The Law

The Law

Track Listings

1. Soul Search Me

2. Unforgiven

3. I Am the Cross

4. Un-Born Again

5. Into the Void

6. Truth

7. Law

8. Incontinence

9. (Cadence of) the Dirge

The Law,Exhorder,Roadrunner Records,Death Metal/Black Metal,Heavy Metal,Popular Music,Rock,Sludge Metal,Speed Metal

Average customer rating:

Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum

"Ecce" Misses the Mark

Music of the Angels

Disappointing

Not the Beatles!

Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Paul McCartney - The Space Within US

Living in the Material World (CD+DVD)

The U.S. vs. John Lennon

Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition]

Working Classical: Orchestral and Chamber Music by Paul McCartney

ASIN: B000HC2NL0
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

Spiritus
Gratia
Interlude (Lament)
Musica
Ecce Cor Meum

Amazon.com

Paul McCartney's new "classical" oratorio is called Ecce Cor Meum, which translates as "Behold My Heart." The idealistic texts, also by McCartney, are meditations on goodness, spirituality, peace, and love, and are well served by the pretty, Romantic melodies; the long choral and orchestral sections flow one into the next. The Interlude (composed after the death of his wife, Linda), with its lovely oboe solo, is simple and moving. The music builds throughout to an emotional climax and the entrance of the organ later in the work--beautifully played and handsomely recorded--is quite remarkable. This is a far more advanced work than 1991's Liverpool Oratorio: better orchestrated, more through-composed. No, it's not the last word in compositional sophistication, but it has many beautiful moments, and McCartney's legions of fans will need to own it. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum.......2007-07-30

A different Paul! We love this music, very classical yet modern. Beautiful singing.

"Ecce" Misses the Mark.......2007-06-12

My old harmony teacher once remarked, "You can't throw away the rules unless you know which rules you're throwing away. Not surprisingliy, this is the case with "Ecce Cor Meum." When tunesmithing, most writing is done intuitively. In other words, the "how" of it comes from exposure to countless examples of popular/rock music. It's done by osmosis and most (but by no means all) pop tunes are tweaked into existence.

In the case of "serious" music, though, it is like any work of art. It is done by understanding the medium and understanding the progress of the art itself.

McCartney's attempt at a serious work falls short in most every respect. It is dull and colorless with occasional tender moments. An extended passage involving the oboe was particularly poignant. Otherwise the repetitiveness of the work makes for rather difficult sustained listening.

In his program notes, the composer seemed to think that lack of formal training in music, even with notation, was an asset rather than a liability. We beg to differ. The understanding of the dynamics of harmony, rhythm and melody in the course of a large work is as important to the composer as color and its use is to a painter.

Having to write 40-45 minutes of orchestral and choral music is a whole lot different than 32 bars of, say, "Michelle" or "Will You Still Love Me When I'm 64?" (Which of course we always will, Paul!)

Even a master composer like George Gershwin was limited, albeit much more successful, in his attempts at larger works. That said, there is hope of McCartney. I'd like to see more from his pen.

Music of the Angels.......2007-02-25

Paul did an excellent job on this beautiful music and I do not say that because I am a fan. I love classical music, I put classical on to calm my nerves or to bring myself closer to the powers that be. This is excellent stuff. I will listen to this CD the rest of my life. I only have about 5 of those lifetime titles, this is one of them.

Disappointing.......2007-02-08

When I was in my teens, I couldn't get enough McCartney. With truly memorable 5-minute songs he was in his element. Having said that, it took a lot of effort to listen to the entire Ecce cor Meum. McCartney does not have the discipline or know-how that it takes to write a larger work. It is fragmented, repetitive, and unremarkable, and he is clearly out of his depth with it. Now that he's been there, done that, it's time to return to the work for which he is justly famous.

Not the Beatles!.......2007-01-16

Classical with a twist. Listen with an open mind and open ears. Interesting...you have to admire the craftsmanship of this piece. Very well done.

Average customer rating:

.....masterpiece
The beginning of a great career
Can't Add Any More
LIVING WITH THE LAW
Brilliance Of Chris Whitley At His Best

Living With the Law
Chris Whitley
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Dirt Floor
War Crime Blues
Reiter In
Rocket House
Din of Ecstasy

ASIN: B0000027FZ
Release Date: 1991-07-02

Tracks:

Excerpt
Living With The Law
Big Sky Country
Kick The Stones
Make The Dirt Stick
Poison Girl
Dust Radio
Phone Call From Leavenworth
I Forget You Every Day
Long Way Around
Look What Love Has Done
Bordertown
Bonus Track 1

Customer Reviews:

.....masterpiece.......2007-02-28

is the one word summation.

Why write review when there are already 33 customer reviews here alone, and the album is over 15 years old?

Sometimes it takes time for status to be recognized.

I loved (and I don't use this word lightly) this album as soon as I heard and bought it when it first came out. It evoked so many images, with a lot of tradition but firmly in the present.

Why do I now call it a masterpiece (again not a word I'd flaunt at anything)?

Three counts -

1. the songs - I regard these as Chris Whitley's strongest compositions - he brought his A-game to the table for his first recording on a major label, after many years of performing. More evidence is his re-recording of a lot of these on "Live at Martyr's", and "Weed" his strip-down home recordings. For example the title track conjures up images of the rural poor south - with commentary on the modern times - "they got machines mamma I can't figure", and then runs into seduction "... spread your lover in the straw".

2. his performance - simply outstanding - a evocative and haunting performance both on vocals and guitar. Using the same title track the last verse "so fetch up your greasy apron, spread your lover...." where he glides into falsetto - so natural and emotional - takes you places ...... Fortunately for us there are at least two other recordings of this song available - live on at Martyr's, and stripped down on Weed - although he has no trouble hitting the notes - on neither does he glide so effortlessly into falsetto as here - so loses some of the evocative haunting quality.

3. the recording - many regard this album's recording production as a doubled edged sword for Chris Whitley - it gave him his success - but set a sound standard that he could never reproduce live. However despite that - the overall sound and production adds immensely to the atmophere and mood of this album - without this production this album would not be what it is a masterpiece. Although produced by Malcolm Burn - there is a lot of influence of Daniel Lanois whose studio this was recorded in - Lanois is the producer of U2's "Joshua Tree" - it may seem strange to reference this - but if one watches the Classic Albums video of Joshua - Lanois says Bono's vocals stretching into falsetto exposes the emotion.... and this is exactly the effect when Chris Whitley glides into falsetto on the last verse of the title track......

So why buy this CD? when one could download tracks or even get a copy?
The lyrics - they are in the CD liner -
and at Amazon MarketPlace prices it would be a shame not to own this masterpiece.

The beginning of a great career.......2006-04-10

Chris Whitley released his debut album, Living With the Law, in 1991. Released at a time when the music scene was about to be dominated by hip/hop and grunge, Living With the Law was steeped in electric blues complemented by Whitley's impressive guitar work and very distinctive singing voice. With a dense production by Daniel Lanois, it would also prove to be his most radio friendly release. However, despite it having several tracks that would have been AOR hits if given the chance as well as much critical acclaim, Living With the Law didn't earn Chris Whitley the recognition he deserved. However, to a small but dedicated fan base, it would provide the blueprint for an impressive catalog of music.

