Journey: Best of [Import]

Product Description
Japanese Version featuring Exclusive Cover Art.

Journey: Best of,Adiemus,EMI Int'l,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

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Average customer rating: a good collection of songs,the jouney's not over Everything You'd Want very best of donna summer I Luv Donna Donna Summer Rocks!

The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer Donna Summer Manufacturer: Utv Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Pure Disco Pure Disco, Vol. 2 Pure Disco, Vol. 3 Best of the Pointer Sisters Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track ASIN: B0000CABJ1 Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

1. Love To Love You Baby
2. Could It Be Magic
3. I Feel Love
4. I Love You
5. Last Dance
6. MacArthur Park
7. Heaven Knows
8. Hot Stuff
9. Bad Girls
10. Dim All The Lights
11. No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)
12. On The Radio
13. The Wanderer
14. Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)
15. State of Independence
16. She Works Hard For The Money
17. This Time I Know Its For Real
18. I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro)
19. Thats The Way
20. Dream-A-Lots Theme (I Will Live For Love)

Customer Reviews:

a good collection of songs,the jouney's not over.......2007-07-13

the journey;the very best of donna summer is a good collection of songs.from the '70s there are the songs hot stuff,bad girls,love to love you baby,last dance,heaven knows,and i love you.from the '80s threre are the songs on the radio,she works hard for the money,love in control(finger on the trigger),and this time i know it's for real. the journey is not over for donna summer,she has a lot more music to make. ed wilson

Everything You'd Want.......2007-06-12

This is a great compilation of Donna Summer's works. If you're old enough, it'll take you back to your youth and fun times at the disco.
I thank the powers that be for this gift and reminder of how great Donna Summer is.

very best of donna summer.......2007-05-14

its a double cd and it is excellent listening. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes fast music.

I Luv Donna.......2007-04-06

Excellent CD! Donnas voice is timeless. The second CD is all 12" dance mixes. I forgot how great the MacArthur Park Suite was. If They included the Hot Stuff/Bad girls Mix (Anthology) in the CD, It would have got 5 stars from me!.

Donna Summer Rocks!.......2007-01-10

Donna Summer is a Diva of all times. I listen to this CD
over and over again. Her vocals are outstanding and her music
is timeless.

Average customer rating: customer WONDERFUL CD Good upbeat working music

Very Best of Hooked on Classics Manufacturer: Double Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hooked on Classics 3: Journey Through the Classics More Hooked On Classics Hooked on Christmas Hooked On Classics Hooked On Classics 2: Can't Stop the Classics ASIN: B000028CJX Release Date: 1998-09-28

Tracks:

1. Hooked on Classics Pt. 1 & 2: Piano of the Bumblebee No. 1/Fli [Medley]
2. Hooked on Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat (3rd Movement) [Medley]
3. Night in Opera: Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat (3rd Movement)/Hall [Medley]
4. Tales of the Vienna Waltz: Blue Danube Waltz 1, Theme 1/Blue D [Medley]
5. Hooked on a Can Can: Orpheus in the Underworld (Can Can)/Thund [Medley]
6. Hooked on Marching: Under the Double Eagle/The Stars & Stripes [Medley]
7. Journey Through America: The Star Spangled Banner/Oh Susanna/M [Medley]
8. Hooked on Mozart: Rondo Alla Turca (Turkish March, From Sonata [Medley]
9. Hooked on Bach: Ave Maria/Minuet [From the Notebook of Anna Ma
10. Symphony of the Seas: The Sailors Hornpipe/Portsmouth/Anchors [Medley]

Tracks:

1. Hooked on Classics: Wedding March [From a Midsummer's Night's
2. Hooked on Romance (Opus 3): Gymnopedie No. 2/Nocturne Opus 9, [Medley]
3. Hooked on Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien (Introduction)/Swan L [Medley]
4. If You Knew Sousa/The Liberty Bell/Blaze Away/The Liberty Bell [Medley]
5. If You Knew Sousa and Friends: Entry of the Gladiators/Colonel [Medley]
6. Also Sprach Zarathustra [Medley]
7. Can't Stop the Classics: Overture 2 Russian & Ludmilla/Czardas [Medley]
8. Hooked on America: Rhapsody in Blue/Camptown Races/Rhapsody in [Medley]
9. Hooked on Romance: Air Form Suite No. 3 (Air for G String)/Ave [Medley]

Customer Reviews:

customer.......2007-06-26

cd arrived fast, in excellent shape as promised, well packaged to protect it during shipment. I'd heard the CD during an exercise class and had trouble trying to get it from other vendors so especially appreciated Amazon.

WONDERFUL CD.......2007-05-08

I was so happy to find this on CD I have the original on a cassette from childhood. I loved it then and now and now my children listen and love it.

Good upbeat working music.......2007-03-08

I love these CDS . . what a brilliant idea to add a beat to the most popular classical songs of all time. It is great upbeat music that gets you going. I specifically use it for when I need a boost to get me going on housework. It get you in just the right mood to start working. My kids love it too.

Average customer rating: Adiemus, genuine masterpieces of Karl Jenskins The Journey: The best of Adiemus The Journey: The Best of Adiemus Great Compendium Awesome

The Journey: The Best of Adiemus Adiemus Manufacturer: Higher Octave ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Songs of Sanctuary Adiemus II: Cantata Mundi Adiemus III: Dances of Time Adiemus IV: The Eternal Knot Karl Jenkins: Requiem ASIN: B00002MG3U Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

1. Adiemus
2. Cantus Inaequalis
3. Kayama (Radio Edit)
4. In Caelum Fero (Radio Edit)
5. Hymn
6. Cantilena
7. Cantus - Song Of The Trinitiy (Edit)
8. Cantus - Song Of The Plains (Edit)
9. Elegia
10. Chorale VI + Cantus - Song Of Aeolus
11. Chorale I (Za Ma Ba)
12. Cantus - Song Of Tears (Edit)
13. Rain Dance (Edit)
14. Ein Wiener Walzer (A Viennese Waltz)
15. Corrente (Courante)
16. Zarabanda (Saraband)
17. La La La Koora (Landler)
18. Beyond The Century
19. Adiemus (1999 New Version)

Amazon.com

Karl Jenkins's mix of classical orchestration and world-music elements first gained notoriety through a Delta Airlines TV commercial. The female choir singing faux African chant and the bright, uplifting music resonated with viewers, making the album Songs of Sanctuary an enormous commercial success. Jenkins followed up with Cantata Mundi, and Dances of Time, also bestsellers. Now the Higher Octave label has compiled the best of this electronica artist's Adiemus projects with The Journey. Full of Jenkins's sweeping orchestral sounds, pseudo-ethnic chant from Miriam Stockley and friends, and layered world rhythms, this album acts as a great introduction to this unique New Age music. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews:

Adiemus, genuine masterpieces of Karl Jenskins.......2007-03-10

I believe, that this CD has about equally many opponents and fans. Some would probably get increasingly borred about the musical genre of Karl Jenkins featuring endless arrangements with female vocals and orchestral harmonies. Others, to whom I definitely belong, continue to find inspiration in his musical story telling. This CD seems somewhat commercialized compared to Cantata Mundi, but that is to be expected from a best-of collection. Anyway, I persist to give this CD a top rating in honour of the very soul of Karl Jenkins' music. In addition, I must admit, 'Adiemus' still is my favourite! I can't help feeling the historical rush of the New Testament and similar mediterranian tales. I don't know the intention of the composer himself, and though I'm a bit curious, it doesn't really matter. The optimistic, African rythm and drive of 'Rain dance' make me look like a fool in front of the mirror, and I love it!

