By Design

Amazon.com's Best of 2001
Easily one of the most impressive debuts to have come out of the underground in the last year or so, North Philly's Grand Agent flaunts one quality that no amount of studio trickery can fake--confidence. His rhyme scheme is sharpened enough to lyrically lacerate, and he flips lines with such graceful ease that you wonder where he's been hiding all this time. The album's production ensemble (including Chops, Kutmasta Kurt, Lord Finesse, M-Boogie, and others) is equally impressive, and surprisingly consistent despite the differences in sound. The best tracks--"Know the Legend," "Straight from the Gate," and "New Mingling"--are practically instant classics. Although he missteps with the moronically misogynistic "2 Bitches," Grand shows unexpected introspection on "You Don't Love Me," a story about his deadbeat dad. It can be rough out there, figuring out which new underground albums are fat and which are flat. Grand Agent leaves few doubts on which side his debut resides. Trust us--don't sleep on this new kid on the block. --Oliver Wang

Product Description
HIP-HOP. Guest appearances on this album are by AG of the legendary Diggin in the Crates Crew & Planet Asia (Cali Agents).

By Design,Grand Agent,Groove Attack UK,Pop,Rap & Hip-Hop,Underground Rap

Average customer rating: NOT A KID THE BEST RAP ALBUM OF ALL TIME? Darkest hip-hop album you'll ever hear Hear Me Out... Order it right now Underground Classic

Violent by Design Jedi Mind Tricks Manufacturer: Babygrande Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Turntablists | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Legacy of Blood Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell Visions of Gandhi The Psycho-Social CD The Torture Papers ASIN: B0001XXAN0 Release Date: 2004-05-25

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Retaliation
3. Contra
4. Speech Cobras
5. Breath Of God Interlude
6. Death March
7. Words From Mr. Len Part One
8. I Against I
9. Exertions Remix
10. The Prophecy Interlude
11. Heavenly Divine
12. Sacrafice
13. Permanent Midnight Interlude
14. The Deer Hunter
15. Blood Reign
16. Words From Mr. Len Part Two
17. Gengis Khan
18. Trinity
19. The Executioners Dream
20. Muerte
21. Heavenly Divine Remix
22. Army Of The Pharaohs: War Ensemble
23. Untitled
24. Retaliation Remix
25. Blood Runs Cold

Customer Reviews:

NOT A KID THE BEST RAP ALBUM OF ALL TIME?.......2007-02-03

What is there to say other than each song is mystically hypnotizingly flawless. These guys are incredible Stoupe's producing is great and Ikon's rapping is raw violent and genius. Buy this fu**ing thing now!

Darkest hip-hop album you'll ever hear.......2007-01-19

VBD puts you in a sinister, brooding mood and keeps you there through the duration. It transports you to a world that seems to alternate between the unreal and the all too real. Producer Stoupe provides beats that are incredibly pretty while at the same time threatening. Add to that the startlingly raw lyrics of Vinnie Paz (who has a voice like the giant toad in Pan's Labyrinth) and Jus Allah and you've got the recipe for an adrenaline-pumping fright night. Even the interludes provide some of the best moments of the album, with samples from sources such as the Heaven's Gate guy and the movie Pi playing over dark, ominous beats. The unapologetic embrace of violence and evil makes this Nietzsche's favorite hip-hop album. When the cd stops, you'll feel like you just won a fight or finished an Ayn Rand book. One of my top 5 albums of all time.

Hear Me Out..........2006-12-14

OK. This is an awesome slice of hip hop, and it's a very rare find on vinyl which always adds to its collectability.

The production is the star of the show, but a lot of the rapping is genuinely top-shelf too.

Jedi Mind make that rare thing: mystical hip hop. It's second to none stuff, rousing you with haunting synths and eery vocals and rhymes alluding to religion, myth, spirituality and personal awareness. It's a rare find and the most effective form of hip hop, in my opinion.

