaining and enjoyable Far from their best Lovely to See You Rocks

Moody Blues: Lovely to See You: Live from the Greek The Moody Blues Manufacturer: Image Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Moody Blues: Lovely to See You (2005) Classic Moody Blues Moody Blues - Live at Montreux 1991 December The Moody Blues - A Night at Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra ASIN: B000BDGVU4 Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

1. Lovely To See You
2. Tuesday Afternoon
3. Lean On Me
4. The Actor
5. Steppin In A Slide Zone
6. The Voice
7. Talking Out Of Turn
8. I Know Youre Out There Somewhere
9. The Story In Your Eyes
10. Forever Autumn
11. Your Wildest Dreams
12. Isnt Life Strange
13. The Other Side Of Life
14. December Snow
15. Higher & Higher
16. Are You Sitting Comfortably?
17. Just A Singer (In A Rock & Roll Band)
18. Nights In White Satin
19. Question
20. Ride My See-Saw

Description

Recorded Live in June 2005 - Track Listing: Lovely to See You - Tuesday Afternoon - Lean on Me - The Actor - Slide Zone - The Voice - Talking Out of Turn - I Know You're Out There Somewhere - Story in Your Eyes - Wildest Dreams - Isn't Life Strange - The

Customer Reviews:

EXCELENT LIVE CD.......2007-05-07

I SAW THEM PERFORM THIS CONCERT & THEY WERE BRILLIANT IT WAS THIER FIRST CONCERT WITHOUT RAY THOMAS THE ORCHESTRA & THEY SOUNDED FANTASTIC IF YOURE A MOODY BLUES FAN OR NOT THIS CD & DVD IS WORTH BUYING.

good but not the same with ray thomas.......2007-05-02

this dvd was a lengthy concert with many songs played, particularly when compared with live at prince albert hall, but i thought the musical arrangement was lacking. The quality of the music was not clear enough, and without the benefit of a whole orchestra behind them, this dvd lacked pizazz i thought. Also, I thought the singers voices were a bit horse, and they seemed a little like they were going through the motions at times. Norda Mullen the new floutist to substitute for retired bandmember ray thomas gave it her all, but all the band members were in casual wear but she was wearing this evening gown which just seemed so out of place as she jumped around on the stage with the flute or tamborine in a strapless black gown with high heels. Just didnt fit in. but it didnt impact the quality of the music she was responsible for.

Somewhat cheesy but very entertaining and enjoyable.......2007-02-04

I have been a Moody Blues fan since forever, and have seen them in concert a number of times over the years. When I saw this, my first reaction was "what? yet another live album"? The twist this time is that this is just the band, sans symphony orchestra, and thus the first live album of just the band since 1969's "Moody Blues Live + 5".

"Lovely To See You" (2 CDs, 20 tracks, 105 min.) is in essence a greatest hits live album, and that of course is what the fans want. All the classics are here. CD1 (9 tracks, 43 min.) is not bad, with tracks like "Tuesday Afternoon", "The Voice" and "I Know You're Out There Somewhere". But CD2 (11 tracks, 61 min.) is so much stronger, starting off with a cover of Jeff Lynne's "Forever Autumn" (from the "War of the Worlds" album), a rocking "Your Wildest Dreams", "Higher and Higher" (with drummer Graeme Edge singing lead vocals on his own composition), and then of course the last 4 songs, which define what the Moody Blues have become: "I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock & Roll Band)", "Nights in White Satin", "Question" and the closer "Ride my See-Saw". Just irresistible.

One of the reviewers here complains about the sound quality on this album and that the Moody Blues sound like a "garage band". Has that person listened to the same album as I have? The sound is lush and pristine throughout the album. Does the band break new ground with this release? Of course not, but that isn't the point. This album may be a bit cheesy, but who cares. It is entertaining and enjoyable from start to finish.

Far from their best.......2007-01-16

The Moody Blues are one of the best bands to grace the charts in ---well, forever,but this cd doesn't showcase that quality. The sound is awful! There are times when the drums jarringly drown out the vocals. I didn't think it possible for the Moodies to sound like a garage band, but there are moments on this cd when that is the case. Pass on this one and go for Anthology instead.It is a far superior cd.

Lovely to See You Rocks.......2006-12-14

Best live performance in years. I always said I wanted to see Justin sing in a 200 seat hall. This is close. If Forever Autumn dosen't bring tears to your eyes you have missed one of the great vocal performances in rock. Production is excellent. It was the first DVD I watched on my new Sony HDMI upconvert player. The picture and DTS sound are flawless.

Average customer rating: So much fun! BYE BYE BIRDIE Bye Bye Birdie soundtrack Love the movie...but the soundtrack? Bye Bye Birdie was a good Buy Buy

Bye Bye Birdie (1963 Film Soundtrack) Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Bye Bye Birdie Bye Bye Birdie (1960 Original Broadway Cast) Bye Bye Birdie: The New Soundtrack Recording (1995 Television Cast) Bye Bye Birdie The Music Man (1962 Film Soundtrack) ASIN: B0000AQRZS Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

