The Great Pretender

Robert Morast, Argus Leader/Gannett, December 26, 2003
"Best artist that nobody knows about now but will praise in a year: Layne Larson....People will love it."

Product Description
"Intimate and exposed, spontaneous and personal."

Twenty-year-old South Dakotan, Layne Larson says her music has no secrets.

"It is what it is."

Listen for yourself and you'll hear a combination of Layne's delicate, yet deliberate voice accompanied seamlessly by the grounded sounds of a special piece of her heart- the piano. A simple mixture from a girl who herself is the definition of down to earth.

Now Layne has opened herself to the world. Her full-length album, "The Great Pretender," is due for national release on April 13, 2004, and Layne is anxious to share her profoundly sincere sonnets with music lovers everywhere. Emphasizing that her music is a reflection of life, thoughts and ideas we can all relate to, she explains that the title track on her debut CD "The Great Pretender" is about the facade we all put on for people. "I know as a performer, I do it myself. We're all vulnerable. We all pretend sometimes."

Her debut single "Wait for Me" speaks to relationships being tested by the conflict in Iraq and is touching souls across the country, clearly striking an emotion in those who have loved ones far from home. The message in "Wait for Me" is personal, like all of Layne's music. I wrote this song for a friend who had a brother heading overseas. I didn't know the words to say, so I let the song voice what I could not." The video for "Wait for Me’ is a recipient of a prestigious GOLD ADDY® Award.

Among other themes Layne explores in her debut project are love, contentment, change, and the need for reflection. "I think most of my songs are the arrival point of deep emotional journeys, whether they are my own journeys, or someone else's."

Layne Larson has music that gently creeps under the skin without giving notice. It lingers in your ears and expands in your heart. It offers a sense of solace, comfort and companionship while keeping no secrets - Layne Larson truly is an undiscovered treasure from the heart of South Dakota, a performer who prefers to wear her own on her sleeve for the world to hear.

The Great Pretender

The Great Pretender,Layne Larson,Stockinrock Records

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Average customer rating: An interesting sampling of Mercury's solo work NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Hmmmmmm Too real What A Voice What Talent!!!

The Great Pretender Freddie Mercury Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Barcelona Solo Collection Innuendo Another World The Miracle ASIN: B000000OCF Release Date: 1992-11-24

Tracks:

1. The Great Pretender
2. Foolin' Around
3. Time
4. Your Kind Of Lover
5. Exercises In Free Love
6. In My Defence
7. Mr. Bad Guy
8. Let's Turn It On
9. Living On My Own
10. My Love Is Dangerous
11. Love Kills
12. Living On My Own (Techno Mix)

Customer Reviews:

An interesting sampling of Mercury's solo work .......2006-11-19

Another compilation of Freddie Mercury's solo work , including his magnifficent reworking of The Platters hit The Great Pretender , the offbeat Foolin' Around and Living On My Own , the funky Your Kind Of Lover and Let's Turn It On , the bold Living On My Own and my personal favourite among Mercury solo Hits , Love Kills.
An interesting sampling of Mercury's solo work.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!.......2006-09-04

Have they no shame? The mixing engineers absolutely desecrated Freddy's music. This album is not for true Freddy fans. Casual fans and fans of Queen (only) may enjoy this, but anyone who is interested in hearing Freddy's true solo art the way he intended it should stay the #^#@ away from this (as well as "The Freddy Mercury Album" which is the same as "The Great Pretender", different packaging).

Allow me to provide an analogy:
If you're a Freddy Mercury/Queen fan, I assume you're old enough to have seen the original Star Wars when it came out in '76. It was great wasn't it? Sure, the cantina scene was cheezy as hell, and some of the special effects were--by today's standards--lackluster. BUT WE LOVED IT. Then in the late 90s, Lucasfilm decided to re-do Star Wars, chopping up the cantina scene and adding in stupid modern CGI effects. I was sickened, and I'm hoping most of you were as well.

"The Great Pretender" is the equivalent of the Star Wars 90s re-release. A travesty. We don't want stupid CGI effects on the Millenium Falcon, nor do we want stupid "arena rock" reverb on Freddy's drums. We don't want the annoying distorted guitars mixed in after Freddy's death. And we certainly don't want the inane Fine-Young-Cannibals-ripoff drumbeat overtop the original grooves.