Although nearly every song here is top notch, only the melancholy title track and "Big Sky Country" would garner decent airplay. Containing memorable melodies as well as Whitley's unmistakable voice which could go from a whisper to a high falsetto without warning, they are both among his best songs and performances. Chris' love of the blues was evident throughout his career and is well exhibited on the dark and brooding tracks "Make the Dirt Stick" and "Long Way Around." While these tunes are both very good, neither of them matches the power of "Phone Call from Leavenworth." One of the best blues songs ever recorded, Chris recalls the old bluesmen like Robert Johnson and John Lee Hooker while still retaining his own identity, a pattern he would later return to on his War Crime Blues album. Tracks like "Poison Girl" and "Kick the Stones" are among his most direct and memorable tracks that would have been popular in another time where music mattered more than image. "Look What Has Love Done" and "I Forget You Everyday" are both great ballads although the production is a little dominant on the latter. "Bordertown" takes the darkness of "Make the Dirt Stick" and combines it with the fury of "Long Way Around." Finally, "Dust Radio" is another excellent track which builds from a slow blues to hard rock where the power chords sound downright majestic at its closing. All told, Living With the Law would be a great start to an excellent career that like more heralded artists like Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Duane Allman, and Lowell George, would end too soon. Although this is not my favorite Chris Whitley album (that distinction would go to War Crime Blues), I would recommend that newcomers start here and then work their way to other great works such as Din of Ecstasy, Dirt Floor, War Crime Blues, and Soft Dangerous Shores. Highly recommended.

Can't Add Any More.......2006-03-16

I really can't add anything else to the praise that's already been heaped on this fine album and Chris Whitley as an artist. Something about him is very American, original, and timeless. I was fortunate enough to see him perform twice in Philly during these early years and I can say the standing-room-only audience was blown away by this thin, humble man with the haunting voice and shining national steel guitar. Even though he's not here any more you can imagine him walking those lost highways with his guitar and a new set of lyrics taking shape.

LIVING WITH THE LAW.......2005-11-28

I was shocked to see that Chris Whitley had passed away last week from a bout with lung cancer. Whitley's career had long been an interesting journey that produced a wide range of rivetting music. LIVING WITH THE LAW was the stellar start to that journey.

I remember picking this record up some fouteen years ago and being blown away. This did not sound like a debut record. Whitley's tales of trials, tribulations and blues had a more authentic ring than your usual white bluesman. I think that the key to Whitley's success was that he did not merely try to copy the blues, but use it as a springboard to investigate his own ideas. Malcom Burns's ( a Daniel Lanois protoge) production sounds more like a windswept U2 outing than a Delta Blues recording. I think that was the genius of this record. It was of th past, the present and it loked into the future.

This was a record without a weak track. Even throwaway tracks like I FORGET YOU EVERYDAY or LOOK WHAT LOVE HAS DONE resonate after just couple of listens. Several songs are nothing less than immediate classics, including the title track, BIG SKY COUNTRY, POISON GIRL and PHONECALL FROM LEAVENWORTH.

After LWTL, Whitley set out on a career that jumped from genre to genre with mixed results. From DIN OF ECSTASY's metallic grunge to DIRT FLOOR's stark acoustic blues to ROCKET HOUSE's electronic treatments, Whitley was a restless artist who folowed his own muse. To someone who wants to explore his wrk I would recommend that they start with this release, then move on to his excellent compilation LONG WAY AROUND. From there if you like what you hear al of his work is worth exploring. It's an unfortunate cliche, but although the artist will be tragically missed, we are lucky to have his work to enjoy into the future.

Brilliance Of Chris Whitley At His Best.......2005-11-26

This album showcases one of our time's most underappreciated musicians at his absolute best. For a long time it seemed Chris struggled to replicate the greatness he found on this first album. Throughout his career he managed to create some amazing albums, but this is easily the best. Every song is a musical triumph in itself. Without a doubt, this is a must-own. It's only sad that some of us are only beginning to realize what this man truly meant to the music world after he has gone. He will be missed...

Average customer rating:

Good Overview
They did that???
I am feeling old......
An Essential Album.
Their Law, My Satisfaction

Their Law: Singles 1990-2005
The Prodigy
Manufacturer: Xl Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Big Beat | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Rave | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Music for the Jilted Generation
Singles 93-03
Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned
The Fat of the Land
The Greatest Hits: Why Try Harder

ASIN: B000A0ULXQ
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Tracks:

Firestarter
Their Law
Breathe
Out Of Space
Smack My Bitch Up
Poison
Girls
Voodoo People
Charly
No Good
Spitfire
Jericho
Everybody In The Place
One Love
Hot Rice

Tracks:

Razor
Back 2 Skool
Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix)
Under My Wheels (Remix)
No Man Army
Molotov Bitch
Voodoo Beats
Out of Space (Audio Bullys Remix)
The Way It Is (Live Remix)
We Are The Ruffest
Your Love
Spitfire (Live)
Their Law (Live)
Breathe (Live)
Serial Thriller (Live)
Firestarter (Live)

Album Description

Their Law showcases the career to date of The Prodigy, via the tracks that changed the face of British music. Since their formation in 1990 The Prodigy have released four albums, numerous singles, been number 1 in 27 countries simultaneously with their incomparable Fat Of The Land masterpiece, toured the world with their incendiary live show, made groundbreaking videos, shaken things up musically and socially and been unafraid to court controversy. And they've always done it in their own formidable way - as highlighted on Their Law. XL. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

Good Overview.......2006-06-06

The Prodigy were a great singles band and the proof is in this compilation which contains basically everything a casual fan would want. I have to take a star off though for a couple of reasons. First, the non-inclusion of "Fire" and "Baby's Got A Temper" is a shame and secondly, the version of "Poison" on here must be a single mix or something because it's not the version I remembered from Music For The Jilted Generation (the intro isn't as good).

Overall a good compilation and a good substitute for their albums, which can be a bit tiring at times if you're not a fan of the genre generally.

They did that???.......2006-05-25

This collection really drives home the reality that The Prodigy solidified and invented much of what we hear in today's dance music. It's based solidly on the rave movement of the late 80s, then goes beyond that. Reminiscent of Drum and Bass sometimes, Hardcore, and their music is, of course, a predecessor to the modern breakbeat sounds we hear coming out of Europe and Florida. This is a classic collection from a classic electronic group that deserves attention.

I am feeling old.............2006-03-22

My daughter is 17 years old and she asked me about this album and I told her "BUY IT". I listened with her and it reminded me of my rave days back in the UK. It is awesome dance music. I didn't feel that it had aged all that much, it still sounded pretty fresh.

An Essential Album. .......2006-03-21

As a huge fan of The Prodigy, it's hard to find the right way to review this phenomenal collection. Do I review it as a fan or as a casual music lover? Because this album spans their entire career I think it's necessary that this review also span what brought us to this point at least.
Most Americans only have a passing knowledge or memory of the Prodigy when they seemingly invaded MTV and the radio airwaves in the late nineties with their monster hits "Firestarter", "Breathe", and the hugely controversial "Smack My Bitch Up". If you haven't heard of them since, it's not your fault. Following the milestone release of "Fat of the Land", which went number one in forty countries, The Prodigy went into a long hibernation. Prior to "The Fat of The Land", however, The Prodigy made a name for themselves in the underground rave scene of the late eighties and early nineties with the 1992 release of "Experience", followed by the hugely successful "Music for the Jilted Generation" which featured, what many consider the Prodigy's calling card, the single 'Voodoo People', made popular by the cult film "Hackers".
In 2002, seemingly out of nowhere, The Prodigy released the single "Baby's Got A Temper" and it seemed that after a five-year absence, the Prodigy were back in form. That single, however, was to be the last gasp of a dying era. Leading man Liam Howlett (not the guy with the horns) decided that particular single to be his 'wake up call' that a change was due. Not content with trying to rehash the success of "Fat of the Land" with a sequel, Liam scrapped the work he had done on a follow up album and started anew, sans vocalists Keith Flint (the one with the horns) and Maxim.
After a seven-year hiatus, "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned" was released in late 2004 with hardly any American publicity. The album was poorly received by most, being a spiritually solo effort on the part of Liam Howlett with only a handful of outside collaborators, it was perhaps a departure from what many expected from the mad mind who unleashed "Fat of the Land" upon the world. That sentiment, however, is a testament to the essence of The Prodigy. Unlike other bands who are content with treading on the same waters of success, The Prodigy have always forced themselves to evolve and push the envelope and that is precisely what keeps their fans coming back for more after sixteen years.
"Their Law: The Singles" is a mix of many styles and genres that are almost impossible to define or categorize. You shouldn't try either. The music is daring and wild and truly inspired. From the rave era classics "Out of Space" and "Charly", to the sinister, hip hop inspired favorite "Poison", all the way to the recent World War 3 inspired epic "Spitfire", you really cannot find a single boring track. The one glaring omission from the album, "Baby's got a Temper", is missed, but in the grand scheme of things, The Prodigy present to us their proudest efforts. Disc two features two new tracks, various b-sides, a few unreleased remixes, and a taste of what the Prodigy can do as a live act with four live recorded tracks. These extras compliment the first disc well and while a casual fan may not realize the significance of the tracks, the second disc is just as hard hitting and furious as the first.
In terms of historical importance, I dare say that The Prodigy are on a level with The Clash as one the most influential bands of our time. If you've never bought a Prodigy record before, buy this album. If you only own "Fat of the Land", buy this album. No matter what kind of music you enjoy, buy this album, put it your home or car stereo, and turn the volume up, all the way up. Let your whole neighborhood hear it. And, if your system is up to par, let them feel it as well. They'll never know what hit them.

