Island Life

1. Gift from the Sea

2. Island on an Island

3. Child's Play

4. Hymne

5. Orca Song

6. Encounter

7. Playing Rain

8. Kuu Lei

9. Celestial Solitude

Island Life,Christopher Peacock,Pure & Simple,Contemporary Instrumental,New Age / Meditation,Pop

---

Average customer rating: Stands the test of time Got it for "Back in the High Life" Three good songs and the rest is forgettable to unbearable Great Variety In One Package I'm not really under thirteen

Back in the High Life Steve Winwood Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Roll with It Chronicles Arc of a Diver 20th Century Masters: The Best of Steve Winwood (Millennium Collection) Greatest Radio Hits ASIN: B000001FKA Release Date: 1990-10-01

Tracks:

1. Higher Love
2. Take It As It Comes
3. Freedom Overspill
4. Back In The High Life Again
5. The Finer Things
6. Wake Me Up On Judgement Day
7. Split Decision
8. My Love's Leavin'

Customer Reviews:

Stands the test of time.......2007-07-16

The year I really started to take interest in music was 1986. It was the summer inbetween 6th and 7th grade and every song that I liked I would go out and buy the 45 single. Because I didn't have much money an album would really have to strike my interest to get me to buy it. "Back in the High Life" was one of those albums. The song "Higher Love" was a huge hit and I loved the song "Back in the High Life Again". Because there were at least two songs I liked I saved up the money and bought the tape. Every song sounded like a hit and I played the heck out of that tape until it wore out. When I got a CD player in the late 80s this was on my purchase list.

There were many albums and songs that I enjoyed in 1986 but very few albums that have held up well. Many albums had a lot of songs that sounded the same. You would have an artist that had a HUGE hit in one style and half of the next album would be trying to copy that style in order to get another big hit. Albums like this was an exception. Of course it helps that this is Steve Winwood's first big solo hit album. There is a lot of varity to keep this album interesting from the first to the last song and it is short enough that it doesn't over stay it's welcome. It is now 2007 and I have yet to get tired of this album and it has remained in my essential favorites for over 20 years.

If you are a fan of the 80s, even though you may have "Higher Love" on one of the many 80s compilations out there, the other songs are just as good and in some cases better (like "Finer Things" and "Freedom Overspill"). Give this one a chance.

My only complaint is this album is in much need of remastering. This is a minor complaint because all I have to do is turn up the volume a tad more than I have to do with other CDs.

Got it for "Back in the High Life".......2007-07-12

Discovered I liked "Higher Love" and "Finer Things" and that was it. The sound quality on my disk isn't great--I had to raise the volume and do some fiddling to get it to compare to the previous levels that had worked for months. Wasn't worth the price, IMHO.

Three good songs and the rest is forgettable to unbearable.......2007-05-28

I'm really surprised how high the ratings are for this. I'm a big Steve Winwood fan but really only three songs on here do it for me. The Celtic sounding Back In The High Life Again with nice mandolin and James Taylor harmony. Split Decision co written by Joe Walsh which gives the album an edge and My Love's Leavin' co written by former Bonzo Dog Vivian Stanshall(it's a shame the two of them didn't do this as a duet, as it's also perfect for Viv's voice). The hits Higher Love and The Finer things are okay but the rest isn't really any good in my humble opinion.

Great Variety In One Package.......2007-05-12

This is a wonderful set of Steve Winwood's performances, and may be the best in all of his career. Althought there are "only" eight songs included on this disc, each one is unique and creative, with its own characteristicsand style. Also, each of these tracks is over five minutes long, for a total of about 45 minutes of play. Therefore, one does not feel shortchanged by listening to the eight songs, for each is great in its own right.

Steve primarily focuses on jazz, soul, dance, and island styles blended with good ol' rock 'n' roll. The lyrics of these songs explore fairly deep issues of life but the music tends to be light-hearted and suited for a party. Several of these tracks have become major hits on pop radio during the late 1980s, and the listener may be moved to sing along as the tune plays on the radio or on one's personal music player.

The album starts out with "Higher Love", a bouncy, lively hit with plenty of lighthearted percussion, and a memorable, sing-along chorus. This song is about finding a type of love in contrast to world problems and concerns, and was a popular hit on the radio. "The Finer Things" is generally an island sound, almost reggae-like, and was also a major hit. This track explores the enjoyment and appreciation of the good parts of a relationship with a loved one. "Back In The High Life" is perhaps the gentelest track, with a piano and synthetic fiddle in the background, and a folk/country sound; it was another major hit to reach the airwaves. It deals with returning to the good life after having to face responsibilities and problems.

The remaining five songs are of high quality as well, and noteworthy on their own. "Take It As It Comes" is the second track and is marked by a prominent brass section, giving it a jazzy flavor. This high-energy piece covers the necessity of dealing with and accepting difficulties in one's life. The next track, "Freedom Overspill" has a rhythm and blues style and brass horns, and could be misattributed to another very popular R&B singer. In this song, the subject encourages his friend to open up and talk about concerns and problems. "Wake Me Up On Judgement Day" makes a great dance song for a party, with a high-energy pop/synth background, even though the lyrics are about a guy who would rather sleep through the world's problems caused by human error. The second-to-last track "Split Decision" includes verses with a reggae sound and a chorus with a southern rock style similar to that of Joe Walsh. This mid-paced song tells a story about a guy in conflict with himself over making decisions and taking action. The last track "My Love's Leavin'" contains a synthetic string background along with extensive percusion and electronic keyboard. As the title suggests, this song is about experiencing the loss and heartache when one's lover leaves him.

Overall, this is probably the best of Steve Winwood's albums in his entire music career. If the listener obtains just one of his albums for their collection, this would be the best one to choose. It demonstrates his versatility in his musical styles and performances.

I'm not really under thirteen.......2007-04-10

I'm in my mid 20's and discovered this song a few years ago on the radio and just couldn't turn it off. It totally drew me in, musically, vocally, melodically and everything. Fortunately the radio deejay said the title and artist of the song as soon as it was over so I was able to go out and buy this album the next day and fell in love with it.

Average customer rating: Instruments of the Orchestra - Great Reference Material! Beginner or Expert Very Informative and Enjoyable Frank's view Excellent Intro for Those Not Familiar with the Orchestra

Instruments of the Orchestra Various Artists Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | 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 Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra | ( M ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra Op34; Simple Symphony Op4 The Mahler Symphonies: An Owner's Manual (includes 1 CD) The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Book & CD) Study of Orchestration, Third Edition What to Listen for in Music ASIN: B00006O0NT Release Date: 2002-12-03

Tracks:

1. Overture To 'Tannhauser'
2. Domna, Pos Vos Ay Chausida
3. We Don't Merely Use Instruments, We Play On Them. And They Play On Us.
4. Hungarian Dance No.7
5. The Violin Is One Of The Most Tender And Beautiful Instruments Ever Invented.
6. Violin Concerto In D Major (Adagio)
7. But For A Long Time It Was Seen As The Instrument Of The Devil.
8. The Soldier's Tale: Triumphal March Of The Devil
9. The Manipulative Seductiveness Of The Gypsy Violin.
10. Csardas Music
11. The Violin And The Initiation Of Nature
12. The Four Seasons (Spring, Mvt 1)
13. Birds Are Again Evoked In The Second Concerto, Especially Music's Natural Favourite.
14. The Four Seasons (Summer, Mvt 1)
15. Like The Devil, The Violin Is A Master Of Disguise.
16. Old Viennese Dance No.3 'Schon Rosmarin'
17. The Menacing Sensuality Of Ravel's Tzigane: A Very Different Side Of The Violin:
18. Tzigane
19. Do We Now Have The True Measure Of This Instrument? Not Just Yet.
20. Caprice No.24
21. The Many Effects Of The String Tremolando: Brandenburg Concerto No.4 (Last Mvt)/From Joy To Fright/Quartettsatz In C Minor/The String Tremolo Practically Spells The World Agitato.
22. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge (No.7)
23. Prokofiev's Tremolo In Romeo And Juliet Should Not Be Heard Just Before Bedtime.
24. Romeo And Juliet: Act IV
25. Vivaldi Use It To Illustrate The Shivering Of Travellers Crossing The Ice.
26. The Four Seasons (Winter, Mvt 1)
27. The Violin Muted
28. Clair De Lune
29. The Gentleness Of Muted Strings Persists Even When A Whole Orchestra Plays.
30. Piano Concerto No.21 In C Major, K.467 (Slow Mvt)
31. The Pizzicato Violin
32. Pizzicato Polka
33. In Prokofiev's Second Violin Concerto, The Accompaniment Is Pizzicato.
34. Violin Concerto No.2 In G Minor (Slow Mvt)
35. Varieties Of Pizzicato: Colas Breugnon (The People's Feast)/Now A Drier, Leaner, Hungrier Pizzicato. There's Not A Lot Of Comfort Here./Capriol Suite (Tordion)/The Use Of Pizzicato As 'Percussion'/Romeo And Juliet (Act I)/Mahler Used Pizzicato...
36. The Planets (Mars - The Bringer Of War)
37. The Technique Of Double-Stopping Enables The Violin To Play Duets With Itself./Sonata No.3 In C Major For Unaccompanied Violin (Fugue)/Now A Later Example Of The Same Technique
38. Hungarian Dance No.4
39. Double-Stopping Is A Standard Feature Of A Lot Of Folk Music.
40. The Four Seasons (Autumn, Mvt 1)
41. Now The Same Technique, But The Sound Might Have Come From Another World.
42. Bolero
43. Double-Stopping Can Only Approximate The Sound Of A Real Violin Duet.
44. Cadenza To The Violin Concerto By Brahms
45. Now Compare That With A Real Violin Duet.
46. Forty-Four Duos (No. 1: Teasing Song)
47. Another Duo By Bartok, Demonstrating The Violin's Rich Lower Register
48. Forty-Four Duos (No.2: Maypole Dance)
49. And Now What May Be The Most Beautiful Accompanied Violin Duet In History
50. Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins (Largo)
51. The Soul Of The Violin Is In Song; But What About This Weird Passage?
52. Violin Concerto No.1 In D Major (Mvt 2)
53. The Use Of Harmonies In The Orchestra Can Be Both Magical And Unsettling.
54. Symphony No.1 'Titan' (Mvt 1, Opening)
55. Tchaikovsky's Use Of Harmonics In The Sleeping Beauty Is Both Strange And Darling.
56. The Sleeping Beauty (Act II, No.15: Entr'Acte)
57. Ravel's Harmonics In Mother Goose Effect A Magical Transformation.
58. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Beauty And The Beast)
59. Stravinsky's Harmonics In The Firebird Transport Us Almost Into Another World./The Firebird (Introduction)
60. The Natural Upper Notes Of The Violins Have A Unique Emotional 'Grab'.
61. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Of The Afterworldsmen)
62. Still In Their Upper Register, The Violins Unleash The Energy Of A Young Colt.
63. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge (No. 4)
64. Elsewhere, Britten Uses The Same High Register To Create A Very Different Mood.
65. Four Sea Interludes (Dawn) From 'Peter Grimes'
66. To End This Outing With The Violins, A Charming Little Elfin Dance
67. Elfenreigen