Go find yourself a copy of the original MR. BAD GUY album. It may sound cheezy at first with its dated drum machine and flamboyant piano playing, but c'mon folks, that's what Freddy was all about. Let's remember him that way, not through some post-production sound engineer's drunken nightmare of a remix.

I give Freddy's voice 5 stars, and I give the mixing engineer -3 stars. Averages out to a 2. Avoid it. Read my review of "The Freddy Mercury Album" for more.

Hmmmmmm.......2004-08-25

I would like to say I enjoy this album immensely, I am a big fan of Freddie Mercury but this album overlooks many of his solo songs of sheer briliance and focusses largly on lame covers and Freddies synth led dance/disco material. Foolin Around and Your Kind Of Lover sound like outtakes from the highly overrated Dance Floor/Acid Jazz Queen travesty Hot Space. Still theres some great stuff with Excercises In Free Love, Mr. Bad Guy, My Love Is Dangerous and Love Kills. These show Freddies songwriting at its best and elevate the album from the dreck and theres no deneing through even the worst parts of this album the former member of Wreckage is in fine form vocally and his piano although very minimal is also great.

Too real.......2003-09-06

This is a compilation album of Freddie Mercury solo material. Six of the songs are from his "Mr. Bad Guy" album, two are from Dave Clark's musical 'TIME', two are from movie soundtracks, and there is one other song which, I believe, is an outtake from the "Barcelona" sessions. The songs on this CD have been remixed. I have never heard the original mixes of these songs, so I can only judge them based on how they sound here. Well, they sound pretty good to me. I enjoyed all the songs here, some more than others, of course. If you are a fan of Queen, you will probably enjoy this CD, too.

What A Voice What Talent!!!.......2003-07-03

I love FM and how can't you? He had talent written all over him. His voice could swoon anyone. I have only one complaint where is, There Must Be More To Life Than This!? The song is one of the most beautiful pieces Freddie wrote that almost brings me to tears everytime I hear it and is a much needed song in the time of war. Please do FM justice and release a compliation with all his songs with the all the different versions. I think my fellow Freddie and Queen fans would agree.

Average customer rating: INSPIRATIONAL Leaves you in awe Amazing

The Great Pretender Manufacturer: Stockinrock Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0001OJWT0 Release Date: 2004-04-13

Tracks:

1. Anymore
2. Lose you
3. Last time
4. When I'm with you
5. Sentimental
6. Fallen for you
7. Again
8. You are
9. Where do you go
10. Banished
11. Fire below the ice
12. Calm and breathless
13. Wait for me
14. The Great Pretender

Album Description

"Intimate and exposed, spontaneous and personal."

Twenty-year-old South Dakotan, Layne Larson says her music has no secrets.

"It is what it is."

Listen for yourself and you'll hear a combination of Layne's delicate, yet deliberate voice accompanied seamlessly by the grounded sounds of a special piece of her heart- the piano. A simple mixture from a girl who herself is the definition of down to earth.

Now Layne has opened herself to the world. Her full-length album, "The Great Pretender," is due for national release on April 13, 2004, and Layne is anxious to share her profoundly sincere sonnets with music lovers everywhere. Emphasizing that her music is a reflection of life, thoughts and ideas we can all relate to, she explains that the title track on her debut CD "The Great Pretender" is about the facade we all put on for people. "I know as a performer, I do it myself. We're all vulnerable. We all pretend sometimes."

Her debut single "Wait for Me" speaks to relationships being tested by the conflict in Iraq and is touching souls across the country, clearly striking an emotion in those who have loved ones far from home. The message in "Wait for Me" is personal, like all of Layne's music. I wrote this song for a friend who had a brother heading overseas. I didn't know the words to say, so I let the song voice what I could not." The video for "Wait for Me' is a recipient of a prestigious GOLD ADDY® Award.

Among other themes Layne explores in her debut project are love, contentment, change, and the need for reflection. "I think most of my songs are the arrival point of deep emotional journeys, whether they are my own journeys, or someone else's."

Layne Larson has music that gently creeps under the skin without giving notice. It lingers in your ears and expands in your heart. It offers a sense of solace, comfort and companionship while keeping no secrets - Layne Larson truly is an undiscovered treasure from the heart of South Dakota, a performer who prefers to wear her own on her sleeve for the world to hear.