Their Law, My Satisfaction.......2006-03-21

It's something unusual for me to buy compilations from my favourite bands; most of the times they are not destined for those who already have the original records and so I generally see it as a waste of money just for a couple of remixes or new tracks you can easily get separately these days; even more unusual is to play compilations for more than a few days... But that's not the case here - I'm listening to Their Law: The Singles for a 2nd week on a row and things tend to carry on like this in the near future.
The look of the box did one part of the job on the store; the presence of a 2nd CD with live material on it did the other. All landmark tracks from The Prodigy can be found on disc 1 - if possible I would only add the rest of the tracks of "The Fat of the Land" but for that is better to get the album, of course... As for disc 2, the remix of "Voodoo People" gives this classic a second life and - speaking about second life, all 5 live-songs are tremendous (Their Law in particular!), raising their original power even further. Excellent compilation!

Average customer rating:

Fiorello
A sleeper of the first order
A new York-centric non-hit
Laguardia isn't just an airport
a classic, underrated Broadway gem

Fiorello! (1959 Original Broadway Cast)
Sheldon Harnick
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Carnival (1961 Original Broadway Cast)
The Rothschilds: A Musical (1970 Original Broadway Cast)
The Pajama Game (1954 Original Broadway Cast)
Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
She Loves Me (1963 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000002SOJ
Release Date: 1993-09-14

Tracks:

Act 1: Overture - Fiorello Orch
Act 1: On The Side Of The Angels - Bob Holiday/Nathaniel Frey/Patricia Wilson
Act 1: Politics And Poker - Howard Silva/Chor
Act 1: Unfair - Tom Bosley/Chor
Act 1: Marie's Law - Patricia Wilson/Nathianiel Frey
Act 1: The Name's La Guardia - Tom Bosley/Chor
Act 1: The Bum Won - Howard Do Silva/Chor
Act 1: I Love A Cop - Pat Stanley
Act 1: 'Til Tomorrow - Ellen Hanley/Chor
Act 1: Home Again - Bob Holiday/Nathaniel Frey/Patricia Wilson/Pat Stanley/Tom Bosley/Howard Da Silva/Mark Dawson...
Act 2: When Did I Fall In Love - Ellen Hanley
Act 2: Gentleman Jimmy - Eileen Rodgers/Chor
Act 2: Little Tin Box - Howard Da Silva/Chor
Act 2: The Very Next Man - Patricia Wilson
Act 2: Finale - Tom Bosley/Patricia Wilson/Chor

Amazon.com

The team of composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick came up with only six shows--but what shows! In addition to the phenomenally successful Fiddler on the Roof, aficionados usually gush about 1963's She Loves Me and 1959's Fiorello!. The latter turned a not particularly appetizing topic--the years leading to Fiorello LaGuardia's election as mayor of New York--into a great musical. (It even won the Pulitzer Prize for drama, only the third musical to do so.) Harnick and Bock's versatility was in evidence as they wrote numbers in every Broadway style: novelty, ballad (about sweatshops), duet (the absurdly catchy and funny "Marie's Law"), and, of course, a rousing number that doesn't really fit anywhere but is so good that it simply must be included (Eileen Rodgers's "Gentleman Jimmy"). This may be one of the wittiest, most melodic shows you've never heard. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Fiorello.......2007-03-09

Great music. Only; I wish I had a DVD of the show.....

A sleeper of the first order.......2007-03-06

Fiorello is a very dark comedy about the corrupt back-room politics, croneyism, and skulduggery surrounding Fiorello laGuardia's political career. Oh, and there's a romance thrown in. "Politics and Poker" in particular has a timely poignancy in light of the runup to the 2008 elections with Clinton, Obama, and -um - whoever the heck else is on the Democrat wanna-be list. I have to think there are some pretty stark parallels here. But then, that's what this timeless, delightful sleeper of an operetta is all about.

A new York-centric non-hit .......2006-11-15

This never rose to the level of a 'hit'. At this time (2006) it is dated
technically and artisticly. It didn't win in '59, there is little hope that it will be remembered fondly in '06.
In the end I bought it for archival purposes only and I'm being kind.

Laguardia isn't just an airport.......2006-08-07

Fiorello! was basically a play about New York City's great mayor, Fiorello Laguardia, that was turned into a musical by having an overture and 14 songs. Long ago, back in the late 1950s, I saw it as a child and really liked it - I've always wondered what it would be like to hear it again. Well, it is nothing less than spectacular! It has the best song about politcal corruption (!) ever written, Little Tin Box; a great song about a broken date, Marie's Law; a lyrical paean to back-room politics, Politics and Poker; and 11 others, all equally good (in fact, there's not a single dud in the score - as you would expect since it was written by the writers who did Fiddler on the Roof). The voices are great, the lyrics are all to the point, the music is unforgettable, and, for all those who don't know the story, the disc notes are really helpful. Maybe this is politcs seen through rose-tinted glasses, but it's wonderful to hear!

a classic, underrated Broadway gem.......2003-11-04

FIORELLO! is a lovely, ahead-of-its-time musical, based on the career of New York mayor Fiorello La Guardia. It starred Tom Bosley as La Guardia with a dream cast including Ellen Hanley, Pat Stanley and Eileen Rodgers.

The score, an early collaboration from Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick (SHE LOVES ME, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF) is very strong, and includes several show-pieces like "Politics and Poker", "Little Tin Box" and "On the Side of the Angels".

Ellen Hanley (who had previously been criminally under-used as Polly Bergen's understudy in FIRST IMPRESSIONS) glows in the role of feisty Thea, the sweatshop workers' leader. She has two of the score's best ballads, "'Til Tomorrow" and "When Did I Fall in Love".

Pat Stanley (who earned a Tony for her performance in the disastrous GOLDILOCKS) gets the cute number "I Love a Cop". Eileen Rodgers (who later starred in a successful off-Broadway revival of ANYTHING GOES) sings the showstopping "Gentleman Jimmy", a manic flapper tune. FIORELLO! is a fantastic show in that it has no less than 3 strong female roles.

For those who only started following Tom Bosley's career during his 'Happy Days', the fact that he was a top-drawer musical theater talent will come as a big surprise. Bosley played the entire run of 795 performances. Bosley later made many more successful Broadway appearances including BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and (as of this review's writing) a triumphant stint in the Sam Mendes revival of CABARET.

