Round & Round [CD-single] [Import]

1. Original Version

2. So Solid Crew Remix

3. All I Need Is You (Lp Version)

Round & Round,Hi-Tek (Ft Jonell),Rawkus Entertainment,Rap

Average customer rating: Meta-Kinks Almost Perfect Brilliant concept album This is where Lola shows you who's boss. Toppermost of the Poppermost

Lola versus Powerman and the Money-Go-Round, Part One The Kinks Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Arthur - Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society Something Else by the Kinks Muswell Hillbillies Face to Face ASIN: B000002KOW Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Introduction
2. The Contenders
3. Strangers
4. Denmark Street
5. Get Back In Line
6. Lola
7. Top Of The Pops
8. The Moneygoround
9. This Time Tomorrow
10. A Long Way From Home
11. Rats
12. Apeman
13. Powerman
14. Got To Be Free

Amazon.com essential recording

The Kinks' 1970 effort was the penultimate creation in a five-year, six-album burst that ranks just a notch below the great sustained rock & roll eruptions of Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Stones, and Elvis Costello. Of course, the linchpin to this collection is "Lola," Ray Davies's irresistibly vivid account of the charms of a seductive transvestite. Its daring (for the time) subject matter aside, "Lola" stands as one of the great singles of all time. Add to the list the almost as infectious "Apeman," a slew of funny, shrewd, alienated-rock-star screeds ("Top of the Tops," "The Moneyground," "Powerman"), and a couple of memorable contributions from Ray's brother, Dave ("Strangers," "Rats"), and you have the Kinks at their raucous, righteous, quirky quintessence. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Meta-Kinks.......2007-05-28

I take a backseat to no one in my love for the Kinks. They were the first rock band that grabbed me back in 1965 with "Well Respected Man" and "Sunny Afternoon," and, thereafter, I continued to rediscover them. I caught up with Kinks in 1969 with "Arthur," then again in 1970 with "Muswell Hillbillies," and again in 1972 with the Kink Kronikles retrospective, which introduced me to the UK hits "Waterloo Sunset" and "Days" as well as oddly compelling achievements like "Autumn Almanac" and "Death of a Clown." I recall vividly the release of the single "Lola," which came after "Arthur." It was almost too good: Too melodic, too funny, too brilliant in every way. The album, which followed, left me a little cold, and I've never really given it much of a listen in the past 35+ years since its release.

Now that I've given this album another chance, I can't seem to pry it from my CD player. Is this the Kinks' best album? Better than "Village Green Preservation Society?" "Muswell Hillbillies?" It might be. Musically, it's their biggest, boldest statement. Lola is like the seed of a pearl, the album being about the creation of a hit single, first the desperate climb to the top, in "The Contenders," "Denmark Street," "Get Back in Line," followed by the single itself, followed by all the things that followed; hitting "the Top of the Pops," inspiring "The Moneygoround," where people make money off "a song they've never heard," and then the life of being stars, represented by two of the disc's highlights, "This Time Tomorrow" and "A Long Way from Home" -- two of the prettiest melodies Ray Davies ever wrote. Then, finally the sometimes funny, sometimes angry struggle to break free of the commercial monster they've created, in "Apeman," "Powerman," and "Got to be Free." Woven into this narrative are two of Dave Davies' best Kink contributions, "Strangers" and "Rats," which don't fit the story line precisely, but capture its mood, "Strangers" especially.

See? It's an album with a hit single that's about the hit single. And by the end of it, they're running as far away from the hit single as they can. This is meta-fiction, 25 years ahead of its time. But it's not difficult. This album has a little of everything that makes the Kinks great: Beautiful melodies, savage rock riffs, music-hall-style satire, and lyrics both clever and heartfelt. A true treasure. Why didn't I hear it this way before?

Almost Perfect.......2007-05-05

I first bought this album because the morning show that I would listen to on the radio in SLC (Radio from Hell) would sometimes play "Apeman" as an intro song. After hearing it about half a dozen times, I finally decided to hunt down this CD. I concur with the opinions expressed by many of the previous reviewers. This is a stellar album, and I am disappointed in myself that I hadn't heard it earlier in my life. I do have one complaint for which I am subtracting one star. To my ears, this CD desperately needs to be remastered. The mix sounds tinny and weak. For me, this is most apparent on the song "Apeman" - the reason I bought the album. The vocals seem to be buried underneath the the instrumentation. I bought my copy used, so perhaps it was an earlier release CD, and there has since been a remastered release. But believe me, you will not regret purchasing this album.

Brilliant concept album.......2006-12-19

I owned this LP when it was released and I played it non-stop. The songs were acted out in "the theater in my head": it took me on an exciting, sometimes poignant, emotional journery every time. This is a brilliant concept album. "Lola versus Powerman..." still holds a very special place for me in the exordinary Kinks discography.

This is where Lola shows you who's boss........2006-11-30

Having grown up thru the British Invasion I can tell you that Ray Davies was writing songs on par with Lennon/NikCartney. The Kinks invented hard rockin', I don't care who agrees. RD in his prime could go song to song with the 'Beatlez' and his prime lasted longer than either of the aforementioned.

Toppermost of the Poppermost.......2006-11-30

Absolutely the best Kinks album, bar none. It also is one of the greatest rock albums ever. No need to delete anything before you hit "play" - unless maybe you've heard "Lola" once too often. It also has cohesiveness and a storyline. Although I usually get tired of even good material, this one always seems fresh and gets a regular spin. (It brings back fond memories of when I managed to play "Top of the Pops" on my high school's PA system.) In my experience, whenever someone hears it for the first time they always ask about it (sometimes they think it's a "greatest hits" CD - altho Lola was actually the only hit). Bottom line: if you don't own it, buy it.

Average customer rating: awesome quintet...legendary recording.. jazz and why it's hot It's Miles at his best..... A Miles Davis Masterpiece (Review Based On Original Tracks Only) The Beginning and the End

'Round About Midnight Miles Davis Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Birth of the Cool Kind of Blue Milestones Sketches of Spain A Love Supreme ASIN: B00005B58W Release Date: 2001-04-17

Tracks:

1. 'Round Midnight
2. Ah-Leu-Cha
3. All Of You
4. Bye Bye Blackbird
5. Tadd's Delight
6. Dear Old Stockholm
7. Two Bass Hit
8. Little Melonae
9. Budo
10. Sweet Sue, Just You

Amazon.com

In 1955, Miles Davis signed on with jazz powerhouse Columbia Records. With alto and tenor saxophonists Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane, drummer Philly Joe Jones, bassist Paul Chambers, and pianist Red Garland, Davis released 'Round About Midnight, which evinces even more clearly what a phenomenal unit Davis was nurturing. Stylistically, Midnight encompasses standards (or soon-to-be standards) such as "Dear Old Stockholm," "Bye-Bye Blackbird," Tadd Dameron's "Tadd's Delight," and Jackie McLean's forward-thinking composition "Little Melonae." Miles and company reprise "Budo" from the historic Birth of the Cool sessions. The standout track is Davis's Harmon-muted reading of Thelonious Monk's ballad, "'Round Midnight, which is still a Miles standard bearer. Three alternate takes round out the session: "Two Bass Hit" and "Sweet Sue" feature adventuresome solos by Coltrane that preview his masterpiece "Giant Steps." And Garland moves away from his Ahmad Jamal pianisms with his introspective ivory ticklings. If you want to hear the origins of post-bop modern jazz, this is it. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Album Description

Part of the 'Master Sound Jazz Series'. Japanese reissue of the classic Columbia album originally released in 1955. DSD mastering. Packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve. 10 tracks. 2000 release.