Customer Reviews:

INSPIRATIONAL.......2004-06-25

Layne's voice is beautiful and the words to her songs are all very meaningful. I loved the piano and overall the entire CD is magnificent! It is definitely a feel good CD which is great to listen to at any time of the day. I'm glad that I bought the CD and would recommend it to anyone. I look forward to hearing more of Layne Larson's music in the future.

Leaves you in awe.......2004-04-21

This is the most amazing cd i have ever listened too. I have never heard such beautiful music put with such touching lyrics. Layne has been writing music all her life. She not only writes, but also sings and plays all of her own original works. Her music truly has something for everyone.

Amazing.......2004-04-21

This CD blew me away! The amazing voice of Layne Larson as she sings her heart-felt lyrics is pleasing to anyone's ears. Since Layne wrote all the music and lyrics for this album her emotions come through in each and every song. I have never heard anyone with a voice like Layne's. This CD should not appeal to a certain genre of music but rather it should appeal to anyone who enjoys listening to music. Amazing CD!

Average customer rating: Great ! you'll never listen to the Platters the same way again

The Great Pretender Lester Bowie Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: I Only Have Eyes for You When the Spirit Returns Sahara Conference of the Birds Intuition ASIN: B00002615B Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

1. The Great Pretender
2. It's Howdy Doody Time
3. When The Doom (Moon) Comes Over The Mountain/A) Doom?/B) When The Moon Comes Over The Mountain
4. Rios Negroes
5. Rose Drop
6. Oh, How The Ghost Sings

Amazon.com essential recording

Bowie stretches the title tune to over 16 minutes with an artful and witty exploration of trumpet sounds, from brassy declarations to low blasts to half-valve techniques that sound like muttered asides. With backup vocals by Fontella Bass and David Peaston and a raucous baritone saxophone interlude by Hamiet Bluiett, the Platters' doo-wop classic becomes suspended between kitsch and concerto. On the rest of the CD, Bowie is backed by a very creative rhythm section of underrated players, Donald Smith on piano and organ, Fred Williams on acoustic and electric basses, and Phillip Wilson on drums. Together they range skillfully from the camp of "It's Howdy Doody Time" to the free jazz of "Doom?" to the Latin funk of "Rios Negroes." --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Great !.......2006-03-08

I agree that this record is not for everyone, but is it a reason to give it less than 5 stars? Sure, the title has very little to do with the complex free-jazz oriented harmonies of Lester Bowie, and the vocals represent a drop of water in his ocean.

But this is without a doubt a brilliant record, great for those in need of some relaxing, challenging and subtely burlesque music.

Made in 1981 in Germany on the usually-no-risk-taking ECM label, "The Great Pretender" is an powerful, haunting and fully enjoyable record.

you'll never listen to the Platters the same way again.......2000-11-27

Lester was pomo before there was pomo. The Amazon.com reviewer says that its suspended between "kitsch and concerto." Exactly -- Lester Bowie obliterated such distinctions. The standout cut is the absolutely monumental reworking of the Platters' "The Great Pretender" featuring doo-wop vocals, a variety of slurred half-valve trumpet techniques a la Bubber Miley/Cootie Williams, and a scorching double time bari sax solo by Hamiet Bluiett. (Be forewarned -- when this came on the radio one afternoon in the car, the overblowing part of the solo had a friend of mine threatening to drive the car off a bridge if I didn't turn it off.) The piece ends with Bowie sounding like Jack Nicholson in "The Shining" intoning "Hey, baby I'm here...I...have...arrived...he,he,he."

"Rios Negros" is based on a repeated vamp; Bowie solos, pianist Donald Smith solos, and then Bowie comes back with a muted solo to finish. "Rose Drop" and "Oh, How the Ghost Sings" are exercises in atmospherics. "Howdy Doody Time" and "When the Doom (Moon) Comes Over the Mountain" are along the "Great Pretender" model of deconstructing pop culture themes.

This is a great record, but forewarned is forearmed -- it is not for everyone.

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of the Platters ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Doo Wop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CSF1GI

Product Description

1.the great pretender.2.my prayer.3.(you've got)the magic touch.4.on my word of honor.5.twilight time.6.you'll never never know.7.only you (and you alone).8.i'm sorry.9.smoke gets in your eyes.10.if i didn't care.11.enchanted.12.harbor lights

Average customer rating:

What If Mozart Wrote "Roll over Beethoven" Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: What If Mozart Wrote "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" What If Mozart Wrote "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" HSQ Rides Again Take No Prisoners ASIN: B000003EQ3 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Walk, Don't Run
2. Nature Boy
3. Get a Job
4. Roll over Beethoven
5. Stand by Me
6. Blue Moon
7. Earth Angel
8. Great Pretender
9. To Know Him Is to Love Him
10. Wonderful! Wonderful!

Average customer rating: The Great Pretender (Prime Cuts) The Platters Save Your Money

The Great Pretender The Platters Manufacturer: Prime Cuts ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music Doo Wop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000002V4L Release Date: 1995-07-14

Tracks:

1. The Great Pretender
2. Only You
3. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
4. (You've Got) That Magic Touch
5. Twilight Time
6. Harbour Lights
7. I'm Sorry
8. Red Sails In The Sunset
9. My Prayer
10. The Wonder Of You

Customer Reviews:

The Great Pretender (Prime Cuts) The Platters.......2003-11-19

I listened to a sample of the songs but was a trifle disappointed
that it was not the original version of the Platters singing. Did the solo voice belong to a different singer? I just love all of their songs and my heart is set on this particular CD.

Save Your Money.......2001-11-07

This CD is as bad as any I've had the misfortune to buy. It's a great ad for try before you buy! The songs don't really sound at all like the original hit recordings. I can't recommend this to anyone who really loved the hit versions but maybe someone without any fond memories of The Platters could enjoy this CD. An example of poor attention to quality can be found at the end of track 2 (Only You): there's a stray note left in (after the fade out).

Average customer rating:

Forever Gold: The Great Pretender The Platters ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Doo Wop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Vocal Pop | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000A2GZRK Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

1. Only You
2. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
3. My Prayer
4. Magic Touch
5. Remember When
6. Great Pretender
7. Twilight Time
8. I'm Sorry
9. Enchanted
10. Alone in the Night
11. Heaven on Earth
12. Hard to Get a Thing Called Love
13. I'll Be Home
14. Red Sails in the Sunset
15. So Many Tears
16. Unchained Melody
17. Sentimental Journey
18. If You Need Me

Average customer rating:

The Great Pretender Seth Kibel Manufacturer: Azalea City Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music ASIN: B000TJ1A0G Release Date: 2007-07-31

Tracks:

1. Walk Tall
2. This Land is Your Land
3. If You See Her, Say Hello
4. Hot Cha
5. I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues
6. Nuts and Bolts
7. Mr. Siegal
8. Corcoran Blues
9. You Really Got Me
10. The Great Pretender

Product Description

On his first solo album, The Great Pretender, tenor saxophonist Seth Kibel brings his raucous, blues-drenched sound to 10 songs with support from some of the most skilled artists in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Adding their talents to two of Seth s original tunes and eight of his creative arrangements are European blues star Eugene Hideaway Bridges, boogie-woogie pianist Daryl Davis, blues diva Melanie Mason, D.C. guitar legend Dave Chappell and others. The covers include dramatic re-interpretations of songs by Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Duke Ellington and The Kinks.

Average customer rating:

Only You/The Great Pretender The Platters Manufacturer: Magic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000JJRVGI Release Date: 2007-03-05

Tracks:

1. Only You (And You Alone)
2. Great Pretender
3. You've Got The Magic Touch
4. My Prayer
5. You'll Never Know
6. Summertime (From "Porgy & Bess")
7. Bark, Battle & Ball
8. I'll Cry When You're Gone
9. Roses Of Picardy
10. Give Thanks
11. Beer Barrel Boogie
12. Tell The World
13. Love All Night
14. I Need You All The Time
15. You Made Me Cry
16. Take Me Back, Take Me Back
17. Hey Now
18. Shake It Up Mambo
19. Voo-Vee-Ah-Bee
20. Maggie Doesn't Work Here Anymore
21. Only You (Version 1) (Bonus Track)

Average customer rating:

The Great Pretender Gene Pitney Manufacturer: Disky ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Electronica | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005QJM9 Release Date: 2001-10-04

Tracks:

1. 24 Hours from Tulsa
2. Backstage (I'm Lonely)
3. Every Breath I Take
4. True Love Never Runs Smooth
5. Only Love Can Break a Heart
6. If I Didn't Have a Dime (To Play the Jukebox)
7. Half Heaven, Half Heartache
8. Looking Through the Eyes of Love
9. Mecca
10. It Hurts to Be in Love
11. That Girl Belongs to Yesterday
12. Princess in Rags
13. (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance
14. I Must Be Seeing Things

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