The Painter

1. Mafu

2. London: 1892/Robert Adrian Edwards/The Painter (Pt. 1)

3. Mona Claire

4. Thanks

5. Child's Eyes

6. Four A.M.

7. Quilt

8. Path

9. Back to York

10. James and the Giant Peach

11. Pleiades

12. Frontiers

The Painter,John Boswell,Hearts of Space,Chamber Jazz,Jazz Music,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Solo Instrumental

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Average customer rating: Harmony and fretwork Fills my heart with joy! Pure and Simple A Must For Your Collection A "Legendary" Recording

The Painter John Michael Talbot & Terry Talbot Manufacturer: Navarre Corporation ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Come to the Quiet The Lord's Supper/Be Exalted Troubadour of the Great King The John Michael Talbot Collection: A Library Of 35 Favorite Songs Simple Heart ASIN: B000008LDI Release Date: 1992-07-31

Tracks:

1. Greeting
2. Wonderful Counselor
3. Advent Suite
4. Behold Now The Kingdom
5. Create In Me A Clean Heart
6. Paint My Life
7. The Mystery
8. Jesus Has Come
9. The Empty Canvas

Customer Reviews:

Harmony and fretwork.......2007-07-03

Still one of my favorites. It has all the intricate fretwork and harmonic vocals one might expect from these talented brothers. It never grows old and the message of worship renews every time I play it. Best played with volume to gain true appreciation for the depth of sound.

Fills my heart with joy!.......2006-08-16

Of course, I'm not an expert by any means. My mom bought me the cassette recording of this album at least 20 years ago. Probably more. It took me a long time to finally take a listen because Christian music was never my thing. I'm so glad I finally heard it. The acoustic guitar, choral arrangements, a capella pieces, and instrumental performances are simply genius. There are parts of this album that still take my breath away and some that still bring tears to my eyes because they're so beautiful. The Advent Suite literally gives me a rush. What a perfect emotion to accompany the ancipation of the birth of Christ. Wow! The Talbot brothers are true musicians and it's obvious to me from their music alone that they are guided by the Holy Spirit. Enjoy!

Pure and Simple.......2006-07-25

I picked up this CD many years ago. I was captivated by it's wonder and beauty. This CD is very inspirational. It takes you through a landscape and journey of musical color. You will be drawn into this world, no matter how you feel about spirtualality. It is a landmark in Christian music. It is to be savored.

A Must For Your Collection .......2006-03-22

Why is this a must?

For many reasons, but for the greatest is that because it is so well done musically and spiritually; it is a very healing and meditative work. But don't let the term meditative lull you into thinking that means dull. Quite the contrary, there are many uplifting, joyful, and "fast" moving songs. All accoustic by the way.

The musical stylings are important whether you are Christian or not. From a historical view, the album really catches the heart of the Jesus Movement back in the late 70's and early 80's. From a purely musical viewpoint, the composition and structure of the pieces combine a rich musical heritage that is almost impossible to find anywhere else. This includes classical, gaelic, monastic chant (from around 1200 a.d.), and folk. Oddly, I have only heard this sort of combination of music from Led Zeppelin!

For most musical artists their early works are usually their best. I do not recall any poor or simply commercial quality works by this artist. I do have to state that if there were just one album to get from this artist then "The Painter" would be the one. The body of his work is extensive and thus merits investigation since no one could continue as long as he has without a significant following which presumes at least a certain sustained quality of workmanship (sans Aerosmith).

I bought this album to get back in touch with my first days as a believer; and it was so well worth the effort. It is composed in such a way as to be a great personal preparation for worship or church. I have bought an additional 3 copies to give to close friends. I have never done that before.

I can assure you that you will not regret this purchase - especially if you have limited funds and are buying for depth and effect.

A "Legendary" Recording.......2005-05-29

This is one of those wonderful albums it is tough to tire of. Released in 1980, THE PAINTER brought a new type of respect to Christian music, with its mixing of classical and classic folk styles and insightful lyrics. Terry and John Talbot, formerly of Mason Proffit fame showcase songwriting and guitar playing like never before and seldom since. The followup, NO LONGER STRANGERS, released a few years later, also is an excellent record, but being difficult to measure up to this masterpiece, it was a little disappointing. However, both recordings, as well as the brothers' REBORN (1974), are incredibly important contributions to the Jesus Music Movement, and all three hold up today as classics. Fortunately, the Talbot Brothers are working together again.

Average customer rating: great love songs Finest Songwriting Around Storytelling is the true test of a Singer/Songwriter Not all it's cracked up to be One of my FAVORITE CD's of ALL TIME

The Naked Dutch Painter and Other Songs Stew Manufacturer: Image Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Something Deeper Than These Changes Welcome Black Guest Host Post Minstrel Syndrome Joys & Concerns ASIN: B000063590 Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

1. Single Woman Sitting
2. Giselle
3. Reeling
4. The Drug Suite
5. Love Is Coming Through The Door
6. Cold Parade
7. North Bronx French Marie
8. The Smile
9. The Naked Dutch Painter

Customer Reviews:

great love songs.......2006-10-30

The Naked Dutch Painter is a perfect song. I rank it up there with Suzanne by Leonard Cohen. Like Cohen, Stew has this word-weary, Euro sound, kind of 60's, kind of intellectual. There's really no one else out there like him.

Finest Songwriting Around.......2005-02-09

What's this one-star "Not all it's cracked up to be" review? S/he's a "music lover"? What kind of music???? I can't tell you how many people I've turned on to Stew's wonderful Naked Dutch Painter CD. The songs are bright and inspired in the great tradition of intelligent pop balladry. Does this so-called "music lover" know what kind of crap is out there that really deserves a one-star? What's a matter, did Stew not tip you enough one night at Denny's?

Storytelling is the true test of a Singer/Songwriter.......2004-03-10

Stew is a storyteller first and a singer/composer second and that is OK because he's decent at that as well. I say decent because if he were any better than he was now than I would have a tough time paying attention to his lyrics and I'd get carried away in the music. The music is occasionally excellent accompaniment, and usually passable, but that's all that it has to be. The stories that he tells are interesting and he knows that the characters he presents are the high points and not his singing voice necessarily. He has no pride when it comes to his songs, at least that's the impression this CD gives me. This is a CD that you truly listen to. One thing that doesn't make sense to me is why there are bleeped out portions on the live tracks and yet he curses on "Naked Dutch Painter." Kind of odd if you ask me. Sometimes the portions where he talks to the audience about why he wrote a song and what it's about is very pertinent to the piece and it helps the CD ease along knowing what he tells you. I haven't listened to any of his music before this album, but this has to be a high point in his career.

