In These Times

In These Times

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Peter, Paul and Mary released their first LP in 1962, and--apart from an early-'70s hiatus--they have been going strong ever since. In These Times, their 2004 release, doesn't really tinker with the formula that propelled them into the spotlight all those years ago, but if the canny blend of traditional tunes, social commentary, and contemporary compositions still works, why change it? Their voices no longer have the vigor and clarity they once did, but on songs like "Jesus on the Wire," a stark mediation on the death of Matthew Shepard composed by Thea Hopkins, or the folk classic "Wayfaring Stranger," the whispery tone and wobbling harmonies add poignancy to the hard-earned authority of the performances. In its basic format, In These Times recalls Peter, Paul and Mary's earlier recordings, but the songs themselves, most of which were composed in the last few years, show that the trio has successfully resisted the urge to wallow in nostalgia. --Michael John Simmons

In These Times,Paul and Mary Peter,Warner Bros / Wea,Contemporary Folk,Folk,Folk & Traditional,Political Folk,Pop,Traditional Folk

In Times Like These
Average customer rating:

Wonderful new Arlo!

Arlo's Birthday Present

jazz/folk/blues idiom masterpiece

Arlo Knocks This One Outta The Park!!!!!

Like a Dream in the Night

In Times Like These
Arlo Guthrie
Manufacturer: Rising Son Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
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Healing the Divide: A Concert for Peace and Reconciliation

ASIN: B000S6BMZS
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

Concert begins
Darkest Hour
Last Trail
St. James Infirmary
If You Would Just Drop By
Last to Leave
Epilogue
In Times Like These
Patriots' Dream
City of New Orleans
You Are the Song
Good Night Irene
Can't Help Falling In Love (Bonus Track)

Product Description

Arlo Guthrie's latest release, In Times Like These finds him sharing the stage with the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. The CD was recorded live March 10, 2006 at the Singletary Center for the Arts in Lexington, Kentucky. The cd features the newly written single, In Times Like These. "Arlo is an American classic, and the album shows off his gift as a singer. The orchestral arrangements are lush and beautifully played, and add so much to the testure. This is a wonderful album." Keith Lockhart

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful new Arlo!.......2007-07-31

Absolutely wonderful album, even if you are not a super Arlo fan. If you like good music well sung in a heartfelt fashion, get this album.

Arlo's Birthday Present.......2007-07-30

Arlo Guthrie turned 60 on July 10. To celebrate that milestone, the former poster child for happy-go-lucky hippiedom released In Times Like These, a live disc recorded with the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. It's also the 40th anniversary of his first album, the iconic Alice's Restaurant. In fact, Arlo was in the studio making Alice as the "Summer of Love" commenced 40 years ago with the release of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper.

So it's somewhat ironic that the archetypal folk troubadour is adding orchestrations to his tunes at this particular time. With some exceptions--his 1979 masterpiece Outlasting the Blues comes to mind--Arlo's music has generally been at its best when least adorned. Interestingly enough, his music here comes across the same way--with a full size orchestra, yes, but wrapped in arrangements that enhance and serve the music rather than overwhelm or undermine it.

Give credit to James Burton for that. His scores for this batch of mostly well-worn classics from Arlo's back catalog conjure up Copland-esque images of the great American expanse and Ives-ian panoramas of 19th-century New England. Longtime Arlophiles will revel in the resplendent re-creations.

"My Darkest Hour" sounds like a Grant Wood painting looks. "Last Train" pulls into a mythical town square where the community band fills the warm summer air with a Sunday afternoon concert of patriotic favorites. "Patriot's Dream," on the other hand, gets a melancholy, almost mournful treatment, aurally capturing the sadness of the times in which we live for those whose hopes and dreams were once filled with high ideals.

The sole new song, the album's title track, sung softly with only acoustic guitar accompaniment, is one of the singer's most affecting compositions, recalling his daddy's lines ("I walk with friends from every nation/on freedom's highway") while offering hope in the midst of increasing "storm clouds:" "In times like these, it's good to remember/These times will go in times to come."