Tracks:

The A-Team - Nic Raine
The Addams Family - Nic Raine
The Adventures Of Robinson Crusoe - Nic Raine
Airwolf - Derek Wadsworth
The Avengers - Mike Townend
Barnaby Jones - Jerry Goldsmith
Batman - Nic Raine
Battlestar Galactica - Nic Raine
Baywatch - Derek Wadsworth
Beverly Hills 90210 - Derek Wadsworth
Bewitched - Nic Raine
Between The Lines - Mark Ayres
The Bill - Nic Raine
Bonanza - The Philharmonia Orchestra
Brideshead Revisited - Derek Wadsworth
Buck Rogers In The 25th Century - Nic Raine
Burke's Law - Derek Wadsworth
Cagney And Lacey - Derek Wadsworth
Captain Scarlet And The Mysterons - Mark Ayres
Casualty - Mark Ayres
Cheers - Mark Ayres
Dallas - Nic Raine
Dangerman (Secret Agent) - Mike Townend
Doctor Who - Mark Ayres
Doctor Kildare - Jerry Goldsmith

Tracks:

Doogie Howser, M.D. - Derek Wadsworth
Dynasty - Nic Raine
The Equalizer - Derek Wadsworth
Falcon Crest - Derek Wadsworth
Fireball XL-5 - Derek Wadsworth
The Fugitive - Nic Raine
Hawaii 5-0 - Mike Townend
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys - Nic Raine
The High Chaparral - Nic Raine
Highway To Heaven - Derek Wadsworth
Hill Street Blues - Derek Wadsworth
The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy - Mark Ayres
The Incredible Hulk - Derek Wadsworth
Jason King - Mike Townend
Jesus Of Nazareth - Paul Bateman
Joe 90 - Derek Wadsworth
Johnny Staccato - Derek Wadsworth
Knight Rider - Derek Wadsworth
Kojak - Mike Townend
L.A. Law - Derek Wadsworth
Land Of The Giants - Nic Raine
Little House On The Prairie - Derek Wadsworth
Lonesome Dove - Nic Raine
Lost In Space - Nic Raine
Lou Grant - Derek Wadsworth

Tracks:

Magnum, P.I. - Derek Wadsworth
A Man Called Ironside - Mike Townend
The Man From U.N.C.L.E. - Derek Wadsworth
M*A*S*H - Nic Raine
Miami Vice - Mark Ayres
Mike Hammer - Derek Wadsworth
Mission Impossible - Mike Townend
Monty Python's Flying Circus - Nic Raine
The Munsters - Derek Wadsworth
Murder She Wrote - Derek Wadsworth
Newhart - Derek Wadsworth
North And South - Derek Wadsworth
Northern Exposure - Derek Wadsworth
NYPD Blue - Mark Ayres
The Outer Limits - Nic Raine
Perry Mason - Mike Townend
The Persuaders - Mark Ayres
Peter Gunn - Mike Townend
Police Squad - Nic Raine
The Prisoner - Mike Townend
Quantum Leap - Derek Wadsworth
Randall And Hopkirk (Deceased) - Mike Townend
Red Dwarf - Mark Lambert
The Rockford Files - Mike Post
Roseanne - Dan Foliart

Tracks:

The Saint - Mike Townend
Seaquest DSV - Nic Raine
Space 1999 - Derek Wadsworth
Star Trek - Mike Townend
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Derek Wadsworth
Star Trek: Voyager - Nic Raine
St. Elsewhere - Derek Wadsworth
The Streets Of San Francisco - Nic Raine
Stingray - Barry Gray
Taxi - Derek Wadsworth
Thunderbirds - Derek Wadsworth
Thirty Something - Derek Wadsworth
The Time Tunnel - Nic Raine
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - The Philharmonia Orchestra
The Twighlight Zone - Nic Raine
Twin Peaks - Derek Wadsworth
U.F.O. - Derek Wadsworth
The Virginian - Nic Raine
Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea - Nic Raine
Wagon Train - Paul Bateman
The Waltons - Jerry Goldsmith
The Wild Wild West - Derek Wadsworth
Young Riders - John Debney
Xena: The Warrior Princess - Paul Bateman
The X-Files - Mark Ayres

Customer Reviews:

Two tracks I really like.......2007-07-21

The Mission Impossible theme is performed well.
The Fireball theme is actually much improved on this version. I prefer the orchestra and the vocals over the original.

Quantity Over Quality.......2007-01-15

As a musician myself, I know too well that one of the most important ingredients in ANY performance (live or recorded) is passion. The recordings here generally lack the same passion and sheer drama of the originals. Much of the instrumentation has been reduced to a cheezy, thin, plastic synthesized replica. The performances are simply a watered-down lackluster version of the classic originals. If it were not for the sheer volume of tracks compiled here, I would have rated the comp only "one star".

Mediocre.......2006-05-17

The sound quality for this collection isn't much better than the samples offered by Amazon.

One Hundred Greatest TV Themes.......2005-08-06

I have watched almost all the shows that are on these 4 cd's. Many were made before I started watching TV. Most I've seen once or twice before.

Pretty close to original recordings.......2005-07-24

Definitely not as good as the originals. You'll probably notice the slight differences since it's stuff you saw and listened to every week or everyday in reruns growing up, but it's still an amazing collection.

Average customer rating:

A MUSICAL PLAYHOUSE
Lindsey Buckingham - Law and Order
Daring solo debut
"Trouble" alone is worth the price
More for Lindsay diehards than fans of the Mac

Law and Order
Lindsey Buckingham
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Go Insane
Out of the Cradle
Under the Skin
Sound Stage Presents - Lindsey Buckingham With Special Guest Stevie Nicks
Mirage

ASIN: B000002K99
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Bwana
Trouble
Mary Lee Jones
I'll Tell You Now
It Was I
September Song
Shadow Of The West
That's How We Do It In L.A.
Johnny Stew
Love From Here, Love From There
A Satisfied Mind

Customer Reviews:

A MUSICAL PLAYHOUSE.......2007-07-20

I admit that I originally bought this cd for the song"TROUBLE" After jumping through the other tracks I always would return to the fore mentioned song.
It took me a while but I finally dared to really listen to the other songs.
(having the lyrics available really helps)I've got to say this is a really totally enjoyable album.I've gotten to appreciate Lindsey's versatile musical
ability all the while showing his amazing (occasionally dry) sense of humor.
This is a really fun album with a sometimes serious underlying message.

Lindsey Buckingham - Law and Order.......2007-05-07

Love it, what can you say, its Lindsey Buckingham- one of the greatest musicians of all time. I love all his stuff, both alone, with Stevie Nicks, and of course in Fleetwood Mac.

Daring solo debut.......2006-10-12

No one can ever accuse Lindsey Buckingham of playing it safe. For his first solo album apart from super-group Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham decided to continue the experimental sound that he began on 1979's TUSK. Instead of crafting a routine pop/rock effort that surely would have guaranteed commercial success, Buckingham chose to continue his pursuit of the testing the limits of the conventional rock sound. This results in a wildly eclectic, but fascinating, recording.

The bulk of LAW AND ORDER is given over to the skewed take on fifties rock n' roll that made up the bulk of TUSK. The breakneck tracks "Bwana" and "Mary Lee Jones" burst forth with a madcap energy that would have traumatized even Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry, while "I'll Tell You Now" and "Love from Here, Love from There" are harmonious, choral-driven love anthems that would make the Beach Boys proud. There is a carnal aggression behind "That's How We Do It in L.A." and "Johnny Stew," both of which mix nervy, warped instrumentation with a wicked sense of ironic humor. In between such aural chaos contains major pop gems like the haunting smash hit "Trouble" (#9 Pop, #12 Mainstream Rock) and the absolutely gorgeous "Shadows of the West."