Album Details

Dsd Digitally Remastered. Includes Four Tracks Not on the Original Recording.

Customer Reviews:

awesome quintet...legendary recording.........2007-06-20

Miles Davis first recording with Columbia Records. Miles, trumpet, John Coltrane, tenor saxophone, Philly Joe Jones, drums, Red Garland, piano, and Paul Chambers, bass. If there was a jazz Hall of Fame(why isn't there one?) they all would be in it. From that first note of 'Round About Midnight(a Thelonius Monk composition) this album just blows you away. Add this to your jazz collection and you'll find yourself listening to it over and over. A masterpiece. If DaVinci played jazz, it would sound something like this. I put this one along with Porgy and Bess and Kind of Blue as the essential Miles.

jazz and why it's hot.......2007-03-10

This 'Round about Midnight, is not as good as some of the jazz I've heard. It sounds like Miles just got out of a treatment center and he simply asked John Coltrane to help him up.I think jazz should be free flowing improvised and jazz man, you know. Example, John Coltrane's: Love Supreme.

It's Miles at his best............2007-01-10

What can I say...It's Miles at his best.A must have for any jazz lover.

A Miles Davis Masterpiece (Review Based On Original Tracks Only).......2006-08-06

There are great Miles Davis records (Milestones, E.S.P, Sketches of Spain), and then there are unforgettable ones. Along with Kind of Blue, 'Round About Midnight falls into the "unforgettable" category. Why? First and foremost, the title track, while very good performed by Monk, is found in its definitive version on this record. Miles' brooding muted trumpet sets the melody. Suddenly, the track explodes in a burst of energy and Trane completely steals the spotlight with ione of those solos that make him the best saxophonist in history. After that, it's back to the unforgettable melody. Ah-Leu-Cha picks the pace up severely, some very interesting chord progressions on that one. A fine reading of one of Bird's best. Things slow down again with the ballad All of You, again Miles plays the melody expressively, and Trane solos furiously during his spots. Standard Bye Bye Blackbird comes next, and I can say without a shred of doubt in my mind it's the best song on the album. If you can't tell it's a classic by the opening piano solo, you're beyond all help I can give you (which, to be fair, isn't much). Tadd's Delight is the closest this album comes to a weak song, and even then it has a nice melody. Dear Old Stockholm closes things out, and though normally I'm not a fan of Stan Getz, I love the group's reading of this tune (particularly that harmony part... it will stay in your head forever!) The CD reissue comes with four bonus tracks (Two Bass Hit, Little Melonae, Budo and Sweet Sue Just You), which range from brilliant (Little Melonae) to average (Sweet Sue).
One last thing I'd like to comment on is the album's remaster. Up until a few days ago, I had only heard this album on a scratchy old vinyl. And while normally I don't really notice sound quality (except if it's painfully obvious), the remastering job for 'Round About Midnight is excellent.

The Beginning and the End.......2006-07-16

Miles' debut album for Columbia Records - and the last LP by his original quintet - is very much in the same vein as the trumpeter's final Prestige sessions, which were in fact recorded almost simultaneously. There's nothing really new here - even the title track had already appeared on a Prestige LP in a nearly identical version - but the Maestro and his sidemen (John Coltrane on tenor sax, Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums) play with verve and conviction, stamping their collective personality on the last all-covers program in Davis' catalogue. While subsequent releases such as MILESTONES and KIND OF BLUE are undoubtedly superior on all levels, 'ROUND ABOUT MIDNIGHT still deserves a place on any Miles Davis fan's shelf - even if the only thing distinguishing it from its predecessors is the record label.

Average customer rating: 'Round Midnight Riddle Excellent, Ronstadt OK Only the best will do Round Midnight Linda deserves 10 stars on this one!

'Round Midnight Linda Ronstadt , and Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: For Sentimental Reasons What's New Lush Life Hummin' To Myself The Best Of Linda Ronstadt: The Capitol Years ASIN: B000002H3S Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. What's New
2. I've Got A Crush On You
3. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry
4. Crazy He Calls Me
5. Someone To Watch Over Me
6. I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You
7. What'll I Do
8. Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be)
9. Good-bye
10. When I Fall In Love
11. Skylark
12. It Never Entered My Mind
13. Mean To Me
14. When Your Lover Has Gone
15. I'm A Fool To Want You

Tracks:

1. You Took Advantage Of Me
2. Sophisticated Lady
3. Can't We Be Friends
4. My Old Flame
5. Falling In Love Again
6. Lush Life
7. When You Wish Upon A Star
8. Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered
9. You Go To My Head
10. But Not For Me
11. My Funny Valentine
12. I Get Along Without You Very Well
13. Am I Blue
14. I Love You For Sentimental Reasons
15. Straighten Up & Fly Right
16. Little Girl Blue
17. 'Round Midnight

Customer Reviews:

'Round Midnight.......2007-07-28

A truly wonderful and poignant CD, Linda Ronstadt is at her very best. Her collaboraton with Nelson Riddle makes this music jump into your presence . . . reminiscent of past greats. A must have for those who love the lyrical songs of the past.

Riddle Excellent, Ronstadt OK.......2007-02-06

Recently pulled out "Lush Life" and "Sentimental Reasons" after several years of not listening to them. Riddle, his arrangements, and the backup orchestras or big bands he conducts here are, of course, magnificent. However, on these recordings Ronstadt is occasionally flat; has that abrasive, throaty, open sound on some of the top notes, (though pretty when she finally breaks into a vibrato); closes off her vowels at the end of phrases; and sometimes stops singing a phrase altogether, which is unsettling. Also, would have liked to have heard Ronstadt deviate from the written melody or rhythm occasionally (something Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald always managed to do, and which made their interpretations remarkable) as it she would have really nailed these works and given her a place in jazz history of the Great American Songbook.

Have heard much better (and much worse, Rod Stewart, c'mon...), Sinatra, Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee.

Most of her songs are sweet, pretty, but not much above what you'd hear with a good 1930's or 1940's "bird" out front of the big band.

Only the best will do.......2006-12-11

Linda Ronstadt has never made a bad album and this is only more proof. I absolutely love this cd, I also own the three original versions with Nelson Riddle, if fact I think I own all her music. Albums, cassettes, CDs, whatever I have them. I even have the Spanish ones, that I only know every third word, and love them also.

I have a hard time comparing her to any other standard singer, but if you want to hear the difference between her and the others just listen to her Christmas CD and that will explain it all. I am a huge Ella Fitzgerald fan and I have heard all the others, but I place Linda right up there in the top 10, if not the top 5, She can sing any type of music and is one of the very best harmony singers ever, just listen to the Trio album.

My favs (if I had to choose) are FUNNY VALENTINE, "ROUND MIDNIGHT, and of course the other title songs, but I love all the songs. It's not just one thing with Linda, it's the whole package, fans will know what I mean.

Pam

Round Midnight.......2006-11-11

The combination of these two artists, Nelson Riddle and Linda Ronstadt, could only result in the beauty of this CD. I'm enjoying listening to it over and over.