Tracks:

1. Introduction To The Viola
2. Viola Concerto (Mvt 1)
3. Khatchaturian Gets A Very Different Sound From It: Fuller, Fruitier, More Exotic.
4. Gayane Suite No.1 (Armen's Solo)
5. Very Nearly The Whole Of The Violin's Upper Register Is Also Available To The Viola.
6. Passacaglia, Op.33b From 'Peter Grimes'
7. The Viola Can Bring A Special, Rich Twanginess To Pizzicato That The Violins Lack./Don Quixote/Berlioz Drew Sounds From It That Retain Their Metallic Strangeness Even Today.
8. Harold In Italy (Mvt 4)
9. The Muted Viola: Intimate, Gentle, Poignant In Dvork
10. Cypresses (No.9)
11. The Massed Violas Of The Modern Symphony Orchestra In Mahler
12. Symphony No.4 (Mvt 3)
13. The 'Period' Viola In Bach
14. Brandenburg Concerto No.6 (Last Mvt)
15. The Cello: A Voice Of Unique Nobility
16. Suite No.1 For Unaccompanied Cello (Prelude)
17. Brahms And The 'Soul' Of The Cello
18. Piano Concerto No.2 In B Flat Major (Mvt 3)
19. Most Orchestral Composers Tend To Emphasize The Cello's Lower Register.
20. Cantata 'Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben', BWV 147 (Soprana Aria: Bereite Dir, Jesu)
21. In The Time Of Beethoven The Cello Remained As Fundamental As Ever.
22. Symphony No.3 'Eroica' (Finale)
23. But The Cello Is Not Condemned To Spend Its Life In The Basement.
24. Elfentanz, Op.39
25. Not Only In Recital Showpieces Like That Is The Cello Is Used In Its Highest Register.
26. The Protecting Veil (Opening)
27. A Cello With An Identity-Crisis: The Pizzicato Flamencan
28. Flamenco
29. Double-Stopping In The Lower Reaches Of The Cello's Range
30. Solo Suiet For Cello And Piano (Sardana)
31. It's In The Middle Register That The Cello Really Comes Into Its Own.
32. Oriental Dance, Op.2 No.2
33. It Was To The Cellos That Beethoven Gave Two Of His Most Famous Themes./Symphony No.5 (Mvt 2)/Still More Famous Than That Theme Is This One From The Ninth Symphony.
34. Symphony No.9 (Finale)
35. Introduction To The Double-Bass
36. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Elephant)
37. But The Double-Bass Can Be Intensely Expressive And Graceful.
38. Elegy No.1 In D Major
39. The Range Of The Double-Bass Is The Greatest Of All The String Instruments/Allegro Di Concerto, 'Alla Mendelssohn'/And It's Also Capable Of Very Considerable Virtuosity.
40. Capriccio Di Bravura
41. Double-Bass Solos In Orchestral Scores Are Rare But Often Memorable./Symphony No.1 'Titan' (Mvt 3)/In His Third Symphony Mahler Makes A Very Different Use Of The Instrument./Symphony No.3 (Mvt 1)
42. The Double-Bass Muted In Prokofiev/Lieutenant Kije Suite (Kije's Wedding)/In Another Work Prokofiev Uses The Double-Bass To Enhance The Winds./Romeo And Juliet (Act III)/And He Combines The Bass Clarinet With A Shivering Tremolo From The Double-Basses....
43. Symphony No.5 (Mvt 3)/So Much For The Strings/On Now To The Winds

Tracks:

1. The Antiquity And Magic Of The Flute
2. Prelude A L'Apres-Midi D'Un Faune
3. The Versatility And Agility Of The Flute
4. Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor (Badinerie)
5. The Flute In Fifteenth-Century Spain
6. Sa'Dawi
7. Other Flutes: The Bass And Alto
8. Chamber Music No.II
9. The Piccolo - Aptly Named
10. La Naissance D'Osiris (Mvt 6)
11. From A Piccolo Of The Eighteenth Century To One Of Its Descendants In The Twentieth
12. Suite No.1 For Small Orchestra (Valse)
13. A Variety Of Techniques
14. Chamber Music No.II
15. Flutter-Tonguing. But Tchaikovsky Got There Eighty Years Before.
16. The Nutcracker (Act II, No.2: Scene)
17. From The Transverse To The Vertical: The Baroque Recorder
18. Recorded Suite In A Minor (Menuet II)
19. An Unfamiliar, Early Vision Of The Instrument
20. Naelden, Naelden
21. The Bachian Oboe
22. Cantata 'Ein Feste Burg Ist Unser Gott', BWV 80 (No.7: Duetto)
23. Introduction To The Cor Anglais Or 'English Born'
24. Symphony No.9 'From The New World' (Mvt 2)
25. The Loneliness Of The Cor Anglais
26. The Swan Of Tuonela
27. The Cor Anglais Joins The French Horn In Haydn.
28. Symphony No.22 'The Philosopher' (Opening)
29. Introduction To The Oboe D'Amore, Beloved Of Bach - But Also Of Ravel
30. Bolero
31. The Clarinet Family: Boxing The Compass, From The Depths Of The Bass Clarinet.../The Egyptian (Violence)/...To The Raucous And Squealy.../Taras Bulba (The Death Of Ostap)/...To The Shrill And Complaining...
32. Petrushka (No.8: Peasant With Bear)/...To The High Sprits Of A Playful Puppy./Symphonie Fantastique (Last Mvt)/And To The Downright Jazzy/Romeo And Juliet (Act II)
33. As The High Clarinets Tend To Be Loud, So The Bass Tends To Be Soft:
34. Gayane Suite No. 1 (Mvt 5)
35. The Bass Clarinet Is Used By Most Composers Mainly As A Colouring Agent.../Petrushka (No.4: The Blackamoor)/...But It Does Occasionally Get A Whole Tune To Itself./Iberia (Almeria).
36. The Range Of The Normal Clarinet Parts Goes Quite High...
37. The Snow Maiden (Scene 5: Melodrama)
38. ...And Quite Low.
39. Peter And The Wolf (The Cat)
40. The Clarinet As Concerto Soloist
41. Clarinet Concerto In A Major (Rondo)
42. But That's Not The Instrument Mozart Wrote It For; This Is:
43. Clarinet Concerto In A Major (Rondo)
44. Introduction To The Saxophone
45. Hary Janos Suite (Mvt 4)
46. The Soprano Saxophone Has Quite A Different Feel To It.
47. L'Arlesienne Suite No.1 (Minuet)
48. The Little Sopranino Sax Goes Even Higher.
49. Bolero
50. The Most Famous Use Of The Saxophone Is In An Orchestration By Ravel.
51. Pictures At An Exhibition (The Old Castle)
52. The Saxophone Can Be Quite Contagiously Good-Humoured.
53. Sax-O-Phun
54. The Puffa-Puffa Image Of The Bassoon
55. Peter And The Wolf (Grandfather)
56. The Bachian Bassoon, In Accompanimental Mode
57. Cantata 'Weichet Nur, Betrubte Schatten' ('Wedding Cantata'), BWV 202 (Aria No.1)
58. Bizet Leaves The Puffa-Puffa Image Out, Allowing The Bassoon To Sing./Carmen Suite No.1 (Les Dragons D'Alcala)
59. And Ravel, Also In Spanish Mode, Does Likewise.
60. Bolero
61. The Bassoon As A Voice Of High Seriousness, Indeed Desolate Loneliness
62. Symphony No.3 (Opening)
63. The Eerie Bassoon In Its Highest Register
64. The Rite Of Spring (Opening)
65. Stravinsky Now Draws On Its Lowest Register, Lonely And Melancholy.
66. The Firebird Suite (1919, Berceuse)
67. The Bassoon As Concerto Soloist, Avoiding All Exaggeration
68. Bassoon Concerto In G Minor (Finale)
69. The Deep-Voiced Contra-Bassoon, As A Fairy-Tale Beast
70. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Beauty And The Beast)
71. The French Horn Under Its Woodwind Hat
72. Wind Quintet, Op.43 (Last Mvt)
73. Now A More Prominent Role, In A Woodwind Quintet From An Earlier Era
74. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Op.100 No.5 (Mvt 2)
75. The Horn In Harmonious Blend With Strings In Another Quintet
76. Horn Quintet, K.407 (Finale)

Tracks:

1. The Trumpet As Virtuoso Soloist
2. Brandenburg Concerto No.2 (Last Mvt)
3. The Special Brillance Of Paired Trumpets
4. Concerto In C For Two Trumpets, RV537 (Mvt 1)
5. The Ceremonial Trumpet
6. Fanfare For The Common Man
7. Trumpets And Drums - An Incomparable Alliance
8. Messiah (The Trumpet Shall Sound)
9. The Versatility Of The Trumpet, From The Most Public To The Most Lonely
10. Piano Concerto In F (Slow Mvt)
11. The Trumpet As The Voice Of The City/An American In Paris/The Trumpet As Recruitment Officer/The Soldier's Tale (The March)/The Trumpet As Swaggerer
12. Carmen Suite No.2 (Habanera)
13. The Trumpet As The Voice Of Strength And Courage
14. Carmet Suite No.2 (Toreador's Song)
15. The Trumpet Muted/Petrushka (No.4: The Blackamoor)/Lieutenant Kije Suite (Opening)/The Trumpet As The Voice Of Weariness
16. Billy The Kid
17. The Trumpet As Character Actor
18. Pictures At An Exhibition (No.6)
19. The Trumpet As The Voice Of God
20. Mass In B Minor ('Et Exspecto')
21. The Birth Of The Trombone
22. Aenmerckt Nu Hier
23. The Birth Of The Brass As A Family
24. Canzon 12 In Double Echo
25. The Trombone In The Eighteenth Century
26. Trombone Concerto In B Flat Major (Finale)
27. The Tone Of The Tenor Trombone/Romance For Trombone And Organ/The Memorable Voice Of The Bass Trombone/Requiem (Mvt 2)/But The Bass Trombone Is More Than An Instrumental Bullfrog.
28. Hosannah
29. The Trombones Become Part Of The Orchestra.
30. Symphony No.5 (Finale)
31. The Wagnerian Trombone:/Overture To 'Tannhauser'
32. The Trombone As Caricaturist
33. Pulcinella (No.19: Vivo)
34. The Trombone As Raspberry/Concerto For Orchestra (Intermezzo)
35. The Horn And The Hunt
36. Horn Concerto No.4 In E Flat, K.495 (Finale)
37. The Challenging Horn Of The Baroque
38. Abaris Ou Les Boreades (Menuet)
39. The Scarcity Of First-Rate Players In Handel's Time
40. Walter Music (Minuet 1)
41. The Horn As Magician/The Firebird Suite (1919, Finale)
42. Horns And The Sound Of Nobility
43. Overture To 'Tannhauser' (Opening)
44. The Special Sound Of The Horn In Its Higher Register
45. Mass In B Minor ('Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus')
46. The Trumpet-Like Sound Of Massed Horns
47. Symphony No.3 (Mvt 1, Opening)
48. The Tuba - Unfairly Maligned?
49. Symphony No.6 (Mvt 3)
50. The Tuba Perfectly Cast By Ravel
51. Pictures At An Exhibition (Bydlo)

Tracks:

1. Introduction. And We Begin With A Bang.
2. Fanfare For The Common Man/The Bass Drum On The Battlefields/Wellington's Victory, Op.91 (Opening)
3. At The Opposite Extreme Is The Triangle.
4. Piano Concerto No.1 In E Flat (Scherzo)
5. Categories Of Percussion: Tuned And Untuned. The Side Drum
6. Overture To 'La Gazza Ladra' - The Thieving Magpie (Opening)
7. The Side Drum In An Effective But Unexpected Role/Clarinet Concerto (Mvt 1)
8. The Tambourine. One Of The Oldest Instruments In The World
9. Den Hoboecken Dans
10. Even Older Is The Originally Oriental Gong.
11. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Laideronette)
12. No Single Instrument Can Match The Gong In Evoking The Breaking Of Waves./Passacaglia, Op.33b From 'Peter Grimes'/But Gongs Don't Have To Be Struck To Be Effective.
13. Gymnopedie No.2
14. The Cymbals Are Generally Discovered Early In Life./The Sanguine Fan/And They Do More Than Clash Together Loudly. They Can Be Clashed Together Softly./Studio Example: But They Needn't Be Clashed Together At All/Studio Example: They Can Be Lightly...
15. Other Untuned Percussion Instruments Include The Whip.: Piano Concerto In G Major (Opening)/And Here Are No Fewer Than Twenty, Cracked By Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Act I, Scene 5)
16. More Versatile Than The Whip Are The Wood Blocks.../Studio Example/...Which Crop Up All Over The Place In Twentieth-Century American Music.
17. Rodeo (Hoe-Down)
18. Related To The Wood Blocks, By Sound, Are The Castanets./Jota Aragonesa/But The Castanets Were Also Used By Monteverdi Back In The Seventeenth Century.
19. Scherzi Musicali (Damigella Tutta Belle)
20. A Still Earlier Example From Fifteenth-Century Spain
21. Yo M'Enamori D'Un Aire
22. The Birth Of The Bongo
23. Symphonic Dances From 'West Side Story'
24. From The Streets Of New York To The Blacksmith's Shop/Il Trovatore ('Anvil Chorus')
25. Desert-Island Decibels: Grand Canyon Suite (On The Trail)/Arcana
26. From One Vegetable To Another: The Humble Squash, Or Marrow/Huapango
27. Onwards To The Tuned Percussion. First, The Timpani
28. Also Sprach Zarathustra (Introduction)
29. But The Drum Roll Can Be More Effectively Frightening Than The Big Bang.: Symphony No.2 'Resurrection' (Mvt 3)
30. Not One Drum Roll, But Many/Grand Canyon Suite (Sunrise)/Symphonie Fantastique (Last Mvt)
31. Taking Advantage Of Tunability
32. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celeste (Mvt 2)
33. The Russian Composer Rodion Shchedrin Takes A Downward Turn./Carmen Suite (Changing Of The Guard)/Tuned, Yes; But For The Truly Melodic We Must Look Elsewhere.
34. Introducing The Glockenspiel/Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)
35. Saint-Saens And The Xylophone
36. The Carnival Of The Animals (Fossils)
37. Ravel And The Xylophone
38. Ma Mere L'Oye - Mother Goose (Laideronette)
39. Introducing The Marimba/Carmen Suite (First Intermezzo)
40. Introducing The Vibraphone
41. The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (Narange Dolce)
42. The Vibraphone Goes Russian.../Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)/...And Is Joined By The Marimba./Carmen Suite (Carmen's Entrance And Habanera)
43. Introducing The Hungarian Cimbalom
44. Folk Dances
45. The Cimbalom And The Symphony Orchestra
46. Hary Janos Suite (Mvt 3)
47. Introducing The Tubular Bells
48. Hary Janos Suite (Viennese Musical Clock)
49. A More 'Up-Front' Approach From Rodion Shchedrin
50. Carmen Suite (Introduction)
51. But The Bells Can Also Make The Sinister Even More Sinister./Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Mvt 1)
52. Introducing The Celeste
53. The Nutcracker (Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy)
54. Magic, In The Use Of Collective Percussion
55. Miroirs (La Vallee Des Cloches)
56. Plucked Instruments: The 'Undercover Percussion'/Carmen Suite (Scene)
57. A Prime Case In Point Is The Harp, Irresistible To The Romantics./The Nutcracker (Act II, No.1: Scene)/The Non-Solo Harp As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra/Hungarian Rhapsody No.1
58. The Traditionally Subservient Role Of The Harpsichord In The Baroque Orchestra
59. Brandenburg Concerto No.2 (Slow Mvt)
60. The Piano: King Of The Tuned Percussion/Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Mvt 3)/And A Quarter Of A Century After That:
61. Petrushka (Russian Dance)
62. The Anti-Romantic Piano As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra
63. Music For Strings, Percussion And Celeste (Last Mvt)

Tracks:

