Perfect Strangers

Perfect Strangers

Track Listings

1. Knocking at Your Back Door

2. Under the Gun

3. Nobody's Home

4. Mean Streak

5. Perfect Strangers

6. Gypsy's Kiss

7. Wasted Sunsets

8. Hungry Daze

9. Not Responsible

10. Son of Alerik [*]

Tracks:

Knocking At Your Back Door
Under The Gun
Nobody's Home
Mean Streak
Perfect Strangers
A Gypsy's Kiss
Wasted Sunsets
Hungry Daze
Not Responsible
Son Of Alerik

Customer Reviews:

Excellent CD.......2007-06-16

Perfect Strangers is the perfect CD. There is not a single track that I skip over on this CD and that is rare for me. The entire CD is classic. The sound is superb, the musicianship is tight and the CD simply rocks. If you like classic rock, get your hands on this CD. It will be worth it to you and you will have a hard time taking it out of the CD player.

Rock on

A Respectable Comeback.......2007-05-27

I remember waiting for this album like waiting for Xmas; And while only a handful of tracks could be considered 'classic Deep Purple', every song is solid, and all the players are in fine form. Blackmore is his usual unusual self, complete with angular, odd-scales, blues flurries, and his trademark, stinging vibrato; Ian sounds right at home, and the band just seems to follow close behind. This has been recently remastered(I don't know about the paticular version I'm reviewing, but I know it's out there...), so it sounds even better. And for being close to 25 years old, it still sounds great to me. A good CD to introduce younger listeners to these guys...it's old, but not that old.

Love My Perfect Stanger .......2007-01-13

I love this cd so much. I recommend that anyone who likes Deep Purple pick up a copy.

My Favorite Purple Disc.......2007-01-11

This album brings back a lot of memories for me. A friend of mine and I took a driving trip from Michigan to New Orleans shortly after this album came out, and it was constantly on our playlist during the drive. By 1984 many people had pretty much written Deep Purple off. They had not released an album as a band since 1975. Blackmore formed Rainbow, Gillian had his own band as well as a stint with Black Sabbath, and Glover and Paice had joined Whitsnake. Deep Purple had effectively dropped off the radar. "Perfect Strangers" would see the return of the mark II lineup of Glover, Blackmore, Gillian, Lord, and Paice and would prove to be one hell of a comeback. Personally this is my all time favorite Deep Purple album. Every song is great, the music is a perfect mix of the classic purple sound with an updated (for its time) contemporary feel. Two big AOR hits came from the album, the opener "Knocking At Your Back Door" and the title track "Perfect Strangers" Both songs rank with the best the band has ever done in fact the song "Perfect Strangers" is one of the best songs of the 80's in my book. The rest of the album is all great too. "Wasted Sunsets" is a ballad that Ian Gillian just kills. His voice is perfect for the song as he does what he does best belting it out. "Hungry Daze" is a rocking look back at the band's history and a look forward to their future. "Under The Gun", "Nobody's Home", "Mean Streak" "Gypsy's Kiss" and "Not Responsible" are all excellent as well. I got to see the band on this tour and the show was as good as the album. Sadly Deep Purple would follow "Perfect Strangers" with the lousy "House Of Blue Doors" which was a huge letdown after this one, and would be the last album from the mark II version of the band.

A Milestone!.......2006-12-11

Should you ever meet someone who's ranting about "the eighties" and the supposedly "bad" music of that decade... just put on this GREAT record!
The songs are well crafted, perfectly recorded and the whole album is absolutely NOT "trendy". With that I mean that you could never tell it was made in 1984. Clearly you can spot it's not from the seventies... but listening back to it, NOW, I notice how it hasn't aged a bit!
...and it features the most classic lineup of the band!
You just couldn't ask for more!! ;-)

Average customer rating:

I waited for this for five years
Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans

Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD)
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ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tracks:

Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

Tracks:

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

Tracks:

Oh What A Circus - David Essex
Memory - Betty Buckley
The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
With One Look - Petula Clark
You Must Love Me - Madonna
The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
No Matter What - Boyzone
The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

Tracks:

Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
Try It And See - Rita Pavone
Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
Disillusion Me - Gary Band
The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
Magdalena - Tony Christie
Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

Album Description

Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

Customer Reviews:

I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
It was worth the wait.