"...possessing my peeps to walk streets with stolen heat like prometheus"

How many rappers would even know who Prometheus is or why that metaphor makes sense?

However, the reason I didn't, nay - couldn't - give it the full 5 stars like everyone else is cos of Jus Allah's pig-ignorant take on religious issues.

This is an important thing, especially in 2006, especially as he's rapping specifically about Islam "vs." Christianity, especially because the rest of the LP is worth a listen and might convince lesser minds that this clown is too.

He's a prime example of someone who appears not to get it. He'll make a worthwhile statement such as "Islam shouldn't be blamed for current problems", then he'll go and make an ignoramus out of himself and follow it with "Christianity should".

If you're not insightful enough to see through the religions and the excuses and arrive at the only worthwhile conclusion there is; namely that if you shift blame away from any religion you must shift it away from all religion and look for the culprit on a more personal level; don't be shouting violently your underdeveloped and vastly bigoted opinion.

Conscious hip hop is about the message, not just the beats and rhymes, so this one can't be a 5-star when you've got a spiritual deadweight acting like he's the second-coming of Yoda.

Order it right now.......2006-09-13

there isn't much else a person can say about this album that hasent been said before, it is one of my favorite albums and im sure it will remain one of them. "You can feel the realness" in every song you will not skip a track, lyrics are creative as well as the production it is like a melting pot of early mobb deep, M.O.P., Wu-Tang clan, and Capone-n-noreaga. when i first heard it, i almost fell from my chair and im sure you will do the same. just keep in mind that it is not as polished as most of the main stream stuff you might be used to, make sure to keep an open mind when listening

Underground Classic.......2006-08-31

If you love wu-tang type hip hop with tons of samples , mind melting rhymes , and soundscapes that are cinematic and psychadelic then you'll love this entire album from start to finish.

Average customer rating: old and still good Not What it Claims to be Good Memories!! Witty, clever and a joy to listen to

At the Drop of a Hat Michael Flanders & Donald Swann Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of Flanders & Swan - A Transport of Delight Complete Flanders & Swann The Songs of Michael Flanders & Donald Swann Songs & More Songs By Tom Lehrer That Was the Year That Was ASIN: B000026GPR Release Date: 1999-07-15

Tracks:

1. A Transport Of Delight
2. Song Of Reproduction
3. The Gnu Song
4. Design For Living
5. Je Suis Le Tenebreux
6. Songs For Our Time
7. A Song Of The Weather
8. The Reluctant Cannibal
9. Greensleeves
10. Misalliance
11. Kokoraki
12. Madeira M'Dear?
13. Too Many Cookers
14. Vanessa
15. Tried By The Centre Court
16. The Youth Of The Heart
17. The Hippopotamus Song

Customer Reviews:

old and still good.......2005-02-20

I count myself a rare American who appreciates this recording. My uncle sent it to me on tape when I was quite small. my mom, ever handy with the censor's razor blade, let it go--untouched--in spite of the song about madeira, which I now know is about an old man doing the nasty to a young innocent lass. back then, of course, I thought it was about cake! with both mom and uncle passed on, I wanted to buy up what music of theirs I could locate, and I fortunately found the Complete Flanders and Swann, apparently no longer available. i bought up the copy and didn't get scalped, somehow. 45 years after the songs were sung, "Transport of Delight," "Soung of Reproduction," and "reluctant Cannibal," and yes even "Song of the Weather," still reverberate in my mind. i used to sing "The Gas Man Cometh," from the "At the drop of Another Hat" show album, in performances as a teen-ager, and sometimes even got good results. any of their albums are money well spent.

Not What it Claims to be.......2004-12-10

For those of you who grew up with the UK recording of "At the Drop of a Hat" be warned - in spite of what it says on the box this is NOT the recording of the 1959 show at the Fortune Theatre. This is the Broadway show.

The identity of the recording can be determined in the first minute from Flanders' introduction of Swann as "noted composer, pianist, linguist, also contains lanolin" - in the Fortune Theatre recording he is introduced as "noted composer, pianist, linguist, and all round egghead". There are substantial differences in the two performances, not least of which the pace which is a lot quicker in this recording, lacking the elegant timing which characterised the UK performance and which is comparable to the available CD of "At the Drop of Another Hat" (which WAS recorded in the UK).

Many of the jokes and asides are different - for instance in "Have Some Madeira", the Fortune Theatre recording includes an aside "He slyly inveigled her up to his flat, to view his collection of stamps [aside] All unperforated! ha ha ha ..." clearly this was regarded as too risqué for the US performance.

The songs are the same vintage and hilarious Flanders and Swann but the presentation, to me, is nowhere close to the quality of the earlier performance - it sounds to me like they were by this stage tired of the material and "going through the motions" for an audience that they did not relate to in the same way as an English audience.

Incidentally - Too Many Cookers, Vanessa, Tried by the Centre Court and The Youth of the Heart were not on the original LP recording and judging from the acoustics these were recorded elsewhere. The sleeve notes identify these as being recorded in 1957, 2 years prior to the Fortune Theatre performance.

Good Memories!!.......2000-12-05

My father used to work in the kitchen, cooking or cleaning, with music playing in the background. One of his favorites was this album by Flanders & Swann. He had seen the show and loved the record. I sang the songs through my childhood and now I sing them to my children, my co-workers, my friends! I only just realized that I can get the original album on CD. WHAT JOY!!!

Witty, clever and a joy to listen to.......2000-08-30

I first encountered Flanders and Swan on the LP version of this recording forty years ago. Loved it then, love it today. These two inventive and joyful British devils have delighted theatre audiences for years and their "Hippopotamus Song" has become something of a children's classic. This is the original cast recording of their first hit London show and is a marvelous performance. Can't say enough good about it but best of all my wife and I have been humming the songs and quoting the lyrics to one another now and then ever since we got the LP as a wedding present.

Average customer rating: ONCE AGAIN A GREAT CD True Blessing Fred Hammond: Minister of Worship Don't miss this experience A Psalmist for the 21st Century

Purpose by Design Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ Manufacturer: Verity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pages of Life: Chapters 1 & 2 The Spirit of David Somethin' 'Bout Love Speak Those Things: Pol Chapter 3 Hooked On The Hits (Nothing But The Hits) ASIN: B00004RCXZ Release Date: 2000-03-21

Tracks:

1. I Want My Destiny
2. Let Me Praise You Now
3. Give Me A Clean Heart
4. Thank You Lord (For Being There For Me)
5. Jesus Be A Fence Around Me
6. I Know It Was The Blood
7. I Press
8. My Father Was/Is
9. Our Father
10. Willing To Follow You
11. When You Praise
12. You Are the Living Word
13. Yes He Will

Amazon.com

Fred Hammond reinforces the strength of his faith with the power of his music. His newest collection combines exuberantly devotional lyrics with a solid R&B musical underpinning. The rhythm section is girded by Hammond's own muscular electric-bass playing and supplementary horns bolster the waves of sound and emotion of Radical for Christ, his dozen-voice choir. His preceding release, Pages of Life, was a double CD with one disc of studio recordings and one disc live in a Detroit church. Purpose by Design distills that mix to a strong single disc with nine studio and four live recordings, although without the experience of a continuous service that the live disc of Pages of Life offered. Both approaches to recording have their strengths; "I Know It Was the Blood," with its vivid imagery, inexorable rhythm, inventive melodic movement, and subtle electronic manipulation of Hammond's vocal melismas, exemplifies the use of modern recording technology to create exhilarating music. The CD's opener, "I Want My Destiny," has an urgent lyric, a groove to match it, and an equally sophisticated arrangement. The live tracks, like "When You Praise," build from a pastoral beginning to an extended, climactic conclusion that really needs a church full of worshippers to help inspire it and can't be readily simulated in the studio. Among the live songs is a congregation-rousing rendition of "Jesus Be a Fence Around Me," a Sam Cooke classic from his days with the Soul Stirrers. --Bob Bannister

Customer Reviews:

ONCE AGAIN A GREAT CD .......2005-10-12

ONCE AGAIN FRED HAMMOND AND RFC DID AN AWESOME JOB. THIS CD IS THE A FOLLOW UP FROM THE PAGES OF LIFE. FRED HAMMOND IS THE BEST. THIS CD JUST PROVES IT. I LOVE ALL THE SONGS. THE SONGS ARE AWESOME AND IT IS FILL WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE. THIS IS WORTH YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

True Blessing.......2005-07-18

Fred Hammond is truly blessed with a special gift from God and it is shown through his music. This album helped me get through alot and as a young adult This is just what I needed to guide me in the right path. This albulm is wonderful. I LOVE the songs Living Word and When you praise. I encourage everyone to purchase this album.

Fred Hammond: Minister of Worship.......2005-03-21

Fred Hammond ia a one-of-a-kind gospel artist. He has a way of getting the worship and praise out of you in every song. The message that he brings is simple. He LOVES God and this recording shows that; to anyone who enjoys worship and praise music I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this CD!

Don't miss this experience.......2004-09-20

Fred Hammond possess an annointing which transcends all gospel music. He speaks of daily circumstances and challenges with a most accurate turn of phrase while encouraging listeners to focus on God's phenomenal greatness. I have personally used this album to help me through some of the most challenging times in my life. I am greatful to Mr. Hammond and his gift.

A Psalmist for the 21st Century.......2004-04-13

Being from Detroit, I remember Fred Hammond from his days with Commissioned. God has blessed him mightily to grow into a true Psalmist ministering to this present age.

This project has a balance of worship music. He mixes well the contemporary with old time Black gospel sound. "You Are the Living Word" moves me to worship every time I hear it.

I strongly recommend this album. I pray Minister Hammond will consider doing several LIVE worship recordings in the genre of the old Savoy recordings (but with much better production) where the audience participation enhances the experience for all.

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."

Average customer rating:

Chaos by Design Concord Dawn Manufacturer: Rogue ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Driving Insane Bad Taste Jungle Sound Gold Hold Your Colour The HUMAN Resource ASIN: B000FQJMSU Release Date: 2006-10-30

Tracks:

1. Broken Eyes
2. Chloroform
3. One Night In Reno
4. Man For All Seasons
5. Lost At Sea
6. Aces High
7. Fly Away Home
8. Blow
9. Never Give Up On Love
10. You DonT Have To Run
11. Say Your Words
12. Broken Eyes
13. Tonite
14. Chloroform
15. Ninja
16. Aces High
17. Zulu
18. One Night In Reno
19. Man For All Seasons
20. Blow
21. You DonT Have To Run
22. Never Give Up On Love
23. Raining Blood
24. DonT Tell Me
25. Morning Light
26. Fly Away Home
27. Say Your Words

Album Description

Aotearoa's darkest and heaviest return with as vengeance! CONCORD DAWN (MATT HARVEY and EVAN SHORT) have been making waves in the world of electronic music for many years and have been tagged as "pioneers of Drum and Bass". Their new album 'Chaos By Design' will not disappoint either fans or critics. CONCORD DAWN have matured as artists, finding a harmonious blend between old and new. It incorporates their knowledge of the history of jungle, and maintains their reputation to push their own limits and explore new territory. Australian version includes a 55 minute bonus mixed CD featuring tracks across their discography, including the hits "Don't Tell Me" and "Morning Light".

Album Details

Licensed from Concord Dawn's Own Uprising Imprint, the Australian Version Includes a 55 Minute Bonus Mixed CD featuring Tracks Across their Discography, Including the Hits "Don't Tell Me" and "Morning Light".

Average customer rating:

Quartetto Gelato Manufacturer: Linus ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Bach, Johann Christian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | 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 Oboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rustic Chivalry Neopolitain Cafe Aria Fresca Travels the Orient Express Favourite Flavours - Best Of... (Import) ASIN: B00066U2VA Release Date: 2004-09-15

Tracks:

1. Chitarra Romana
2. Concerto Sopra Motivi DellOpera
3. La Boheme Prelude and Arioa
4. Dark Eyes
5. Danny Boy
6. Russian Medley
7. Piece en formede Habanera
8. O Sole Mio
9. Allegro
10. Rondo - Tempo di Minuetto
11. Addio Sogni di Gloria

Album Description

Linus Entertainment is proud to re-issue the first four albums by the critically acclaimed Quartetto Gelato. With members from three countries playing nine instruments and a repertoire that unites classical masterworks and operatic arias with tangos, gypsy fiddling and folk songs, Quartetto Gelato is one of classical music's most imaginative ensembles. They have sold in excess of 30,000 units in Canada alone over their 5 albums. Their latest album Quartetto Gelato Travels The Orient Express (2 70025) released in March 2004 is one of the Top 10 best selling Classical albums in Canada for the first half of 2004, according to Neilson Soundscan.

Average customer rating: Many favorites

Favourite Flavours - Best Of... (Import) Manufacturer: Linus Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ibert, Jacques | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Piazzolla, Astor | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weber | Weber, Carl Maria von | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Flute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music International Folk | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Travels the Orient Express Rustic Chivalry Neapolitan Cafe Quartetto Gelato Quartetto Gelato - A Concert In Wine Country ASIN: B000B8847C Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Tango del Mare
2. O Sole Mio
3. Hungaria
4. Words That I Want
5. Entracte
6. The Clown of Venice
7. Rondine al Nido
8. Al di La
9. Tombeau de Couperin: Prelude
10. Konzertstuck Opus 79 Finale
11. La Vie En Rose
12. Czardas
13. Chitarra Romana
14. Ave Maria (Tanti Anni Prima)
15. Turandot Prelude and Aria Nessun Dorma
16. Besame Mucho

Customer Reviews:

Many favorites.......2007-03-08

The quartet does an excellent job of setting the mood for whatever you are doing. It's music you can talk over and yet it is stimulating just to lay back and listen. Can't miss with this CD.

Average customer rating: A punk rock opus Good punk record I like this album. Or do I? totally awesome and flawless album SO Owns You.

Twisted by Design Strung Out Manufacturer: Fat Wreck Chords ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues Exile in Oblivion The Element of Sonic Defiance An American Paradox Another Day in Paradise ASIN: B000005Z3Y Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

1. Too Close To See
2. Exhomation Of Virginia Madison
3. Deville
4. Mind Of My Own
5. Reason Too Believe
6. Crossroads
7. Paperwalls
8. Ice Burn
9. Ultimate Devotion
10. King Alvarez
11. Asking For The World
12. Tattoo
13. Just Like Me
14. Match Book

Customer Reviews:

A punk rock opus.......2006-09-16

This album is a real and honestly beautiful work of art. The tracks take you on an the emotional trip through thoughts and feelings that are so real that they strike a nerve. The first song is almost an invocation to the muse of being twenty-something and confused. It then then travails through an analysis of one's mental state and interpersonal relationships, climactically ending with a break up ballad. This is truely one of the best punk rock concept albums since Husker Du's Zen Arcade.

Good punk record.......2005-12-08

I have heard a lot of punk records from this period and i must say that this band is for real. I haven't heard any other of their releases, but this one is seriously one of the best punk records I have ever heard (I have an extensive backround in the roots of punk rock). This came out right before punk became "pop" which I have a feeling will never change in my lifetime, which is a shame because most of the kids who listen to "punk" these days don't have any clue what real punk rock is. This is the end of a dying generation, so get it while it is still available. For those of you who look for singles, in my opinion the first three tracks are worth the price of the cd alone and the last two tracks make this album unforgettable.

I like this album. Or do I?.......2005-10-20

I remember listening to this record like 5 years ago and telling myself this kicks some serious ass. And even to this day I still rock out to it every now and again. Songs like 'match book' and probably my personal favorite strung out song 'deville', don't f*ck around, nor does this punk and metal fusion called 'Twisted by design'. It's more metal than their earlier stuff and less metal than their later stuff. I personally prefer the punk side of Strung Out and if it wasn't for Suburban.... this would be my favorite Strung out album.

totally awesome and flawless album.......2005-01-08

Owning all of Strung Out's albums (all of which are good bordering on excellent) i can honestly say that TBD is the most complete and best of them all. It is in fact the finest example of fast/well consructed and brilliantly played punk music that is out there (with the drum work of Jordan just simply beyond compare or description--the man is the ultimate drummer EVER).As soon as the opening bars of Too Close To See burst from the speakers it is a real white knuckle adrenaline ride through all that makes Punk the greatest form of music out there---drumming that is totally phenomenal, searing dual guitar work, solid bass from the late great Jim Cherry, all topped off by the crisp/spot-on vocals of big Jason Cruz (a recipe that is without compare--with only prime-time Joey Cape inspired Lagwagon coming even close). Tracks; well every one has it's own merits but i would say that the opening three tracks are ballistic (Too close To See, Exhumation Of V.Madison & Deville), following up with the speedy/tightly melodic Crossroads and with the final two tracks(Just Like Me & Match Book) being the fitting finale to this absolute masterpiece of music. I have had this record for 3/4 years and it never stays off my stereo / car CD player for longer than about 2 weeks ( and i have a collection of 350/400 punk/metal albums to select from). If you havent got a Strung Out album i have 2 recommendations; 1) GET ONE NOW (they are the best band EVER); 2) Start with this one (ultimate punk CD) and follow up swiftly with Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues--which is almost as superb as TBD.
Just buy this record ASAP and pay homage to the gods of fast punk
(and then catch them live for the finest show you will see)-i can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

SO Owns You........2003-10-16

Um.... greatest cd ever recorded? ever? without a doubt and without hesitation, this is by far the best cd i've ever owned. if you dont own it i suggest you go buy it, its worth more than your money is.

Average customer rating: Wonderful! Club Swing Live! They've done it again!

Club Swing Manufacturer: Turnbridge ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Da Vinci Code (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition) ASIN: B000063S4T Release Date: 2002-03-04

Tracks:

1. Traffic Jam/ Bugle Call Rag
2. Begin the Beguine
3. It Dont Mean a Thing
4. Hut Sut Song
5. Dream
6. Dig Down Deep
7. Choo Choo Ch Boogie
8. Pistol Packin Mama
9. Five Minutes More
10. In The Mood
11. Bumble Boogie
12. Cocktails for Two
13. In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening
14. Mona Lisa
15. Open the Door Richard
16. Somethings Gotta Give
17. Cara de Payaso
18. One for My Baby
19. Sing, Sing, Sing
20. So Long for Awhile

Album Description

"Welcome to Club Swing... where the music's hot, the drinks are cool, and the dance floor is always open."

From the frenetic paced opening of Benny Goodman's "Bugle Call Rag" to the show's blockbuster finale featuring Louis Prima's "Sing, Sing, Sing", afficionados of vocal harmony will revel in the fivesome's warm, well-rounded blend. With 20 tracks from the vocal quintet's musical retrospective, Five by Design keeps the traditions of swing alive.

Five by Design will donate 6% of its sales to the educational activities of the American Symphony Orchestra League.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2003-11-27

One of the best CD's on the market. I first saw the show(which I also recommend) but these are great songs no matter what! Beautiful harmony, great sound effects and perfect song selection. Could you ask for more? I would suggest this any day of the week.

Club Swing Live!.......2002-11-20

We saw this group Live in June 2002 in Clarinda, Iowa at the Glenn Miller Festival. They shook the house. Even if you have only a casual interest in the 1940's Big Band Era this album is a must. Five By Design takes you through the entire swing era. If you haven't been exposed to the music, this CD is an excellent choice and you'll be "hooked!" The standards are here as well as some fun with Spike Jones. "Sing, Sing, Sing" will have you on your feet before you know what's happening. The album is a 10.

They've done it again!.......2002-05-03

This group is fabulous. I've seen both the "Club Swing" and the "Radio Days" productions live in concert. This CD is a "must-have" for fans of 1940'2 Swing Era music. Their vocal blend is incomparable.

Average customer rating: seamless, calming overlay A Rare Musical Soundscape Floating into space

Crystal Spirit - The Healing Sound of Singing Crystal Bowls Manufacturer: Pilgrim ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Journey To Wholeness - Singing Crystal Bowls for Healing and Wholeness Terra Firma ~ Singing Crystal Bowls for Centering and Inner Peace Seven Metals Singing Bowls of Tibet Crystal Portal, Singing Crystal Bowl Journeys Cristal: Glass Music Through the Ages ASIN: B00005NP63 Release Date: 1997-04-01

Tracks:

1. Crystal Spirit
2. Mist Weaver
3. Mirage
4. Slow Prism
5. Oracle
6. Highland Muse
7. Prayer
8. Atlantis Courtyard

Customer Reviews:

seamless, calming overlay.......2006-03-12

this 'music' is among the most peaceful and calming works i've come across is a very long time. it works wonderfully at bedtime or during the day to give a seamless, calming overlay to whatever's going on between my ears or before my eyes.

A Rare Musical Soundscape.......2003-08-03

This is a unique album, using a resurrected instrument of rotating crystal bowls that produces an ethereal assortment of harmonics. The musician, Yatri, has really devoted herself to this project, creating a beautiful compilation of sonic improvisation. This album is not too long, so hopefully there will be more recordings by Yatri using this unusual instrument. Some listeners, not used to such a depth of harmonic overtones, might find this type of music unsettling, although I really enjoyed it. Historically, this instrument was known for being soothing and even trance inducing, like regular quartz crystal singing bowls that are used by sound healers.

Floating into space.......2002-08-06

Light a candle, turn off the lights, stare into the flame, and let Yatri take you to places you have never been before. You will love this CD.

Dance Music:

1. Chicago Fire [Explicit Lyrics]
2. Chopped up Twice [Explicit Lyrics]
3. Complex Catalog [Import]
4. Da Mista Masta (Chopped) [Explicit Lyrics]
5. Da Mista Masta [Explicit Lyrics]
6. Drew Sparx Project [Explicit Lyrics]
7. Elysian Fields
8. Fear of a Black Hat [Explicit Lyrics] [Soundtrack] [Import]
9. Ghetto Gumbo Raw Uncut, Vol. 1 [Explicit Lyrics]
10. Ghetto Politics [Explicit Lyrics]

Dance Music

dance music

Dance Music

A Demonstration of Intellectual Property [Explicit Lyrics] [EP]

Francis Thorne: Burlesque Overture; Rhapsodic Variations

It Is Forbidden

Absolute Benson [Enhanced]

Livin Lounge

Greatest Collection

Eydie in Love [Import] [Limited Edition]

Darius Milhaud: Songs

English Folk Almanac: Dejavu Retro Gold Collection [Import]

Interplay for 2 Trumpets and 2 Tenors

Genius Of Glenn Miller, Vol. 1 [Import]

Extended Versions [Live]

Cumbia Mix '03

Ultimate Piano Classics/Various (Box) (Slip)

The Beat Goes On!