The Ways of Man

The Ways of Man

Track Listings

1. Golden Vanity

2. Wee Dark Engine Room

3. I Knew This Place

4. Castle of Dromore

5. Reedy River

6. Ways of Man

7. Final Trawl

8. Since We Parted

9. Dancing at Whitsun

10. Gentle Maiden/Planxty Irwin

11. No Man's Land

Tracks:

Ways to Love a Man
San Francisco Is a Lonely Town
Dissatisfied Man
Lincoln Street Chapel
Empty Words of Love
Just for You
It's a Small Thing
Healing Hands of Time
Honey
Gone
Sweet Memories
Million Years or So
Singing My Song
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head [From Butch Cassidy and the Sundance]
Make It Rain
Tomorrow Is My Friend [From Chicago, Chicago]
Living on a Prayer, a Hope and a Hand-Me-Down
Everybody's Talkin' [From Midnight Cowboy]
Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
Until It's Time for You to Go
You Are
Today I Started Loving You Again/Crying Time [Medley]
Yesterday When I Was Young
Tip of My Finger

Album Details

2007 Digitally Remastered Reissue of Two Original Albums on a Single CD by the Outstanding Singer who Rose to Fame in the 1960's. Both of These Albums Are from 1970 and 1971 Present the Singer's Country Sides.

Customer Reviews:

Been waiting a long time for this one:).......2007-06-07

Well its here at last. I have been waiting for a long time for this album. I bought this album in 1970 when I was right out of college and played it to death. The choice of material and the arrangements are first rate. I must say that I have questioned Vikki's choice of material at times in the past but with this set everything is right in tune. Although not a country voice she makes these songs her own. My favorite is the first cut, Singing My Song, simply beautiful. Tip of My Fingers is also a favorite. There are just too many to name, buy the cd and you will be glad you did.

Long-awaited CD .......2007-05-22

I bought LP record of "Nashville by Carr" for the first time as an album of Vikki in 1974.
It was very impressive.
And although I bought several LP records, it was in the condition as it is for the time being.
I was very eager for collecting her CDs from before for a while. Since "Nashville by Carr" was put on the market at last, an order was placed in a hurry. Expectation was not betrayed.
She as a country singer is also very wonderful.

Vikki Carr's talent knows no boundaries--BRAVO, VIKKI CARR !!!.......2007-05-20

Vicki Carr gives us 24 magnificent numbers on this excellent "two-fer" CD that contains all the tracks from two of her record albums entitled The Ways To Love A Man and Nashville By Carr. Vicki's voice is rich, warm and vibrant; her vocal ability to sing with sensitivity, panache and sophistication draws you in and commands your attention. This CD proves it.

This two-fer CD starts with the tracks from The Ways To Love A Man; and the first song is the title song for the record album. The musical arrangement complements Vikki's excellent voice as she sings so well about love between a man and a woman and how that love can go awry. Excellent! Even from just the very first track, it already just doesn't get any better than this. "Lincoln Street Chapel" gives Vikki the chance to reminisce about her marriage to a man in a close knit community. The vocals and the musical arrangement glisten like gold! "Gone" features Vikki singing with a chorus and the lush musical arrangement enhances the beauty of this number about a love gone bad. In addition, Vikki delivers "Healing Hands Of Time" without a superfluous note; and "Honey" is a heartrending number about a love that ended when Vikki's persona passed away all too early. I rarely get teary eyed about anything; but "Honey" made me shed a tear--it's THAT good.

The second set of twelve tracks is from the record entitled Nashville By Carr; and Vikki delivers the definitive rendition of "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." Wow! "Everybody's Talkin'," from the film Midnight Cowboy, gets the royal treatment from Vikki and this number boasts a fine musical arrangement with chorus, too. Vikki delivers this with a certain strength and vitality that infuses this number with a singular beauty. Moreover, Vikki does justice to "Until It's Time For You To Go;" this ballad about two ships that pass in the night never sounded better than when Vikki sang it.

The liner notes include all the song credits as well as the original artwork for the record album covers. Excellent! The cover art includes a wonderful rendering of Vikki.