1. Bye Bye Birdie - Ann-Margret
2. Opening Credits - Columbia Studio Orchestra, Johnny Green
3. Telephone Hour
4. How Lovely to Be a Woman - Ann-Margret
5. We Love You Conrad [Film Version][#][*]
6. Honestly Sincere - Jesse Pearson
7. Hymn for a Sunday Evening - Ann-Margret, Mary La Roche, Paul Lynde, Bryan Russell
8. One Boy - Ann-Margret, Janet Leigh, Bobby Rydell
9. Put On a Happy Face - Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke
10. Kids - Paul Lynde, Bryan Russell, Maureen Stapleton, Dick Van Dyke
11. One Last Kiss [Gym Rehearsal Outtake][#][*] - Jesse Pearson
12. Lot of Livin' to Do - Ann-Margret, Jesse Pearson, Bobby Rydell
13. Sultans' Ballet [Film Version][#][*] - Columbia Studio Orchestra, Johnny Green
14. One Last Kiss - Jesse Pearson
15. Rosie - Ann-Margret, Janet Leigh, Bobby Rydell, Dick Van Dyke
16. Bye Bye Birdie (Reprise) - Ann-Margret, Janet Leigh, Bobby Rydell, Dick Van Dyke

Customer Reviews:

So much fun!.......2007-06-13

This is still such a classic and so much fun!

BYE BYE BIRDIE.......2007-03-03

I always enjoyed the film version of "Birdie" as well as the soundtrack and now this reissue includes "The Sultans Ballet" where Janet Leigh bites off more than she can chew when she invites a group of Sultans(Shriners) to dance. There are a couple of minor inclusions including "We Love You Conrad" and the rehearsal of "One Last Kiss" My only question is why didnt they use the complete version of "A Lot of Livin To Do" Even with the additional tracks the CD clocks in at 46 minutes so space wasn't a problem. It's quite understandable why the Russian Ballet was not included since it would be out of place on an otherwise perky and bright score.

While "Bye Bye Birdie" may not be one of the best scores it is zesty and cheerful to listen to on a gloomy day and as one of the numbers suggests it helps you to "Put On A Happy Face"

Bye Bye Birdie soundtrack.......2006-07-01

The product itself is excellent, but: 1) it took about three weeks to arrive; and 2) we didn't realize the film cut out and added so music. What we needed was a soundtrack for the stage production.

Love the movie...but the soundtrack?.......2006-05-04

I am a huge fan of the movie and the soundtrack is also amazing...the only thing I'm uspet about is that "One Last Kiss" on the cd is TOTALLY different!

Bye Bye Birdie was a good Buy Buy.......2005-08-02

Solid cast recording brings back the light-hearted msuicals of the 50s and 60s. Used as the primer for an upcoming stage version of the show, we listened frequently, and haven't tired yet.

Average customer rating: WAY OFF THE MARK LUXURIANT: yielding abundantly, characterized by abundant growth Very displeasing! Bravo Amel Larrieux missing something

Lovely Standards Amel Larrieux Manufacturer: Bliss Life ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Feel the Fire I Am The Daily News Collaborations Luvanmusiq ASIN: B000O75EZA Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. Younger Than Springtime
2. Something Wonderful
3. If I Were A Bell
4. You're My Thrill
5. If I Loved You
6. I Like the Sunrise
7. Shadow of Your Smile
8. Try Your Wings
9. Lucky to be Me
10. Wild is the Wind

Customer Reviews:

WAY OFF THE MARK.......2007-07-15

Not sure what she was thinking but singing jazz should not be in this ladies songbook. Terrible readings of some great standards....Amel needs to listen and study the greats before she ever tries her hand at jazz again.

A souful singer she maybe but certainly is not a jazz singer.

LUXURIANT: yielding abundantly, characterized by abundant growth .......2007-07-07

One word that can describe this compilation, is 'substantial'. Such substance and richness is not often tasted, in an industry where the finest taste - is often spoiled.

I am apalled to see that some cannot comprehend Amel's artistry. Amel is not one of these 'accessible' artists that you have come to expect. Often we are so used to second-rate garbage, that we truly do not know how to ascertain quality.

I am so glad to see that once again this magnificent vocalist BLAZES trails rather than follows them. I could have sworn that I heard the echoes of the Beatnick era of the 60s - whistling through my speakers. A blahzay, and plaintive Amel Larrieux - chanelling John Coltrane with her slender (slight) vocals. Black turtleneck sweaters and bongos, berets and dark glasses. Billowing cigarette smoke swirling around "You're my Thrill". Such ecstacy, and the pleasure was surely mine.

Where would Nina Simone be without a her spirited antagonists, clawing at each eclectic release. Where would the inimitable Shirley Horn be without the stumbling blocks and pitfalls of industry distaste (slow and boring?); or even the great Gloria Lynne (who never recieved her due).

Let us look at this program. Each piece - intentionally uncommon. Each treatment - intentionally unique. Amel does not know how to follow the crowd. Amel is in another realm altogether. Amel is the living embodiment of soul and jazz; the diaspora of world music; the collective understanding of love and loss, pain and pleasure. She represents all that is good that there is. Amel is the Lynn Collins of this era. You will know and remember this album in 10 years. It's too fresh right now.

Albums are not meant to reflect the past - they are meant to illustrate a higher level of futuristic consciousness and creative ability within the artist. Amel is just not meant for 'everybody'. If you cant LOVE her all the way - don't love her AT ALL my brothers and sisters. I'm hurt to see that people can turn-coat like this and sell Amel out!. But just as they say with the stock-market; BUY when the market is down. This album is a CLASSIC, too bad that some people can't see it yet.