"City of New Orleans" is bathed in rich Americana, rolling through countryside filled with family farms and rural small towns, while Leadbelly's "Goodnight Irene" takes a turn on a county fair carousel. The beautiful ballad, "Epilogue," becomes even prettier and more powerful in this sympathetic symphonic setting, and Arlo and the orchestra offer up a surprising encore, a tasteful take on Elvis Presley's late `50s hit, "I Can't Help Falling in Love."

Arlo Guthrie's voice has dropped about an octave since his debut 40 years ago, and it's now filled with the weathered cracks and crags of that many years on the road. His is now the weary voice of experience, still filtered through that flower-powered optimism he's somehow managed to hold on to. This CD is his birthday present back to us, a gently flowing reminder of who we were, where we've been and who we still can be...even in times like these.

copyright © 2007 Port Folio Weekly and Jim Newsom. Used by Permission.

Originally published in Port Folio Weekly, 7/31/07

jazz/folk/blues idiom masterpiece.......2007-07-22

Keith Lockhart said it best in the editorial. Beyond that the expressive quality of Arlo's singing on the classic and new songs supported by arrangements that are artistic, not just "quimbly" strings is outstanding. Cab Calloway and Leadbelly applaude...history is carried forward while made new again, mingled with new classsics that reflect the tradition from which Arlo draws his inspriation. Bravo maestro !

Arlo Knocks This One Outta The Park!!!!!.......2007-07-17

I was in Lexington KY, March 10th 2006, 3rd row center. We sat in amazement as we witnessed the recording of this live CD! It was truly a magical night, to be unequaled, or so I thought! Today I listened for the first time, to Arlo's new CD "In Times Like These".
It was as if I was transported back in time to that magical night! This recording is well worth the wait. Now everyone can experience the magic that is "Arlo", focused, well oiled, sleeves rolled up (literally!) & on a mission!! And friends, I'm most happy to say, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! This CD exceeds all expectations. The intensity Arlo performed with that night comes through with chrystal clairity!
The "University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra" under the direction of John Nardolillo, is the perfect frame for the masterpiece they created with Arlo that night. At first, I missed the familiar "ramblings" of Arlo between songs on this CD. But I soon realized that this CD was to stand alone, souly on musical mastery that came togeather that night.....And friends, it does...Mr. Guthrie, for that, we thank you.......Michael K. Frazier

Like a Dream in the Night.......2007-07-16

About a year ago I had the pleasure of seeing Arlo perform with a local symphony orchestra in Springfield, MA. Since then I have been eagerly looking forward to the release of this CD. It has lived up to all my expectations and then some.
The more I listen to the CD the more difficult it becomes to choose a particular favorite(s). St. James Infirmiry and In Times Like These were both songs I was looking forward to and they have lived up to all my expectations. The more I listen to the CD the more songs I find myself adding to "my favorites among favorites."
Anyone who has heard Arlo perform with a symphony orchestra will already know why they want this CD. Those who haven't will soon find out what they have been missing.

These Times We're Living In, A Red House Anthology

Average customer rating:

Sweet music and I'm not an old hippie
It's all good!

These Times We're Living In, A Red House Anthology
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Red House
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00074CBY2
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

'Cept You & Me Babe - Greg Brown
October Light - Robin & Linda Williams
Arlington - The Wailin' Jennys
Horn Island - Martin Simpson
Coast - Eliza Gilkyson
River Road - Jimmy Lafave
Riverside - John Gorka
Who Cares - Suzzy & Maggie Roche
Sharks Don't Sleep - Dave Moore
Oxford Town - Ray Bonneville
Land Of The Living - Lucy Kaplansky
Hymn: Page 9/11 - Peter Ostroushko
Ghosts Of The Good Old Days - John McCutcheon
The Philosopher's Song - Bill Staines
Fourth Of July - David Francey
We All Need More Kindness In This World - Guy Davis

Customer Reviews:

Sweet music and I'm not an old hippie.......2007-03-19

I bought this CD while searching for some Wailin Jenny's and it is one of my absolute favorites. Every song has a wonderful sweet folksy feel. All the artists are different but the CD is beautifully tied together.