Linda deserves 10 stars on this one!.......2006-09-05

This double CD set containing three albums is so spectacular, it will bring tears to your eyes. I love them both so much, that I have told my family to play these CDs (and only these CDs) at my wake and my funeral instead of the typical boring organ-death music. I also told my family if anyone asks- why is this Linda Ronstadt music playing? You tell them- because this is what he is listening to in heaven for all eternity. One last thing, if that was me on the cover with her, she would have never turned her head. Thank you once again Linda.

Average customer rating: A Strange, Yet Lovely Piece Start here- this is the convincing Golijov. consistent, vibrant, true... As boring as the rest of his opus Extremely powerful.

Golijov: Yiddishbbuk St. Lawrence String Quartet , Todd Palmer , and Ying Quartet Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Osvaldo Golijov: Ayre The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind Osvaldo Golijov: Ainadamar La Pasion Segun San Marcos (St. Mark Passion) Nuevo ASIN: B000066SFP Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

1. Last Round: Movido, urgente-Macho, cool and dangerous
2. Last Round: Lentissimo
3. Lullaby And Doina: Lullaby
4. Lullaby And Doina: Doina
5. Lullaby And Doina: Gallop
6. Yiddishbbuk: I
7. Yissishbbuk: II
8. Yiddishbbuk: III
9. The Dreams And Prayers Of Isaac The Blind: Prelude: Calmo, sospeso
10. The Dreams And Prayers Of Isaac The Blind: Agitato-Con
11. The Dreams And Prayers Of Isaac The Blind: Teneramente-Ruvido-Presto
12. The Dreams And Prayers Of Isaac The Blind: Calmo, sospeso-Allegro
13. The Dreams And Prayers Of Isaac The Blind: Postlude: Lento,

Amazon.com

This is an amazing recording. It will leave you drained of emotion and speechless with admiration. Osvaldo Golijov was born in Argentina in 1960. His Eastern Jewish family played and listened to music from classical to klezmer and tango. He lived briefly in Jerusalem, absorbing the musical traditions there, and came to America in 1986. His works encompass all the styles he has been exposed to, but except for "Last Round," a "sublimated tango" part raucous, part mournful (and written in homage to Piazzolla), this program represents Golijov's Jewish roots.

"Lullaby and Doina" incorporates Jewish and Gypsy themes, part slow and sad, part wild and motoric, with a radiant violin solo soaring above the woodwinds. "Yiddishbbuk," written for the St. Lawrence Quartet on Tanglewood's Fromm Commission, is inspired by a line from an apocryphal psalm: "No one sings as purely as those who are in the deepest hell...." Its first movement commemorates three children who perished in the Nazi concentration camp Terezin. Golijov evokes their anguish in music that is by turns wild, raucous, slashing, mysterious, eerie, and always heart-rending. Tremolos flutter up above aching dissonances, alternating with organlike, sustained chords; slides and crashes sound like strangled death cries. Isaac the Blind was a famous kabbalist rabbi and mystic. His "Dreams and Prayers," scored for string quartet and clarinet, are depicted in music that is calm, mysterious, meditative, and devout, but intermittently breaks into traditional dance tunes, and builds up to several tremendous climaxes. The clarinet speaks, sings, sobs, screams, and prays in true klezmer style. The playing is fabulous, the total effect mesmerizing, but the real miracle is that this young Canadian quartet and American clarinetist can identify so completely with a culture surely worlds away from their own. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

A Strange, Yet Lovely Piece.......2007-05-29

I heard this first in concert played by Tood Palmer, and I can honestly say that it was one of the most amazing performances ever. Once I heard that, I just had to get the CD. The CD is strange and moody with a strong Yiddish flavor, but it is original enough to stand up on its own. This CD is worth it, if only to get "Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind."

Start here- this is the convincing Golijov........2006-09-15

If there is one disc out there that can convince you that Osvaldo Golijov is worth hearing, spending your money on, and part of the future of "serious" music, this is the one. His other major works- the St. Mark Passion and the opera Ainadamar included- make vibrant use of his folk and latin music influences, but I've felt sometimes that his use of these elements has tended to overshadow his prodigious compositional ability in places. Not so here. The Golijov pieces presented over the course of "Yiddishbbuk" is a risk taking modern voice who has something new, daring, and thought provoking to say. His other works are certainly worth looking into with an open mind, but to be convinced, please treat yourself to this recording.

consistent, vibrant, true..........2005-04-15

This CD is a must for anyone who loves Golijov's music. Even more so a must for someone that wants to start wading into the surprisingly warm waters of contemporary music. Golijov is about as good as it gets and he deserves every iota and ink drop of praise ascribed to him.

As do the performers. The Ying and St. Lawrence Quartets have been playing and laughing and collaborating together for over a decade now and you hear the warmth of their relationship (MOST present on stage) in this work.

Oh, and Todd Palmer pretty much ROCKS, too. When I saw him and the St. Lawrence do this live a little over a year ago he sang and grunted his way through the piece's motley clarinet scoring with elegance, pathos, and humor. And the same vibe is as much in the recording as it was that night.

As boring as the rest of his opus.......2004-02-02

I consider Golijov the Britanny Spears of new music. He re-hashes what others have done,albeit with less originality than Britanny, all the while making me nod off.

Extremely powerful........2002-08-27

When I was listening to this recording I could feel my nerves going raw. It was a cry and it was a joy. It was a calling from the past. It was full of memory.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Concept Album Rick Wakeman's best Needs more blastbeats A Legendary Progressive Rock Album master piece

Myths & Legends Of King Arthur & The Knights Of The Round Table Rick Wakeman Manufacturer: Fontana a&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Journey to the Centre of the Earth The Six Wives of Henry VIII Songs of Middle Earth: Inspired by The Lord of the Rings Return To The Centre Of The Earth Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds ASIN: B000002GBK Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Arthur
2. Lady Of The Lake
3. Guinevere
4. Sir Lancelot And The Black Knight
5. Merlin The Magician
6. Sir Galahad
7. The Last Battle

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Concept Album.......2007-05-18

This is the first album of Rick Wakeman's I ever heard. I fell in love at once. It has both the English sense of destiny and the modern (yes, still) sense of continuity. You get a sense of the Legend through the songs, and a new look at the love story behind some of it.

From this album I fell in love with the man's work.

Rick Wakeman's best.......2007-04-07

This album sounds very contemporary. Great vocal, diverse and higly dramatic musical themes - you will listen it again and again!

The only serious drawback - mediocre quality of recording.

Needs more blastbeats.......2006-12-01

Standout tracks = *

ARTHUR* Intro track, starts with an "epic" (actually weak) voiceover and then the keys and attempts at bombast come in... I don't know if you've ever heard Bal Sagoth, but the overall corny epic feel of this album reminds me of their work. The synths that are trying to sound like horns work way better here than on stupid black metal albums, no doubt. The keys rule this album, the highlight of this track being the set of atomic cricket chirps heard around 4:50. There's also some cool clean guitar that sounds like someone held a mic within a few feel of an unaware James from Arsis noodling unplugged as a warm-up to his set. All around this is a rocking and powerful track.

LADY OF THE LAKE Total throwaway. Yes, vocals alone can be cool, but this forty-second choral-only track is a piece of poo compared to that amazing moment right before the final movement of Edge of Sanity's Crimson.

GUINEVERE Lame traditional piano wankery to start, almost too much to forgive after the last track already had me looking for a way out. There's a little respite from all sound, then the ballad crap comes in. It's almost saved by the sweet future synths goofing around in the background, but too lame, too late. There's the beloved/hated (just my personal preference on this particular birdsong) crow cackle in the left speaker around 2:00 - I don't think it's farfetched to say this is a not-too-subtle Dim Mak homage. Wakeman's delivery of the word "Guinevere" is almost as incomprehensible as Danzig's take on "Vampira" and much more giggle inducing. This track is all around same-y and something that a chick from another era would probably get down to. The best portion begins at 4:00 when the midget space worms present themselves from their gestation chamber and regale the gathered patrons with their mating song, weemp-whoomped out with joy and lechery in their native tongue. Though this is a track only for the die-hards, it goes out in class, using the "slowing the tape down" effect to gradually and quickly drop the pitch of the fruity chorus we just spent the whole song begging to quit imitating castratos.

SIR LANCELOT AND THE BLACK KNIGHT* Holy moly! This is cheese prog the way it's meant to be done! After the phenomenal and manly "FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!" intro chant, the deliciously dextrous keys take turns with a fervent and testicled singer to craft a fetus-shredding verse. I can't even express how much how the "WHOOH" horn that accompanies the final beat of every sung line during the verses. This cataclysmic energy doesn't let up, all the way through a blazing keyboard solo that makes the wee space larva from the previous track cry to mommy. The best bits from earlier in the song are recycled, generating a medival prog epic that will stand the test of time.

MERLIN THE MAGICIAN Opens with some choral nonsense, this probably sounds cool if you are 5 or if you go to church. Much like The third track, just when the first bit of nonsense lets up, our optimism is punished with yet more nonsense. If I wanted to hear clean piano being played proficiently, I wouldn't have moved out of Mom's house (SHE HAS A PIANO AND I CAN PLAY IT SO EASY). Some three-dimensional sounds appear around 3:15 that attempt to save this slug of a song, but they're not really annihilating the faux-ivory-tickling we've heard in the previous two tracks, making this feel like a useless song built around a mediocre solo. Something so imcomprehensibly terrible that I cannot put it into words happens at 4:50; the only good thing I can say this fifty seconds of terror is that it sort of reminds me of a stage in Super Mario World. More volume-filling, mind-expanding laser solos make me smile towards the end, but my smile is shattered and I am plunged into irreparable depravity as the Mario-esque nonsense returns for a torturous reprise.

SIR GALAHAD I guess Wakeman has a boner for choral intros, but even if I'd had any sort of stiffness, these intros would act as an all too tight condom. After the requisite intro and mellow pre-song nonsense that is becoming a recurring motif, some more nonsense that was probably intended to cause booties to boogie appears, complelling my already flaccid member to desire a safe haven where it can be softened no more. This song is all over the place: not in the worst way possible, but in a way that I don't want to commit more than a few words to the attention-whoring chicanery. Basically, they build it up so you feel like some posers are about to be forcibly removed from the hall, but after the badical buildup, the posers are instead taken by the club owner into the VIP room where they wine and dine our collective sisters.

THE LAST BATTLE There was a smooth segue from the prior track into this nine-minute goliath, so I didn't notice the track change. Our sisters having such a blast and get wasted on champagne probably wasn't helping my focus, either. Not too much on this mediocre and paradoxically non-epic track that we haven't heard yet. Some vocal scat nonsense arrives at 2:47 in an obvious tribute to Katamari Damacy. This last track is clearly dedicated to nap-inducing rather than bombast; I say skip it.

Summary Some fun tracks, some duds, and many cool moments. Many less blastbeats than advertized.

A Legendary Progressive Rock Album.......2006-06-29

Believe it or not, it was my mom that introduced me to this album. She told me that when she was about my age she had it on tape and loved it. Since then I wanted it and I have finally got it. I really don't think to many people have heard of Rick Wakeman's solo projects. I'm sure they know him from Yes and the album he did with Black Sabbath but not of his own works, I could be wrong though. From what I've gathered, this is his third album the first being The six Wives Of Henry VIII and the second Journey To The Center Of The Earth. If this album is any indacation of how good his solo works are, I need to pick those other two up. On to the music. The story is about Arthur and his companions and their many exploits and I think he loosly based this album on Thomas Mallory's Le Morte D'Arthur in particular. This album shows that Wakeman is a master (if not the master) of the synthisizer and keyboard. Each song is distinct from the previous which is good in my book. And while there isn't a whole lot of singing, the songs themselves do a good job of telling the story and characters. I just love the different arrangements that go with the different characters, especially Merlin and Guinevere. Plus Rick is accompinied by an orchrastra and The English Chamber Choir which is totaly cool. I've read some reviews saying that some of the singing isn't that great but I have to disagree. While it's not the best singing I've ever heard it's still pretty good. The use of jazz and fusion jazz is also good and in my opinion really helps this already excellent album out. If I have any complaints it is that this album is too short and that it comes with no lyrics. For the first, it doesn't really matter because even though it is over forty-two minutes, I've got other cds that are good but are shorter. And as for the lyrics, I'll get over it because there isn't a whole lot of singing and what singing that is there is pretty much understandable. Definitely an excellent album that shouldn't be passed up.

master piece.......2006-04-07

if you really want to listen to a creative work , a good work and a prog rock this is a must! buy it now!!!! excelent work! Merlin the magician is a masterpiece!

Average customer rating: Fabulous for any Broadway-lover Top Shelf TERRIFIC CD'S Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs Great Compilation!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) Broadway: The American Musical Broadway: The American Musical Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals ASIN: B00064ADMK Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

1. Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
2. Swanee- Al Jolson
3. When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
4. A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
5. My Man- Fanny Brice
6. Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
7. If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
8. Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
9. Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
10. Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
11. Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
12. Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
13. Body And Soul- Libby Holman
14. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
15. Night And Day- Fred Astaire
16. Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
17. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
18. You're The Top- Ethel Merman
19. Summertime- Anne Brown
20. September Song- Walter Huston
21. My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
22. It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
23. Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
24. Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
25. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

1. New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
2. If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
3. Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
4. There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
5. How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
6. Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
7. Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
8. Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
9. Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
10. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
11. Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
12. Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
13. Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
14. Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
15. Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
16. Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
17. Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
18. I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
19. Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
20. The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
21. Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
22. Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

1. Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
2. I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
3. Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
4. My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
5. Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
6. Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
7. Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
8. Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
9. I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
10. The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
11. Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
12. What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
13. As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
14. Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
15. People- Barbra Streisand
16. Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
17. If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
18. Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
19. The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
20. If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
21. Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

1. Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
2. Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
3. I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
4. The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
5. Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
6. I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
7. I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
8. We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
9. Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
10. Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
11. Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
12. One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
13. All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
14. Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
15. Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
16. Come Follow The Band
17. Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
18. And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
19. The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

1. Memory- Betty Buckley
2. I Am What I Am- George Hearn
3. Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
4. Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
5. The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
6. You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
7. The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
8. Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
9. With One Look- Glenn Close
10. On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
11. Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
12. Seasons Of Love-
13. Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
14. I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
15. Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
16. Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
17. Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
18. I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
19. Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Average customer rating: Wonderful, but not my first choice THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever... Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah

Mendelssohn: Elijah Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem] ASIN: B0002XV31A Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

1. Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
2. Overture
3. No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
4. No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
5. No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
6. No.4: If With All Your Hearts
7. No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
8. No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
9. No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
10. Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
11. No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
12. No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
13. No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
14. No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
15. No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
16. No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
17. No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
18. No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
19. No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
20. No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
21. No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
22. No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
23. No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

1. No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
2. No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
3. No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
4. No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
5. No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
6. No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
7. No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
8. No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
9. No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
10. No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
11. No.31: O Rest In The Lord
12. No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
13. No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
14. No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
15. No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
16. No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
17. No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
18. No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
19. No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
20. No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
21. No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
22. No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
23. No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!

Average customer rating: It's Dreamy My Favorite Composer of all time An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!! It's simply lovely

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason Thomas Hampson , Jay Ungar , Molly Mason , Garrison Keillor , David Alpher , Mark Rust , Michael Parloff , Peter Ecklund , John Kirk , Arnold Kinsella , and Stephen Foster Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Tin Pan Alley | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hampson, Thomas | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Song of Home Song of America Harvest Home Civil War Classics Stephen Foster Song Book ASIN: B000002SK7 Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

1. Opening Solo Violin
2. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
3. Hard Times Come Again No More
4. The Voice Of Bygone Days
5. Foster Favorites Medley (Ring, Ring The Banjo (1851) Oh! Susanna (1848) Camptown Races (1850)
6. Open Thy Lattice, Love (1844)
7. Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
8. That's What's The Matter
9. Old Home Medley (Old Folks at Home (1851) My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night (1853)
10. Molly! Do You Love Me? (1850)
11. Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair (1851)
12. Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
13. Dancing On The River (Nelly Bly (1850) The Glendy Burk (1860) Angelina Baker (1850)
14. My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman (1863)
15. Gentle Annie (1856)
16. Linger In Blissful Repose (1858)
17. Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)

Customer Reviews:

It's Dreamy.......2007-01-10

This is a very wonderful recording of Stephen Foster by a master singer.
Foster's songs are of a more innocent and naive time in the American psyche, a time that it would not hurt us to remember, given the wretched brutality of American culture today (something you'll appreciate after listening to this recording).

The songs are beautifully sung by Mr. Hamspon, and the musical accompaniment with piano, mandolin, tuba, banjo, etc. seems a perfect setting for this period music. I enjoyed the musical interludes of Foster songs (not sung by Mr. Hampson), such as "Oh, Suzanna", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Camptown Races." They are foot-stompin' and finger-snappin' good in a non-syncopated way.

Mr. Hampson's voice is so beautiful, and he has done such a wonderful job with these song's you'll just have to hear it, and when you do, tell me that you're not dreaming.

I remember reading a quote by John Phillip Sousa that decried the use of syncopation in American popular music. I never understood it until listening to this recording. The richness and intensity of American popular music (as experienced in the work of Stephen Foster) has been lost.
Everything has to be so cool today, thanks to syncopation, and "cool" really means no emotion.

If emotion is what you want, emotion is what you'll get with Stephen Foster's songs. It was a time when the death of loved ones (especially those who died in their youth) was experienced more often (see "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Gentle Annie"). And we were not protected from the vicissitudes of fate by myriad government programs, modern medicine and universal prosperity (see "Hard Times").
Husbands and wives had their differences then, as today, (see the amusing song "My Wife is a Most Knowin' Woman") The passion of the Civil War (Foster was a Unionist),is reflected in a wonderful, fun song, "That's What's the Matter."

If you love good music, and you have heart which can be stirred, and you love your country, this is for you.

I love this recording. It has opened up the door to my "beautiful dreams," dreams of bygone days, lost love, and whatever else we pine for.

I wanted to buy several copies for my friends, but somehow I felt that the impact of this recording was so personal, that it could not be shared with others. Not that they couldn't enjoy it, but that I could not begin to share the intense emotion and reverie stirred in my heart by these beautiful songs.

My Favorite Composer of all time.......2006-08-20

Growing up playing his stuff on piano, I love the instrumentality of this CD..the violins give off that wail that he speaks of..I am not sure what it is about Stephen Foster but these verses..grab me like no other..there is so much sensitivity to it..

I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair
Born like a vapor on the summer air
I see her tripping where the bright streams play
Happy as the daisies that dance on her way
Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour

but the violins in this CD make this CD the best out there..
FYI should you be into astrology Stephen Foster is definition of Cancer...Sun and Moon conjunct in Cancer with mars in Scorpio..i love his lyrics..almost to the point of obsession..

An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears.......2006-07-17

Stephen Foster was the greatest American composer of sentimental parlor ballads--he so perfectly imitated folk songs that his music wound up turning into them. In an age of home music-making and later of families sitting around the radio, Foster's songs were a staple, often performed by crossover artists from opera like Lawrence Tibbett. Those were plump, ripe styles of singing, highly flavored by church hymns.

In this 1992 collection of 17 Foster favorites, plus a few rareties, Hampson drops the platform manner and goes straight for heartfelt sincerity. His tone is plain yet sweet, his expression intimate. He is accompanied by instruments redolent of the Victorian drawing room (guitar, fiddle, upright piano), and the mood they create brings tears and smiles of remembrance. This music is embedded in America's genes, and it's wonderful to realize that every note is still alive and throbbing with feeling.

OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!.......2005-11-25

Simply one word, WOW!!!
Thomas Hampson's voice is simply fantasic. His voice is very different from regular operatic baritone voice, very sweet, and rich. I really cant believe an operatic baritone can sing folk song like THIS good, in my opinion he sounds even better than his opera works in this album. His voice and the background music matches perfectly, the outcome would move u to tears, and u can feel the origin of MUSIC. This album really shows what the word MUSIC means, and the songs simply just ALL beautiful. I like his "beautiful dreamer", "my life is well knowing woman", and "jeanie with the light brown hair" the most. When I listen the songs I would just imagine that I am in the world of past USA, and I can feel the life of the ppl in the past USA~ just like watching an old classic movie, it would touch ur heart and fall in love with this album.

It's simply lovely.......2004-12-14

I didn't know Stephen Foster (I thought): wrong: Oh Susanna, etc, I knew, but had no idea who the composer was.

This CD is a revelation. The melodies are so beautiful, as are the poems, and Thomas Hampson just brings them to life as wonderfully as ever. I especially love "Beautiful Dreamer" - it gives me butterflies - and "My wife is a most knowing woman" - the way he makes the voices and the indignation is just brilliant. If one needed reminding what a brilliant singer Mr Hampson is - this disk does it.

Average customer rating: A great voice with songwriting to back it up

Slow Motion Addict Carina Round Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: The Disconnection Ladyland Stromata The Reminder Courage ASIN: B000F3UAF2 Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Stolen Car
2. How Many Times
3. Gravity Lies
4. Ready To Confess
5. Want More
6. Take The Money
7. Down Slow
8. Come To You
9. Slow Motion Addict
10. January Heart
11. The Disconnection
12. The City

Customer Reviews:

A great voice with songwriting to back it up.......2007-07-07

Slow Motion Addict, Carina Round's third album and second for Interscope, was my introduction to this great voice. Carina has a talent for writing catchy yet dark pop songs that stick in your head for days, as is evidenced with this album.
The album starts off with a bang on "Stolen Cars" one of the albums best songs. It features an insanely catchy chorus showcases Carina's use of hard/soft dynamics. This song is followed by the still upbeat "How Many Times" which is another great song. After that is "Gravity Lies" and "Ready to Confess" which still keep the energy up. While "Gravity" one the best songs lyrically here goes back to the loud/soft dynamic, "Ready to Confess" is just an all out rocker. This followed by one of my favorites, "I Want More" it is a fun, well written song. It begins with one of the best lines on the album:"It's not me/I'm representing someone who died during the conversation" The vocals are very emotional here.
Track #6 is an album highlight. "Take the Money" is a sarcastic examination of the music industry and selling out. A very catchy, clever , well written song.
After this the album slows down a little. "Down Slow" is a good enough song but doesn't stick out like all the other songs. However, it is followed by the remarkable "Come to You" Carina's voice on the choruses just soars, and the multi tracking on the verses just makes for a beautiful song. A real pleasure to listen to. The title track is next, and is another great song,well sung, eventually fading into two minutes plus of lovely guitar drone. Instrumentally, this song is one of the more impressive here.
"January Heart" is a gorgeous slow ballad, followed by another,"The Disconnection", which was the title of her second album. The strings on this track make it stand out, but it is overshadowed by the two tracks surrounding it. Closing everything out is the masterful, slowly building "The City" which culminates in Multi-tracking of Carina's voice singing us out. It's a beautiful sound.
Overall, this album puts other female singer-songwriters and singer-songwriters in general to shame. Carina's voice is a thing of beauty that deserves to be heard by all. Normally I don't like when the faster and slower material is separated so clearly as it is on this album but in this case it works well. I would highly recommend this to pop music fans, singer-songwriter fans, or just fans of good music in general. No doubt will rate as one of 2007's best albums.

Average customer rating: The greatest songs ever? A musical treasure-box a beautiful journey into melancholy

Dowland - The Collected Works / The Consort of Musicke, Rooley John Dowland , Anthony Rooley , Emma Kirkby , Christopher Wilson , The Consort of Musicke , Colin Tilney , Anthony Bailes , Jakob Lindberg , Nigel North , Glenda Simpson , Peter Holman , and John Donne Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Holborne, Anthony | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by White | White, Robert | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Ballets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Recorder | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Lute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Dowland, John | ( D ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Holborne, Anthony | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music White, Robert | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Opera & Vocal General | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Dowland: Complete Lute Works, Vol.1-5 William Byrd: Consort Songs Bach: The Landowska Recordings Britten Conducts Britten Janácek: Operas ASIN: B000004CYV Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. First Booke Of Songes: I. Unquiet Thoughts
2. First Booke Of Songes: II. Who Ever Thinks Or Hopes Of Love
3. First Booke Of Songes: III. My Thoughts Are Wing'd With Hopes
4. First Booke Of Songes: IV. If My Complaints Could Passions Move
5. First Booke Of Songes: V. Can She Excuse My Wrongs
6. First Booke Of Songes: VI. Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part
7. First Booke Of Songes: VII. Dear, If You Change
8. First Booke Of Songes: VIII. Burst Fourth My Tears
9. First Booke Of Songes: IX. Go Crystal Tears
10. First Booke Of Songes: X. Think'st Thou Then By Thy Feigning
11. First Booke Of Songes: XI. Come Away, Come Sweet Love
12. First Booke Of Songes: XII. Rest Awhile, You Cruel Cares
13. First Booke Of Songes: XIII. Sleep, Wayward Thoughts
14. First Booke Of Songes: XIV. All Ye, Whom Love Or Fortune Hath Betray'd
15. First Booke Of Songes: XV. Wilt Thou Unkind Thus Reave Me
16. First Booke Of Songes: XVI. Would My Conceit
17. First Booke Of Songes: XVII. Come Again: Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
18. First Booke Of Songes: XVIII. His Golden Locks
19. First Booke Of Songes: XIX. Awake, Sweet Love
20. First Booke Of Songes: XX. Come, Heavy Sleep
21. First Booke Of Songes: XXI. Away With These Self-Loving Lads

Tracks:

1. Second Booke Of Songs: I. I Saw My Lady Weep
2. Second Booke Of Songs: II. Flow My Tears
3. Second Booke Of Songs: III. Sorrow, Stay
4. Second Booke Of Songs: IV. Die Not Before Thy Day
5. Second Booke Of Songs: V. Mourn, Mourn, Day Is With Darkness Fled
6. Second Booke Of Songs: VI. Time's Eldest Son
7. Second Booke Of Songs: VII. Then Sit Thee Down
8. Second Booke Of Songs: VIII. When Others Sing Venite
9. Second Booke Of Songs: IX. Praise Blindness Eyes
10. Second Booke Of Songs: X. O Sweet Woods
11. Second Booke Of Songs: XI. If Floods Of Tears
12. Second Booke Of Songs: XII. Fine Knacks For Ladies
13. Second Booke Of Songs: XIII. Now Cease My Wand'ring Eyes
14. Second Booke Of Songs: XIV. Come Ye Heavy States Of Night
15. Second Booke Of Songs: XV. White As Lilies Was Her Face
16. Second Booke Of Songs: XVI. Woeful Heart
17. Second Booke Of Songs: XVII. A Shepherd In A Shade
18. Second Booke Of Songs: XVIII. Faction That Ever Dwells
19. Second Booke Of Songs: XIX. Shall I Sue
20. Second Booke Of Songs: XX. Toss Not My Soul
21. Second Booke Of Songs: XXI. Clear Or Cloudy
22. Second Booke Of Songs: XXII. Humour Say What Mak'st Thou Here

Tracks:

1. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: I. Farewell, Too Fair
2. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: II. Time Stands Still
3. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: III. Behold A Wonder Here
4. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IV. Daphne Was Not So Chaste
5. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: V. Me, Me, And None But Me
6. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VI. When Phoebus First Did Daphne Love
7. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VII. Say, Love, If Ever Thou Didst Find
8. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: VIII. Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
9. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: IX. What If I Never Speed?
10. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: X. Love Stood Amazed
11. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XI. Lend Your Ears To My Sorrow
12. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XII. By A Fountain Where I Lay
13. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIII. O What Hath Overwrought
14. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIV. Farewell, Unkind
15. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XV. Weep You No More, Sad Fountains
16. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVI. Fie On This Feigning!
17. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVII. I Must Complain
18. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XVIII. It Was A Time When Silly Bees
19. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XIX. The Lowest Trees Have Tops
20. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XX. What Poor Astronomers Are They
21. Third Booke Of Songs 1603: XXI. Come When I Call

Tracks:

1. A Pilgrimes Solace: I. Disdain Me Still
2. A Pilgrimes Solace: II. Sweet Stay Awhile
3. A Pilgrimes Solace: III. To Ask For All Thy Love
4. A Pilgrimes Solace: IV. Love, Those Beams That Breed
5. A Pilgrimes Solace: V. Shall I Strive Wih Words To Move?
6. A Pilgrimes Solace: VI. Were Every Thought An Eye
7. A Pilgrimes Solace: VII. Stay, Time, Awhile Thy Flying
8. A Pilgrimes Solace: VIII. Tell Me, True Love
9. A Pilgrimes Solace: IX. Go Nightly Cares
10. A Pilgrimes Solace: X. From Silent Night
11. A Pilgrimes Solace: XI. Lasso vita mia
12. A Pilgrimes Solace: XII. In This Trembling Shadow Cast
13. A Pilgrimes Solace: XIII. If That A Sinner's Sights
14. A Pilgrimes Solace: XIV. Thou Mighty God
15. A Pilgrimes Solace: XV. When David's Life
16. A Pilgrimes Solace: XVI. When The Poor Cripple

Tracks:

1. A Pilgrimes Solace: XVII. Where Sin Sore Wounding
2. A Pilgrimes Solace: XVIII. My Heart And Tongue Were Twins
3. A Pilgrimes Solace: XIX. Up Merry Mates
4. A Pilgrimes Solace: XX. Welcome Black Night
5. A Pilgrimes Solace: XXI. Cease, Cease These False Sports
6. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Lachrimae Pavane
7. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can Shee
8. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana
9. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: The Frogge
10. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Frog's Galliard
11. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavana And Galiarda
12. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Paduana Lachrymae
13. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Can She Excuse
14. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavion Solus cum sola
15. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Dowland's Almayne
16. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Piper's Paven And Galliard
17. Keyboard Transcriptions Of Dowland's Music By Other Musicians: Pavan Lachrymae

Tracks:

1. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: I. The Lamentation Of A Sinner
2. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: II. Domine ne in furore
3. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: III. Miserere mei Deus
4. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: IV. The Humble Suit Of A Sinner
5. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: V. The Humble Complaint Of A Sinner
6. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VI. De profundis
7. Mr. Henry Noell Lamentations: VII. Domine exaudi
8. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae
9. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae
10. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Gementes
11. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Tristes
12. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Coactae
13. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Amantis
14. Lachrimae: Lachrimae Verae
15. Lachrimae: Mr. John Langton's Pavan
16. Lachrimae: Mr. Nicholas Gryffith His Galiard
17. Lachrimae: Sir John Souch His Galiard
18. Lachrimae: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens
19. Lachrimae: Mr. Giles Hobies Galiard
20. Lachrimae: The King Of Denmark's Galiard
21. Lachrimae: Sir Henry Umpton's Funerall
22. Lachrimae: Mr. Henry Noell His Galiard
23. Lachrimae: The Earl Of Essex Galiard
24. Lachrimae: Mr. Bucton His Galiard
25. Lachrimae: Mr. George Whitehead His Almand
26. Lachrimae: Captain Digorie Piper His Galiard
27. Lachrimae: Mr. Thomas Collier His Galiard
28. Lachrimae: Mrs. Nichols Almand

Tracks:

1. Sacred Songs: Sorrow, Come!
2. Sacred Songs: I Shame At Mine Unworthiness
3. Sacred Songs: An Heart That's Broken And Contrite
4. Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
5. Psalms: Psalm 38: Put Me Not To Rebuke O Lord
6. Psalms: Psalm 130: Lord To Thee I Make My Moan
7. Psalms: Psalm 104: My Soul Praise The Lord
8. Psalms: Psalm 100: All People That On Earth Do Dwell
9. Psalms: Psalm 134: Behold And Have Regard
10. A Prayer For The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty
11. Instrumental Music: Solus cum sola pavan
12. Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
13. Instrumental Music: Galliard
14. Instrumental Music: Pipers Pavan
15. Instrumental Music: Lachrimae
16. Instrumental Music: Lady Rich Galliard
17. Instrumental Music: Earl Of Essex Galliard
18. Instrumental Music: If My Complaints
19. Instrumental Music: Lachrimae Doolande
20. Instrumental Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home
21. Instrumental Music: My Lord Chamberlaine His Galliard
22. Instrumental Music: Comagain
23. Instrumental Music: Pavan Lachrymae
24. Instrumental Music: Sorrow Stay

Tracks:

1. Lute Music: Preludium
2. Lute Music: Lachrimae
3. Lute Music: Can She Excuse
4. Lute Music: Dr. Case's Pavan
5. Lute Music: Melancholy Galliard
6. Lute Music: Sir John Smith, His Almain
7. Lute Music: Fantasia
8. Lute Music: A Dream
9. Lute Music: Almain
10. Lute Music: The Queen's Galliard
11. Lute Music: Coranto
12. Lute Music: Resolution
13. Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux Galliard
14. Lute Music: Almain
15. Lute Music: Mr. Dowland's MIdnight
16. Lute Music: Fantasia
17. Lute Music: Loth To Depart
18. Lute Music: The Most Sacred Queen Elizabeth, Her Galliard
19. Lute Music: The Earl Of Essex, His Galliard
20. Lute Music: Pavan
21. Lute Music: John Dowland's Galliard
22. Lute Music: Aloe
23. Lute Music: The Lady Clifton's Spirit
24. Lute Music: What If A Day
25. Lute Music: Mr. Giles Hobie's Galliard
26. Lute Music: Come Away (Song arrangement)
27. Lute Music: Galliard
28. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

1. Lute Music: Lachrimae (Basic Version)
2. Lute Music: Galliard To Lachrimae
3. Lute Music: [Jig]
4. Lute Music: Galliard On 'Wasingham'
5. Lute Music: Complaint (Ballad Setting)
6. Lute Music: Mignarda (Galliard)
7. Lute Music: Semper Dowland Semper Dolens (Pavan)
8. Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
9. Lute Music: A Fancy (Fantasia)
10. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
11. Lute Music: Piper's Pavan
12. Lute Music: Captain Digorie Piper's Galliard
13. Lute Music: Lady Laiton's Almain
14. Lute Music: Dowland's Galliard
15. Lute Music: Dowland's First Galliard
16. Lute Music: Tarleton's Jig
17. Lute Music: Walsingham (ballad Setting)
18. Lute Music: Lord Willoughbie's Welcome Home (Ballad Setting)
19. Lute Music: Sir Henry Guilforde, His Almain
20. Lute Music: Pavan (Related To 'Lachrimae')
21. Lute Music: Mr. Langton's Galliard
22. Lute Music: Mrs. Clifton's Almain
23. Lute Music: Galliard
24. Lute Music: Lady Hunsdon's Puffe (Almain)
25. Lute Music: Galliard
26. Lute Music: Go From My Window (Ballad Setting)
27. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)

Tracks:

1. Lute Music: Pavana Johan Douland
2. Lute Music: Mrs. Brigide Fleetwood's Pavan (Solus sine sola)
3. Lute Music: La mia Barbara
4. Lute Music: Sir Henry Umpton's Funeral (Pavan)
5. Lute Music: Lachrimae
6. Lute Music: Farewell Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)
7. Lute Music: Farewell (On The 'In Nomine' Theme)
8. Lute Music: The King of Denmark's Galliard
9. Lute Music: Mrs. Vaux's Jig
10. Lute Music: Mrs. Nichol's Almain
11. Lute Music: Galliard
12. Lute Music: Lord Strang's March
13. Lute Music: Mrs. Winter's Jump
14. Lute Music: Can She Excuse (Galliard)
15. Lute Music: The Shoemaker's Wife, A Toy
16. Lute Music: Mrs. Norrish's Delight
17. Lute Music: Galliard
18. Lute Music: Mrs. White's Thing (Almain)
19. Lute Music: Mrs. White's Nothing
20. Lute Music: The Frog Galliard
21. Lute Music: Solus cum sola
22. Lute Music: The Lord Viscount Lisle, His Galliard
23. Lute Music: Orlando Sleepeth (Ballad Setting)
24. Lute Music: Robin (Ballad Setting)
25. Lute Music: Galliard (On A Galliard By Daniel Bacheler)
26. Lute Music: Forlorn Hope Fancy (Chromatic Fantasia)

Tracks:

1. Lute Music: The Lady Russell's Pavan
2. Lute Music: Fancy (Fantasia)
3. Lute Music: Sir John Langton's Pavan
4. Lute Music: Earl Of Derby, His Galliard
5. Lute Music: A Coy Toy
6. Lute Music: Fortune My Foe
7. Lute Music: [Almain]
8. Lute Music: Mr. Knight's Galliard
9. Lute Music: Sir John Souch His Galliard
10. Lute Music: Tarletone's Riserrectione
11. Lute Music: The Lady Rich, Her Galliard
12. Consort Music: Lachrimae Pavan
13. Consort Music: Can She Excuse Galliard
14. Consort Music: Captain Piper's Pavan And Galliard
15. Consort Music: The Frog Galliard
16. Consort Music: Round Battell Galliard
17. Consort Music: Fortune My Foe
18. Consort Music: Dowland's First Galliard
19. Consort Music: Katherine Darcie's Galliard
20. Consort Music: Tarleton's Jigge
21. Consort Music: Almain a 2
22. Consort Music: Mistress Nichols Almain a 2
23. Fullsack And Hildebrandt: Auserlesener Paduanen und Galliarden: Susanna Fair (Galliard)
24. Haussmann: Rest von polnischen und andern Tanzen: Mistress Nichols Alman a 5
25. Opusculum: Mr. John Langton Pavan And Galliard
26. Opusculum: La mia Barbara Pavan and Galliard
27. Opusculum: Lachrimae Antiquae Novae Pavan and Galliard

Tracks:

1. Consort Music: Mistress NIchols Almain
2. Consort Music: Volta a 4 ('Ioh. Douland')
3. Consort Music: Were Every Thought an Eye
4. Consort Music: Lady If You So Spite Me
5. Consort Music: Pavan a 4
6. A Musicall Banquet: I. My Heavy Sprite (Anthony Holborne)
7. A Musicall Banquet: II. Change Thy Mind Since She Doth Change (Richard Martin)
8. A Musicall Banquet: III. O Eyes, Leave Off Your Weeping (Robert Hales)
9. A Musicall Banquet: IV. Go, My Flock, Go Get You Hence (Anon.)
10. A Musicall Banquet: V. O Dear Life, When Shall It Be? (Anon.)
11. A Musicall Banquet: VI. To Plead My Faith (Daniel Bacheler)
12. A Musicall Banquet: VII. In A Grove Most Rich Of Shade (Guillaume Tessier)
13. A Musicall Banquet: VIII. Far From Triumphing Court
14. A Musicall Banquet: IX. Lady, If You So Spite Me
15. A Musicall Banquet: X. In Darkness Let Me Dwell
16. A Musicall Banquet: XI. Si le parler et le silence (Pierre Guedron)
17. A Musicall Banquet: XII. Ce penser qui sans fin tirannise ma vie (Pierre Guedron)
18. A Musicall Banquet: XIII. Vous que le Bonheur rappelle (Pierre Guedron)
19. A Musicall Banquet: XIV. Passava Amor su arco desarmado (Anon. Spanish)
20. A Musicall Banquet: XV. Sta notte mi sognava (Anon. Italian)
21. A Musicall Banquet: XVI. Vuestros ojos tienen d'Amor (Anon. Spanish)
22. A Musicall Banquet: XVII. Se di farmi morire (Domenico Maria Megli)
23. A Musicall Banquet: XVIII. Dovro dunque morire? (Giulio Caccini)
24. A Musicall Banquet: XIX. Amarilli mia bella (Giulio Caccini)
25. A Musicall Banquet: XX. O bella piu (Anon, Italian)

Customer Reviews:

The greatest songs ever?.......2007-07-26

I heard 'clear or cloudy', from this recording, on the radio recently and had to purchase it. It is strange but it is the sort of song that makes life prior to listening to it different from life after. I find it sad that so many people haven't heard it. There are also many other wonderful works in this collection. Given you get twelve well recorded CDs with top quality performances, this has to be one of the bargains of the age.

Please buy it.

A musical treasure-box.......2006-09-10

Both the music and this actual product are masterpieces. John Dowland's collected works here - covering 12 compact discs - exhibit the depth and power of this composer, a composer who many now regard as suffering from clinical depression. I doubt that the issue of the diagnosis of Dowland's depression can ever be settled, however, it is certainly obvious from his music, so completely on display here, that he was a man with very dark depths and corners in his mind. Dowland's various manifestations and "takes" on his own tune, "Flow my tears"/"Lachrimae" are here. This tune has haunted me ever since I first heard it when I was a child. It seems to sum up Dowland's feelings - at least Dowland seems to have thought so.

The First, Second, Third and Fourth Bookes of Songes, A Musicall Banquet, the keyboard transcriptions, all the lute music, consort music are here and virtually everything else written or supposedly written by John Dowland. Anthony Rooley and The Consort of Musicke perform this music with style and feeling throughout. This 12 CD set is something of a monument to the ensemble - I only wish they'd finished their collection of Monteverdi madrigals, which was equally good (La Venexiana are currently doing a magnificent job of recording all Monteverdi's books of madrigals for the GLOSSA label).

This is an expensive set, however, you will probably never need to buy another John Dowland CD again after buying and listening to this collection.

I bought this CD set on a mild Summer evening of 1998 and listened to it while sitting in my sun room - which a glorious orange sunset in progress, and a glass of wine. It brought back so many memories.

a beautiful journey into melancholy.......2001-06-15

I'm amazed at how many people tend to associate John Dowland's music with a tragic sense of drama. While no doubt this is art highly based on sadness, the "tragic" sense of it is more a legacy from the Romantic period. During the Renaissance, however, sadness was undestood as a very aesthetic way of approaching life. That is also the reason why Shakespeare's tragedies appear more sophisticated than his comedies.

Dowland, a contemporary of Shakespeare, discovered that meditating on a sad theme is, at the same time, a way of discovering a special beauty that we tend to avoid (maybe because of the "tragic" heritage of the Romantics). So, in the end, meditating on sadness is an uplifting experience! This box set is a journey into melancholy that includes songs, chamber music, pieces for lute, some rare sacred music and -as a highlight- Dowland's beautiful collection of seven pieces for viola which he called "Lachrimae" (Tears).

Dance Music:

1. Scienz of Life/Yikes [CD-single]
2. Smash Sumthin/Let's Get Dirty (I Can't G [CD-single] [Import]
3. Souls of a Silent City
4. Soundbombing [Explicit Lyrics]
5. Southern Hostility (Chopped & Screwed) [Explicit Lyrics]
6. Southern Hostility (Chopped & Screwed) [Explicit Lyrics]
7. Steady Ballin & Top Billin [Explicit Lyrics]
8. Steel Gangstaz [Explicit Lyrics]
9. Texas Ballin' (Chopped & Screwed) [Explicit Lyrics]
10. Texas Ballin' [Explicit Lyrics]

Dance Music

dance music

Dance Music

Something to Remember Me By [Import]

Sym 92 Oxford & Sym 103 Drum Roll

The Island

Rarum, Vol. 14: Selected Recordings [Original recording remastered]

Strictly Instrumental, Vol. 3

Unleash the Dragon, Vol. 1 & 2 [CD-single] [Import]

The Complete, Vol. 3 [Box set]

Strauss in Vienna: Famous Waltzes, Marches and Polkas

The Miracle Cure

Sugar Blues

This Heart of Mine

The Kieran Ridge Band

Salsa Shakin' [Box set]

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1; Franck: Symphonic Variations; Weissenberg; Muti; Philadelphia Orchestra

Ambrosia: The Music of Kenny Barron