The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

* Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

* Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

* ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

* Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

* The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.

Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

"Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!

Average customer rating:

Two different versions
PERFECT...
A triumphant return for Deep Purple...
Deep Purple's Comeback Album Is The Best Metal Of 1984
Deep Purple reunited!

Perfect Strangers
Deep Purple
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001FB6
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Knocking At Your Back Door
Under The Gun
Nobody's Home
Mean Streak
Perfect Strangers
A Gypsy's Kiss
Wasted Sunsets
Hungry Daze
Not Responsible

Customer Reviews:

Two different versions.......2006-07-09

This was a nice effort for the reunion. Not every track is a gem, but the tracks Knocking at Your back Door, Under the Gun, and Perfect Strangers more than make up for the filler. Be careful though. The newer remaster does have Son of Alerik on it, which in my opinion is just an OK instrumental, but I actually prefer the mastering of the original version without that track. The newer remaster has a way hotter (annoying) top end which makes it more difficult to listen to.

PERFECT..........2006-03-20

is the word for Perfect Strangers, Deep Purple's big reunion album from 1984, with the classic MK2 lineup.

It was the perfect reply to Zeppelin's "In Through The Outdoor" of '79. Perfect Strangers could be one of their best works. If not, it's certainly their most rounded, at least until 2005`s Rapture of the Deep. It's a rock album from start to finish, and really, they never sounded so good together. Anchoring the album are two songs, "Knockin' At Your Back Door", and the title track. Both are rooted firmly in the Purple hard rock plan. They're extensive, hulking groaners that allow Ritchie Blackmore the freedom to play his guitar. Jon Lord's organ adds the glue that holds the band together, giving us something to pay attention to while there are breaks in the action. The organ is most powerful on "Mean Streak". It's a throwback to the primitive energy of their olden days. But it's also here that we see exactly what Deep Purple really is: a rhythm band. Bassist Roger Glover and drummer Ian Paice keep the whole thing grooving, while Lord's keys and Blackmore's guitar insert accents of zing. Gillian's voice sits atop all this, telling stories of an intoxicated girlfriend. On "Hungry Daze" we hear influences acquired during the band's time off. Gillian's voice, at times, sounds like his stint with Black Sabbath. Blackmore adds guitar work that reminds me of Rainbow. The next track is "Not Responsible" Gillian's "funk you" anthem, where he explains that he'll do anything he wants, and accept no responsibility for his actions. That's rock n roll.

Perfect Strangers was a atypical album for Deep Purple. Never had the band sounded so cohesive. Never had they managed such a consistent sound over an entire album. Perhaps that's why they called the album Perfect Strangers. Maybe they were five musicians, so diverse that they were strangers to each other in fact. Infinitely different people, that complimented each other perfectly. A piece of pure magic in my opinion.

Highlights: Knockin' At Your Back Door, Under The Gun, Perfect Strangers, Gypsy's Kiss and Wasted Sunsets.

NOTE: Be sure you get the Polydor version of this disc and not the 1999 Mercury version re-master, it just seems to breath better in my humble opinion.

A triumphant return for Deep Purple..........2005-09-19

...and sadly, their last real great album.

By 1984, heavy metal rock was being largely dominated by bubble gum MTV hair bands like Quiot Riot, Ratt and the Scorpions (give me a break, will you!!!) Deep Purple managed to hold onto their heavy rock sound and image and score great tracks like "Knockin' At Your Back Door", "Nobody Home", "Mean Streak" and the title track.