It's all good!.......2005-12-02

I bought this album on impulse, and it turned out to be one of the best things I've done this year. It became a huge favorite in my house from the first hearing. Ranging from Robin and Linda Williams' sweet homage to the change of seasons in "October Light" to the Roche's sarcastic and amusing "Who Cares" to Peter Ostroushko's heartbreakingly poignant "Hymn Page 9/11" this is an album that bears much replaying and listening. Cannot recommend it highly enough!

Average customer rating:

PP&M Still have it!
PP&M Fans Beware
mary can't hold a tune anymore
Their Fight Hasn't Changed
Still Crafting a Wonderful Spiritual Energy!

In These Times
Paul and Mary Peter
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000DZ3CL
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

Union Medley: You Gotta Go Down and Join the Union/Put It on the Ground
Have You Been to Jail for Justice?
Jesus Is on the Wire
Don't Laugh at Me
Wayfaring Stranger
How Can I Keep from Singing?/The Great Storm Is Over
Invisible People
Of This World
Some Walls
All God's Critters
It's Magic
Oh, Had I a Golden Thread

Amazon.com

Peter, Paul and Mary released their first LP in 1962, and--apart from an early-'70s hiatus--they have been going strong ever since. In These Times, their 2004 release, doesn't really tinker with the formula that propelled them into the spotlight all those years ago, but if the canny blend of traditional tunes, social commentary, and contemporary compositions still works, why change it? Their voices no longer have the vigor and clarity they once did, but on songs like "Jesus on the Wire," a stark mediation on the death of Matthew Shepard composed by Thea Hopkins, or the folk classic "Wayfaring Stranger," the whispery tone and wobbling harmonies add poignancy to the hard-earned authority of the performances. In its basic format, In These Times recalls Peter, Paul and Mary's earlier recordings, but the songs themselves, most of which were composed in the last few years, show that the trio has successfully resisted the urge to wallow in nostalgia. --Michael John Simmons

Customer Reviews:

PP&M Still have it!.......2007-04-07

Nice to know that somethings never change. Their quality and musicianship are as excelelent as ever. Too bad that other things never change. The fact that protest songs are still being written for our present society injustices just go to prove that there truly is nothing new under the sun!

PP&M Fans Beware.......2006-09-18

Those who are familar with PP&M's 1960's recordings will be in for a shock. They sound nothing like they did on those old recordings. You can comment on the choice of fine social conscience songs, the solid instrumental accompaniment, but in the end it is the sound they make vocally that counts. And it is not pleasant. Remember, they made Bob Dylan famous with their moving, beautifully sung rendition of "Blowin In The Wind". It was as much how they sung as what they sung, that drew us to PP&M. No more. It is too painful for me to listen to.

mary can't hold a tune anymore.......2006-07-22

I read the reviews before I bought this album and I wish I had paid more attention to them. Mary's voice is very harsh now; the only songs on this album that you can listen to are the ones where she is drowned out by Peter and Paul

Their Fight Hasn't Changed.......2005-07-13

Most of the groups that started in the sixties have either disbanded, died, or moved far away from the sounds and ideas that got them their popularity in the first place. Not so this group, a group that I think can appeal to almost every segment of American (and even world) society. Their voices have changed over the years; Mary no longer soars, but instead has a warmth and mellowness that you can wallow in; Peter now has a serious case of the wobbles, but which fits perfectly with the type of songs in this album; Paul perhaps has changed the least, with his distinctive phrasing and solid bass.

But this album proves that the type of songs they started with back in 1962 is still the focus of this group, songs that celebrate the unity of all mankind, that strike out against prejudice, bigotry, and the inhumanities against both spirit and body that are still all too prevalent in the world today.