It's also interesting to note that despite the country flavor of these songs, Vikki makes them distinctly her own by molding together the country music style with the more traditional classic pop vocal style so many people cherish. Vikki possesses a rare talent that enables her to do this.

When Vikki sings you listen--and you listen closely, too, because few artists ever achieve this level of proficiency enabling them to deliver a ballad with such sensitivity, true feeling and passion. We are all much better off for Vikki sharing her talent with us; and if we're lucky she'll be performing great numbers like these for many years to come. Bravo, Vikki Carr!!!

Crisp Treasure Sure To Comfort.......2007-05-15

I first became acquainted with Vikki Carr's music from listening to my parent's record of "En Espanol." I didn't know that this multi-faceted artist had so much more. Then, I tagged along to a live concert by Miss Carr. I became enthralled with her voice and singing in english and spanish. I then began to collect many of her albums and the two included on this CD. Vikki sings in most of the popular music styles known the world over.

This CD compilation includes most of her country styled recordings. The Ways To Love A Man is a compilation of country tracks included in other studio albums. My favorites are the title song as well as: Lincoln Street Chapel, Empty Words of Love, and the standards of Honey and Healing Hands of Time. Sweet Memories is an exquisite styling by Miss Carr. The second album, Nashville By Carr is truly a country classic known by many fans that have long awaited the CD version. Every track is so exquisite including country standards and songs that I've never heard sung by anyone else. Singing My Song was a single and very well received. Other standards done in that classic Carr way are: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, Everybody's Talkin', Until It's Time For You To Go, Today I Started Loving You Again, Yesterday When I Was Young, and The Tip of My Fingers. My favorite standouts are: Make It Rain, Living On a Prayer, A Hope and A Hand-Me-Down. Also, her wonderful storytelling becomes a cinematic event with Johnny Cash's, Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down. The arrangements still sound fresh and right on the mark.

Due to the remastering of these albums, I call it very "crisp." It's refreshing and will comfort you just like a tasty and crisp buttered cracker to eat. It's really wonderful to have these country renderings by one of the greatest song stylists ever. By listening to country songs by Miss Carr in concerts and albums, I learned to like to sing and appreciate this style of music.

CARR DOES NASHVILLE AND TAKES IT BY STORM!.......2007-04-17

What we've all been waiting for has finally arrived! "The Ways To Love A Man" and "Nashville By Carr"- two country greats on one CD! I must say that EMI and Steven Woof has done a superb job of putting this outstanding
CD together. It is beautifully remastered! I just received it today and I can't stop listening to it. This is the first time that I am not going to list any song titles because I just can't choose any favorites. They are all winners! Please don't hesitate to add this one to your collection. You will love it as much as I do-guaranteed!

Average customer rating:

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

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

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Similar Items:

Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Royal Albert Hall Celebration
Andrew Lloyd Webber - Masterpiece (Collector's Edition) (Bonus CD)
Sunset Boulevard (1993 Original London Cast)

ASIN: B00005R5UJ
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

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

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

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

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Another strong Broadway by the Year

The Broadway Musicals of 1953

Manufacturer: Bayview
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Broadway Musicals of 1960
Broadway Musicals of 1939
Broadway Musicals of 1943
Broadway Musicals1940
Broadway Musicals of 1933

ASIN: B0006OSDMW
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Big Black Giant [Me and Juliet]
Tin Pan Alley [John Murray Anderson's Almanac]
Little Bit in Love (Wonderful Town)
Quiet Girl (Wonderful Town)
How Far Can a Lady Go? [Carnival in Flanders]
Sudden Thrill [Carnival in Flanders]
Ohio (Wonderful Town)
Ev'ry Street's a Boulevard (In Old New York) [Hazel Flagg]
You Become Me/My Mind's on You [Maggie May]
C'est Magnifique [Can-Can]
Come Along with Me [Can-Can]
I Love Paris [Can-Can]
Stranger in Paradise [From Kismet]
You Can Take the Word of a Gentleman [Carnival in Flanders]
You're So Much a Part of Me [John Murray Anderson's Almanac]
One Hundred Easy Ways to Lose a Man (Wonderful Town)
Salomee [Hazel Flagg]
No Other Love [Me and Juliet]
Here's That Rainy Day [Carnival in Flanders]
And This Is My Beloved [From Kismet]
Baubles, Bangles and Beads [From Kismet]