Deep Purple's Comeback Album Is The Best Metal Of 1984.......2004-11-24

Deep Purple's PERFECT STRANGERS is the best heavy metal album of 1984. The opener, "Knocking At Your Back Door", is a terrific stomper in the classic MACHINE HEAD style, "Under The Gun" is a scathing warning about the perils of militarism, and "Mean Streak" describes any mean or vulgar woman, whether it be a cheating girlfriend or a wicked fairy-tale/movie character. The title song, which opens side two, tells of two people who must remain parted even though they were once friends. For me, it also explains why I've had to disassociate myself from certain people/groups/activities and quit going back to my old school for Thanksgiving Dinner or the Graduation lunch in order to keep my looks at the right point. A couple of songs are second-rate, but this album is still a masterpiece.

Deep Purple reunited!.......2004-03-19

Perfect Strangers (1984.) The eleventh Deep Purple studio album. First reunion album.

INTRODUCTION:
In the middle of the seventies, despite their ability to create excellent music, Deep Purple fell apart and disbanded for a number of reasons. In a relatively short time, one of rock and roll's finest bands had collapsed.

And then they got back together.

In the eighties, Deep Purple reunited! The reunion was of the Mark Two lineup, the one most widely beloved by fans. It had been an interesting few years of hiatus - Ritchie Blackmore had formed Rainbow, Ian Gillan tried his hand at a solo career, and Roger Glover continued doing something he had always loved doing - producing albums for other artists, including Judas Priest's Sin After Sin. In 1984, the hiatus ended and Deep Purple Mark Two recorded Perfect Strangers.

OVERVIEW:
Deep Purple released Perfect Strangers in November of 1984. The album was released on Polydor in the UK and Mercury in the US. This record featured the reunited Mark Two lineup up Ian Gillan (vocals), Roger Glover (bass), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), and Ian Paice (drums.)

REVIEW:
The reunions some bands perform are scattershot and short lived, with the music being of questionable quality. For Deep Purple, this is not true. The classic Mark Two quintet reunites and creates an instant classic of an album. This lineup of the band had not recorded in over a decade, but after giving this album a listen, you can't tell. They record excellently, no evidence of an eight-year gap anywhere in site. Every song is great.

All songs written by Blackmore, Gillan, Glover, Lord, and/or Paice.

-SIDE ONE-

-Knocking At Your Back Door-
The opening track from the album is the one that would become a big time classic for the ages. From its eerily-melodic, violin-intensive intro to the power rock that dominates the majority of the track, this was the song that proved to many a person Deep Purple was far from dead.

-Under The Gun-
The good old days were back, and in a big way, as this track demonstrates. That organ-backed classic hard rock assault the band was infamous for is back once again. Blackmore and Lord still complement each other nicely, and the rest of the band doesn't fail to please either.

-Nobody's Home-
Deep Purple could do hard rock songs with the best of them, back in their seventies heyday. Needless to say, when the group reunited, they were as talented musically as ever. This is another solid example that the band's classic stylings were still intact.

-Mean Streak-
My favorite song on the album. If ever there needed to be a Deep Purple song that epitomized the band's organ-laden classic hard rock sound, this would be that song. The band is on fire here, and it's utter blasphemy that this song never became a bigger hit than it did. One of Purple's finest compositions.

-SIDE TWO-

-Perfect Strangers-
One of the biggest hits to emerge from this album was its classic title track. It's not at all surprising to see that this is one of the band's songs that tends to get some of the heaviest praise of all. The band is in their prime, and they truly created a classic title track for the ages.

-A Gypsy's Kiss-
Classic hard rock lives, as this album demonstrates many a time. Yet again the band demonstrates it beautifully. Ritchie Blackmore is absolutely on fire here, serving up some of his finest riffs effort. An underrated song, and once again, it's one that deserved to be a bigger hit.

-Wasted Sunsets-
Here the band slows things down, creating a melodic rocker that definitely stands out as one of the more unique compositions on the album. It's a nice little piece that shows off the band's musical diversity. Deep Purple isn't normally known for their slow, melodic pieces, but as this one shows, they are no slouches at creating them.

-Hungry Daze-
What a way to close out an album. Even though it's straightforward rock, it's Jon Lord who steals the show here with his keyboards. It's vintage Purple, with Lord creating a keyboard sound all his own, grabbing your attention and never letting go. Great closer.