Not all it's cracked up to be.......2004-01-24

I'm sure Stew is extremely entertaining Live, and he is a great storyteller/humorist/troubador.

I first heard of Stew in an NPR interview for this CD and was intrigued enough to pick up a copy.

Most of the reviews for this CD must be written by his hard core fans who have seen him perform live and are reliving the experience through the CD.

The lyrics are well thought out, and there is humor that you will enjoy sharing with your drinking buddies once or twice. But, there's no reason to put it in continual rotation on your CD player.

Listen to the samples - musically, they will remind you of a Childrens' record (lyrically, they'll remind you of a locker room).

If you feel you must buy a Stew CD and you aren't already a fan, start out with the first CD - Guest Host, which I feel is a little more commercial and stands up better to repeat listening.

One of my FAVORITE CD's of ALL TIME.......2004-01-03

I enthusiastically urge everyone to get this amazing and unique CD! (as well as any of Stew's, or the Negro Problem's, other discs). The songs are catchy, funny and witty-- my favorite tunes keep changing! If you like this, you're in for a big treat, because his other 6 or 7 cds are filled with gems: a musical gold mine. Stew is my favorite 'active' songwriter.

Average customer rating: Not bad prepare to be obliterated Need you read this, it's PIG DESTROYER!

Painter of Dead Girls Pig Destroyer Manufacturer: Robotic Empire ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: 38 Counts of Battery Prowler in the Yard Terrifyer Frozen Corpse Stuffed With Dope Altered States of America ASIN: B0001907CQ Release Date: 2004-01-27

Tracks:

1. Hymn
2. Taskmaster
3. Black Centipede
4. Immune To Life
5. Fuck You Up And Get High (Dwarves)
6. Contagion
7. Blank Dice
8. Blonde Prostitute
9. Patterns Of Failure
10. Reflection Fetish
11. Dark Satellites
12. Purity Undone
13. Forgotton Child
14. White Sand
15. Painter Of Dead Girls
16. Down On The Street (Stooges)
17. In The Meantime (Helmet)

Customer Reviews:

Not bad.......2006-09-13

Not too bad. If you like this kind of music you may like this CD.

prepare to be obliterated.......2004-04-15

This is the 1st PxDx cd ive purchased, and i think its great. sure its only 19 minutes but it does the job and feels like more. the dwarves, stooges, and helmet covers are awesome, i'd even say their version of "meantime" is better than the original. one beef i have with this is the vocal quality. jr hayes writes some amazing lyrics and can actually sing but on a lot of tracks he's very distorted. scott hull is such an amazing guitarist, you don't even care that these guys don't have a bass player. if you already own the splits these songs are on its still worth buying for the extra tracks and the live footage on the enhanced portion, in which during one song jr actually breaks the mic but keeps screaming without it, making little difference. pretty amusing, lots of goodies here and definitely worth the money. made me a fan.

Need you read this, it's PIG DESTROYER!.......2004-04-07

Be fooled not by impotent reviews, if you like Pig Destroyer or grindcore you should like this. The album is actually titled "Painter of dead girls" (I got my copy from verydistro.com, I recommend all music purchases be from this site, they have a massive variety of heavy music to choose from-hxc, metalcore, metal, punk, grind, etc.- and are as cheap as anywhere else plus they usually send sample CD's, stickers, mags, or whatever else). First of all, anyone seriously into grind or Pig Destroyer knows quality is always before quantity and, in this case, you can count on quality. The running time might not be that long but it's still good. If you know Pig Destroyer then you know what to expect: wicked screams, brutal riffs, sick drumming, JR's insane lyrics (given there are only lyrics available for about half of the tracks), and substantial ammounts of grind. All of these are present, as well as a nice cover of Helmet's "In the mean time". The only element listeners might find reduces this album is it's sound quality. However, it's not bad. If you are a fan of the genre then you know you appreciate the music not because it's attractive. This CD is raw Pig Destroyer, not pretty and fixed up but delivered straight brutal and insane. This ones for the fans. If you cant appreciate it, you aint no f**king fan. Pig Destroyer are among the elite of todays extreme music makers.

Average customer rating: Crazy and funny experience Quirky & Original Music Haunting music, but lyrics leave something to be desired The Way They Are Is Fabulous 5 stars for "I'm So Small" alone

The Way We Are John Mark Painter , and Fleming McWilliams Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Delusions of Grandeur First Band on the Moon I Megaphone Odelay Jagged Little Pill ASIN: B00000I5JN Release Date: 1999-02-23

Tracks:

1. Twinkle
2. I'm So Small
3. Sssh!
4. The Pearl
5. Comfortable
6. Don't Let It Fade Away
7. The Way We Are
8. Radiate
9. Ugly Girl
10. Sadder Day
11. Rain All Day
12. Devil's Food
13. Suppressed Emotions
14. I Fall For You
15. That's All I Know
16. The Hidden Track

Amazon.com

The Way We Are, the sophomore release by Nashville, Tennessee, pop-rockers Fleming and John shows that the quirky, infectious energy of their debut record, Delusions of Grandeur, was no fluke. In fact, The Way We Are is even grander, a gloriously overproduced pop epic. Vocalist Fleming McWilliams's voice soars from a waifish whisper to a Joplin-esque wail to operatic diva, often in the same song. Multi-instrumentalist John Painter assembles a dizzying palette of sounds, from buzzy, riff-heavy guitars to horns, accordion, Middle Eastern percussion, and theremin, which yields a general sense of weirdness--all set in a perfectly pop context--while the Love Sponge String Quartet add sonic depth and a Van Dyke Parks quality to several arrangements. The album gravitates to happy love songs, then to sad love songs, striking an emotional balance between contentment and melancholy with a sense of humor that never dips into sappiness. All this combines with impeccable pop-rock production for a record that is bottomless with potential hits. --Bradley S. Caviness

Customer Reviews:

Crazy and funny experience.......2005-01-13

I know that Crazy and Funny albums doesnt require deep thoughts and neither severe criticism , but i want to remark that this duet are a couple of genious , lunatics and funny musicians/songwriters maybe the most remarkable i ever knew , this album is ligth, judgemental, funny , hilarious sometimes , you need to check out "the way we are" satisfaction guaranteed"
HM

Quirky & Original Music.......2005-01-10

I heard Ugly Girl at the gym one morning and practically dropped the barbell when the lyrics hit me. What an incredibly vicious but fun song! I've played it for friends who all did double takes when the cattiness of the song sunk in.