"Jesus on the Wire" is a truly haunting portrait in song of just these points; Mary's current voice seems almost perfect for this image of a truly horrendous act. Regardless of your own views of homosexuality, this song will drive home what being a human is.

"Invisible People" highlights the blinding arrogance of some people and groups, and its deadly effects on those left outside of their closed vision.

"Some Walls" harmonically doesn't work as well for me as some of the other songs here, but it is still a very pretty song with an acid bite.

"Don't Laugh at Me" will probably strike a chord with everyone, as I think we've all been subjected to ridicule or ostracism at one point or another for some perceived flaw in character or looks.

"All God's Critters" highlights the fact that this group can still have fun, that they still enjoy children and children's songs, and I don't see how you can't end up singing along with this one.

Musically, most of the songs here are simple, done with only a few acoustic instruments, almost a complete return to the type of sound they had on their very first album. It's striking, haunting, and richly enfolding. I just wish this group could go on singing forever.

--- Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd (hyperpat)

Still Crafting a Wonderful Spiritual Energy!.......2005-05-28

Marvelous recording. No question about it! Most interesting tracks I think are "Have You Been to Jail for Justice? Listen Listen "Jesus Is on the Wire" They are putting their politics out there for everyone to see here. and "Don't Laugh at Me" I thought of my severely autistic boy named Stephen when I heard this song, and was shaken to the core in my concern for his social welfare and how he will get along in life when I'm not there to protect him. I found this reviewer's thoughts very interesting:

"Martin Luther King, Gandhi and the 60's belong to my deepest memories, to those true ethical principles I still belive in. So Peter, Paul and Mary... listening to you here..to you talking about the ways to bring down those WALLS; to you singing to Jesus on the Wire, calling for love and understanding and not for those expresions of dark fascism so common these days; to you coming to life again with your unique vocal and harmonic blend, to you giving a hand to those who've been to jail for justice."

The central great message of PPM is that they promote tolerance in human interactions, a kind of tolerance that if lived, would save this violent world from itself. Great Job!!!

God Speed to Mary Travers who has been bravely battling cancer.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Average customer rating:

An opera that deserves consideration by a major company
Soaring majesty!
a favorite opera with an old and inconsistent performance

Robert Ward: The Crucible

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000049L5
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

Act l: Beginning - Gloria Wynder/Joyce Ebert/Patricia Brooks/Naomi Farr/Paul Ukena/Maurice Stern
Act l: 'Gently, Sirs, Gently' - Eunice Alberts/Paul Ukena/Chester Ludgin/Maurice Stern/Spiro Malas/Joyce Ebert
Act l: 'Jesus, My Consolation' - Eunice Alberts/Paul Ukena/Chester Ludgin/Maurice Stern/Joyce Ebert/Patricia Brooks
Act l: 'For Much In the World' - Joyce Ebert.John Macurdy/Naomi Farr/Eunice Alberts/Patricia Brooks/Gloria Wynder/Spiro Malas...
Act l: 'Oh, How Many Times Mr. Parris' - Gloria Wynder/Naomi Farr/John Macurdy
Act l: 'Jesus, My Consolation' - Gloria Wynder/Naomi Farr/John Macurdy/Patricia Brooks
Act II: Beginning - Frances Bible/Chester Ludgin
Act II: 'I've Forgotten Abigail' - Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible
Act II: 'But, Oh, The Dreams' - Frances Bible/Chester Ludgin/Nancy Foster
Act II: 'For Sarah Good Confessed' - Nancy Foster/Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible/John Macurdy/Richard Krause
Act II: 'You Will Go To That Court' - Chester Ludgin/Nancy Foster

Tracks:

Act III: Beginning - Patricia Brooks/Chester Ludgin
Act III: In The Courtroom - Richard Krause
Act III: 'Open Thou, My Lips, O Lord' - Jack DeLon/Richard Krause/Paul Ukena/Maurice Stern/Joyce Ebert
Act III: 'These Girls Never Saw A Spirit' - Chester Ludgin/Joyce Ebert/Paul Ukena/Nancy Foster/Patricia Brooks/Jack DeLon/New York City Opr...
Act III: 'No, No, It Is A Natural Lie To Tell' - John Macurdy/Jack DeLon/Patricia Brooks/Nancy Foster
Act IV: Beginning - Gloria Wynder//Richard Krause/Patricia Brooks
Act IV: 'But Sir, You Stir Rebellion' - John Macurdy/Jack DeLon/Joyce Ebert/Frances Bible
Act IV: 'What Word Of The Children - Chester Ludgin/Frances Bible/John Macurdy/Joyce Ebert/Paul Ukena/Jack DeLon/Eunice Alberts
Act IV: 'God Does Not Need My Name' - Chester Ludgin/Jack DeLon/Joyce Ebert/John MacurdyEurnice Alberts/Frances Bible.

Customer Reviews:

An opera that deserves consideration by a major company.......2003-10-04

I became familiar with this recording of the "The Crucible" back in the 60's when it was available on the old CRI label. It was an exciting piece then and it remains one now. It has been a puzzle to me why such an opera has not been taken up and presented regularly by major companies. The music is appealing--and frequently more than that; the drama is potent and never fails to captivate; it offers wonderful opportunites to a cast of singing actors. So what's the problem?! Granted some of the liberties taken with the Arthur Miller text render certain moments dramatically unclear and the Gershwinesque strains that accompany the slave Tituba's character are certainly a mistake. Still, the work as a whole is an exciting one. Hightlights abound, with the whole of the last act being especially moving.

This is still the only recording available and, overall, it is excellent. The leads perfectly embody the roles of John and Elizabeth Proctor, while the balance of the cast, a few vocal duds notwithstanding, competently fill in the many character roles.

The CD sound is very good and far superior to my old vinyl disks.

If you've never heard "The Crucible," give this recording a chance. It is well worth your time.

Soaring majesty!.......2001-12-19

This performance is a gem. Just the soaring majesty of Frances Bible is well worth the experience. What a sadly underrated artist. The final duet with Bible and Ludgin is a lesson in passionate, searing drama and full-out singing.

a favorite opera with an old and inconsistent performance.......1999-03-23

I had the privilege of being part of a cast of this opera at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the late 70's, directed by the avuncular Herbert Wildeboor (since deceased). I've always loved the 7/8 hymn at the end of the first act. However, this performance is very uneven, including generally unfortunate singing by female leads, and bad acting (at least) by the person singing Reverend Parris. Reverend Hale and John Proctor are consistently good. And the orchestra parts, very demanding, are well handled. It astounds me that there is no new recording in all these years. I've since seen it done in Pittsburgh and know it's being done somewhere on the West Coast. While Mr. Ward's music is considered cliche by some, I prefer it much to, for example, Moore's Ballad of Baby Doe. Perhaps my affection for it is due to having the opportunity to perform it.

Average customer rating:

Gifts from musical theater heaven!
Tell Me More and more and more
Two restored little Gershwin gems

Tip-Toes/Tell Me More

Manufacturer: New World Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

Overture
Florida
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These Charming People
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Tell Me More
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Amazon.com

This two-CD set collects a couple of shows by George and Ira Gershwin. Both produced in 1925, the two musicals--Tip-Toes and Tell Me More--are fairly obscure and don't boast as many famous songs as contemporary Gershwin offerings such as Oh, Kay! and Lady Be Good. Still, they are bursting with wit, invention, and joie de vivre. Based on a 1998 concert production, Tip-Toes is delicious, and several songs deserve a place in the Gershwin pantheon: the ballad "Looking for a Boy," the love duet "That Certain Feeling," and the rousing dance number "Sweet and Low-Down." The score is also notable for its spectacular writing for duo pianos. Tell Me More is not as immediately accessible (indeed, it had the shortest run of any Gershwin musical, with 32 performances), but it's delivered with élan by its topnotch cast, which includes Sally Mayes, Christine Ebersole, Diane Fratantoni, and David Garrison. Under the expert musical direction of Rob Fisher (from New York's famed Encores! series), this double set is, of course, essential for Gershwin completists. In fact, just about any fan of zany Jazz Age artifacts should relish it. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Tip-Toes, which made its Broadway debut on December 28, 1925, was produced by Alex A. Aarons and Vinton Freedley, who had been the producers of the Gershwins' smash hit Lady, Be Good! the year before. Attempting to repeat that success, they once again combined the same book writers, Guy Bolton and Fred Thompson, with the Gershwin brothers. Tip-Toes was well received by audiences and the press, and ran for 194 performances. It was given a subsequent production at the Winter Garden Theatre in London, opening August 31, 1926, running for 181 performances.