Bengali
djbengali@aol.com

Very displeasing!.......2007-06-25

I have enjoyed all of Amel Larriuex's albums until this one. I don't even know how to describe it, it's just blah...that pretty much sums it up. It's terrible. If you are used to her other great albums don't buy this one.

Bravo Amel Larrieux.......2007-06-17

The Best album from the fine team of Amel and Laru Larrieux! Amel's vocals are quietly soothing, innocent & smooth as she floats with the lyrics!

missing something.......2007-06-15

Amel is a great vocalist and I have all of her albums going back to when she was with groove theory. Lovely standards is an attempt of amel to do a full jazz cd. The cd is ok at best. A lot of the tracks sound the same and I don't really care for the way she delivers the vocals on some songs. I gave the album three stars because amel has a beautiful voice, I just don't care for the way the lyrics are delivered. If it weren't for her melodic voice i would've rated the album lower. Younger than springtime is a good song that has some good vocals and actually the track sounds slightly different than the majority of the album. This album can be relaxing but is caught somewhere between candle lit dinner music and elevator music. My final thoughts are, if you missed this album it won't be a big loss.

Average customer rating: Fabulous Andre Rieu "Fiesta" Fiesta Not the best versions available This is a great album!

Fiesta André Rieu , Johann Strauss Orchestra , Georges Bizet , Gioachino Rossini , Mikis Theodorakis , Pascual Marquina , Vincent Youmans , Leo Ferré , E. Ramirez , Filippo Marchetti , Emmerich Kalman , Jacob Gade , P. Shott , Gerhard Winkler , Louis Louiguy , Glanzberg , Vincent Scotto , Luigi Denza , Scottish Traditional , Friedrich Schroder , and Anonymous Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Theodorakis | Theodorakis, Mikis | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Rieu, Andre | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | 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 | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Vienna I Love, Waltzes From My Heart Andre Rieu in Concert At The Movies Roses from the South Tuscany ASIN: B000031WXB Release Date: 2000-01-01

Tracks:

1. Clavelitos
2. Espana Cani
3. Cielito Lindo
4. Seventh Heaven Of Love
5. Carmen: Ov
6. Hava Nagila
7. Tea For Two
8. Moulin Rouge/Paris Canaille
9. Sirtaki (Zorba's Dance)
10. Fascination
11. The Gipsy Princess Medley: Love, Love, Love!/The Swallow Song/How Could I Know?/Love, Love, Love!
12. William Tell: Ov
13. Jalousie
14. The Canals Of Amsterdam
15. Let's Go To Varasdin
16. Chianti-Lied
17. La Vie En Rose/Padam Padam/Sous Les Ponts De Paris
18. Funiculi Funicula
19. Auld Lang Syne

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2005-10-23

This DVD is spectacular. Andre Rieu is absolutely fascinating to listen to and the costumes of the orchestra as gorgeous. Well worth every penny.

Andre Rieu "Fiesta".......2005-09-20

This CD is absolutely fantastic. There is no musician quite like Andre Rieu. His music does indeed lift the spirit.

Fiesta.......2005-09-12

The music lifts my spirits! It is fun and lighthearted. I sincerely recommend this CD by Andre Rieu.

Not the best versions available.......2002-02-12

First of all, why call this recording
"Fiesta"? only for the first four latin-american
works? because the rest of the cd is of
German music.I you want a real "Fiesta"
disc, I recomendation is that disc
of Keith Lockhart, is much more fun and
much more in a fiesta spirit than this one.

This is a great album!.......2002-01-02

I highly recommend this album. Andre Rieu is a great violinist. If you buy this album you will not be dissappointed. I'd give it ten stars if I could.

Average customer rating: nice string music Perfect Format to Present Paul's Genius This is NOT classical music one of my favoirte cds Is it possible to wear out a CD?

Working Classical: Orchestral and Chamber Music by Paul McCartney Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Standing Stone Paul McCartney's Liverpool Oratorio Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum Thrillington ASIN: B00001ZSXH Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

1. Junk
2. A Leaf
3. Haymakers
4. Midwife
5. Spiral
6. Warm And Beautiful
7. My Love
8. Maybe I'm Amazed
9. Calico Skies
10. Golden Earth Girl
11. Somedays
12. Tuesday
13. She's My Baby
14. The Lovely Linda

Amazon.com

Working Classical might just be the perfect outlet for the composing skills of Sir Paul McCartney. Here, the former Beatles (and, let's not forget, Wings) member scales things down from his previous classical-music endeavors--the overweight works Liverpool Oratorio and Standing Stone. In the hands of the Loma Mar Quartet chamber group and the London Symphony Orchestra, McCartney's shorter compositions sound all the more intimate (and effective). Album opener "Junk" is a simple waltz dating from the composer's days with the Fab Four, performed here by the Quartet with short-but-sweet results. "A Leaf" is another waltz motif, this one performed with a full orchestra. McCartney pop favorites "Warm and Beautiful," "Somedays," "She's My Baby," and "The Lovely Linda" all get chamber-music treatments that bring out their compositional beauty. And, while influences seem to range from Janácek to Morricone, there's no doubting that McCartney knows how to write a convincing ditty--pop or otherwise. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

nice string music.......2007-07-13

Wow, these are nice arrangements. Very good to put on the CD player late at night and relaxing with. Very good.
Macca continues to amaze. As Ringo said in reference to "Let it Be...Naked":"(Paul) ,You were right all along."
I think when the history is written many years from now, it'll be seen that while John Lennon was the heart of the Beatles,Paul McCartney was their musical brain. I feel Mac will stand tall with other notable composers from the Western musical tradition.
AS soon as the classical snobs make themselves admit it.
Melodically,Mac can't be beat.
W/out Mac,there would've not been the Beatles as we know them today.
This CD is well worth buying.