Customer Reviews:

Another strong Broadway by the Year.......2006-08-20

Scott Seigel's concerts, Broadway by the Year gather a group of the current crop of Broadway performers and turn them loose on songs from Musicals that opened during 1 year on Broadway. It helps that 1953 was a strong year musically, with Bernstein's Wonderful Town, Porter's Can Can, Kismet and Me and Juliet from Rogers and Hammerstein. Jule Styne also chimed in with Hazel Flagg which contains one almost standard "Every Street's a Boulevard in Old New York. Some great stuff on this album, wonderfully sung as almost always. I love this series and hope to acquire each and every one at some point.

Average customer rating:

Entire 70's Catalog of the First Lady to be Released?
Two classic lp's on one disc ! plus bonus tracks !

The Ways to Love a Man/Tammy's Touch
Tammy Wynette
Manufacturer: Raven [Australia]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Take Me To Your World/I Don't Wanna Play House
Stand by Your Man
All I Can Do/New Harvest...First Gathering
Burlap & Satin/Real Love
Great Balls of Fire/Dolly, Dolly, Dolly

ASIN: B000I2IT7G
Release Date: 2006-10-16

Tracks:

Way to Love a Man
Twelfth of Never
I'll Share My World with You
Enough of a Woman
Singing My Song
He'll Never Take the Place of You
I Know
Yearning (To Kiss You)
These Two
Where Could You Go (But to Her)
Still Around
I'll See Him Through
Love Me, Love Me
It's Just a Matter of Time
Cold Lonely Feeling
Divorce Sale
He Loves Me All the Way
He Thinks I Love Him
Our Last Night Together
Lighter Shade of Blue
Lonely Days (And Nights More Lonely)
You Make My Skies Turn Blue
Run, Angel, Run [*]
Too Far Gone [*]
Run, Woman, Run [*]
My Daddy Doll [*]

Album Details

Raven Presents for the First Time on CD, Two Classic Albums from the 'first Lady of Country Music' - Tammy Wynette. Under the Production Guidance of the Great Billy Sherrill, 1969's the Ways to Love a Man Yielded Two #1 Us Hits in the Ways to Love a Man and Singing My Song, Unforgettable Examples of Country Heartache and Inner Strength. In Wynette's Hands They Are Definitive and Timeless, Underpinned by the Emotion in her Distinctive and Powerful Vocal Delivery. 1970's Tammy's Touch Delivered Two More Big Hits, I'll See Him Through (#2) and He Loves Me all the Way (#1). Complete with Bonus Tracks Culled from Non-album B-sides and the Run, Angel, Run Film Soundtrack this Remarkable 2-for-1 Release Represents Outstanding Value for the Wynette Aficionado and Country Music Fans in General. Two of Tammy Wynette's Greatest Albums - on CD for the First Time. Includes Three #1 Us Country Hits and Four Hard-to-get Bonus Tracks. Extensive Liner Notes, Period Images and Superb Quality Audio.

Customer Reviews:

Entire 70's Catalog of the First Lady to be Released?.......2006-11-17

If this is a primer of what is to come from little Raven Records in Australia, then Bravo...these are definitely two of Tammy's best lp efforts from the 70's. Here's to hoping that other lps (like the complete early George Jones duet albums) will be forthcoming as well, along with the 9 or 10 lps (into the 80's) that followed these. CLASSIC country like you've (Twelve of...) NEVER heard before!

Two classic lp's on one disc ! plus bonus tracks !.......2006-10-10

These two classic lp's are on cd for the very first time ! The first "The Ways To Love A Man" is the follow up to the huge "Greatest Hits" collection. Released in 1969 it contains two monster hits, "Sining My Song" and "The Ways To Love A Man" both #1 on country billboard. Stand out lp cuts from this album are the cover of "Twelfth Of Never" with Tammy in perfect voice and the sweet "Enough Of A Woman". The Next release which is also included here is the 1970 lp, "Tammy's Touch". It contains two more hit singles, "I'll See Him Through" and the # 1 "He Loves Me All The Way" (one of my personal favorites). A standout lp cut here is "It's Just A Matter Of Time". As if this wasn't enough, this release also contains bonus tracks, including the classic "Too Far Gone" and "Run, Angel, Run". The latter from a movie soundtrack and both pulled from her first Greatest Hits collection. "Run, Woman, Run" is another bonus track which was another #1 from her next lp, The First Lady. Hopefully with good sales, we will continue to see more lp's from the 70's (and dare I dream..the 80's ?) relased on cd in the future. This is a must have for even the casual Tammy fan (if they exist). Buy it...you'll love it !

Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit: Spirituals

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
I Feel the Spirit Too
just excellent
Saw the Moses Hogan chorale live in NYC and loved them!

Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit: Spirituals

Manufacturer: Channel Classics Nl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Give Me Jesus | Spirituals by Barbara Hendricks and The Moses Hogan Singers
Negro Spirituals - Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogan, Moses Hogan
Trouble I'Ve Seen: Eighteen Spirituals--Moses Hogan Chorale
Wade In The Water, Vol.1:African American Spirituals:The Concert Tradition
Go Down, Moses

ASIN: B000003UXS
Release Date: 1993-08-19

Tracks:

Ole Time Religion
Witness
Steal Away
Little David. Play On Your Harp
Deep River
Sometimes I Feel Like A Mouthless Child
Live A-Humble
Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen
Were You There
There's A Man Goin Round
I Don't Feel No Ways Tired
Heaven
Oh, What A Beatiful City
This Little Light Of Mine
Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit
Give Me Jesus

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-09-22

The following quote is a good way to introduce this album; it is from the poem "The Singer" by Eva A. Jessye. "Because of ebon skin and humble pride,The world with hatred thrust the youth aside.....And through our grief we rise to nobler things....A well of sweetness there unbidden springs." This disc portrays the talents of two wonderful musicians: Moses Hogan,excellent pianist, creator of exciting arrangements of spirituals both for solo voice and choirs AND that countertenor
Derek Ragin with his truly lovely voice capable of great vocal technique and versatility. He has appeared in several operas; two with Michael Chance that are wondrous to listen to: Tamerlano and Agippina. Spiritual are not my favorite thing, but there are some ear-catching beauties on this one;namely:"Ole Time Religion" and "Give Me Jesus". Some others are: 'Steal Away'-'Little David Play on your Harp'-'This Little Light of Mine' and many more. Some are a cappela, some accompanied by the piano, and some by piano with choir back-up. You do not have to be a lover of spirituals to enjoy this disc. But if you are, you will be in heaven!!!!!!

I Feel the Spirit Too.......2006-08-17

Very beautiful voice, sometimes I forget that the soloist voice is that of a male singer. Would like to hear more of Moses Hogan on keyboard and his arrangements.

just excellent.......1999-06-30

Although I do not like spirituals too much, it is a must listening to this fantastic countertenor singing with Moses Hogan. For me, Derek Lee Ragin has such a brilliant voice, I never heard before in my life.

Saw the Moses Hogan chorale live in NYC and loved them!.......1998-10-16

Truly great spirituals, truly brilliant arrangements by Moses Hogan. I can't wait to collect all his CDs.

Vaughan Williams - Sir John in Love / Hickox, Northern Sinfonia

Average customer rating:

Pros & Cons for both versions
Five for the work ,for Hickox at least four stars!
Sir John's love is more impressive the first time around
Five stars, but not the only choice.

Vaughan Williams - Sir John in Love / Hickox, Northern Sinfonia
Ralph Vaughan Williams , Richard Hickox , Anne-Marie Owens , Sarah Connolly , Northern Sinfonia and Chorus , Brian Bannatyne-Scott , Donald Maxwell , Roderick Williams , Susan Gritton , Matthew Best , Mark Padmore , Stephen Varcoe , Stephan Loges , John Bowen , Richard Lloyd-Morgan , Laura Claycomb , Henry Moss , and Mark Richardson
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ralph Vaughan Williams: The Pilgrim's Progress - Gerald Finley / The Royal Opera Chorus / The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Richard Hickox
Ralph Vaughan Williams: A Cotswold Romance / Death of Tintagiles - London Philharmonic Choir / London Symphony Orchestra / Richard Hickox
Vaughan Williams: Hugh the Drover
Vaughan Williams: The Pilgrim's Progress: A Bunyan Sequence
Vaughan Williams: Sir John In Love

ASIN: B00005M0ER
Release Date: 2001-07-24

Tracks:

Act I: Orchestral introduction-What hoa, what hoa
Act I: Ahem
Act I: This is my father's choice
Act I: How now, what does Master Fenton here?
Act I: Vere is dat knave Rugby?
Act I: Episode
Act I: How now, mine Host of the Garter
Act I: I spy entertainment in her...
Act I: Wilt thou revenge...?
Act I: Love my wife? I will be patient
Act II: Orchestral introduction-Thine own true knight
Act II: Scene 1: Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more
Act II: Scene 2: Bardolph! Bardolph, I say!
Act II: Scene 2: Go thy ways, go thy ways, old Jack!
Act II: Scene 2: Sir, my name is Brook
Act II: Scene 2: Ha, is this a vision?

Tracks:

Act III: Scene 1 Interlude: Orchestral introduction-Yet hear me speak
Act III: Scene 1 Interlude: Fair and fair and twice so fair
Act III: Scene 1 Interlude: But listen, good mine Host
Act III: Scene 2: Orchestral introduction-When as we sat in Papylon
Act III: Scene 2: Yonder he's coming
Act III: Scene 2: Come, Master Ford
Act III: Scene 2: Orchestral-introduction-What, John! What, Robert!
Act III: Scene 3: Alas, my love, you do me wrong
Act III: Scene 3: Mistress Ford!
Act III: Scene 3: Ah!
Act IV: Orchestral introduction-Pardon me, wife
Act IV: Scene 1: There is an old tale goes that Herne the hunter
Act IV: Scene 1: Interlude
Act IV: Scene 2: Orchestral introduction
Act IV: Scene 2: The Windsor bell hath struck twelve
Act IV: Scene 2: Ah-Who Comes here?
Act IV: Scene 2: But till 'tis one o'clock
Act IV: Scene 2: Dance of the Fairies
Act IV: Scene 2: But stay! I smell a man of middle earth
Act IV: Scene 2: Nay, do not fly
Act IV: Scene 2: My heart misgives me
Act IV: Scene 2: Stand not amazed

Customer Reviews:

Pros & Cons for both versions.......2005-08-30

Boito took Shakespeare's Merry Wives, added a little Henry IV (e.g. the Honour Monologue) and shaped, moulded and cut them about to make a libretto that focused tightly on the Fat Knight and was absolutely perfect for what Verdi wanted. Out of it came one of the greatest of all comic operas.

With VW, you get something much closer to the Shakespearean original, teeming with richly drawn characters and all the variety of Elizabethan/Jacobean life bustling past. Falstaff is merely the primus inter pares among them, albeit a huge one. Out of it came a great comic opera. And one that has been too seldom performed, standing in the long shadow of its predecessor.

Vaughan Williams, who was a great admirer of the Verdi piece, knew that comparisons would inevitably be made. (He would also have included his friend, Holst's, At the Boar's Head as a real rival from the Falstaff canon.) But comparisons are invidious. The VW and the Verdi operas are not comparable, either in their intentions or in their music. And both should be allowed to co-exist happily as companion pieces, not as rivals as two great comic operas we're fortunate to have.

Perhaps I protest too much. But the Vaughan Williams is such invigorating, life-enhancing, often ravishingly beautiful stuff that I'd hate to see it slip off the end of the shelf. Verdi is lauded as the great tunesmith, but how many tunes from Falstaff can you recall - Nanetta's last act aria, perhaps, a couple of snippets of Fenton, the final fugue maybe, or Sir John's 'Quand'ero paggio' which is so brief an aria that its original singer had to record it three times in succession to fill a 78 side. Perhaps that's why Falstaff is so badly represented on 78's compared to the other mature Verdi operas. Great music, yes, but singalongaFalstaff had, in his mature operas, ceased to be the composer's intention.

In Sir John in Love, on the other hand, the tunes just pour out one after the other. Which are genuine folksongs and which are VW originals is often hard to tell without a score in front of you (where the composer comes clean). Just listen to the way Dr. Caius' 'Vray Dieu d'Amour' takes over the orchestra or how 'Lovely Joan' (the tune in the trio of the famous Greensleeves Fantasia) heralds Mistress Quickly's arrival and 'Greensleeves' in situ is even lovelier than in the Fantasia. But then listen to the gorgeous tune that accompanies Ann Page's entrance, the wonderful melody for Ford's plea for forgiveness from his wife or the magical chorus that accompanies the arrival of the real bride and groom in the final scene. Those are all VW originals and great ones, to boot.

Choosing between the two performances of the piece on disc, it's a question of swings and roundabouts. This Chandos recording with Hickox at the helm benefits from his direction - a bit tauter, a little more spring to the rhythms than Davies and the choral contributions are as polished as you'd expect from a seasoned choral specialist. The Chandos recording, too, is a bit more up to date in terms of sound, a bit fuller and richer. EMI, on the other hand, probably has the superior cast with the likes of Robert Tear, Felicity Palmer, Helen Watts and Robert Lloyd seeing off their Chandos counterparts. Honours between the two Falstaffs are more even. Neither is ideal in the part. Herincx has the 'fatter' voice: Maxwell on this recording is the more characterful. But a piece like the madrigal that Sir John sings before Ford/Brook's arrival needs more warmth and more steadiness than either of them provide (would Bryn ever consider it as a partner to his Verdi Falstaff?).

It's a tough choice between the two versions. Choose the EMI for the cast (including, by a short head, Herincx's Flastaff). Choose this Chandos set for the conducting, the chorus and the more modern sound.

Five for the work ,for Hickox at least four stars!.......2001-11-09

(Here my review for Davies - EMI "British composers" recording
of this masterwork.)
If you feel that Verdi has beautyfull music but it has a too much thick blood, and you think that beauty must be tensed by reason; You are looking at the right composer.
This opera or musical drama (in the wagnerian sense, cause it is a romantic comedy) makes a very whole unit, the "areas" and the recited-sung recitatives are in funtion of the "dramatic" momentum and inerce of the work. It's incredible how pleasently quick this work is heard, and yes it's very entretaining (I know that's not necesary a virtue for an opera, but here it is).
The music, well, is gorgeous as might be expected from V.W., transitions are well sewn, and the traditonal folk songs add a dash or elizabethian romanticism.
The cast is strong, Hendrix is very suited for the rol, but you may fantacised how well this rol will be portrayed now by Bryn Terfel, It's sad that Hickox not thinck (or did he?)of this in his new recording of this opera (perhaps Chandos not provide him with the budget that Abado's can manage for his new DG. Falstaff recording).
Maybe Langridge will sound more youthfull than Tear, but that is a small detail. Hellen Watts it's spicy and perky Mrs. Quickly, and Gerald English Caius' is is excellent!
Davies captures V.W. orchestration very well with a ADD recording that will cause envy in this days, and the price, is to laugh about.
Treat you and buy this forgotten treasure!

Sir John's love is more impressive the first time around.......2001-08-05

While I generally agree with the review of Ahmed Ismael, I must give the nod to the earlier EMI recording, which has greater depth and spread to the sound. Chandos engineers have practically placed the voices in our laps with a resultant loss of orchestral detail. The work is, of course, lovely but if the ear is fatigued by the sound the myriad beauties cannot make their full effect. If one adds to this the fact that the EMI is a midprice reissue the choice becomes even more clear. Bravo to Hickox and company but no standing ovation this time.

Five stars, but not the only choice........2001-07-26

Vaughan Williams's comic "Sir John in Love" is one of those true opera rarities--an opera whose highlights become more impressive as the music progresses. Indeed, the true highlight of this opera is its final "Windsor Forest" scene in Act IV, where all the action is resolved, and everyone gets their "just desserts."

If this were the first recording of the opera available, it would be easy to recommend it to any VW (or opera!) enthusiast--the orchestral details are abundant and vividly present, the choral contribution is alive and infectious, and the vocal parts are well-presented and clear. However, there is in additional recording, in EMI's British Composer series, conducted by Meredith Davies. While many comparisons are stacked in the new version's favor, there are a few shortcomings that prevent an absolute recommendation.

Where Hickox succeeds over Davies is particularly in the portrayal of Anne Page and her several suitors. Susan Gritton sings more effectively than Wendy Eathorne, while both Daniel Norman (Slender) and Adrian Thompson (Caius) seem more plausible as suitors than Bernard Dickerson and Gerald English, respectively--although overall English makes a more vivid Caius. However, there is no question that Mark Padmore is the better Fenton: as well as Robert Tear sings for Davies, I can't shake the impression that he is wooing an Amazon, and not the girl-next-door Anne.

While the supporting cast is marginally to markedly superior for Hickox, with the Fords and Pages are fairly evenly matched between the two performances, the one clear victory of the Davies version is a significant one. As the title character, Donald Maxwell's Falstaff is no match for Raimund Herincx, either in characterization or in vocal quality. Additionally, the EMI set benefits from a superior recording--there's more of a sense of a performance in a real space, which adds an extra dimension to the rather static performance as presented by Hickox. Occasionally, Hickox also omits some dramatic effects (such as gasps from the onstage characters in Act III and laughter from the chorus in Act IV) which adds to the sense that this is only a "recording" and not a "performance."

Customer Reviews:

Dido and Aeneus Personal Review.......2001-10-11

This Cd was magnificent. Purcell's composing was directed well and had all the right components to accompany the singing. I have just been exposed to an Opera piece I am pleased with. I was exposed from a friend who took a Music Appreciation class. The singing was calm and soothing unlike other operas which are loud and proclaiming. I immediately fell in love with Dido and Aeneus. For any opera enthusiasts, I would highly recommend this CD.

Average customer rating:

Not so excellent
Excellent

15 Ways to Leave Your Man
The Fall
Manufacturer: Receiver Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000005VS
Release Date: 1997-10-08

Tracks:

Chilinist
Don't Call Me Darling
15 Ways (To Leave Your Man)
D.I.Y. Meat
Pearl City
Feeling Numb
L.A.
Big New Prinz
Mr. Pharmacist
Everything Hurtz
Mixer
Vulture Ans Ein Nutter-Wain
M5 6-7 PM
Return
Reckoning
Hey Student

Album Details

Live Album Recorded London 1996. 16 Tracks of Live Fall Mayhem.

Customer Reviews:

Not so excellent.......2003-11-10

I can't agree with the affirmative tone of the previous review - to my ears this is a pretty grim document of Mark E Smith's difficult years. Whatever was troubling him (see Simon Ford's book for details of his bizarre behavior) it inevitably fed into his live performances, and this disc - edited together from two very different source tapes (two different gigs, perhaps?) - contains too many numbers where Mark either can't remember enough of the words, or just can't be bothered, he doesn't want to be on stage anyway. The much-maligned vocals of Mike Bennett are actually the only thing to invigorate `Chiselers' (or whatever you call it), `Pearl City' and 'LA'. Brix of course does the same for `Darling' and `Feeling Numb' (but it's still a mess, not as good as the In The City version).
It has its good moments - like `Reckoning' and `Hey Student' - but this disc is only worth picking up as part of the `Time Enough At Last' package, and you need to be a total Fall fanatic to appreciate that!

Excellent.......2000-07-11

There is no category for The Fall. They are their own category. I don't think anybody really cares whether some record company dumped them or whether it's yet another live album. It's The Fall. This live album definitely is a must for any fan. It contains some classics and some more recent songs. The performance is amazingly tough and powerful and Mark E. Smith's rants come across very well. I don't like Brix' singing (I never liked it) and that other guy who's shouting some stuff is also annoying but it's The Fall, man! I always liked their live stuff somewhat better than their studio stuff and this CD is one of the best! The live version of "Das Vulture..." alone is worth the money.