One of the most overlooked Gershwin shows, Tell Me More was also the most unlikely of Jazz Age musicals. In an era marked by lavish extravaganzas and brash star vehicles, Tell Me More, which opened on April 13, 1925, relied on charm, modesty, and an impish sense of humor. Because it failed to recoup its investment on Broadway, it was relegated to the list of Gershwin flops; because its score was largely forgotten, it has been widely regarded as a minor effort. In truth, it's a key show. As the only full-length collaboration between George and Ira Gershwin and B.G. DeSylva, it combines the delicacy and grace of the scores George had written earlier in the decade with DeSylva and the bold wit he had pioneered in partnership with his brother Ira four months earlier in Lady, Be Good! The best of both worlds, Tell Me More was a one-of-a-kind achievement.

Customer Reviews:

Gifts from musical theater heaven!.......2005-07-24

The restoration of several complete Gershwin scores in recent years has been a gift from the theater gods. These two shows lack the bite of "Strike Up the Band," "Of Thee I Sing" and other earlier releases, but they have no lack of the Ira's wit and George's effortless melodies. Upbeat tuners "Kickin' the Clouds Away" and "Sweet and Low-Down" are especially engaging, and the authentic-sounding orchestrations lend a nostalgic aura. The first-rate casts seem to be having the time of their lives.

Tell Me More and more and more.......2001-12-07

I bought this CD because I had seen the concert of Tip-Toes, which I found enjoyable if uneven: great songs in Act I and not much in Act II. But for me, the real revelation here is Tell Me More, a totally forgotten Gershwin musical from the Twenties. I only knew one of the songs, "Kickin' the Clouds Away," but this score hits all the right notes, from gently melodic to flat-out funny. And the cast couldn't be better. David Garrison and Christine Ebersole are hugely funny in the comic roles, tossing out their one-liners like the Broadway pros that they are. And what a delight to hear the romantic couple on one of these vintage recordings -- in this case, Diane Fratantoni and Philip Chaffin -- sing just like a real period couple: him with the creamy tenor voice and her with the boop-a-doop flapper sound. Their rendition of "Three Times a Day," a lovely ballad with a Kern-like flavor, is, for me, the highlight of this 2-CD set.

Two restored little Gershwin gems.......2001-11-10

Although the Princess shows of Kern, Bolton and Wodehouse back in 1917 tried to introduce a solid plot into the American musical comedy, the story lines still did not amount to much until "Show Boat " set the standard. So when George and Ira Gershwin opened with two musicals in 1925, the first was based on a mistaken-identity situation already a cliché in the genre (Bolton did the book); and the second (again with Bolton, plus B.D. de Sylva) was about the Florida land boom that also formed the basis of Berlin's "The Coconuts" the very same year.

Both "Tell Me More" and "Tip-Toes" were part of the discovery of many Gershwin manuscripts buried in a New Jersey warehouse; and we can be most thankful to New World Records for restoring the scores and bits of the dialogue in a two-CD boxed set (80598-2). The music is what you would expect from Gershwin: 1920s jazzy with that special core of Gershwin genius. Yes, a good deal of it sounds like Berlin and Kern--as did just about every other contemporary composer except Romberg (who sounded like Herbert). On the other hand, "Kickin' the Clouds Away" from the earlier show seems to be the inspiration for Berlin's "Shakin' the Blues Away" written two years later! "Tell Me More" also does not shy away from ethnic jokes (i.e., mistaking a request to disguise oneself as British for doing so as Yiddish) that do not offend at all. And if we moderns grow impatient with the rich bubbleheads of the F. Scott Fitzgerald crowd, they are still a breath of fresh air after the population of "Miss Saigon" and plays of that sort.

The game casts have voices just right for this sort of characterization and delivery. The "Tip-Toes" production is taken from the Carnegie Hall Concert version and is outstanding.

Customer Reviews:

Fine reissue of a classic set.......2006-05-24

Think about the stupidest, most formulaic Hollywood movies you can think of: cheesy action pictures, fluffy, unfunny comedies, big but stiff epics. Now imagine that one of the greatest living composers was working in Hollywood, turning out astonishing, hauntingly beautiful and stirring musical scores for these throwaway movies. That's what you get with this set: music Henry Purcell composed for some two dozen often utterly forgettable plays (trust me--I've read a number of them!) Occasionally, when he teams up with a playwright worthy of his stature, such as John Dryden, Aphra Behn, or William Congreve, the results are even better, but for the most part you can enjoy the music here without knowing anything about the original plays.

This set originally appeared as separate LPs in the 70s and 80s, and has been long out of print. That's a pity, since Purcell spent a good deal of his short professional life in the theatre, either writing the incidental music contained on these CDs, or the music for his larger works, the semi-operas (King Arthur, The Fairy Queen, and the like). Almost all of these works are enjoyable gems; certainly, they represent a pinnacle of English 17th century music. Purcell had a genius for spinning musical gold out of the most leaden lyrics (check out his Odes and Welcome Songs on Hyperion if you don't believe me), and he does the same with the song texts in these plays.

Hogwood and the AAM offer clean, listenable performances, and the sound on these old analog discs has been cleaned up and brightened--although they were pretty good, even in the late 70s. As with most Hogwood, emotional extremes are kept to a minimum, so the "otherworldly" nature of late 17th century music, so often emphasised in more recent Baroque performances, doesn't come across here. It would be interesting to see what a group like The King's Consort would do with this music, but this set fills the major gap in the Purcell canon quite nicely.

My only beef with the reissue, as with many reissues, is that the liner notes are rather thin for a 6-cd set--the lyrics to the songs, for example, are especially missed. Still, it's a worthwhile set, and a must for fans of Purcell, English Baroque music, or anyone who just wants to experience a taste of the last days of the Restoration stage.

Average customer rating:

THE NEXT YANNI

In Times Like These
Benjamin Warren
Manufacturer: Benjamin Warren Productions L.L.C.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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For the Journey

ASIN: B000BGQTWQ
Release Date: 2004-11-14

Tracks:

Anything's Possible
In Search of Truth
Tomorrow Will Come
In Times Like These
Defeat
Changes
Something For Me
Hills for Reflection
Years Remembered
Back Home
The Reason for Choice
Waterdance

Product Description

In Times Like These contains more than 50 minutes of fully orchestrated instrumental selections. The album blends a 9 ft Steinway Grand with the uncommon rhythmic flow of 7/8 and 5/4 time signatures. These selections are accented by acoustic guitar, sectional violins, cellos, woodwinds and percussion.

Customer Reviews:

THE NEXT YANNI.......2005-12-22

Passionate, heartfelt attainment; this album captures soul and melodic theme and presents music like I have never heard. The album features solo piano and symphonic movements with time signatures that are rarely used in this type of music format. I do not think of new age music when I listen to his music, it's unlike anything I have ever heard.

Awesome music!

