Kate & Anna Mcgarrigle

Kate & Anna Mcgarrigle

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
If you know Linda Ronstadt's version of "Heart Like a Wheel," you are duty-bound to seek out the source. These Canadian sister songwriters' original version--the highlight of their self-titled debut--has a fragile elegance that, over the course of three minutes, will break, mend, and break your heart again. But the pain in McGarrigle's quiet songs--piano, banjo, and guitar provide much of the accompaniment--is always sweet. Their double and triple harmonies are the sound of dreams. And their lyrical sensibility is as timeless and effortless as that of a Carter Family song. --Roy Kasten

Product Description
The Stunning, Alluring Debut Album from the Duo of Sisters from Montreal. They Had Gained a Lot of Initial Attention Thanks to the Placement of the Title Song on Linda Ronstadt's "Heart Like a Wheel" Album. The Sisters Crafted this Album with the Help of Some Stellar Players as Wel, Like Little Feat's Lowell George, Bassist Tony Levin, Drummer Steve Gadd and Horn Ace Bobby Keys. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Kate & Anna Mcgarrigle,Kate Mcgarrigle & Anna,Hannibal,Folk & Traditional,Pop

Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating:

So Much Better Than Expected

What Happened?

omigod i love it!!

Nonstop Fun!

A surprisingly great score

Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Ghostlight
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000R7I3NW
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

Omigod You Guys
Serious
What You Want
The Harvard Variations
Blood In the Water
Positive
Ireland
Ireland
Serious
Chip On My Shoulder
So Much Better
Whipped Into Shape
Take It Like a Man
Bend And Snap
There! Right There!
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde
Medley: Find My Way/Finale

Amazon.com

Like Wicked, this show is a girl-friendly extravaganza; the main difference--and it's a big one--is that the score of Legally Blonde is better. Based on the hit Reese Witherspoon movie, the zippy, frothy show tells the story of SoCal, pink-loving sorority girl Elle Woods, who enrolls at Harvard Law and goes on to prove that appearances can be deceiving. The opening number, "Omigod You Guys," gives an idea of what the Broadway-pop score by Laurence O'Keefe (Bat Boy--The Musical) and Nell Benjamin is up to, embracing its over-the-top cheer with goofily infectious energy. Sure, a couple of numbers feel a bit derivative (the show with the witches has "Popular," this one has "Positive"), and the Celtic detour ("Ireland") is rather puzzling, but overall the songs are firing on all cylinders. Just check out the use of a marching band on "What You Want" for instance. Laura Bell Bundy (Amber von Tussle in Hairspray) is a charming Elle, and she delivers numbers such as "So Much Better" with the requisite elan. But this is not a one-woman show, and Bundy is surrounded by a crack team, including the endearing Christian Borle as Elle's love interest Emmett, power-piped Orfeh as hairdresser Paulette and up-and-comer Leslie Kritzer as Delta Nu's Serena. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

So Much Better Than Expected.......2007-07-31

This 2007 musical version of the Reese Witherspoon film is energetic, light-hearted & fun.

While I enjoyed seeing the production (starring the terrific Laura Bell Bundy), the score seemed somewhat unmemorable - until I got the cd. Some of the songs work better on stage (ie. "Bend and Snap"), but after a few listens, several of the songs emerged as favorites:

Omigod You Guys
Ireland
So Much Better
Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde Remix

This is not meant to be a thought-provoking show - just one to smile.

What Happened?.......2007-07-30

When I saw the show in the San Francisco previews, I thought it was one of the best shows I had ever seen. It was so good that I saw it twice (would have gone a third time, but ran out of time). The show is one of the most uplifting shows out there. The very first number in the show, "Omigod You Guys", starts on a very high energy level, and remained that way throughout the entire show. So, as you can probably tell, I was eager for the cast recording to come out. I purchased this album the moment it came out. I was so ecstatic. But to my dismay, this cast recording just did not do this amazing show justice. Instead of the songs having all the energy of the show, they became so mellow and down right boring. Not to mention that they took out one of the better songs, "Love and War", and replaced it with a much mellower song, "Positive". On top of it all, the actual music does not sound like it was done by and orchestra, but rather a cheap synthesizer. I had such high expectations for this cast recording because of how amazing the show was in San Francisco, but was extremely disappointed. The only reason I listen to this is because it is better than having to find some cheap and illegal recording someone did in the audience.

omigod i love it!!.......2007-07-30

best show ever practically!! LBB shines along w/ Orfeh & Nikki Snelson!!
Christian Borle was meant to play Emmet alng with Miachel Rupert as Callahan!!

Nonstop Fun!.......2007-07-28

I saw this show while it was in previews in San Francisco. I was not disappointed. The show is fabulous, everything a musical comedy should be: upbeat, entertaining and fun. Plus, the music is great too. I play this cd in my car over and over again, and I'm still not sick of any of it. I don't agree that the score is better than Wicked, but like Wicked, all the songs are good. "Ireland" and "There! Right There!" are a little random, but Orfeh nails Paulette and I can't help laughing everytime when she says "Celtic Moods!" Laura Bell Bundy brings her own personality to Elle and it works. Trust me, you won't be able to get "Omigod you guys" and "So Much Better" out of your head! Buy it!

A surprisingly great score.......2007-07-27

I heard some time ago that Legally Blonde was in the works for Broadway, and I won't mince words: I had no hopes for the show. But on a whim I decided to give the score a listen, and boy, was I surprised. Let's be clear here: I am not a female, nor am I a teenager. I'm ambivalent about the 2001 movie. I hardly fit the target audience. But, inexplicably, I love it.

The composing team behind Bat Boy: The Musical are back, and they've brought their skills to the next level. True, Legally Blond is all bubblegum pop. But it's cleverly constructed, constantly energetic, and just plain catchy as hell. The title song, "Omigod You Guys" sticks in your head like crazy. But that's a good thing -- if you're willing to laugh a little. Sometimes musicals are too serious for their own good. Who says we can't have a little fun?

With a few minor exceptions, the songs are very well-crafted. It takes a few times through before you catch all the lyrics -- they come at you fast! -- so there's a lot to enjoy. And just when you think the composers are following the melodic pattern you expect, they change it -- for the better. True, you have to be paying attention to catch those moments, but they're there if you do. As a composer myself, I was surprised at how intricate the pop melodies actually are if you know what you're listening for.

If you have a sense of humor and like good catchy music -- if you hated Wicked, leave now -- you'll definitely love Legally Blonde.

Average customer rating:

This is my kind of pop music
Yes!
Delicate Melancholy and Vivid Revelation
Perfection : Beautiful
Melankton

Melankton
Kate Havnevik
Manufacturer: Republic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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The Reminder
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ASIN: B000N0QVGE
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

Unlike Me
Travel In Time
I Don't Know You
You Again
Not Fair
Nowhwere Warm
Serpentine
Kaleidoscope
Sleepless
Suckerlove
Timeless
New Day
Solo

Album Description

"THE VOICE OF GREY'S ANATOMY," Kate Havnevik's music has had an unprecedented 5 songs placed on the show and several have made it to the Grey Anatomy's soundtrack albums.

Kate's debut album is title "Melankton". Melankton means "Black Rose" which describes Kate's idea of the album's sound-scape and production perfectly: dark, yet beautiful.

The 12 songs on the album range from symphonic pop extravaganza to the most intimate of melodies. A truly beautiful body of work, Melankton is heady, intoxicating and evocative with its mix of wistful lyrics, mellifluous orchestration and cinematic electronica.

Customer Reviews:

This is my kind of pop music.......2007-07-29

A few years ago I was really into downtempo/chillout music but over the years, the genre has lost its appeal to me. Everything essentially sounds the same to me. Just when I have given up on this genre, my interest has been piqued again by newcomer Kate Havnevik. I discovered her on the internet earlier this year but it wasn't until recently when I acquired a copy of her debut album MELANKTON did I fall in love with her brand of gentle, soothing chillout music. The first thing I have noticed about her music was how similiar she sounded to Bjork but minus the obnoxious caterwauling. Kate also reminds me a little of ex-Frou Frou singer Imogen Heap. Ironically Kate is friends with Imogen Heap and collaborates with Guy Sigsworth on several tracks on MELANKTON. The only minor flaw with the music is that they tend to sound the same, nevertheless I love the album. I find the songs so soothing and relaxing. The one song that really stood out with me is the bonus track "So:Lo" which is a catchy pop number but all of the songs on the album are great. I look forward to hearing more from Kate Havnevik in the near future.

Yes!.......2007-07-13

Kate Havnevik is of the same twisted genius of Bjork and Kate Bush and her music is something of a fusion of these two styles. But a fusion can be more than the sum of its parts, and Kate achieves sonic beauty better than Bjork or Bush. She's somewhere in the stratosphere and I'm looking up--God it's beautiful!

Delicate Melancholy and Vivid Revelation.......2007-05-31

"There are no guarantees in life
Not for the present,
Nor for the future.
All I know is
That I'm here"
~Unlike Me

Norwegian singer and songwriter Kate Havnevik creates euphoric melodies within an exquisite world of electronica with classical appeal. "Not Fair" has darkly poetic lyrics where she shows the full range of her vocal expression. "Travel in Time" contains magical whispery sweet lyrics with hints of longing and ecstasy.

"Serpentine" has a classi-tronica appeal but what makes Kate Havnevik's songs ornate is the way she uses her voice. She makes the world seem more sensuous and like Björk, her voice becomes part of the musical landscape in a unique creative soul expression. Within the lyrics there seems to be a death and a rebirth, as if the petals of a black rose have been tossed across a sea of change.

"I go nowhere high
Go nowhere warm
Until you're by my side
Your hand in mine
And I've always known
You're like a feather
You go where wind and fire melt together"
~Nowhere Warm

"Kaleidoscope" has a similar appeal, but dives even deeper into delicate melancholy that suddenly awakens into more vivid revelation. From here, the album mellows sweetly into a deep relaxing contemplation. "New Day" is an awakening from the sleepy classical mood as electronica again takes the stage. Since Kate Havnevik is working on two more albums I can only imagine the directions she will take within possibility.

If you enjoy Zero 7, Balligomingo, Hooverphonic, Magnet and Imogen Heap, you will want this for your collection.

~The Rebecca Review

Perfection : Beautiful.......2007-05-14

Through a series of intensely rich and innovative musical compositions, Kate Havnevik's lush vocals flow seamlessly. This fresh genre, best described as `classica', combines the best elements of electronica and classical music. The live orchestra and subtle synthetic pulses are a sugary treat for the ears and the soul. As warm and laid back as this album is, it's extremely uplifting. In fact, Kate herself describes it as `euphoric'. During production of "Melankton", Kate simultaneously worked on two other albums. She felt that "Melankton" would best introduce her style to the musical world, and so it was released first. "Melankton" translates into `black rose'.

Kate initially trained as a classical musician. She joined a punk rock group as a young woman and quickly lost herself in the electronic sounds, and began experimenting with her own contemporary pieces. Before the release of "Melankton", she previously collaborated with other artists and musicians, providing backup vocals for various singers and assisting in the production of dance tracks.

The vibes of "Melankton" are slow and melodic, but intriguing and extraordinarily beautiful. Every song includes a lovely assortment of brass, strings, rich electronic chords and subtle beats. This album could easily be compared to Bjork's lullaby masterpiece album, "Vespertine", but contains less angst and growls, and includes more smoothness and sensitivity.

"Unlike Me":
As it opens with Kate's wispy vocals and sweet conviction, "Unlike Me" quickly draws the listener in. This song sets the album tone beautifully. Strolling lower string arrangements and subtle vocal edits swell and shrink in the ears. The song is very much like the ocean, rising and falling musically. Kate's love of glissandos (the slow pitch slide of a continuously played note) is extremely obvious in this tune, especially toward the end. In general, the tone of "Unlike Me" is rather dark and mysterious, rich and warm. The harp arrangement is particularly beautiful. With no percussion, Kate's vocals take center stage. (5/5)

"Travel In Time":
Plucking strings remind the listener of a lazy rainy morning. This track is a bit more contemporary, with modern beats. The intense sweeping melodies are still present, as Kate's voice flows effortlessly. The intricate musical arrangements are a treat for the ears. Simple but gorgeous, this track is a wonderful mix of choral sounds and sparkling arpeggios. (5/5)

"I Don't Know You":
The second track is sweeter and less aggressive than the first. "I Don't Know You" opens with a delicate piano, airy synthetic chords and slowly layering strings. Kate's vocals are a bit more reserved, almost childlike. As the song progresses, soft clicks begin to build and create a light percussion sound. The track concludes with harmonious horns. The emotion represented in this tune is struggle and intense wanting. Far less dark, but just as powerful as the opening number. (5/5)

"You Again":
Kate delves into unfamiliar musical territory here, using more brass and more experimentation. The structure of this song is less grand and more focused on individual sounds, such as the gentle hopping of the horns, exotic drumbeats and twinkling keyboards. "You Again" adopts a jazzier groove, and a more intimate setting. This song would sound beautiful performed in a small club. (5/5)

"Not Fair":
Initially, this was one of my personal favorites. It's the first tune that includes a typical drum arrangement, and though it feels a bit more modern and less eccentric than the previous tracks, it makes a huge impression. The strings fly quickly up a musical scale and reel the listener in within the first few seconds. Kate sings with anger and passion, longing for justice. The bridge is particularly intense, with her vocals reaching into a high falsetto. There are also some incredibly beautiful string arrangements throughout the entire song. This is a fantastic song to belt out during those moments of extreme frustration. (5/5)

"Nowhere Warm":
Starting off similar to "I Don't Know You", this song has a similar disposition, but reaches a higher climax toward the end. The string arrangement has a bit more movement and expression. It's difficult to single out the best portions of this song, as it all flows so wonderfully together (most of Kate's pieces are like that). Lyrically, it ends on the lovely conclusion that, after Kate has so emotionally proclaimed her thoughts and feelings, there is `nothing more to say.' (5/5)

"Serpentine":
Much slower and more subdued, "Serpentine" is a fantastic musical soundscape with full string chords, brass, and plucking strings. The crescendo of this track is fantastic: it begins softly, as a mist through dark trees. Once the song matures, it sounds like a full wind on the coast, only to die down to a light breeze once again. Kate's vocals are, as always, warm and inviting. Her higher range sounds lovely here, especially toward the end of the tune. (5/5)

"Kaleidoscope":
Twinkles and lazy strings carry this tune. The vocal arrangement is stunning: Kate's lyrics are absolutely breathtaking. This song seems to be a perennial favorite. It's less aggressive and a bit more vulnerable. The strings swell gently, opening the song with expressive emotion and intensity. The electronic pulses add dimension as the first verse closes. With all the harps, glockenspiels and sparkly arpeggios, one can't help but think of music boxes and Christmastime. There are some beautiful reverb effects included here. (5/5)

"Sleepless":
Slow and subdued, this song reflects the emotions one might feel while crawling endlessly in place. The music perfectly compliments the lyrics, slowly growing into a serious proclamation of hopelessness and sadness. Insomnia was never presented more beautiful than it is here. The bridge features falling and rising arpeggios, and closes with a gentle digital manipulation, blending into the arriving choral strings. As always, Kate closes the track with grace, slowly fading to nothing. (5/5)

"Suckerlove":
The angriest song of the album, Kate's conviction is effortless. The song opens with an exotic dulcimer, rich horns and audio samples sounding like gentle crashes and booms. As always, Kate weaves many strings into the mix, perfectly combining sensitivity with angst. Kate sounds strong and confident here, a switch from most other tunes. In short, she's telling a recent lover how horribly wrong the relationship has gone, and there is no saving it now. A bit brutal, this is a wonderful breakup song for strong and independent women. (5/5)

"Timeless":
After the high of the previous track, it's nice to come down to this lullaby. The same four chords are featured throughout the song, but it's the arrangement and sudden genre switches that make this a fantastic tune. The majority of the song sounds soothing and gentle; perfect for romantic nights and adoring a gorgeous sunset. As the second verse closes, light timpani and electronic beats begin to take over, and it's then that you'll find yourself wanting to hear more. Arpeggios are featured throughout the last portion of the track, with Kate's gentle improvisations adding intensity. Suddenly, the beats drop out and the only sound left is the simple melody line. This is a fabulous track. (5/5)

*"Someday":
This song sounds a bit like something you might hear in a period film, with dramatic horns and classical string arrangements. The lyrics are sensitive and sweet, and Kate sounds wonderful next to the rich chords. While it's a gorgeous song, it sounds a bit out of place on the album. (4/5)

"New Day":
Kate's glissandos are featured here more than any other track on the album. She somehow makes them likable and intriguing, rather than bizarre. The most upbeat track on the album, this is one of the most recognizable songs, thanks to "Grey's Anatomy". Echoing beats and a fuzzy bass are prominent and there are more digital effects to be heard throughout the song. In particular, Kate's pieced-and-placed vocals toward the end make for an interesting and beautiful listen. There are no drastic changes in the song, but every little blip and beep make this the best on the album. The ending is simply gorgeous, with a soft arpeggio popping in one more time for a final moment of reverb bliss. (6/5)

Bonus Track "So:Lo":
The most commercial track, an acoustic guitar begins the song happily, only to be joined by Kate's melancholy lyrics. Despite the title and the general disposition, this comes off as a happy song simply because of the musical arrangement and the fact that Kate is confessing her deep love for another. This is another tune which was featured on "Grey's Anatomy". Kate was wise to include this as a bonus track, as it gives the listener the impression that the album actually ends with "New Day": it ends the album on a much more cohesive note. (5/5)

Finally, a true artist who is more than just another pretty pop face is getting some attention. Thanks to "Grey's Anatomy", Kate is getting the attention she truly deserves. Her innovative songwriting techniques and intricate compositions are both beautiful and likable, without being too far from the norm. You should snag a copy of this album, especially if you enjoy Bjork, Dido, and Enigma.