Perfect Format to Present Paul's Genius.......2006-11-20

Confused recent reviews have argued about whether this is classical or MUZAK. Whatever you want to call the form, the music itself is brilliant and inspired. We would not give two shakes about these tunes that are in some cases thirty-six years old if they had no draw to our hearts and no merit. This album would have been released and forgotten and that definitely has not happened.

I have just listened to the broadcast of Paul's most recent classical work Ecce Cor Meum from Carnegie Hall in New York (Nov. 14, 2006) and prior to the main piece, the soprano Kate Royal and another vocalist sang these songs accompanied by the same quartet that appears on Working Classical. It was essentially a live version of this album with vocals and it was brilliant as is the original Working Classical CD. My Love, Warm and Beautiful, Calico Skies and Junk come off as extraordinarily brillant as they do on this recording. These songs, whether in this form or closer to their original form, will live forever and no amount of "orchestration" can kill them.

The same reviewer wrote: "it is a sign of the decline of serious culture that so many people actually believe that this MUZAK is classical music". How pompous some classical music fans are that they cannot conceive of any important music being written in modern times. Another reviewer wrote: "an orchestrated pop song is still a pop song". Perhaps, but that is not a fatal critcism that would obviate the joy these melodies give and emotions they hold. On the contrary, this is not elevator music. Elevator music is not compelling, its not memorble and its not written by a genius named Paul McCartney.

If you were to take a sonata by a well-known classical composer and play it among 'elevator music' with an overblown song like "Feelings", for example, would that turn it into elevator music? The discerning among us know the difference. An orchestrated pop song is not just MUZAK. That is just simple-minded. This idea comes from John Lennon's song "How Do You Sleep?" during which he idenifies Paul's music as MUZAK. John later denounced and rejected the sentiments of that song.

It turns out Paul is the coolest Beatle because he is the least affected, the least afraid to worry about what people would think about his doing something like this recording. He is not worried about the posturing associated with the tough guy rock and roll image. He is first and foremost an artist and musician--one of rare quality and talent.

This is NOT classical music.......2006-11-07

It is a sign of the decline of serious culture that so many people actually believe that this MUZAK is classical music. As another reviewer wrote: an orchestrated pop song is still a pop song. It's so funny: in the 1960s, kids used to laugh at their parents for being so square for listening to 'elevator music'(i.e., orchestrated pop songs) and not being cool and listening the Beatles...and now those kids are adults and they are listening to...elevator music written by one of the Fab Four!!

one of my favoirte cds.......2006-08-05

sir paul writes such beautiful melodies. found this in the library and just loved it. it is such a peaceful pleasure to listen to. you will find some familiar tunes and other new ones. i find it moving and lovely.

Is it possible to wear out a CD?.......2006-03-26

I first heard the song "Tuesday" on my "wake-up" radio station. I was amazed and thrilled when I found Paul McCartney as the truly gifted composer, proven by this glorious work. Some of the tracks are reminiscent of old Beatles songs.
His music possesses a gentle whimsy and include orchestral or chamber versions of some of his recognizable songs such as "Junk," "My Love" and "Maybe I'm Amazed."
I'd read all the reviews and have included a snippet from one which I am happy to share... this just says it all...

Gerald R Steele
"An extension of an event, begun in the sixties, called, "The Beatles", Paul McCartney has confirmed the importance of the original Phenomena. Some of us realized that from "I Want to Hold Your Hand" a culmination of music, from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Gershwin, and Vaughn-Williams, was emerging.
One can only hope for more. This tribute to Linda may begin something that will reference a "pop-culture" that included "The Beatles" as the beginning to music that truly responds to "the inner-ear" of, at least, three generations. This is the stuff that lives for thousands of years." Thank you Gerald. Imagine, touching the hearts of THREE generations?

My own love for this album is enhanced by my friendships as I compare my feelings, during listening, to them. A dear friend, Linda, rides her mechanical steed every morning and I think of her as I listen to "The Lovely Linda". I can see her in the morning dawn, peddling along and enjoying the morning and life. "Calico Skies" is reminiscent of all my Mitford pals! So dignified and serene! I'll probably wear out this CD from playing it so much.

Average customer rating: Very pleased Sumptuous and mellow One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal A wide variety