OVERALL:
Perfect Strangers is, well, perfect. This is the way reunion albums are supposed to be. The band does not fail to please here, and it definitely stands as one of the strongest entries in their catalogue. Mark Two sounds as good as ever on this one. Essential to any Deep Purple collection!

EDITION NOTES:
When this album was reissued and remastered, it was given two bonus tracks - Not Responsible and Son Of Alerik. Be sure you buy a version of the album that includes these extra cuts!

Average customer rating:

New Perfect Stangers CD
New Perfect Stangers CD
New Perfect Stangers CD
Haunting old-timey/bluegrass blend

Perfect Strangers
Perfect Strangers
Manufacturer: Rebel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008S82E
Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

Sing Me A Song (That'll Just Keep Me Lonesome)
Roll On, John
Scofield Mine Disaster
Homeless Joe
The Hermit Miner
Bluegrass In The Backwoods
Twenty One Years
Canned By The Best
Evening Shade
The Greatest Midwestern Fear
If We Never Meet Again
Pineville Breakdown
Fog On The Water
Wandering Boy

Customer Reviews:

New Perfect Stangers CD.......2003-05-04

What a exciting moment when I put my new "Perfect Strangers" CD on and listened to it. I first heard Chris Brashear sing on his "Wanderlust" CD he did a few years ago. I am very glad the musicians from this project decided to stay together and continue to play. On this new CD you have in addition to Chris, Bob Black, Jody Stecher, Peter McLaughlin and Forrest Rose. All members are established first class musicians and singers. This album is a mixture of styles. It has traditional bluegrass, contemporary and old time country sounds well blended. Vocal songs are very well presented. The instrumentals are impressive. "Bluegrass In The Backwoods" is a masterpiece. Bob Blacks "Canned By The Best" is the true tale of his experiences in the music business as a sideman. "The Greatest Midwestern Fear" is a story about a twister tornado. I enjoy all the selections on the new CD and highly recommend it for your listening. I would catch these guys anytime you have the chance.

New Perfect Stangers CD.......2003-05-04

Haunting old-timey/bluegrass blend.......2003-03-31

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and fiddler Chris Brashear is originally from Massachusetts, now lives in Arizona, and has played with Laurie Lewis, Kentucky Rose, and The Frog Mountain Trio. When he recorded "Wanderlust" in the late 90s, he assembled some musicians that clicked. Wanderlust received good reviews, and the band decided to stay together as "The Perfect Strangers." The rest of the group is Bob Black (banjo), Jody Stecher (mandolin, fiddle), Peter McLaughlin (guitar), and Forrest Rose (bass). Peter McLaughlin was the 1998 National Flatpicking Guitar Champion. Bob Black was a member of Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys from 1972-74 and has toured with Norman Blake and John Hartford. Multi-instrumentalist Jody Stetcher is well-known in bluegrass and old-time music circles for his work with Kate Brislin, Laurie Lewis, Arkansas Sheiks, and Any Old Time String Band. Jody and Kate's 1993 album (Our Town) and 1997 album (Heart Songs) were both Grammy nominees. Bass-player Forrest Rose has played with Bill Monroe, David Olney, Kenny Baker and a host of great Missouri fiddlers. The band is joined by guest Ed Neff (mandolin, fiddle) on four tracks.

With seasoned vets like these guys, it was with much anticipation and interest that I put this album on the CD player. I had some high hopes for some music that would really pack a punch. Instead, I was left feeling a little sedated. Brashear's 3/4-time "Sing Me A Song" offers some triple fiddle and high, lonesome singing. I would've liked the vocals a little stronger in the mix, and at least a tenor harmony on the chorus. Stecher's bluesy rendition of the traditional "Roll On, John" has a lot of soul but seems an unlikely choice for an album's second cut. Finally, by the third track the Strangers serve up some hard-driving bluegrass with Utah Phillips' "Scofield Mine Disaster," a true story of a terrible mining accident in which over 200 died on May 1, 1900. Brashear then sings another fast self-penned plaintive ballad in waltz time, "Homeless Joe." Peter McLaughlin shows that he is also a storyteller with his "The Hermit Miner," about the lonesome life of a miner from Tennessee that came out to Arizona. The band does a good job on Kenny Baker's "Bluegrass in the Backwoods," and Chris, Bob, Jody and Peter each take a full break and get a chance to shine. Then, back to another 3/4-time ballad, Twenty One Years. Bob Black's "Canned By The Best" is best described as a novelty tune with a rather uninspired melody, sung by Bob. "Evening Shade" is a happy-go-luck and bouncy instrumental that features the twin fiddles of Chris and Jody. Yet another 3/4-time Chris Brashear ballad, "The Greatest Midwestern Fear" tells the true story of a tornado. So where's the hook? What the message? The full quartet's slow "If We Never Meet Again" lacks a certain togetherness in their execution. "Pineville Breakdown" is a spunky little tune with nice hustle. I enjoyed their vocals (Peter singing lead, with Chris and Jody stacked above) on "Fog On The Water." An uptempo "Wandering Boy" closes the project with Chris' solo singing, and the triple fiddles of Ed Neff, Chris and Jody.

This album has some great moments, but I was left feeling a little disappointed. I suppose that I was expecting something different, perhaps something with a little more uptempo drive, smoother bluegrass vocals and inspiring lyrical messages. A plaintive traditional sound permeates this project, and I plan to give it some more listens in hopes that it will grow on me. The Perfect Strangers blend old-timey and bluegrass influences to create their own sound that is perfectly haunting, yet understated. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

Average customer rating:
Perfect Strangers

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000GG4BRQ
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Average customer rating:
Perfect Strangers

Manufacturer: Steve Snelling
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000BYQDPQ
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Familiar Strangers
Average customer rating:
Familiar Strangers

Manufacturer: Route Five Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0002C6IZC
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Product Description

From the CD Baby website: "Guitar-oriented contemporary acoustic pop comparable to artists including Jackson Browne, Del Amitri, Freedy Johnston & David Wilcox; ten songs in a perfect pop package chronicling life & love changes."

Average customer rating:

Perfect Strangers
Margaret Wakeley
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000FT5YF2
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

Young at Heart
Back When We Were Beautiful
Under Paris Skies
Another Song About Paris
Lost in the Stars
No One Is Alone
Don't Go to Strangers
I Never Talk to Strangers
Welcome Home
If He Walked into My Life
I Don't Know How to Say Goodbye
You Are There
Little Things You Do Together
How Do You Keep the Music Playing?
When Autumn Comes
You Must Believe in Spring

Average customer rating:

Perfect Strangers
Judi Connelli , and Suzanne Johnston
Manufacturer: Original Cast Record
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005V881
Release Date: 2003-12-30

Tracks:

Our Time (Merrily We Roll Along)/Everybody Says Don't [Anyone Can Whis
Climb Ev'ry Mountain [The Sound of Music]
With a Song (Medley): The Carousel Waltz /Do I Hear a Waltz? [From Caro
Look to the Moon [The Betrothed]
Perfect Strangers [The Mystery of Edwin Drood]
No Matter What Happens
Children of the Wind [Rags to Riches Mix]
Music of the Night [From Phantom of the Opera]
Time After Time - Judi Connelli, Suzanne Johnston, Guy Noble, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Michael Tyack
On the Street Where You Live [From My Fair Lady] - Judi Connelli, Suzanne Johnston, Guy Noble, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Michael Tyack
Nearness of You - Judi Connelli, Suzanne Johnston, Guy Noble, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Michael Tyack
When Did I Fall in Love [Fiorello!] - Judi Connelli, Suzanne Johnston, Guy Noble, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Michael Tyack
Time Heals Everything [Mack and Mabel]
Pretty Women/Johanna [Sweeney Todd]
Medley: Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy

Album Details

From Judi Connelli, Supreme Queen of Caberet, and Suzanne Johnston, Opera Star Extraodinaire Comes this Amazing Album of Duets from the Great Musicals.

Average customer rating:

Perfect Strangers
Deep Purple
Manufacturer: Polydor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000LZP3LU

Music Info: