Never Say Goodbye [Import]

Never Say Goodbye [Import]

Track Listings

1. Robe

2. Bright On The Blade

3. Wildest Dreams

4. Torch

5. Yesterday Lies In The Flames

6. Rainbow

7. Crusaders

8. Don't Cry

9. Goodnight Saigon

10. Arcadia

11. You're In My Heart

12. Loneliest Place In The World

13. Ten Fathoms Deep

14. After The Love Has Gone

15. Stay With Me

16. Standing On The Edge Of Time

17. Fly Like An Eagle

18. Drum Solo

19. Battlelines

20. Pharaoh's Prelude

See all 26 tracks on this disc

Tracks:

Opening - Gustavo Santaolalla
He Was A Friend Of Mine - Willie Nelson
Brokeback Mountain 1 - Gustavo Santaolalla
A Love That Will Never Grow Old - Emmylou Harris
King Of The Road - Rufus Wainwright
Snow - Gustavo Santaolalla
The Devil's Right Hand - Steve Earle
No One's Gonna Love You Like Me - Mary McBride
Brokeback Mountain 2 - Gustavo Santaolalla
I Don't Want To Say Goodbye - Teddy Thompson
I Will Never Let You Go - Jackie Greene
Riding Horses - Gustavo Santaolalla
An Angel Went Up In Flames - The Gas Band
Its So Easy - Linda Ronstadt
Brokeback Mountain 3 - Gustavo Santaolalla
The Maker Makes - Rufus Wainwright
The Wings - Gustavo Santaolalla

Amazon.com

Argentina-born, California-based Gustavo Santaolalla helped shape the rock en Español movement by producing Mexican bands Molotov and Café Tacuba , and Colombian singer Juanes. In the late 1990s he made a switch to soundtracks, working on well-received albums for Amores Perros and The Motorcycle Diaries. His instrumental contributions to Ang Lee's tale of two cowboys in love are acoustic guitar-based and, let's face it, a bit on the sonic-wallpaper side.

The vocal tracks, on the other hand, are uniformly lovely, even if the selection of interpreters falls on the predictable side. Linda Ronstadt, Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, and Mary McBride on the soundtrack to a contemporary Western? What a shock! Still, they're all wonderful and Santaolalla wrote at least a couple of classic-sounding country ballads ("A Love That Will Never Grow Old," sung by Emmylou Harris, and "No One's Gonna Love You Like Me," sung by Mary McBride). And don't miss Teddy Thompson and Rufus Wainwright's sweet cover of Roger Miller's 1964 "King of the Road." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

iPod owners be warned.......2007-08-01

I loved the movie and the music. However, I'm very disappointed to discover that I cannot get the CD to copy to my iPod. This is a pet peeve of mine - I buy the music, I should get to listen to it on whatever device I choose.

Axe Rufus Wainwright, and it would be 5 stars.......2007-06-13

This album is a mixture of the instrumental theme, which is incredibly beautiful and haunting, and some very solid country songs. I was surprised by how good the other songs were (you still have to like country music, though). There are only two songs that I don't like at all, and those are the two by Rufus Wainwright - one a cover of "King of the Road" (originally by Roger Miller). They are great demonstrations of him at his most nasal and whiny. It sounds like he is a French guy holding his nose and singing too slow. It's too bad, because they are good songs otherwise. I guess if you like him, you're golden; but I can't stand these versions. Fortunately, the rest of the disc is really good.

Yes, it's one of the best albums I own.......2007-06-03

I listened to it over and over and over last year. Such quality all 'round.

Brokeback Mountain.......2007-05-13

The product is what I expected. It arrived on time and in the condition advertised.

A matter of taste..........2007-05-08

I didn't really pay a lot of attention to the music in the film, except for in the most intense of scenes. Perhaps this is why I was so, completely, disappointed with this soundtrack. I felt that if it did even half of what the film did for me it would be a worthy buy. My friends, this soundtrack is shat. It's mostly country and folk, which I am plainly not into. If you like these things then check this out - if not, turn away.

The Producers (2001 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Just what I wanted
I Want to be a producer
Spring Time for "The Producers"
Mel Brooks = Brilliant
it won 11 (if im correct) TONY awards for a reason!

The Producers (2001 Original Broadway Cast)
Mel Brooks , Matthew Broderick , Nathan Lane , Roger Bart , Gary Beach , Cady Huffman , Jesse Levy , and Grace Paradise, Jennifer Smith Tony Kadleck
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Monty Python's Spamalot (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Hairspray (2002 Original Broadway Cast)
Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
The Producers (2005 Movie Soundtrack)
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00005AY6I
Release Date: 2001-04-17

Tracks:

Overture
Opening Night
The King of Broadway
We Can Do It
Unhappy
I Wanna Be a Producer
In Old Bavaria
Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop
Keep It Gay
When You Got It, Flaunt It
Along Came Bialy
That Face
Have You Ever Heard the German Band?
It's Bad Luck to Say Good Luck on Op'ning Night
Springtime for hitler
Where Did We Go Right?
Betrayed
'Til Him
Prisoners Of Love (Leo & Max)
Goodbye!