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Brown Royal Kingpins: In These Times
Various Artists
Manufacturer: P.R. Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Latin Rap | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005NC4G
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Tracks:

Kingpin Cholos - Lil' Sicko,
Bad Influences - Mr. Shadow, , Pops
Super Baller - Lil' Blacky
In These Times - Marro of Wicked Minds
Hard Head Click
50 Yd Dash - Conejo,
What's My Name
Young Geto Child - Pops
World Is a Ghetto - Pops, Wicked Minds
How Ya Like It? - Pops
Everybody in It
My Main Thing - Ambrosia,
You Ain't the Homie - Conejo
World Domination
Til Death Do Us Part - Conejo
I Bet You Never Thought

Thomas Tomkins: Complete Keyboard Music, Vol. I

Average customer rating:

Thomas Tomkins: Complete Keyboard Music, Vol. I

Manufacturer: MD&G Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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Tomkins: Keyboard Music, Vol.2
Tomkins: Complete Keyboard Music, Vol. 3
Thomas Tomkins Keyboard Music, Vol.4

ASIN: B0000021HD
Release Date: 1995-06-20

Tracks:

Prelude
Voluntary
A Sad Pavan-For These Distracted Times
The Perpetual Round
Fancy
Ut, Mi, Re
Pavan-Earl Strafford
Galliard-Earl Strafford
Ground
Worcester Brawls
Fortune My Foe
The Hunting Galliard
Pavan
Galliard
Barafostus' Dream

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Classic Country 1970-1974 (2-CD Set)
Various Artists Coal Miner's Daughter - Loretta Lynn/I Ain't Never - Mel Tillis/If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Olivia Newton-John/The Grand Tour - George Jones/Funny Face - Donna Fargo/If We Make It Through December - Merle Haggard/ , For The Good Times - Ray Price/Kiss An Angel Good Mornin' - Charley Pride/Country Sunshine - Dottie West/You've Never Been This Far Before - Conway Twitty , Behind Closed Doors - Charlie Rich/He Loves Me All The Way - Tammy Wynette/I Love - Tom T. Hall/Coat Of Many Colors - Dolly Parton/Do You Remember These - Statler Brothers//I Can Help - Billy Swan/Paper Roses - Marie Osmond , Hello Darlin' - Conway Twitty/We're Gonna Hold On - George Jones And Tammy Wynette/Empty Arms - Sonny James , You're Hot - Jerry Reed The Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A. - Donna Fargo/The Most Beautiful Girl - Charlie Rich/Help Me Make It Through The Night - Sammi Smith/When You're Hot , My Woman, My Wife - Marty Robbins Satin Sheets - Jeanne Pruett/Lead Me On - Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty/Delta Dawn - Tanya Tucker/My Woman , and Rose Garden - Lynn Anderson/Sunday Morning Coming Down - Johnny Cash
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000NPKIL8

Product Description

R808-04 - Classic Country 1970-1974 - Various Artists [1998] (2-CD set) Coal Miner's Daughter - Loretta Lynn/I Ain't Never - Mel Tillis/If You Love Me (Let Me Know) - Olivia Newton-John/The Grand Tour - George Jones/Funny Face - Donna Fargo/If We Make It Through December - Merle Haggard/For The Good Times - Ray Price/Kiss An Angel Good Mornin' - Charley Pride/Country Sunshine - Dottie West/You've Never Been This Far Before - Conway Twitty/Behind Closed Doors - Charlie Rich/He Loves Me All The Way - Tammy Wynette/I Love - Tom T. Hall/Coat Of Many Colors - Dolly Parton/Do You Remember These - Statler Brothers//I Can Help - Billy Swan/Paper Roses - Marie Osmond/Hello Darlin' - Conway Twitty/We're Gonna Hold On - George Jones And Tammy Wynette/Empty Arms - Sonny James/The Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A. - Donna Fargo/The Most Beautiful Girl - Charlie Rich/Help Me Make It Through The Night - Sammi Smith/When You're Hot, You're Hot - Jerry Reed/Satin Sheets - Jeanne Pruett/Lead Me On - Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty/Delta Dawn - Tanya Tucker/My Woman, My Woman, My Wife - Marty Robbins/Rose Garden - Lynn Anderson/Sunday Morning Coming Down - Johnny Cash

Music Review:

Music Review

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