Love, Death & The Lady [Extra tracks]

Love, Death & The Lady [Extra tracks]

Track Listings

1. Death & The Lady

2. Glenlogie

3. Oxford Girl

4. Are You Going to Leave Me?

5. Outlandish Knight

6. Go from My Window

7. Young Girl Cut Down in Her Prime

8. Geordie

9. Salisbury Plain

10. Fair Maid of Islington

11. Six Dukes

12. Polly on the Shore

13. Plains of Waterloo

14. Sailor from Dover [*]

15. Young John [*]

16. Short Jacket & White Trousers [*]

17. Bold Fisherman [*]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Remastered reissue of 1970 album, one of the most powerfully moving records to emerge from the English folk revival of the 1960s. Includes extensive sleeve notes & 17 tracks including four bonus tracks, 'Sailor From Dover', 'Young John', 'Short Jacket & White Trousers' & 'The Bold Fisherman'. Fledg'ling Records. 2003.

Tracks:

The Mission: Gabriel's Oboe
The Mission: The Falls
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Playing Love from The Legend of 1900
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Nostalgia from Cinema Paradiso
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Looking for You (Love Theme) from Cinema Paradiso
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Malena (Main theme)
Giuseppe Tornatore Suite: Remembering (Ricordare)*
Sergio Leone Suite: Deborah's Theme from Once Upon A Time In America
Sergio Leone Suite: Cockeye's Song from Once Upon a Time in America
Sergio Leone Suite: Main Theme from Once Upon a Time in America
Sergio Leone Suite: Main Theme from Once Upon a Time in the West
Sergio Leone Suite: Ecstasy of Gold from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Brian DePalma Suite: Main Theme from Casualities of War
Brian DePalma Suite: Death Theme from The Untouchables
Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Journey from Moses
Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Theme from Moses
Moses and Marco Polo Suite: Main Theme from Marco Polo
The Lady Caliph: Dinner
The Lady Caliph: Nocturne

Amazon.com

Ennio Morricone is well-known to moviegoers. His soundtracks for The Mission, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Once Upon a Time in America, Cinema Paradiso, and others are invariably warmly melodic and superbly suited to the films they grace. They not only add atmosphere; they help tell the story. For this CD Morricone has created new orchestrations for many of his scores, adding a solo cello part for the indefatigable Yo-Yo Ma, whose musical curiosity seems to be endless. Outside the films, these pieces tend to be lovely melodies, mostly pretty sentimental stuff, and, in the best way, gorgeous aural wallpaper. The most moving are the two selections from The Mission, but fans of Morricone's music will find plenty to enjoy here. Ma's playing, as always, is exquisite---warm, deeply felt (given the circumstances), and entirely idiomatic within the context. Perhaps not quite for the classical music lover, but an affectionate reworking of music by an important film composer. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Is it bad to say I like this better than the original soundtrack?.......2007-06-02

I never thought Yo-Yo Ma would do Gabriel's Oboe (Track 1) from THE MISSION justice, but I was wrong. There's a pureness to this version that makes it easier casual listening than the version(s) on the soundtrack CD itself. So no matter how much I love the theatrical "largeness" of the Original Soundtrack (not to mention the full choir), this is the version I grab for the CD player/iPod/whatever.

My two other recommendations are Main Theme from ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (Track 11) and Ecstasy of Gold from THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY (Track 12). I suggest playing these consecutively as a single medley. Track 11 *WILL* bring tears to the manliest among us --particularly if you remember in the movie where Sergio Leone pulls the camera up to reveal the town rising.

I get the feeling "hardcore" classical fans would dismiss movie scores as commercial work. I truly believe Ennio Morricone transcends that. Even moreso than, say, John Williams, and on a different plane than a Danny Elfman. And I can't say more about the emotion Yo-Yo Ma brings to the table than what's already been discussed.

Absolutely Exquisite.......2007-05-15

The combination of Morricone and Ma is pure perfection. This CD fills my heart with so much joy that I could just cry. I listen to it almost daily and have given it away as a gift to my loved ones. I am captivated by their incredible talents, and I know you will be too.

Yo Yo Ma and the Maestro Marvelous!!!.......2007-05-13

Having recently succumbed to Yo Yo Ma after a longtime love of Ennio Marricone I was excited to get this CD from Amazon. It is superb! All of the songs had to be recrafted by Morricone to suit Yo Yo Ma but it is a great listen as you sonically travel down memory lane through some of Maestro Moricone's musical marvels. "Gabriel's Oboe" from "The Mission" now becomes "Gabriel's Cello." I laugh as Yo Yo Ma bows his brains out on the "Ecstacy of Gold' from "The Good,The Bad, and The Ugly." I recommend this to all Yo Yo Ma and Morricone fans...a great listen. Soothing after a hard day!

Better Every Time.......2007-05-09

This CD gets better with every listening. It was a great purchase.

Fabulous CD.......2007-05-07

I love Morricone and this CD has some of the best versions of my favorite pieces. I have ordered several as gifts for friends.

Average customer rating:

spiritual americana
Rich Heritage
Superb
Can't walk away from it!
Mana from Heaven

American Angels

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gloryland
Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King
1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
A Portrait Of Anonymous 4
The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen

ASIN: B0001ADB4Q
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

Holy Manna
Abbeville
Wondrous Love
Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Jewett
Dunlap's Creek
New Britain
The Morning Trumpet
Resignation
Poland
Wayfaring Stranger
Sweet By And By
Blooming Vale
Idumea (I)/Idumea (II)
Sweet Prospect
Shall We Gather At The River
Amanda
Invitation
Parting Hand
Angel Band

Amazon.com

This, Anonymous 4's final recording, is a break from their usual "early music" periods and locations; it presents American music, religious in nature, from the 18th and 19th centuries. And it's absolutely beautiful from start to finish. Their normal, exquisite technique and purity here blend to sound the way we imagined the ladies' choir in church meetings in America past might have sounded: sweet, sincere, and with harmonies recognizable yet somehow fresh. Some of the songs begin with the women singing "fa, so la" exercises, which was called "shape note" singing because some places taught singing with notes as shapes--circle, rectangle, diamond, triangle. But it's the music that counts, and there are treasures here. They include two versions of "Amazing Grace," one familiar, one with an unusual melody and a piece called "Blooming Vale" which is as sophisticated as anything on their previous albums. "Shall We Gather at the River" is performed with a clarity and loveliness that makes us forget that it's normally sung as background to movies about the Great Depression. The foursome sometimes sing in rich harmonies and occasionally alone or in pairs or trios. This is glorious Americana and highly recommended. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

spiritual americana.......2007-01-06

I have some of the older Anonymous 4 recordings which are more medieval
and gregorian in style (I love them!). They move on to cover spiritual
basics of the 1800s. If you like classical music, perfect harmonies
and spiritual americina, then you will be blessed!

Rich Heritage.......2006-10-11

Anonymous 4 consistently produces exquisite and authentically beautiful recordings and this one presents early American hymns in ways few groups can manage. Some tunes are highly recognizable while others are 'new' to me but a refreshing reminder of the singing heritage of religious societies in times past. For those who enjoy old hymns and authentic renderings, this is a must buy.

Superb .......2006-08-07

This collection of American Christian music is not only an enthralling musical experience but a spiritually uplifting one as well. Anonymous Four have transferred their luminous vocal quality to a new space with perfect success.

Can't walk away from it!.......2006-08-07

My only "complaint" about the CD is that I absolutely HAVE to sit and listen to the entire thing whenever I start it up! I usually have music playing in the background while doing other things, but not this one! There are no tracks that I find myself wanting to skip over as in most collections. In fact, I usually find myself going back and listening to selected tracks again (and again and...) after taking the hour+ to listen to the whole thing through once.

These four ladies produce a unique and remarkable sound. I can't recommend it enough.

Mana from Heaven.......2006-05-08

I think the title of this CD is perfect. I first heard an interview for this CD on Public Radio and fell in love. I had never heard Anonymous 4 before then but look for all I can find of their music now. The title is perfect as the women sound like Angels and the music lifts the spirit. I find myself singing the old version of Amazing Grace all the time now. Incredible and a huge blessing to all who hear it.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

Star Wars: A Musical Journey (2005) (V)
Not one of his bests, but very close
John Williams' finest work
A Great Conclusion to the Prequel Trilogy
Williams is slumming it

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Music from the Star Wars Saga
Star Wars Trilogy
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

ASIN: B000850IS6
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

Star Wars and The Revenge Of The Sith
Anakin's Dream
Battle Of The Heroes
Anakin's Betrayal
General Grievous
Palpatine's Teachings
Grievous and the Droids
Padme's Ruminations
Anakin vs. Obi-Wan
Anakin's Dark Deeds
Enter Lord Vader
The Immolation Scene
Grievous Speaks to Lord Sidious
The Birth Of The Twins and Padme's Destiny
A New Hope and End Credits

Amazon.com

John Williams' lovely and moving score for the sixth Star Wars film brings thirty years of collaborating on George Lucas' beyond-popular intergalactic franchise to a close. (Is this really the end of Star Wars? Can't Lucas and Williams work together on a prequel to these prequels? Let us hope so, and that Jar Jar Binks is nowhere near it.) As this music accompanies the most exciting Star Wars film in many a moon, the soundtrack itself is more fun, more evil, more nasty and bumpy. Many of the heroic, anthemic themes woven throughout Episode Three: Revenge of the Sith will necessarily be familiar to any fan of the series, from the "Imperial March" to the main theme. It's remarkable how stirring the latter can be, no matter how many times you've heard it, and even for those who do not have all their money invested in S.W. memorabilia. There is a lot of new music here, and the lush, extensive range of both Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra is on display, most notably in the menacing, percolating "General Grievous" and the rousing "New Hope" end theme. --Mike McGonigal

The Force Is Also with:

Star Wars Trilogy soundtrack box set
Star Wars Episode II sountrack
Star Wars Episode II, Attack of the Clones

Star Wars Episode I, The Phantom Menace
Star Wars Trilogy on DVD
Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Customer Reviews:

Star Wars: A Musical Journey (2005) (V).......2007-06-21

product: Star Wars: A Musical Journey (2005) (V), included as bonus disc in Episode III soundtrack.

The bonus dvd with this soundtrack was the reason I purchased. I enjoy film soundtracks, and science fiction, but this dvd was a real highlight for me. I got the soundtrack cd out of the local library. The cd was missing from the case, but I found this wonderful dvd instead that I went out to purchase later.

With optional segments of dialog from Ian McDiarmid, this film is a stunning visual and musical overview of the full epic story of episodes I-VI of Star Wars. For those of us who felt that eps. IV-VI fell short of our expectations, this film presents them well as parts of the whole story. The Musical Journey also stands as a summary of the entire SW opus for someone who is not familiar with the Star Wars characters and plot. Highly recommended.

Options: no subtitles or other options.

Not one of his bests, but very close.......2007-05-21

The Episode III soundtrack is very good. Not great, but very, very good. You can tell that Williams is getting old, but he still manages to weave together a very memorable score.

My favorite tracks are "Battle of the Heroes," "Anakin's Betrayal," Palpatine's teachings, "Anakin vs. Obi-Wan," and the "Immolation Scene."
The others are very good as well, but these are especially nice. "Battle of the Heroes" is Dual of the Fates for Revenge of the Sith. "Anakin's Betrayal" is a very sad track that is, in my opinion, one of William's most powerful pieces. "Palpatine's Teachings" is really, really neat. It's very dark and moody, a perfect piece for the evil emperor. The only weird thing is the end. "Anakin vs. Obi-Wan" is the action piece that plays during the battles of Anakin and Obi-Wan, and Yoda and the Emperor. Finally, "The Immolation Scene" is another sad piece, even more so than "Anakin's Betrayal."

Although I really like this CD, there are some things that are missing (as usual). First, the whole sequence where the droids are looking for Obi-Wan after he was shot. You see Obi-Wan in his ship with Senator Organa on the Hologram (or whatever it is), and Obi-Wan says that his clones turned on him. That was some pretty awesome music that OF COURSE was left out of the CD. Then there was Dual of the Fates in the movie, but completely absent from the CD. And probably the most annoying was that whole piece of music before Obi-Wan and Anakin fight. It was so touching and sad and I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY LEFT IT OUT! Absolutely amazing. Also, did anyone notice that some little bits were cut out? For example, in Anakin vs. Obi Wan, they cut out about a second or two of choir. What?! What the heck is with that? It's when Anakin is running on the long thing and jumps on the droid on the lava. Also, there was some pretty cool drumming when you see Yoda and the Emperor fighting, and you can see the whole stadium (the big room). There's also drumming in "Enter Lord Vader" that is muted in the soundtrack.

Oh well...if I'm going to collect movie scores, I'm going to have to get used to the fact that in almost all cases there's not going to be every bit of music. I've experienced this in both Pirates of the Caribbean, Jurassic Park I (there was very little left out on this score), and almost everything else. At the moment, I'm just waiting for the 22nd, for the Pirates of the Caribbean 3 soundtrack. It's gonna be amazing.

See Yu

John Williams' finest work.......2007-04-20

There is little more I can say that hasn't already been said about the soundtrack to Episode 3, especially what Amazon contributor Dan Mohr wrote in his review of the soundtrack on 2/2/2006. His review captured almost all the thoughts, feelings, and emotions I had when I first listened to the soundtrack, and was, IMO, the best review of John Williams' greatest masterpiece.

Having said that, I will say that few soundtracks have ever so perfectly captured the underlying emotional currents of their respective movie; in the case of ROTS, the contemporaneous tragedies of Anakin's fall to the Dark Side, the extermination of the Jedi, and the rise of the oppressive Empire. The listener is confronted with the depth and totality of the evil that has beset the entire galaxy to a degree that the film could not reach in only 2 hours.

Bravo, Dan Mohr, and BRAVO John Williams!

A Great Conclusion to the Prequel Trilogy.......2007-04-07

This is a great work of art. I rank it 4th among Star Wars soundtracks after A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back and The Phantom Menace. I had a hard deciding which I thought was better, The Phantom Meance or Revenge of the Sith, but I decided that The Phantom Menace lays the foundation for so much that is in this soundtrack and is thus the more masterful work. But that doesn't mean that this score still isn't great. Every piece is a thrill to listen to and pace never lets up. "Battle of the Hereos" is an amazing piece and the rendition of the "Funeral Theme" from Episoded I captures the film's tragety magnificently. Also I do not think John Williams could have portrayed the Jedi's extinction more perfectly than he did in "Anakin's Betrayal". This is without a doubt the best score of 2005 and one of the best of the decade.

Williams is slumming it.......2007-04-01

Williams's score for Revenge of the Sith is almost entirely overbearing, lacking any emotional subtlety. The music is overcomplicated and even a bit confusing, especially in the tracks that correspond to action sequences in the movie. His overuse of choral tracks and vocals is too bombastic and irritating to be listened to without the explosions and laser blasts of the soundtrack to soften them. (Yes, this music is actually softened by the sounds of warfare.) Worst of all, much of the music has simply been lifted from earlier scores. At times his self-imitation was so blatant that I actually wondered whether the editor who had complied this score had made a mistake and I was listening to The Empire Strikes Back or A New Hope. Also suffers from not including the entire score, in some cases cutting out musical segues in obvious and awkward ways.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful!!!
Relaxes your mind.
Relaxing music from a great composer
Better than just an introduction
Great CD

Grieg: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Debussy's Greatest Hits
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Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002A21
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Morning Mood
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Ase's Death
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1: Anitra's Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No.1: In The Hall Of The Mountain King (Peer Gynt Suite #1)
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 16: I Allegro molto moderato
Norwegian Dance, Op. 35 No. 2
Sigurd Jorsalfar: Homage March
Jeg elsker dig, Op. 5: Jeg elsker dig, Op. 5 (Ich liebe dich)
Lyric Suite, Op. 54: No. 3: Norwegian March
Two Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34: No. 1: Heartwounds
Two Elegiac Melodies, Op. 34: No. 2: The Last Spring
Lyric Suite, Op. 54: No. 4: March of the Trolls
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: I The Abduction of the Bride - Ingrid's Lament (Peer Gynt Suite No. 2
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: II Arabian Dance
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: III Solvejg's Lullaby
Peer Gynt Suite No. 2: IV Peer Gynt's Return Home

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!!!.......2007-05-14

I bought this for my husband but fell in love with it myself. I had never heard of it but now consider Edvard Grieg my favorite composer. It is magnificent.

Relaxes your mind........2005-12-30

The peer gynt suite is very delicate and it relaxes me. Whenever I hear the first movement of Peer Gynt, I feel as if I am walking along the forest at dawn with sunshine passing through the tall trees. It calms me and I usually close my eyes to imagine Grieg's creative masterpiece. What also interests me the fourth movement. It starts with slow and quiet and then slowly the music accelerates with power. Like the title, "Mountain King," says itself, you can feel the grandness of the music toward the end.

The piano concerto in a minor is my favorite. This music seem to convey the full spectrum from quiet and delicate or gracious feel of music to more powerful and magnificent all proportionally adequately. It is very enjoyable. Whenever I listen to this music, I feel as if I am resting in the high mountainn looking at the full panorama. Anyway, that's just my imagination I feel from his music and of course, yours can be very different from mine.

As for the CD quality, I hear no distraction sound and it is recorded well, I think. The little cover booklet can be informative about Grieg. Also nice price from Amazon.

Relaxing music from a great composer.......2005-08-02

I absolutely loved the string music on Track 3. I remembered it from an old PC RPG called Quest for Glory IV. I was disappointed to find out that Track 4 was only a minute and a half long, because I grew up loving that song from the various places I heard it (Fantasia and a kid Detective PC game from the late 80's).
Overall, though, Grieg's greatest hits is a must-have for collectors of classical music. Grieg is revered as Norway's greatest composer of all time and he certainly has a knack for creating imagery of bustling fjords and majestic mountainsides with interlaced river ravines.

Better than just an introduction.......2004-04-28

This CD goes beyond just introducing Grieg. It is a truly beautiful and for me, invaluable collection of this excellent composer. Grieg had an inimitable gift for exploring emotion, often sadness and nostalgia. However, he also had a large touch of the virtuoso, as demonstrated by the famous Piano Concerto. True, the last 2 movements are not included here; however, the first is still stunning. The Peer Gynt Suites are wonderfully played, and Ase's Death and Heartwounds are especially noteworthy - the lush orchestral sounds of these gorgeous pieces unfold exquisitely. Homage March is a nice change of pace, upbeat and with a memorable theme, and Leonard Bernstein moves at a devilish pace in March of the Trolls. This CD will not disappoint you - buy it today!

Great CD.......2002-01-29

For an intro to Greig, this is great. The "hall of the mountain king" is done very well.

Average customer rating:

Puccini Withour Words
Wonderful! I don't care much for opera, but the music is great!
Enchanted by Puccini Without Words
Nice CD
Great arrangments and music!

Puccini Without Words

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Opera without Words
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Opera Without Words

ASIN: B000002761
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
La Boheme: Act I: Che Gelida Manina
La Boheme: Act I: Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi
La Boheme: Act I: O Soave Fanciulla
La Boheme: Act II: Christmas Eve In Paris
La Boheme: Act II: Quando M'en Vo' (Musetta's Waltz)
La Boheme: Act III: Farewell Duet & Quartet
La Boheme: Act IV: O, Mimi, Tu Piu Non Torni
La Boheme: Act IV: Final Scene: Death Of Mimi
Madama Butterfly: Act I: Entrance Of Butterfly
Madama Butterfly: Act I: Love Duet
Madama Butterfly: Act II: Un Bel Di Vedremo
Madama Butterfly: Act II: Humming Chorus
Madama Butterfly: Act II: Pinkerton's Farewell And Death Of Butterfly
TOSCA: Act I: Recondita Armonia
TOSCA: Act I: Love Duet
TOSCA: Act II: Vissi D'arte
TOSCA: Act III: E Lucevan Le Stelle

Customer Reviews:

Puccini Withour Words.......2007-07-11

This is one of my favorite CD's. Puccini wrote such beautiful music but it is often overshadowed by the diva or tenor who sing the aria. This is pure music and so enjoyable.

Wonderful! I don't care much for opera, but the music is great!.......2007-05-11

This is a fantastic album. I love classical music, but have never enjoyed opera. Some choir or chorus with classical is good, but the opera in general has never been entertaining for me. But the music is so good, so what to do?

Here you go. Get the music without the vocals.

Puccini's musical prowess was amazing. Madama Butterfuly is some of the most intricately composed classical I have ever heard. The vocals don't let you hear the true genius of the composition. La Boheme is equally enjoyable; delicately intertwined harmonies that relax and arrest you at the same time. Tosca is strong; again, truly enjoyable.

But, for me, the best piece on the album is the opener; "O Mio Babbino" from Gianni Schicchi. I must admit that I have never heard of this opera or this composition, but when I played this CD, this song came alive for me.

The entire album is mixed well, with very little background noise and very good sound editing. Considering the price, you really can't go wrong with this album.

A definite positive addition to my classical library.

Enchanted by Puccini Without Words .......2007-05-08

As a newcomer to opera, this disc of Puccini without words is an ideal introduction, to listen to as I paint. The music can go directly to my heart without worrying about words or voices to interrupt the creativity. Now I'm becoming interested in buying some Puccini with words and other operas as well. Now I'd like to hear an entire opera instead of exerpts.

Nice CD.......2007-01-08

Not what I expected but nice background music for a special occasion. If I had the choice again to buy it or now, I wouldn't have. Many other's out there with better selections.

Great arrangments and music!.......2006-12-23

It's a pleasure to listen to the music of the familiar arias. But what was shocking for me is to find out that "Bring Him Home" tune from Le Misserable is based on Madama Butterfly: Act II: Humming Chorus.
Wow, so it's not only A.L.Webber is using classical tunes for his musicals. Well, Puccini would be very proud to find out that these people made millions of $$$ with their help.

Average customer rating:

Alice Cooper's Warner Bros debut still sounds SUPERB in 2007
Not QUITE classic Coop, but worth a buy
Love it to Death Man
The Big Break For Alice And The Boys
Shock Rock Perfection

Love It to Death
Alice Cooper
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Killer
School's Out
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Welcome to My Nightmare

ASIN: B000002KBB
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Caught In A Dream
I'm Eighteen
Long Way To Go
Black Juju
Is It My Body
Hallowed Be My Name
Second Coming
Ballad Of Dwight Fry
Sun Arise

Customer Reviews:

Alice Cooper's Warner Bros debut still sounds SUPERB in 2007.......2007-07-28

Alice Cooper's third album Love It To Death was released in February of 1971.
By 1971, The Alice Cooper band was notorious for their shock rock performances and their notoriety of being on Frank Zappa's Straight Records label. Then, when Zappa sold Straight to Warner Bros, the label was unsure if Alice Cooper would last.
With the pressure of being dropped, the band (which comprised of lead singer Alice Cooper (a/k/a Vincent Furnier), guitarists Michael Bruce and Glen Buxton, bass player Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith) got together with up and coming producer Bob Ezrin to record their third, and possibly final, album. Would the album make Alice Cooper a legend or would it lead the band into the netherworld, read on and find out.
We open the album with the great rocker "Caught In A Dream" which was a great piece. Next is the song that made the man and band called Alice, a force to be reckoned with called "I'm Eighteen". This classic rocker is a song about hitting that adult age which we aren't kids yet full adults yet and still resonates today. Next is another great rocker "Long Way To Go" which reminds me of early Rolling Stones and Who tracks. We close the first half of the album with the epic "Black JuJu" which is a superb piece though some will say this is all jibberish. The chants and the eeriness of this one predicts a career that would get strange but entertaining at the same time.
The album's second half kicks off with the rocker "Is It My Body" which is another classic rocker that is well remembered from the album. Next is another great tune "Hallowed Be My Name". This may be seen as filler but is a great track nevertheless. "Second Coming" is next and is the start of the album closing trilogy. Whilst "Second Coming" is great, the following track called "The Ballad Of Dwight Fry" is my favorite on the album. This manic portrait of claustrophobia that Alice evokes in this song is enough to make the skin crawl and one want to escape from reality doldrums. We close the album with a re-make of the classic "Sun Arise" which is given the Alice Cooper spin on it.
The album gave Alice Cooper its first US Top 40 album peaking at #35 and went Gold upon its release (eventually Platinum). The old cliche was if Alice Cooper made it then the 1960s peace and love ethics were dead. that saying proved true.
RECOMMENDED!

Not QUITE classic Coop, but worth a buy.......2007-04-13

Yeah, this is good, and better than the two preceding albums (Pretties for You and Easy Action), but it's not at the level of Killer or Billion Dollar Babies at all. I mean, it's likeable enough, and contains some of their best songs. I'm 18 is my favorite Coop song ever, thanks to the harmonica, guitar, and Coop's insightful but funny lyrics. Caught in a Dream and Long Way to Go are also great, and Hallowed be My Name is good. All of these make this a good purchase for even casual Coop fans such as myself (interestingly, I've heard all of ACG's albums yet consider myself a "casual fan"). But some of this is very, VERY bad. Like Black Juju. It goes on for nine freaking minutes! Okay, I like jamming when in the right hands, and the group sure had the chops to pull it off. But it's just BORING. That's not their strong suit - three minute muscular, riffy, catchy rockers with funny lyrics like, well... I'm 18. And they pull another with Ballad of Dwight Fry, thankfully shorter but still not very good. Second Coming and the concert favorite Is It My Body are just mediocre. Not bad, mind you, but mediocre. They exist merely to exist, and I don't get how Body made it on ACG's Greatest Hits in the place of, say, Caught in a Dream or Long Way to Go.
So this is an average album, with quite a few average songs, but it's not at all bad and has a few tremendous songs other than I'm Eighteen (as well as I'm Eighteen itself, of course). Don't start your Coop collection here - go with either Greatest Hits or Killer. But be sure to pick it up sometime, because Caught in a Dream and Long Way to Go are both very underrated.

Love it to Death Man.......2007-01-02

I remember hearing "Black Juju " and being blown completely away with the atmosophere it created. Alice Cooper has always been for me a larger than life experience. This cd was their turn around in turns of sound. Ezrin made these bad dudes even worse. Every song is a masterpiece and every song,for me,is a picture of my youth painted in the tapestry of the greatest shock rock act to date : Alice Cooper!!!

The Big Break For Alice And The Boys.......2006-12-07

"I'm 18 And I Like It"! With those immortal words that resonated with every 18 year old from 1971 to 2006 the Alice Cooper band became stars. "Love It To Death" was the first album for the band on a major label, and although it has it's flaws the good stuff on this album ranks with the all time best from Alice and the boys. This was also the first album with Bob Ezrin at the production helm. He would prove to be the catalyst for much of Cooper's output for years to come. The album contained two huge singles "18" and "Is It My Body" that still receive tons of classic rock airplay to this day. But the real meat of this album is the two longer pieces. "Black Juju" clocks in at more than 9 minutes and is the blueprint for the many horror epics that would be the Alice's trademark to this day. The band plays it up on this one too, with interesting instrumental passages that set the mood for the dark lyrics. The other truly great track on the album is "The Ballad Of Dwight Fry". This is prime fillet Alice and is still the theatrical centerpiece to his live shows today. In "Fry" Alice firsts discovers his alter ego character which he would refer to in the 3rd person in interview from this point forward. The sight of Alice on stage in a straightjacket singing "I gotta get out of here" still can send shivers up the spine. Two other interesting songs appear on the album both dealing with Christianity. "Hallowed Be Thy Name" (written by Smith) and "Second Coming" (written by Cooper) explore interesting aspects of the subject. The Alice Cooper band was still very much a group project at this time with Bruce, Smith and Dunaway writing as much of the material as Alice. The only two songs that don't do much for me are the opener and closer "Caught In A Dream" and "Sun Arise". The Cooper Band's stage show would really start to develop on this tour as well, with theatrics becoming almost as important to the music. "Love It To Death" is the album that vaulted the band into superstardom and it is worthy of that achievement.

Shock Rock Perfection.......2006-09-15

Is there a better twisted hard rock album in existence? I doubt it. In addition to the instantly memorable melodies performed by the classic Alice Cooper line-up, we get Alice's uniquely weird lyrics to go with them. The songs humorously address such topics as teenage confusion/angst in the Top Forty hit "I'm Eighteen"; the occult in "Black Juju"; Christianity in "Hallowed By My Name" and "Second Coming"; and teen restlessness in the opening track "Caught In A Dream" and "Long Way To Go". This disc had way too much influence on me as a teen. Mental illness ("Ballad of Dwight Fry") seemed so fantastically exotic when Alice was singing about it. Alas, though I'm not as nutty as poor Dwight, I'm not quite right in the head either these days. Long rock songs tend to bore me but "Ballad" and "Black Juju" are perfectly justified in their length. There's not a wasted note in either song. This was the first Alice Cooper album produced by Bob Ezrin. Under his guidance the band really flowered. He would go on to produce the remaining classic Alice Cooper albums "Killer" through "Billion Dollar Babies". Check these out as well- they're almost as good as "Death".

Average customer rating:

The songs are better when contrasted by other material...
..............Too Sexy For Death.............
Good tunes for driving
File this under the dictionary definition of "rock"
Go Eagles!

Peace Love Death Metal
Eagles of Death Metal
Manufacturer: Ant Acid Audio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Desert Sessions Volume 9 & 10
Welcome to Sky Valley
Blues for the Red Sun
Over the Years and Through the Woods
Desert Sessions Volume 7 & 8

ASIN: B0001LJCMK
Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

I Only Want You
Speaking In Tongues
So Easy
Flames Go Higher
Bad Dream Mama
English Girl
Stacks O' Money
Midnight Creeper
Stuck in The Metal
Already Died
Kiss The Devil
Whorehoppin' (Shit, Goddamn)
San Berdoo Sunburn
Wastin' My Time
Miss Alissa

Customer Reviews:

The songs are better when contrasted by other material..........2007-07-14

...but when you listen to them all together on the disc it gets repetitive because they are similar. This probably should have just been an EP with a few of the better songs. When you hear one of the songs on a radio station it sounds pretty good because there is contrast. Personally what I think makes Queens so good is that their discs offer a lot of contrast so each of the songs stand out. My recommendation is download a few of your favorites but I can't recommend the disc as a whole.

..............Too Sexy For Death....................2007-02-23

This is one one the funnest albums I own. I love these guy's and I would like give the musical credit to Jesse 'the Devil' Hughes. And Josh 'Baby Duck' Homme for finding the Devil and teaming up with and bringing him to us. I hope these guys make a 3rd, 4th and so on....

Good tunes for driving.......2007-02-10

now, I know this CD gets a little redundant with the riffs and lyrics, but it is a stoner rock classic. I just love the music and don't care who else likes it...

...nuff said!

File this under the dictionary definition of "rock".......2006-04-09

Even though it's Josh Homme's fun side project, EODM seems to be Jesse Hughes' life. This album rocks, with only a few missteps, from start to finish. The songs are short, raucous, randy (picture Austin Powers saying "randy"), and completely irrelevant to the great philosophical, psychological, and sociopolitical problems of our day. It's all good times and winking occult references.

Go Eagles!.......2006-01-02

Josh Homme has become a sort of "King Midas" of good modern rock. I don't understand, but Kyuss and Eagles of Death Metal are as amazing as Queens of the Stone age. Litarally, everything this guy touches turns to gold. Eagles of Death Metal rock like mad, to sum things up. Yes, the songs may sound the same, but its a good thing in this case. Just pick it up, especially all you Queens of the Stone Age fans.

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00012QLTQ
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating:

Decent interpretation marred by terrible intonation
excellent choice for Romeo & Juliet

Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Prokofiev: Cinderella; 'Classical' Symphony
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet
Prokofiev: Cinderella

ASIN: B0002XV310
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

No.1 Introduction
No.2 Romeo
No.3 The Street Awakens
No.4 Morning Dance
No.5 The Quarrel
No.6 The Fight
No.7 The Prince Gives His Order
No.8 Interlude
No.9 Preparing For The Ball
No.10 Juliet As A Young Girl
No.11 Arrival Of The Guests
No.12 Masks
No.13 Dance Of The Knights
No.14 Juliet's Variation
No.15 Mercutio
No.16 Madrigal
No.17 Tybalt Recognises Romeo
No.18 Departure Of The Guests (Gavotte)
No.19 Balcony Scene
No.20 Romeo's Variation
No.21 Love Dance
No.22 Folk Dance
No.23 Romeo And Mercutio
No.24 Dance Of The Five Couples
No.25 Dance With The Mandolins
No.26 The Nurse

Tracks:

No.27 The Nurse Gives Romeo The Note From Juliet
No.28 Romeo With Friar Laurence
No.29 Juliet With Friar Laurence
No.30 The People Continue To Make Merry
No.31 Folk Dance
No.32 Tybalt Meets Mercutio
No.33 Tybalt And Mercutio Fight
No.34 Mercutio Dies
No.35 Romeo Decides To Avenge Mercutio's Death
No.36 Finale
No.37 Introduction
No.38 Romeo And Juliet (Juliet's Bedroom)
No.39 The Last Farewell
No.40 The Nurse
No.41 Juliet Refuses To Marry Paris
No.42 Juliet Alone
No.43 Interlude
No.44 At Friar Laurence's
No.45 Interlude
No.46 Juliet's Bedroom
No.47 Juliet Alone
No.48 Morning Serenade
No.49 Dance Of The Girls With The Lillies
No.50 At Juliet's Bedside
No.51 Juliet's Funeral
No.52 Death Of Juliet

Customer Reviews:

Decent interpretation marred by terrible intonation.......2007-04-06

I had great difficulty restraining myself from turning this off when listening to it for the first time, because London does such a terrible job of being anywhere near in tune for much of it. Combined with many missed notes in the brass, messy passagework in the strings, and woodwind playing that seems intent on doing anything BUT creating any sort of phrase, it's doubtful this is worth even the small price Amazon has it listed for.

For a budget recording of this that's actually decent, I'd be much more inclined to buy Naxos' release of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine's version under Andrew Mogrelia.

excellent choice for Romeo & Juliet.......2006-04-14

I am writing mainly in response to Sarman (Sweden). I own the fforte edition and have played this many years on several systems. On Onkyo DR-UN7 dvd receiver driving Epos 22's, the sound is excellent, as it was using Panasonic dvd player, NAD amplifier, and Epos 11's. Previn is one of best interpreters of Prokofiev--after all, he is a Russian born in Berlin. I don't know who could call either the playing or the re-mastering "dull". The natural alternative is Gergiev, re-issued on Philips great 50 recordings at medium price. That is also quite good. I would avoid the others.

Average customer rating:

Great Cover
Szell's Magical And Terrific Wagner Album
Fabulous Wagner!
Szell has not fallen!
Precise, clinical performances in dated sound

Wagner without Words

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Binding: Audio CD

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Opera without Words

ASIN: B000002763
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Das Rheingold: Entrance Of The Gods Into Valhalla
Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries
Die Walkure: Magic Fire Music
Siegfried: Forest Murmurs
Gotterdammerung: Dawn - Seigfried's Rhine Journey
Gotterdammerung: Siegfried's Funeral Music - Final Scene
Tristan And Isolde: Prelude - Love-Death
Die Meistersinger: Prelude To Act I

Customer Reviews:

Great Cover.......2007-06-06

This same album has had at least 2 identical incarnations except for the cover art. So if you have bought some of his Wagner orchestral suites before, beware and be aware! You just may be making a redundant purchase. This version has by far the best cover artwork.

I have several of Wagner's Orchestral suites lps (Szell, Stokowski, Klemperer, Ormandy, Karajan) They all sound just peachy, so do not ask me to choose based on the music. I like the Stokowski best merely because it is on the great sounding Phase 4 label plus it has art work similar to this Szell cd and it has substantial liner notes. But as far as the music goes, a pair of Klemperers/Szells will just about beat any hand.

If you are new to Wagner, this is a wonderful intro. Then you can rent some of his music drama operas thru Netflix and take advantage of the best thing since sliced bread, English subtitles.

If you are looking for the Wagner symphony section at Amazon, there aint any! These orchestral suites are as close as you will get. Look instead to his disciples, Bruckner for symphonies and Richard Strauss for symphonic poems.

Szell's Magical And Terrific Wagner Album.......2007-05-21

This was Cleveland's most prominent condutor, the late George Szell's only Wagner album. True, he was at home conducting the music of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Dvorak and all the brand-name, top classical music, but he was, at the same time, a gifted interpreter of Wagner. While Szell's name is not mentioned in the same sentence as Herbert Von Karajan nor was he a conductor of opera, this album showcases the skill and artistry he achieved while conducting the score to Wagner's most important operas - The Ring of the Nibelungen and Tristan and Isolde. The Cleveland Orchestra is at the height of its powers and the music you will hear on this album overflows with passion, dignity, grandeur and beauty, all the elements that Wagner's larger-than-life operas are made of. The first track is the Entrance Of The Gods Into Valhalla, the final scene in Das Rhinegold, the first of the four Ring operas. Pity this album does not begin with the beautifully mysterious and spiritual Rhinegold Overture, which would have been more appropriate, as the music segues into the Entrance of the Gods. But even as it is, it's wonderful. The music describes the vainglorious Odin, his wife Freya and the other Norse gods ascending into the glittering golden palace of Valhalla, pride and downfall of the gods. The music is bombastic and grand, just like one hears it at the opera, a melage of trumpets and brass. But the music is also composed of melancholy strings (violins) describing the lament of the Rhinemaidens, bemoaning the loss of the Ring and foreshadowing the coming tragedy. Track 2: Ride Of The Valkyries: This famous war march has been heard in films (such as Apocalypse Now) and occurs toward the end of "Die Walkure". It's a militaristic, noisy, ebullient battle cry. In the opera, Brunhilde, Odin's immortal daughter, has rebelled against him and takes to the air on winged horses with her fellow Valkyries. This interpretation is quite different than others you'll hear because Szell discovered an additional bit of music that Wagner intended to be played but for the most part is not heard. If you're quick, you'll catch it. It's a repetition of the battle cry "Hojo-to-ho" on the trumpet, occuring toward the last portion of the piece. 3: Magic Fire Music: This "magical" music, mostly for strings, serves as the score to the final scene in "Die Walkure" in which Odin has cast a sleeping spell on Brunhilde and puts her in the middle of a ring of fire, where she will await the kiss of the hero Siegfried. The tristesse of the piece represents a father's grief for the loss of his most belove daughter. Track 4 and 5 Forest Murmurs and Siegfried's Journey: This music is taken from various moments in the opera "Siegfried" which relates the hero's adventures. He awakens the sleeping Brunhilde who has become mortal, slays the fearsome dragon Fafnir and wields as magical sword. The Forest Murmurs takes place in the immense forest where Brunhilde lies sleeping. Endowed with the gift of communicatin with nature, a bird tells Siegfried where he can find Brunhilde. If one does not overanalyze the music, merely strings and flutes, one can clearly feel the word-painting and characterization in the piece. The flute is the bird or birds and the forest itself, the more powerful chords represent Siegfried and the brief "Valkyrie" motif stands for Brunhilde. In "Rhine Journey" we hear the strings become the flowing river and we can see Siegfried journeying to a dangerous adventure, one which costs the hero's life. In "Siegfried's Funeral March" Siegfried has been betrayed and is slain by the Giants. The funeral music is dark, primal and powerful in its depiction of nobility and downfall. As it ends, we hear Brunhilde's love theme which then appropriately takes us to the Immolation Scene. Brunhilde, distraught over the death of her beloved, summons her horse and leaps over Siegfrie'ds burning funeral pyre, a grand act of love and sacrifice, the first hint of humanity and compassion in otherwise dark drama filled with greedy and wicked characters. This leads to Valhalla's demise by fire and water and the world ends. Only the Rhinemaidens remain, taking back the ring which had long been stolen from them. Though these are only portions of music from the supremely lengthy score, it is enough to entice the listener to seeing the Ring, the biggest feast of opera one can ever undertake. The Overture to Tristan and Isolde summarizes the work itself. It's a high romantic tragedy concerning the knight Tristan, the King he serves and Isolde the Queen, whom he falls in love with. Their love is doomed but the magic and transient bliss is perfectly captured in the luminescent Overture, which begins softly and mysteriously with the "Tristan Chord" and culminates with a ravishing rush of strings. The Liebestod, the Love Death, is Isolde's swan song, as she dies of love for the fallen knight. Szell does not play this too fast or too slow. It's done right, and it's heartbreaking, ethereal and magnificent, perhaps even at the level of Karajan's famous interpretations of it. The final track is the grand overture to Die Mastersanger Von Nuremberg, a lengthy paean to Mediveal chivalry, all grandeur and pomp.

Five Stars Well Deserved. Make this your first intro to Wagner. The music will seduce you into watching Wagner operas. Dreamy, romantic, grand, sad, larger than life, Szell has captured the essence of Wagner in a single album. Buy it now. It's cheap and affordable. It's highly recommended. Enjoy.

Fabulous Wagner!.......2006-10-07

This is certainly very good music-making, falling just a little short in the colors department - for which the Berlin under Karajan or the Philadelphia under Ormandy are the ticket. But that aside it's difficult to accept all this Szell bashing. People still listen to the Cleveland recording of the Dvorak Slavonic Dances and will for years to come. And unless you have to have original instruments it's tough to beat Szell and the Cleveland orchestra's brio and attention to detail in Mozart and Haydn.
Of course some of this carping may be the result of a little bit too much self-esteem and not enough appreciation for just what it takes to lead an orchestra at such a level. I remember in college I happened to be at a small gathering of literary people including a few novelists and poets and one critic,the august Edmund Wilson. Not knowing any better I walked right up to a stern-looking older man looking every bit the serious 'Dean of American Critics' and blurted out how much fun I had reading his story "The Man who Shot Snapping Turtles." Apparently this gushing adolescent accolade softened him a bit, and he talked with me for a couple of minutes. The last question I asked him was what did he consider the most important thing in writing criticism. Mr. Wilson blurted out bluntly, "Get it right!"
Over the years I have always thought there was a world of truth in that rather journalistic maxim. The reviews here are a perfect example. One could write and gush about this and that, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter how many names you drop, or airs you put on, if you cannot recognize quality you're no better than the crook in Gatsby whose idea of a small town where one could safely pass counterfeit bonds over the counter was Detroit.
In the Great Gatsby the crook passing false currency for real is picked up by the police. Unfortunately Amazon readers are easily mislead by glowing praise or, in the case of some of the reviews of the Wagner here, cold dislike. People react to harsh words, and especially when they are well written and sound based on experience. Let me assure you - no one is always right, and there are some people who, for whatever reason, have skewered taste.
The Szell Cleveland Wagner CD here is a series of showpieces, played very very well by the Cleveland orchestra. What sets this apart from many Wagner collections is the astonishing orchestra playing. Szell's orchestra, supreme in Dvorak, brings to Wagner's music a clarity rarely achieved by other orchestras. Superbly balanced, the virtousity of the players is on full display. It's a joy to actually hear all the myriad instrumental sounds in Wagner's score - Wagner played in tune, what a shocking concept. And particularly Wagner devoid of bathos! Tovey used to cite Wagner as perhaps the best of all orchestrators; here we have the Cleveland at the pinnacle of their glory days, a wonderful momento. Writing nasty dismissive words about performances of this caliber says more about the reviewers than it does about the recording.
This has been remastered for SACD and if you have a machine that will play SACDs then that is the one to purchase.

Szell has not fallen!.......2006-01-14

I quote from a previous review: "Perhaps no eminent conductor has fallen so far after his death as George Szell". To this comment, I say "Baloney". One great thing about Amazon is their sale of deleted CDs by independent sellers. When George Szell/Cleveland Orchestra CDs suddenly disappear, their price by the independent sellers skyrockets. As for the present CD, I have bought it on LP, cassette and CD and cherished it for years. The playing is sensational, the performances have plenty of passion and the sound is great. The Die Meistersinger and Tristan excerpts were recorded earlier than the Ring and have a little more spontanaiety but the Ring excerpts are also outstanding.

Precise, clinical performances in dated sound.......2005-10-29

Perhaps no eminent conductor has fallen so far after his death as George Szell. He was treated with enormous respect during his long tenure with the Cleveland Orchestra, and he couldn't appear in Carnegie Hall without getting raves from the New York critics (his reviews were much better than Bernstein's). On the evidence of this cold, unfeeling CD of Wagner excerpts, mostly from the Ring, one wonders why. Every excerpt is treated to the same strict, unyielding approach; there is no rubato or romanticism. In addition the sound is thin and full of hiss (Szell's LPs on Epic were infamous for their bad sound, and Sony hasn't bothered to improve things on their digitual reissue.)

I will remember Szell fondly from my formative years in the Sixties, but he has become a dead letter in the intervening decades.

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