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The Producers was the vehicle that first proclaimed Mel Brooks's decidedly singular comic vision as a film director in 1968. At the time, the world may not have been entirely ready for the depth charges of hilarity he unleashed; but more than three decades later, it seemed almost foreordained that the film's retooling as a full-fledged musical--directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman--would become the smash hit of the 2000-2001 Broadway season (even before opening at the St. James Theatre in April). Brooks is, of course, no stranger to the Broadway musical genre or to songwriting, but skeptics might find themselves taken by surprise at just how outrageously well all the threads come together for the new show.

The film's absurd core vignette--the infamous "Springtime for Hitler"--if anything gains a few notches in hilarity when framed by a character-rich musical that comes off as both parody and valentine in its mimicry of Broadway's "golden age." Brooks (with the help of idiomatically expert arrangements by Glen Kelly) has cooked up a variety of numbers constituting a virtual primer of old-fashioned American musical comedy styles (there's even a toying with Cabaret-style decadence), but they're always coated with an extra layer of zaniness. In fact, the whole show becomes a Chinese box of parodies within parodies. But what really gets the whole mix working is a surefire cast headed by Nathan Lane playing Max Bialystock and Matthew Broderick doing a delightfully nebbish turn with delusions of misplaced glory as his sidekick, Leo Bloom.

From his first big number (musically winking at Fiddler on the Roof), Lane hungrily lays claim to the role, undaunted by his formidable predecessor, Zero Mostel. Even on disc, you can visualize his over-the-top mugging as a dethroned "king of Broadway" who was "the first producer ever to do summer stock in the winter." Comedy, as they say, is all about timing, and that's exactly what Lane gets right. His interactions with Bloom, Franz Liebkind (Brad Oscar), and Roger de Bris (Gary Beach) are priceless, even when only in sound. As for the tunes, Brooks crafts a number of truly memorable ones--don't be surprised to find yourself horrified as you hum along with "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop" and, of course, "Springtime for Hitler." --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Just what I wanted.......2006-11-06

I saw the making of the CD on TV. The cast does a great job. I have the CD in my car stereo and listen to it often.

I Want to be a producer.......2006-03-06

This recording is great! I saw the play in november and loved the music. I bought the CD a little later and i am still listing to it. The cast are all great singers and did a great job. The songs are witty and catchy and never get old. You should listin to this.(Warning:See the movie or the play before you listin to this, you might hate it if you've have not.)

Spring Time for "The Producers".......2005-12-13

While I'll abmit that Nazi regemes and Hitler are probably some of the least funny thing in the world...i have to admit that the words to Springtime for Hitler are hilarious, just like the rest of the songs on this cast recording.

While "The Producers" Is not as musically complex or mature as other "Best Musical" scores of recent years (Spamalot, Avenue Q, Hairspray,) It is funnier than all of those put together. Nathan lane And Matthew Broderick Are perfectly cast in their roles and Caddy Hoffman is great, and when Ulla belt, she Belts!
the rest of the cast is amazing.

As for the song I can't think of one that I don't like, They are all great!

I would hope that the fact that the show makes light of Hitler doesn't turn you off, because you would be missing somthing great.

Mel Brooks = Brilliant.......2005-12-12

My theatre group went to New York two years ago, adn we did a marathon 4 shows in 3 days. Each show got progressively better, finally culminating in seeing Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick's final performance of "The Producers." I have been a fan of Brooks' since I saw "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" 5 years ago. Naturally, I was beyond excited to see the show he made of his most brilliant film.

I was not disappointed. It was funny, racy, and downright fabulous. I bought the soundtrack at intermission and have been listening to it ever since. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves musicals. Lane and Broderick play off each other perfectly, Cady Huffman has one of the best belting voices I've heard in ages, and the songs are actually FUNNY.

Aside from raving about one of my favorite shows, I would like to address the comments made about the show downplaying Hitler and being racist towards Germans. In no way does this show downplay Hitler's terrible deeds. Bialystock and Bloom make several comments about how disgusted they are about the play- the fact that it is so insulting to our sensibilities is the reason why it was chosen in the first place. I am Jewish and have studied the Holocaust and WWII for years. I was not offended in the least, nor did I feel the Brooks was promoting or trivializing Hitler's war crimes. Brooks himself is Jewish for god's sake.

Second, I see nothing in the show that is racist towards Germans. Yes there is a Nazi in it who is German. How is that racist? The Nazis went all over the world after WWII- it is possible that several ended up in New York City. And no one will argue that some Nazi's were German. You might as well say that the show is discriminatory towards Swedes, or gay directors, or producers, or the countless number of things made fun of in the show.

it won 11 (if im correct) TONY awards for a reason!.......2005-12-08

This is by far the funniest thing I have ever seen. I got the chance to see it on broadway with Lane (unfortunatly not Broderick) and most of the original cast. For some reason, certain people seem to think this play is racist. First off, the whole thing is pure 100% SATIRE. I'm 15 and I can realize that. Also, are you aware that Mel Brooks is jewish? Yeah, so lighten up. I realize what Hitler did, and it will never be forgotten. But my God, get a sense of humor. In case you never saw the play, the Bavarian guy breaks his leg (making "It's bad luck to say good luck on opening night funny) and is replaced by the gay director for the song "Springtime for Hitler". ITS HILARIOUS! BROOKS MADE HITLER A GAY GUY! And why do you think he did that? Geeze... just lighten up!

So about the CD...awesome. I love these songs, and I am very much looking forward to seeing the movie version of the musical coming out in late December! GO SEE IT!

Average customer rating:

Very Enjoyable for all music fans
Absolutely Amazing! Two CDs packed with the world's most beautiful classical music...

The Classical Album 2005

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000A8AXWW
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Customer Reviews:

Very Enjoyable for all music fans.......2006-03-02

This is very good collection of music that brings to life a wide variety of music that is both old and contemporary. The selections vary from composers, historical and famous such as Pavarotti and Puccini to today's James Horner (Titanic, A Beauituful Mind) and John Williams (Star Wars, Sabrina, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan).

If you enjoy the sounds of Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Enya, Kate Bush, Andrea Bocelli, and various theatre music (Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, Cats), then you will find this collection worthy of your appreciation.

I have often wondered why classical music radio channels do not play modern composers (i.e., Horner, Willams), and am glad that this album gives them credit that they deserve. There is so many good compositions being created every day that only appear to have a voice on the big screen, which is unfortunate.

Track 11, composed by The Doors, and is a nice version, indeed. I also enjoy the Bond players giving a new twist to some old favourites.

Ciao,
Neil

Absolutely Amazing! Two CDs packed with the world's most beautiful classical music..........2005-11-08

First, let me begin by saying that I am by no means an expert in classical music, but have grown to appreciate it immensely in the past year. I can say wholeheartedly that this is the most beautiful compilation of music I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. It's simple irresistible. There are few words to describe how emotional it is to hear Pavarotti sing "II Canto", or Placido Domingo belt out "Questa o quella". You just get numb with joy!! I have NO idea what they are saying but a translation not necessary. The entire collection (TWo jammed-packed CDs) is phenomenal (excluding the selections from "Bond" which I found to be particularly annoying and not at all "classical" in the true sense of the word). There is something here for everyone, regardless of your personal musical tastes or tolerances.

A guaranteed hit -- Don't miss this one.

CD One

Andrea Bocelli "En Aranjuez con tu amor"
Bryn Terfel - "Granada"
Bond - "Viva" ( not my favorite, sounds almost disco-ish)
Hayley Westenra - "Pokarekare Ana"
Luciano Pavarotti - "Una Mattina"
Katherine jenkins - "Time To Say Goodbye" (a heart stopper - so beautiful!)
Duel - "Canon" (lovely!)
Janine Jansen - "Allegro from 'Spring'"
Andreas Scholl - "Ombra mai fu"
Nigel Kennedy - "The Unknown Soldier"
Kiri Te Kanawa - "Nuns' Chorus"
Nelson Freire - "Chopin Etude No. 1 op. 25
Julian Lloyd Webber - "Flight of the Bumble-bee"
James Horner - "For the Love of a Princess
Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard "Now We Are Free"
Renee Fleming - "Mesicku na nebi hlubokem"
Russell Watson - "Amore e Musica"

CD TWO

Luciano Pavarotti - "II Canto" (I MUST see him sing this in person!!)
Placido Domingo - "Questa o quello" (I never tire of hearing this)
Andrea Bocelli & Bryn Terfel - "the Pearl Fisher's Duet"
Jose Carreras - "Funiculi, funicula
Dominc Miller & Kaori Muraji - "Fragile"
Tavener - "Song for Athene"
Josep Calleja - "La donna e mobile"
Jean-Yves Thibaudet - "Gymopedie No. 1"
Juan Diego Florez - "Una furtiva lagrima"
Kathleen Ferrier - "Blow the Wind Southerly"
Angela Gheorghiu - "Ave Maria"
Janine Jansen - "Schindler's List Main Theme"
Bond - "explosive"
Secret Garden - "You Raise Me Up"
Hayley Westenra - "Never Say Goodbye"
The Three Tenors - "Nessun Dorma"

Enjoy!

Cris Cunningham for Amazon.com

Erich Kunzel - Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) / Cincinnati Pops Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Kunzel's different perspective on ALW's musicals

Erich Kunzel - Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) / Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Andrew Lloyd Webber , Erich Kunzel , Ernest [organ] Hoffman , Randolph Bowman , Timothy Berens , and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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From the Heart
The Very Best of Erich Kunzel: Top 20
The Big Picture
Classics of the Silver Screen
Orchestral Spectaculars

ASIN: B000003D18
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

The Phantom Of The Opera
The Music Of The Night
Think Of Me
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
All I Ask Of You
Angel Of Music
As If We Never Said Goodbye
The Greatest Star of All
With One Look
Memory
I Don't Know How To Love Him
Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say)
King Herod's Song
Don't Cry For Me, Argentina
Starlight Express
Any Dream Will Do

Customer Reviews:

Kunzel's different perspective on ALW's musicals.......2005-11-06

Kunzel's offering of Andrew Lloyd Webber suites is a worthwhile tribute to this modern-day titan of globalised musicals. Although this album has a different feel from the original cast albums, Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops still perform these affectionate arrangements of Lord Lloyd Webber's musicals expertly, superbly and voluptiously. The creative arrangements by Crafton Beck and Steven Reineke are tastefully and, for the most part, faithfully done, and allow Kunzel to offer a fresh perspective to these musicals in their orchestral settings. And as always Telarc provides its trademark audiophile-quality recording - surround sound quality with a sumptuous spatialiser such that you might be overwhelmed by the Phantom's laughter in the Phantom suite.

Kunzel contrasts the dramatic and lyrical sides of the PHANTOM and SUNSET BOULEVARD suites as if they were written for the Pops. The Phantom suite gains from a breathtaking organ introduction of the Phantom's theme, and from the contrasts in Music of the Night that match the lyrics perfectly, even without the cast album. The tender arrangement of Think of Me cleverly weaves the Angel of Music melody as a counterpoint, while All I Ask of You, complete with some of the details of the original orchestrations, makes a calming answer to Christine's Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again. The JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR suite depicts the contrasting and conflicting moods of this groundbreaking rock opera, from the contrasts in I Don't Know How to Love Him to the sheer anguish in Gethsemene (I Only Want to Say).

There are some interesting arrangements on this ALW offering, especially the arrangement of Don't Cry for Me Argentina from EVITA. Although some listeners might be offended when it transmorphs itself into the Ravel Bolero after doing an about-turn from its lush, Spanish feel, it still depicts Evita's rise to power and her manipulative trait in her character, well-suiting an orchestral concert arrangement of the tune and fitting in with the spirit of the musical. Another interesting arrangement is the rousing theme-and-variation finale of Any Dream Will Do from JOSEPH, which incorporates many different musical styles throughout the variations, from ballroom waltzing to jazz, movie music (Magnificent Seven) and circus-style music. I know some listeners might be offended, but in their own inimitable and creative way, Kunzel and the Pops still pay tribute to this early ALW musical by evoking the myriad of colours on the coat and the diversity of musical styles in the original JOSEPH musical. This arrangement certainly fits the trademark style of the Pops perfectly.

The only fault with this collection is in the arrangement of Memory from CATS. Here, this song is treated as a flat-out romantic ballad, rather than as the haunting anthem for respect that Grizabella sings. Nevertheless, the arrangement by Tommy Newsom (who wrote this arrangement for a Doc Severinson album) is innofensive to this well-loved ALW melody (this is the only arrangement that Crafton Beck or Steven Reineke didn't write for this album). Also, I wish that Kunzel had included Love Changes Everything and Whistle Down the Wind, but given the fact that this was a 1996 recording, ALW hadn't written Whistle down the Wind as yet. But these are minor caveats, since Kunzel offers much to savour in these infectuous and spirited performances.

Yet I still feel that Kunzel's ALW offering is a winner in its lush orchestral suite arrangements of his well-loved and great musicals, far superior to any shopping-mall synthesised arrangement. This would surely count towards another feather in Kunzel's cap and stand pride of place with his rousing offering of Rodgers & Hammerstein. I'm sure Lord Lloyd Webber would have been proud.

Average customer rating:

Pure beauty
WHAT A GIFT!
Incredible voice - Incredible CD
The Best
Charlotte is NO match...

Pure

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000TCP9A
Release Date: 2003-11-10

Tracks:

Across the Universe of Time
Never Say Goodbye
Beat of Your Heart
Pokarekare Ana
Who Painted the Moon Black?
River of Dreams
Benedictus
Hine E Hine
Dark Waltz
Amazing Grace
My Heart and I
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Heaven
Wuthering Heights
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Tracks:

Silent Night [*]
Away in a Manger [*]
Mary Did You Know? [*]
Mummers' Dance [*]

Album Description

A major artist in her native New Zealand, with a performance portfolio that includes the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Russell Watson. Hayley's voice so inspired New Zealand opera diva Dame Malvina Major she offered to tutor her. The first edition of this album was one of the fastest selling records in the classical genre of all time, surpassing even Charlotte Church! This limited edition includes one bonus track on disc one, 'Pokareare Ana' (duet with Russell Watson), & a bonus four track Christmas CD featuring, 'Away In A Manger', 'The Mummers' Dance', 'Mary Did You Know?', & 'Silent Night'. 19 tracks in all. Decca. 2003.

Album Details

Limited Edition Version of the Debut Album from New Zealand Singer Hayley Westenra Comes with a Bonus Disc featuring Four Christmas Songs, Including a Version of the Loreena Mckennitt Song "The Mummer's Dance". Also Includes "my Heart and I" which Does Not Appear on the USA Version.

Customer Reviews:

Pure beauty.......2005-09-06

Ever since Charlotte Church turned into a tabloids' darling and a wannabe pop star, there's been a gap opened for a young, sweet-faced soprano. The best bet on filling it seems to be Hayley Westenra, a young singer/dancer from New Zealand.

The result: "Pure," an album that is reminiscent of early Sarah Brightman, back when she did folk songs and showtunes. Westenra sticks close to her classical sound with songs like the delicate "In Trutina" and the traditional New Zealand song "Pokarekare Ana," which is rendered with the backing of a a rather muddled male chorus and some swelling strings.

However, Westenra doesn't neglect more modern songs, and she does well in classical pop as well as straightforward classical. The big difference seems to be a bit of synth and a delicate guitar melody, in songs like the charming "Beat of Your Heart" and dreamy "Why Painted the Moon Black?" It's a smooth, thoroughly sweet crossover effect.

Westenra also eschews the usual round of classical-pop songs, like "Nella Fantasia." I love that song, but it's been done so many times. Instead, she opts for Maori lullabies, Vivaldi ballads, the neglected "Mummer's Dance" and the orchestral cathedral grandeur of "Benedictus." She even covers Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights," adding a modern feel to the finale.

That is not to say that every choice is an excellent one. "Wuthering Heights" has Westenra trying to sound more Bush-ian, while "Amazing Grace" is too simple vocally. Aside from those, her choices of song are excellent -- rich, uplifting and beautiful, and backed by a wide range of orchestral musicians, especially the strings.

There is also an accompanying EP, in which Westenra covers four Christmas ballads, and does them all justice. Her vocals are well suited to the dignified lyrics of songs like "The Mummer's Dance" and "Silent Night," although a bit less for the still-lovely "Mary Did You Know" and "Away in a Manger."

Her vocals themselves are not operatic, but they are strong, clear and sweet, without pretensions or dramatic flourishes. The effect is stunning, more given to magic and sweetness than to keeping to classical standards. Since this was recorded when Westenra was only sixteen, one wonders how good she'll be in ten years.

Despite comparisons to Charlotte Church, Hayley Westenra is more like Sarah Brightman -- a sweet-voiced singer, straddling the fence between classical and pop. An enchanting experience.

WHAT A GIFT!.......2004-12-20

I RECEIVED THESE 2 CDS AS A GIFT AND I LISTEN TO THEM FREQUENTLY. HER PERFORMANCE WITH RUSSELL WATSON (ON DVD)ON HIS TOUR IS WONDERFUL. I CAN'T WAIT FOR A NEW ALBUM. WOULD LIKE TO GET HER NEW SONG, BRIDAL BALLAD, FROM THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Incredible voice - Incredible CD.......2004-04-29

I recently saw Hayley on TV and had to immediately buy this CD. Her voice is so clear and pure, and her songs are filled with lyrical emotion.

It is an absolutely incredible CD that any music lover should have in their collection. My favorite song is Wuthering Heights.

The Best.......2004-04-27

Her album is the best, voice of an angel.......you can totally relakes to her music.

Charlotte is NO match..........2003-12-15

Hayley is just phenomenal. There is no doubt that she surpasses every other female artist in her genre. This CD is astonishing. My two favorite songs are "Heaven" and "Wuthering Heights". The first Hayley Westenra song I ever heard was "Heaven". It would not be the last. Her voice is like that of an angel. She has a smooth, serene sound, and she has an incredible range. If you want a more classical sound, you want her. It's not that gaudy stuff that people generally think of. This stuff has a beat... and it's not pumping with bass. If you're a fan of Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, Charlotte Church, or Mario Frangoulis... try Hayley Westenra, you won't regret it. I just can't wait 'til she comes to the states... that'll be a good day. She has a few Italian songs, but she's not heavy on the foreign stuff like some of the other artists of Opera / Classical. She's got a wonderful voice for a little girl... I'm a huge fan, Hayley! You roped me in, in about 2 minutes time!

Average customer rating:

"The Summer Smiles, The Summer Knows"
Magnificent Monica!
She's chocolate and creme!
Astonishing
Monica's Latest is the best yet

Cinema Paradiso
Monica Mancini
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ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2002-11-05

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A Day In The Life of a Fool (from Black Orpheus)
A Love Before Time (from Croutching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)
Senza Fine (from Ghost Ship)
I'll Never Say Goodbye (from The Promise)
The Shadow of Your Smile (from The Sandpiper)
Alfie (from Alfie)
Soldier in the Rain (from Soldier in the Rain)
Too Late Now (from Royal Wedding)
The Summer Knows (from The Summer of '42)
Baby Mine (from Dumbo)
Somewhere Over The Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz)

Album Description

Featuring the title track from the Warner Bros. Motion picture 'Ghost Ship.' The love theme from the film Cinema Paradiso has been given an English lyric for the first time and makes its debut on this recording. Until now the composer Ennio Morricone has never accepted an English lyric for Cinema Paradiso. Concord Records. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

"The Summer Smiles, The Summer Knows".......2006-01-07

"When Monica Mancini set out to record this retrospective of songs from films, she clearly had her passions in order. Monica comes by her affinity for the medium honestly, having grown up in a house permeated with some of the best film music in history, from the pen of her incredibly prolific father, Henry. So it is no surprise that this collection has all the artistry, pathos, and musicality that it so deserves." ~ Dave Grusin, Liner Notes - 2002 ~

Dave Grusin, an expert arranger, conductor, pianist, film scorer himself has described this album so perfectly. The choice of material in this CD is impeccable with Monica Mancini's graceful interpretations and not to mention the flawlessly beautiful arrangements by Torrie Zito, John Calandrelli, Michael Lang, Patrick Williams, George Doering, Ray Ellis, Harvey Cohen and John Frizzell. There are twelve theme songs from various remarkable films in this recording and most of the tracks were backed up by an orchestra with the exception of a few.

The theme song from the movie "Summer of '42" penned by the creative husband-and-wife-team of Alan & Marilyn Bergman and composer Michel Legrand "The Summer Knows" is one of my top choices from this collection. Splendidly arranged by Michael Lang and Harvey Cohen on string section, she renders this timeless song so true to its essence and making it the most beautiful version, bar none!

Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "Alfie" (from the movie of the same title), is a moving song accompanied only by the sublime piano playing of Michael Lang. She has an exquisitely beautiful voice, the kind that still shines without the trimmings and backing up of an orchestra, (the kind that still glows even on A Cappella singing). Another affecting song and a favorite of mine is "Too Late Now," a Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner treasure and theme from the movie "Royal Wedding." The orchestral arrangement was done by Torrie Zito, a fine pianist/arranger/conductor who worked briefly with the legendary musical icon, Frank Sinatra. I loved the way he injected a classical touch on his arrangement, almost sounding like one of Claude Debussy's masterpieces. I would say that this is one of the best tracks. Ditto with another Torrie Zito arrangement, Johnny Mandel and Paul Webster's "The Shadow of Your Smile" from the movie "The Sandpiper." Ms. Mancini gave these classics the retire-the-trophy-treatments and made them her very own.

The lovely opener, Ennio Morricone and Gregg Field's "Cinema Paradiso," arranged by Jorge Calandrelli, is also one of the standouts. Another beauty is "I'll Never Say Goodbye" from the movie "The Promise" with piano accompaniment by Michael Lang. The finale "Over The Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" is simply divine with orchestral arrangement by Ray Ellis.

This recording produced by Ms. Mancini's musician husband, Gregg Field, truly showed off not only the singer's vocal artistry, but her classy and elegant style of singing. Thank you Ms. Mancini for your wonderful gift of music. Music to enjoy forever!

Magnificent Monica!.......2004-06-28

My favorite song of all time is "The Shadow of Your Smile" from the movie "The Sandpiper". Until now, the 2 best versions of it were by Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett. By FAR, this is THE best version of that song. Pure, without "vocal gymnastics", screaming, yelping or other artificial "stylings".. here it is sung as it was written, perfectly performed with beautiful orchestration. The rest of the album is no less miraculous. It is stunning. "A Day in the Life of a Fool", "Cinema Paradiso" and the haunting and tender "Theme from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" are just as lavish and well-crafted. Okay Monica, now could you release one album a year instead of one album every 3 years? Pleeeeassee??

She's chocolate and creme!.......2004-01-29

Seeing Monica Mancini on stage singing the theme from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, hearing Gregg Field's drums, seeing the multi-media film clip behind her... is like having chocolate and creme!

Monica does not belt you to death, she does not yell at you, she does not punch notes into your being... she soothes you to her, lures you, with a voice that has been hidden for years.

Her voice is perfect in pitch, tone, and her ability to hit every single note as if she were born to sing. Clearly having inherited talent from her mom Ginny and her dad Henry.

On this cd I love the way she embraces other composers songs..."Baby Mine" just one of them. I about melted when she sang that song.

She has a great sense of humor on stage, is spontaneous, and is herself.

She has a great secure personality and stage persona and she has the family roots to give you a chill in your bones when she shares them with you in stories and song.

Hearing her sing live is like being home!

Astonishing.......2003-09-04

I sample A LOT of jazz vocalists (for some reason most contemporary jazz vocalists seem to be female) but initially dismissed Monica Mancici because she's the child of a famous father. Henry was very classy and as accomplished as musicians get, and such qualities rarely get passed down the line. What a mistake. I only heard her Mercer album because it was -- thankfully -- being played in a store I was visiting. I bought it, loved it, and was primed for this collection. A solid Five Stars. There's new stuff here (for me) and old songs done splendidly. Over The Rainbow, aside from its original iconic take by "Judy," has been covered hundreds of times. And Monica's take? Quite simply as good as any. With this release I've recognized what I love about Monica's voice: Aside from being simply perfect technically, her voice glows like a crackling fireplace! I mourned the recent passing of Rosemary Clooney, and now feel that there's a relatively new vocalist who I can follow for many years. Live or recorded, I'll be there ...

Monica's Latest is the best yet.......2003-06-04

Sorry, but I don't worry about the nuts and bolts of every particular detail of an album. I play what I enjoy and Monica's albums bring me that enjoyment. Cinema Paradiso has rarely left my CD Player. I'm only sorry she appears not to have a web page. Where someone like Michael Jackson or Dixie Chicks are all over the Internet, virtually no information is available concerning Monica Mancini. It's impossible to find a concert schedule. I hope she produces another album soon, I've worn out her others.

Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights)

Average customer rating:

Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow "

Léhar: The Land of Smiles; The Merry Widow; The Count of Luxembourg (Highlights)

Manufacturer: Class. for Pleas. Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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The Best of Operetta, Vol. 3
The Best of Operetta, Vol. 2

ASIN: B00009KHY2
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Customer Reviews:

Arguably "The Best" English "Merry Widow ".......2006-09-12

This is the "Merry Widow" with English translation by Christopher Hassel sung by June Bronhill. I loved this rendition ever since I first heard it in about 1960. What's to love? First the translation is the best I've heard. The language doesn't sound "stilted" as some others. And, you can understand almost every word sung. Plus, the famous song, "Vilja" has some wording that moves me every time I hear it: The soprano sings, "Love me and I'll DIE for you!" with the word "die" somewhat emphasized. I don't know, there's just something "powerful" about someone saying they'd "die" for love! AND, at the end of "Vilja" the chorus and soprano raise to a crescendo hitting a high note together. In many renditions the chorus is heard but not the soprano on the final high note. In THIS version, the soprano, June Bronhill, can be heard rising to the final high note with an incressing crescendo and fortissimo louder than the chorus and holding the final high note---which gives a very thrilling effect as she holds that final note, I assure you!

The "problem" is that this June Bronhill, Reid, and Hassel version is hard to find on CD. For example, this CD is made in Holland and "there is one left" so it says on Amazon. But, if you can find it, I think it would be very much worth a listen. Then, after hearing it, if you think there's a "better" Merry Widow, please let ME know! Thanks. Email:boland7214@aol.

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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Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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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:

UNA VOZ PRIVILEGIADA CAIDA DEL CIELO
a voice with potential really beautiful I love your voice
disappointed
Please look to the excellent mezzos for the best music money can buy.
Sarah Brightman's mini-me!!!!!

La Diva
Katherine Jenkins
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Premiere
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ASIN: B0007RTB88
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Time To Say Goodbye
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Va Pensiero
House Of No Regret
O Sole Mio
En Aranjez Con Tu Amor
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You'll Never Walk Alone

Customer Reviews:

UNA VOZ PRIVILEGIADA CAIDA DEL CIELO.......2007-06-23

Si los dioses tuvieran el deseo de cantar sin duda utilizarian una voz como la de Katherine; que disco tan maravilloso y exquisito; uno de los mejores discos clasicos que he escuchado, piezas tan grandiosas como TIME TO SAY GOODBYE (mi favorita del disco), desde excelentes valses como VA PENSIERO (soberbia) y SEGUEDILLA (me transpota a la epoca de los elfos), preciosas baladas como la trascendental EN ARANJUEZ CON TU AMOR (la mas preciosa del disco), la melancolica CARUSO y la tradicional y encantadora O SOLE MIO (la cual Elvis Presley grabara con el nombre IT'S NOW OR NEVER en los 60's, pero la version de Katherine es una muy digna competidora); impresionantemente solemne es HYMN TO THE FALLEN (dedicada a los soldados que dieron su vida en la segunda guerra mundial), brillantes himnos sacros como LAUDATE DOMINUM, muy bonitas melodias suaves en ingles como HOUSE OF NO REGRETS, SONG TO THE MOON (recuerda mucho a Enya) y CALON LAN (puro clasisismo barroco) y para cerrar con broche de oro la popularisima YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE (de la cual Ray conniff hizo una magnifica version en los 60's) que en la voz de Kathy es sencillamente gloriosa; una maravillosa e impactante orquestacion, destacando los conocimientos que la diva tiene del italiano, español e Inglés; un disco IDEAL para todo amante de la musica clasica y una forma excelente en que se pueden iniciar los principiantes de este género.

a voice with potential really beautiful I love your voice.......2007-05-19

I brought your ablums and I listen to them all over again, I love your voice so beautiful charming,and alot of people havent heard of you and dont like you, your a beautiful girl katherine jenkins, and I am sure you are best friends with charlotte church,the rock singer,I hope if you hear about church going back to opera, you might go back with her to do an ablumn,but you have got much more class because I know she went into a alot of bad stuff,but it would be good to meet you, because your voice is just abolsetly beautful,i wish that you could see the pope because he is a wonderful man, thankyou.

disappointed.......2007-02-24

I paid for this item but never received it! A month and a half later I'm still waiting! Can anyone help?

Please look to the excellent mezzos for the best music money can buy........2006-05-31

Over the past ten years, I have been asked to listen to albums of what the public has been misled to believe is classical vocal music (such as this one) because those who have purchased the albums have thought I would appreciate them as I am a singer. This album and the others by this singer are not opera, nor are they classical. This singer is pop. I have held my tongue and waited for this trend of popera to pass, but it isn't and I'm vexed at the comparison of singers such as Ms. Jenkins to legitimate voices.

If you are looking for some truly exceptional music by singers who have actually been on stage in an opera outside of grad school, try Stephanie Blythe, Vivica Genaux, Susan Graham, Jennifer Larmore, Ewa Podles and more I'm certainly forgetting. This CD is misleading many people about what opera really is. Ms. Jenkins would never sing the role of Carmen on stage, and should not be recording it.

Sarah Brightman's mini-me!!!!!.......2005-11-09

What a bad record!
If she chooses to record Sarah Brightman's repertoire over and over again, she should get herself some comparable pipes.
Her embarrassing performance of "Nessun Dorma" on the Live8 DVD are proof of a major lack of talent.

If you want the original rather than the copy cat, buy any Sarah Brightman album.

Average customer rating:

SIMPATICO RECUERDO DE UNA ESTADIA EN LAS NUBES
TIMELESS AURAL CANDY...
easy like sunday morning?
beauty from chaos
Ever wonder how Buddy Holly would have sounded in 1974?

Never Say Goodbye
Roky Erickson
Manufacturer: Emperor Jones
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Unforced Peace
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Amazon.com

As frontman for the incendiary 13th Floor Elevators from 1965 to 1968, outsider singer-songwriter Roky Erickson helped fuse the raw excitement of garage rock with the spiritual seeking and sublime silliness of the farthest-reaching psychedelic rock. Never Say Goodbye showcases Erickson's solo style--the songs are strong (if idiosyncratic), the lyrics delicately wrought and informed by a Christian sensibility. The fidelity approaches that of an Edison cylinder, but it somehow fits the material just fine--the tunes dig so nakedly and unpretentiously into the human heart, they sound like they come from Mars. Mostly recorded between 1971 (when he was still interned in Rusk State Hospital during a three-year stint for possession of marijuana) and 1974, Never Say Goodbye is wholly recommended despite its sound quality; there are no other known versions of these songs. On each tune, Erickson tosses off pure pop hooks ("I've Never Known This 'Til Now") with seemingly total ease and croons in that Buddy Holly-esque, high-pitched voice of his, which never falters. Most of all, his lyrics and spirit demonstrate true grace and love in the face of far worse. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

SIMPATICO RECUERDO DE UNA ESTADIA EN LAS NUBES.......2007-03-14

conjunto desprolijo de canciones que parecen haberse desprendido de una subita sacudida de cabeza de uno de los "locos" mas simpaticos de la voragine psicodelica..caido de un ascensor desde el decimotercer piso, intentando agarrarse en cada saliente, ERICKSON nos ofrece un puñado de temas asombrosamente melodicos y agradables, escondidos tras un sonido mediocre y "de entrecasa" que desdibuja un poco la apreciacion final.

TIMELESS AURAL CANDY..........2005-07-28

for the most part,this here release is probably best suited for the established fan as the recordings here are pretty "raw" & low-fi (some tracks sound like they where taken from an old mono cassette deck!)
this all,of coarse,makes no difference at all to the devoted,as these tracks are essential.very sparse,just Roky's voice & guitar (no Aliens in sight).those into Roky's Buddy Holly-esque vibe will probably particularly appreciate this disc.
for the curious,start with "gremlins have pictures" and/or "dont slander me" both recently re-released & remastered!

easy like sunday morning?.......2004-12-18

not quite, only if yr. graveyard is in the east end -- regardless, this may be wackiest/most beautiful batch of collected recordings you'll ever hear on a 'compilation' album --without further ado go out and buy (or download accordingly), on the strength of track one alone (careful, it's ruff!) --

beauty from chaos.......2002-07-24

Roky Erickson truly can do it all! From the garage-psych of the 13th Floor Elevators to the Luciferian folk of songs like "I Have Always Been Here Before, from Buddy Holly inspired pop of songs like "Starry Eyes" and "Nothing In Return" to the CCR stomp of songs like "Two Headed Dog" and "Dont Shake Me Lucifer". He is truly one of the greatest songwriters around. This collection of songs are mostly recordings done when he was a patient at Rusk State Mental Hospital in California in the early 70's. This is my favorite album that Roky has ever made. The creepsville beauty of songs like "Never Say Goodbye" and "You Are An Unidentified Flying Object" rivals anything he's done. When I listen to this album it makes me feel a warmth and calm unlike anything in my collection. I cant recommend this beautiful album enough. The fact that he wrote and recorded these songs when he was locked up for being "unfit for society" only proves that what society deems "crazy" might not be all that mad.

Ever wonder how Buddy Holly would have sounded in 1974?.......2002-04-03

"What if..." Buddy Holly would have missed that flight, gone through the Summer of Love and the Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, and ... Who knows what would have been the result.

Here is one possibility:

Roky Erickson, prophet with the 13th Floor Elevators and wild man with the Aliens... between those roles, he recorded these acoustic tunes.

Low-fi (very), but from the heart, they are reminiscent of Lennon ("Unforced Peace"), Harrison ("Something Extra" with 12-string guitar jangling like a sitar), Dylan ("Be And Bring Me Home"), all in Roky's high Texas tenor.

This is the other side of the Walked With A Zombie story. We will never KNOW Roky, but these songs give another glimpse.

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