The Journey: The best of Adiemus.......2007-02-08

I loved it. This was my first CD by this composer. If you have the others then it is a review of previous CDS.

The Journey: The Best of Adiemus.......2006-08-06

I am glad I only got their best of their song. I was going to purchse all of their CDs. For some reason I stoped and got only one of them. It was not my kind of music . :(

Great Compendium.......2006-07-10

This CD contains an excellent mix of music of Adiemus at a good price. I liked it better than a number of their regular CDs.

Awesome.......2006-01-30

As I play it, I picture myself in Arizona in Karshner Caverns. This was where I first heard the CD, and hearing it takes me right back there. My young grandaughter, talked me out of my first copy and so had to order another.
It is relaxing, haunting, beautiful and more.

Average customer rating: takes me to nirvana Sounds of Light was better Inaccurate, but a good listen Very good if you like Indian mantras

Travelling the Sacred Sound Current: Divine Chants & Sacred Tones for Healing & Meditation Deborah Van Dyke Manufacturer: Sound Current ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Healing | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Travelling the Sacred Sound Current: Keys for Conscious Evolution SOUNDS OF LIGHT: The Pure Tones of Crystal Singing Bowls Seven Metals Singing Bowls of Tibet Chords of the Cosmos: Harmonies of the Zodiac with Crystal Bowls for Chakra Balancing, Meditation & The Healing Arts Chakra Healing Chants ASIN: B00005NVWC Release Date: 2001-08-08

Tracks:

1. Awakening
2. Gayatri Mantra
3. Kadosh
4. Om Nama Shivaya
5. Yod He Vav He
6. Om Mani Padme Hum
7. Journey
8. Sound Current
9. Ceremony of the Seven Rays

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Following her remarkably beautiful and top-selling crystal-bowl meditation CDs, heralded by critics, customers, and even Dr. Wayne Dyer, sound healer and teacher Deborah Van Dyke presents Travelling the Sacred Sound Current, audio companion to her instructive and finely wrought book of the same name. Van Dyke's musical offering, used in conjunction with the book or as a standalone tool, moves beyond relaxation and entertainment value into the realm of spiritual and therapeutic practice and purpose. Based on sound scientific principle--Dr. Andrew Weil's Sound Body, Sound Mind is highly recommended to this end--Van Dyke uses frequencies and tones to promote maximal benefit to body, mind, and spirit. These nine pieces bring together ancient mantras and chants, crystal bowl tones, drums, and didgeridoo, as well as nature sounds and Peruvian whistles, to create the thread-work of a profoundly interactive listening experience. Travelling the Sacred Sound Current resonates with deep beauty, peace, and truth. Neither far afield in woo-woo content nor loftily academic, Van Dyke's work is a welcome invitation, likely to appeal to both the intensive meditation student and the casual or novice seeker. --Paige La Grone

Album Description

Newest release from CRYSTAL VOICES creator & sound healer DEBORAH VAN DYKE - this is the Companion CD to her new definitive Book on sound healing: "Travelling the Sacred Sound Current: Keys for Conscious Evolution" (available through Amazon.com books). Recorded live in her healing sanctuary, the essence of sacred ceremony is captured in this authentically beautiful CD. It offers an exquisite treasure of timeless healing mantras & chants, crystal bowl tones, drums, gongs, didjeridoo, nature sounds, and Peruvian whistling vessels, which provide a deep vibrational sound journey for inner attunement and healing. Includes a powerful shamanic drum experience as well as a twenty minute crystal bowl meditation. Sit back , relax, and be prepared to embark on an inner voyage of transformation with this sacred ceremonial music and Deborah's compelling and soulful vocals. You will be soothed and transported to a place of deep inner peace. This CD is truly a sound vision quest for awakening, purification, and opening gateways of consciousness. Music created with a sacred healing intention - an frequency-shifting, soul-enriching experience.

PLANETLIGHTWORKER Magazine, Oct/03, Editor's review: "Sometimes in life when I'm faced with the experience of otherworldly beauty I am simply awestruck, - to the point of being left speechless. This is one of those moments.

Deborah Van Dyke has created one of the most glorious New Age recordings I can remember. Crafted through the use of some very natural textures, its poetic rhythms are sensual and astonishingly pure. There is a complexity to the CD that is as unique as each human life. In just the first few breaths of listening I could feel the sweetest altering of my physical body taking place. A shift in posture, an expansion of my senses, and a fluttering of excitement in my heart's heart. The naturalness, the eloquent harmony and echo, all come together to offer such a tremendous gift to creation. For centering, grounding, gifting, doing healing work with others, Travelling the Sacred Sound Current intuitively knows the listener's need and exceeds that requirement with a universal gift of transformation".

*****UPDATE: Deborah's NEWEST CD RELEASE now available on Amazon.com: 'CHORDS OF THE COSMOS: Harmonies of the Zodiac with Crystal Bowls for Chakra Balancing, Meditation & the Healing Arts'.

Customer Reviews:

takes me to nirvana.......2007-01-29

Great for yoga and/or meditation. The only thing I'd change is the talking on the last track--I find it's distracting. Otherwise, I'd rate it five stars. My classes love it.

Sounds of Light was better.......2006-12-26

There's too much caterwauling in this one. Not for meditation, maybe as a quiet background for ambience, I dunno. It didn't quite inspire any transcendental experiences for me.

Inaccurate, but a good listen.......2005-11-08

I like this album, it is soothing and meditative. The music is compelling and the vocals are pleasant. Unfortunately, I can't give it a higher rating, because some of the Sanskrit words are incorrectly pronounced. I'm not trying to be picky, but you'd think that Deborah who's written a book on healing music would know how to pronounce the lyrics of her songs. With that in mind, the album is quite good.
namaste :)

Very good if you like Indian mantras.......2005-08-12

The album is very enjoyable to listen to. If you like a meditative type of music. Several songs are chants (or mantras) that have been put to music. I liked this one very much.

.......2005-01-31

I learned to pronounce Divine names I read in spiritual books,
but never heard chanted before, from this CD.
As a woman, following the voice of a women guide
was easier for me to echo, then male chants.
It is the perfect CD to play and chant along while ringing
my own crystal bowls and sets a relaxing, prayerful mood
before going to sleep, for me.

Average customer rating: An excellent classical CD A hidden diamond Wagner's Grandeur Ormandy is underrated! Excellent Recordings

The Best Of Wagner Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection Wagner: Overtures & Preludes Wagner: Overture & Preludes Wagner without Words Wagner: Tristan und Isolde/Parsifal/Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg/Lohengrin/Tannhäuser ASIN: B000003F4J Release Date: 1991-06-06

Tracks:

1. Die Meistersinger: Prelude
2. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries
3. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
4. Siegfried: Forest Murmurs
5. Gotterdammerung: Dawn & Siegfried's Rhine Journey
6. Die Walkure: Magic Fire Music
7. Tristan und Isolde: Liebestod

Customer Reviews:

An excellent classical CD.......2007-01-28

Richard Wagner rightly deserves his high reputation as a classical musician. Like many people, I don't care for Wagner's racial or religious views, but don't let that stop you from enjoying his music. The CD starts off with my favorites the Prelude from Die Meistersinger & Ride of the Valkyries from Die Walkure, followed by a fascinating rendition of the Bridal Chorus (a.k.a. "Here Comes the Bride") from Lohengrin. I won't recite the rest of the list, but there are 4 other compositions, all somewhat varied in style, but very good. Whether you are classical music buff or simply want an introduction to classical music this CD is a good place to start.

A hidden diamond.......2001-10-03

This unassuming budget classic reissue is among the finest of its genre: The Wagner orchestral highlight album, and features the contents of 1973 LP recital the farthest thing from run-of-the-mill, spaciously recorded with the palpable feeling of the presence of the musicians, not merely an amorphously gorgeous orchestral sonority. The music unfolds without self-indulgent pointing, in a free-wheeling manner that is simply right.

The original Ormandy program is supplemented with a track by Robert Shaw doing a luscious rendering of the famous Bridal Chorus from with his divine women's chorus, a version as good or better than any ever anthologized or appearing in complete opera recordings, its 1959 atmospherically recorded sound barely showing its age.

My only caveat is that this stuff really merited more respectful packaging than this ersatz "Best of" series, but at the price, who should complain?

Wagner's Grandeur.......2001-08-24

Wagner was a great composer. His music and use of orchestra are grand and masterful. I am repulsed by his political views, but as an artist he was a genius. This compilation of Wagner is probably the best there is. I listen to it from time to time. The breadth of the orchestral palette, the elevation, and grandeur have been imitated but never duplicated.

Ormandy is underrated!.......2001-02-08

I did a test by listening to Szell, Klemperer, Karajan, Kubelik, Bohm, Jochum, Gerdes, Ozawa, Stokowski, and Ormandy play Wagner overtures and excerpts from "The Ring". My verdict: it's Ormandy. What can I say? I feel as is he's underrated, especially in the annals of Wagner worship. I like Stokowski's energy, but he plays around with scores (horrors!) too much. The Szell was great, but a tad limp. Other conductors have their high points, but Ormandy ranks consistently at the top. His conducting is full and rich and the orchestra always sounds great. I ranked the Szell orchestral music from Wagner at 5 stars, so Ormandy rates 6 stars.

Excellent Recordings.......2000-11-08

The selections performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra under Ormandy are excellent. One of the best. Highly Recommended.

Average customer rating: The Best Ring Intro and Highlights Recording Incredible, even if only highlights Highlights From The Classic Live Performance Good introduction to the Ring; good value. Fire! Fire!

Wagner: The Best of the Ring Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Wagner, Richard | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Nilsson, Birgit | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Panorama (Highlights from der fliegende Hollander, Lohengrin, Tannhauser, Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, Parsifal, Tristan und Isolde) Wagner: Extracts from the operas An Introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen Wagner: Tristan und Isolde/Parsifal/Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg/Lohengrin/Tannhäuser Ring of the Nibelung ASIN: B0000041EJ Release Date: 1996-04-09

Tracks:

1. Das Rheingold: Prelude
2. Das Rheingold - Scene One: Weia! Waga! Woge, du Welle!
3. Das Rheingold - Scene One: Garstig glatter glitschriger Glimmer
4. Das Rheingold - Scene One: Wallala! Lalaleia! Leialei!
5. Das Rheingold - Scene Four: Bin ich nun frei?
6. Das Rheingold - Scene Four: Schwules Gedunst schwebt In der Luft
7. Das Rheingold - Scene Four: Zur Burg Fuhrt die Brucke
8. Das Rheingold - Scene Four: Rheingold! Rheingold!
9. Die Walkure - Act One: Prelude
10. Die Walkure - Act One, Scene 3: Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond
11. Die Walkure - Act One, Scene Three: Wehwalt heisst du furwahr? Siegmund heiss ich
12. Die Walkure - Act II: Prelude to Act II
13. Die Walkure - Act II, Scene Four: Siegmund! sieh auf mich!
14. Die Walkure - Act II, Scene Four: Du sahest der Walkure sehrenden Blick
15. Die Walkure - Act III, Scene One: Hojotoho! Heiaha!

Tracks:

1. Die Walkure - Act III, Scene Three: Leb wohl, du k herrliches Kind!
2. Die Walkure - Act III, Scene 3: Loge, hLausche hieher!
3. Siegfried - Act I, Scene 3: Hoho! Hoho! Hohei!
4. Siegfried - Act I, Scene 3: Den der Bruder schuf, den schimmernden Reif!
5. Siegfried - Act II, Scene 2: Aber, wie sah meine Mutter wohl aus?
6. Siegfried - Act II, Scene 2: Du holdes Vin! Dich hort' ich noch nie
7. Siegfried - Act II, Scene 2: Es schweigt und lauscht
8. Siegfried - Act II, Scene 2: Siegfrieds Horn-call
9. Die Walkure - Act III, Scene 3: Ewig war ich, ewig bin ich
10. Gotterdammerung - Prologue: Orchestral Interlude
11. Gotterdammerung - Act III, Scene 2: Brde, heilige Braut
12. Gotterdammerung - Act III, Scene 2: Orchestral Interlude: Funeral March
13. Gotterdammerung - Act III, Scene 3: Starke Scheite schichtet mir dort
14. Gotterdammerung - Act III, Scene 3: Mein Erbe nun nehm ich zu eigen
15. Gotterdammerung - Act III, Scene 3: Grane, mein Ross, sei mir gegr
16. Gotterdammerung - Act III, Scene 3: Zurm Ring

Customer Reviews:

The Best Ring Intro and Highlights Recording.......2006-03-23

CAST: DAS RHEINGOLD:
Gustav Neidlinger (baritone, Alberich) Theo Adam (baritone, Wotan) Wolfgang Windgassen (tenor, Loge) Annelies Burmeister (mezzo-soprano, Fricka) Hermin Esser (soprano Froh) Ruth Hesse (soprano Flosshilde) Helga Dernesch (soprano Wellgunde) Dorothea Siebert (soprano, Woglinde)

DIE WALKURE: James King (tenor, Siegmund) Leonie Rysanek (soprano, Sieglende) Theo Adam (Wotan) Birgit Nilsson (soprano, Brunhilde) Danica Mastilovic (soprano, Fricka) Sieglende Wagner (soprano, Schwertleite) Liane Synek (soprano, Helmwige) and the Valkyries Elisabeth Schartel (Grimgerde) and Anneliese Burmister (Siegrunde)

SIEGFRIED: Wolgang Windgassen (Siegfried) Birgit Nilsson (Brunhilde) Erwin Wohlfahrt (Mime)

GOTTERDAMMERUNG: Wolfgang Windgassen (Siegfried) Birgit Nilsson (Brunhilde) Josef Greindl (bass-baritone, Hagen)...* Conductor Karl Bohm, Bayreuth Festival Orchestra

If you're already an opera fan but have not yet discovered Wagner and wish to be introduced to his biggest most famous opera cycle- Der Ring Des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelungs) then this CD is one you should definately own. From live performances at Bayreuth on July of 1967, these same operas are available on seperate CD's and on a box set from the Phillips label. With a cast of brilliant, experienced Wagnerian singers such as baritone Theo Adam (Odin) soprano Birgit Nilsson (Brunhilde) and tenor Wolfgang Windgassen (Siegfried) you can't go wrong with this set. These singers represent a style of Wagnerian singing that no singer alive today can measure up to. Powerful, invective yet lyrical, passionate voices are equally in balance with dramatic acting. They lived their roles so that everytime I hear the Ring operas, I can't think of a greater Brunhilde than the unbeatable Birgit Nilsson or a greater Odin than that of Theo Adam. Maestro Karl Bohm was a prominent Wagner conductor and a Bayreuth icon in the 60's. He allowed enough natural "fresh air" for his singers, and the orchestra never truly drowns out their voices nor becomes overpowering. Nevertheless, Bohm provides the score, layered with dozens of leitmotifs, with spirituality, grandeur, nobility and the typical Wagnerian fatalism. Bohm understood Wagner more than any other conductor of his time. Although the George Solti studio Ring set is largely considered the greatest, I think this set is possibly better. There is more of a sense of tradition in this recording, since, after all, these are Bayreuth performances. The music and singingremains true to Wagner's original concept and this is not a "conductor's Ring" it is truly Wagner's Ring. The Ring of the Nibelung can become a complex, overanalyzed work of music but beneath its many layers it is an epic panorama of heroes, gods and villains. Its theme is the folly of man in his greedy lust for power, as represented by the titular ring.

Das Rheingold: The first opera deals with the greedy, deformed dwarf Alberich, who foresaking any chance of ever finding love, steals the Gold of the Rhine River from the Rhinemaidens. Baritone Gustav Neidlinger is possibly the greatest interpretor of Albrecht. This is a baritone role that is not in any way meant to be sung beautifully. Neidlinger sounds harsh and ugly, he is in full character. The music for Alberich is equally ugly and dissonant. In contrast, the Rhinemaidens are sung by beautiful, lyric sopranos who must evoke youthfulness, playfulness and a slight sexual flirtation. Their music is at first playful and flirty but after the gold is stolen, their song becomes a lament and remains melancholy in consequent motifs even up to Gotterdammerung when they reappear to reclaim their stolen gold from "the ashes of Brunhilde's Immolation". Donner, the Bridge Keeper of Valhalla, is a high bass who must step up to the exclamations of "Heda! Heda Hedo!", one of the great scenes in this opera, in which the gods enter the newly built glittering palace called Valhalla. But Odin, king of the gods, and suposed god of oaths, has broken his own oath (he promised the spring goddess Freya to the Giants who built Valhalla but didn't keep his word) And the tragedy is set in motion......

Die Walkure: In tenor and soprano James King and Leonie Rysanek, we get the most dramatic and golden Siegmund and Sieglende. More than others who have sung this romantic pair, King and Rysanek become involved, even lost in the music of their characters and are by far the most passionate interpretors. First of all, James King was endowed with a huge, heroic voice so perfect for Wagner. He is also featured in the Solti studio Ring recording but here, he is in better shape and sings with intensity, vocal heft and dramatic prowess. Also, his Siegmund is romantically sung, as if he could just as easily be a Verdi hero. His German diction never falters and he has command of the voice and melodic line. He passed away recently and left behind numerous recordings, including a Parsifal he recorded late in his career, which is still quite amazing. Leonie Rysanek actually screams out during the Love Duet in which Siegmund shows her his great sword Nothung. She was made famous not only for that hair-raising scream but for her powerful, dramatic voice and her first-rate performances as Strauss' Salome (also under Karl Bohm) Elektra and Verdi's Lady Macbeth which she first sang as a replacement to an ill and indisposed Maria Callas. Rysanek died of cancer in the mid 90's, and she was still singing then. In Die Walkure, we are first introduced to Odin's daughter, the lead Valkyrie goddess Brunhilde (she's the gal in the winged helmet, wielding a spear and flying on a horse). Birgit Nilsson owned this role, no doubt about it. Long after she had retired, she could still belt out the Hojo-to-hos (Valkyrie War Cries). She identified with Brunhilde's Nordic roots (Nilsson was born in Sweden) and she understood Wagner and dramatic German opera. All her huge successes were in German opera- Salome, Elektra most notably. She is also the Brunhilde of Solti's ring but here she is singing a hell of a lot better and she isn't overpowered by the Vienna Phil and its gargantuan musical forces. At the end of the opera, Odin punishes Brunhilde for sympathizing with the lovers Siegmund and Sieglende and saving Sieglende (pregnant with Siegfried). She is to sleep inside a ring of fire on a mountain or rock and only a great hero can awaken her and claim her as his bride. Theo Adam as Wotan is by far the best. He has a huge voice and is able to stir our emotions as he bids his daughter farewell in that great final scene.

Siegfried and Gotterdammerung: The son of Siegmund and Sieglende, he grows up not knowing his heritage as a hero. He discovers Nothung, his father's sword, kills Mime, yet another greedy, power-hungry dwarf and slays the dragon Fafner. He is now able to communicate and bond with nature as one of his special powers. He confronts Odin himself and saves Brunhilde from her nearly eternal sleep. Wolfgang Windgassen sang in the old-school Wagnerian tenor style which meant he had the "Bayreuth bark". He could throw his voice high above the big Wagnerian orchestra but it was a voice that was in no way attractive or emotional. It was cold and at times too harsh. But he is the only tenor to truly master the difficult role of Siegfried. Nowadays, some tenors can either sing the Siegfried of Siegfried or the Siegfried in Gotterdammerung, but rarely can they sing both like Windgassen. In addition, Windgassen achieved success in other Wagner heroic roles like Tristan and Tannhauser. In Gotterdammerung (Twilight of the Gods), Wagner's music has never been more fatalistic. Siegfried bids farewell to Brunhilde and sets out on an adventure down the Rhine river. He is captured by the vindictive and evil Gibechung giants, drugged and forced to wed Gutrune. And it gets worse. The Gibechungs also kidnap Brunhilde and force her to marry one of the giants. Eventually, Siegfried is slain by the cruel giant Hagen. The last minutes of singing are left to Brunhilde (it aint over till the fat lady sings). And what great singing it is. In the Immolation Scene, Brunhilde orders for a funeral pyre to be made for Siegfried. She curses the gods for breaking their oaths, declares that the end is near and summons Grane her old Valkyrie horse. Straddling him, she leaps into the funeral pyre and brings about the Ragnarok- the end of the gods. Valhalla is consumed by a firestorm, the Rhine overfloods and the world of man is destroyed. Birgit Nilsson's high, heroic voice has never sounded better in this scene.

Affordable price, great music, great singing. Please don't hesitate to get this recording if you are interested in hearing The Ring the way it should be sung and if you wish to get only chunks and pieces from an otherwise long 4 opera cycle. Enjoy!!

Incredible, even if only highlights.......2004-12-20

I have to say, usually I HATE highlights of anything, but in this case, I will say, I am impressed. It is so hard to choose what should be included, and often the things I want in highlights are the things that are NOT there (example is the highlights of Nabucco with Sintow, the really hard arias are gone; the same with her highlights of Macbeth, no sleepwalking scene). In this case, I was gladly surprised. Most all the really telling moments of the various operas are there. It is a great introduction for those who are just coming to Wagner's Ring. I would say like the Tolken books of Lord of the Rings (stories completely not related, though elements of this are in that), one has to prepare to enjoy them to get the full affect. Wagner is the same. His operas are extremely long, and there are long moments where nothing much is actually happening at all. To come to him unprepared can prove the end of even trying to understand his works at all. This highlight version is simply great. We are introduced to the Rhinemaidens right off and the drama begins. Just enough of each opera is there to give a really good feel for the works, and unlike most highlights with an aria or two, these are full scenes that are presented to us. I have to say, the editors did a masterful job at choosing the "exciting parts" to whet our desire for Wagner. Ending the entire set with the uncut version of the Immolation Scene is simply wonderful. So often when it is recorded as a highlight we begin only on the ending pronouncements where Brunhilde addresses her horse thus bringing the end to the opera. Here we are treated to the entire scene from beginning to end so we can follow the drama (interestingly, while singing the scene, stage actions are going on, for the pyre is prepared, Siegfried's body brought in, Brunhilde removes the ring, his body is put on the pyre, Grane, Brunhilde's horse is brought in -- well, in the score he is called for, but in most performances one has to imagine him being there, and if there, the singer never rides him into the fire as Wagner wanted; I think the only time that happened was with Marjorie Lawrence --- and the entire world is destroyed, including Valhalla, the Rhine overflows and the rhinemaidens get their ring/gold back).

This is a masterful choosing of highlights and they work to present the work as a whole in a wonderful way. When one then buys the entire ring, there are going to be many wonderful parts now fully appreciated and loved that will come up and the work will not seen as long.

For those of us who love Wagner, well, there are days we don't wish to get out all the CD's of each opera to listen to the few scenes we want to hear, and this highlight set is great to hear those moments that one would find exciting to hear when not in the mood to listen to the whole. The only scene I would have added, because it is exciting and good to listen to, is the oath scene (trio between Gunther, Hoggan, and Brunhilde) that ends Act 2 of Gotterdammerung. It is quite exciting and makes a wonderful contrast to the orchestra of the Rhine Journey that begins the Gotterdammerung highlights and the death of Siegfried which on the highlights follows the Rhine Journey. I know only so much can fit on a CD, but one could have begun that trio with the words "Siegfried's Todd" sung by Gunther and then the trio would not have been so long.

However, great introduction of a massive work.

Highlights From The Classic Live Performance.......2003-12-30

In the sixties, conductor Karl Bohm found himself treading on the ground that most conductors would think twice because of the huge risk factor - conducting Richard Wagner's The Ring Of the Nibelung (Das Ring Des Nibelungen) a series of four operas dealing with the ancient Norse saga of the legendary ring of power coveted by gods, mortals and giants. The myth also tells the love story of Siegfried and Brunhilde and the end of the world. For Wagner, this would be his ultimate masterpiece. These four opera cycle goes beyond everything he had ever composed musically and for the theatre. Only Tristan and Isolde and Parsifal reach such dramatic heights and is as musically masterful.

This classic recording has value, even if it is the highlights and excerpts from the operas. There is a full recording in its entirety with Karl Bohm conducting and with the same singers- Birgit Nilsson as Brunhilde, Wolfgang Windgassen as Siegfried, Leonie Rysanek as Sieglende, James King as Siegmund and Theo Adam as Wotan, king of the gods. These singers were regarded as the best interpretors of their day. Certainly, Birgit Nilsson was born to sing Brunhilde. She has all the drama just in her voice. The inflection is dramatic, her stage presence was commanding, and a voice that even Maria Callas would kill for. Maria Callas sang Brunhilde once in the 40's, but it was never good nor became her signature role. Callas was primarily an Italian singer and she had complications singing German. In Callas' day, Kirsten Flagstad was the reigning Brunhilde interpretor. But Birgit Nilsson's voice far surpasses even Flagstad. Birgit Nilsson has all the heigh notes, the passion, the fire and the Wagnerian touch to a fine art. Theo Adam makes a superb Wotan- imperious, commanding, greedy, regial. His voice was well-trained in German and in the art of Wagner music drama. The same applies to James King, a top-notch German heldentenor who made such roles as Siegfried and Theseus (from Strauss' Ariadne) his own.

To sing Wagner is no walk in the park. Only the best heldentenors and Wagnerian soprano divas are employed in this recording. Among them the diva Leonie Rysanek, whose vocals and theatrics on stage was always to her advantage. Here she sings the role of Sieglende- Siegfried's mother and wife of Siegmund. In her dramatic duet with Siegmund, Leonie Rysanek heightens the drama of the moment by actually SCREAMING. It's brilliant. It was well known that Rysanek would always scream her lines when warranted. She has sung other heavy German repertoire- such as Strauss' Salome.

Karl Bohm has been criticized for overemphasizing the music, for directing at lightning speed and making a "sloppy", disappointing score for Wagner's Ring. Most fans of the Ring favor George Solti, who was the first to produce the first studio recording of the Ring. Still others prefer Furtwangler, who was a native German and who knew the music so well because for a long time he had been associated with Wagner's descendant family who operate the Bayreuth Festival Opera House. But Karl Bohm, despite his failure in some portions, has his moments. His strength lies in conducting Gotterdammerung's final scene- the Immolation and end of the world. Brunhilde, the last bearer of the cursed ring, has lost her beloved Siegfried to death by traitorous murderer- giants, curses the gods and commits suicide by throwing herself into Siegfrie'ds funeral pyre. The curse of the ring is lifted, the palace of the gods in Vallhalla is consumed in a devastating fire and the world is flooded by the overflowing Rhine river.

The theme of the Ring is not too complicated to understand. In much the same vein as J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" novels, and the recent film adaptations, the curse of a powerful ring is that of corrupted power. Absolute power corrupts absolutely, in the words of philosopher John Locke. The ring, who entitled its beare to total power, was desired by everyone in the opera- from an ugly dwarf (Albrecht) who was willing to sacrifice sexual relations and love for possession of the ring. Albrecht is the instigator. Stealing the gold of the Rhine from the mermaid-like Rhinemaidens, he begins to build a mine and city under the earth. The gods of Valhalla have their own troubles- the giants who built Valhalla want to claim their promised reward- Wotan's wife, the goddess Freya. The powerful god Wotan will not accept the terms. This occurs in the first opera - Das Rhinegold (The Rhinegold). In the second installment, "Die Walkure (The Valkyrie) we are introduced to Siegmund and Sieglende. Because theirs is an illicit romance, Freya convinces Wotan to decree their deaths. But Brunhilde, Wotan's divine daughter opposes the decree and even saves the life of Sieglende who gives birth to the hero Siegfried. Brunhilde is the Valkyrie warrior woman (she is the stereotypical Wagner opera singer wearing a horned helmet , spear, shield, breast plate and battle costume. When Brunhilde's defiance is discovered, Wotan puts a spell over her. She is to sleep inside a ring of fire until the kiss of a demi-god hero awakens her. In this opera, the famous "Ride of the Valkyries" is featured, a dramatic music which has been used time and again in movies and television, most notably in the film "Apocalypse Now". In Siegfried, we follow the quest of Siegfried. He pulls his father's sword from a tree (like King Arthur does in Excalibur only Arthur pulls the sword from a stone and anvil). Siegfried, with the help of the mentor dwarf Mime, journeys into Albrecht's layer, defeats him and slays the vile dragon Falfner. Of course, he kisses Brunhilde and breaks the spell. In the last opera, Gotterdamerung or "Twilight of the Gods", the saga comes to an end when Siegfried is slain by the Gibechung giants. Brunhilde has her famous Immolation Scene and the world of mortals, and even the gods, die during the end of the world. The highlghts here include Siegfried's Rhine Jounrey and Siegfried's Funeral March (this March was used in John Boorman's Excalibur) and the concluding music.

Good introduction to the Ring; good value........2001-09-11

I'm recommending this 2-disc set because it's the best way I know of at the present time to get an inexpensive, manageable, accessible introduction to Wagner's masterpiece, Der Ring des Nibelungen, commonly called the Ring. The Ring is a sequential cycle of four operas, Das Rheingold, Die Walkure, Siegfried, and Gotterdammerung. With the exception of Das Rheingold, they are all of great length (Wagner was a colossal egotist who seemed to believe that no opera could be too long if he was its composer). As a result, acquiring and getting familiar with the entire Ring is an expensive and time-consuming proposition (my choice among complete Ring recordings, the landmark Solti/Vienna Philharmonic set on Decca/London, is 14 CDs costing around $145-$160). Wagner purists will object to any attempt to excerpt "highlights" from the Ring, and they do have a point: unlike the standard Italian and French operas, which are readily divisible into recitatives, arias, duets, etc., the Wagner operas do not lend themselves to excerpting, with the result that "highlights" sets like this one are a collection of "bleeding chunks" torn from the body of the whole work.

Nevertheless there is a need for a way to approach the Ring, to be introduced to it and to get its flavor, and this generously filled (2 hours 28 minutes of music) 2-disc set fills that requirement reasonably well. These are excerpts from all four Ring operas from live 1966-67 performances (the second Wieland Wagner production) at Bayreuth, the famed Wagner Festspielhaus in Bavaria; they are not studio recordings. They are not great performances, but they are good, capable, workmanlike ones. The sound is not the equal of the better studio recordings (like the Solti and von Karajan cycles), but it is good enough: clear and never objectionable. The conductor, Karl Bohm, was not a great Wagnerian; he gives a competent reading, favoring brisk tempos, generally lacking repose, keeping things moving along in a business-like manner, but the result is that he seems more interested in moving on to the next scene than in shaping the scene at hand to realize its full potential. His performance overall is characterized by persistent, even relentless, forward pressure. Sometimes this works, sometimes not; if he can be accused of insensitivity, of failing to make the most of his opportunities, he can't be accused of lingering, melting, dawdling, going slack. He is certainly not in the class of Solti or Furtwangler as a Wagner conductor. The notes all get played, but there is little magic fire coming from the pit here.

Most of the singers are able and well suited to their roles, and they are all singers who actually sang their roles on the operatic stage (not just in the recording studio). Outstanding are Birgit Nilsson and James King. Here is a chance to hear Nilsson, the greatest Wagnerian soprano of the second half of the twentieth century, "live" in her most celebrated role, Brunnhilde (who figures in the last three Ring operas), and that is an opportunity not to be sneezed at. She offers ringing vocal power, amplitude, stamina, with a brillliant, secure top, an unusual combination that is rarely found in Wagnerian sopranos, and she has no competition in any of the other complete sets except the Solti, where she is competing with herself. When it comes to unleashing her huge voice and letting it soar out over the potent Wagner orchestra, she has no peer, and reminds us of what great Wagnerian singing, heroic singing, used to be all about. James King is the Siegmund in Die Walkure (as he is in the Solti set), and his bright, attractive tenor and musicianly singing are a treat after the ersatz, makeshift Heldentenorizing we've usually had to make do with in Wagner since Melchior retired in 1950. Compare his singing here with the dry, threadbare, underpowered Siegfried of Wolfgang Windgassen--whose creditable performance is a triumph of professional skill over lack of natural resources--and you will see what I mean. Theo Adam as Wotan knows his stuff (he was a well-regarded Wotan) but his vocal endowment is not prepossessing either; he too, like so many Wagner singers of the post-Flagstad-Traubel-Melchior era (i.e., after 1950), is underpowered for the role.

This 2-CD set has direct, head-on competition from a similar (and similarly priced) Deutsche Grammophon 2-CD set of highlights from the Ring. The DG set is from the Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic studio recordings of the Ring operas (1967-1970). Here's how I stack up their pros and cons: The Bohm set has generally superior, more involved singing, including Nilsson as Brunnhilde, by singers who sing the same roles throughout (no switching horses in midstream, as in the Karajan, which has two different Wotans, two different Brunnhildes, and two different Siegfrieds), and who actually sang their roles in the opera house, not just in the recording studio (this is a problem with the more "artificial" Karajan set). Also, since the performances are "live," there is a certain sense of vividness, immediacy, and excitement missing in a studio recording. On the other hand, the Karajan set offers generally superior conducting and orchestral playing; his studio recording can be more note-perfect (with its opportunities for re-takes); and the sound of Karajan's set is better than that of Bohm's live performances (although still not as good as Solti's Ring, or the best more recent opera recordings).

So, between the Karajan and Bohm 2-CD Ring highlights sets, there is not a clearcut winner. To make choosing more difficult, both are priced the same and both offer very generously filled CDs (both have about two and a half hours of music). I marginally prefer the Bohm "live" performances, but I couldn't argue with anyone who listened to them both and preferred the Karajan.

Fire! Fire!.......2000-08-23

Taken from live performances of "Der Ring des Nibelungen" at Bayreuth in 1967, this double-disc compilation of excerpts from Wagner's epic provides a generous selection for persons who want to explore the Ring beyond the usual "highlights" albums without taking on the entire cycle. Although not necessary for those familiar with the Ring, the liner notes contain a brief history of its development, historical and social context, and a synopsis. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on one's attitude towards Wagner's prose style), the notes do not provide translations of the excerpts for neophytes.

Renowned for his performances of Wagner, conductor Karl Bohm evokes fiery playing from the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra. Particularly at the climaxes, his tempi may seem too brisk for those wanting a more langorous Wagner. Nevertheless, Bohm manages to evoke the same white-hot intensity that make many of his other opera recordings riveting, with piercing horns and thunderous percussion. For opera lovers who already own other versions of Wagner's epic, this compilation may whet their appetites for buying the reasonably-priced complete set of Bohm's interpretation.

Average customer rating: The Best Finlandia

Around the World: A Musical Journey of Best-Loved Favorites Mormon Tabernacle Choir Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: More Greatest Hits: 18 Best Loved Favorites The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Greatest Hits: 22 Best-Loved Favorites The Essential Mormon Tabernacle Choir Make A Joyful Noise Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns ASIN: B0000029ND Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. The Star-Spangled Banner
2. Land Of Hope And Glory
3. Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor
4. Finlandia
5. Hatikva
6. The Maple Leaf Forever
7. How Great Thou Art
8. An Irish Love Song
9. Loch Lomond
10. Annie Laurie
11. The Ash-Grove
12. La Bamba
13. Cielito Lindo
14. Estrellita
15. I'd Enter Your Garden
16. The Fiddler
17. How Sad Flow The Streams
18. Waters Ripple And Flow
19. How Fair Is Thy Face
20. After The Storm
21. What Perfume This? - O Shepherds Say!
22. Song Of The Bagpipers
23. As Lately We Watched
24. See The Radiant Sky Above

Customer Reviews:

The Best Finlandia.......2000-01-28

I've been looking for this recording of Finlandia for some time. I've had it for years on vinyl, and have worn it out. Ormandy, The Philadelphia Symphony and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir make this the most stirring performance of this work you will hear. They hymn is beautifully renderd and this selection alone makes the album worth the price.

Average customer rating: Great CD a trip one loves to take

Acoustic Journey Al Petteway Manufacturer: Maggie's Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Land of the Sky Caledon Wood The Waters and the Wild Whispering Stones Shades Of Blue ASIN: B0002SPS2A Release Date: 2004-08-17

Tracks:

1. Desert Dance/ Mariposa
2. Caledon Wood
3. Sundog
4. Midnight Ride
5. You Make Me Smile
6. Red-Haired Boy
7. Loss
8. Baker's Dozen
9. The Celtic Wedding
10. Accokeek Shore
11. Bareback
12. Lullaby
13. Ode to Ferdinand
14. Silver Branch
15. New Moon

Album Description

Al & Amy are an award-winning performing arts duo. They create new music for a new generation - a brilliant convergence of Celtic, with hints of progressive Bluegrass, Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz and Classical idioms...This recording features a variety of instruments including Acoustic Guitar,Piano, Mandolin, Irish Bouzouki, Fretless Bass, Uillean Pipes & World Percussion and fits the genre's of New Age and CONTEMPORARY FOLK.

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2004-11-20

The previous review goes into great detail about the CD, so there is no need to duplicate that here. I do want to add that this CD like all of Al and Amy's CDs provides an enormous amount of pleasure. It is not a greatest hits CD, although it has some of their best songs. It is, instead, a compilation of new, old and remixed songs, all of which sound great. I have listened to this CD over and over again. I highly recommend it.

a trip one loves to take.......2004-08-19

This album is billed as a collection/collaboration...for a much weaker album one might be tempted to say 'greatest hits'. This set of tunes may indeed have appeared in previous work by Amy and Al, but what they have done here is make them new and exciting. If the songs were people one would say they are not 'good looking', they are 'beautiful'. To be sure the original soul and heart of these songs still beats. In this CD they have taken on a complexity or maturity that is uncommon in all but the greatest musical works. One can listen to this CD many times under many different circumstances and still have it work. It is one to treasure.

Desert Dance begins the journey of this album with a great fusion of Celtic, Central American, and Mediterranean (in an earlier time I might have called it Galician or North African). It still retains that 'silk roads' lure that would make Yo Yo Ma jealous.
Caledon Wood has been one of my favourites for many years. The version here adds levels of breadth and depth I'd not imagined. In six listenings it still comes up with new themes. The drum and percussion for example could be very early Celtic of the type around the mythic fire...it could also be East Indian or a variety of other places in the world. Makes it a whole new song.
Sundog creates the meeting of faery time and human time when the sea, the sun, the winds, and our friends gather at a miraculous moment. Red-Haired Boy is another of the tunes that has matured wonderfully and taken on a complexity that is delightful. Listening to it I'm more reminded of the line by the poet: "My Love is Wood Fire Burning". I think of friends of all types with this one. Perhaps the most surprising tune on the CD is Baker's Dozen. On the one hand very much a folk tune. On the other it is a VERY progressive up-town jazz piece that may well be a sleeper. I first heard this shortly after they wrote it. It is as exciting now as the first time with lots of new stuff in it.
Amy and Al are great musicians. They have produced excellent work on their own. Together they produce music that transcends the individual efforts. It is worth listening to anything and everything they have done. That being said, this is their best work yet.
Like those we love, each time we see them we experience both the familiar and a magic something that is new. The same can be said for this album.
For passing time, time passing, and times to remember, this is an album you should run not walk to buy. Like great art, you'll wonder how you lived without it.
Enjoy!

Average customer rating: GREAT Incredible! This album is a complete package THEY DID IT AGAIN!! Blackthorn does it again ...

Ratty Shoes Blackthorn Manufacturer: Blackthorn ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Other Side How Are We Getting Home? ASIN: B00005UFEC Release Date: 2001-11-07

Tracks:

1. Ratty shoes
2. Carry On
3. Don't Run Away
4. Jig Junk
5. Clearmountain Aire
6. Matter Of Opinion
7. Opportunity Knocks
8. The Border
9. Unlike You
10. Artist Road
11. Don't Take It For Granted
12. What Would I Do Without You
13. Slan Abhaile

Customer Reviews:

GREAT.......2003-06-18

Excellent. As good as anything by popular artists, blending Irish music with a popular beat. Well worth the purchase

Incredible!.......2002-03-14

Once again these guys have pulled it off again! I didnt think
that the "Other Side" could be topped! The cover soundtrack
"Ratty Shoes" starts off with newcomer Michael Boyce singing
lead vocals and will bring your heart right back to Ireland. From Paul Moore's "Jig Junk" to the insanely talented John McGroary ( and I truely meant that) on button acordian with "Clearmountain Aire" gets your feet in steppin gear! But you
have to see these guys "live", unbelievable energy is put out
for every show. Whether these guys are jumping and kicking to every tune their drummer Mike O'Callahan is beating his heart
out with those ever so RED sneakers! But this is truely heart at
work with lyrics by Blackthorn! Great work guys! Buy this CD and
listen to great lyrics performed by a band that has proven
themselves once again!

This album is a complete package.......2002-02-05

When I first saw Blackthorn, it was in their natural habitit, on stage. A great, jumping pub act, I was promptly hooked on these Philadelphia Irish rockers. Their first album, The Other Side, was very good, but lacked the polish of a major recording artist. The followup, Ratty Shoes, suffers from none of the occassional awkwardness of that first record. The production is first rate and the songs are up to the increased scrutiny. From the bouncy pub stompers like the title track, to the traditional button-accordian instrumentals, to the reflective ballads like "The Border", this album is a complete package that truly defines Blackthorn as a band ready to break into the mainstream. The balance between rock and roll and traditional Irish folk sounds is just right, with neither overwhelming the other. Tying it all together is Paul Moore's passionate, homespun vocals. Black 47 and The Saw Doctors need to make room, because Blackthorn have just joined them on the top step of the Irish Rock genre.

THEY DID IT AGAIN!!.......2002-01-14

WHAT A WONDERFUL MIX OF MUSIC FROM THE BOYS OF BLACKTHORN! I WAS BLOWN AWAY BY THEIR LAST, ORIGINAL CD, "THE OTHER SIDE" AND WONDERED IF THEY COULD TOP IT.........AND THIS COLLECTION IS EQUAL TO THE TASK! FROM THE FUN-FILLED "JIG JUNK" TO THE HEART-FELT LYRICS OF "THE BORDER" , THESE LADS ARE TRULY, ORIGINAL!

Blackthorn does it again ..........2001-12-27

The lads from Philly & Ireland have done it again. Although I have long been waiting for the new release, I was apprehensive that they wouldn't be able to top their spectacular original debut, The Other Side. But the boys have proven me wrong - quite simply, this album is fantastic.

From Moore's magical storytelling, to the Boyce Brothers' pop/country tunes, McGroary's reels, Seamus Kelleher's' electrifying guitar work and Mike O'Callaghan keeping the beat (and writing a new tune), this record does not have a single weak spot on it. Personally, I have always been a huge fan of Paul Moore's songwriting, but there are no slouches in this band.

Very highly recommended for fans of Celtic music, pop music and/or country music. And if you can, catch the boys live - it's something to see.

Average customer rating:

My Best Friend's Wedding American Film Orchestra Manufacturer: Intersound Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00006EXIW Release Date: 2002-08-06

Tracks:

1. My Best Friend's Wedding: I Say A Little Prayer
2. Titanic: My Heart Will Go On
3. Forrest Gump: Forrest Gump Suite
4. Don Juan Demarco: Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?
5. Amistad: Crossing The Atlantic
6. The Bridges Of Madison County: Doe Eyes - The Love Theme
7. The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight?
8. Mr. Holland's Opus: Imagine
9. Good Will Hunting: Weepy Donuts
10. Anastasia: Viajo Tiempo Atras (Journey To The Past)

Meditation Music:

1. Journey to the Edge:76 Lightyears
2. Kere Weerom Part 1: Poema [Import]
3. Life Treasures
4. Maybe
5. Meditation Made Easy
6. Metamorphoses [Import]
7. Modern Guitar vol.4 'An Evening with Guitarist Denis Taaffe
8. Morning Java
9. New Age Sound Environment: Music to Suite Your Moods
10. One Day In the Savanna

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Split Personality [Limited Edition] [Import]

Bach: The English Suites, Nos. 1-3; Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue

Begonias

Music: Dickens, Charles Xmas Carol & Beloved Xmas Carols

Blade Trinity [Clean] [Soundtrack]

Brownz & Blackz: Minority Coalition

Best Of [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Babes in Arms

All the Best from China

Bolero

Automatic

Back of the Moon

B.S. Factor [Explicit Lyrics]

Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique Op.14, Overtures

Invocation