All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers John Dowland , Thomas Morley , Thomas Weelkes , John Wilbye , William Byrd , John Farmer , and The King's Singers Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music King's Singers | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Madrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Dowland, John | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music King's Singers | ( K ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: English and Italian Renaissance Madrigals The King"s Singers: English Renaissance Olde English Madrigals & Folk Songs at Ely Cathedral Madrigal History Tour Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers ASIN: B000002RPZ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. English Madrigals: A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
2. English Madrigals: Weep No More, Thou Sorry Boy
3. English Madrigals: Shoot False Love
4. English Madrigals: Now Is The Month Of Maying
5. English Madrigals: Four Arms, Two Necks, One Wreathing
6. English Madrigals: Hark, All Ye Lovely Saints Above
7. English Madrigals: Since Robin Hood
8. English Madrigals: Though Philomela Lost Her Love
9. English Madrigals: O Wretched Man
10. English Madrigals: Weep, O Mine Eyes
11. English Madrigals: The Nightingale, The Organ Of Delight
12. English Madrigals: Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!
13. English Madrigals: Cruel, Behold My Heavy Ending
14. English Madrigals: Fair Phyllis I Saw Sitting All Alone
15. English Madrigals: Sing We And Chant It
16. English Madrigals: On A Fair Morning
17. English Madrigals: Oft Have I Vowed
18. English Madrigals: Is Love A Boy?
19. English Madrigals: Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
20. English Madrigals: All At Once Well Met
21. English Madrigals: Construe My Meaning
22. English Madrigals: Lord! When I Think
23. English Madrigals: Cruel, Wilt Thou Persever
24. English Madrigals: Fine Knacks For Ladies
25. English Madrigals: Strike It Up, Tabor
26. English Madrigals: I Love, Alas I Love Thee
27. English Madrigals: Farwell, Dear Love
28. English Madrigals: See, See The Shepherd's Queen
29. English Madrigals: Have I Found Her
30. English Madrigals: Lady Your Words Do Spite Me
31. English Madrigals: Were I A King
32. English Madrigals: Come Again
33. English Madrigals: Tan Ta Ra, Cries Mars
34. English Madrigals: Why Should I Love?
35. English Madrigals: This Sweet And Merry Month Of May

Customer Reviews:

Very pleased.......2007-06-10

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this CD. True, I could have listened on line before buying but that would have taken the fun out of the purchase. Besides, I really didn't care for the CD the first couple of times I listened but now I really love it. It's not something to listen to all the time but given the right circumstances e.g. a small gathering of friends, it's perfect. If I'd listened to online, I wouldn't have purchased it.

Sumptuous and mellow.......2002-11-28

The six men of the King's Singers present sweet and light-hearted madrigals of such English composers as Morley, Weelkes, Dowland, Wilbye and Byrd. The thirty five selections include "Now is the Month of Maying", "Though Philomela Lost Her Love", "Sing We and Chant It," the celebration of tobacco entitled "Come, Sirrah Jack, Ho!" and a host of other fa-la-la-la-la venues interspersed with wistful laments. I love the rich, sonorous sound of a male vocal ensemble, with countertenors, tenor, baritones and bass, and these six singers do a great job. Occasional instrumental accompaniments by lute and tabor are included, but this group doesn't really need it--I could listen to them for hours all by themselves. Also quite enjoyable, as well as educational, is their earlier release, "The King's Singers' Madrigal History Tour: Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany". For a more risque' take on the vocal music of Renaissance England, you might get a kick out of "The Art of the Bawdy Song" by the Baltimore Consort with the Merry Companions.

One of the Best Collections of English Madrigals.......2002-03-27

Any fan of the King's Singers will regret not having this album in their collection.

This album offers a veritable feast of the choicest English madrigals found on any comparable album. From the obligatory "Now is the Month of Maying" and "Fair Phyllis" to the more obscure "Tan ta ra, cries Mars," there is certainly enough on this album to bring a smile to lovers of Renaissance music - and a spark of recognition to anyone who sang traditional madrigals in high school or university. For serious students of early music, this album comes very highly recommended.

Among the more sonorous offerings on this album, Jones' "Farewell, Dear Love" and Dowland's "Come Again," cannot be ignored. Nor can Bennet's immortal "Weep O mine eyes" be matched more musically than here by the King's Singers.

This album has been played again and again for almost 6 years as both serious listening and background working music. And it has yet to lose its delight.

A Delightful Collection of English Madrigal.......2000-08-16

With 35 tracts to enjoy you're sure to find a couple of favorites. I gave this CD 4 of 5 stars compared to 5 stars for the King's Singers World Madrigal Tour CD. If you prefer all your songs in English, this will be your 5 star CD. Tract 32 "Come again" is my favorite due to the surperb tenor lead and melodic development. Compared to many polyphonic early music styles (1300s-1485), this era (1500-1610) provides many memorable melodies.

A wide variety.......2000-04-28

This is an excellent sampling of English madrigals. This presentation, given by an older roster of the Singers, is a nice introduction to the world of the madrigal, and English madrigals in particular.

Average customer rating: Unique historical icon Memories of the past Outstanding! A True Classic It was ok

Soviet Army Chorus & Band Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Russia | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Best of the Red Army Choir Russian Favourites Best of Communism: Revolutionary Songs Balalaika: Russia's Most Beautiful Songs Russian Cossack Music from the Urals ASIN: B000002ROZ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Song Of Youth
2. A Birch-Tree In A Field Did Stand
3. Far Away
4. Volga Boat Song
5. You Are Always Beautiful
6. Along Peter's Street
7. Tipperary
8. Ah! Lovely Night
9. Kamarinskaya
10. Annie Laurie
11. Song Of The Plains (Meadowland)
12. Kalinka
13. Bandura
14. Oh No! John!
15. Snow Flakes
16. Ukranian Poem
17. The Decembrists: Soldier's Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Unique historical icon.......2007-04-11

Wonderfully atmospheric choral singing in the distinctive style of these cultural ambassadors for the Soviet regime. In their day they had a worldwide and appreciative audience as the Soviet Authorities sought to attach an attractive "human" persona to their mighty military machine.The power, precision and technical proficiancy of these (and other) performers served, whether justifiably or not, to enhance the Soviet military image.Wonderful Russian bass and tenor voices gave western ears fresh insights into 'music of the people' from both sides of the Iron Curtain. The propaganda effect was priceless and we are left today with a nostalgic example of the effective political use of music.

Memories of the past.......2007-02-13

My parents bought the vinyl recording of the Album when it first came out and I used to listen to it a lot. It is wonderful to have it available on CD without the scratches that go along with records. They sound as brilliant and stirring as the first day I heard them. I especially love The Soldiers Chorus from the play The Decembrists.

Outstanding!.......2005-08-27

I first discovered this album as a LP in the late 1960s. Granted, the recording techniques then are not as sophisticated as they are now, but the quality of the voices on this CD is excellent, and the music will send chills down your spine.

There are subsequent albums of the "Red Army" (whom I've seen in person) -- while good, the original "Soviet" is still the best.

If you love great soloists, outstanding choral work, and stirring music, you will appreciate this album.

A True Classic.......2004-12-17

Rich and often powerful music. Much magnificent singing and orchestration. The effort of the chorus to sing "Tipperary" in english is, alone, well worth the price of purchase.

It was ok.......2004-08-15

It's an ok album. The songs are nice but I bet half of the tracks are in mono, which was disappointing. I would recommend "Best of The Red Army Choir" instead.

Average customer rating: Return to Sanity Have Some Madeira British humour at its best If you haven't heard this... Gentle Satire

Complete Flanders & Swann Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Broadway & Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Box Sets | Stores | Music Comedy & Spoken Word | Box Sets | Stores | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Songs of Michael Flanders & Donald Swann At the Drop of a Hat The Best of Flanders & Swan - A Transport of Delight Beyond The Fringe (1961 Original London Cast) Too Many Songs by Tom Lehrer ASIN: B000006T4S Release Date: 1997-04-30

Tracks:

1. Warthog, The (The Hog Beneath The Skin)
2. The Sea Horse
3. The Chameleon
4. Whale, The (Mopy Dick)
5. Je Suis Le Tenebreux
6. Songs For Our Time
7. A Song Of The Weather - Flanders & Swann
8. The Reluctant Cannibal
9. Greensleeves
10. Misalliance
11. Kokoraki
12. Madeira M'Dear?
13. Too Many Cookers
14. Built Up Area
15. In The Bath (From 'At The Drop Of A Hat')
16. Sea Fever
17. The Hippopotamus Song

Tracks:

1. The Gas Man Cometh
2. Sounding Brass
3. Los Olividados
4. In The Desert
5. The Sloth
6. The Rhinoceros
7. Kangaroo Tango
8. Jaguar
9. Dead Ducks
10. The Elephant
11. By Air
12. Slow Train
13. A Song Of Patriotic Prejudice - Flanders & Swann
14. The Humming Bird
15. The Portuguese Man-Of-War
16. Sea Fever
17. The Hippopotamus Song

Tracks:

1. The Gas Man Cometh
2. Sounding Brass
3. Los Olividados
4. In The Desert
5. The Sloth
6. The Rhinoceros
7. Kangaroo Tango
8. Jaguar
9. Dead Ducks
10. The Elephant
11. By Air
12. Slow Train
13. A Song Of Patriotic Prejudice - Flanders & Swann
14. The Humming Bird
15. The Portuguese Man-Of-War
16. The Wild Boar
17. The Ostrich
18. The Wompom
19. Twice Shy
20. Commonwealth Fair
21. P** P* B**** B** D******
22. Paris
23. Eine Kleine Nacht Musik Cha Cha Cha
24. The Hundred Song
25. Food For Thought

Album Details

Fantastic Triple CD Box Set of the Recorded Works of One of Britain's Most Popular Comedy Duos. Their Keen Observations of Everyday British Life and Abilities to Exemplify them in Song Made them the Darlings of the UK. Cleverness, Wit and Absoute Hilarity were the Order of the Day, in Just About Any Style of Music. Pure Comic Genius on Three Discs!

Customer Reviews:

Return to Sanity.......2005-07-27

Before Monty Python, before the Beatles, before "'Enery the Aigth Oi Am" there was the subtle, sweet, insdious humor of Flanders and Swann, and their lyrics remain part of the recognition rituals of Ivy Leaguers of the sixties. For any aging hippies or yuppies who find life WAY more stressful than we ever expected, and for whom the down side of alcohol, sex, and drugs has become apparent, I recommend listening several times to "In the Bath". It raises a cry for peace among the nations by inviting all the leaders to sit congenially steaming in a communal bathtub. And they reminding us of our essential self-interest when they add the proviso "as long as Swann and Flanders get the end without the taps." On those nights when we suspect that there isn't any point to it all, reach for the Flanders and Swann. They won't convince you there is any meaning to life, but they'll make it a lot easier to bear. Don't even try to do without it.

Have Some Madeira.......2005-07-06

Not every line in Flanders and Swann has become part of our 37-year marriage, but many have. As our turntables fail, we are pleased that we can relive all the fun stuff we used to collect. Nothing is like this duo, especially what you usually hear as French horn by Mozart converted into "I found that horn go(r)ne." And, of course,
"Have some Madeira, m'dear" is an all-time favorite.

British humour at its best.......2003-03-15

When I started out as a teacher of English, I had the most wonderful colleague as a mentor -- when she retired she gave me three LPs with much of what is on these CDs, and it must be one of the best gifts I have ever been given. Practically all of it makes me smile or laugh out loud (although I must admit that some, like The Armadillo and Slow Train, make me so melancholy that I can just feel my lower lip tremble and my eyes fill up). How can you beat lines like "Hail to thee, blithe Wompom", or "The English are moral, the English are good / And clever, and modest, and misunderstood"? I find they make great listening exercises for my teenaged students as well -- they consider it ancient, but incredibly funny!

If you haven't heard this..........2003-01-16

The great comedic pairing of the late Michael Flanders (vocals) and Donald Swann (piano and occasional vocals) must surely rank among the hall of fame of comic singers and songwriters. Descended from the British music hall tradition, these two men wrote and performed music which still sparkles with wit today, some 40 or more years since it was recorded.

After being told to take up singing as a means of strengthening his polio-weakened lungs, the wheelchair-bound Flanders teamed up with pianist Swann and proceeded to write such classic songs as "The Hippo Song (Mud Mud Glorious Mud)", "The Gasman Cometh", "The Gnu Song", "A Transport of Delight" and many others. As well as a gently satirical spirit, all these songs feature the sublime wordplay and interplay of both men.

The first two discs of this box set are actual concerts - "At The Drop Of A Hat" and its successor "At The Drop Of Another Hat". Recorded at the height of the duo's popularity and form, the sound quality is surprisingly good for recordings this old.

"At The Drop Of A Hat" opens with three of the Flanders and Swann classics. "Transport Of Delight", a song in praise of the "97 horsepower omnibus" features the wonderful harmonies of the duo on lines like "any more fares" and Flanders' dead-on impression of a London busdriver "Geddardait, we're full right up inside". "Song of Reproduction" deals with the new, as it was then, stereo technology and features Flanders delivering an incredible monologue using every conceivable piece of audiophile jargon. "The Gnu Song" (in which "gnu" is pronounced phonetically) is a real treat. The audience's reaction to the reappearance of the gnu is superb.
As well as this opening trio, the disc features Flanders' snippets of "Songs For Our Time" (in which he experiments with conventions of hit songs), "Song of the Weather" (a rundown of English weather throughout the year), "The Reluctant Cannibal" (featuring Swann in the tititular role and the chorus "I can't eat people/I won't eat people/eatin' people is wrong"), Swann's foray into Greek folksong "Kokraki" and the justifiably famous "Madeira M'Dear". The performance ends with a rousing version of "The Hippo Song".
Flanders is in fine voice throughout and his comments introducing each song are delivered with deadpan accuracy. The story behind "The Gnu Song" is an absolute masterpiece. Flanders' monologue about the creation of "Greensleeves" is also superb - "'Greenfleeves'. That's an interesting name for a fong" (referencing old English script) being just a taste.

"Another Hat" begins in equally fine form with "Gasman Cometh" and "Ill Wind". "Gasman", presaged as "a tale of unending domestic upheaval", is sure to have most people who've ever dealt with unreliable tradesmen nodding in agreement, while "Ill Wind" is Flanders' attempt at setting words to a French horn concerto featuring the immortal lines "I lost that horn/lost that horn/lost that horn/found that horn/gorn". The performance continues with Swann's Russian/English song "In The Desert", the ending of which is truly side-splitting. "All Gall" (a reinterpretation of "This Old Man" to fit then-French President Charles de Gaulle) is a little dated but very cleverly done. "Song of Patriotic Prejudice", with its introduction and opening lines grabbing the audience's attention is another triumph, while the "Hippo Encore" is a great end to the performance.
Again Flanders is at his peak. His loving description of the Spanish olive-stuffers ("Olividados") and his superb story about flying ("By Air") are both brilliant examples of the shaggy dog story.
My favourite from both of these discs would have to be "First and Second Law". Flanders decides to educate Swann in elementary science and picks on the first and second laws of thermodynamics ("heat is work and work is heat" and "heat cannot of itself pass from one body to a hotter body") and the repetition of these phrases in time to Swann's barely-there piano accompaniment is one of the finest moments in British comedy.

The third disc is largely forgettable. It begins with a series of animal-related songs performed in a studio and without much of Flanders' rambling introductions. "Warthog" has its moments, while the others were clearly not performed in front of an audience for a reason. "Wompom" is also mildly diverting, presenting a story about a made-up substance which is the answer to everything.
The rest of the disc is then filled out with much earlier material in a rather poorly-recorded concert. "20 Tons of TNT" (related to the calculation the pair had done which gave that as the amount of TNT per person on the planet at the time) provides food for thought, but little more.

Is this box set for everyone? No. Much of the humour both within and without the songs does require a bit of background knowledge to what was going on in Britain and Europe at the time (1960s), John Profumo is referenced a few times as well as Charles de Gaulle and the Common Market, while a smattering of classical music knowledge can help out a bit with Swann's work and "Ill Wind". The fact that my grandfather (who's in his late 70s) recalls hearing these songs and laughing may give an indication as to the age of some of the subject matter. Equally the fact that "First and Second Law" references an awful lot of physics might do the same.

Nevertheless, for anyone who loves British humour done in a gentle manner or who is interested in the source of "mud mud glorious mud/nothing quite like it for cooling the blood", give these CDs some serious consideration.

Gentle Satire.......2002-04-03

I've been singing Flanders and Swann every day In the Bath since I first heard them in 1964. If you don't know them, think Gilbert and Sullivan by way of English music hall and Noel Coward, with a bit of Tom Lehrer musical satire and classic Bob Newhart or Charlie Manna monologues. F&S commented gently on their times: "The purpose of satire, it has been rightly said, is to strip away the veneer of comfortable illusion and cozy half-truth. And our job, as I see it, is to put it back again." Quite simply the best comic songs and patter of the 20th century. Michael died in 1975, Donald in 1994. Goodnight, Mabel Figworthy, wherever you are.

Here are some samples of Michael's verbal wit.

Wordplay:
- "A Transport of Delight," their song of the pleasures of the double-decker bus "has recently been adopted as the theme song of the Underground resistance movement."
- Speculating that Henry VIII wrote Greensleeves: "and the royalties go to royalty."
- About a tennis referee late in the day: "the umpire upon whom the sun never sets."
- Explaining how he was hoisted in his wheelchair onto airliners by a fork lift: "Why they need a great machine like that to lift forks I do not know. Well, they're only plastic, now, aren't they?"
- On status symbols: "The object is to Gunga Din your neighbor: 'I'm a better man than you' is the acid test," and, "let's bang our status cymbals with the best."
- To a disenchanted cannibal: "You used to be a regular anthropophagi."
- Of a lecher: "And he said as he hastened to put out the cat, the wine, his cigar, and the lamps," while the girl "lowered her standards by raising her glass, her courage, her eyes, and his hopes."
- At the corrida d'olivas (the Andorran festival of olive stuffing, not to be confused with the Spanish corrida de toros, or bullfight): "And a great cry goes up of Ole! He has made an 'ol."
- "It's no good going up to a scientist and saying to him like you would to anybody else, 'Good morning, how are you, lend me a quid, and so on.' He'll just glare at you, or make a rude retort."

Throw-aways
- During the height of the cold war the Soviet Union sent the Moscow Ballet on a world tour. Donald sang one chorus of the Hippopotamus Song "mud, mud, glorious mud - nothing quite like it for cooling the blood" in Russian. Michael: "That should improve our cultural relations."
- During the 1963 Mandy Rice-Davies and Christine Keeler scandal: "None of that going around saying no smoke without fire. Nil cumbustibus, Profumo." Also, from "Friendly Duet," "such models of friendship are precious and rare, while the friendship of models is not."
- "Now if you're writing a musical, as I'm sure practically all of you are, . . ."
- Of Donald: "You know that no one has a higher regard for your music . . . than you do yourself. I merely meant that you are not great because you are not dead. If you wish to be great you must stop composing and start decomposing."
- "We never found a rhyme for (Soviet Premier Nikita) "Kruschev" until he was dead: Did he die or was he "pushed off"?"
- "We spent two dreadful, uh, delightful years, entertaining the Americans whose need, let's face it, is greater even than yours. Of course, when we're over there we say that the other way 'round."
- "No matter what you may say about the Germans, and who doesn't . . ."
- "Some of the songs that have made our names a household word, like slop-bucket . . ."
- "They've started testing cars now. They started at 10 years, then 5, now three. There's even some talk of having them tested before they leave the factory."

Absurdities
- "I'm delirious about our new oven fitted with the eye-level grill. This means that without my having to bend down the hot fat can squirt straight into my eye."
- A spectator during the construction of Stonehenge: "So, it's not going to be lived in. Well, that's something anyway. So what is it, then? It's a what?! A calendar?! A bit big for a calendar isn't it? You'd look pretty foolish with that on your desk."
- "Donald knocked himself out this morning. Got one of those new pop-up toasters. Nasty things."

Incredible multiple rhymes:
- "The fair hippoptama he aimed to entice from her seat on her hilltop above, as she hadn't got a ma to give her advice, went tip-toeing down to her love."
- Of Josephine: "Nonsense, said Bonaparte. She lives on her own, apart, in her own apartment."
- "Oh let us be married if our parents don't mind. We'd be happy and inseparable. Inextricably entwined. We'd live happily every after, said the Honeysuckle to the Bindweed."
- "And you'll always see a single lace-less left-hand leather boot. A bootless British river bank's a shock. We leave them there at midnight, you can track a member's route by the alternating print of boot and sock."

Album Review:

1. The Underground Railroad [Explicit Lyrics]
2. To Those I Hold Dear
3. Trance Energy 2004 [Import]
4. Trust the DJ: BS01 [Import]
5. Tyrant
6. UC YMO: Ultimate Collection of Yellow Magic Orchestra [Import]
7. Underground Connection [Import]
8. Unlimited 1979-1983 [Import]
9. VI [Import]
10. Vogue [CD-single]

Album Review

album review

Album Review

World Wide Party [CD-single] [Import]

Classical Masters: Vivaldi and Chopin

Haydn: Piano Sonatas (Nos. 33, 38, 58, & 60)

Music CD: Terje Rypdal

Flesh + Blood/Hdcd/Pic Dc [Import]

Death Valley Dream

Gospel Classics, Vol. 1: Sunday in the Country

DORK [Explicit Lyrics]

Cetros [Import]

Chaconne - Jory Vinikour plays keyboard works of Ligeti, Storace, Frescobaldi, Muffat, Fischer, Couperin

Dippin [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Carnival Procession

Down South Mud Chopped & Screwed [Explicit Lyrics]

On the Threshold of a Dream

The Best of Little Eva