*Please note: this track is included on the initial `old' version of "Melankton", released in Norway

Melankton.......2007-05-13

It had a few good songs...they started to all sound the same after a bit. It reminded me of the music I listened to in highschool.

Average customer rating:

She's Matured
The Ford Edsel of Kate Bush
Welcome Back Kate.
Amazing work of art by England's Kate Bush
Quintessential Kate

Aerial
Kate Bush
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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The Sensual World
Hounds of Love
Extraordinary Machine
Confessions on a Dance Floor
King of the Mountain

ASIN: B000BHNLX0
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

King of the Mountain
Pi
Bertie
Mrs. Bartolozzi
How to Be Invisible
Joanni
A Coral Room

Tracks:

Prelude
Prologue
An Architect's Dream
Painter's Link
Sunset
Aerial Tal
Somewhere in Between
Nocturn
Aerial

Amazon.com

It's often said that a musician's debut represents the culmination of a lifetime's worth of experiences, but their sophomore effort is usually derived from just the intervening year. By waiting 12 years between The Red Shoes and her new double CD, Aerial, Kate Bush has tried to regain that lifetime. It's a remarkably coherent recording, reflecting the unique world of sound and spirit Bush has inhabited since her debut. The first disc, subtitled A Sea of Honey, is a suite of personal reveries. It ranges from "King of the Mountain," a contemplation of unbridled celebrity and its isolation that references Elvis and Citizen Kane, to the piano-and-voice study "Mrs. Bartolozzi," an ode to household chores whose chorus is "Sloshy sloshy sloshy sloshy, get that dirty shirty clean." With its Depeche Mode-influenced synth pads, electro pulses, and lyric cadences, "King of the Mountain" is vintage Bush pop. But many of the songs attain more epic proportions, like the dynamic "Joanni," a hymn to Joan of Arc. It's the second disc--a suite called A Sky of Honey--on which Bush really comes into her own. Using metaphors of the turning of the day and the flight of birds, she orchestrates a meditation on the cycles of life. Musically expansive, she weaves her compositions out of birdsong, subtle orchestrations, and jazz trios, showing herself at her experimental best. Embracing her relatively new motherhood, as well as the death of her mother, Aerial is a deeply personal album, and a welcome return from one of pop music's true icons and vocal wonders. --John Diliberto

More Kate Bush

The Kick Inside
Lionheart
Never for Ever

The Dreaming
Hounds of Love
The Sensual World

Customer Reviews:

She's Matured.......2007-06-30

It's been a little over a year now since Kate Bush put out AERIAL. With over 300+ reviews from casual listeners, to us 'die hard' fans, I thought I'd throw in my two cents.

I,too, waited twelve LONG years for another CD from Kate. When it arrived, I anxiously put it on, did a few things around the house, and waited for that voice of her's to explode. It didn't. Oh I wasn't disapointed...but more like..hmmm...this one needs some serious listening to. A few days later I sat down, put on the headphones, and had a second listen. It was worth it. From the opening track on Disc 1, to the closing track on Disc 2, I was once again swept away into Kate's world. And it IS her world folks. Like it or not.

NO..it's not the HOUNDS OF LOVE...NO..it's not THE DREAMING. She's been there, done that. If she had put out a HOUNDS OF LOVE II or THE DREAMING II...you casual listeners would have screamed bloody murder saying she's copying herself, not taking any risks.... and us 'die hards' would have raised and eyebrow and thought..What are you UP to Ms Kate? Right? OF course right!!!

You don't think AERIAL is a risk? Think again. Kate knows what her fans like and expect from her. And in MY opinion, she didn't let us down. She's in her late 40's now, and a mother. Priorites change, views change..and that comes through cystal clear in her music. Those of us that have grown up with Kate can see her come full circle from THE KICK INSIDE to AERIAL.

Art is subjective. Not everyone is going to like everything. Even a few 'die hards' were disapointed with the CD.And that's OK. Myself, it's one of my favorites now. After a hard day at work I can come home, put on the headphones and relax to her soothing voice.

Thats my two cents worth. Like it or not.

The Ford Edsel of Kate Bush.......2007-06-09

I have tried so hard to love this CD. I've listened to it several times, given it every chance each time trying to come at it anew or after a recent audition. Each time I have been utterly disappointed. Worst of all upon returning to her previous work I was left with the overwhelming urge to fling the Ariel CD into the garbage.

What could have gone so badly wrong? Kate Bush has undeniable talent that has previously been faultless. Even The Dreaming, a CD that at first puzzled & alienate some listeners at the time, has become a firm favourite that has shown itself to have been years ahead of its time. Her writing is legendary with an awe inspiring ability to weave images into song. Her musical ability has also been stunning with not only the tunes but also the production, finding unusual & interesting instruments & sounds that reached a pinnacle on Hounds of Love. She danced amazingly, choreographed her videos & had a hand in her costumes (as in the Chris Achileos inspired "Babooshka"). Her voice had the ability to pound its way through something like "Get out of My House" or tip toe through such songs as "Army Dreamers". Best of all she had the intelligence & self confidence to know when to hammer it & when to tread lightly, unlike some I could mention (Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston to name but 2).

But Ariel is like someone who is doing a bad, tired impression of her. The music just doesn't engage, the voice sounds tired, flat & occasionally falters. Gone is the magic that was always there from the first note to the final fade out, this isn't the Kate Bush we all knew & loved so much.

True she does have the legacy of Hounds of Love to overcome, everything she did before & after has been compared to this just as the Beatles were always measured by how their albums compared to Sgt Pepper's & Radiohead to OK Computer (The Beatles managed to escape this legacy, but Radiohead were always dogged by just how good OK Computer was & their continuing inability to better it). However this should not be an impediment & I don't think it colours my view.

In short this collection fails to engage in any way, regardless of previous work. Something is missing & I don't know what, but I just keep hearing the word "Flat" in my head. The production is complex but doesn't seem to add to her voice like so often in the last where expert use of the mixing desk layered the sounds into a rich atmosphere, whereas with Ariel its a mish-mash, uncomfortable & disjointed. For instance on the self indulgent "Bertie" she uses her son's laughter, but its completely unbalanced & out of place when compared to the rest of the sound. The lyrics are boring too, like wax fruit it promises so much but when you take a bite it just dissapoints. I would even say that if this were a new CD from a previoulsy unknown artist, or if I had previously never heard of Kate Bush before, I still wouldn't like it. This CD should have been abandoned & never released.

After the final attempt to find something in this mess I gave up & put on Never for Ever & was immediately transported. At least she can be proud of the remaning 99% of her output, something few can lay claim to. But Ariel is the black sheep & should be thoroughly ignored.

Welcome Back Kate. .......2007-04-17

Imagine you are Kate Bush: 48 years old, nearly thirty years since Wuthering Heights, having to endure all the false rumours in the papers; "recluse", "washed up", "eccentric" and other negative terms when all along you have just making your own kind of very unique music, you fall in love, raise a child and are happily domesticated for many years. Kate Bush is one of the most down to earth, fun, witty and very grounded artists alive today. Just read any of her recent interviews she has given. She is no New Age Mystic or Modern Day Witch or Earth Goddess, so give it a rest! True she has written, arranged and recorded some of the most original music of any artist in the last thirty years. But away from the studio, she is just a Mom!

AERIEL is her first album in twelve years. Like HOUNDS OF LOVE, it is best to listen through in one sitting, especially Disc 2. Critics may gripe that it could have easily fitted on one album and maybe that is true. Maybe tracks 1 and 6 on Disc 2 could have been omitted to keep it under 80 minutes.

