Transparent

About the Artist

Jeanine Noyes is a vibrant and thrilling singer/songwriter. Her evocative lyrics and powerful delivery have earned her rave reviews and awards both in Toronto and in her hometown of Kingston.

In 1994, she was awarded FACTOR's New Talent Demo Award for which she solicited the production expertise of Hugh Marsh (Bruce Cockburn, Loreena McKennitt) and Fergus Marsh (Bruce Cockburn, Steve Bell, Big Faith); and she received an honorable mention from the Amedeus Choir Carol Writing Competition for a choral piece that has since been performed by several choirs across Ontario. In 2000 she was a regional finalist in the first Thalia's Voice women's performing arts competition.

In 1996, Jeanine released a self-titled six-song cassette. In 1997, she received sponsorship from IMAGO, a charitable organization supporting new artists, and started to diligently raise money through concerts, art auctions, etc. for her debut CD.

In 1998, Jeanine was one of 17 Kingston artists chosen for Longshot Live, a CD raising money for the neo-natal unit at Kingston General Hospital. Her song received the highest acclaim.

In April of 1999, Jeanine became one of 10 regional finalists from across Ontario in Thalia's Voice (a competition for female performers). In the fall of 1999 she began recording with Vancouver producer Roy Salmond (producer of Juno nominee Blaise Pascal). The recording is rich with Toronto's best performers, including Hugh Marsh, Fergus Marsh, Kevin Breit, and Troy Feener, to name a few. Juno nominee Tory Cassis sings a beautifully sparse duet with Jeanine on the title track.

In the fall of 2000, she music directed (which included writing and arranging) and starred in Brookstone's Christmas theatre piece 2000 Candles which received rave reviews across Toronto. The show was so successful that it will be remounted this Christmas season and will tour in cities across southern Ontario.

Product Description
On Transparent, Jeanine Noyes and her four-piece band deliver a moody groove that ranges from dark to country to funky. The well-crafted songs draw the audience in with an honesty that drops defenses and appeals to the heart.

Transparent,Jeanine Noyes

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Average customer rating: Transparent Things oooooo! oooooo! do you wear reeboks in heaven? Entertaining album from start to finish. Buy It Now!

Transparent Things Fujiya & Miyagi Manufacturer: Deaf Dumb & Blind ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sound of Silver The Good, the Bad & the Queen The Reminder Mirrored Writer's Block (LTD Edition with Bonus Disc) ASIN: B000LP6KMG Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

1. Ankle Injuries
2. Collarbone
3. Photocopier
4. Conductor 71
5. Transparent Things
6. Sucker Punch
7. In One Ear & Our The Other
8. Cassettesingle
9. Cylinders
10. Reeboks In Heaven

Amazon.com

Fujiya & Miyagi are not Japanese nor are they a duo, but are in fact a trio of rather cheeky Brits. Keeping with the multi-cultural theme, they also love Neu!-style Krautrock, with its metronome rhythms and cerebral melodies. This second release after 2003's Electro Karaoke in the Negative Style is filled with sly statements and cute jokes about commodity and materialism--Transparent Things is a particularly apt title--but more than anything else it's a goofball lark. With the music-nerd navel-gazing of LCD Soundsystem, but also the sonic aesthetic of Stereolab, it can be enjoyed regardless of whether you want to get geeky. Some might say it's best enjoyed that way, as some of the record's most enjoyable moments, like the skittery last few minutes of "Photocopier" or the instrumental "Cassettesingle" aren't about words at all. At times it's downright danceable, with tracks like "Reeboks in Heaven" exhibiting an abstract, electro grooviness. Their devotion to quirk ends up being a little too cute occasionally (like when they use the band name as a chant in "Ankle Injuries"), but their energy is so harmless it's easy to overlook it. Don't worry about getting all the jokes; Fujiya & Miyagi would likely be happier if you turned your brain off and cut a rug instead. --Matthew Cooke

Album Description

Fans of Hot Chip and Air will appreciate Fujiya & Miyagi's brand of witty and wiry electronica. Singer Dave Best whispers obtuse stream-of-consciousness lyrics about scoring new kicks ("Collarbone") and getting socked by a girl ("Sucker Punch") over slinky dance-punk backdrops. "We were just pretending to be Japanese," the frontman playfully repeats in "Photocopier." But don't be fooled -- their urban jungle soundtrack is the real deal.

Customer Reviews:

Transparent Things.......2007-06-27

This is one of the best discoveries I've made in years.
It sounds new, different and refreshing from the
current music scene. You will love it, too.

oooooo! oooooo!.......2007-05-14

This album rules except for the song "Sucker punch" everything else is awesome...I really dig kraut rock and dance music, so when you put it together I really really dig it!

do you wear reeboks in heaven?.......2007-05-08

my answer is yes, I'll even wear the high-tops to kick it old school... my only condition: I gotta have this album playing in the background. it is absolutely catchy from start to finish (it reminds me a little of the Hot Chip album, Junior Boys' recent material, even some AIR back when Moon Safari was the shananigan... it still is actually), but they got their own krautrock/electronic thing going without taking themselves too seriously... just listen to the lyrics for crying out loud... they're hilarious. the "collarbone" track is outstanding, as well as "photocopier", "in one ear..." and the aforementioned "reeboks in heaven"... they are perfect to kick it back before going out, or even for the after-party... it will get everyone in a terrific, funky, let's-get-up and dance mood... highly recommended.

Entertaining album from start to finish. Buy It Now!.......2007-03-09

Leave it to a couple of UK studs to come up with a sound this brilliant. 'Hilarious Euro-pop with slick bass lines' is a fairly accurate description but doesn't do this album justice. The recording is crystal and the beats are easy and fun to follow. "Got to get a new pair of shoes, to kick it with her, not kick it with you" is just one example of F&M's delightfully amusing choruses. This is perfect conversation-piece music that will extinguish any drama or awkward silence at your next gathering. Your guests will thank you, and your mp3 player will appreciate your good taste.

Average customer rating: Origional and not trying to be like others Wow what a good CD!! Fantastic CD! Go LaRue! awesome cd

Transparent LaRue Manufacturer: Reunion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: LaRue Reaching Anybody Out There? Conversations ASIN: B0000560HB Release Date: 2001-01-23

Tracks:

1. Theory Of Flight
2. Wake Up
3. Fly
4. Jaded
5. Fallen For You
6. Near To Me
7. Brianna's Song
8. No Goodbyes
9. I Can't Sing
10. Seem To Be
11. One White Tulip

Customer Reviews:

Origional and not trying to be like others.......2006-09-08

If you don't like annoyingly catchy music, you would like this. They both have beautiful voices, and their emotion and guinuinity give me chills. They are artistic and have their own style. Its refreshing. I like their lyrics too.

Wow what a good CD!!.......2005-09-30

I bought this cd 2nd hand, I did not know Larue, but now I do, and I can say that this is one of the best cd's I have in my collection. I think that they sound a bit Celtic.

Fantastic CD!.......2002-12-31

LaRue has done it again! This is a wonderful CD with a fair share of fast and slower songs. A great CD! It frequently visits my CD player! ;-)
~"Theory of Flight" has truthful, inspiring lyrics, and a catchy beat.
~"Wake Up" is edgy, and very well done. I can jog to this song and the words are profound in their truth. One of my favorites of this album.
~"Fly" is not so deep but nonetheless worthy of a good listen.
~"Jaded" speaks of a romantic relationship that is breaking. This is also one of my favorite songs on this CD.
~"Fallen for You" is slower, but Natalie's angelic voice keeps you listening to the end.
~"Near to Me" is among the faster songs and the words are so good.
~"Brianna's Song" is slow, but the words are so beautiful, they can almost bring tears to your eyes. Natalie and Phillip sing about their sister, Brianna.
~"No Goodbyes" is another very good song.
~"I Can't Sing" is not very deep. A bit silly, actually. Phillip and Natalie kinda "let loose" in this one. It has amusing lyrics, a fun tune, and I smile whenever I hear this song. One of my favorites.
~"Seem to Be" borders on alternative/rock, but is very good. I can jog to this one and the words are again---awesome.
~"One White Tulip" is a reflection on times past. A beautiful song.
I can't say enough about this album. LaRue's passion for God shines through their songs and touches you with their truths. LaRue is one of my favorite bands, and I think they are awesome at what they do. This CD should not be passed up.

Go LaRue!.......2002-03-04

I'd heard of LaRue before, but never listened to their music before I borrowed "Transparent". I'm so glad I did! This album is a wonderful collection of slower songs, and more upbeat ones. I generally like fast-paced pop music, but LaRue's music is great for lots of music lovers and their lyrics are inspiring. I enjoy listening to it while I read or write letters, and even fall asleep, although it's great to listen to any time!

awesome cd.......2002-02-14

I'm always on the look out for cd's with great lyrics.And LaRue is/are the second cd that I've found.Another good cd with awesome lyrics is Zoe Girl.LaRue's music reminds me of a beautiful summer day and a rainy day.I like their music alot.I really didn't pay attention to the lyrics that much because I am doing other things,but anyways this cd is excellent.I so want the first one now,now that somebody's explained each and every song on the first cd.

Average customer rating:

Blitzen Trapper Blitzen Trapper Manufacturer: Lidkercow Ltd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lo-Fi | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Field Rexx Wild Mountain Nation The Search ASIN: B000BTJC68 Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

1. The All-Girl Team
2. Cunning Revolution
3. Appletrees
4. Reno
5. Whiskey Kisser
6. Triggafinga
7. Ansel and Emily Desader
8. Cracker Went Down
9. Christmas is Coming Soon
10. Donkie Boy
11. Texaco

Album Description

"Combining '60s country-rock with cartoonish psychedelia and hyperactive thrash, the group's selftitled debut is two parts hook-laden pop and one part pure acid freakout." -- Willamette Week The first Blitzen Trapper album had an initial limited release in late 2003, surprising local critics with its confident mix of musical styles and ambitious songwriting, and powering the group into the venerable Willamette Week's Top 10 New Portland Bands of 2004. Chock-full of hooks and references to guns, the debut veers from stadium rock to Haight-Ashbury to dank lounge to trailer park rave-up to gas station balladry with devious glee. The only Blitzen Trapper work to have been recorded largely in a proper studio, the making of this album so ruined the band financially that the members were reduced to conditions of complete squalor for many years afterwards, out of which straits came the gloriously ramshackle follow-up, Field Rexx.

Average customer rating: Gawd, what a voice! left this fan disappointed Vintage Nordine THE MASTER IS BACK!

A Transparent Mask Ken Nordine Manufacturer: Asphodel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Poetry | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Spoken Word | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Colors Wink The Eye Is Never Filled The Best of Word Jazz, Vol. 1 A Dub Plate of Food, Vol. 2 ASIN: B00005AVN9 Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

1. Hello
2. Cat and Bird Blues
3. You Know The Story
4. For The Birds
5. A Good Year For Spiders
6. You Don't Love Me Blues
7. The Bullfighter
8. The Guru
9. The Akond of Swat
10. You Were So Crazy
11. Cliche Heaven
12. Truth Mute
13. A Thousand Bingbangs
14. Quarks
15. Fibonacci Numbers
16. Hole In the Ego
17. Miniver Cheevy
18. A Thousand Dreams
19. What's There To Do
20. What's There To Do

Album Description

Asphodel is proud to present Mr. Nordine's most recent work. A journey into the mind of the king word jazz! Featuring accomplished jazz musicians Paul Wertico and Jim Hines. 19 tracks including 'A Good Year For Spiders', 'Cliche Heaven' and 'Miniver Cheevy'. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews:

Gawd, what a voice!.......2001-11-04

Ken Nordine has been my favorie voice for as long as I've had a favorite voice. Something like 40 years, I suppose. I heard Word Jazz at a friend's house when I was in Junior High School and was *instantly* hooked. What's really remarkable is that Ken's voice hasn't changed since then (early 60's, OK - so I'm old!). He's *just* as vibrant, just as deep and just as cool as ever. Hope *I* sound that good when I'm in my 80's!

This CD won't change your life, but it just might change how you think you see your life. Ken's words and vocal images are razor sharp and waste no time cutting apart your preconceived notions about what you are and how your world really is. It's all Seriously Different than you thought. And it's all Ken's fault.

Get the album, some wine, some low lights and a sound system with a good low end. And be prepared to have your mind changed.

But how can you get angry with Ken for changing your perceptions when he does it with that laughing *edge* to his voice? How can you do anything except say, "...ooh, yeah, man... he's really *got* something there..."

left this fan disappointed.......2001-07-04

First of all let me just say: I love Ken Nordine. I've bought every CD of his that I can find, and my wife and I even fell in love listening to him. He was always so distinct and clever i was in constant amazement.

But now, man, _Transparent Mask_ is dissapointing. None of the tracks are very clever, in story or words. Plus it's much more "normal" poetry than what I was used to from Ken. It felt like instead of putting energy into clever ideas (like what a museum of sound would be like, or how was the color yellow was allowed into the spectrum) he's just trying to rhyme.And the subject matter is blase also -- songs of birds and spiders, not songs of Vidiots.

He still has one of the deepest voices I've ever heard, but it just aint enough. If you're a fan don't buy this CD, if you aint a fan buy Colors or Word Jazz -- they'll make you a fan.

Vintage Nordine.......2001-05-21

Ken Nordine's rumbling basso is one of the few voices I have heard that qualifies as a musical instrument when he is simply speaking. In the '50s, he coined the term Word Jazz to describe his various musings to gentle instrumental backgrounds. His pipes are definitely still intact, judging from "Transparent Mask." He's at his best here, as always, free-associating, unraveling the meaning behind common expressions. The cuts "As Of Now" and "A Thousand Dreams" are themselves worth the price of this CD. We're also treated to Nordine's trademark conversations with himself, one track nice and clear, the other with just enough reverb to sound like he's at the other end of a phone line. In "Truth Mute" he tries to sell himself on a new invention that makes it easier to lie to yourself. On other cuts, he gives us his amiably quirky take on quantum physics, fibonacci numbers, and love. Several pieces, such as "The Bullfighter" and "Hello" are quick, short puffs of wordplay.

Less successful are the cuts where Nordine decides his word jazz ought to rhyme. Paul Simon he ain't. The results are often constricted and self-concious, not strong enough to stand as poems, and lacking melodies to make them songs (For example, "You Know the Story" includes the strained couplet "Crowds in the hallway, milling about / Like molecules moving, looking for clout." Molecules looking for clout? I think not).

Bottom line: when he's free-associating just for the fun of it, it works; when he tries to make it sound profound, he's overreaching.

THE MASTER IS BACK!.......2001-04-26

To discover a new release from Ken Nordine is a delight. This new album is another in a long series of wonderful releases. If you've enjoyed any of Ken's previous projects from the 1950's Word Jazz to the more recent releases via Grateful Dead, you'll be smiling big time. I will look forward to more as Ken chooses to allow them out. A nice collection completing the missing Word Jazz titles and maybe some of Ken's commercial voice overs would be nice too.

Average customer rating: There's so much missing Sadly Non-Representative Sadly Non-Representative Herbi-Herbi The beat, the whole beat, and nothing but the beat...

Scratch Various Artists , and Soundtrack Manufacturer: Transparent Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Old School | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Turntablists | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Scratch (Ws Dol Dts) Wave Twisters, Episode 7 Million: Sonic Wars Within the Protons Built from Scratch The Litmus Test The Outsider ASIN: B00005Y1TD Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

1. X- ecutioners featuring DJ Premier : Primo's X - Ecution
2. Rob Swift : Re - Animator
3. Herbie Hancock : Rockit 2.002
4. Cat Five VS Snake Eyez : Turntable Transformer
5. Grandmixer DXT : Crazy 2 Crazy
6. Invisibl Scratch Piklz : Invasion of the Octopus People
7. Boogie Boy / Kidd Delight W/ African Bambaataa : All 4 One
8. DJ Disk : Skin Cracked Canals
9. Grandmixer DXT : Cut Transmitter
10. Eddie Def : Universal Noize Maker
11. Rob Swift : My Style

Album Description

Features 11 turntablist tracks by Invisibl Skratch Piklz, Rob Swift, Herbie Hancock, X-Ecutioners & more. Transparent Music/Palm Pictures.

Customer Reviews:

There's so much missing.......2004-09-15

Although I'm very fond of all the music in the movie, and this isn't necessarily a bad CD, it could be a lot better. It lacks many of the live performances as well as many of songs featured in snippets in the background thoughout the movie. This disc does not contain even half of the music featured in the movie.

Sadly Non-Representative.......2002-10-23

Okay to be fair I will break this review into 3 parts.

THE GOOD: The DJ Disk/Buckethead track is cool!! Trip music as only they can make. DXT's Cut Transmitter is a nice little DJ+ band track, and Cat Five/Snake Eyez show off the more abstract side of the movement.

THE DESCENT: Okay, first the Rockit remix--I guess I just expected more, especially with that many of the best DJs on it. I guess that's what happens when you mess with a classic. Rob Swift and Eddie Def's contributions were suprisingly average for their immense talents (although this should not be suprising for Eddie Def as the Space Travelerz not only bashed the film, but have admitted they unload their subpar material when it comes to compilations)

THE TRULY WACK: The rest of the material (as classic as some of it is) can be/has been heard in many other places and it was disappointing to pay for it again. It seems that Bill Laswell wanted to combine a history-up-until-now type project (like MTV's "Masters of the 1s & 2s"--only good) and a this-is-the-status-of-the-movement-right-now album (like "Return of the DJ" did in 1995) but in my opinion simply failed. A true "History of Turntablism album", by the devoted for the devoted, seems like it would have been ideal, and if you really want a "status" type album, check out Turntables by the Bay on Hip Hop Slam. The Frisco Bay area-the mecca of the movement.

Sadly Non-Representative.......2002-10-23

Okay to be fair I will break this review into 3 parts.

THE GOOD: The DJ Disk/Buckethead track is[...]Trip music as only they can make. DXT's Cut Transmitter is a nice little DJ+ band track, and Cat Five/Snake Eyez show off the more abstract side of the movement.

THE DESCENT: Okay, first the Rockit remix--I guess I just expected more, especially with that many of the best DJs on it. I guess that's what happens when you mess with a classic. Rob Swift and Eddie Def's contributions were suprisingly average for their immense talents (although this should not be suprising for Eddie Def as the Space Travelerz not only bashed the film, but have admitted they unload their subpar material when it comes to compilations)

THE TRULY WACK: The rest of the material (as classic as some of it is) can be/has been heard in many other places and it was disappointing to pay for it again. It seems that Bill Laswell wanted to combine a history-up-until-now type project (like MTV's "Masters of the 1s & 2s"--only good) and a this-is-the-status-of-the-movement-right-now album (like "Return of the DJ" did in 1995) but in my opinion simply failed. A true "History of Turntablism album", by the devoted for the devoted, would have been the ideal.

Herbi-Herbi.......2002-09-19

The re-mix of "Rockit" is awesome !!! If you are a Herbie Hancock fan you should not miss this.... Better than ever!

The beat, the whole beat, and nothing but the beat..........2002-03-21

To quote track 10,"your parents were like ... don't touch the record, you'll ruin it!" All of these artists thankfully ignored that advice. Scratch is a cd that consists of what is usually skipped over: the interludes, breaks, and transitions between other songs. But turntablism is a music in its own right. It is pure, simple, and stripped down to the bare essentials, namely; two turntables and a microphone. It's refreshing to hear the experimentation and originality on all these tracks. Primo's X-ecution, Rockit 2.002, and Turntable Transformer are some of the highlights. If you are a fan of hip-hop, rap, or just good funky beats, this is something you will appreciate. Just imagine great songs with mixing and samples instead of vocals, and you'll get an idea of the overall sound. This will be that album you listen to flush pop music out of your system.

Average customer rating: AND NOW IT'S OUT OF PRINT! GET IT NOW! can't really comment Pabulum! Little-known supergroup recording with some nice moments 3 immense talents combine

Like a Brother Beckley-Lamm-Wilson Manufacturer: Transparent Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Horizontal Fall Van Go Gan Here & Now Holiday Harmony 15 Big Ones/Love You ASIN: B00004TQS5 Release Date: 2000-06-20

Tracks:

1. Today
2. Feel the Spirit
3. I Wish For You
4. Run Don't Walk
5. Watching The Time
6. Life In Motion
7. Sheltering Sky
8. They're Only Words
9. Without Her
10. Like A Brother

Customer Reviews:

AND NOW IT'S OUT OF PRINT! GET IT NOW!.......2007-05-12

With most of the songs on this CD being sung (and several being written) by Carl Wilson, it is only fitting that the real two gems are sung by him. "Today", which is written by John Waite (remember the group THE BABYS?), is an untempo number with a great melody and Carl really sings his heart out on it. It is well produced and it could have easily been a top ten hit. But it is Carl's own song "I Wish For You" that shines like a bright star in a dark sky. With a gorgeous melody, this is a ballad with a slightly upbeat tempo. His words are meant for his wife and children after he is no longer there for them. He wishes them Love, Hope and Peace and ("Someone to hold you through all the tears"). But it is the wonderful melody and Carl's gentle yet forceful voice that will keep you playing the song over and over again. Beckley does a fine Job on his songs. Robert Lamm seems to struggle vocally on his. Buy this CD before it goes completly out-of-print music lovers. It is more than well worth it.

can't really comment.......2005-12-21

I actually haven't heard this album, but a friend of mine, played me 'sheltering sky' and this is one of the best ballads, I have heard in ages. An absolutely beutiful song.

Pabulum!.......2005-08-10

Arrrgg!! Don't these guys know what made them popular?!
Save your money.

Little-known supergroup recording with some nice moments.......2005-04-13

This disc combines the talents of Gerry Beckley (America), Robert Lamm (Chicago) and Carl Wilson (The Beach Boys). As you'd expect, the combination of 3 talents from groups that trade heavily in harmony turn in some beautiful harmony themselves on what was a nearly completely ignored disc. The production is somewhat "80s" in sound, thanks to production by Phil Galdston (writer of Vanessa Williams' #1 smash "Saving the Best for Last") and Steve Levine (who produced a 1984 Beach Boys album that brought them back onto the charts with "Getcha Back" as well as several Culture Club efforts).

While those proclaiming it a lost masterpiece here are greatly overstating things, it's nonetheless a charming disc that deserved a better fate commercially.

HIGHLIGHTS:
"I Wish for You" sounds like a coulda been AC hit as another reviewer noted. It's Carl's tender good-will anthem. ("A heart that can heal when you love in vain/A friend who can hold you through all of the pain/I wish you hope through your share of tears/I wish you peace all your living years") Chicagoan Lamm turns in a tribute to dead Chicago bandmate Terry Kath with "Feel the Spirit". (Kath accidentally shot himself while playing Russian roulette) "Watching the Time" is a mid-life reflection from America's Beckley. "Run Don't Walk" is a 'missing you on the road' anthem with a peppy hook. The album closes on a highnote with the title track. It's Carl's love letter to brother Brian Wilson, who was estranged from him at that point. (Producer Galdston shares a great story about the song on the Beach Boys fan club site [http://www.beachboysfanclub.com/lab.htm])

LOWS:
"Today" has a great hook, but the verses leading up to it are weak making it one of the lesser songs and an unfortunate choice to lead off the CD. "Run Don't Walk" would've been a better option. I'll be in the minority here, I guess, but I was disappointed in the cover of Harry Nilsson's "Without Her". The bouncy feel given the song seemed completely inappropriate to the lyric despite some tasty group harmonies. It just felt out of sorts to these ears. Carl penned a great lyric for "They're Only Words" but then chose to set it to a blaring guitar arrangement that ruins what might have been the album's highlight.

BOTTOM LINE:
There's nothing so immediately grabbing here that it's likely to convert non-fans of America, The Beach Boys or Chicago. That being said, if you're a fan of any of them you'll probably find some stuff here worth hearing, though I'd keep an eye out for it used as the price has soared on this due to Beach Boys/Carl Wilson collectors (out of proportion to its musical value). If you absolutely ADORE the sound samples, don't try and get this one...instead you'll want the Japanese import version on JVC Victor (do a search for ASIN B00005L9B1) which adds 3 more tracks.

3 immense talents combine.......2003-04-02

As a big fan of both Chicago and America I bought this CD, not quite clear as to how such a collaboration would sound, especially with what was, to me, the wildcard of throwing a Beach Boy into the mix. It's certainly closer to the harmony-drenched America/Beach Boys style than anything Chicago has ever done, but fans of any of these bands should find much to enjoy on this disc.

Virtually every song is a winner. "Today" is a fine opener, "I Wish For You" should have been a monster AC hit and their take on Nillson's "Without Her" is the best version I've ever heard.

Along with these songs each member contributes one each of the three tracks that make this album an essential purchase: Robert Lamm's "Feel The Spirit" is his tribute to fallen Chicago bandmate Terry Kath. The emotional weight of this song is immense, Lamm's lead vocal the best on the CD - no mean feat. "Watching The Time" is as good a song as Gerry Beckley has ever written, although it's sentiments seem to have been taken too seriously by Lamm's bandmates. Finally, the title track closes the album in the form of another tribute, this time from Carl Wilson to his brother Brian. Even a non-Beach Boy fan such as myself cannot help but be moved by this one.

Carl Wilson's death before the disc was completed means this project can never be repeated. In a way this is fortunate - it would have been very hard to top.

Average customer rating: Gorgeously meditative SPIRIT OF PLACE

China Paul Horn Manufacturer: Transparent Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Fusion & World Fusion | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005QZML Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

1. Moon Dance
2. Autumn Stream In A Desolate Gorge
3. Under The Pines
4. In A Sunny Meadow
5. Temple Of Heaven
6. Journey Down South
7. Reflected Moon
8. Riding On The Wind
9. Autumn In North Sea
10. A Happy Occasion
11. Melting Snow On A Spring Day

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeously meditative.......2006-08-30

I stumbled across this somehow in the late 80s and have never stopped listening. It is absolutely stunning. It is like entering a meditation space full of flowers. New Age is not the right term--that implies a kind of musak for ethnically inclined tunes. This is much more authentic and interpretive than that.

SPIRIT OF PLACE.......2001-12-23

Before new age, before environmental protection, before the global village...there was Paul Horn. I was first inspired by his music in 1971 (at age 11). I continue to be inspired by him. Having lived in China for a long time,I realy believe that this album completely reflects the soul of that most ancient and wonderful land. God bless you Paul Horn for sharing its spirit of place.