The music is different and does challenge you which is great in this overly homoginized world of "popular" music (popular for who? the people who crank it out or the brainwashed masses who just buy it blindly?) Sometimes the lyrics do fail but I would definitely recommend purchasing "Ugly Girl" and really, REALLY listening to the lyrics - we've all felt this way when we've faced our ex's new significant other and they're not who we expected to replace us.

Haunting music, but lyrics leave something to be desired.......2003-12-03

I love the music here, strange as it might be. The diversity of the instruments is very nice, a welcome change from the standard guitars-and-drums bands that seem to be everywhere. The one beef I have with this album is that the lyrics just don't work with the music. The music is creative and different, but the lyrics really can't hold up their end of the bargain. It's the same problem the Cranberries, have, in my opinion. Great music, just lacking some sophistication in the lyrics. I tried hard to love it, really I did. I can only love certain parts of it.

Tracks I really like:

Ugly Girl (of course!)
Sadder Day (I love the retro references, and the disco-ey-ness)
The Pearl (Was that short story by John Steinbeck? I don't remember)
Rain All Day (It's just kind of nice)

-thus endeth my unprofessional review-

The Way They Are Is Fabulous.......2003-08-13

I bought this CD a couple years ago when just by chance I heard "Ugly Girl" on some new music program and was instantly hooked by the catchy and clever song and the shimmery vocals that accompanied it.

From the first track to the last, Fleming and John will take you on a musical exploration of relationships. Some of the highlights include the title track, "The Way We Are," in which the narrator wonders how their love will survive the various trials of life. The aforementioned "Ugly Girl" attracts you instantly with the xylophone riffs and keeps you entranced by its musings of a jilted lover on her replacement. "Sadder Day" is a nostalgic look at adolescence in the early 80's and first love and loss.

Throughout every song, Fleming will amaze you with the versatility of her powerful and captivating voice. It changes to suit every story perfectly, as does the vast range of musical instruments John uses to give each song its own personality.

I just love this CD. It's one that you will keep playing over and over again.

5 stars for "I'm So Small" alone.......2003-06-05

"I'm So Small" has got to be one of the best songs I've heard in at least 3-4 years, I really, REALLY wish I had discovered the rest of Fleming & John's music when it first came out, but unfortunately the only song I'd heard by them was "Ugly Girl", which I thought was good in a funny, cute sort of way, but was in no way prepared for just how excellent this band is. I stated above, this CD deserves 5 stars just for "I'm So Small" and is worth every penny. The song literally gives me goosebumps, it totally affects me. Get this album. Don't think about it, just get it.

Average customer rating: Rubinsky : a new reference in Villa Lobos Lively Piano Music from Brazil Charming Villa-Lobos pieces for children. More, please! Native?

Villa-Lobos: Piano Music Vol. 1 / Rubinsky Sonia Rubinsky Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Villa-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Villa-Lobos, Heitor | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | 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 Similar Items: Villa-Lobos: Piano Music, Vol. 3 Villa-Lobos: A Prole do Bebe No. 2, Cirandinhas Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4 Villa-Lobos Piano Music: Guia Prático Nos. 1-9 Piano Music: "Prole Do Bebe" Vol. 1, "DanCas Caracteristicas Africanas" and Other Works ASIN: B00000ICMZ Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

1. The Baby's Family: Little White Doll (The Porcelain Doll)
2. The Baby's Family: Little Brunette Doll (The Paste Doll)
3. The Baby's Family: Little Mestiza Doll (The Clay Doll)
4. The Baby's Family: Little Muhatta Doll (Rubber Doll)
5. The Baby's Family: Little Black Doll (The Wooden Doll)
6. The Baby's Family: The Poor Little Doll (The Rag Doll)
7. The Baby's Family: Punch
8. The Baby's Family: The Witch (The Cloth Doll)
9. Cirandas: Terezinha de Jesus
10. Cirandas: The Countess
11. Cirandas: Senhora dona sancha
12. Cirandas: The Carnation Fought With The Rose
13. Cirandas: Poor Blind Woman
14. Cirandas: Go Away, Go Away, Hawk
15. Cirandas: Shoo, Shoo, Little Bird
16. Cirandas: Let's Go To The Mountain, Calunga
17. Cirandas: I Went To Itororo
18. Cirandas: The Painter Of Canai
19. Cirandas: In This Street
20. Cirandas: Look At The Little Bird, Domine
21. Cirandas: Looking For A Needle
22. Cirandas: The Canoe Capsized
23. Cirandas: What Beautiful Eyes!
24. Cirandas: Chip, Chip, Chip
25. Hommage a Chopin: Noturno
26. Hommage a Chopin: A la balada

Amazon.com

At last, a replacement for Roberto Szidon's long-deleted recording of Cirandas! This is one of Villa-Lobos's most delightful works, a long piano suite (41:46 in this recording) of folk-flavored pieces that progress from one charming idea to another and never outlast their material. The Baby's Family, the first of two suites, is also charming music, made popular by Artur Rubinstein. The Chopin tribute is one of those crocks of musical dishwater Villa-Lobos stuck his hands into when his mind was on something else, but it's brief and comes at the end of the disc. Brazilian pianist Sonia Rubinsky plays with stylistic insight and gorgeous piano tone, very well captured by Naxos in a recording that sat in the can for almost five years before it was finally issued. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Rubinsky : a new reference in Villa Lobos.......2005-04-18

When Villa Lobos listened for the first time the works of Debussy and Stravinsky ( The Russian Ballets of Diaghlev danced in Rio de Janeiro in 1913 and 1917) he found the way to create something really adequate to involve Brazilian authentic tunes . The first important period of Villa Lobos as a composer involve two series of works: The Prole do Bebê ( No 1 and No 2) and the Choros. Prole do Bebê is full of Pentatonic and whole tone scales, and the Harmony of some of the pieces are deeply influenced by Stravinsky: The Polichinelo is a Brazilian brother of the Russian white/black harmony of Petrushka. For the first time one Brazilian composer was proud of our authentic songs and he placed these lovely melodies in the middle of a very sophisticated piano writing and with new harmonies that fitted wonderfully with his purposes. The Cirandas is also involved with the child's world. I would like to remember that The Cirandas are not important only as a wonderful composition, but I'm sure too that without this work a lot of authentic folkloric melodies would be lost ,as our childs don't play no more singing these melodies. Times of globalization...
The Prole No 1 and the Cirandas are among the most often played and recorded piano works of Heitor Villa Lobos. The references for the Prole do Bebe No 1 are of course Aline van Barentzen , that recorded the Prole 1 and 2 in Paris for EMI in the presence of the composer ( unfortunately the CD version of the album "Villa Lobos par lui meme" doesn't include this important recording, that was present in the LP version), Nelson Freire( unfortunately he recorded only the Prole 1) and Anna Stella Schic . For the Cirandas the references are again Anna Stella Schic ( the only pianist that recorded the complete works for piano by Villa Lobos), Roberto Szidon and Caio Pagano.
I'm profoundly satisfied with this first record of this important project ( It will be a series of 9 Cds, I believe). Sonia Rubinsky plays very well, and I would like to prize her attitude about the fidelity towards the printed score. As the Prole do Bebe No 1 includes some very often played compositions , they are normally played with some liberties and "traditions". As Mahler used to say, "Tradition is Schlamperei". I really prefer to listen these pieces as Sonia Rubinsky plays: as they are written. One can prefer the exceptional musicality of Nelson Freire in the Prole, or the analytical sound of Caio Pagano in the Cirandas. But Sonia is a first rate pianist too. She has a wonderful sonority .With her flawless musicality we can say that this integral began as a new reference in Villa Lobos discography .

Lively Piano Music from Brazil.......2003-05-20

Villa-Lobos, who is of course the great composer of Brazil, has a less secure place in the history of modern music of the West, so it is good that his art is getting a reappraisal, with various record labels committed to issuing cycles of his works-the symphonies and string quartets, for example. Villa-Lobos wrote a great deal of piano music that isn't heard as much as it used to be, so the present CD, the first in a two-volume series (maybe there will be more) from Naxos is welcome indeed.

If Ginastera is the Bartok of the pampas, Villa-Lobos, in his piano music at least, might be seen as early Prokofiev or Stravinsky transported to the Amazon. As with Ginastera, there is much of surface glitter and of grit, but the emotional depths that Ginastera plumbs in his more inward music seems sorely lacking in much of this piano music by Villa-Lobos. Maybe inwardness wasn't on the composer's agenda as he tried to recreate the world of childhood in these pieces. But I wish he had taken his cue from Schumann, whose "Kinderscenen" is great music primarily because it doesn't shy away from the truth that childhood isn't all fun and games, though the troubling dissonances that intrude on the surface serenity of Villa-Lobos' "The Countess" and "What Beautiful Eyes!" hint at this fact.

Anyway, there is certainly a place for brilliance and grit, which Villa-Lobos' music has in abundance, and especially if you don't listen to all these pieces at one sitting, you will appreciate the freshness and liveliness of Villa-Lobos' invention. I think you'll also find Villa-Lobos' brand of musical primitivism, which intelligently combines European modernism and native New World musical elements, intriguing. You'll probably be amused, too, by "Little Black Doll" and "Look at the Pretty Birdy," which start off as perfect Debussy knockoffs but quickly absorb Villa-Lobos' own Latin-tinged idiom. Certainly, it's easy to see why the Petrouchka-influenced "Punch" from "A Prole do Bebe" suite was at one time an encore favorite with pianists such as Villa-Lobos' champion Artur Rubinstein. Then there is the jazzy "In This Street" from "Cirandas," which illustrates Villa-Lobos' unique assimilation of European and Brazilian popular music.

Sonia Rubinsky brings the requisite pianistic chops to this recital. She has great technique and finds no hurdles she can't manage in Villa-Lobos' sometimes grueling keyboard writing. But she also brings delicacy, charm, and wit to her assignment as well, which breathes life and purpose into the quieter pieces like "What Beautiful Eyes!" A first-rate sound recording, too, from Fisher Hall in Santa Rosa, California. This disc is recommended without hesitation.

Charming Villa-Lobos pieces for children........2001-12-18

The move from the large-scale orchestra we may be more familiar with to the piano does not mean that the music of Villa-Lobos loses any of its energy, rhythm, colour or beauty. The two major works here, 'A Prole do Bebe' (the Baby's family) and 'Cirandas' (a Portuguese dance) evoke the world of childhood, and are said to belong to the traditon of Schumann and Tchaikovsky, but the warm colours and rich harmonies are more tropical than those chilly Europeans, with Villa-Lobos brilliantly incorporating and reworking Brazilian folk material. The first wittily depicts the personalities of a child's dolls; the set of dances push their good-natured skittishness into real emotion at times. The 'Homage a Chopin' give a famously restrained and reflective idiom some sunny and dramatic virtuosity. Brazilian pianist Sonia Rubinsky knows these pieces and their influences well, and responds to them with intelligence, empathy and humour.

More, please!.......2001-02-28

I have heard Villa-Lobos' A prole do Bebê in various interpretations, but I cannot remember it ever has impressed me more than in Sonia Rubinsky's recording of it, which is utterly virtuoso (I mean a natural virtuosity without bravado)and at the same time very warm and colorful. As in `A prole do Bebê' the `Cirandas', on the same record, show a surpring succesion of various moods, dreamy or exciting, tender or fiery and passionate. There is a continuous tension between strong rhythm and free flowing melody, and a sonority that is very well preserved in the excellent recording. She does not `hammer' the Cirandas as if they were written by Bartòk - a pitfall that seems not altogether imaginary. This is only the first of a series of discs on which Sonia Rubinsky will play Villa Lobos' complete piano works. I hope it won't take too long before we will be able to hear them all. In a broadcast by The Radio Suisse Romande I heard a marvelous sample of the net yet available second volume, which I am eagerly awaiting, as well as the other volumes.

Native?.......2000-10-25

The playing here is rather weak and one has to wonder if being a native of a particular country can be a benefit or a hindrence? As for fantasy, which is much needed in the music of Villa Lobos, I don't feel there is much> The quality of this recording seems o.k. I heard a performance of this pianists RUDEPOEMA and was equally unimpressed! As for the composer? Villa lobos is Fantastic! Interestingly enogh, the pianist Deborah Halasz has embarked on a interesting complete Villa lobos piano music set thet outshines the other competitors, including the mundane playing of Marc Andre Hamelin

Average customer rating: I want my money back! Another beautiful piece of art "A Painter's Musical Portrait" A Different Lightfoot Lightfoot at his songwriting best

A Painter Passing Through Gordon Lightfoot Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Folk | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Salute Harmony Shadows East of Midnight Waiting for You ASIN: B0000062WB Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

1. Drifters
2. My Little Love
3. Ringneck Loon
4. I Used To Be A Country Singer
5. Boathouse
6. Much To My Surprise
7. A Painter Passing Through
8. On Yonge Street
9. Red Velvet
10. Uncle Toad Said

Amazon.com

The camps remain divided on Gordon Lightfoot, largely due to his love-it-or-hate-it 1976 hit single "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Those on the fan side of the line will find reasons to enjoy his 1998 album A Painter Passing Through; the naysayers won't. Lightfoot, nearing 60, has lost much of his lower register, but the tell-tale tics of his singing style are still in place, especially the catch in his voice on Steve McEown's appropriately-titled "I Used to Be a Country Singer." Lightfoot's songwriting skills, however, have not diminished at all, and "Drifters," "Boathouse," and "On Yonge Street" are among the winning tracks on Painter. Fellow Canadian Daniel Lanois guests on the latter two tracks. --Michael Ruby

Customer Reviews:

I want my money back!.......2006-08-30

I am a hard-core fan of Gord. But this cd is terrible! It was the only time I've ever written to a music company asking for my money back (of course it was ignored). Then I tried giving it away to my father-in-law, who is also a big fan. Last I saw, it was being used to balance out an uneven chair leg.

Another beautiful piece of art.......2006-03-04

I adore this album. My favorites are 'My Little Love' (great beat), 'Drifters', and 'Painter Passing Through'. I did not care for 'Ringneck Loon' AT FIRST! Now it is beginning to be one of my favorites. This is not an album of radio hits. It is another collection of thoughts and memories of one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His aging voice is just 'seasoning' that makes me love his newer music even more. I am so thankful that I 'bumped' into this 'Painter' 35 years ago. His music touches me in a way that no other music could. Keep the records coming Gordon. I am holding my breath waiting for more.

"A Painter's Musical Portrait".......2005-02-02

A Painter Passing Through proves that older is better !! No one can take away the spirit and wisdom of this older Gordon Lightfoot. He still has the experience and musicianship to write good songs. Some nice catchy material can be heard.
Such as : "Drifters" "I Used To Be A Country Singer" "My Little Love" "Much To My Surprise" and the ever expressive song "A Painter Passing Through" When you listen to the words that he so eloquently sings it makes us realize that we really are {Painters Passing Through}. Life has taken Gordon there and back again in the same way that our own lives take us there and back again. It is this life experience that gives us the wisdom, perseverance, knowledge, spirituality and the ablility to relate to the challenges we face. In the Same way that Gordon has. Gordon Lightfoot has struggled and sacrificed in order to bring his music to us and I for one will be ever grateful.
Gordon has made his Life experiences ours through his music.
And that is a Beautiful Thing !! To have the musical ability to share and expose an inner most part of his soul.
His everlasting undying willingness to produce, write, compose and perform for our listening pleasure.!!
" Now Thats " A Painter Passing Through !!!!

A Different Lightfoot.......2004-06-18

I am a younger fan of Gordon Lightfoot. The first album I ever heard of his was Gord's Gold Volume 1. This album is definately not like any of his former albums. His voice has aged, but the songs are enjoyable to listen to. I know that a lot of people don't care for the Ringneck Loon song on this album, but I believe it is just one of those songs he recorded to have fun (I do have to admit, I crack up every time I hear it.) Drifters is a great song, my favorite on this album. Boathouse is a different kind of song, depecting a more restless lightfoot, and I have to admit, some of the rhyms are a bit strange. Much to My Surprise is a great song about reminiscence for Lightfoot, and Uncle Toad is enjoyable as well. My Little Love is sort of catchy, but once again, some of the rhyms are not that great. This album really grows on you, it might not really grab your attention at first, but keep listening, and you will come to see it as a valuable edition to your Gordon Lightfoot collection. I enjoy this album and don't get tired of listening to it, I mean, come on, who else would write a song about a loon? Gordon is still the best in my book!

Lightfoot at his songwriting best.......2003-10-16

Yes, Gordon Lightfoot's voice has lost a little of its luster, but his songwriting skills are still top notch. I think some reviewers were put off by the change in his voice--it is still pretty good--just a little different.

I find that the more I listen to the CD, the more it grows on me. Keep 'em coming, Gordon!

Average customer rating: Outstanding Debut Michelangelo A Real Gem I never get tired of this one. In Bad Taste

The Painter John Boswell Manufacturer: Hearts of Space ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000000X6F Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

1. Mafu
2. London: 1892/Robert Adrian Edwards/The Painter, Part 1
3. Mona Claire
4. Thanks
5. Child's Eyes
6. Four A.M.
7. The Quilt
8. The Path
9. Back To York
10. James And The Giant Peach
11. Pleiades
12. Frontiers

Product Description

1. Mafu
2. London: 1892 giRobert Adrian Edwards giThe Painter Part 1
3. Mona Claire
4. Thanks
5. Child's Eyes
6. Four A.M.
7. The Quilt
8. The Path
9. Back To York
10. James And The Giant Peach
11. Pleiades
12. Frontiers

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Debut.......2005-08-27

John Boswell's debut album, horribly miscategorized as New Age, is a wonderful collection of original and emotional piano works by an accomplished pianist. While the melodies evoke emotion, they are never schmaltzy or jejune. The works do, in fact, tell stories without pretention or the showiness that can occur on debut albums.

Beautiful listening whether it's your primary focus, or underscoring moments of your life.

An outstanding debut album for Boswell.

Michelangelo.......2003-10-12

I've seen this beautifully gifted human being "paint" his songs .. there is no one remotely like him. If you close your eyes and listen very closely, when you hear his "Pleiades", you will be able to see this cluster of stars twinkling. He is far beyond amazing. I am blessed to have all of John Boswell's CDs and have made gifts of many, many more to my very grateful friends and family. It is an honor and a privilege to know this gifted man and his music. Please give yourself the gift of John Boswell's musical genius.

A Real Gem.......2003-04-20

Thanks to those who did the reviews in Amazon, I came to know about this CD and I always feel how well John Boswell has used musical notes to paint a soothing picture unfolding right from the first track to the last. I like particularly "Mafu," "London:1892," "Thanks," and "Child's Eyes," but I should say that the whole CD is a perfect combination with serenity flowing through. It delivers warmth and calmness when I am listenning to it with full attention or I need it as a music background as I am doing reading. Among the burgeoning new age music, it is a real gem deserving a special position.

I never get tired of this one........2001-10-12

It's true that music of the "new age" genre gets slammed quite a bit. And let's face it, some of it is downright awful. I've heard my fair share of it over the years. But John Boswell does not fall into that category. All of the tracks on "The Painter" make you sit up and take notice. Totally unpretentious, each note seems perfectly selected for the mood and sense of place Boswell is creating. Much of the rhythms are fluid and melodic, inspired and resonant. There is nothing generic about this music. I think the title itself lets you know what to expect: a masterpiece!

In Bad Taste.......2001-09-20

Why buy New Age instrumental music when you can hear them for free at supermarkets and in elevators? I got this as a present and now I don't know what to do with it (I can't burn it for fear of releasing dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere). New Age piano music is making some amateur pianists complacent of their abilities. Boswell, like Tesh and Yanni, exploits the sustain pedal like a romance author with foreplay, resulting in pretentious melodies without parallels. The success of these musicians is starting a dangerous trend: pianists cutting their training short to pursue solo careers. For the sake of good taste, banish this to where it belongs.

Average customer rating: Another Tribute album...

The String Quartet Tribute to Norah Jones Manufacturer: Vitamin Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: String Quartet Tribute to Sarah Mclachlan The String Quartet Tribute to Staind ASIN: B0000BWVNO Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

1. Seven Years
2. Turn Me On
3. Lonestar
4. One Flight Down
5. Don't Know Why
6. Feelin' The Same Way
7. Come Away With Me
8. If I Were A Painter
9. The Nearness Of You
10. The Long Day Is Over

Product Description

1. Seven Years
2. Turn Me On
3. Lonestar
4. One Flight Down
5. Don't Know Why
6. Feelin' The Same Way
7. Come Away With Me
8. If I Were A Painter
9. The Nearness Of You
10. The Long Day Is Over

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Another Tribute album..........2003-12-02

Upon listening to this CD, one ponders the question why re-create songs that are already in this arrangement? Norah Jones is very mello, dull and boring as it is. All of her work is through-composed. She just writes as she goes with no attention to form.
These Vitamin guys must be cranking these CD's out in bulk just hoping that one will cash in. Do we really need muzak versions of all these rock-pop artists? The music was created originally for a certain ensemble. Putting it in string format does not heighten it's credibility. Furthermore Vitamin keeps hiring the same people to do these arrangements,why not at least experiement and make logical new arrangements based on the music (i.e. maybe a smooth jazz for Norah) to offer a fresh version-whoops you might steal that idea now...also I heard the tracks from the guy that was originally hired to do this..Joe Andolino.. and he's a great arranger. Too bad Vitamin doesn't care. Based on the used copies available of this already it speaks for itself.

Average customer rating: Paints A Vivid Picture If only the guy would stop screaming this would be cool Ephel Who??? This is Amazing. (Really 4.75 Stars) Jazz metal? No, jazz AND metal. groundbreaking, technical, unpredictable, amazing.

Painter's Palette Ephel Duath Manufacturer: Earache Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pain Necessary to Know Eventuality Rephormula Nano-Nucleonic Cyborg Summoning Sublimation ASIN: B00009MGGT Release Date: 2003-06-17

Tracks:

1. Passage (Pearl Grey)
2. Unpoetic Circle (Bottle Green)
3. Labyrinthine (Crimson)
4. Praha (Ancient Gold)
5. Picture (Bordeaux)
6. Ruins (Deep Blue and Violet)
7. Ironical Communion (Amber)
8. My Glassy Shelter (Dirty White)
9. Other's Touch (Amaranth)

Customer Reviews:

Paints A Vivid Picture.......2006-09-29

It is impossible to pigeonhole this album. Ephel Duath is a blend of jazz, hardcore, progressive, black metal, classical, mathcore, and other stuff like that.

I cannot say anything bad about this band. Luciano Lorusso George is one of the most talented vocalists you'll ever witness. Whether it's from his shoutouts to his melodic singing voice, he has range like none other. Fabio Fecchio is one talented bassist. He obviously has a very strong technical jazz background. Just listen to the bass interlude in the middle of "The Passage". Wow.

From listening to this album, I could really find how jazz can play a major role in progressive avant-grade metal. Especially for a band like Ephel Duath. Don't miss out on this album. It could just be one of your new favorites.

If only the guy would stop screaming this would be cool.......2006-06-03

So...I bought this cd not knowing anything whatsoever about the band. I listened to a couple of bits, and it sounded like some good musicianship. The couple of bits I listened to didn't have the screaming.

I'm a huge fan of 80's metal. I still think the early Iron Maiden is brilliant. I also like flashy instrumentals--and there is that here. In fact...I'd probably love this if it weren't for the nails-on-the-chalkboard screaming that intrudes on the melodies.

I don't get it. What's the appeal of the screamed lyrics that you can't understand without reading the insert? A good scream now and again is fine, but screamed lyrics? It sure ain't singing.

And it fatally mars what could have been a very fine bit of music.

Ephel Who??? This is Amazing. (Really 4.75 Stars) .......2005-11-22

EPHEL DUATH - Painter's Palette
-
Ephel Duath is the bastard child of Jazz, Hardcore and Metal. Fused into a truly unique sound...
Within the first 2 minutes of the first track, Passage I was sold. Musically these guys are ridiculously talented... Vocals very from an odd yet, appealing singing to Refused-like hardcore screaming. By the time Passage is over you are impressed, confused, and anticipating the next track... Unpoetic Circle is the 2nd song and starts with a crunchy guitar and amazing drum beat and some vicious vocals.... Then fades in and out between beauty and chaos. Labyrinthine visits the territory of funk and the breakdown in the song sounds like Flea from the Chili Peppers gone *mad*. Praha is a mix between what you hear at a jazz bar if a circus was located next store... Just Insane Instru-Metal. I could continue listing each track but if your not intrigued enough by this point to download or buy the CD it's your loss. Simply put this is and amazing, unique, aural experience...
Best Songs: Passage, Ruins, and Unpoetic Circle.
-4.75 Stars (Damn near perfect...)
(New Album Pain Necessary to Know comes out in December!!!)

Jazz metal? No, jazz AND metal........2005-11-13

If Miles Davis recorded a metal album, would it sound like this?

True, a bad question since there is absolutely no way to answer it, but I'd still throw in all my chips for yes if I had to make a choice.

Presenting a ceaseless progression of jazz only, metal only, and jazz metal fusion moments, Ephel Duath makes a case for the most technically complex and weird metal album of all time.

The songs are as eclectic and limitless as the oddest Primus recordings, and unlike many jazz influenced metal albums, Painter's Palette showcases purely jazz moments almost as often as it does the jazz metal fusion sections. The ability for the band to pull this off seemlessly provides evidence for what blows my mind the most about this album: its intent.

Despite the nearly constant morphing, Painter's Palette never comes off as self-absorbed or gaudy. Instead the aggressively rapid bipolar mood seems the perfect manifestation of what this band set out to do. Listening carefully, one can tell the drums have a lot to do with this. Maintaining a steady position within the jazz style, the drums leave the guitar, bass, and vocals to do most of the experimenting. Overall, I consider this to be a great asset as the drums provide a solid foundation which gives the album enough focus and consistency to prevent the entire project from seeming too spastic and disjointed.

Even within the context of jazz, though, Ephel Duath is not content abiding by the rules. Uncharaceristic of technically progressive jazz and metal, Painter's Palette contains many instances of melody, and variations from the core elements, including futuristic electronica flourishes and recurring saxophone jamming which most often adds an element of confident coolness.

Considering the evolution of Rephormula to this release, I cannot wait for what Ephel Duath has in store for us when it releases its new album, Pain Necessary to Know, on December 13th. The authentically mindboggling musical ability and fluidity on this album is a clear indication that the new album will be sneaking its way onto a lot of metal fans' top of 2005 lists right before the finish line.

groundbreaking, technical, unpredictable, amazing........2005-08-12

Bands like Tool have had trained jazz musicians in their band. Cynic even had a significant jazz influence on their music. But no band has blended jazz and metal to the extent that Ephel Duath does on The Painter's Palette. But jazz is not the only influence contained on here, as they prove their influences are not just based in jazz and metal, but also progressive and avant-garde music as well.

After Phormula was released and his partner decided to quit music altogether, guitarist/songwriter/mastermind Davide Tiso decided he wanted Ephel Duath to become an actual band instead of just the two man project it was before that. So he found two vocalists, a bassist and a drummer. The catch is that of the four new recruits, only one (metal/screamcore/whatever you want to call it vocalist Luciano Lorusso) had previous experience in metal. The other three are a 50-year old highly-trained jazz drummer, a jazz bassist and a rock vocalist.

The music here is as unique and wonderful as you can imagine given a lineup like that. At first it sounds as though it is a chaotic mess of some hybrid of The Dillinger Escape Plan, jazz fusion, Opeth and about 50 other bands. But after awhile, when you begin to comprehend Davide Tiso's songwriting style it becomes apparent that the tempo and style shifts are not as drastic or random as they would at first seem. There are extremely logical progressions and moods to the songs. Not only that but the songs range from entrancing mental voyages to hugely epic climaxes to full out energetic ear-slaughterfests. The hallucinogenic atmosphere of "The Unpoetic Circle" and repetition of a single note on the bass until it makes you want to rip your face off on "Ironical Communion" are just two of the around fifty or so high points of the album.

Throughout the album Davide Tiso also proves himself adept at handling all of the tools a 21st century music studio gives to you - the sound quality is flawless, he handles multiple guitar tracks like a true master, and there are tastefully used electronic effects throughout the album that only serve to enhance the music in wonderful ways as he proves himself more than competent at creating a tense soundscape a few times on the album

In conclusion, Ephel Duath are truly groundbreakers in the progressive, metal or whatever you want to call it music scene. There are no bands around that bear more than a passing similarity to them, and they manage to do this while still maintaining a fair share of cohesion, melody and musical complexity (the amount of talent on this album is mind boggling). I would recommend this album highly to anyone who likes "left field" or original music.

Average customer rating: She Has This Boy Want the most for your money? Check this out Many breathtaking moments Amazing and brilliant pop In theory I should love this

Lazy Line Painter Jane Belle & Sebastian Manufacturer: Matador Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Twee Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Alternative Folk | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Alternative General | Alternative Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Bargain Box Sets | Folk General | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Folk General | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Books I'm Waking Up to Us Jonathan David Legal Man Belle and Sebastian: Just a Modern Rock Story ASIN: B00004I9UT Release Date: 2000-03-07

Tracks:

1. Dog On Wheels
2. State I Am In, The
3. String Bean Jean
4. Belle & Sebastian

Tracks:

1. Lazy Line Painter Jane
2. You Made Me Forget My Dreams
3. Photo Jenny
4. Century Of Elvis, A

Tracks:

1. Century Of Fakers, A
2. Le Pastie De La Bourgeoise
3. Beautiful
4. Put The Book Back On The Shelf

Amazon.com

The three four-song EPs that Belle and Sebastian released on their own Jeepster label in 1997 are regarded by many fans to be their most enjoyable artifacts, and it's hard to argue. Like a Peel session, there is a looser feel to these recordings; they're less perfectionist than the proper albums they bookend (Tigermilk and Sinister). And this is their charm: Stuart Murdoch and friends augment their preciously fey, orchestral pop with cross-genre elements and two great songs with spoken word on top that remind one of similar experiments conducted by the Mekons in the mid-'80s. The first EP includes an early, pre-Tigermilk demo of "Dog on Wheels," a delicious ditty that sounds like Nick Drake and Burt Bacharach working out a song in a practice space somewhere in Edinburgh. The choice to issue the music in facsimile editions--the only thing new is a piece of cardboard--rather than the single disc onto which they would easily fit seems a tad suspect. But these EPs do capture an unsteady group with great influences and good ideas in the act of transcending that to become one of the 1990s' smartest, most enjoyably decadent pop acts. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Fans who missed out on the 3 import EPs between 'If You're Feeling Sinister' and 'The Boy With the Arab Strap' should pick up this set that puts them all in 1 box, as it's quality work and all non-LP material. A Matador Records release.

Customer Reviews:

She Has This Boy.......2005-06-19

This is a superb box set and showcases songwriting as elegantly economic and sincere as lazy Jane's art. The keynote of great art is sincerity and that's what resonates here. Oh yes, "She will have a boy tonight"! The subject of the cover art is the breathtaking Thea Martin. I wrote this for her:

Not A Poem

(For Thea Rosamund Caromy Martin)


This is not a poem, this a kiss:

Pure joy, pure hope, pure passion between lips:

True God, from true God, pure light from pure light.

Warms you through the night, ends all dreams.

You've always known this kiss exists.



Loves you completely, from the first,

Shares every chimera, every wish when you wake,

Honours your best, forgives your worst;

Loves you at a moment's reconnaissance

of your olive eyes and sizzling lips, cerise;



your finespun frame and golden breast,

wrapped in red-ribbon and jet jacket,

vested in genius wit, in words that tease and strip

to Thea Rosamund Caromy Martin: soul, mate -

sagacious, conscious, correctly proud not to be pathetic



At your worst, you are God's church:

the sinfully rapturous sinews of strength that fit, no, furbish

your summer dress as I walk with you, along the criossette

and cannot hide under your Annie Hall hat

the masterpiece you read in me or the heart in you saying yes



that yeilds to kindness because it is kind and

cannot camouflage with the ice of a gifted mind

your wisdom once unheralded: girlish intuitiveness

that always understood the universe,

in your smile, scent and kittenish purrs;



nor the wisdom won in bloody battles, of the woman exalted:

by the pervading pulse and secret sighs of your soul's home,

you speak the truth alone: melted musical, sprinkled manna;

merry mouth, lovely, salted sores of centuries,

little sugar droplets ceaselessly stirring



while I shiver beneath the cinerous sky,

under the hovering torrent that worked its way inside.

So how could you not notice I am still student?

still convict on last ship to Australia, lying low in soup kitchens with

cats just coolin' to escape college or gallows;



yet, in your visionary grasp, suddenly I've outgrown my in-jokes

to be on quest, mote jueste, for a signature grail

for a word to rub and heal your poor, tired feet,

hammer a nail, sling an axe, bow to bride,

if words such as these are truly more than poetry



to unlock a kingdom's chest or spin the gold of your breast:

not words at all but your kiss in my kiss and, again, your kiss.

all that is me is yours: my reach in rivers overflown

my fingers in your hair, my face in your hands,

my heart thumping hard at your soft, soft centre of self.



This kiss is not a clanging bell, it is music.

This kiss is not an infidel, it is tantric.

This kiss is not science, it is mystic.

This kiss always listens before it speaks.

This kiss is not a patriarch, it is holy spirit.



This kiss is karma: Life giving to life,

goodness giving to goodness, giving back safely all magic and bliss

that began in the moonlight of the Petit Majestic

Is life's rich marrow, yesterday, today and tomorrow:

Slow and serene, it melts but never goes away



This kiss does not possess, does not scream, "Me!",

never asks if its happy. It just is.

This kiss waits peacefully and authentically:

in celebration, the act of love,

without condition, without risk.



© J Harkness 2005

Want the most for your money? Check this out.......2005-06-01

Belle and Sebastian have been making great pop music for nearly a decade now, and some of their best work isn't on any studio album. You'll find great gems like "Lazy Line Painter Jane" and "The State I Am In" on this set, but why stop there? You could pay $18 for this box set. But there's a better option now.

A new 2 disc set has surfaced, thanks to Matador. It's called PUSH BARMAN TO OPEN OLD WOUNDS, and it contains all these songs and more for a cheaper price. If you're looking for non-album tracks from Scotland's best band, I'd say the decision is a no-brainer. Buy PUSH BARMAN instead - it's the price of a single disc album, and you get 25 tracks from all EP's 1997-2001. What a deal.

Many breathtaking moments.......2005-05-19

Unabashed pop music, but richly so in a melancholy vein. Like a slow gin fizz. When the band's emotions get pumping, as on the track "Lazy Line Painter Jane", you can expect a shattering climax. Belle & Sebastian's early EP's are gathered together here impeccably, with great sound and artwork(but with teeny-tiny liner notes). It's the band performing at almost their peak(which eventually came with the "Arab Strap" album). Be sure to listen for the hidden track on the third disc. The lack of a female lead vocal(except on the title track)may be disappointing, but the melodies surely make up for this. Quite beautifully felt, surprisingly not redundant or repetitive(as the band became on "Waitress").

Amazing and brilliant pop.......2005-04-25

Was there every a point in Stuart Murdoch's life when he wasn't crafting wonderful, wonderful songs? I heard this after already knowing Sinister, Tigermilk, Arab Strap, and Waitress like the back of my hand. I expected that a release of early stuff would be subpar. I couldn't have been more wrong. These early cuts stand out as much as their best work on later albums. If you like B&S, you will love this. If you have no idea who they are, you probably will too.

In theory I should love this.......2005-03-11

I can't figure out exactly why I don't care all that much for this disk. Most of the music that becomes my favourites have several key components in common:

Strong melody (Phil Spector,Beatles, Oasis, Raspberries, Semisonic)-B&S have this

Lyrics that require some delving to get all the meaning out of them (Paul Simon,The Choir,John Hiatt,Elvis Costello)-B&S have this

Lyrics with great wordplay (Moxy Fruvous, Barenaked Ladies, Graham Parker,Steely Dan)-B&S frequently have this

Emphasis on harmony (Beach Boys, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac)-Maybe this is where it starts to break down. B&S don't do a lot of harmony singing.

An emotional connection to the lyric...something that makes me say "I get it!"-This is the biggest fault for me..I can't relate to the art school pretensions that continually inform the tunes here. The overwhelming, relentless tone is that of a slightly melancholy, precious, introversion that I simply can't relate to. I'm far from the "life of the party" but it seems as if B&S spends all their time reading books in semi-dark rooms, glancing up occasionally out the windows to imagine what the people they see might be doing and thinking...rather than leaving the house and actually finding out. B&S apparently lives only vicariously.

There are some tracks that do it for me on here: A stripped back rendition of "The State I Am In" (from 'Tigermilk') is better than the more produced version in my opinion. The loose feel benefits the song. "Lazy Line-Painter Jane" has that bassy mid 60 guitar sound for much of it, sounding almost like a lost Kinks or Herman's Hermits track at times, though it edges closer to the Animals with its frenetic guitar-organ orgy at the coda. Likewise, "Le Pastie de la Bourgeoisie" sounds like a lost 60s relic, though it's got more akin to late 60s sounds with its fuzz guitar and organ.

Bottom Line: Did you like "Tigermilk"? If so, you'll probably enjoy this. But if you really loved "Dear Catastrophe Waitress", listen to the sound samples first and see if it's to your taste. It wasn't really to mine.

2 1/2 stars

Meditation Music:

1. The Perfect Flaw
2. Thou Art in Heaven [Import]
3. Thunder Romance
4. Tom Barabas (Featuring Bill Tillman)
5. Traffic D'Abstractions
6. Trance Planet Box Set [Box set]
7. Visionary Path: Guided Journeys for the Mind and Spirit
8. Visions and Rhythms
9. Wild Earth
10. Yellow Magic Orchestra [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Law and Order: 20th Anniversary Edition

The First Electric Records: The Wagner Recordings, Berlin 1927

Thistle Dew: A Symphonic Journey to Scotland

Music: American Idiot, Pt. 1 [CD-single] [Import]

Thirteen Years In Noises

Trance Divas

True Illusion, Vol. 2 [Import]

Thugz Diary [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]

The Jazz Chamber Trio

Smetana: Short Orchestral Pieces

Thunderstorm

Tales of Gospel S.A.

To the Last

Daily

Monk in Paris: Live at the Olympia