All of Buckingham's original material is first-rate, although his success with cover songs is a mixed bag. Buckingham's helium voiced, paranoid cover of Skip & Flip's early-sixties' doo-wop hit "It Was I" is loopy fun, where all of the oddball production gimmicks combine to create a giddy masterpiece. Unfortunately, the covers of the Maxwell Anderson/Kurt Weill Tin Pan Alley standard "September Song" and Porter Wagner's country hit "Satisfied Mind" sound clanky and awkward under Buckingham's cluttered production, leaving them sounding more like a string of production tricks rather than actual songs. This is forgivable, however, given that it only occurs twice.

Although LAW AND ORDER was well-received by most music critics when originally released, it failed to match Stevie Nicks' concurrent solo release BELLA DONNA in sales and popularity. Still, LAW AND ORDER peaked at a respectable #32 on Billboard's Hot 200 and further solidified Buckingham's position as the current king of avant-garde rock. The disc is brave, bold, and daring, and will be best appreciated by more adventurous listeners. All the album's sum may be a little off, it's parts are often brilliant.

"Trouble" alone is worth the price.......2005-12-31

Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) released this solo effort in 1981, it includes my favorite song "Trouble". I can remember exactly where and when I was the first time I heard it . . . as if it were yesterday. I bought the album (vinyl) when it was released and then the CD, there is something about "Trouble" that I just can't get out of my head, not that I would ever want to.

Lindsey, an incredibly talented musician, really pushed the envelope on this album . . . maybe just a tad too far, at least for my tastes. There is some interesting music here, however, and the CD is more than worth the price just for the song "Trouble".

More for Lindsay diehards than fans of the Mac.......2005-05-26

I'm a Lindsay fan when he's with Fleetwood Mac: I think he keeps the "teeth" in their sound (along with Fleetwood's drumming) that helps them stay away from drifting into sappy adult contemporary pop they'd otherwise find themselves swamped in. His experimentalism was a big part of what made their comeback album SAY YOU WILL pretty decent.

Having now heard all the band output back to the early days, I've been borrowing solo CDs from the library and this was one of the first because of the inclusion of "Trouble" which I remembered fondly from the 80s. I can't say I'm not a bit underwhelmed at this disc as a whole.

The artistic reaching is definitely here (nearly all instruments are played by Lindsay and tricks like the dischordant jam that ends "Mary Lee Jones" or the laughing in the instrumental fade of "I'll Tell You Now" still turn up) but the songs themselves aren't strong enough.

HIGHLIGHTS:
"Trouble" was the hit back when and it still sounds decent, although I'm struck now with how little there is to it lyrically..2 short verses and chorus ad infinitum. It isn't wearing as well with time as Lindsay's Mac hits. "It was I" is a cover of an obscure 50s track from Skip and Flip. It's a nice tune but I don't really care for the "little kid" harmony from Carol Harris."That's How We Do it in L.A." was too stripped back to ever be a hit but that's Top 40's loss. Buckingham yelps out a wonderfully biting jab. ("You'll win prizes if you stay...") It's pretty ironic that at the height Of Buckingham's largesse he decided to cover Porter Wagoner's paean to simple living ("A Satisfied Mind"). Despite the aesthetic problem of adapting the working class hymn to laid back California pop, it works pretty well.

LOWS:
"Johnny Stew" wastes the best guitar riff here..and a nice production..on throwaway lyrics in tribute to John Stewart [ex-Kingston Trio. The pair teamed up on Stewart's 80s hit "Gold".]("Johnny,Johnny,Johnny/Everybody's talking about the amazing Johnny Stew"). "September Song" is a boring retread of a classic Tin Pan Alley standard as Lindsay offers a strained vocal over a shattered musicbox backing.

BOTTOM LINE:
Diehard Buckingham fans and Mac completists will probably have to have this, but I find later solo CDs more interesting from him (OUT OF THE CRADLE particularly has some tasty stuff). Despite occasional edginess, this is mostly very subdued fare.

The bad news for those who only want "Trouble" is that it only appears on one other CD, a lackluster grouping of "FM hits" (ASIN B00008F0CE). Isn't it about time for a release of a well selected single disc anthology for Stevie's ex?

2 1/2 stars

Average customer rating:

Strong Arm of the Law
Classic Rock

Strong Arm of the Law
Saxon
Manufacturer: Caroline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Wheels of Steel
Denim and Leather
Power & the Glory
The Eagle Has Landed
The Inner Sanctum

ASIN: B000KB6D0A
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

Heavy Metal Thunder
To Hell and Back Again
Strong Arm of the Law
Taking Your Chances
20, 000 Feet
Hungry Years
Sixth Form Girls
Dallas 1 PM
20, 000 Feet [Live]
Dallas 1 PM [Live]
Hungry Years [Live]
Strong Arm of the Law [Live]
Heavy Metal Thunder [Live]

Album Description

Digitally remastered and expanded reissue of this classic slice of NWOBHM, originally released in 1980, now featuring an additional five bonus tracks, all recorded live at the Hammersmith Odeon: '20000 Ft.', 'Dallas 1PM', 'Hungry Years', 'Strong Arm Of The Law' and the anthemic 'Heavy Metal Thunder'. EMI. 2006.

Album Details

2006 Issued Digitally Remastered Edition of the Hard Rock Band's 1980 Top 20 Album that Now Includes Five Bonus Tracks that were Recorded Live at the Hammersmith Odeon in December 1981. From the Crashing Opening of "Heavy Metal Thunder" Through the Ever-popular Title Track to the Closing Tracks of "Sixth Form Girls" and "Dallas 1pm", Saxon's Second Album was a Musical High Point and Remains the Band's Definitive Work for Fans and Critics Alike.

Customer Reviews:

Strong Arm of the Law.......2007-07-24

This is my favorite SAXON Lp/Cd ever released by the band
This is Saxon at their finest and they were strong here, They still are in 2007, however this era has a special place in my heart as this LP was one of the earliest lp's that really played NWOBHM at its finest
Its a must buy for any hard rock fan

Classic Rock.......2007-05-15

Great album. If you don't know Saxon at this time, then why are you here? For me, this album and 'Wheels of Steel' are it. This is what I call European metal. Its raw, edgy, and just some sweet rock and roll. Pass the bowl.

Average customer rating:

Never Gets Old
Awesome CD
Slow...Fast...Punk...Good
Best of their albums.
"saY yoU won'T leavE foR thE resT oF mY lifE"~

Elva
Unwritten Law
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Here's to the Mourning
Oz Factor
Blue Room
The Used
So Long, Astoria

ASIN: B00005UWLW
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Mean Girl
Up All Night
Sound Siren
How You Feel
Blame It On Me
Seein' Red
Nick & Phil
Hellborn
Geronimo
Rescue Me
Actress, Model.
Raliegh (Soliloquy Pt V)
Babylon
Raliegh (Soliloquy Pt VI)
Rest Of My Life
It's Alright
Evolution

Album Description

Aussie edition of the US skate-punk's 2001 album (scheduled for domestic release in 2002). Much like their self-titled album from 1998, there's a huge variety of tracks here - each with its own addictive element. Unlike many punk bands these days, these guys know their instruments. It's not your typical Southern California skate-punk.

Customer Reviews:

Never Gets Old.......2007-03-17

This CD is terrific - it has a great mix of music, wonderful lyrics (hearing 'Seeing Red' still tears me up at times), and hasn't left my vehicle since it was released (in other words, I still listen to it nearly every day :p ).

Awesome CD.......2006-06-26

This album by Unwritten Law really won me over. The opening track 'Mean Girl' pulls you straight in. Scott uses many different techniques vocally to keep the audience interested. Some acoustic tracks and heavier tracks in there; depends on what kind of music you like.
1.Mean Girl - great hook and instrumental arrangement. Grinspoon like feel to it.

2.Up All Night - Cool rock feel to this song with a catchy chorus.

3.Sound Siren - More of a pop punk feel to it. My favourite track of the CD.

4.How You Feel - Lighter reggae type track. Keeps you interested with a slower, softer pace.

5.Blame It On Me - Gets you back into the heavier rock pace. Cool song.

6.Seein' Red - Cool song, slower paced again with a catchy chorus.

7.Nick and Phil - Answering machine message from Nick Enright and Phil Jamieson from Grinspoon.

8.Hellborn - Another heavier rock type track.

9.Geronimo - Great track on the CD, really keeps you interested in it. This songs a killer.

10.Rescue Me - Another rock track with a slight ska beat behind it. Cool vocal effects.

11.Actress, Model... - Another killer on the CD, quite pop punk again but keeps you very interested.

12.Raleigh, Pt.5 - Cool to listen to stoned, weird filler.

13.Babalon - Great rock feel to it, with chunky guitar sounds.

14.Raleigh, Pt.6 - Bizarre.

15.Rest Of My Life - Cool soft acoustic track.

16.Elva - Phil from Grinspoon helped to write this track. Great feel to it.

17.Evolution - Awesome way to end the CD, great finisher. After the track is over keep listening because at the end there is a hidden answering machine message from Tom DeLonge.

Great CD, 4 stars.

Slow...Fast...Punk...Good.......2005-08-02

The first 2 tracks on this CD ["Mean Girl" & Up All Night] pretty much say it all about this Unwritten Law disc. "Mean girl" starts out slow then evolves into a fast hardcore punk sounding song--it's great. Then, up all night does almost the reverse of "Mean Girl" by starting fast and slowing down--its fantastic.
Alongside the 'hits' like "Seein' Red" and the acoustic "Rest of My Life" this CD is a must for fans of punk [i think that's what you'd classify this under]. They sort of remind me of BRAND NEW but a little more heavier with the guitars at times.
Just good listening.

Best of their albums........2004-10-13

An amazing record! No kidding one of the best discs I've heard in a while. Kinda of a cross between Non Point and Weezer, with a new sound at's it's core. 5 stars for sure! But avoid "Here to the mourning"...

"saY yoU won'T leavE foR thE resT oF mY lifE"~.......2004-08-05

Unwitten Law is a lot different than a most bands out there. They have there own style and different types of songs that fit every mood you could posibly be in. Some are slow and acoustic and have a soft sound to them (Rest of My Life, Elva). Some songs are really fast and upbeat (Up All Night, Blame it On Me, Hellborn). Also some songs are just the right pace (Seein' Red, How You Feel, Rescue Me). But whatever music your feeling at the moment, there is something on this CD. I like pretty much every song on this album but my top 5 hav to be..

1. Rest of My Life
2. Elva
3. Seein' Red
4. Rescue Me
5. Up All Night

Average customer rating:

Return to Sanity
Have Some Madeira
British humour at its best
If you haven't heard this...
Gentle Satire

Complete Flanders & Swann

Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Broadway & Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Comedy & Spoken Word | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Songs of Michael Flanders & Donald Swann
At the Drop of a Hat
The Best of Flanders & Swan - A Transport of Delight
Beyond The Fringe (1961 Original London Cast)
Too Many Songs by Tom Lehrer

ASIN: B000006T4S
Release Date: 1997-04-30

Tracks:

Warthog, The (The Hog Beneath The Skin)
The Sea Horse
The Chameleon
Whale, The (Mopy Dick)
Je Suis Le Tenebreux
Songs For Our Time
A Song Of The Weather - Flanders & Swann
The Reluctant Cannibal
Greensleeves
Misalliance
Kokoraki
Madeira M'Dear?
Too Many Cookers
Built Up Area
In The Bath (From 'At The Drop Of A Hat')
Sea Fever
The Hippopotamus Song

Tracks:

The Gas Man Cometh
Sounding Brass
Los Olividados
In The Desert
The Sloth
The Rhinoceros
Kangaroo Tango
Jaguar
Dead Ducks
The Elephant
By Air
Slow Train
A Song Of Patriotic Prejudice - Flanders & Swann
The Humming Bird
The Portuguese Man-Of-War
Sea Fever
The Hippopotamus Song

Tracks:

The Gas Man Cometh
Sounding Brass
Los Olividados
In The Desert
The Sloth
The Rhinoceros
Kangaroo Tango
Jaguar
Dead Ducks
The Elephant
By Air
Slow Train
A Song Of Patriotic Prejudice - Flanders & Swann
The Humming Bird
The Portuguese Man-Of-War
The Wild Boar
The Ostrich
The Wompom
Twice Shy
Commonwealth Fair
P** P* B**** B** D******
Paris
Eine Kleine Nacht Musik Cha Cha Cha
The Hundred Song
Food For Thought

Album Details

Fantastic Triple CD Box Set of the Recorded Works of One of Britain's Most Popular Comedy Duos. Their Keen Observations of Everyday British Life and Abilities to Exemplify them in Song Made them the Darlings of the UK. Cleverness, Wit and Absoute Hilarity were the Order of the Day, in Just About Any Style of Music. Pure Comic Genius on Three Discs!

Customer Reviews:

Return to Sanity.......2005-07-27

Before Monty Python, before the Beatles, before "'Enery the Aigth Oi Am" there was the subtle, sweet, insdious humor of Flanders and Swann, and their lyrics remain part of the recognition rituals of Ivy Leaguers of the sixties. For any aging hippies or yuppies who find life WAY more stressful than we ever expected, and for whom the down side of alcohol, sex, and drugs has become apparent, I recommend listening several times to "In the Bath". It raises a cry for peace among the nations by inviting all the leaders to sit congenially steaming in a communal bathtub. And they reminding us of our essential self-interest when they add the proviso "as long as Swann and Flanders get the end without the taps." On those nights when we suspect that there isn't any point to it all, reach for the Flanders and Swann. They won't convince you there is any meaning to life, but they'll make it a lot easier to bear. Don't even try to do without it.

Have Some Madeira.......2005-07-06

Not every line in Flanders and Swann has become part of our 37-year marriage, but many have. As our turntables fail, we are pleased that we can relive all the fun stuff we used to collect. Nothing is like this duo, especially what you usually hear as French horn by Mozart converted into "I found that horn go(r)ne." And, of course,
"Have some Madeira, m'dear" is an all-time favorite.

British humour at its best.......2003-03-15

When I started out as a teacher of English, I had the most wonderful colleague as a mentor -- when she retired she gave me three LPs with much of what is on these CDs, and it must be one of the best gifts I have ever been given. Practically all of it makes me smile or laugh out loud (although I must admit that some, like The Armadillo and Slow Train, make me so melancholy that I can just feel my lower lip tremble and my eyes fill up). How can you beat lines like "Hail to thee, blithe Wompom", or "The English are moral, the English are good / And clever, and modest, and misunderstood"? I find they make great listening exercises for my teenaged students as well -- they consider it ancient, but incredibly funny!

If you haven't heard this..........2003-01-16

The great comedic pairing of the late Michael Flanders (vocals) and Donald Swann (piano and occasional vocals) must surely rank among the hall of fame of comic singers and songwriters. Descended from the British music hall tradition, these two men wrote and performed music which still sparkles with wit today, some 40 or more years since it was recorded.

After being told to take up singing as a means of strengthening his polio-weakened lungs, the wheelchair-bound Flanders teamed up with pianist Swann and proceeded to write such classic songs as "The Hippo Song (Mud Mud Glorious Mud)", "The Gasman Cometh", "The Gnu Song", "A Transport of Delight" and many others. As well as a gently satirical spirit, all these songs feature the sublime wordplay and interplay of both men.