The album starts off strong with KING OF THE MOUNTAIN. seems to be about unhappy wealthy recluses. Other strong songs on Disc 1 are HOW TO BE INVISIBLE (just a fun pop song), JOANNIE (about Joan of arc) and A CORAL ROOM (a heartbreaking song about the death of her mother). MRS. BARTOLOZZI is certainly unusual and takes some getting used to; with its storyline of sexual emotions triggered from watching clothes in a washing machine. BERTIE is a light-hearted tune about her son. A little too simple for my tastes. PI is has a warmth to it even if it is a bizartre song about a guy fascinated by the number PI. The chorus consists of recting the numbers of pi but at over six minutes playing time, it is overlong.

Disc 2 is where Kate excels. Titled "A Sky Of Honey" (not sure why), there is a theme about birds, painters, architects and abandoning oneself to guilty pleasures, and I am still trying to figure it all out! From her vocal imitation of birdcalls to the eeriness of her vocal with piano only, this is Kate Bush at her most sparse. Towards the end she does liven things up with the last two tracks. Standouts are SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN and NOCTURN (no "E" at the end). The album closes with the title track, AERIAL in a state of jubilation and cheerfulness. Her laugh is very infectious and there is a great giutar solo from Dan McIntosh to close the song and the album.

As with all her albums, production is brilliant and the musicianship amazes. Just listen to NOCTURN. It is worth the price of the album alone but another standout track is KING OF THE MOUNTAIN with its reggae-like guitar accompanying the second verse or the introduction of the drums into the song just before she sings "Elvis are you out there somewhere", My other favourites are A CORAL ROOM, AERIAL, PROLOGUE, HOW TO BE INVISIBLE, SUNSET and SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN.

Message to Kate Bush: Please do not wait twelve more years before relaeasing the next album. You are too original and exciting to be away from the music scene. I will gladly take songs about Joan of Arc, Elvis Presley, William Hearst, Bertie, Loss of a Loved One, Sex on the Beach, Washing Clothes, Birdcall Imitations, Being "up on the roof" and so on instead of the dross that is on radio stations today!

Track times are not given so here they are:

Disc 1 (A sea of honey)
1. King of the mountain 4.49
2. Pi 6.09
3. Bertie 4.18
4. Mrs. Bartolozzi 5.57
5. How to be invisible 5.34
6. Joanni 4.55
7. A coral room 5.56

Disc 2 (A sky of honey)
1. Prelude 1.26
2. Prologue 5.42
3 An archhitect's dream 4.49
4. The painter's link 1.35
5. Sunset 5.57
6. Aerial tal 1.00
7. Somewhere in between 5.00
8. Nocturn 8.34
9. Aerial 7.49

Amazing work of art by England's Kate Bush.......2007-03-11

My review of Aerial is based around the fact that I really like Kate Bush's musical and artistic style, and have been a fan of hers since I was aged 10 in 1980 and her songs Breathing and Babooshka became famous. So don't expect an unbiased opinion !

It is still hard though to make a cohesive summary of all that is contained in this unique package. Obviously there are 2 CDs, and of these , Disc 1 has 7 more-or-less standalone songs, while Disc 2 has a song-suite of linked ideas complete with ambient birdsong. The soundwave on the cover represents this; it is a graphic representation of the twittering of some type of bird that, presumably, Kate has grown fond of as she lives and works in the English countryside. Inside the CD slipcase we have washing on a line, taken from the rather regretful Mrs. Bertolozzi ( CD1 ). Kate's son Bertie makes his debut as subject to an ode on CD1 and in the booklet as a swimming, smiling cherub, while conversely her desolation at the loss of her mother finds voice in the contemplative A Coral Room. I loved the idea behind Pi, as it conjures up the romance and mystery in the fascination with numbers that I had as a child, and it still sounds dreamy and otherworldly.
Cd2 is a much different affair, and may as well be a completely separate album. I absolutely loved Nocturn, and have played this song more often than any other track on Aerial - it is beguiling and brilliant , and it segues into the album's title and final tune Aerial with its weird combination of propulsive rhythms, urgency and laughter. I also liked Something In Between. I was delighted at the way these linked songs were composed as a set. The nearest equivalent in Kate's extensive canon is 1985's Hounds Of Love, which had a similar thematic separation between Side 1 ( Cloudbusting ) and Side 2 ( Waking The Witch ).

Having bought my copy of Aerial in January 2006, I rated it one of my favourite CD's of the year, and have given it 5 stars, not because I love everything on here but simply for the sheer wealth of invention, poetry and creative ability on display. I don't understand everything in the lyrics, but then again, I doubt anybody else does either. That's not the point though. Appreciating art does not necessarily equate to understanding it or "getting it" first time or even at all , but feeling it and experiencing it. I certainly experienced Aerial , and encourage anyone who reads this review to do the same and give it a try.

Recommended for those who like discovering works of art.

Quintessential Kate.......2007-03-11

Long time Kate Bush devotee. Waited a long time for this. COMPLETELY SATISFIED!! Thank you Kate!!

Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys

Average customer rating:

Fun--but not great
aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Disappointment would be an understatement
Zzz...
another set of hopes are smashed

Rogue's Gallery: Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs, and Chanteys
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Anti
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classic Maritime Music from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
The Harry Smith Project: The Anthology Of American Folk Music Revisited (2 CD/2 DVD BOX SET)
American Sea Shanties and Songs
Orphans [Fold-out Digipak with 24-page booklet]
Shanties & Songs of the Sea

ASIN: B000GGSMD0
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

Cape Cod Girls - Baby Gramps
Mingulay Boat Song - Richard Thompson
My Son John - John C. Reilly
Fire Down Below - Nick Cave
Turkish Revelry - Loudon Wainwright III
Bully In The Alley - The Old Prunes
The Cruel Ship's Captain - Bryan Ferry
Dead Horse - Robin Holcomb
Spansih Ladies - Bill Frisell
High Barbary - Joseph Arthur
Haul Away Joe - Mark Anthony Thompson
Dan Dan - David Thomas
Blood Red Roses - Sting
Sally Brown - Teddy Thompson
Lowlands Away - Rufus Wainwright & Kate McGarrigle
Baltimore Whores - Gavin Friday
Rolling Sea - Eliza McCarthy
Haul On The Bowline - Bob Neuwirth
Dying Sailor to His Shipmates - Bono
Bonnie Portmore - Lucinda Williams
The Mermaid - Martin Carthy & the UK Group
Shenandoah - Richard Greene & Jack Shit
The Cry Of Man - Mary Margaret O'Hara

Tracks:

Boney - Jack Shit
Good Ship Venus - Loudon Wainwright III
Long Time Ago -White Magic
Pinery Boy - Nick Cave
Lowlands Low - Bryan Ferry w/Antony
One Spring Morning - Akron/Family
Hog Eye Man - Martin Carthy & Family
The Fiddler/A Drop Of Nelson's Blood - Ricky Jay & Richard Greene
Caroline and Her Young Sailor Bold - Andrea Corr
Fathom The Bowl - John C. Reilly
Drunken Sailor - Dave Thomas
Farewell Nancy - Ed Harcourt
Hanging Johnny - Stan Ridgway
Old Man of The Sea - Baby Gramps
Greenland Whale Fisheries - Van Dyke Parks
Shallow Brown - Sting
The Grey Funnel Line - Jolie Holland
A Drop of Nelson's Blood - Jarvis Cocker
Leave Her Johnny - Lou Reed
Little Boy Billy - Ralph Steadman

Amazon.com

Johnny Depp and director Gore Verbinski hatched the idea for Rogue's Gallery while filming "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"--that idea being to cast genteel rock superstars like Bono, Lou Reed, Bryan Ferry, Andre Corr, and Sting to reinterpret gritty seafaring standards for an exhaustive 43-track double-disc set produced by Hal Wilner. Throw in a bunch of credible folk stars (Loudon Wainwright III, Richard Thompson), their offspring (Rufus, Teddy) and a string of other curious characters (Jarvis Cocker, Antony) and what results is one of the strangest compilations in recent memory, if not exactly the most historically authentic or, well, digestible. Nick Cave embraces the role just a little too hard on "Fire Down Below," while Ferry can't help but sound like he's singing for the cast of "The Love Boat," but cut through the chaff and there is some real bootie here: Bono's "Dying Sailor to His Shipmates," Jolie Holland's "The Grey Funnel Line" and "Boney" by a mysterious tramp called Jack Sh**, which must be some kind of anagram for Johnny Depp. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

While working on the two "Pirates Of The Carribean" films, Johnny Depp and director Gore Verbinski became fascinated with the lore and fable of the pirates and sailors who ran the high seas. Enter legendary producer Hal Wilner, who brings his knack for matching maverick musicians with extraordinary material. Artists on this double disc set include Bono, Sting, Nick Cave, Bryan Ferry, Lou Reed, Richard Thompson, Lucinda Williams, Jarvis Cocker of Pulp, and many more. "Rogue's Gallery" offers a look at the hardships, the horrors, the lusts and lurid depths, and the crystal beauty that led men to the sea in ships for hundreds of years.

Customer Reviews:

Fun--but not great.......2007-07-03

What a concept--a pirate song co-produced by Verbinski and Depp inspired by the "Pirates of the Carribean" series. It should be great and in places, it is. The big question I came away with is--who is Jack Sh**? That one definitely has me guessing.

I won't belabor the song content or the production value. I think the most notable reviews have got that down pat, although I'm not marking down as far as they have because I'm giving points for originality being a fan of Spike Jones and some other truly demented people.

One thing to note: this is not a CD you'd buy if you were looking for something to amuse your kids. Some of the content is very bawdy and Mom and Dad would have some serious 'splaining to do to the little pirates. There's both some language and some situations that are more twisted than a Hangman's knot.

aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhh!.......2007-06-09

Some of the songs are quite good(mellow)others a little odd. Its what I expected, but not what you would expect.

Disappointment would be an understatement.......2007-06-04

It is not unusual to find sea shanties performed by not the greatest musicians or singers in the world. It is not unusual to find shanties sung by people who have difficulty keeping perfect pitch, or tempo. But at least they understand what the music is about, and sing it with heart and enthusiasm and a love for the genre.

Hal Wilner should stick to whatever genre it is that made him know enough to be approached by labels, because he clearly has no understanding, and less enthusiasm for *this* genre.

If you love lively music from the maritime era, you can only be bitterly disappointed by this collection. Out of 43 tracks, I found 15 that were salvageable. Sort of.

I've already tossed this onto the pile to go to the resale shop. It wasn't worthy the cost of shipping.

Zzz..........2007-04-04

I have to admit that I have no idea what kinds of music the pirates sang aboard their ships. I know it probably wasn't "yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me," but I expected something different than this. I think my expectations have been colored by groups like The Pogues, Flogging Molly, The Tossers, and the Real McKenzies. I have an annual Pirate Party and I was hoping to find some good music here to get people in the mood for a treasure hunt or pirate liar's dice, but instead, the music on this CD is something I'd put on if the party went on too long and I wanted to encourage people to leave. Some of it is actually awful and the rest is too slow and plodding to inject much energy into any situation.

I appreciate what was attempted here (contemporary artists paying homage to sea chanteys in the spirit of our romanticized version of the pirate era) but it just doesn't really work. The effect is similar to what would be achieved if the London Philharmonic Orchestra attempted to play rap "music" with Luciano Pavarotti rhymin' while flashing gang signs.

another set of hopes are smashed.......2007-03-29

the selection of titles attracted me. The quality of the arrangements, the voices, and the music---are all quite bad.

It is VERY sad that these same titles, could not have been produced for quality. They sound like a nightmare.

Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

Average customer rating:

They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!
One of the best cds I ever bought.
Never Sounded Better
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
"Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us"

Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ultimate Broadway
Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need
The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology)
Greatest Hits: Broadway
That's Entertainment!: The Best Of The M-G-M Musicals - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology

ASIN: B000066RO5
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Singin In The Rain - Gene Kelly
Theres No Business Like Show Business - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern
'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary
Thats Entertainment! - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant
Stranger In Paradise - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone
Easter Parade - Judy Garland & Fred Astaire
Lullaby Of Broadway - Winifred Shaw, Dick Powell & Chorus
Get Happy - Judy Garland
Night And Day - Fred Astaire
True Love - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly
Honeysuckle Rose - Lena Horne w/ Benny Carter & His Orchestra
They Cant Take That Away From Me - Fred Astaire
Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet - Nancy Walker & The M-G-M Studio Chorus w/ Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
Baby, Its Cold Outside - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban
For Me And My Gal - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
Puttin On The Ritz - Clark Gable & Co.
Hallelujah! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs & Co.
Bless Yore Beautiful Hide - Howard Keel
Taking A Chance On Love - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson w/ Elliot Carpenter (Bonus Track)
Laras Theme (Main Title) - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (Bonus Track)

Tracks:

Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
Its A Most Unusual Day - Jane Powell
Wunderbar - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel
Cant Help Lovin Dat Man - Ava Gardner
Going Hollywood - Bing Crosby
The Trolley Song - Judy Garland, The M-G-M Studio Chorus
Gigi - Louis Jourdan
I Got Rhythm - Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney & Co.
Aba Daba Honeymoon - Debbie Reynolds, Carleton Carpenter & M-G-M Studio Chorus
The Lady Is A Tramp - Lena Horne
The Best Things In Life Are Free - June Allyson & Peter Lawford
Cheek To Cheek - Fred Astaire
A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Louis Armstrong
Put 'Em In A Box - Doris Day & The Page Cavanaugh Trio
If Swing Goes, I Go Too - Fred Astaire
Almost Like Being In Love - Gene Kelly
Lets Face The Music And Dance - Fred Astaire
Be A Clown - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
Embraceable You - Connie Francis
On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe - Judy Garland & Co.
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Fred Astaire

Amazon.com

The "Golden Age" referred to here spans The Jazz Singer and the advent of the talkies to the death throes of the old studio system in the 1960s. So vast was the era's musical landscape that even this 42-track, double-disc anthology can't encompass all its peaks. Not surprisingly, the bulk of this collection originated with the Tiffany's of the screen musical, M-G-M, a body of work whose riches here encompass both pop-cultural bedrock ("Over the Rainbow," "Singin' in the Rain," "There's No Business Like Show Business," etc.) and some less familiar, if equally delightful star turns: Clark Gable gamely "Puttin' On the Ritz"; the sassy, 1948 original of "The Lady Is a Tramp" by Lena Horne; and a loopy duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban. Fred Astaire's elegant, epochal reign at RKO and M-G-M is represented by "Night and Day," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," and three others, while Metro mainstays Gene Kelly and Judy Garland share equal time and billing. It's not perfect--Cagney's "Yankee Doodle Boy" and/or some Sinatra seem more logical choices than the odd "bonus" duet of Casablanca's "As Time Goes By" and "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago that close out disc one--but it's a stunning, surprisingly comprehensive primer on the Hollywood film musical nonetheless. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!.......2006-11-18

Everything that happens in life
Can happen in a show
You can make 'em laugh
You can make 'em cry
Anything
Anything can go....

The clown with his pants falling down
Or the dance that's a dream of romance
Or the scene where the villain is mean
That's entertainment!

The lights on the lady in tights
Or the bride with the guy on the side
Or the ball where she gives him her all
That's entertainment!

The plot and the hot simply teeming with $ex
A gay divorcee who is after her ex
It could be Oedipus Rex
Where a chap kills his father
And causes a lot of bother

The clerk who is thrown out of work
By the boss who is thrown for a loss
By the skirt who is doing him dirt

The world is a stage,
The stage is a world of entertainment!

This two CD set amply proves that the musical melodies and lyrics from the golden age of the Hollywood musical remain unsurpassed to this day. This generous two CD set offers 42 incredible songs from Hollywood classic musicals. Most of these fine numbers are indeed from MGM, as Amazon correctly notes; but there are some RKO numbers and even a little from Warner Brothers. Thank goodness, though, that most of these songs came from MGM movies; MGM was the only studio that could boast that it truly had "more stars than there are in the heavens."

I love so many songs on these two CDs. Of course, there's the unforgettable classic "Over The Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland; she also performs "Easter Parade" and "Get Happy" on this two CD set and she carries most of the tune for "I Got Rhythm" even though Mickey Rooney helps her a little. I love "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for its' romantic overtones; and Lena Horne's "The Lady Is A Tramp" is flawless! We also get a rare chance to hear Clark Gable sing in "Puttin' On The Ritz;" and Bing Crosby's "Going Hollywood" may be brief but it's a fun song anyway.

There are two "bonus" tracks on the first CD: "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca and "Lara's Theme" from Doctor Zhivago. "As Time Goes By" is a good choice; it is another unsurpassed classic song that brings back memories and touches even the hardest of hearts. "Lara's Theme," however, is from the mid 1960s and I don't consider this period to be part of the "golden age" of Hollywood musicals.

The liner notes are excellent and they offer wonderful photos of the stars as well. The cover art is well done and the reverse cover art tells which movie each song is from and who is performing each song. Moreover, the quality of the sound is excellent especially when you consider that these numbers were recorded quite a few decades ago.

In short, this superlative two CD highlights the glory of the Hollywood musical when a certain type of sophistication dominated professional movie production. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Hollywood musicals, classic pop vocals and fans of the artists and actors who perform on this two CD set.

One of the best cds I ever bought. .......2006-06-07

What an amazon collection of songs! This is bar none my favorite cd just because of the variety and the quality of songs on it. I love music from this era, and this cd is the perfect companion to my life. Love it! Buy it, you won't regret it for a moment!

Never Sounded Better.......2006-03-16

Apart from the great selection of soundtracks, what really makes this compilation top value is the quality of the sound processing. Executed with finesse, these tracks sound better than when first issued and many are unedited, fuller versions: like "Singing In The Rain", for example. Throw in the great price, and this double disc set is a "must have" for all lovers of classic movie music.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow.......2006-02-24

A Sensational CD with Lots of Showtunes that Keep You Happy and makes You Want To Sing Along With!!!

"Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us".......2005-07-13

Rhino Records and Turner Classic Movies Music present - "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW: THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS", some of the long ago musicals and stars that will never be forgotten...a 2-CD-Set covering several decades from 1935-1965 with many of the show stoppers of that time...some rare moments from entertainers that you haven't heard or thought of in sometime.

The lineup is fantastic and gives the listener a variety of what musicals were all about in the "Golden Age of the Hollywood Musicals"
June Allyson, Kay Armen, Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Ann Blyth, Jack Buchanan, Louis Calhern, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone, Doris Day, Nanette Fabray, Connie Francis, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Kathyrn Grayson, Georges Guetary, Lena Horne, Betty Hutton, Louis Jourdan, Howard Keel, Gene Kelly, Grace Kelly, Peter Lawford, Oscar Levant, Ann Miller, Ricardo Montalban, Page Cavanaugh Trio, Debbie Reynolds, Winifred Shaw, Nancy Walker, Ethel Waters, Esther Williams, Dooley Williams and Keenan Wynn.

On Disc One 21 Classic Songs from great musicals with songs in alphabetical order:
AS TIME GOES BY - Dooley Wilson with Elliot Carpenter, pianist (1942)
BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban (1949)
BLESS, YORE BEAUTIFUL HIDE - Howard Keel (1954)
EASTER PARADE - Fred Astaire & Judy Garland (1948)
FOR ME AND MY GAL - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland (1942)
GET HAPPY - Judy Garland (1950)
HALLELUJAH! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs (for Russ Tamblyn) (1955)
HONEYSUCKLE ROSE - Lena Horne with Benny Carter & His Orchestra (1943)
LARA'S THEME (MAIN TITLE) - M-G-M Studio Orchestra (1965)
LULLABY OF BROADWAY - Winifred Shaw & Dick Powell (1935)
MILKMAN, KEEP THOSE BOTTLES QUIET - Nancy Walker with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra (1944)
NIGHT AND DAY - Fred Astaire (1934)
PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ - Clark Gable & Company (1939)
'S WONDERFUL - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary (1951)
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - Gene Kelly (1951)
STRANGER IN PARADISE - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone (1955)
TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson (1943)
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant (1953)
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern (1950)
THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME - Fred Astaire (1949)
TRUE LOVE - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly (1956)

On Disc Two more memorable performances from the Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals:
A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON - Louis Armstrong (1951)
ABA DABA HONEYMOON - Debbie Reynolds & Carleton Carpenter (1950)
ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE - Gene Kelly (1954)
BE A CLOWN - Judy Garland & Gene Kelly (1948)
BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE - June Allyson & Peter Lawford (1947)
CAN'T HELP LOVIN' DAT MAN - Ava Gardner (beautiful woman, who my youngest grandaughter is named after...Avalon) (1951)
CHEEK TO CHEEK - Fred Astaire (1935)
EMBRACEABLE YOU - Connie Francis (1965)
GIGI - Louis Jourdan (1958)
GOING HOLLYWOOD - Bing Crosby (1933)
I GOT RHYTHM - Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney (1943)
IF SWING GOES, I GO TOO - Fred Astaire (1946)
IT'S A MOST UNUSUAL DAY - Jane Powell (1948)
LADY IS A TRAMP - Lena Horne (1948)
LET'S FACE THE MUSIC AND DANCE - Fred Astaire (1936)
ON THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND THE SANTA FE - Judy Garland & Company (1946)
ONE FOR MY BABY (AND ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD) - Fred Astaire (1943)
OVER THE RAINBOW - Judy Garland (became her theme song for the rest of her life) (1939)
PUT 'EM IN A BOX - Doris Day & the Page Cavanaugh Trio (1948)
THE TROLLEY SONG - Judy Garland & MGM Studio Chorus (1944)
WUNDERBAR - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel (two of MGM's favorite singing duos) (1953)

It was once said by the songwriters of that era - "There are two artists you want perform your songs on the big screen, they are Fred Astaire and Judy Garland they sing it just the way we wrote it, for which you will have a guaranteed hit on your hands"...well, this collections certainly has some merit to that statement...because with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire performing seven songs each, there must be something to it.

This collection of musicals still has the magic that we remember from those bygone years...but as long as we have the labels and networks who play and show these wonderful films of yesteryear, they will never be forgotten...hats off to Rhino Records, George Feltenstein (producer) and Doug Schwartz (engineer) and Turner Classic Movies for sharing those 42 selections from 42 films...celebrating decades of the tunes and artists that gave it their all...from what it commonly called "The Hollywood Dream Factory"...The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals is still among us...gotta love it!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Rhino Records 78323 ~ (6/02/2002)

Average customer rating:

You Need This Album
Masterpiece Material
theres a lot, maybe too much, going on here
On my wish list
Not a serious Kate Bush fan but...

Hounds of Love
Kate Bush
Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Aerial
The Sensual World
The Dreaming
The Kick Inside
Never For Ever

ASIN: B00004R7TP
Release Date: 1992-05-18

Tracks:

Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)
Hounds Of Love
The Big Sky
Mother Stands For Comfort
Cloudbusting
And Dream Of Sheep
Under Ice
Waking The Witch
Watching You Without Me
Jig Of Life
Hello Earth
The Morning Fog
The Big Sky (Meteorogical Mix)
"Running Up That Hill (12"" Mix)
Be Kind To My Mistakes
Under The Ivy
Burning Bridge
My Lagan Love

Album Description

Import only digitally-remastered reissue for her landmark 1985 album with six bonus tracks, 'The Big Sky' (Meteorological Mix), 'Running Up That Hill' (12-inch Mix), 'BeKind To My Mistakes', 'Under The Ivy', 'Burning Bridge' and'My Lagan Love' all were previously only available through her box set (which is unavailable in the US.) 18 tracks in total. EMI.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Edition of Ms. Bush's Masterpiece, Originally Released in 1985. The Album was Self-produced and Primarily Recorded on her Fairlight Keyboard. Bush Weaves Intricate Tapestries of Sound and Imagery with Songs that Span the Range of all Emotion, from the Most Intimate to the Most Frightening. This Special Edition Adds Six Bonus Tracks of 12 Inch Mixes and Single B-sides Released in Conjunction with the Album, Including "Big Sky (Meterorogical Mix)", "Running Up that Hill (12" Mix)", "be Kind to My Mistakes", "Under the Ivy", "Burning Bridge" and "my Lagan Love".

Customer Reviews:

You Need This Album.......2007-01-20

This album is the definitive Kate Bush album. If you are new to her and are curious, this is the album for you. She was Tori Amos before anyone had even heard of Tori Amos.

Masterpiece Material.......2006-11-13

I can easily say this is the best Kate disc ever offered to the public. Each song running perfectly in unison, taking the listener a long walk through a forest. At first, it all feels fun and carefree until the trail leads to insomnia and then the waking of the witch. For me, this cd is so powerful because though it is filled with pop hooks, Kate allows for new and inventive way to present them. Each song is a gem. A truly remarkable feat.

theres a lot, maybe too much, going on here.......2006-09-09

I like this cd but I do not love it. I never understood why this is the most beloved by her fanatical fans. The cd is too busy with too many sounds going on. The lack of songs makes it hard to listen to repeatedly. This would be hard to put in your car and listen to over and over again.

As for purely good songs, I count 4. "Running up the Hill" kicks off the album, has a throbbing, tribal drumbeat, and is the strongest track. "Big Sky" utilizes Bushes etheral voice and passionate vocals. "Cloudbursting" is interesting, had a pretty cool video with Donald Sutherland, and creates a weird drama to the song. "Dream of Sheep" is a sensual, quite song.

I have always thought that this cd is more interesting rather than being a collection of great songs. Kate Bush is an acquired taste...she is not for everybody.

This cd is good when you are using headphones and get to hear all the little strange noises, groans and yelps by Bush. This is not music to crank up in a car.

I have always liked her debut "Kick Inside" the best b/c I feel that is her most organic, conventional work.

While Kate Bush is a very talented artist, she is also really eccentric. Many of her fans that rave about her work are also eccentric and therefore over exagerate the quality of her work. They love Kate Bush and all her mysterious romance as opposed to just loving her music.

On my wish list.......2006-08-11

I first heard Kate Bush on MTV late at night when they played the video for "running up that hill". I remember the host saying "it's an aquired taste, but once you aquire it what a taste it is". I then went out and bought the album, and figured out it was her on Peter Gabriel's "games without frontiers". Album is great, have the origonal on CD and tape hoping I will get this new issue soon. The sensual world is also stellar. Great music for those with a romatic spirit and who like music that does not fit into any one category.

Not a serious Kate Bush fan but..........2006-07-10

I must begin with the disclaimer that I am not a real Kate Bush fan but I love and never seem to tire of, what are for me, the mysterious and haunting qualities of "Running Up That Hill". I also find the short and sweet "The Morning Fog", a catchy and beautiful song with wonderful bass line and nice background vocals. Given the musicically picky person that I am, I recommend the CD and am, overall, pleased with my purchase.

Average customer rating:

Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie Kate Bush!
Classic
Again Pink Floyd fans were tricked...
A work of art
"Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts."

The Whole Story
Kate Bush
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Sensual World
Aerial
Hounds of Love
The Dreaming
The Kick Inside

ASIN: B000002UA7
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Wuthering Heights
Cloudbusting
The Man With The Child In His Eyes
Breathing
Wow
Hounds Of Love
Running Up That Hill
Army Dreamers
Sat In Your Lap
Experiment Iv
The Dreaming
Babooshka

Customer Reviews:

Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie Kate Bush!.......2007-03-03

I'm probably the least likely person to review a Kate Bush album, as an R&B/Pop lover of the Black sista persuasion but I have a English chat buddy who I trade music with and she recommended Kate Bush to me. I had heard of Kate before and had caught the "Wuthering Heights" video while flicking channels and landing on VH1 Classic and was awe-struck at this song about the classic novel. But never did I think I was going to be reintroduced to Miss Bush. So my chat buddy gave me this album of Kate Bush's highlights. And at first listen I was like, "Whoa...this is weird"...then slowly a smile started to creep on my face as the album went on and I noticed how Kate really draws you into a song by lyrics and weird rhythms and phrases...it's pure GENIUS! I love how each song tells a story...not the usual "I Love You" songs I'm used to listening to, there's more to the songs than meets the eye, which is like reading a mystery novel and trying to figure out the conclusion.
This album has grown on me as I keep listening to it, and admist my Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, The Killers and Mary J Blige albums, this album is nestled inbetween them like a gooey intellectual morsel.
First off, "Running Up That Hill" has to be my favorite track off of this and me being a fan of 80's music, I guess it digested with me better. Still what a great intro and the lyrics of wanting to swap places with God is truly out of the ordinary. "Babooshka" is my next favorite, it's slinky, yet fun and the story of a woman testing her husband's faithfulness is like reading a children's fable book and laughing at the end of the happy ending. The music is beautiful and funky in one package! Other highlights I enjoyed were, "The Man With The Child In His Eyes" which is just a gorgeously arranged track with such a heart-tugging point of affection for someone. Also "Breathing" took my by suprise at first because I was like, "That song was soo not about that!" but it was...and I even got a bit emotional thinking about the baby in the womb breathing in the poison...deep stuff and heart wrenching. One of the most unique songs I've ever heard. Now I'm not going to escape talking about the two tracks from "The Dreaming", "Sat In Your Lap" and the title track are featured here and in their oddity they are the most complex of the collection. "Sat In Your Lap" is stark and in your face and has a thundering keyboard backing Kate up, while "The Dreaming" is almost a trance chant that it's just a world of imagery and hodge-podge of rhythm...truly the weirdest of the set! Other good songs, "Experiment IV" is soothing and has a cold computer soul about it while "Hounds Of Love"'s music gives the image of actual hounds running in the fields howling. And least not forget "Wuthering Heights" which is her tour-de-force and a very unique song, and her writing that at 19 is quite impressive.
So to conclude, I find Kate Bush quite the artist and a visionary that she is. I know for a fact that she influenced alot of performers of today, and one that comes to mind is another favorite of mines, Tori Amos...who uses that imagery and quirkiness in most of her music. This is a great overview of Kate Bush's work, though this came out like when I was born, it still stands strong and has some themes that still apply to todays world. What an innovated mind that Miss Bush has!

Classic.......2007-01-31

The Kate Bush album, far and away. The remix of Wuthering Heights is amazing.

Again Pink Floyd fans were tricked..........2007-01-02

Kate Bush's music is almost as strange as Pink Floyd's. I fell in love with the song "Wuthering Heights" when I saw the music video. In this collection, they have chosen to put new vocals. This collection is great, there is the hits "Running Up That Hill", "Babooshka", "Hounds of Love", "The Man With the Child in His Eyes" etc. They all are hits! This collection is a great compilation of Kate Bush's best times. The new song "Experiment IV" is the only weak song in this CD. I would have hoped they would have put at least one more from "The Dreaming", because "The Dreaming" and "Sat in Your Lap" are such great songs!
Stars: Wuthering Heights, Sat in Your Lap, Babooshka, Running Up That Hill

A work of art.......2006-11-14

This is an amazing work from a tremendously talented lady. Kate Bush always sings with a level of emotion rarely found in modern music. Her lyrics always have something interesting to say. The new vocals version of Wuthering Heights (track one) is awesome. Really not a bad track on the whole disk. A must have for anyone who appreciates Kate.

"Ooh, there is thunder in our hearts.".......2006-07-09

But every time it rains,
You're here in my head,
Like the sun coming out--
Ooh, I just know that something good is going to happen.
And I don't know when,
But just saying it could even make it happen.

Back in mid-November, I noticed that Kate Bush was releasing a new album. Well, despite my love for "Running Up That Hill" and "Cloudbusting" from my teen years, I'd never really explored her music. So, when I realized I was going on my recent road trip to China, I decided to finally rectify that, and picked up a used copy of her collection, The Whole Story.

I wouldn't have been ready for this experience back in the mid-1980s; back then, I was all about the singles, and that didn't change until Boston's Third Stage album came into my hands. I was ready, now.

For those who aren't familiar with Kate's work, I would characterize it as singer-songwriter, fused with 1970s-era British progressive rock. You can hear tinges of Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and Peter Gabriel in spots throughout the 12 tracks on the album. In fact, you may recall that she sang a duet with Peter Gabriel, which appears not on this CD but on his 16 Golden Greats collection.

For the most part, these are solid winners here on the CD, and I really became fond of "Babooshka", "Breathing", and "The Man With The Child In His Eyes" (which is super-short!).

I'm glad I picked this up...it's going to be on rotation on my iPod for a while, I suspect.

Average customer rating:

beautiful lyrics and catchy melodies
Kozy and Komfortable
Kate Voegele Rocks!!!
Gifted Songwriter with a Beautiful Voice
NOT boring, generic or bland - a breath of fresh air!

Don't Look Away
Kate Voegele
Manufacturer: Myspace Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Little Voice
Ghost Stories
On the Way
One Cell In the Sea
Wild Hope

ASIN: B000P7V5WA
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Chicago
I Get It
Only Fooling Myself
Top Of the World
One Way Or Another
It's Only Life
Might Have Been
Facing Up
No Good
Devil In Me
I Won't Disagree
Wish You Were Here
Kindly Unspoken

Customer Reviews:

beautiful lyrics and catchy melodies.......2007-07-17

a talented young writer with an amazing voice as well! what a breath of fresh air these days=)

Kozy and Komfortable.......2007-07-16

Thirty years ago, Kate Voegele would have been doing the college circuit. At least, I have no trouble picturing her performing at mt Student Union Hall on a Saturday night.

Of course, those gigs never paid much (if at all) though I think Kate would have been there anyway. She's a performer, and if you gotta sing, there is nothing that will stop you.

Listening to 'Don't Look Away,' I could hear influences from Sheryl Crow, who Kate mentions on her MySpace page. For me there were also sounds reminiscent of Stevie Nicks, Michelle Branch, and even early Madonna.

Of the 13 tracks, my favorites are 'It's Only Life' and 'I Won't Disagree,' which do the most in allowing Miss Voegele to showcase her voice, and 'One Way or Another,' which was just fun to listen to. A great dance song.

Kate Voegele has a strength and vulnerability in her music in almost equal measure. It's no wonder she won her Battle of the Bands vote.

To top it off, she may even sit with a beer after the show.

Kate Voegele Rocks!!!.......2007-07-03

I bought this CD on the day of its release and I LOVE IT! To think that Kate writes her own lyrics, plays the guitar and sings with such beauty and vigor is impressive and not unrecognized. I only wish that more people knew about this super talented gal.

Don't Look Away offers several hits, including my favorites - Might Have Been, Chicago, I Get It - well, really, the whole album is a HIT. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD today. The catchy rhythm and rhymes will have you singing along in no time and telling everyone about the new talent you've discovered!

Gifted Songwriter with a Beautiful Voice.......2007-05-30

I haven't stopped playing this CD since I bought it 2 days ago. Kate has a wonderful gift of writing songs that are catchy yet have something to say. It's such a nice change from all of the manufactured empty pop that is out right now. My favorite tracks are "It's Only Life", "Devil in Me" and "Wish you Were". Keep the great music coming Kate! You have a bright future ahead of you!

NOT boring, generic or bland - a breath of fresh air!.......2007-05-30

Don't listen to the previous review. This CD has the pop brilliance of Michelle Branch's The Spirit Room CD, with a bluesy vibe that helps to separate it from the other pop/rock CDs out there. She also has a soulful voice that can best be heard on the closing song, called "Kindly Unspoken." Her lyrics are clever - for example, "Wish You Were" turns around the phrase "Wish You Were Here" into being in love with who she wishes he was. A stunning CD that will be a best of 2007 candidate.

Average customer rating:

So-So...
Gorgeous, erotic, evocative, if you only get one KB album, get this one
SENSUAL Woman
The Magnificent Kate Bush
SO ECCENTRIC!

The Sensual World
Kate Bush
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Aerial
The Red Shoes
Hounds of Love
The Dreaming
Never For Ever

ASIN: B0000026IP
Release Date: 1989-10-04

Tracks:

The Sensual World
Love And Anger
The Fog
Reaching Out
Heads We're Dancing
Deeper Understanding
Between A Man And A Woman
Never Be Mine
Rocket's Tail
This Woman's Work
Walk Staight Down The Middle

Amazon.com

1989's Sensual World remains Kate Bush's most mature, entrancing album. Expectations ran high for the long-awaited follow-up to her 1986 breakthrough The Hounds of Love, and she met them with this sometimes breathtaking, often introspective work. On songs like the erotic title track and the dramatic "Love and Anger," Bush charts the many rhythms of relationships with a keen eye for detail and less frilly bluster than usual. Elsewhere, with the tense "Between a Man and a Woman" and the lush "This Woman's Work" she virtually lays the foundation for Tori Amos's future success. Musically, Bush broadens her palette with the smart additions of Irish piper Davey Spillane, Balkan singers The Trio Bulgarka, and jazz bassist Eberhard Weber. --Michael Ruby

Customer Reviews:

So-So..........2007-05-29

Only purchased this CD for one song...but it was worth it. No problems overall, fasssst delivery.

Gorgeous, erotic, evocative, if you only get one KB album, get this one.......2007-04-04

I have played this album then CD over 100 times, and it is better richer more gorgeous and perfect each time. Put on your earphones and let this magical mystical album take you places deep in your soul. I love it, if you can not tell. Kate is an underappreciated genius, lost in the shuffle of marketing ploys and teeny girl hyper sexuality... this is sexuality on a different level. A level beyond age time gender. Get it and be enriched, I mean it.

SENSUAL Woman.......2006-10-26

It's nice to see that Kate Bush devotees have found so much to admire in this release. For me, this was the one I could not quite connect with. I had bought it on vinyl when it first came out (one of the last of my vinyl purchases, actually) and had been looking forward to it. But it seemed less tuneful and less well developed than anything she had done up to that time, and I wound up shelving it for another day. That other day never came for my vinyl copy: I did, however, borrow a library copy of the CD recently to see if my initial impressions were well founded or not.

After all, "tunefulness" isn't everything, and I have long been a champion of any artist's right to grow and develop as s/he sees fit. But the other side of that coin is that individual fans may or may not decide ultimately to accompany that artist on the journey. This point was driven home to me all the more clearly recently when I played THE KICK INSIDE and SENSUAL WORLD back to back and found myself grinning like 60 the whole time to the former. I loved every track on that record. But to be frank, my reaction to the latter release was a bit, I dunno, on the tepid side. Does that me less of a true Kate Bush fan? I don't think so, although I imagine that other fans might want to dismiss me from the club for not embracing THE SENSUAL WORLD fully.

But there you are. Fandom is like friendship, in a way. There are people whose friendship you cherish forever. And then there are those with whom (if you'll forgive my sticking with the somewhat tired and tiresome "journey" metaphor) you only walk your path with for a short time. But I'm just enough of an old hippieh to think that it's all valid and that it's all OK. For the most part, anyway.

And I have to take the admirers of this record at their word. It really is true that giving it a second go 'round did yield some new insights into what Kate was up to back in '89. There are some gorgeous moments here, but I would have to say that they are more in terms of "soundscapes" rather than as actual songs. It almost seems that the mature Kate was distancing herself from what was actually the strong suit of her adolescent and early adult oeuvre. All those engaging early SONGS were now replaced by "interesting" compositions.

And the language became more and more prosaic. Listening to "Love And Anger" or "Between A Man And A Woman" you have to wonder if Kate hadn't been reading too many self-help books. Sure the the lyricism of the early Kate Bush had its schoolgirlish quality, but it was at least intriguing and fanciful. By the time of THE DREAMING, her lyrics started to lean more toward lyrical "prose" and was all the more difficult and abstract. But THE SENSUAL WORLD was the first release where I found myself putting away the lyric sheet. The prose, at least in places was becoming almost plodding, and I found I was better off just listening to the music as music. Reading the lyrics was actually disappointing.

If you listen to a track like "A Deeper Understanding" just as a piece of music, it's quite lovely. As a lyric about people seeking high tech alternatives to real intimacy, it's neither original nor profound. We know all that--and yes, we knew it back in '89 too. And "All the Love" from THE DREAMING actually covered much the same ground and did it better. (OK, so maybe it was gate buzzers and answering machines and not computer programs--but it was technology creeping in and altering one's personal and psychic life...)

The high points of THE SENSUAL WORLD are nonetheless pretty high. Kate is and remains the first "rock" star since Grace Slick to give props to James Joyce--and to do so (yes!)appropriately and engagingly. And as many reviewers have noted, "This Woman's Work" is quite lovely, if a little vague. What starts out seemingly as a song about pregnancy turns out to be more about problems and stresses in a relationship--but then complaining about Kate Bush being "vague" seems a little silly, I guess. We don't come to her music for straightforward narratives after all.

Still, it seemed as though some of the richness of THE DREAMING and HOUNDS OF LOVE was missing on this album and that, if anything, Kate was in something of a holding pattern. The same could be said of its follow-up THE RED SHOES, although I came to like that album quite a bit over time. With the recent release of AERIAL, it seems that the "mature, experimental Kate seems to be recovering some of her lyrical and melodic sense. There are gorgeous "soundscapes" galore, but they seem integrated with actual songs.

But I've really only begun grappling with that one. One thing is clear: Kate Bush is not an artist one can easily write off. That's one reason, I remain qualified in my reaction to SENSUAL WORLD--lukewarm for now, but who knows if I won't go back to it again at some future date and find that I've changed my mind yet again and that's really a masterpiece. I don't see that happening, but Kate Bush is full of surprises. Could happen.

The Magnificent Kate Bush.......2006-09-15

Kate is such an Original,and this C.D. is just superb from Beginning to end!!!!With Dave Gilmore helping out...and the Trio Bulgarka!!!I especially Love"Never be Mine","Rockets Tail","Love and Anger"and the title track...."Sensual World"Wonderful Music!!!

SO ECCENTRIC!.......2006-08-31

I do not know if people are crazy about Kate Bush b/c of her looks, her mystery, or unavailability or b/c they really think her music is so great.

I think that she is a fascinating artist but also very over rated. Some of her material seems very self indulgent. Also, there are way too many sounds and instruments being played. I would love to see an "unplugged" cd. What makes Kate Bush is her voice, not all the weird sounds that go along with it!

This cd is worth it simply b/c "this womans' work" is one of the most beautiful songs that I have ever heard.

Average customer rating:

Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum
"Ecce" Misses the Mark
Music of the Angels
Disappointing
Not the Beatles!

Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor Meum

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Working Classical: Orchestral and Chamber Music by Paul McCartney

ASIN: B000HC2NL0
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

Spiritus
Gratia
Interlude (Lament)
Musica
Ecce Cor Meum

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music Review: