Beautiful Ballads

Amazon.com essential recording
The Isley Brothers were known for their ability to rock the house, but in truth they were an accomplished vocal group before they were anything else. Beautiful Ballads collects some of their sweetest, most soulful slow songs from the '70s and '80s, reaches over into the rock world for Todd Rundgren's "Hello It's Me," James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," and Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay," and adds originals such as "Don't Say Goodnight" and "Caravan of Love." Beautiful Ballads goes beyond being a mere soundtrack for seduction (though that works, too): this is healing music, good for the heart as well as the soul. --Daniel Durchholz

Beautiful Ballads,The Isley Brothers,Sony,Funk,Pop,Quiet Storm,R&B,Soul,Soul/R & B,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Urban

---

Average customer rating: SERIOUS baby makin' music... GREAT MUSIC The Isley Brothers- Beautiful Ballads No Regrets Soulful

Beautiful Ballads The Isley Brothers Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Love Songs Greatest Slow Jams Greatest Slow Jams Elements of Love: Ballads The Love Songs Collection ASIN: B0000029J3 Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

1. Brown Eyed Girl
2. Hello It's Me
3. Let's Fall In Love (Parts 1 & 2)
4. You're The Key To My Heart
5. You're Beside Me (Parts 1 & 2)
6. I Once Had Your Love (And I Can't Let Go)
7. Caravan Of Love
8. All In My Lover's Eyes
9. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
10. Make Me Say It Again Girl (Parts 1 & 2)
11. Voyage To Atlantis
12. Choosey Lover
13. Lay Lady Lay
14. Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time For Love) (Parts 1 & 2)

Amazon.com essential recording

The Isley Brothers were known for their ability to rock the house, but in truth they were an accomplished vocal group before they were anything else. Beautiful Ballads collects some of their sweetest, most soulful slow songs from the '70s and '80s, reaches over into the rock world for Todd Rundgren's "Hello It's Me," James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," and Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay," and adds originals such as "Don't Say Goodnight" and "Caravan of Love." Beautiful Ballads goes beyond being a mere soundtrack for seduction (though that works, too): this is healing music, good for the heart as well as the soul. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

SERIOUS baby makin' music..........2007-01-17

...And damn am I mad at the Amazon Fishbowl header on this page, 'cause I already had the title in mind! I just pulled this CD out of the racks after many years, for the purpose of uploading it onto my girlfriend's iPod. Man oh man, the memories! I'm not that old, but I remember when I bought this CD back in the early 90's. It was my first Isley Brothers CD. Let me just say that while I've since purchased many more I.B. CDs, there's just nothing like the first time. Don't get me wrong, there are other great compilations out there, 'Funky Family' comes to mind (although, as the title suggests, it covers the funkier dimensions of The Brothers' illustrious career); 'Ultimate Isley Brothers' is good if you're on a budget; you could probably even cop a decently priced copy of 'It's Your Thing: The Story of the Isley Brothers' at this point. But pound for pound, you just can't beat this CD. I think it has something to do with the sequencing - it seems as though whomever decided on the tracks to be included as well as the order in which they should be played spent a lot of time making out to the Isley Brothers! I mean sure, there are some glaring omissions ("Groove With You"? "Between the Sheets"? I could go on and on), but as the music progresses you couldn't care less. Starting its seductive journey with the beautiful testimonies to the early stages of love "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Hello It's Me", you're reeled in. Then you move into Stage 2 with "Let's Fall in Love (Parts 1 & 2 {isn't it amazing how R&B artists were so prolific back in the 70's that their genius needed TWO PARTS to encapsulate one song? Let's see Ne-Yo or Usher do that!}). By track 11 ("Voyage To Atlantis"), you've already gone from sweet courtship to a full declaration of love to a delicate plea for consumation of this union andletnoothermaneverputusasunder, thanks in no small part to this devilishly hypnotic music coming from your speakers in the background.

And this is why I feel the need to post a warning here: in the wrong hands, this music is potentially DANGEROUS. I hate the term "grown folks' music" but I do believe the title may apply here. If you're inexperienced with this sort of thing I'd advise listening alone a few times first before trying to unleash this on your mate (kiddies, stick with your Justin Timberlake records in the meantime). Don't slip this on as mere background music while you're trying to get your groove on if you're not really serious about the person you're with - there are far too many single unwed mothers out there already! But if you're with that special someone (or someone you're hoping might be that special someone), this is the music to 'seal the deal' with.

The only arguement I might make is with Track #7 - what the hell is "Caravan of Love" doing in this booty-call mixtape? It screws up the whole vibe right in the middle of the CD. If anything I'd recommend programming the tracks in advance and leaving that one out, or at least making it the last track. If you use the CD correctly, by then you should laying back smoking a cigarette or eating jellybeans or whatever you call afterplay. ;-)

GREAT MUSIC.......2007-01-11

LOVE THE ISLEYS! THEIR MUSIC STANDS THE TEST OF TIME AND IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE CDS THAT THEY ARE MAKING TODAY! THE EXCEPTIONS ARE MISSION TO PLEASE AND ETERNAL! BODY KISS DID'NT DO IT FOR ME OR BABY MAKIN MUSIC! IF YOU WANT CLASSIC ISLEYS, BUY THIS! IF YOU WANT MR. BIGGS, BUY THE LATTER CDS! CLASSIC ISLEYS ARE THE BEST !

The Isley Brothers- Beautiful Ballads.......2006-06-29

I really enjoy listening to this cd. Like the Love Songs, most of the songs on the cd are great!

The only 2 songs I don't like on here is "You're beside me (Parts 1 & 2)," and "I once had your love (And I can't let go)". The great tracks on here are:

-Brown Eyed Girl

-Hello It's Me

-Let's Fall In Love

-Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight

-Make Me Say It Again Girl (Parts 1 & 2)

-Choosey Lover

-Lay Lady Lay

-Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time For Love) (Parts 1 & 2)

According to the sticker on the front cover, it says that this cd has 14 of the most romantic songs ever waxed! Therefore, you should get this cd!

No Regrets.......2005-07-05

These ballads can indeed be considered beautiful. The Isley Brothers definitely have talent as artists in general and musicians in particular. The lyrics of these songs as conveyed by the Isleys tug at the heart. That being said, it is still not to my taste.

This is definitely from the R&B/Soul part of the spectrum. My tastes run more towards artists like Sinatra and Humperdinck. I bought this album because of the title and it was no what I expected. Still, the quality of this album is such that I have no regrets.

Soulful.......2005-06-29

This album is truly an all time classic. Its spiritual, sincere and soulful. This is a must for your oldies collection. You can have fun with this album. I always do.

Average customer rating: Superb But Beautiful Appetizing, but why settle for buffet?

But Beautiful: The Best of Shirley Horn on Verve Shirley Horn Manufacturer: Verve 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 Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: I Remember Miles Here's to Life You Won't Forget Me Close Enough for Love May the Music Never End ASIN: B000ASATOO Release Date: 2005-10-11

Tracks:

1. I Just Found Out About Love
2. You Won't Forget Me
3. You Don't Know Me
4. The Great City
5. Fever
6. If You Love Me
7. A Time For Love
8. Come Dance With Me
9. Nice 'N' Easy
10. But Beautiful
11. Here's To Life
12. Jelly, Jelly
13. Loads Of Love
14. I Didn't Know What Time It Was

Customer Reviews:

Superb.......2006-12-15

An excellent collection by a supremely gifted singer. "You Don't Know Me" and "I Just Found Out About Love" are particular gems. I am buying a second copy as a gift, it's that good.

But Beautiful.......2005-12-07

A superb CD demonstrating the talents of a great interpretor of the popular song.

Appetizing, but why settle for buffet?.......2005-11-30

Throughout their careers most singers will undergo changes--often dramatic and undeniable--in vocal timbre, range, breath support, articulation. Shirley Horn, on the other hand, is so remarkably consistent from her first recorded work in 1960 to her last in 2003 that a listener might be tempted to simply select a recording on the basis of song selection or go with a sampler such as this. On the other hand, the recording sessions reveal differences in programming, orchestrations, and performance that may make either of these options less than satisfactory.

Shirley's vocal expressiveness and interpretive powers reach their peak in the early 1990's, at the time of the release of "Here's to Life" (an album which professional singers, in a recent Downbeat Magazine poll, ranked as best jazz vocal recording since 1965). The present anthology contains three selections from "Here's to Life," including the indispensable "If You Love Me." But who wants less than 25% of the program from a recording that is at once a transcendent, aesthetic whole and an historic "event"?

If you wish to hear Shirley and trio unaccompanied by Johnny Mandell's sympathetic orchestrations, you couldn't go wrong with Shirley's stellar "Close Enough for Love." But aside from "But Beautiful" the present collection ignores it. Or if your preference is a live set, "I Thought About You" is the one. The anthology offers two tracks from this date but bypasses a rare Horn instrumental--Shirley's grooving, extended piano work on "Isn't It Romantic."

To its credit this collection doesn't draw from Shirley's last two albums, both of which strike me as frequently more languorous than poignant, though it does offer 3 "bonus" tracks recorded in 2005. Still, the money spent on this anthology might better serve as down-payment on several of Shirley's recordings that are of a complete and organic whole.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Ballads, Vol. 2 The Isley Brothers Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Love Songs Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads Bedroom Classics, Vol. 3 ASIN: B000KHX7BM Release Date: 2006-12-26

Tracks:

1. For The Love Of You (Part 1 & 2)
2. Groove With You
3. Between The Sheets
4. Here We Go Again (Part 1 & 2)
5. I Need Your Body
6. Love Put Me On The Corner
7. It's Too Late
8. Footsteps In The Dark (Part 1 & 2)
9. Lover's Eve
10. Let Me Down Easy
11. Sensuality (Part 1 & 2)
12. Insatiable Woman

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Ballads Gladys Knight Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads, Vol. 2 You Are My Lady ASIN: B000KHX7BW Release Date: 2006-12-26

Tracks:

1. Feel Like Makin' Love
2. The Makings Of You
3. Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
4. Midnight Train To Georgia
5. If I Were Your Woman
6. Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)
7. Sorry Doesn't Always Make It Right
8. Love Finds Its Own Way
9. Walk Softly
10. To Make A Long Story Short
11. The Way We Were/Try To Remember
12. Still Such A Thing
13. Landlord
14. You're Number One (In My Book)

Average customer rating: Open minded Not Bad! leave it to logo INCREDIBLE! This boy is good!!!

How I Seem to Be Adam Joseph Manufacturer: Jah Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Gum | Candy | Categories | Gourmet Food Similar Items: I Am It Won't Be Soon Before Long Back to Black Product Features: Please read all label information on delivery ASIN: B0000DGDO2 Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

1. Your Mine
2. Gotta Way
3. Take Time
4. Flow With My Soul
5. Open Mind
6. I am U
7. How I Seem to Be
8. Need to Be
9. 2 Brothers

Customer Reviews:

Open minded.......2007-07-30

If you are you will truly come out of this with a new appreciation for this very deserving and talented artist. He does have so much soul in his singing. On any track on "How I Seem To Be" he drops the skills like its 2nd nature. I love "Open Mind" and "Just Flow" which is the song i saw on the Logo network the video and loved it. I love the cd as a whole myself. But those tracks in particular really do it for me. So if you have a chance to get this cd don't sleep or wait til later to support a truly talented artist. Its a ride you will really enjoy taking a part of, enjoy.

Not Bad!.......2007-07-29

I fell in love with Your Mine (alone is worth the purchase) and also heard Flow with my Soul. With those 2 in mind, I decided to buy it. The album keeps pretty much the same vibe and pace throughout which is a good thing (because he has a "sound") but the "sound" got pretty old in my opinion. Positives: VERY good voice, lot o' soul, good lyrics, good solid first (I beleive) album. Negatives: Not much variety. Overall a good buy!

leave it to logo.......2006-08-16

leave it to the logo network to get this dude some well deserved attention. he deserves a close look... "flow" is off the hook... deep in soul blended well with a soft rap beat that hits the spot. great mood music. trust me.

INCREDIBLE!.......2004-02-03

To look at his boyishly white face, you couldn't imagine the sounds that come from inside. Seeing a cute face, I decided to listen to his CD at a listening station at a music store and the sounds that came through the headphones made me think that perhaps I wasn't listening to what I thought I should be hearing. There is so much soul trapped in that little body...thank God he has an outlet from which to release it, otherwise he would explode! All songs are amazing and he is definitely worth a listen...you will not be disappointed!

This boy is good!!!.......2004-01-12

I have just listened to the CD. Adam's voice is so smooth and beautiful. I love the songs. How could people sleep on this indie artist. He's gonna be huge. Such a mature sound for such a young artist. It's like a soul revolution that i've never heard before. I LOVE IT!! check this boy out!

Average customer rating: Some of EWF's best!! Iraq Half of the Story Beautiful collection

Beautiful Ballads Wind & Fire Earth Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beautiful Ballads, Vol. 2 Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads In My Songs ASIN: B000KHX7BC Release Date: 2006-12-26

Tracks:

1. That's The Way Of The World
2. All About Love
3. Devotion
4. Can't Hide Love
5. Fantasy
6. I'll Write A Song For You
7. Be Ever Wonderful
8. Wait
9. After The Love Is Gone
10. Love's Holiday
11. Keep Your Head To The Sky
12. Reasons
13. Spirit
14. Imagination

Customer Reviews:

Some of EWF's best!! .......2007-05-08

This CD features many of EWF's best songs...from songs that inspire ("Keep Your Head to the Sky," "Devotion") to songs that seduce ("Love's Holiday," "Can't Hide Love"). No, this is not a complete discology of the group, and it's not meant to be. These are their best ballards, which are a testament of the amazing songwriting/producing talents of Maurice White.

Iraq.......2007-03-08

There were songs I wanted to hear. The cd was a good clean copy it was great

Half of the Story.......2007-02-12

One of the best things about Earth, Wind & Fire was their diversity. Sure, they could lay down a beautiful ballad, but they also created some of the hottest horn-based dance tracks known to man. "Beautiful Ballads" opts to tell only half of this story. Apparently, this is Sony/Legacy's short-sighted, transparent stab at recycling classic material from their vaults in time for Valentine's Day (other artists in this series include the Isley Brotheers, the O'Jays and Gladys Knight). It isn't a bad idea per se, especially if you flinched at the raw energy of "Serpentine Fire," or recoiled at the intensity of "Getaway." If you need a soundtrack that will help you to `get lucky,' then this may do the trick; "All About Love," "Fantasy" and "Be Ever Wonderful" are lovely sentiments graced with lush musical arrangements. If that's what you're aiming for, then good luck - I only hope that she doesn't get too excited and ask to hear "September" or "Shining Star." B Tom Ryan

Beautiful collection.......2007-01-03

While there have been past compilations of EWF's ballads including "Love Songs", this is an excellent collection to buy if you don't own any of the previous ones. While EWF is largely known as a funk/R&B band, some of their best songs were ballads, and "Beautiful Ballads" compiles beloved songs including "After the Love Has Gone", "Reasons", "Devotion", "Can't Hide Love" and "Fantasy".

The remastering on this set is superb and every song is classic EWF. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Patti LaBelle is Wonderfull but the songs are too slow!

Beautiful Ballads Patti LaBelle Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads Beautiful Ballads, Vol. 2 Live! ASIN: B000KHX7AI Release Date: 2006-12-26

Tracks:

1. If Only You Knew
2. Love, Need And Want You
3. On My Own
4. Love And Learn
5. Come What May
6. I Don't Go Shopping
7. Find The Love
8. Isn't It A Shame
9. Quiet Time
10. Do I Stand A Chance
11. You Are My Friend
12. Love Has Finally Come
13. Over The Rainbow

Customer Reviews:

Patti LaBelle is Wonderfull but the songs are too slow!.......2007-02-13

The title says it all! this album is another Valentines scam trying to con you out of your money! The songs individually are fantastic as are all Patti songs but this many slow songs shoild never be on the same disc like this EVER!!! The album does not have any real pictures of Patti(execpt one inside it think)! The cover is the picture of an ugly purple sick looking flower and Patti's name in a nice font. The albums tempo sureley put the mixer to sleep for a while which would explain the albums muffled sound! it sounds like it came straight from a record!!! Never though i'd see the day i'd rate a patti album so low!!!!!!! the sales are also BAD this album ranks at #76,000. The Ojays ballads CD (equally bad) is at #133,333! None of these albums according to billboard have sold more than 1,000 copies which for Patti And Gladys is astonishingly low for artists of their magnitude! Buy it if like me you just want to support Patti!

Average customer rating: "When It's Summer" ~ composed by Nat King Cole Eureka! I've found "Capuccina."! Overdubbed versions - but for most songs, you've no choice. Disappointing, but not because of Nat Not Quite Beautiful, Remastered

Sincerely/The Beautiful Ballads Nat King Cole Manufacturer: EMI Gold Imports ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Where Did Everyone Go?/Looking Back! Sings the Great Songs!/Thank You, Pretty Baby Dear Lonely Hearts/I Don't Want To Be Hurt Anymore Tell Me All About Yourself/Touch Of Your Lips Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer/My Fair Lady ASIN: B000005RRQ Release Date: 1998-10-27

Tracks:

1. Sweethearts On Parade
2. You Are Mine
3. Let Me Tell You, Babe
4. No Other Heart
5. Because You Love Me
6. Cappuccina
7. Let True Love Begin
8. Baby Blue
9. Silver Bird
10. Nothing In The World
11. Take A Fool's Advice
12. Felicia
13. Miss Me
14. Marnie
15. Here's To My Lady
16. Fool Was I
17. Bend A Little My Way
18. You'll See
19. If I Knew
20. Back In My Arms
21. When It's Summer
22. I'll Always Be Remembering (Things)

Album Details

Two Original Albums on One CD. Digitally Remastered in Abbey Road Studios in London. 22 Tracks featuring Many Unreleased in CD Format Before. Original Vinyl Artwork.

Customer Reviews:

"When It's Summer" ~ composed by Nat King Cole.......2005-01-12

Nat King Cole had a tenderness in his voice, completely flawless...he could never deliver a bad tune...his style and signature of making a song his own has never been duplicated...within this twofer album are some favorite ballads...some are timeless and remain classics, while others are songs that have never seen the light of day...the sound quality of this collection isn't the main issue here...but this release is a dream come true...more selections from the greatest entertainer of our time.

On the first album recorded in 1967 "Sincerely", we have never before in an album a wonderful collection of love songs "BABY BLUE", "BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME", "CUPPUCCINA", a swingin' lively love tune that Nat completely grooves with, "LET ME TELL YOU, BABE", "LET TRUE LOVE BEGIN", "NO OTHER HEART", "NOTHING IN THE WORLD", "SILVER BIRD", "SWEETHEARTS ON PARADE", "TAKE A FOOL'S ADVICE" and "YOU ARE MINE"...from the arrangements of David Cavanaugh and Nat's spellbinding vocals make very track a classic listen.

The second album "The Beautiful Ballads", was recorded in the late '60s with a compilation of songs arranged by Nelson Riddle, Ralph Carmichael, Les Baxter, Gus Levene and Tony Lavello...featuring a few stands outs "MARNIE", the haunting Bernard Herrmann tune from the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, "HERE'S TO MY LADY", a wonderful lyrical Johnny Mercer outing, "IF I KNEW", a touching Meredith Wilson track, "WHEN IT'S SUMMER", in collaboration with Johnny Burke, Nat wrote this tune himself, no wonder there is something special and magical about this recording.

This collection is available on EMI/Capitol Import label...but the care that was taken is incredible on every twenty two tracks...a must have for all the fans of this beloved man...they'll never be another pass this way again...thank you to the UK for this release of Nat "King" Cole and the songs that will remain with us always and forever...just the way we like 'em!

Total Time: 57:50 on 22 Tracks ~ EMI/Gold 854545 ~ (6/30/1998)

Eureka! I've found "Capuccina."!.......2004-06-26

I didn't think this song (I once had the original version)was available on cd. Thank you Amazon (caiman_com}. The cd is on it's way to me in Australia. I like what I hear of the sound samples--nothing wrong with a bit of tastefully executed modernisation! I've been searching for the song for the last five years but wouldn't settle for the Frankie Avalon version. Searching is challenging and fun--finding it is rewarding.
I also have a Nat LP with the song: "You will never grow old" and am looking out for the cd.
All the reviews are interesting and helpful--I won't be getting
any "surprises"as a result. But I know I will like my new CD!

nukid001@aol.com.

Overdubbed versions - but for most songs, you've no choice........2003-12-04

After Nat's untimely passing, Capitol decided to release a few compilation albums, largely consisting of singles and some previously unreleased tracks. However, they took things a step further by overdubbing additional rhythm instrumentation (cymbals, bass guitar, drums, sometimes electric guitar) in the dubious belief that the overdubs would make it more popular to 1965 contemporary pop buyers. While it's doubtful the overdubs helped in any way, it is certain it hurts many of the tracks. These two albums (on one CD) were among those releases.

Unfortunately, in reissuing these records, EMI decided to be faithful to the releases rather than the original recordings. Therefore, the overdubbed, not the original versions, are on this CD. This would rule the release out for most folks, were it not for one little detail: almost all of these tracks are not available anywhere else, original or overdubbed. So in some cases, you really don't have a choice.

What does this mean for the musical value here? That's the question, and it's a good one. If you want good, effective "classic pop" and aren't concerned what's overdubbed and what's original, this is a surprisingly strong CD. These two are the best albums of the overdubbed lot, containing the best songs overall and suffering the least from the overdubs.

Particular points of interest include one of the best of Nat's singles, 'Back In My Arms', featuring not only a vocal of a nature only Nat could provide, but one of Nelson Riddle's most daring orchestrations. As it would have to go, this track is harmed the most by the overdubs. Knowing the original off an original 45, I can't even listen to this version despite their obvious attempts to make the overdubs "fit." But if you can't get the original, this is the best you can do for now. Let's hope you'll soon hear the original orchestration! Fat chance though, thanks to Capitol having left this classic single off their so-called "Classic Singles" box set.

Another beauty is 'When It's Summer' in part owing to Nat's particular talents. Consisting of but a set of verse and a relatively simple musical structure, the song is an example of simplicity. Nelson Riddle adds an exquisite orchestration, a warm mid-summer day in nature caught in sound (not helped, but not entirely destroyed by the overdubs). Nat proceeds to read the spare lyrics with a musicality, sensitivity and breadth of expression that is unique to him.

Another to single out is 'Take A Fool's Advice', which is to my opinion Nat's strongest early rock'n'roll/R&B oriented song. He completely melds with the context here, and his vocal is superb. Whatever overdubs are in this track do it no harm (for a change).

Other tracks range from the early ballads such as 'Here's To My Lady' (the intro is good) through to latter ballads such as 'Marnie' (another good intro), popular numbers such as 'Let Me Tell You Babe' to the last song he ever recorded, 'No Other Heart'. All of them have their moments and some are wondrous.

While the original LPs were also available in stereo mixes, for some reason EMI uses the mono mixes for the CD. This was unfortunate. On the plus side, the majority of the set is a clear, excellent mono, with very good extension and resolution. The transfer is of good quality, free of needless processing, dropouts and other issues. Considering the overdubbed nature of the sources, then, the sound is generally more than satisfactory. It's the overdubbing that's most objectionable, in line behind Capitol for still not having released the original versions of these and so many other Nat King Cole songs.

Other reissues of the overdubbed albums include 'Sings the Great Songs' / 'Thank You Pretty Baby' (the weakest albums of the lot) and 'Looking Back' (next best after this CD and paired with the original, unadulterated NKC masterpiece, 'Where Did Everyone Go?' no less!).

The rating reflects both the songs themselves and the presentation, including consideration of the overdubbing, which I cannot condone. Presentation notwithstanding, many tracks in this set warrant a higher rating.

- CJ

Disappointing, but not because of Nat.......2001-04-25

I finally gave in and purchased this 2-fer import from EMI, SINCERELY/THE BEAUTIFUL BALLADS, even after I read the reviews here. I decided to take a chance on it. This CD features really beautiful tunes. These songs were recorded and released in the late '50s-early '60s and weren't available on any of Nat's albums (with the exception of a couple of songs) until they were released a couple of years after Cole's death on these two LPs.

My favorite of this 2-fer CD is SINCERELY. Nat as always, sounds superb, especially on my favorites, "Sweethearts on Parade" (1958), "You Are Mine" (1960), "Cappuccina" (1961) (if you like the songs "L-O-V-E" and "More", you'll love this song), "No Other Heart" (1964), "Nothing In the World" (1957) and "Take A Fool's Advice" (1961). However, I have to only repeat what the other reviewers had said: THEY SHOULD HAVE NOT REMASTERED THIS IN MONO!!! You can't even experience the true beauty of these tunes in that format. I know that a few of these songs were originally recorded in mono, and it's understandable as to why they would leave THOSE as they were...but to remaster the stereo versions into mono too, was a VERY bad idea.

Capitol/EMI, the tunes on these two LPs deserve better than this! I only rated it with three stars because Nat's vocal performances are remarkable...stereo, if it IS an option, is the ONLY way to listen to Nat Cole! So, please, can we try it again?

Not Quite Beautiful, Remastered.......2000-11-19

This attempt at re-mastering then re-issuing on CD doesn't quite work. I bought the expensive import version, thinking I would acquire an enhanced recording level of the orchestra and string section, but found it acoustically unchallenging. If you're turntable's still working, try and get the LP version, if you can because it sounds better. For those of you who are fans of the film composer Bernard Herrmann, and are curious about Nat 'King' Cole's vocal rendition of ''Marnie'', I would recommend ordering the new version as recorded by American vocalist, Michael Poss. This particular lush arrangement swells dramatically with a full string section, and is available on Michael's 'SILVER SCREEN SERENADES' CD, from Twilight Souls Music.

Average customer rating:

Dedicated to You: Songs with a Beautiful Melody Sarah Vaughan Manufacturer: Jasmine Music 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 Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000F3A7TG Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

1. Ooh, What-Cha Doin' to Me
2. You're Mine You
3. April in Paris
4. I'd Rather Have a Memory Than a Dream
5. Thinking of You
6. You're All I Need - Billy Eckstine, Sarah Vaughan
7. Can't Get Out of This Mood
8. Lonely Girl
9. Dedicated to You - Billy Eckstine, Sarah Vaughan
10. Everything I Have Is Yours
11. They Can't Take That Away from Me
12. Tenderly
13. I'm Glad There's You
14. I Love You - Billy Eckstine, Sarah Vaughan
15. He's My Guy
16. Cheek to Cheek - Billy Eckstine, Sarah Vaughan
17. Lover Man
18. Summertime
19. Tonight I Shall Sleep
20. While You Are Gone
21. I Cried for You
22. What More Can a Woman Do?
23. You Go to My Head
24. Nice Work If You Can Get It
25. Signing Off

Tracks:

1. Come Rain or Come Shine
2. Ain't Misbehavin'
3. You Taught Me to Love Again
4. I Feel So Smoochie
5. Give Me a Song with a Beautiful Melody
6. Embraceable You
7. Just Friends
8. I Love the Guy
9. It's Crazy
10. I'll Know
11. Don't Be Afraid
12. If I Knew Then What I Know Now
13. You Say You Care
14. Don't Worry 'Bout Me
15. Love or Leave Me
16. Make Believe
17. Time After Time
18. I'm Crazy to Love You
19. Our Very Own
20. Man I Love
21. Lullaby of Birdland
22. Body and Soul
23. Nearness of You
24. Prelude to a Kiss
25. Goodnight My Love

Average customer rating: a CD for any music lover

My America Manufacturer: Basset Hound Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: InnerPlay Tricky Lix ASIN: B00007KJVW Release Date: 2002-11-19

Tracks:

1. I've Been Workin
2. Yo, California
3. Tennessee Waltz
4. Bill Bailey, Please Call Your Service
5. Old Homes
6. Camptown Races
7. Simple Gifts
8. Turkey in the Straw (and Several Other Places)
9. Shenandoah
10. Pennsylvania 6-5000 Polka
11. My Flying Machine
12. Beautiful Dreamer
13. When Johnny Comes Marching Home
14. Sousa, Phone Home!
15. Juba Plays the Fluba in Aruba
16. America the Beautiful
17. Dog Tags

Album Description

This latest effort, "My America" features Jim Self and a dozen of his closest friends, who all just happen to be leading studio musicians in the toughest recording market in the world, Los Angeles, California. This project features "real" music for "real people." From the sublime to the ridiculous doesn't ever begin to describe this incredible musical adventure. There is literally something here for everybody. We need an "adjective vocabulary list" to try and convey the essence of "My America" with words that express the musical extremes from poignant to swing, from surreal to hokey, from polka to bebop! But then, after all, this is a musical portrait of the most diverse nation in the world: America!

Customer Reviews:

a CD for any music lover.......2002-12-31

An excellent CD! Anybody that has never heard the tuba family of instruments play a melody, this is one not to be missed. Alot of songs are American classics, with a low brass twist. Jim Self's Fluba (a tuba sized flugel horn) is an awesome instrument, both on this CD & with seeing & hearing it in person.

Christian Music:

1. Best of Wilson Pickett
2. Big Willie Style
3. Bluestars [Clean]
4. Breathe [Enhanced]
5. Candy Rain
6. Chant Down Babylon
7. Charmbracelet [Enhanced]
8. Complete Recordings of Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirrers [Box set]
9. Confessions
10. Controversy

Christian Music

christian music

Christian Music

Singles As & Bs [Import]

Music Review: 24 Caprices

Everybody's Blues

Awakenings

Dry Your Eyes [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics] [Import]

Floating World [Import]

H.P. [Import]

Famous Blue Raincoat [Import]

Feels So Good When You're Gone [Import]

Gimme [CD-single]

Head Over Heels [Original recording remastered]

De Nuevo los Durisimos [Import]

Hi-Fidelity Dub Sessions, Vol. 2

Rise

A Proper Introduction to Duke Ellington: Skin Deep