1. Keyboard Instruments In The Orchestra - The Most Powerful Of Them All:
2. Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Finale)
3. But Things In Handel's Day Were Very Different.
4. Organ Concerto In B Flat, Op.4 No.3 (Last Mvt)
5. The Organ Is Difficult To Classify.
6. An Unexpected, Organ-related Guest
7. Concerto Pour Zampogna (Last Mvt)
8. Peasant-Fancying... And A Touch Of The Roaming Cowboy
9. Les Miserables (Drink With Me)
10. Outside Artefacts And The Power Of Association
11. Mahler's Sleighbells
12. Symphony No.4 (Opening)
13. A Roll-Call Of Some Unusual Guests/The Typewriter/Parade
14. Chains, And More/Integrales/An American In Paris/Sandpaper Ballet
15. Purpose-Built Oddities: Wind Machines/Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Opening)
16. Don Quixote (Variation VIII)
17. National Calling Cards: The Guitar For Spain/Concierto De Aranjuez (Finale)
18. And The Guitar's Poor American Relative, The Banjo/Washington Breakdown
19. And Poorer Still, The Mouth Organ/The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (Packing Up)
20. The Balalaika For Russia/Romeo And Juliet (Act II: No.14)
21. The Maracas For Mexico/The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (El Desayuno)
22. The Bongos And Congas And A Whole Wealth Of Other Drums For Africa And Central America/Studio Example
23. The Sitar Of India/Evening Raga: Bhapoli
24. The Accordion For France (Especially Paris)/Paris Canaille
25. The Zither For Vienna/The Third Man (Theme)
26. The Cimbalom For Hungary/Folk Dances
27. The Guitar As An Integral Part Of The Orchestra/Rondena
28. There Are Whole Orchestras Of Balalaikas./Sveit Mesiats
29. The Effect Of The Wordless Human Voice, Used Purely As An Instrument/Symphony No.7 'Sinfonia Antartica' (Mvt 1)
30. Nocturnes
31. Instruments And the Imitation Of Nature. The Clarinet As Cuckoo
32. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Cuckoo)
33. The Flute As An All-purpose Aviary
34. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Aviary)
35. The Oboe As Duck
36. Peter And The Wolf (The Duck)
37. The Recording Of Reality. Does It Work As Well?
38. The Pines Of Rome (The Pines Of The Janiculum)
39. The Recording Of Reality Electronically Reborn In New Guises
40. Cantus Articus - Concerto For Birds And Orchesra (Mvt 2)
41. Beethoven Turns Avian: Cuckoo, Nightingale, And Quail
42. Symphony No.6 'Pastoral' (Andante Molto Mosso)
43. Some Improbable Casting: The Violin As Braying Donkey
44. The Carnival Of The Animals (Persons With Long Ears)
45. A Truly Orchestral Hee-haw To Be Reckoned With
46. Overture To 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
47. A Thunderstorm In A Million
48. Symphony No.6 'Pastoral (Allegro-Allegretto)
49. the Instrumental Depiction Of A Silent World
50. The Carnival Of The Animals (The Aquarium)
51. Saint-Saens' Menagerie Takes A Curtain Call.
52. The Carnival Of The Animals (Finale)

Tracks:

1. The Grouping Of Instrumental Families. An Additive Approach. First, Two Violins
2. Forty-Four Duos (No.4)
3. A Great Contrast, Of Both Pitch And Character: Violin And Viola
4. Duo For Violin And Viola In B Flat Major, K.424 (Finale, Vars 1 & 2)/Studio Example
5. Arrival Of The Standard String Trio: Violin, Viola, And Cello
6. String Trio In B Flat (Menuetto)
7. The String Quartet: Two Violins, Viola, And Cello
8. String Quartet In F, Op.18 No.1 (Mvt 3)
9. The String Quintet - When The Extra Instrument Is A Second Viola
10. String Quartet No.5 In D, K.593 (Adagio)
11. The String Quintet - When The Extra Instrument Is A Second Cello
12. String Quintet In C (Mvt 3)
13. The String Sextet: Two Violins, Two Violas, And Two Cellos
14. String Sextet In B Flat (Mvt 2)
15. The String Octet: The Standard String Quaret Times Two
16. Octet In E Flat, Op.20 (Mvt 1)
17. Double The String Octet: A Fully Fledged String Orchestra
18. String Symphony No.2 (Finale)
19. The Massed Strings Of A Symphony Orchestra
20. Fantasia On A Theme Of Thomas Tallis
21. Contrasts Of Pitch And Instrumental 'Colour' In The Woodwind Section
22. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Op.100 No.5 (Theme)
23. In The First Variation It's The Horn That Gets The Lion's Share.
24. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 1
25. In Variation Two The Torch Is Handed To The Bassoon.
26. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 2
27. In Variation Three The Oboe Leads.
28. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 3
29. Variation Four: Conversation Before Returning To A Solo-dominated Texture
30. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 4
31. And Variation Five is Dominated By The Clarinet.
32. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 5
33. The Next To Be Featured Is The Virtuoso Flute.
34. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 6
35. Individual Farewells And A Closing Chorus
36. Wind Quintet In A Minor, Variation 7
37. A Mixed Group: Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, String Quartet, And Double-Bass
38. Octet In F (Mvt 3)
39. The Early Classical Symphony Orchestra Of Haydn And Mozart
40. Symphony No.29 In A, K.201 (Finale)
41. Strings, Wind, But No Brass. What Haydn And Mozart Never Knew
42. Canzon 28
43. Beethoven's Fifth: Two Horns, Two Trumpets, And Three Trombones Join The Team.
44. Symphony No.5 (Finale)
45. From Beethoven To The Massive Orchestras Of Berlioz, Wagner, And Mahler
46. Beethoven Changed The Face Of The Symphony And The Orchestra Forever
47. Symphoy No.6 'Tragic' (Mvt 1)
48. The Cult Of Orchestral Elephantiasis Reaches Its Peak.
49. Symphony No.1 'Gothic' (VI: Te Ergo Quaesumus)
50. When Large Doesn't Necessarily Mean Loud: Debussy
51. Images (Gigues)
52. A Crisis Of Confidence; The Orchestra's Survival Hangs In The Balance, But It Still Develops. The Ondes Martenot:
53. Turangalila Symphony (Chant D'amour 1)
54. The Advent Of The 'Early Music' Movement Brings A New Vitality And Freshness.
55. Balle De Xerxes (Gavotte En Rondeau)
56. Computer And Synthesiser: Friends Or Foes?
57. Concerto In D Minor For Two Violins (Largo)
58. A Speculative Look Ahead/Mass In B Minor ('Dona Nobis Pacem')

Customer Reviews:

Instruments of the Orchestra - Great Reference Material!.......2007-04-04

This set lends itself to greatly enhancing one's knowledge of the orchestra, instruments in it, and their usage. I am a huge music buff, and I still picked up a great deal I previously did not know. I highly recommend this for all who wish to understand the origin of music, as well as the processes that are employed to create music!

Beginner or Expert.......2007-03-12

This CD is excellent for the beginner or expert! To be able to haear the instrumets separately and then together really provides a good education. and/or refresher. The book thaty comes with the CD is alomost worth the price by itself!

Very Informative and Enjoyable.......2006-11-20

Whether you're a music novice or pro, "The instruments of the Orchestra" is a very worthwhile purchase. The 7 CDs, with a total of 8 hours, are expertly narrated by Jeremy Siepmann. He's a great speaker, very much like the late Leonard Bernstein was. Mr. Siepmann takes you on an unforgetable musical journey covering the origins and use of the various orchestral instruments throughout musical history. The balance between his narration and a wealth of musical examples, which range from snippets to entire movements, is superb. The comprehensive enclosed booklet is excellent and faithfully follows the 7 CDs in content. Even with my 40+ years of music training I still learned new things from this wonderful collection. Considering the excellence of the content, and a cost that translates to about $5 per disc, this collection is a great value. Grab it, you won't regret that you did. Five solid stars!

Frank's view.......2006-08-19

This boxed set of CD's with booklet achieved all I had hoped that it would. There are good samples of individual instruments and well done commentary on each. The only drawback was that some of the samples were too brief and could have been longer, hoiwever I guess this fits in with time constraints of the medium. It has given me a lot of clues as to future purchases of CD's for listening to individual instruments. Altogeth a satisfactory purchase and a welcome addition to my collection.

Excellent Intro for Those Not Familiar with the Orchestra.......2003-11-08

I've listened to classical music for years and am interested in composition. I bought this CD set to learn how an orchestra and its instruments work. I thought the CDs would be a nice but boring lecture. They aren't! Not only are they FUN but they are informative as well. I learned a huge amount from each CD and couldn't wait to listen to the next one.

The narrator and writer is a great speaker and holds your attention well. He is definitely knowledgeable. He provides musical examples for each point he makes, so you get to "hear" what he just talked about. I'd say the CDs are about 65% music and 35% narration. You'll learn about the range of instruments, some history, different ways to play them, how they sound, and how they are used in the orchestra. This CD set was a great learning experience and is sold at such a low price!

I recommend this CD for those who want to learn about classical music and those who know about it but are interested in learning more about the inner workings of an orchestra. You'll learn much useful information. For instance, the Rite of Spring (with that eerie start) is written for bassoon! I never knew a bassoon could sound like that but now I do.

The one complaint I have is the last CD. This deals with the orchestra. I wanted more of a tour of how the orchestra has been used through history up to the present. Instead, it was a tour of how different groups of instruments sound. I thought it could have been better. The other 6 CDs are excellent.

Average customer rating: I would order from you again. Loved it!!! good variety and feeling Sour Concepts Living Elaborate Lives...

Elton John And Tim Rice's Aida (1999 Concept Album) Jimmy Johnson , Juliet Haffner , Regis Iandiorio , Tony Kadleck , Elena Barere , Blackwell, Virgil , and Clark, John Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Aida (2000 Original Broadway Cast) Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida: The Making of the Broadway Musical The Muse: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Aida: Vocal Selections (Pvg) Made in England ASIN: B00000IFTH Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

1. Another Pyramid - Sting
2. Written In The Stars - Elton John/LeAnn Rimes
3. Easy As Life - Tina Turner ft. Angelique Kidjo
4. My Strongest Suit - Spice Girls
5. I Know TheTruth - Elton John/Janet Jackson
6. Not Me - Boyz II Men
7. Amneris' Letter - Shania Twain
8. A Step Too Far - Elton John/Heather Headley/Sherie Scott
9. Like Father Like Son - Lenny Kravitz
10. Elaborate Lives - Heather Headley
11. How I Know you - James Taylor
12. The Messenger - Elton John/Lulu
13. The Gods Love Nubia - Kelly Price
14. Enchantment Passing Through - Dru Hill
15. Orchestral Finale - Elton John

Amazon.com

Following hot on the heels of their enormously successful collaboration for The Lion King, Elton John and Tim Rice have once again culled their talents to create another Disney contemporary musical, based this time on Verdi's opera Aida. The album, recorded by some of the biggest talents of pop, country, and R&B, features songs from the stage show, which recounts the well-known tale of a love triangle further complicated by slavery, royalty, and the armed forces. John duets to great effect with country crooner LeAnn Rimes, the enchanting Janet Jackson, and the lovely Lulu of To Sir with Love fame. Lush and lively, the soundtrack hits a hoot of a (decidedly not highbrow) high point with the infectious pop of the Spice Girls warbling the merits of undergarments on "My Strongest Suit" ("Always wear underwear/Anytime, anywhere"). Lenny Kravitz funks things up with "Like Father Like Son." Shania Twain's husky emoting makes a fine pop ballad of the brief "Amneris' Letter." "Not Me" chronicles the goodness of love as Boyz II Men coo dreamily, their harmonies nestling into John's sumptuous score. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

I would order from you again........2007-01-27

Product arrived in a timely manner in new condition, still wrapped in plastic. Thank you.

Loved it!!!.......2006-09-07

I'm so impressed with this album for several different reasons.
3) It's Elton John
2) I loved all but two of the songs!
1) I usually hate the original broadway cast albums and movie soundtracks. They don't do the songs justice. They usually have chopped up versions of the songs and include unnecessary dialouge.

I'd love to see every musical (broadway or movie) done this way!
I appreciate the b'way versions, but I don't want to listen to them in my car...

good variety and feeling.......2004-06-24

This is a very good CD. "Written in the Stars" is an extremely emotional song, and it is my favorite on the album. I would like to see the show on Broadway, but I have to say I don't think it can be too much better than this CD

Sour Concepts.......2003-06-29

It takes so much to try to get a musical to make its way upon Broadway. Sometimes you really need to understand how to make it really happen within the passion of the storytelling music. In that case with Elton John, he nearly seemed to make it with Aida. While the music for Broadway always seems to have at least something completely mgaical and a dash of power in it. Sometimes, you really need to understand it, to make it happen, and others don't see it from the start. Although Elton John has had great music for years, at least once in a era, something goes a little flat.

The 1999 Aida, was not a studio album from Elton, but a preview from what was happen on Broadway. The various artists record contains so many different artists in the record including Tina Turner, Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, and the upcoming Heather Headley. Before Heather made it as a singer, she made it right here in Aida, on this record. The only decent song that was a hit was Written In The Stars, which Elton performed with Leann Rimes. The song was also the last song Elton cracked Billboard's Top 40. Still, there really wasn't a lot of enjoyment within most of the record, and it fell into a sleeper. Considering that Elton is already planning on making another smash musical on Broadway, hopefully he'll do better with the concept record.

When it does come to making it on Broadway, it isn't really anything exciting, unless it truly is a smash, and Aida is a smash on Broadway, just not the record. Still, if you're a die hard fan of Aida, buy this record. Otherwise, it could be a hitless miss.

Living Elaborate Lives..........2002-11-02

Aida was Elton John and Tim Rice's baby, providing a concept soundtrack album before even setting the stage on fire, the tracks are generally sweeping show ballads.
Elton teams up with several lovely and talented ladies, in LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, and Lulu. "Written In The Stars" could be a vocal gladiator battle, the way LeAnn and Elton sing it. Janet and Lulu prove themselves as more mellow duet partners.
Kelly Price makes "The Gods Love Nubia" her own, the song is tied up in soul with her voice being smooth as silk. The far too short "Amneris' Letter" shows off Shania Twain's voice to perfection also. Pop culture phenomenon the Spice Girls turn "My Strongest Suit" into the most obvious pop stomper of this set. Another strong point is Heather Headley's solo "Elaborate Lives". A rich ballad, Headley recently embarked on an R&B singing career with the track "He Is". The legendary Tina Turner provides a fiery perfomance, her track being the powerful "Easy As Life" with Angelique Kidjo.
Duds are also present, Sting and Dru Hill's tracks are admitted stinkers. James Taylor, Boyz II Men, Sherie Scott, and Lenny Kravitz also deliver perfomances on the album. This album is well put together, with strong tunes and a short-list of superstars presenting them. A fun buy.

Average customer rating: Three Cheers for the Irish!!! Ellis Island song brings tears to my eyes How Are Things In Glocca Morra? How Are Things In Glocca Morra? The Best Historical CD Ever!

Ellis Island The Irish Tenors , Brendan Graham , Chauncey Olcott , Irish Traditional , Johnny Cash , John Francis Patterson , Dermot MacMurrough , C. Kirkham , Eric Bogle , Burton Lane , Thomas Osbourne Davis , Irving Berlin , and Frank McNamara Manufacturer: Music Matters ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Irish Tenors | ( I ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Tenors | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Celtic | Europe | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of The Irish Tenors The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan Live in Belfast Home for Christmas Heritage ASIN: B000059TBG Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

1. Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears
2. My Wild Irish Rose
3. Love Thee Dearest
4. Forty Shades of Green
5. Courtin' in the Kitchen
6. The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door
7. I'll Tell My Ma
8. Macushla
9. Slievenamon
10. The Green Fields of France
11. Trasna Na Dtonnta (Over The Waves)
12. Oro Se Do Bheatha Bhaile (Long Life to You on Your Homecoming)
13. An Poc Ar Buile (The Mad Goat)
14. The Rose of Tralee
15. The Old Bog Road
16. How Are Things In Glocca Morra
17. The Croppy Boy
18. A Nation Once Again
19. Let There Be Peace
20. Danny Boy
21. God Bless America

Product Description

1. Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears
2. My Wild Irish Rose
3. Love Thee Dearest
4. Forty Shades Of Green
5. The Courtin Medley
A. Courtin, In The Kitchen
B. The Stone Outside Dan Murphy s Door
C. I ll Tell My Ma
6. Macushla
7. Slievenamon
8. The Green Fields Of France
9. The Irish Medley
A. Transna Na Dtonnta (Over The Waves)
B. Oro Se Do Bheatha Bhaile (Long Life To You On Your Homecoming)
C. An Poc Ar Buile (The Mad Goat)
10. The Rose Of Tralee
11. The Old Bog Road
12. How Are Things In Glocca Morra
13. The Croppy Boy
14. A Nation Once Again
15. Let There Be Peace
16. Danny Boy
17. God Bless America

Format: CD

Amazon.com

The Irish Tenors' fourth album sees the trio of Anthony Kearns, Ronan Tynan, and Finbar Wright paying a sentimental musical tribute to Ellis Island, the hallowed landmark that met the majority of immigrants entering the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. Needless to say, the Tenors' repertoire this time around is full of reflective ballads of love, loss, and homesickness, including the original "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears" that opens this disc. Throughout this studio recording, the Irish Tenors are in fine form and backed by a soft-hued orchestra that never interferes with their soaring vocals. Traditional tunes include "My Wild Irish Rose," "How Are Things in Glocca Mora," and, of course, "Danny Boy" (the last sung by all three tenors, with refreshingly simple solo piano accompaniment). Thankfully, the threesome didn't forget that the immigrants had fun, too, as evidenced by some lighthearted fare; "The Courtin' Medley" features the Tenors at their most upbeat and comical. Ellis Island is a moving aural portrait of the struggles and triumphs of the Irish émigrés and a must-have for fans of the threesome. Newcomers may enjoy the Tenors' debut disc even more, as the earlier live album is a slightly more upbeat and spirited affair. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Three Cheers for the Irish!!!.......2007-05-30

A glorious concert in a historic setting, with all involved in top notch form. Finbar finds a great old Johnny Cash number, Ronan sings a Glocka
Mora to end all, and Anthony Kearns sings murderously difficult versions
of Macushla and The Croppy Boy like an angel. And their Courtin' and Irish
Medleys, and their "Nation Once Again" trios are simply glorious glees.

With the benefit of a grand theme, this is perhaps the best, and best balanced, of all their programs.

Ellis Island song brings tears to my eyes.......2006-03-17

This magical album crosses oceans and centuries and puts me in touch with my Irish ancestry. The title song tells a story similar to my greatgrandmother's and even though I've heard it many times now, I still weep for her.

How Are Things In Glocca Morra?.......2004-04-16

Long a fan of Irish music, I have turned to a series of artists to satiate my appetite. Bing Crosby and John McCormick have been succeeded by the Irish Tenors.

This CD has a bit more of an Irish American theme as "Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears" and "God Bless America" illustrate. Interspersed among these tunes are traditional Irish tunes such as "Macushla" and "Croppy Boy", along with newer songs, such as "The Green Fields Of France" and "How are Things In Glocca Morra?"

The singing is excellent, the words understandable. I appreciate the inclusion the lyrics of the songs contained on the insert of the cover. These are songs you will want to learn, whose stories you will want to research. I have. Listen again and again!

How Are Things In Glocca Morra?.......2004-04-16

Long a fan of Irish music, I have turned to a series of artists to satiate my appetite. Bing Crosby and John McCormick have been succeeded by the Irish Tenors.

This CD has a bit more of an Irish American theme as "Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears" and "God Bless America" illustrate. Interspersed among these tunes are traditional Irish tunes such as "Macushla" and "Croppy Boy", along with newer songs, such as "The Green Fields Of France" and "How are Things In Glocca Morra?"

The singing is excellent, the words understandable. I appreciate the inclusion the lyrics of the songs contained on the insert of the cover. These are songs you will want to learn, whose stories you will want to research. I have. Listen again and again!

The Best Historical CD Ever!.......2003-11-21

I think this is best CD since Live in Belfast! it also has 2 songs not included on the video! it's a unique album of how the immigration to Ellis Island and New York turned out. It also has songs of the war such as The Green Fields Of France (The Best One) or, the croppy boy. I would recommend this to anyone!

Average customer rating: Only Grace Jones...... There's just something about it. Fun, French, Funk, and a dance club classic! ENJOYABLE Island Woman #1

Island Life Grace Jones Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music $7.99 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 $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nightclubbing Slave to the Rhythm 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Grace Jones Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions Bulletproof Heart ASIN: B000001FTH Release Date: 1990-06-15

Tracks:

1. La Vie En Rose
2. I Need a Man
3. Do or Die
4. Private Life
5. Love is the Drug
6. I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)
7. Pull Up To The Bumper
8. Walking In The Rain
9. My Jamaican Guy
10. Slave To The Rhythm

Customer Reviews:

Only Grace Jones.............2007-04-02

I heard the song "Pull Up to My Bumper" when I was in college - at a nightclub near by. It's odd combination of disco, new wave and funk really was unique to my new wave/disco sensibilities. Those gutteral throaty vocals. Who was Grace Jones?

I bought the album and while I wasn't really sent with the whole thing, I had to admit to liking some of it.

Flash forward several years and there's Grace Jones again! Only this time she's in a Conan movie and then as a vampire (Vamp). Finally I saw her in concert at a small Atlanta venue and she was....completely twisted!

While I'm not a huge fan of Grace Jones overall, this album, Island Life, really does capture some of her best work. My favorite is "Ma Vie en Rose" though I was too young to have heard it during the 70's in any discotheque. Other favorites include, "Nightclubbing", "Walking in the Rain", "I've Seen that Face Before" and to a lesser degree now, "Pull up to the Bumper".

Grace Jones is an institution. She is odd, quirky, and to my sensibilities an icon of sorts of the 1980's. This is an album that can convey her unique qualities to many who just don't know who she is. Those my 14 year old son says he thinks she's weird and refuses to accept that the weird "chick" from Conan the Destroyer is singing the songs (oh and he says the cover art on the album is scary - I agree).

There's just something about it........2006-07-16

Grace is fasinating. She's such a legend, rightfully so. There's something about her music that keeps me coming back. "Island Life" is a retrospective, and a very good one. I love everything about it. Especially her cover of "La Vie En Rose" by Edith Piaf (which is one of my favorite songs ever.) The album artwork is also perfect. Very creative. Perfection.

Fun, French, Funk, and a dance club classic!.......2006-03-09

I find this album very exciting. Grace brings back the 20's song "La Vie en Rose" like no other! She also brings back a party with "Pull up to my bumper". If you love Grace Jone's intence authority, you'll love the rest of the album. Go Grace,go!!!

ENJOYABLE.......2005-05-10

As compilation albums go, this is a good offering. I'm not a big Grace Jones fan, and mainly bought this album for the two songs that bookend it - 'La Vie En Rose' and 'Slave To The Rhythm', two excellent songs. In between there is some vintage disco floor filler stuff, and the tongue-in-cheek 'Pull Up To The Bumper'. In summary, a worthy addition to any CD collection

Island Woman #1 .......2004-11-28

Grace Jones is a lady who's consistently managed to stun and shock people; even up to this day. Many might only know her by her image and a couple of movies she did in the mid eighties, but surprise! Surprise! She's also a singer. In fact; Grace Jones got signed in 1977 and stormed the charts with her lead single "I Need a Man" and the album "Portfolio" was a huge success, in spite of the albums success Grace didn't really achieve the amount of success she'd hoped for. Her second lp followed in 1978; titled "Fame." After a fair amount of success (#1 hit single with "I Need a Man and a gold selling rendition of "La Vie En Rose") she finally received her due. The single "Do or Die" hit #8 on the dance charts and the album was named one of the `most important disco albums' of the seventies.

Her third (and last) disco lp followed in 1979 called "Muse", you can't really blame the album for its lack of success and exposure, especially when you consider the disco riot that occurred in the late seventies. Despite of the incident, the album did have one somewhat successful song with "On Your Knees" which ought to be her last successful disco single. As disco slowly (or rather quickly) faded, Grace decided to change her image, and received help from her now ex-husband Jean Paul Goude. Together they created this mythological androgynous warrior, with the image followed her new music style, main stream rock fused with punk/ reggae. The bearing of the new image came in 1980; in titled "Warm Leatherette" and whatever success she did not receive in her disco years; she certainly did with this one.

The album was a hit; earning rave reviews for its sauciness and uniqueness, take her handle of the classic "Love Is the Drug" and her ferocious growl and squirm of "Private Life" if perfect had a definition "Private Life" would certainly be it. In 1981 followed the release of what ought to be her most successful record; Nightclubbing. The album includes the #5 hit single "Pull Up to the Bumper" and the album peaked at #32 on the Billboard Chart, it was also crowned "album of the year" in 1981. Songs included on this compilation, the eerie "Walking in the Rain" the hit song "Pull Up to the Bumper" and the truly terrific "I've Seen That Face Before." In 1982 she received a Grammy nomination for her "One Man Show" and the album "Living My Life" soon followed, producing two hit singles "My Jamaican Guy" and "Nipple to the Bottle." In 1985 followed her most successful single yet; Slave to the Rhythm, which is a lush tune perfectly complimented by a gorgeous music video. "Inside Story" and "Bulletproof Heart" followed in 1986 and 1989. Review by Me (R. Chris aka Chriss).

Average customer rating: Best motivation to learn Spanish ever!! Great disc Island Life Trying too hard A marvelous CD

Island Life Yerba Buena Manufacturer: Razor & Tie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music Similar Items: President Alien El Kilo Emigrante A Lo Cubano Yerbabuena ASIN: B0009VNBW4 Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

1. Dr. Aneub Abreys Island Blues Cures: Intro
2. El Burrito
3. Sugar Daddy (featuring John Leguizamo & Les Nubians with Celia Cruz)
4. La Vida La Life
5. Belly Dancer (featuring Fulanito & members of Gogol Bordello)
6. La Candela (Prendela) (featuring Orishas)
7. Corazon Bandolero (featuring El Cigala)
8. Bilingual Girl (featuring Joe Bataan)
9. Fever (featuring M1 from Dead Prez)
10. Bla Bla Bla
11. No No No
12. Dr. Aneub Abreys Island Blues Cures: Accent Elimination
13. Cityzen Citysoy
14. Te Estoy Amando Locamente (featuring Rosi DePalma)
15. El Burrito (Saboreando) (featuring Peret & Ile Aye)
16. Dr. Aneub Abrey's Island Blues Cures: Farewell
17. Sugar Daddy (White Lion Remix)

Amazon.com

It seems almost criminal to say anything less than stellar about Island Life, the sophomore album from producer Andre Levin's latin-fusion collective Yerba Buena. And indeed, there's a sufficent amount of energy and plenty of good-time party vibes on the disc, which infuses the Afro-Cuban framwork with cumbia, salsa, merengue and flamenco rhythms. The thing is, we've heard much of this hybrid before, done in more substantial ways. Yerba Buena wants to be all things to all people, and its music is jam-packed with splashy collaborators. The cutesy "Sugar Daddy" is a prime example, featuring something for traditionalists (Celia Cruz), urban hipsters (Les Nubians), and even movie buffs (John Leguizamo)--all in one song. There are also appearances from the critically acclaimed rap group Orishas (standout "La Candela"), Grammy favorite Diego "El Cigala" ("Corazon Bandolero) and Pedro Almodovar muse Rossy De Palma. It makes for an interesting A-list of world music VIPs and oddities, but Island Life ultimately doesn't gel into something outstanding. It's merely OK. --Joey Guerra

Customer Reviews:

Best motivation to learn Spanish ever!!.......2006-03-18

Well, OK. I can think of one motivation that might be better. But this CD is amazing, even for a white boy that knows no Spanish. It's a big island where all you need to do is love the rhythm and the music!

This is a concept album that works because it is all about fun. Andres Levin takes us on a tour of the island that seems to move from funky to hip hop to Cuban to god knows where. It pokes fun at itself and some easy targets (Pres. Bush).

So don't miss out. Even if you don't speak spanish, you will like this one. But as they say, two tongues are better than one, baby.

Great disc.......2006-03-09

I love the CD and recommend it to anyone! President Alien (Yerba Buena) is the BOMB as well.

Island Life.......2006-01-06

I first heard of Yerbabuena, while listening to NPR's "The World", and immediately knew that I had to get the CD. Yerbabuena is explosive, witty, and well executed. I'm not sure what other reviewers are referring to... the album is a gem in my opinion, catchy lyrics, great fusion, good instrumentation...not to mention contributions by Diego "El Cigala", Orishas, and others.
It's a shame that Yerbabuena does not get airtime play in broadcast stations (yet), they are certainly a cut above the overplayed reggeton, salsa and repetitive ballads in Latin radio. If you are tired of all the above, this album is for you. Enjoy.

Trying too hard.......2005-11-18

Andres Levin is a genius ... behind the console. When put in front of a band, he's merely ok. He is a great producer and sound engineer, yet his two efforts w/ Yerba Buena somehow fail to grasp my imagination the way other latin and spanglish bands do. For an excellent example of music PRODUCED but not performed by Mr. Levin, I recommend our countrymen (yes, both Levin and me are venezuelans) Los Amigos Invisibles' first american published album "The new sound of the Venezuelan Gozadera.

A marvelous CD.......2005-09-25

Yes of course one of the best latin music "spanglish" cd of these years.
Don't miss it.

Average customer rating: This Set Is FUNKY AVANT GARDE FIYAH! Private Life:... Chronicles of her art Private Life the BEST Best of Grace Jones

Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions Grace Jones Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | 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 More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nightclubbing Slave to the Rhythm Island Life Bulletproof Heart Inside Story ASIN: B000007QQK Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

1. Private Life (Long Version)
2. Private Life (Dub Version)
3. Love Is The Drug (Long Version)
4. Breakdown
5. Warm Leatherette (Long Version)
6. The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game (Long Version)
7. I've Done It Again
8. Pars (Long Version)
9. Pull Up To The Bumper
10. Use Me (Long Version)
11. She's Lost Control (Long Version)
12. She's Lost Control (Dub Version)

Tracks:

1. Walking In The Rain
2. Cry Now, Laugh Later
3. Nightclubbing
4. The Apple Stretching
5. Nipple To The Bottle (12' Version)
6. My Jamaican Guy (12' Version)
7. Feel Up
8. I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)
9. Demolition Man (Long Version)
10. Unlimited Capacity For Love
11. Ring Of Fire (Demo)
12. Man Around The House
13. Living My Life (7' Version)
14. Slave To The Rhythm (Hot Blooded Version)

Amazon.com

In the wake of Marianne Faithfull's disco-punk fusion on 1979's Broken English, Island label mate and disco diva Grace Jones made a similar left turn with a couple of albums of new-wave classics (the Pretenders' "Private Life," Iggy Pop's "Nightclubbing"), new-wave "classics" (the Normal's "Warm Leatherette") and a soul chestnut or two ("The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game") given her uniquely growling treatment. As the funk grew stronger, she even placed a few hits on the charts, notably the 1982 "Pull Up to the Bumper." Private Life surveys this, the artiest of Jones's periods, including rare 12-inch and dub mixes. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

This Set Is FUNKY AVANT GARDE FIYAH!.......2007-07-17

i recently bought this set becauase i was interested in hearing more of Grace's music.AMAZING! "Warm Leatherette"..........is "FUNK PERSONIFIED."
oh gosh...and "Private Life" (dub version) especially when you listen with stereo headphones.....you're in another realm. definitely worth the money i spent on it.this set is getting CONSTANT rotation in my portable mp3 player. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Private Life:..........2007-02-15

A Great Overall collection of her bigger songs. My favorite is the extended version of "Slave to the Rhythm (8:18)" For the collection and value of the discs, I give it - Five stars!!

Chronicles of her art.......2005-06-25

The dynamic queen of outrage; her stunning, fierce looks and her legendary temper made her famous far beyond those who would ever hear her music. That's the perfect way to describe Jones' recording career. In 1979 her disco theme were cramped; forcing Grace to evolve herself and her musical aspirations. By the help of artist Jean Paul-Goude, they created the basics: a stunning androgynous look and a fast hard hitting rhythm, controlled by reggae legends Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. "Warm Leatherette" was the first of three stunning albums recorded at the Compass Point studios in the Bahamas. The album was an immediate UK success hitting the Top 50 in the album charts; the single "Private Life" was one of her first worldwide hits establishing herself as a regular on the British top chart. "Warm Leatherette" was a compilation of several of covers, from Tom Petty "Breakdown" to Roxy Music "Love Is the Drug" to the Motown's "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game" to far beyond Daniel Millers ominous title track "Warm Leatherette". "Warm Leatherette" also brought Grace the public acknowledgement she never received for her disco work; basically Grace stuck with the chosen songs and further improved them. In 1981 the second album arrived titled: Nightclubbing. Again Sly & Robbie provided the great back-up music for Grace it turned out to be Grace's most successful album to date. Proving once again that Grace had chosen the perfect songs to interpret, her amazing cover of Bill Withers' "Use Me" becomes a sexual plead, and her rocking rendition of the Police's "Demolition Man" made the original totally obsolete. "Nightclubbing" is her most delicious recording to date; from Iggy Pop "Nightclubbing" to Flash the Pan's torch song "Walking in the Rain" really put Grace on the musical map, even as far as, the New Musical Express crowned it album of the year, 1981. Despite of the great covers Grace co-wrote her perhaps biggest hit to date: Pull Up to the Bumper, which is a delicious chocolate flowing in-between dub, proving Grace to be equally versatile as the cover songs chosen. The last of three albums, came in 1982, titled, Living My Life. This time around Grace was overly more involved with the entire process, from song writing to even co-producing the songs. "Living My Life" once again proved Grace's capability as a performer. "My Jamaican Guy" has inspired many hip-hop artist over the years, noteworthy, L.L Coo J's massive hit "Doin' It". Overall "Living My Life" was such a personal piece of work, Nipple to the Bottle recycling the beat of "Pull Up to the Bumper" and "Cry Now, Laugh Later" presented the avant-garde in Grace. Think you can handle a growling rendition of Melvin Van Peebles "The Apple Stretching"? Just listen to Grace's deep conviction and be prepared to be amazed. With "Slave to the Rhythm" Grace further improved her image as the queen of outrage, proving to be one of Grace's biggest hit singles. When all is said and done, Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions is the perfect introduction to her prime-years in music. Although not career-spanning, it showcases Grace Jones' amazing capability as a singer and entertainer. Grace Jones may not regain that kind of perfection ever again, but she doesn't have to, the recordings are the chronicles of her art.

Private Life .......2005-04-22

By all means a phenomenal compilation that covers her outstanding years at Island Records.Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare takes a lot of the credits; an outstanding band leaded by the best musician there is makes for an experience beyond the limited range music in the 80's had to offer. Grace Jones, whipped up some truly remarkable songs, like Sting's "Demolition Man" with its electro-beat and crackling whip lashing makes for what I'd classify as downright naughty. Warm Leatherette the first of three albums by Sly, Robbie and Grace; the album represents some of Jones' most experimental stuff to date, she covers songs from Tom Petty "Breakdown" to The Pretenders "Private Life" and the truly magnificent rendition of The Motown's "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game". The aforementioned song is one of her most delicious tracks; the amazing beat is perfectly complimented by Grace's soulful vocal deliverance (anyone who claims that Grace Jones can't sing should take the time to listen to this marvelous song).

Her cover of The Normals "Warm Leatherette" is something special, indeed. The continuous hints at sex and the amazing band is truly something that everyone should experience, once in a life time that is. My favorite track off Warm Leatherette is the exotic French tune: Pars. Amazing capable of a tranquillest buzz, the breathy, sexy vocals are amongst some her finest and once again the band drains each beat to the bone, truly stunning. Also included is the hypnotic "Private Life" (Presented in both a long and a dub version) stands as one of her biggest hit singles to date. Grace hit the height of her career in 1981 with the album: Nightclubbing. The album was something completely new, a perfect kind of chill: making sex on warm leatherette. The jungle rhythm of "Pull Up to the Bumper" still sounds as fresh and naughty as did nearly 25 years ago and the dog breathing slob of "Feel Up" is equally matched by the mysterious On-Paris-streets-at-night "I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango). Seldom have I heard Grace sound as intimate as she does on "I've Done It Again" which slides right down and strips you off instant breath.

The final session the album cull songs from is "Living My Life" which contains songs of the more personal direction. On the album Grace co-wrote and eventually co-produced each and every song on the album. The beast songs chosen from Living My Life are: the stunning "Nipple to the Bottle", "My Jamaican Guy", "The Apple Stretching" and the heart-throbbing "Unlimited Capacity for Love" which stands as one of my personal favorites. Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions is stunning representation of Grace's Island material; includes 26 songs and many of them are presented in extended and in different mixes. It also includes 2 previously unreleased songs prior to the album release: the funky "Vamp-ish" Man Around the House and the reggae influenced Johnny Cash cover "Ring of Fire". Private Life: The Compass Point sessions are mostly aimed at hard-core Grace Jones fans (who anxiously await a new album release) but it also makes for a great listen to the casual fan who wants to explore the "Grace Jones Legend" a little closer.

the BEST Best of Grace Jones.......2004-09-17

There are SO MANY compilations devoted to this woman's music. I think she actually has more compilation albums than she had regular albums. Whatever. This one's a real winner. Especially if you liked her early eighties work. This double cd covers everything from hard-edged dance tunes ( Warm Leatherette ) to ballads ( the gorgeous I've Done It Again ) to dub reggae ( just about everything else ). Appearing on cd for the first time are several extended versions of songs from her albums ( which were actually recorded as extended versions, by the studio band, the Compass Point All-Stars, not just remixed and extended by some studio boffin ). Great liner notes. Great cover versions. I LOVE THIS CD. Very highly recommended.

Average customer rating: It all stated a few years back grass smoke some new Great rock 'n roll... Better with age... New direction but songcraft suffers (4 Stars)

Life on Other Planets Supergrass Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Supergrass In It for the Money Road to Rouen I Should Coco Supergrass Is 10: Best of 94-04 ASIN: B000088E60 Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

1. Za
2. Rush Hour Soul
3. Seen The Light
4. Brecon Beacons
5. Can't Get Up
6. Evening Of The Day
7. Never Done Nothing Like That Before
8. Funniest Thing
9. Grace
10. La Song
11. Prophet 15
12. Run

Amazon.com

Life on Other Planets is proof positive that you just never know what a band has in them. While the notoriously blunted Supergrass have always produced vividly screaming pop, their songs never followed an arc, instead flashing their moments of knuckleheaded brilliance before shuffling off in another direction. While Life on Other Planets, their fourth disc, has the band's goofball hallmarks--random coughs, braying animals, and mashed potato references, to name three--the songs go somewhere, and they yank us along with them. From the galloping chorus in "Grace," to the rickety handheld percussion and soft phrasings of "Evening of the Day," and the zippy distorted guitar lead in "Rush Hour Soul," Supergrass offers complete pop pictures with enormous detail and lots of instrumental extras. And the songs really rock. Plus, it's hard not to be staggered by a group that cagily writes about offbeat topics like expired witches ("Brecon Beacons") and life among the dead ("Prophet 15") while remembering to make those bridges and choruses soar. --Kim Hughes

Customer Reviews:

It all stated a few years back.......2005-11-26

I was in grade 7 or 8 and I heard Grace by Supergrass on Muchmusic and i thought it was decent. A year passed & I still remember the band name and the song so I downloaded it....That's when I fell in love. I have listened to this cd so many times that when I do listen to it now I save it for a special occasion




Check out the video for Rush Hour Soul, it's crazy!

grass smoke some new .......2005-11-22

supergrass life on other planets the album which featured the great single "grace" which sounded like t.rex KOOL i've got all their albums..but really i only listen too this and "in it for the money" because they have the less radio-friendly popness too them and have a dark twist on "in it for the money" and on this album you have the sparkly guitars yet a rockier sound a modern day classic by a britpop band who's shed it's label

Great rock 'n roll... .......2005-03-05

Criminally under-rated album from a criminally under-rated band. Check it out.

Better with age..........2004-11-01

Supergrass is one of the best bands active today. Their sound is both retro and current. Not only can they make catchy music, but their musicianship is second to none. That said, this release took a few listens to grow on me, but it has certainly done that. Each time it takes its place in my car's CD player, it stays there for weeks at a time. I feel this is one of their better releases, and I anxiously await the next...

New direction but songcraft suffers (4 Stars).......2004-09-29

Like every Supergrass album, Life On Other Planets takes the Supergrass formula of quirkiness and pop-masterworks and combines them with a new style. This time around it's glam rock but there's still fewer shining examples of Supergrass' wonderful songcraft than on their first two releases. Half of the album's great, while the rest is either good, bad, or even worse: filler. Songs like "Can't Get Up" and "Funniest Thing" feel half finished while "Evening Of The Day" is a purposeful parody of a parody that isn't funny as much as it is annoying, annoying being a term rarely found in any intelligent description of a Supergrass song. Although this is by far the most inconsistent release of Supergrass' career, the highs found here match and even outweigh the lows. The singles "Rush Hour Soul," "Seen The Light," "Never Done Nothing Like That Before," and "Grace" are all great additions to the Supergrass library. The wonderful "Za" and the gloomy funk of "Breacon Beacons" are also stand out tracks that make this album definitely worth owning. With "La Song" there are elements of the worse tracks featured here with a boring start that is almost unbearable after hearing what the rest of the song sounds like. This is an accurate representation of LOOP as a whole, some parts being fantastic, others being plain or grating. For the most part though this is a good album, if inconsistent. It is unsettling to see sketchy material on a Supergrass release and their production is a bit irksome in some spots but Life On Other Planets also confirms that Supergrass will never lose their touch for writing some of the most memorable pop songs of all time, should you be paying attention.

Average customer rating: Island Life Perfect for lounging Smooth Sailing... One of the Best Smooth Jazz Recordings So Far This Year

Island Life Ken Navarro Manufacturer: Positive Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: In My Wildest Dreams When Night Calls Slow Dance The Meeting Place Brighter Days ASIN: B00004S7ZI Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

1. Wake up Call
2. Island Life
3. Pluse Point
4. Part of It All
5. Sweet Mercy
6. Souvenir
7. World of Our Own
8. Delicioso
9. Heaven & Earth
10. Try Again [Live][*]

Customer Reviews:

Island Life.......2004-04-18

I listen to this at work when my stress level is high and it takes me away to an oceanside vacation with a cold drink in my hand. Fantastic!

Perfect for lounging.......2001-11-20

If you like the Rippingtons, you will enjoy this cd. Lots of guitar type jazz, easy going and smooth.

This cd has been in my car's cd player since I bought it!

Smooth Sailing..........2001-08-11

If you're looking for some great background music for work, reading, or for smoothing-out your driving in heavy traffic situations where some beautiful sounds might help to sooth your savage beast... slip in this CD. It puts me in a very peaceful place... in fact I had in my car's CD for about a week before I took it out. This will help you let-off and relax.

One of the Best Smooth Jazz Recordings So Far This Year.......2000-05-18

It is that good for me to boast that statement. Had a hard day at the office? Put this one in your CD Player, close the lights and you'll feel like you are there. Best one from Ken yet and quite possibly the best smooth jazz recording for 2000! Highly recommended!

Average customer rating: A century of British art songs to delight those who love them

English Song Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gibbs, Cecil Armstrong | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Warlock | Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Treasury of English Song Favorite English Songs Songs by Roger Quilter Bryn Terfel - The Vagabond & other songs by Vaughan Williams, Butterworth, Finzi & Ireland Silent Noon ASIN: B0002JEG6I Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

1. A Soft Day - Bernadette Greevy
2. Irish Skies - Bernadette Greevy
3. Cherry Ripe - Janice Watson
4. Mustard And Cress - Neal Davies
5. The Lily Of A Day - Janice Watson
6. Henry King - Neal Davies
7. Fain Would I Change That Note - Graham Johnson
8. In Summer-Time On Bredon - Christopher Maltman
9. The Lads In Their Hundreds - Christopher Maltman
10. Among The Rocks - Graham Johnson
11. It Was A Lover And His Lass - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
12. The Water Mill - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
13. On Wenlock Edge - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
14. The Call - Graham Johnson
15. Silent Noon - Graham Johnson
16. Now In These Fairylands - Philip Langridge
17. The Dream-City - Philip Langridge
18. Margrete's Cradle Song - Susan Gritton
19. The Heart Worships - Christopher Maltman
20. Take, O Those Lips Away - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
21. Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal - Graham Johnson
22. Love Calls Through The Summer Night - Anthony Rolfe Johnson
23. I Will Go With My Father A-Ploughing - Graham Johnson
24. The Rio Grande (Capstan Shanty) - Ian Partridge
25. Theodore, Or The Pirate King - Ian Partridge
26. A Long Time Ago (Hilliard's Shanty) - Ian Partridge
27. Oh Dear, What Can The Matter Be? - Bernadette Greevy

Tracks:

1. The Grenadier - Richard Edgar-Wilson
2. The Young Lover - Richard Edgar-Wilson
3. Betty And Johnny - Richard Edgar-Wilson
4. Rise Up And Reach The Stars - Richard Edgar-Wilson
5. The Bells - Nik Hancock-Child
6. Ann's Cradle Song - Nik Hancock-Child
7. As I Lay In The Early Sun - Nik Hancock-Child
8. The Cherry Tree - Nik Hancock-Child
9. Dusk - Nik Hancock-Child
10. Peter Warlock's Fancy - John Constable
11. The Frostbound Wood - John Constable
12. Chopcherry - John Constable
13. A Sad Song - John Constable
14. Rutterkin - John Constable
15. Bethlehem Down - John Constable
16. Wapping Old Stairs - Felicity Lott
17. Long Steel Grass - Martyn Hill
18. Tango-Pasodoble - Martyn Hill
19. Popular Song - Martyn Hill
20. Beatriz's Song - Felicity Lott
21. Lay Your Sleeping Head, My Love - Philip Langridge
22. Early One Morning - Felicity Lott
23. The Foggy, Foggy View - Philip Langridge
24. Now The Leaves Are Falling Fast - Philip Langridge
25. Tell Me The Truth About Love - Della Jones
26. The Choirmaster's Burial - Philip Langridge

Customer Reviews:

A century of British art songs to delight those who love them.......2006-06-26

These 53 songs have been collected by Naxos from their extensive acquisitions from Collins Classics, and perhaps other British sources now out of business. There's a steady cottage industry, year after year, producing the typical English art song, which is usually based on folk songs, but even in more modern idioms is profuondly conservative and nostaligic. Half these songs, not to mention half the composers, are totally unknown to American audiences, but the familiar names of Vaughan Williams and Britten represent high quality, and the lesser lights, such as Warlock and Quilter, are mainstays in this repertoire.

I'd challenge all but the most addicted listener to make it through more than ten songs at a sitting, and many of these pieces are tepid, offering comfort rather than inspiration. The singers are among the best, but Graham Johnson and Steuart Beford, who do most of the accompaniments, are lackluster. I know that won't be a popular comment, yet if you compare any of these songs with rendiitons done by Janet Baker, John Shirley-quirk, and most recently Bryn Terfel and Ian Bostridge, you immediately notice how much more intensity and drama is pesent than htis colleciton reveals.

Meditation Music:

1. Journey to a Nightmare
2. Kwan Se Om: Journey Through the 7 Oms Zorba Zen [Import]
3. Land
4. Looking Back
5. Mirror to Eternity
6. Moments of Illusion
7. Moondance
8. Music for Ayurveda
9. Narada Lotus Acoustic Sampler 5
10. Native Suite-Chants, Dances and the Remembered Earth

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Buy Our Intention; We'll Buy You a Unicorn

Eugen D'Albert

Czech Mate - Music for Violin and Piano / Fife, Da Silva

Music: Liszt: Années de pèlerinage, 2nd Year; Liebesträum No

Energy to Burn//1980 [Import]

Euphoria

Der Wind Hat Sich Gedreht Im Lande [Import]

Fox Sports Presents: Game Time!

Generation [Import]

Hallelujah: Great Choral Classics

Happy?

Dreams

Free City [Clean]

Fear of a Black Hat

Paris Concert