The first two discs of this box set are actual concerts - "At The Drop Of A Hat" and its successor "At The Drop Of Another Hat". Recorded at the height of the duo's popularity and form, the sound quality is surprisingly good for recordings this old.

"At The Drop Of A Hat" opens with three of the Flanders and Swann classics. "Transport Of Delight", a song in praise of the "97 horsepower omnibus" features the wonderful harmonies of the duo on lines like "any more fares" and Flanders' dead-on impression of a London busdriver "Geddardait, we're full right up inside". "Song of Reproduction" deals with the new, as it was then, stereo technology and features Flanders delivering an incredible monologue using every conceivable piece of audiophile jargon. "The Gnu Song" (in which "gnu" is pronounced phonetically) is a real treat. The audience's reaction to the reappearance of the gnu is superb.
As well as this opening trio, the disc features Flanders' snippets of "Songs For Our Time" (in which he experiments with conventions of hit songs), "Song of the Weather" (a rundown of English weather throughout the year), "The Reluctant Cannibal" (featuring Swann in the tititular role and the chorus "I can't eat people/I won't eat people/eatin' people is wrong"), Swann's foray into Greek folksong "Kokraki" and the justifiably famous "Madeira M'Dear". The performance ends with a rousing version of "The Hippo Song".
Flanders is in fine voice throughout and his comments introducing each song are delivered with deadpan accuracy. The story behind "The Gnu Song" is an absolute masterpiece. Flanders' monologue about the creation of "Greensleeves" is also superb - "'Greenfleeves'. That's an interesting name for a fong" (referencing old English script) being just a taste.

"Another Hat" begins in equally fine form with "Gasman Cometh" and "Ill Wind". "Gasman", presaged as "a tale of unending domestic upheaval", is sure to have most people who've ever dealt with unreliable tradesmen nodding in agreement, while "Ill Wind" is Flanders' attempt at setting words to a French horn concerto featuring the immortal lines "I lost that horn/lost that horn/lost that horn/found that horn/gorn". The performance continues with Swann's Russian/English song "In The Desert", the ending of which is truly side-splitting. "All Gall" (a reinterpretation of "This Old Man" to fit then-French President Charles de Gaulle) is a little dated but very cleverly done. "Song of Patriotic Prejudice", with its introduction and opening lines grabbing the audience's attention is another triumph, while the "Hippo Encore" is a great end to the performance.
Again Flanders is at his peak. His loving description of the Spanish olive-stuffers ("Olividados") and his superb story about flying ("By Air") are both brilliant examples of the shaggy dog story.
My favourite from both of these discs would have to be "First and Second Law". Flanders decides to educate Swann in elementary science and picks on the first and second laws of thermodynamics ("heat is work and work is heat" and "heat cannot of itself pass from one body to a hotter body") and the repetition of these phrases in time to Swann's barely-there piano accompaniment is one of the finest moments in British comedy.

The third disc is largely forgettable. It begins with a series of animal-related songs performed in a studio and without much of Flanders' rambling introductions. "Warthog" has its moments, while the others were clearly not performed in front of an audience for a reason. "Wompom" is also mildly diverting, presenting a story about a made-up substance which is the answer to everything.
The rest of the disc is then filled out with much earlier material in a rather poorly-recorded concert. "20 Tons of TNT" (related to the calculation the pair had done which gave that as the amount of TNT per person on the planet at the time) provides food for thought, but little more.

Is this box set for everyone? No. Much of the humour both within and without the songs does require a bit of background knowledge to what was going on in Britain and Europe at the time (1960s), John Profumo is referenced a few times as well as Charles de Gaulle and the Common Market, while a smattering of classical music knowledge can help out a bit with Swann's work and "Ill Wind". The fact that my grandfather (who's in his late 70s) recalls hearing these songs and laughing may give an indication as to the age of some of the subject matter. Equally the fact that "First and Second Law" references an awful lot of physics might do the same.

Nevertheless, for anyone who loves British humour done in a gentle manner or who is interested in the source of "mud mud glorious mud/nothing quite like it for cooling the blood", give these CDs some serious consideration.

Gentle Satire.......2002-04-03

I've been singing Flanders and Swann every day In the Bath since I first heard them in 1964. If you don't know them, think Gilbert and Sullivan by way of English music hall and Noel Coward, with a bit of Tom Lehrer musical satire and classic Bob Newhart or Charlie Manna monologues. F&S commented gently on their times: "The purpose of satire, it has been rightly said, is to strip away the veneer of comfortable illusion and cozy half-truth. And our job, as I see it, is to put it back again." Quite simply the best comic songs and patter of the 20th century. Michael died in 1975, Donald in 1994. Goodnight, Mabel Figworthy, wherever you are.

Here are some samples of Michael's verbal wit.

Wordplay:
- "A Transport of Delight," their song of the pleasures of the double-decker bus "has recently been adopted as the theme song of the Underground resistance movement."
- Speculating that Henry VIII wrote Greensleeves: "and the royalties go to royalty."
- About a tennis referee late in the day: "the umpire upon whom the sun never sets."
- Explaining how he was hoisted in his wheelchair onto airliners by a fork lift: "Why they need a great machine like that to lift forks I do not know. Well, they're only plastic, now, aren't they?"
- On status symbols: "The object is to Gunga Din your neighbor: 'I'm a better man than you' is the acid test," and, "let's bang our status cymbals with the best."
- To a disenchanted cannibal: "You used to be a regular anthropophagi."
- Of a lecher: "And he said as he hastened to put out the cat, the wine, his cigar, and the lamps," while the girl "lowered her standards by raising her glass, her courage, her eyes, and his hopes."
- At the corrida d'olivas (the Andorran festival of olive stuffing, not to be confused with the Spanish corrida de toros, or bullfight): "And a great cry goes up of Ole! He has made an 'ol."
- "It's no good going up to a scientist and saying to him like you would to anybody else, 'Good morning, how are you, lend me a quid, and so on.' He'll just glare at you, or make a rude retort."

Throw-aways
- During the height of the cold war the Soviet Union sent the Moscow Ballet on a world tour. Donald sang one chorus of the Hippopotamus Song "mud, mud, glorious mud - nothing quite like it for cooling the blood" in Russian. Michael: "That should improve our cultural relations."
- During the 1963 Mandy Rice-Davies and Christine Keeler scandal: "None of that going around saying no smoke without fire. Nil cumbustibus, Profumo." Also, from "Friendly Duet," "such models of friendship are precious and rare, while the friendship of models is not."
- "Now if you're writing a musical, as I'm sure practically all of you are, . . ."
- Of Donald: "You know that no one has a higher regard for your music . . . than you do yourself. I merely meant that you are not great because you are not dead. If you wish to be great you must stop composing and start decomposing."
- "We never found a rhyme for (Soviet Premier Nikita) "Kruschev" until he was dead: Did he die or was he "pushed off"?"
- "We spent two dreadful, uh, delightful years, entertaining the Americans whose need, let's face it, is greater even than yours. Of course, when we're over there we say that the other way 'round."
- "No matter what you may say about the Germans, and who doesn't . . ."
- "Some of the songs that have made our names a household word, like slop-bucket . . ."
- "They've started testing cars now. They started at 10 years, then 5, now three. There's even some talk of having them tested before they leave the factory."

Absurdities
- "I'm delirious about our new oven fitted with the eye-level grill. This means that without my having to bend down the hot fat can squirt straight into my eye."
- A spectator during the construction of Stonehenge: "So, it's not going to be lived in. Well, that's something anyway. So what is it, then? It's a what?! A calendar?! A bit big for a calendar isn't it? You'd look pretty foolish with that on your desk."
- "Donald knocked himself out this morning. Got one of those new pop-up toasters. Nasty things."