Average customer rating: The Best Album Out There Phenom Excellent CD One of the Best Albums of the Last Decade Absolutely Amazing

I, John John Forte Manufacturer: Transparent Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Poly Sci All Hits at the House of Blues True Magic Another Run Around the Sun The Score ASIN: B00006419V Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

1. What A Difference (feat. Dinah Washington)
2. Harmonize
3. What You're Used To
4. Trouble Again (feat. Tricky)
5. All the Pretty People
6. Take Time, Slow Down
7. Beware
8. Been There, Done That (feat. Carly Simon)
9. How Could I?
10. Out of Bed
11. Hungry
12. Dearest Father
13. Lady
14. Reunion

Amazon.com

The sophomore release from former Refugee Camp artist John Forté, I, John is a vast improvement over his unfocused 1998 debut Poly Sci, but there's a downside: Forté is currently serving a 14-year federal prison term, so his career is back on hold. Although recorded during the brief period of time between indictment and standing trial, the singer-rapper's album is unhurried and surprisingly well-developed, fattened by swells of reggae, tinges of electronica, lively guitar work, and lush vocals by the likes of Carly Simon, Esthero, and Forté himself. The strongest selections are slower and, quite understandably, wistful in tone. "Out of Bed" is reminiscent of U2's Joshua Tree period, while "Lady," taken in context, will be heard as a gentle lament. Most of the songs found here take a decidedly blues-rock approach; "What a Difference," however, is straightforward hip-hop anchored by a gorgeous, yet rather unsubtle, Dinah Washington sample. Sounding like an outtake from The Score, Forté plays it as a reminder of his past and an affirmation of his future. --Rebecca Levine

Customer Reviews:

The Best Album Out There.......2006-03-13

Remember when The Fugees' "The Score" was titled one of the top five albums of the 90's well John Forte's album "I John" is the best album of the 2000's. It is simply brilliant, his rhymes, his rhythyms, it all works so well. I especially love "How Could I?" and "Been There Done That"

Phenom.......2005-10-15

John Forte's "I, John" should be referred to as the best album you've never heard. Far from even half of what is considered gold status, this record is easily one of the best in my extensive collection. Refugee Camp fan or not, this album is a must own.

Excellent CD.......2005-09-01

This is by far my favorite CD. The soothing music and deep spiritual messages make this one of the best CDs of all time.

One of the Best Albums of the Last Decade.......2005-01-04

I don't usually review anything. I figure people can find what they like without me. But I, John, is really something special.

It's one of the few hip-hop albums that I can still listen to over and over again without skipping all around to find the 2-3 tracks worth listening to.

The diversity (John sings most of the songs -- and does a surprisingly good job) is built on a solid foundation of musical appreication of different genres, and John really brings the best of these elements out because of his production skills.

Musically, it reminds me of K-OS (whom most people are probably more familiar with) in that it blends elements of soul, trip-hop, hip-hop, jazz and rock together.

But the real enjoyment of the album is the emotion and intelligent lyricism.

It really is a perfect album. And one anybody who enjoys musical diversity with good beats should pick up and cherish.

Peace.

Absolutely Amazing.......2004-10-08

I bought this album around the time it first came out. I remember exactly where I was when I heard it, and I was dumbfounded at the quality.

It is by far, my favorite album. It is eclectic, it is poignant, and best of all, it is honest. He bares his soul to the world in this album, a striking contrast to Poly Sci. We all know that he is in prison right now, and since he was going through his trial at the time this album was made, you can feel a lot of what he was going through coming out in his songs. "All the Pretty People" is... hearthwrenching... beautiful. "How Could I" is wonderful also.

This is honestly one of the few albums I own where I can sit and listen to it in its entirety and not skip tracks. I would highly, highly recommend this to anyone who isn't afraid to listen to something they don't always listen to. If you enjoy and can appreciate quality music that isn't misogynistic, materialistic or a repeat of everything else that it out right now, you HAVE to purchase this. It is one of the few quality works created recently.

Average customer rating:

Transparent Two Tons of Steel Manufacturer: Palo Duro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Vegas Two Ton Tuesday Live! Vegas Whiskey or God Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods ASIN: B000F1IPJM Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

1. Marie's The Name (Of His Latest Flame)
2. Maybe I
3. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes
4. You Know
5. Back Door
6. The Hammer
7. Little Pig
8. Transparent Heart
9. Lonely Love
10. Diddly Daddy
11. Times Like These

Average customer rating: great music, but horrible audio-engineering! Jazz purists BEWARE..this isn't smooth jazz either please god, dont make me like this...its smooth jazz! Soulsantional!

Soul Conversation Featuring Mark Whitfield & JK Soul Conversation Featuring Mark Whitfield & JK Manufacturer: Transparent Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: What's the Word Raw Mark Whitfield Forever Love Patrice ASIN: B00004TFE6 Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

1. Whatever It Takes
2. Talk To Me
3. Reflections Of You
4. Miami Sunset
5. Visions
6. Hand To Mouth
7. Secrets
8. In The Backseat
9. 69th Street
10. On The Edge
11. Unzipped

Amazon.com

At first listen, it wouldn't appear that guitarists Mark Whitfield and JK would have much to talk about musically. Whitfield absorbed the influence of jazzers like Wes Montgomery, then went on to work with the likes of Betty Carter and Carmen McRae. JK has been a top R&B producer and session guitarist. It turns out that the two share a love for classic soul music. That makes Soul Conversation as bright and lively a duet idea as George Benson and Earl Klugh's 1987 CD, Collaboration. The real joys of this project come when the two go point-counterpoint, statement and echo, as on "Talk to Me." The two spend the moody, wah-wah enhanced tune negotiating the subtle edges of a thick groove through improvisational trade-offs. At the end of each passage, they join and wind down the melody like two leaves falling directly on top of each other. Two's company most of the time here, but that tune and the shuffle-jam "Vision" feature a third who's worthy of opinion in the form of Herbie Hancock and his Fender Rhodes. --Jonathan Widran

Customer Reviews:

great music, but horrible audio-engineering!.......2005-03-06

this is a great funky "smooth"-jazz album, unfortunately it is not listenable to good ears.
the audio-engineer must have been deaf! i've never heard anyhting like that, only with some single tracks (e.g. on george michael's patience) but in this case the whole album is polluted by some high-frequency noise around 16KHz that makes listening to the music a real torture, he must have used some exciter or other high-frequency enhancer that added this horrible noise.
i get headache from it.

Jazz purists BEWARE..this isn't smooth jazz either.......2004-10-14

I must confess I love Mark Whitfield's music. I have everything. Some is better than others. I had never heard of JK. Frankly I dont know (or much care) who JK has produced. I do care about this project. Flat out, every track is solid. I don't beleive it had much commercial success but then most gems remain undiscovered. There are several special artists but the whole point of this project was to bring different people of different backgrounds together for their common love of solid grooves. It Worked and check out the DVD of the same title. I own it too!!!!

please god, dont make me like this...its smooth jazz!.......2001-08-11

...i really dislike "smooth" jazz. most of it is not really as smooth or as jazzy as it is just plain old boring. this is the one category of music i get burned on the most whenever i purchase any...especially the ones that claim to be "the greatest combination of hip-hop and jazz". there's no hip-hop at all on this cd, but the tracks here are all a shade shy from being funky and laid-back enough without being drowsy. whether you "sittin back in the cut", "jus' chillin'" or "jus' gon' marinade"-this is good pre- and post-date music to conversate over...or WHATEVER it is you do.

Soulsantional!.......2000-06-15

Great Album, a definite keeper for the smooth jazz list. I've only heard the "Whatever It Takes" song on the radio recently and was hooked, so I checked them out to see if they were as good as they sounded. It's true, they are even better than they sounded! A MUST HAVE for the smooth jazz fan!

Christian Music:

1. Unbreakable (+1 Bonus Track) [Box set] [Import]
2. Unplugged Classics
3. Unplugged Classics 2
4. Vince Nims-Unpeeled
5. What You Do About Me [CD-single] [Import]
6. Where Are You [CD-single]
7. Winds of Change
8. With The High Praises of God
9. Write a Little Song for Me
10. You Are My Life

Christian Music

christian music

Christian Music

Ovo: Millennium +1 (Ltd Edition) [Import]

1951: One Year One Voice

Addressing the Nation with the Blues (Multichannel Hybrid SACD) [Hybrid SACD] [SACD]

So Here We Are

21st Century Deep Trance [Import]

Angel Love for Children

A Arte de Zeca Pagodinho [Import]

Absolution

60s Rock Experience

1964-1969 [Import]

Adore

100 Cantineras del Siglo, Vol. 1

'00 BALLD OUT EPi [Explicit Lyrics]

Brahms: Double Concerto; Beethoven: Triple Concerto

Rebirth of Cool, Vol. 2