Incredible multiple rhymes:
- "The fair hippoptama he aimed to entice from her seat on her hilltop above, as she hadn't got a ma to give her advice, went tip-toeing down to her love."
- Of Josephine: "Nonsense, said Bonaparte. She lives on her own, apart, in her own apartment."
- "Oh let us be married if our parents don't mind. We'd be happy and inseparable. Inextricably entwined. We'd live happily every after, said the Honeysuckle to the Bindweed."
- "And you'll always see a single lace-less left-hand leather boot. A bootless British river bank's a shock. We leave them there at midnight, you can track a member's route by the alternating print of boot and sock."

Down By Law
Average customer rating:

WTF ??

Classic Golden Age Hip Hop from MC Shan

Down By Law
MC Shan
Manufacturer: Traffic Entertainment/Cold Chillin'
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Old School | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
East Coast | Vinyl Records | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Intelligent Hoodlum/Tragedy: Saga of a Hoodlum

Back To The Old School

Road To The Riches

Take a Look Around

Lyrical King

ASIN: B000O1PKKK
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing
Project 'Ho
The Bridge
Kill That Noise
Down By Law
Left Me Lonely
Another One To Get Jealous Of
M.C. Space
Living In The World Of Hip Hop
Marley Marl Scratch (12" Version)
Marley Marl Scratch (12" Dub)
Marley Marl Scratch (Demo # 1)
Marley Marl Scratch (Demo # 2)
The Bridge (Original 12" Version)
The Bridge (A Capella)
Beat Biter
Dub Biter
Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing
Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing (Dub)
Cocaine (12" Vocal Version)
Cocaine (12" Live Version)
Down By Law (12" Remix)
Down By Law (12" Edit)
Dub By Law
He Cuts So Fresh (12" Version)
He Cuts So Fresh (Instrumental)
Left Me Lonely (Remix)
MC Shan and Biz Markie (Live)
MC Shan Live (88.9 Rap Explosion)
Jesse Jess MC Shan Mastermix

Product Description

There was a time when the Juice Crew were running things, and truly believed that nobody could compete with them. MC Shan embodied that belief, with his braggadocio rhymes and "battle anybody" attitude. Overflowing with confidence, Shan has been a well-rounded emcee since he first showed up on wax in 1985, coming correct whether he was story telling, free styling, or kicking some of the most impressive extended metaphors in Hip Hop history. Cold Chillin Records and Traffic Entertainment Group proudly present MC Shan s "Down By Law", available for the first time as a double disc set, including the original album, and a plethora of substantial bonus material, from artwork to audio. With all the songs being digitally re-mastered, and all the additional photography being supplied by the man who took the photos (George DuBose), this project has been thought out, done right and handled with care, and we hope you enjoy it.

Album Description

There was a time when the Juice Crew were running things, and truly believed that nobody could compete with them. MC Shan embodied that belief, with his braggadocio rhymes and ''battle anybody'' attitude. Overflowing with confidence, Shan has been a well-rounded emcee since he first showed up on wax in 1985, coming correct whether he was story telling, free styling, or kicking some of the most impressive extended metaphors in Hip Hop history. Cold Chillin' Records and Traffic Entertainment Group proudly present MC Shan's Down By Law, available for the first time as a 2-disc set. Down By Law includes the original track listing from the album, and a plethora of substantial bonus material, from artwork to audio. With all songs being digitally re-mastered, all additional photography being supplied by George DuBose, and a deluxe six panel digi-pak with a 24 page booklet including all the lyrics and liner notes written by Fly Ty, Mr. Magic, George DuBose and Shan himself, this project has been thought out, done right and handled with care and we sincerely hope you enjoy it.

Customer Reviews:

WTF ??.......2007-05-25

Now a Re-Release? I just bought the original on ebay last fall for over $100 and now its gets re-released with a 2 CD packe with remixes for under $20, wtf? This is upsetting to me. But anyways, great album "Letf Me Lonely" is Classic!

Classic Golden Age Hip Hop from MC Shan.......2007-05-12

Shawn Moltke, a.k.a. MC Shan, was an aspiring hip-hop MC from New York City, who grew up in the now-infamous Queensbridge housing projects. Hooking up with cousin Marlon Williams (a.k.a. DJ Marley Marl), they produced a string of singles for the indie Prism label which led to a recording contract for a full album from Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros. Records. The results are contained here in Shan's first full-length LP, "Down By Law". Needless to say, Shan was affiliated with the loose-knit rap collective The Juice Crew, and his aggressive style brought him into conflict with the rap group Boogie Down Productions, who quickly became the Bronx-based regional rivals to the Queens-centric Juice Crew.
The new Traffic archival release, "Down By Law" has all the early, pre-album singles by MC Shan, like "Jane, Stop this Crazy Thing", Left Me Lonely", "Kill that Noise", and the undisputed classic "The Bridge". The 2-disc set (30 cuts deep!) also includes an almost overwhelming amount of bonus material in the form of numerous 12"-inch/EP alternate takes, remixes, and rare recordings like radio freestyles and live-in-concert recordings.

Pros:
Marley Marl's production was pioneering in hip-hop, one of the first to make extensive use of the then-available sampling technology of such machines as the TR-808 and SP-1200. Drum, bass and horn licks from the likes of James Brown and more can be heard here for the "first" time. MC Shan is a capable rapper succeeding more as a storyteller, though he has capable freestyles and battle-raps. With his Queens allegiance, Kangol cap and pin-up good looks, he was kind of a lesser-known LL Cool J. Surprisingly, Shan lays his substance abuse issues bare with "Cocaine".

Cons:
The romantic sentiments of "Left Me Lonely" are short-circuited by the sexism of "Jane..." and "Project Ho" (both about women who can't give up a sex/drug fix). Given that Shan's follow-up albums, "Born to be Wild" and "Play it Again, Shan" failed to have the same commercial impact as his debut, "Down By Law" is virtually his defining artistic statement, especially when you consider the bonus material. Only MC Shan completists should look further.

Overall Rating: A-
1. Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing
2. Project 'Ho
3. The Bridge
4. Kill That Noise
5. Down By Law
6. Left Me Lonely
7. Another One To Get Jealous Of
8. M.C. Space
9. Living In The World Of Hip Hop
10. Marley Marl Scratch (12" Version)
11. Marley Marl Scratch (12" Dub)
12. Marley Marl Scratch (Demo # 1)
13. Marley Marl Scratch (Demo # 2)
14. The Bridge (Original 12" Version)
15. The Bridge (A Capella)
16. Beat Biter
17. Dub Biter
18. Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing
19. Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing (Dub)
20. Cocaine (12" Vocal Version)
21. Cocaine (12" Live Version)
22. Down By Law (12" Remix)
23. Down By Law (12" Edit)
24. Dub By Law
25. He Cuts So Fresh (12" Version)
26. He Cuts So Fresh (Instrumental)
27. Left Me Lonely (Remix)
28. MC Shan and Biz Markie (Live)
29. MC Shan Live (88.9 Rap Explosion)
30. Jesse Jess MC Shan Mastermix

Music Info:

Music Info

music info

Recommended Music:

Titus Groan

Bernardo De Muro: The Rare Recordings, 1912-1928

At the Ernst-Merck-Halle, Hamburg, Germany [Live]

Straight, Clean & Simple/Talk It Over In The Morning [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Boogie Sound [Import]

Amazonia

Cammenammo [Import]

Another Stoney Evening [Live]

Autre Chose: Live, Bourges 1982 [Live]

Bach: Partitas Nos. 1, 3, 6

Benny Goodman on V-Disc [Import]

Aliquante

Cha Cha Cha at the El Morocco [Import]

Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite; Symphony No. 4 [SACD]

Nancy Wilson - Greatest Hits [Sony]