Ball [Extra tracks]

Ball [Extra tracks]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The entire original album with original artwork plus, as a bonus, the non-LP 'I Can't Help but Deceive You', 'Little Girl'/'To Be Alone' single. 11 tracks. 1999 release.

Ball,Iron Butterfly,Collector's Choice,Acid Rock,Hard Rock,Heavy Metal,Pop,Popular Music,Psychedelic,Rock,Rock/Pop

How We Operate
Average customer rating:

Could not get this CD home fast enough....

Gomez is worth listening to, especially when Ben is singing.

How we wish they returned to the way they used to operate

Gomez CD

First Time is Overrated

How We Operate
Gomez
Manufacturer: ATO Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Information

The Crane Wife

ASIN: B000EQH2QU
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Tracks:

Notice
See the World
How We Operate
Hamoa Beach
Girlshapedlovedrug
Chasing Ghosts With Alcohol
Tear Your Love Apart
Charley Patton Songs
Woman! Man!
All Too Much
Cry On Demand
Don't Make Me Laugh

Amazon.com

There's always been something a little mysterious about Gomez. Yet no one would mistake them for a dream-pop or shoegazer act. The UK quintet relies too much on acoustic instrumentation (violin, mandolin, harmonica, etc.) and rocks too hard to qualify. In fact, they've never been part of any "scene," British or otherwise. Their debut for Dave Matthews's ATO label, after live set Out West, isn't an about-face and it's unlikely fans will feel betrayed by the shift, but it does represent the most direct expression of their artistry yet. It's as if they peeled away a layer or two in order to reveal more of the pop band beneath the off-kilter country-rock trappings. No doubt producer Gil Norton (Pixies, Foo Fighters) was an invaluable aid in that process: vocals are cleaner, arrangements tighter, mood more upbeat. How We Operate, their fifth studio recording, is Gomez on "Girlshapedlovedrug," (to name one of the more arresting tracks). Overall, it's a more cohesive effort than 2004's underrated Split the Difference. On the downside, there's more filler, like "Woman! Man!" with its "Sha-la-la-la woman!/Sha-la-la-la man!" chorus. Catchy? Definitely. Deep? Not so much... but Gomez has earned the right to let their inner Monkees come out to play. Plus, on the sprightly "Cry on Demand," they make fun of their "serious" image ("Boo-hoo/boo-hoo"), proving that this is one band that knows exactly how they operate. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Could not get this CD home fast enough...........2007-06-17

I found out about this group after hearing the song "How we Operate" on the movie "The Hitcher". I ended up buying this CD for my brother and kept listening to it over and over. I decided to buy my own and give him his back. Even though "How to Operate" is my favorite song, there are lots of really good songs and this CD was well worth taking the plunge.

Gomez is worth listening to, especially when Ben is singing........2007-03-18

If it were only Ben singing, probably would have gotten 5 stars.

I love half this disc; the other half is mediocre. The half I love are all the songs sung by Ben Ottewal. (There is one song that he doesn't lead on that I like fairly well called Charley Patton Songs.)
Ben Ottewal has a deep, gravelly voice similar to David Gray or Tom Waits. His sound lends a more edgy feel to the tunes he sings, such as Chasing Ghosts with Alcohol, See The World, All too Much, How we Operate, and Tear your Love Apart. These all stand up to repeated listening.

However, numbers such as Girlshaped LoveDrug sound like the Beatles but less inventive and annoying. Reminds me of Robbie Williams, even though I can tolerate some Robbie Williams. Ben Ottewal's voice, on the other hand, is singular and shines. Ben's voice suits the music well; that's my opinion.

Gomez has a compelling sound when Ben Ottewal is singing. Try them out for a listen!

How we wish they returned to the way they used to operate.......2007-02-04

It seems that Gomez are trying to make themselves more accessible. Big mistake. In ditching their initial quirky, mixed-nuts approach to compiling albums, they are becoming incredibly bland. 'How We Operate' is a scrapbook of inoffensive and completely forgettable doodles, bearing precious little resemblance to any of the collectible nick-nacks on 'Bring It On' and 'Liquid Skin'.

The rot set in on 'In Your Gun', though even then there was evidence of life in the tracks 'Bang Bang' and 'Rex Kramer'. Unfortunately it's been a downward slide since then. I listened to 'How We Operate' three times and haven't played it again; probably never will. It'll join Turin Brakes, the last two Cranberries albums and the other unplayed wonders on the bottom row of the CD tower.

Gomez CD.......2007-01-25

Never really heard of Gomez before I went on a business trip to Detroit.Heard the title song, and had to have it. I'm 53 years old, who says we don't listen to the good stuff?

First Time is Overrated.......2007-01-05

I didn't think much of this album the first time I heard it. I thought it was "okay." But, having dusted it off and listened again...what was I thinking when I first heard this? This is really an excellent album, easy to listen to all the way through. Again and again. Love, love, love at second sight!

Out Of Africa: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

Simply beautiful
CD has missing track
Disappointed
Worth Buying!
Great Album

Out Of Africa: Music From The Motion Picture Soundtrack

Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Out of Africa
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ASIN: B000002O4X
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Main Title (I Had A Farm In Africa)
I'm Better At Hello (Karen's Theme l)
Have You Got A Story For Me
Concerto For Clarinet and Orhestra
Safari
Karen's Journey - Siyawe (African Traditional)
Flight Over Africa
I Had A Compass From Denys (Karen's Theme II)
Alone On The Farm
Let The Rest Of The World Go By
If I Know A Song Of Africa (Karen's Theme III)
End Title (You Are Karen)

Amazon.com essential recording

The great irony of John Barry's Academy Award-winning score for Out of Africa (which also took the Oscar as Best Picture) is that it almost never was; director Sydney Pollack had originally envisioned the film with native African music, going as far as laying the indigenous score down as he was editing. But the weight of John Barry's arguments--not to mention his considerable track record and composing gifts--held sway, and the composer delivered on his intent: a lush, romantic masterpiece for the ages. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Simply beautiful.......2007-01-11

Out of Africa is a CD with beautiful music. When I listen to it, I imagine myself in the nature of Africa. You will enjoy it!

CD has missing track.......2006-12-03

John Barry's compositions are pleasantly sweeping. There's nothing wrong with this album, just not really enough to recommend it.

I was puzzled to learn that some time between my buying the LP record and the issuing of this CD, the track "The Music of Goodbye (love theme from Out of Africa)" was omitted. It's not that this song, sung by Melissa Manchester, is a must-have; it's more that it's sneaky to leave off tracks when you reissue a soundtrack in another format.

Disappointed.......2006-11-10

I absolutely love the music from Out of Africa, but I do not recommend this CD at all. The sound quality is so poor that I could only bear listening to it once.

Worth Buying!.......2006-11-06

Highly recommended for those who love instrumental music. A lot of beautiful flute, strings and some piano and harp. Very contemplative and hauntingly beautiful music.

Great Album.......2006-11-04

For me, one of the best music of last decade. Romantic, full of sense. Please give a listen at least

Average customer rating:

Shaw's First
Certainly A Turning Point In Styx's Career
It's about time I finally got ahold of this CD
Styx Schick
Inconsistent

Crystal Ball
Styx
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Equinox
Pieces of Eight
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Kilroy Was Here

ASIN: B000002GB4
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Put Me On
Mademoiselle
Jennifer
Crystal Ball
Shooz
This Old Man
Clair De Lune/Ballerina

Customer Reviews:

Shaw's First.......2007-08-01

This is where it begins for Tommy Shaw. This is a spectacular effort by the band. John C. has departed and in comes in Shaw with his knack of capturing the top 40 hit. On this release though that never really happened so this may be considered a warm-up to their next, 'The Grand Illusion'. Lead off song "Put Me On'another James Young classic and can still say that after all these years the song still rocks. This is the album also, that sees James Young starting to take a backseat on lead vocals. As on their first four albums James Young was very prevalent on lead, but as success found its way with the band DeYoung and Shaw capture the spotlight for the top 40 hits that keep the band selling millions of records. I always like to link albums together as must have's. If you have one then you must have another because they just go together. If you pick up 'Crystal Ball' then please pick up 'Equinox' also. They have a certain flavor to them and they rock. Nothing bad here on this cd.

Certainly A Turning Point In Styx's Career.......2007-04-17

With the addition of Tommy Shaw to the band, Styx would ultimately go on to great success, and evidence of that was shown on this album. Although it's not the best of styx, no Styx fan should be without this album. Although "This Old Man" is a bit forgettable, the other songs on here are must haves. T. Shaw's shivering "Crystal Ball" is one of Styx's most famous hits, and for a good reason. DeYoung's "Mademoiselle" is possibly one of Styx's most classic pop songs, and JY and Shaw's "Shooz" is one of the greatest Styx rockers of all time. It may be Styx in a small dose, but it may be some of the only Styx you'll need. However, as I said earlier, you should buy this album if you're a Styx fan already. Those who are new to the band might want to try Equinox or possibly Paradise Theatre first. And, as also mentioned, it's a tad short (only 35 minutes). But if you are a Styx fan, you MUST have this album!

It's about time I finally got ahold of this CD.......2007-04-07

This CD is a must have for progressive rocker

Styx Schick.......2006-12-27

Great set o songs from the 70's albumns before styx turned dyx. "Rock'n Roll Shooz", "Put me on", and "Jenifer" are undebatably(did i spell incorrectly, oh gee why no e-mail me and tell me in loud boistrous font-like ye have nutn' better to think of herbert) the best of the bunch...
Other trax like Crystal Ball had a nice mellow tune of atmopshere. Rush and styx were comparable as was Kansas in the quality and rythmic stait(gosh/golly! I didn't know this was a spelling bee.) foreward rock. Instruments, though were often subtle in these bands too, bass utilized for more than "volumn" And gitars in "Shooz" something to live and die for.-eh that would be Tommy Shaw and James Young but I don't need to be a friggen rock literate yuppie to enjoy.(Humble Pie or Paris Flagg Proud).

Inconsistent.......2006-10-19

30 years after its release, this album is now only remembered for its exceptional title track. Upon its release, Styx fans who had loved the band's previous release, "Equinox", felt initially that the band was slowly selling out. The band had been playing with commercial sounds before, but the lyrics were becoming bubblegum on songs like "Put Me On" and "Mademoiselle". At the same time, the title track, the solid "Jennifer" and the closing track, "Ballerina", showed some rawer emotions from a band that had generally been known for its working-class style until now. "Crystal Ball" is certainly not a disaster for the band; it was simply a so-so step on their journey to arena rock superstardom.

Les Miserables - The Musical That Swept the World (10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall)

Average customer rating:

The best one I've heard
Great musical! Best singers!
if you like les miz you can't go wrong
My 1st "Les Mis"
Best Les Miz Recording Out There

Les Miserables - The Musical That Swept the World (10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall)
Alan Armstrong , Michael Ball , Ruthie Henshall , Michael Maguire , Anthony Crivello , Jenny Galloway , Claude-Michel Schonberg , Colm Wilkinson , and Judy Kuhn
Manufacturer: Relativity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000020C4
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Prologue
On Parole/The Bishop
Valjean's Soliloquy
At The End Of The Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Lovely Ladies
Fantine's Arrest
The Runaway Cart
Who Am I?-The Trial
Fantine's Death
The Confrontation
Castle On A Cloud
Master Of The House
The Bargain-Waltz Of Treachery
Look Down
Stars
ABC Cafe/Red And Black
Do You Hear The People Sing?
Rue Plummet-In My Life
A Heart Full Of Love

Tracks:

The Attack On Rue Plummet
One Day More!
Building The Barricade/On My Own
Back At The Baricade
Javert's Arrival/Little People
A Little Fall Of Rain
Night Of Anguish
First Attack
Drink With Me
Bring Him Home
Second Attack/The Final Battle
The Sewers
Dog Eats Dog
Javert's Suicide
Turning
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
Every Day/A Heart Full Of Love (Reprise)
The Wedding Chorale/Beggars At The Feast
Epilogue (Finale)
Encore 1-Speeches/Do You Hear The People Sing?
Encore 2-One Day More

Amazon.com

To celebrate 10 years as the world's most popular musical, the cast of Les Misérables threw a phenomenal birthday party at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1995. A decade after Trevor Nunn directed its premiere at the Barbican Centre, and the subsequent move into what became a permanent home at the West End Palace Theatre, producer Cameron Macintosh felt the time had come for a little outing for "the miserables." Conductor David Charles Abell, having climbed out of the cluttered Palace pit, for one glorious night has the entire Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at his disposal and there are appearances from over 150 singers--birthday celebs from Les Mis stagings worldwide--who flocked to the grandiose venue. Hosts for the night are the 1995 London cast: Colm Wilkinson's Valjean has power and beauty in "Who Am I?" and "Bring Him Home," and Michael Ball is a charming Marius. Miss Saigon herself, Lea Salonga, gets the crowd-pleasing favorite "On My Own." The Albert Hall sounds filled to the brim with an appreciative audience that contributes to the festive atmosphere. The result is a real treat for fans and lovers of Boubil and Schönberg's greatest musical--this double CD is an obligatory item in every collection of Les Mis memorabilia. --Yngvil V.G.

Customer Reviews:

The best one I've heard.......2007-04-10

The first time I ever heard Les Miserables, it was on the Original Broadway cast CD. That CD had great vocals, but I didn't realize how much I was missing until I saw the show in NYC. What sets this recording apart from many others, including the OBC version, is the fact that, like the musical, it is through-sung. The complete symphonic recording is also this way, and has all of the music. Although this CD is lacking a few parts, most noticibly a shortend Lovely Ladies, missing a section with Javert, and Gavroche's death, when looked at in terms of the completeness and vocal abilities, this is the best.

Regarding the cast, Colm Wilkinson is THE Valjean. I love his vocals and the expression he puts into the character. Armstrong, as Therniere, is great, as is Jenny Galloway (Mme Therniere). They are both great actors and convey the comedic nature of the parts well. Hannah Chick, as young Cosette is splendid, especially in the fact that she sings right through the accidental gun shot noise in the middle of her song. Gavroche is priceless. The best I've ever heard. Ruthie Henshall does an absolutely brilliant Fantine, incredibly moving. Michael Ball (Marius) also has the supberb vocal ability and expression so prevolent in this cast.

Now, my two favorite characters, Javert and Eponine...Phillip Quast (Javert) is practically flawless. I personally don't like his interpretation of the prologue, but that's just me. Other than that, perfect. He more than makes up for that with his rendition of Stars, and his soliliquy in which he dies. You can visualize him going mad and jumping from the bridge just from his voice...amazing. Lea Salonga's vocal ability is unmatched. Her rendition of A Little Fall of Rain is tearjerking, and you can fell Eponine's pain and anguish throughout the entire CD. Anything with her in it is worth buying.

Finally, this CD has a recording of One Day More sung by the Valjeans from all over the world...amazing to hear.

To conclude, this is the best recording of Les Miserables you can buy.

Great musical! Best singers!.......2007-03-13

This is my favorite collection because the performers are amazing. I don't like the exploding balloon during little Cosette's song, but the lead singers in this CD couldn't be any better.

if you like les miz you can't go wrong.......2007-03-09

personally I am a sucker for a good musical...and music in general...This however is exceptional. I love it, it is one of my favorite versions of the musical, and I have been eyeing this cd for sometime now, i am so happy to finally have it in my collection. the quality is good, the music great, and the voices are fantastic!

My 1st "Les Mis".......2006-10-27

It took some time for this musical to sink in for me but when I sat down to watch this broadcast the characters, plot, motivation(s) and all the nuances of minor characters fell into place -- it was exquisite. Granted some of the voices might not be up to par for more experienced ears and there are technical glitches here and there but this is my favorite. I still admire Hannah Chick for continuing with Castle on a Cloud in spite of the distraction -- that's an actor. I also find the extended applause at the end of some songs annoying but that doesn't negate the 99.99% pure magic previous.

My main beef is that discography is NOT IN ORDER on the second disc, and that works my nerves. I hate having to go in and edit the list.

What worries me NOW is that when it comes to the time to making a film of the musical it might suffer the same fate that Sweeny Todd seems to have looming in the wings. The Broadway musical (ST) was cast with actors, some happened to be stars. I hate it when something as fine as Sweeny Todd, or Les Miserables, would be filmed with stars (OK, JD is both but the director and leading lady have to go) and not actors.

Filming of Les Miserables -- in my life time please. Would it be asking to much to have someone do a remake of 'The Wiz' with spending a zillion dollars on junk? Ok, ok, ok, I'm going to go listen to Philip Quast who is simply amazing and blows my socks off.

Best Les Miz Recording Out There.......2006-09-23

Now don't you disregard this because it says I'm a kid. I am very experienced in theatre and know exactly what I am talking about.
Colm Wilkinson(Jean Valjean): His enunciation is annoying and he tends to rasp and whispers. Great false but not my favorite Valjean.
Phillip Quast(Javert): Brilliant performance. This Aussie is the perfect Javert, his voice is clear and strong, wrapped in emotion.
Ruthie Henshall(Fantine): In my opinion, the best in the entire cast. Her throaty, crystal voice is absolutely exquisite. My favorite singer. That reviewer who said she has an awful voice seriously needs help! She is breathtaking!
Michael Ball(Marius): What can I say? Wonderful as always. Fantastic actor and very powerful singer. I get chills hearing "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables".
Judy Kuhn(Cosette): Nice voice, I do like her better as Pocahontas or Florence (Chess) though. Her accent is extremely blatant. All in all, Rebecca Caine should have been cast but Judy Kuhn is still very good.
Lea Salonga(Eponine): Wow. That's all I can say. She took my breath away as Kim in Miss Saigon and now in Les Miz, she impresses me once again. A magical rendition of "On My Own" and moves me to tears everytime I listen to her death scene with Michael Ball, "A Little Fall of Rain".
Alun Armstrong and Jenny Galloway(M. and Mme. Thenardier): Hysterical performances by both! Such talents! Jenny Galloway is returning for the Broadway revival in November, too.
Michael Maguire(Enjolras): Annoying accent again. Can't they all just sound English? Still, wonderful voice and great delivery. Very satisfying.
Over all, I highly recommend this recording. It is the best I have heard so far. The Original Broadway one was horrid and the London was okay. But this one is thrilling and moving. Les Miz at its best.

Average customer rating:

Irish at it's best.
Irish Magic
Just got your Kleenex
Wonderful!
The Very Best of the Irish Tenors is just that!

The Very Best of The Irish Tenors
The Irish Tenors
Manufacturer: Music Matters
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Home for Christmas
Sacred
We Three Kings

ASIN: B000069JJ6
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

Toora Loora Looral
Will Ye Go Lassie Go
Spanish Lady
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Percy French Medley: Phil The Fluther's Ball, Come Back Paddy Reilly, The Lay Of The West Clare Reailway, Are Ye Right There Michael?
Amazing Grace
Nearer My God To Thee
Danny Boy
Fields of Athenry
Only The River Runs Free
Molly Malone
Last Rose of Summer
She Moved Through the Fair
Maggie
New Medley (combination of the 2 medleys

Product Description

1. Toora Loora Looral
2. Will Ye Go Lassie Go
3. Spanish Lady
4. When Irish Eyes Are Smiling
5. Percy French Medley: Phil The Fluther's Ball, Come Back Paddy Reilly, The Lay Of The West Clare Railway - Are Ye Right There Michael?
6. Amazing Grace
7. Nearer My God To Thee
8. Danny Boy
9. Fields Of Athenry
10. Only The River Runs Free
11. Molly Malone
12. Last Rose Of Summer
13. She Moved Through The Fair
14. Maggie
15. New Medley (Combination of the 2 medleys)

Format: CD

Amazon.com

In the short time since they grouped together a few years ago to form their sensationally successful trio, the Irish Tenors have already put out an impressive array of recordings and DVDs, including some bona fide gooseflesh-inducing live concert performances. So, if you still have the enviable pleasure of discovering these amazing vocalists--or want to turn a friend on to their musical charms--this compilation CD will do the trick nicely. It brings together such classics as "Danny Boy," "Toora Loora Looral," "Last Rose of Summer," and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (featuring John McDermott)--all rendered with the kind of passionate, heartfelt, and harmonious crooning that is their signature style, whether they're singing as an ensemble or as highlighted soloists. And even if you have the complete Irish Tenors, this anthology includes several numbers not found on their previously released CDs. Hard to think of a sweeter treat for a fan of singing too good to ever go out of fashion. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

Irish at it's best........2007-05-07

This album is really the number two album from this trio. It is very good and well worth the investment. The five star album by The Irish Tenors would have to be Heritage. Both albums rate high in my book.

Irish Magic.......2006-08-21

This is my first CD of the Irish Tenors. And what a joy! I played it as soon as it arrived. I like the blend of their voices,the passion and enthusiasm they bring to this CD. What I find is a real treat is the words to all the songs are in the booklet.I love this CD.

Just got your Kleenex.......2005-12-25

I suggest a box of Kleenex for each person in the room when you play this CD or VHS recording. Mom won't let me play it anymore because she...well, you know what I mean.

Wonderful!.......2005-12-12

When it's cold and frightful here, I play The BOYZ!

So wonderful. So much fun.

Up here in backwash Maine, there ain't much, believe me. But these guys are great. Sincere, care about what they're doing, true artists.

Ah, to go to Ireland again. Well, not unless the price of natural gas recedes!

The Very Best of the Irish Tenors is just that!.......2005-01-22

This recording is wonderful. Ronan's "last Rose of summer" is unique, the Percy French medley shows all three in great voice, Finbar's Maggie is wonderful and the laurels have to go to Anthony for his magnificent rendition of "She moved through the fair", wow!!!!

Well worth buying.

Isaac Chute

Average customer rating:

Emmylou dressed in barbed wire....
Interesting but flawed
Great Music!!!
Give it time
Stunning Masterpiece

Wrecking Ball
Emmylou Harris
Manufacturer: Asylum Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Red Dirt Girl
Pieces of the Sky
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ASIN: B000002HKI
Release Date: 1995-09-26

Tracks:

Where Will I Be
Goodbye
All My Tears (Be Washed Away)
Wrecking Ball
Goin' Back To Harlan
Deeper Well
Every Grain Of Sand
Sweet Old World
May This Be Love
Orphan Girl
Blackhawk
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Amazon.com essential recording

Emmylou Harris's formula has been to match a crack crew of left-of-center country players with an assortment of tasteful tunes and head into the studio with a nonintrusive producer. Now and then (most notably the 1980 bluegrass collection Roses in the Snow), she tampers with her basic blueprint and comes up with something exceptional. Wrecking Ball is one of those. Daniel Lanois's radiant production no longer seems as fresh as it did on albums by U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan, but here its hum enfolds Harris like an electric blanket. Lanois's usual recruits, including U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr., and New Orleans regulars Malcolm Burn, Brian Blade, and Daryl Johnson, lay down a solid base for Harris's weary vocals and Lanois's buzzing guitar. At its core, Wrecking Ball seems almost too finely calculated. Hot producer plus sought-after songwriters plus venerated performer frequently totals to deadly bore. Here, however, all that calculation adds up to something. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Emmylou dressed in barbed wire...........2007-06-27

Some time shortly after this was released, I was fortunate enough to catch a free Emmylou concert in Nashville, courtesy of the Thursday afternoon "Dancing in the District" series on the banks of the Cumberland. Most of her material that day came from this CD, with the "barbed wire guitar" playing provided by Buddy Miller in the same style as presented here. Many of Emmylou's core country audience left before they end, disappointed I suppose at her new approach. But I was enthralled with her courage and flexibility in stepping out on this branch. The combination of classic material and the raw edge was perfect. Emmylou produced by Daniel Lanois seemed a match made in heaven. There isn't a "clunker" here. David Olney's title tune "Deeper Well" is super strong but is actually surpassed by several songs especially the unforgettable "Where Will I Be" and "Goin' Back to Harlan." The closest I can come to a complaint is that nothing can top her live version of "Goin' Back" on the Lilith Fair concert CD. So seek that out as a complement to what you get here.

Interesting but flawed.......2007-05-12

FIRST CRITICISM: The album is badly named.
The track "Wrecking Ball" is about love that goes on after the relationship has ended. It is a double pun, contrasting the damage done by a wrecking ball with the beauty of taking one's love to a dance; (the kind of dance where you break up), conjuring up a bitter sweet image of something broken yet alive, really very clever ONCE YOU UNDERSTAND IT. However, an album title should not be so obtuse. It should sum up the content of the work in one phrase to someone who has not yet heard it. For 99.99% of people seeing this album in a record shop a "Wrecking Ball" is a large metal object for demolishing buildings, probably the title of a heavy metal album.

Apart from the theme of love continuing after separation this album also expresses the themes of liberation from an unhappy life, nostalgia for one's childhood, belief in the mythical Jehovah, internal corruption and fading with age. Emmylou would have been better advised to call it "Old Woman's Blues".

SECOND CRITICISM: Second rate vocals.
Emmylou has very little character to her voice. This makes her perfect for singing harmonies on other people's records, (which is where she has had most of her success). Unfortunately it is not much good when singing the lead, which is why her solo success has been much less than that of Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstandt, both of whom exhibit far more "character" in their voice.

I note 2nd rate intonation in some songs. Check out "Wrecking Ball" and "Deeper Well" for example. I know nobody's perfect but I expect better than this at this level. Unless she is doing it deliberately, perhaps to ape Neil Young, but that would be just silly.

Inappropriate and childish is her habit of drifting off into falsetto midway through a word. Sure yodeling is part of the Country and Western tradition but in my opinion it is out of place here. She doesn't do this every song but it's irritating when it happens, especially bad are "Where Will I Be" and "All My Tears".

Most serious of all is her habit on many songs of not pronouncing words fully, especially leaving off the last syllable. This might have been cool in the days of Elvis Presley but at her age she ought to know better. A mature artist should go to some trouble to select songs with good lyrics. To then not pronounce them is a crime. Again this is not every song but it is irritating when it happens, especially bad are "Where Will I Be", "Goodbye", "Wrecking Ball" and "Orphan Girl".

Her singing is not actually bad, it's just that it is not first rate. There are any number of singers who could have done better justice to this material. When you consider the quality of the production it's a shame not to have a first rate singer out front.

THIRD CRITICISM: Poor choice of songs.
When you have the resources at your disposal as they had on this album, why choose second rate songs? In particular "Every Grain Of Sand" is not one of Bob Dylan's better efforts. Considering the vast output of his genius there are plenty of good and great songs of his to cover, "Every Grain Of Sand" is not in that category. There are other examples of second rate songs on this album although not as starkly inferior as this. The fact that no hit was forthcoming from this effort, despite the money and talent poured in, eloquently proves my point about the quality of the songs.

THE PRODUCTION
The great thing about this album is that is has Daniel Lanois producing. He brings a rich, dark and sombre feel to this work that is quite unique. He has really taken Country in a new direction, the Lanois direction! Considering he was been U2's producer on their 2 biggest albums it is not surprising that it sounds at times like a U2 album. In particular check out "Where Will I Be". If Bono were singing it would BE U2! Indeed Emmylou even sounds a bit like Bono on this track.

The mix is dominated by the bass, the bass drum and the snare, as well as the lead vocal. Guitars, harmony vocals, mandolin and banjo etc are well back and almost irrelevant. He gets away with this because the bass is so rich, thick and deep that it carries everything. Check out the amazing bass on "All Mt Tears"... One can only imagine the multi tracking, effects and heavy EQ that made this possible. There is much electric guitar here but it is always heavily loaded with effects and always spacey, similar to Edge's guitar but further back. In fact this album demonstrates quite clearly who is responsible for U2's sound. Daniel could get rid of The Edge, Mullens and Clayton and so long as he kept Bono he could still make U2 records.

CONCLUSION
I am well aware that many people think this is one of the best albums ever made and if they get great enjoyment from it then good luck to them! However that doesn't mean it doesn't have flaws, or that I shouldn't point them out.

I see where these people are coming from. Lanois has produced a rich and addictive sound which does grow on you. And this rare, velvet tapestry tends to make most people, (especially those don't sing), overlook its flaws. The tendency is to unconsciously associate the masterful production with Harris (since it's her album), so that one becomes blind to the grave flaws in her singing. When you realise that the genius in this work is Lanois and not Harris you should be able to see her for what she is, (unless you are a confirmed, one-eyed Harris fan of course, in which case your fate is sealed).

The same psychology applies to the choice of songs. Classy treatment like this could make you think "Mary Had A Little Lamb" was a masterpiece!

Overall, this is a worthwhile and interesting, even classic! but deeply flawed album. Emmylou's singing is not first rate, the songs are mostly weak and the production, though groundbreaking and addictive, is not, in my opinion, the best way to display country music. All would have been forgiven though if it were full of great songs. There were only three that I liked: "All My Tears", "May This Be Love" and "Waltz Across Texas Tonight". If the other 9 had been of that standard or better THEN it would have been a great album.

If you want to get an idea of what this album could have been with its faults corrected get "Achtung Baby" by U2. Now THAT is a great album! Even though the production on Wrecking Ball is more polished than Lanois' earlier effort, yet the first rate singing, the quality songwriting, the cohesive theme and the compelling development from track to track on Achtung Baby really take you somewhere. This is what is missing from Wrecking Ball, CONTENT! and this is why Wrecking Ball cannot be counted amongst the greats.

Great Music!!!.......2007-03-20

I received this DVD right on time. And needless to say, it was everything I expected and more. Great Music, Great Business!!!

Give it time.......2006-07-24

On the first few hearings I was convinced that Daniel Lanois had overwhelmed Emmylou's beautiful and fragile voice to showcase a few production tricks that aren't even that original any more. I played the CD when I was bored with everything else and by this means I've gradually been converted. On a good hi-fi system, the complex and layered arrangement no longer sounds like a wall of mud, but instead resolves into real instruments. Daniel Lanois provides a distinctive sound and in doing so goes beyond what we normally expect from a a producer. However, I now appreciate that the vocals are at the centre of every track, and this fine album is correctly credited to Emmylou Harris. Wrecking Ball is an impressive one-off work that defies classification. I give it 3.9 stars. If you've not heard it yet, keep an open mind and a listen on a good stereo.

Stunning Masterpiece .......2006-06-25

Wow. How to convey in words just how brilliant this album is ? Let me try. This album is deep, spiritual, reflective, sad and hauntingly breathtaking. Every cut is a standout. "Where will I be" is spine-tingling--a song about death and questioning when and why this event eventually happens to us all. "Goodbye" is so painfully beautiful it is hard to listen to the first few times because it makes you want to cry of heartbreak. "All my Tears" is a powerful song that teaches us that we need not be afraid of death if we just have faith. "Wrecking Ball" is dreamy, a bit bizarre, but dreamy nonetheless. "Sweet Old World" is another hard one to listen to. If you've ever lost a loved one to suicide you will know why. The song mentions all the things a person misses when cutting his/her life short. "Goin Back to Harlan" is a sweet number as is the powerful "Walk Across Texas". I don't think anyone else on the planet could pull off such a complex, heavy album and end up in heavenly territory. Emmylou is a true artist and is just brilliant-her vocals are like none other and resonate with pure unadulterated emotion. You need to get this album--it's just that good.

Average customer rating:

Great times relived
An AWESOME Vintonese Rocker
A real treat!
Marcia goes live
A little piece of home

Live! Down the Road
Marcia Ball
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0007YMV2O
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Big Shot
The Right Tool For The Job
Just Kiss Me
That's Enough of that Stuff
Louella
Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday
La Ti Da
It Hurts To Be In Love (w/ Angela Strehli)
Down The Road
No Ordinary Woman
Crawfishin'
Louisiana 1927
Count The Days
Let Me Play With Your Poodle

Album Description

For more than 30 years, Ball has been delivering her signature brand of Texas blues, Louisiana R&B and Gulf Coast swamp pop to audiences all over the world. She has earned a huge and intensely loyal following through critically acclaimed albums and continued non-stop touring. Live, she's simply unbeatable

LIVE! DOWN THE ROAD, a blistering set recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in 2004. The CD mixes songs from throughout her career, including longtime fan favorites like La Ti Da and Crawfishin' as well as newer material like Louella. Ball gives each song the workout of a lifetime, reinventing and reinvigorating every track with the immediacy and fire only a live show can deliver.

Customer Reviews:

Great times relived.......2007-06-15

We have heard Marcia Ball in person twice and were blown away by her performances both times. This live CD helps us relive those great evenings. She is such a talent, unlike some performers we have loved in person and not liked as well on CD. This CD proves that listening to her is about as good as the live show. Her diversity, from La-ti-da, to Louisiana 1927, makes for a great combination of songs. We discovered, also, on a long trip home from the airport in the middle of the night, that this CD is great for keeping a very sleepy driver awake! We highly recommend it.

An AWESOME Vintonese Rocker .......2007-04-11

It is hard to say this is the best she has done because Marcia rocks the house down on everything she does. "Down the Road" is full of down home music with hits such as: Down the Road - Louisiana 1927 - Crawfishin.
Its safe to say, buy it, listen to it and relish it. This will truly liven up a party when you plug this one in!

A real treat!.......2007-03-09

Marcia Ball, from Vinton, Louisiana, has such a unique style... this CD is a treat for anyone who enjoys New Orleans style music, and any type of music, actually. Marcia has phenominal range. It'll get you up and moving!

Marcia goes live.......2006-03-22

I was hoping this live album would bring out all the energy Marcia brings to live performances and to a great extent it did. I find her studio albums burdened with ballads and just not the same as watching her pound the keyboard and sing. This is a generally consistent album of her best material, except for the puppy dog song but I may be in a small minority on that. GR

A little piece of home.......2006-02-25

The first time I heard Marcia Ball was in downtown Dallas at the Farmers Market eating breakfast with my husband. A gentleman was playing music for those eating on the outside court. The music was so great that after we finished eating we went up to him to find out who that artist was and needless to say it was Marcia Ball...we enjoyed it them and still enjoy it. I love to listen to it after a hard day at work...it sooths my soul and brings a back a little piece of home life.

Average customer rating:

A Great Addition to the World Premiere Recording
At Long Last!

Howard Hanson: Merry Mount

Manufacturer: Naxos American
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Alan Hovhaness: Symphony No. 60; Guitar Concerto; Khrimian Hairig

ASIN: B000OQDRZA
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Amazon.com

This is the first modern recording of Howard Hanson's opera. A broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera in terrible sound, where it was premiered in 1934, is available in Europe, but this recording makes it redundant. The opera, based on a story by Nathaniel Hawthorne, concerns the clash between New England Puritans, with their rigid religiosity, and a group of Cavaliers who come to their town and scandalize everyone with their Maypole dancing and merry-making. There is an interrupted Indian massacre, a scene in Hell for the town's fanatical preacher, Wrestling Bradford, and a self-immolation at the opera's close. While it's good to have such a fine recording of this work available - and this performance, with Richard Zeller as a passionate Bradford, the remarkable Lauren Flanigan as Lady Marigold (the object of Bradford's desire), and a fine cast of American singers, is nothing if not superb - it is impossible to avoid the fact that the work is bloated, lacks true melodies, relies too heavily on repeated drumbeats for effect, and does not offer any appealing vocal writing for the principals. The music adds up to something vaguely cinematic and, more vaguely, true background. It's clearly a work that was probably better seen than just heard. This recording was taken from two concert performances in 1996. It will be of interest to fans of American opera who should not expect a forgotten masterpiece. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A Great Addition to the World Premiere Recording.......2007-06-12

For a number of years in the 1920s and 30s, the MET opera was looking to premiere *the* American opera, in a period where American culture wanted to exert its identity separate from European influences and culture. This was a time of isolationist ideology wedged betweeen two world wars. After a number of unsuccessful commissions, one opera finally emerged in the mid 1930s that had promise: Howard Hanson's Merry Mount.

The premiere of Merry Mount brought such an enthusiastic response from the audience, that applause broke out on several instances in the middle of acts, often after a rousing chorus. And the shocking progression of events in the second act floored the audience then as well as listeners today.

As noted in other reviews, another recording of the opera exists, also produced by Naxos, but is unavailable in the US due to legal issues with the release of any live recordings of MET operas from the time. By today's standard, the recording quality is poor, but the engineering on the recording is phenomenal enough when taken into context: it was on mid-1930s 78 rpm acetate and metal discs. Yet about all scratches and surface noise is absent, though there are still dents in the recordings that make an unfortunate explosion at times.

Levine, in his editorial review, says that this recording makes the earlier one redundant; I would differ. The premiere performance is scads better in orchestral and vocal quality than the Schwartz/Seattle Symphony recording. The premiere features Lawrence Tibbett, who executed the main role with both focal force and dramatic passion. His expression creates the character of Bradford. Gota Ljunberg also has a stellar performance of Marigold, and the Metropolitan Orchestra produces a reading of the opera score that tops about every recording I've heard of the Merry Mount Suite.

Thus, I find this new recording as a compliment to the other. For those not interested in acquiring both CDs, I would of course recommend the Schwartz CD because of its sound quality.

Schwartz's recording is also performed live, and that being about ten years ago. It was not performed as a full-blown stage opera, and the vocal performance quality is set back a bit because of this. The roles don't hold the passion and character development that the earlier one does, and the recording is free from the "additional" expressions of gasps, shouts, etc... from a staged performance that add to the drama. Yet, the vocal quality is by no means poor, and Scwartz's interpretation is equivalant to the quality of his other Hanson recordings. And with Scwartz's performance being live, there are moments of applause.

The music itself may appear relatively simple to some, and yet it is captivating. Many of the orchestral techniques Hanson uses for effect were innovative for the time, and if we are worn out by them, it is only because of their abuse by many lesser composers since. While the highlights of the opera are the choruses (especially the Hellish Rendezvous), Hanson does write several good arias, such as in the last scene for Marigold.

So what happened to the opera? While enjoyed by the audience, the critics were less merciful, and as has happened to so many enriching pieces of music throughout history, the opera fell victim to the saber of criticism, and has only been rediscovered recently. In addition, Hanson's music was influenced by Scandinavian style, so was to some not a true American opera. Still, in most written discussions of great American operas, even brief discussions, mention is made of Merry Mount alongside Susannah, Porgy and Bess, Baby Doe, Amahl, Candide, and Vanessa.

My primary disappoint with this recording is the absense of a libretto. While the scene synopsis is good, I've longed for a libretto; it is available in neither this recording nor the earlier one. And even the synopsis is nothing new, as it is the same synopsis given in the earlier recording. This is my main reason for giving four stars instead of five, but I still offer my deep thanks and gratitude for the present recording. It has helped me hear parts of the orchestra I couldn't hear in the other recording, and has broadened my comprehension of the earlier recording. While I wish the strengths of each recording could be brought together for a stellar performance, I am glad for the strengths of each; not much is left lacking between the two.

In addition, for those familiar with the earlier recording, you'll be pleased to know this new recording has more music; the prelude to Act III is now 7:30 instead of 1:29. There is a 'forest' chorus in addition to a more dramatic and longer development of the Indian war theme.

Now that Merry Mount has a clear-sounding recording available, I have but one more request for the record industry regarding forgotten American operas: will we have the chance to hear Douglas Moore's Pulitzer Prize-winning Giants in the Earth?

This recording is highly recommended for lovers of romanticism, tonality, passionately engaging music, and sweeping Scandinavian styles of Sibelius and Atterberg.

At Long Last!.......2007-06-08

Have you ever listened to Howard Hanson's Merry Mount Suite and wished there was more of it. If so, you need to buy this 2-disc set of the most complete and best sounding recording of the full opera. The Suite kind of compiles and summarizes much of the best music in the opera but there is a lot more fine music as well as many variations on themes included in the Suite.

Is it a great opera!? I wouldn't know. I am not particularly a fan of opera and opera makes up a very small portion of my collection. But I really like Hanson, and I love this opera. And my collection does include 4 versions of this opera.

This is first commercial recording of Merry Mount. Naxos has also issued a recording, available in Europe, but apparently not in the USA, of the premier performance of the opera, the Metropolitan Opera broadcast of February 10, 1934, with Lawrence Tibbet, but the sound on that is bad for its time. If you want to hear how the leads sing their rolls and listen to their performances, you can do it, because if you want to listen to those singers, you have undoubtedly listened to others of their recordings of the period and can make the mental adjustments necessary to enjoy their performances. In that case the 1934 recording is recommended to you. But if you want to hear what the orchestra is doing, it is a real stretch, even if you are used to listening to orchestral recordings from the early 1930's or even acoustic orchestral recordings, as I am. In 1955, Hanson conducted several concert performances of Merry Mount at the Eastman School of Music with students and faculty performing the singing and orchestral parts. An experimental stereo recording of (at least) one of the performances was made at the time. I suspect it was done by the Mercury recording team since Hanson recorded exclusively for Mercury at the time--and it sounds Mercury-like. This recording was never released commercially--and hopefully the masters are in the Mercury vaults--but some copies were made, perhaps for Hanson and the performers, and copies do exist. It is worthy of commercial release, especially as a composer's recording. It is a wonderful performance, but Hanson made some significant cuts, and also added a scene--what this Naxos release of the Seattle performance calls Act III, Scene I. This scene does not appear in the original libretto or in the Premier recording. When the Seattle Symphony did its two dress rehearsals and two evening performances back in 1996, the opera was broadcast either live or tape-delayed. At least one someone recorded that off the radio, unfortunately in mono, and that recording has also been circulated somewhat, but its sound pales in comparison to this long delayed official issue of the Seattle performances. If you have that, you still want this. And this performance is probably somewhat different, being taken, apparently, from the two evening performances, whereas the broadcast is probably just one evening or the other. There were also performances by the San Antonio Opera with Beverly Sills as Lady Marigold in 1964, directed by the composer, I believe, and by Rochester's Opera Under the Stars in 1976 with the composer present, but apparently not conducting. I know of no recordings of those two performances. Hanson also recorded about 35 minutes of excerpts from the opera about 1964, released on Mercury LP and long out of print, and the Suite from Merry Mount, currently available on a 4 disc Mercury box set which is most highly recommended and which also contains his first 3 symphonies and a variety of other shorter works. That Mercury recording of the Suite also includes on a separate disc Hanson doing a lecture/demonstration/deconstruction/reconstruction of the themes, orchestral colors, and construction of the music in the Suite which is quite fascinating as well as beautifully and naturally recorded.

This Seattle Symphony version has slightly more very minor cuts than the Tibbet version, but includes the extra scene that Hanson apparently added years later, so it is the most complete version, as well as being the best recorded and only one readily available in the United States. The orchestral writing is very important and always clear. The singers and chorus are quite clear and their voices are always well balanced with the orchestra. The opera contains much beautiful orchestral and choral writing. I wouldn't presume to speak about the quality of the operatic writing, but there is much beautiful music there, too. And Hanson's music is so powerful that one really grows to care about the characters and their plight, even the aptly named Wrestling (with his personal demons) Bradford. Despite the clarity of the voice recording, it is still really helpful to have a libretto (though no performance I am aware of follows the original exactly), but unfortunately, that is long out of print, probably for decades. Mine dates from 1933 and cost 50¢ when new (I paid considerably more and counted myself lucky). When the performances were done in Seattle, rather than passing out a libretto, supertitles were used which presumably followed the performance exactly. Naxos should get rights to make a transcription of the supertitles available online or by mail order since they don't include a libretto with the discs. However, the summary of Merry Mount that they do include in the booklet is the best I've seen and really enhances one's enjoyment of the opera.

Average customer rating:

Heartaches By The Number

Heartaches by the Number
David Ball
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000MM1EZ6
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
Stop The World And Let Me Off
Heartaches By The Number
Sweet Dreams
Please Feed The Jukebox
There Stands The Glass
Faded Love
What's Going On In Your World
Half As Much
Please Help Me I'm Falilng
I'm Walking The Dog

Customer Reviews:

Heartaches By The Number.......2007-05-17

I just received David's new albums today, and have been listening to it all afternoon It is really good and I am so glad he has released another album.

Average customer rating:

Makes me feel closer to everyone...
Nashville hacks singing for faux-patriotism
Great CD
To to a kids review
A Message For A Kid's Rewiew Comment

Patriotic Country
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Bmg Marketing
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

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Patriotic Country, Vol. 2
American Patriot
Have You Forgotten?
America Will Always Stand
God Bless America

ASIN: B00025L42G
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

Lee Greenwood - God Bless The U.S.A.
Montgomery Gentry - My Town
Brooks And Dunn - Til My Dyin Day
Martina Mcbride - God Bless America (Previously Unreleased)
Aaron Tippin - Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly
Lones tar- Im Already There
Randy Travis - America Will Always Stand
Phil Vassar - American Child
Kenny Chesney - Back Where I Come From
Alabama - Born Country
Neil McCoy - Im Your Biggest Fan (Previously Unreleased)
Hank Williams, Jr - America Will Survive
Blackhawk - Days Of America
The Charlie Daniels Band - This Aint No Rag, Its A Flag
The Warren Brothers - Hey Mr. President
David Ball - Riding With Private Malone
Dusty Drake - One Last Time
Kenny Rogers - Homeland

Album Description

A portion of the proceeds from each CD sold will be donated to the USO, our active-duty troops, and the families of fallen soldiers.

This collection includes a previously unreleased "God Bless America" by Martina McBride (performed only once at the Rose Bowl Parade Jan 2002).

Customer Reviews:

Makes me feel closer to everyone... .......2007-05-30

When my husband deploys, I feel alone, scared and yes worried.. As a military wife you usually aren't allowed to admit that.. :) This cd is amazing... I love it and it makes him being gone a lot easier.. I don't care what anyone says... We are in the right fight.. at the right time with the right President. I don't like him being gone.. But its worth it.. This CD makes me feel patriotic.. it tugs at my heartstrings.. makes me smile.. I can imagine driving with Private Andrew Malone.. I can feel proud to be an American... I can cry over "I'm already there.." All the songs make me smile... So yes.. worth every penny and more!!!
God Bless America!!!

Nashville hacks singing for faux-patriotism.......2005-12-23

Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, Aaron Tippin, Lee Greenwood, Neal McCoy, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Phil Vassar, The Warren Brothers, Dusty Drake, Hank Williams Jr., Alabama, The Charlie Daniels Band, David Ball, and Blackhawk.

What do these artists have in common? Cutting edge musical geniuses? Gifted songwriters able to speak to a wide range of audiences? Innovators in their genre?

Err, no.

Actually what they all have in common is that they all appear on this package, created to commercially exploit the war on terrorism, one which contains songs like Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly, This Ain't No Rag, It's A Flag, and Back Where I Come From. In other words, maudlin, xenophobic, cliche filled, black/white dichotomous sentiments, and the lack of any attempt at rational or questioning political analysis, all set to fiddles and pedal steel guitars, and to be marketed and sold at Wal-Mart. I should add that I am not against patriotism, when it is intelligent and well informed; this, however, is dumb, reactionary faux-patriotism. Nothing is more so than the song God Bless the USA. As an American who loves his country, I can say that this song, with its syrupy sound and its naive lyrics, does not speak for me.

I listened to a bit of this schlock on a plane ride a while back just to see how much of it I could take. The answer was - not very much. What little I could take made me want to drink, and heavily.

Some of these performers, specifically Brooks and Dunn, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, and perhaps Kenny Chesney and even (I hate to admit) Toby Keith are actually fairly talented; others, like former lounge singer Lee Greenwood, Alabama, Montgomery Gentry, etc, are 3rd rate musical hacks.

Ultimately, listening to this nonsense, I'm reminded that some of the greats of the genre, like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, George Jones, and Willie Nelson were neither knee-jerk
reactionaries nor apologists for a ruling political party. Then again, Dusty Drake, Montgomery Gentry, and Blackhawk are no Johnny Cashes. Just Nashville hacks, soon to be forgotten.

Great CD.......2005-08-21

It is a great CD. If you like country music, this is a great buy. Not all the songs are about America, but make you feel good and proud of where you come from.

NOTE: Most of the bad reviews below have to more with politics than music. These folks probably have never listened to all the songs let alone actually buying the CD.

To to a kids review.......2005-07-31

"would like to say that this is a great cd and I love it when people write reviews like the one written on Dec. 21, 2004 titled (One of the worst cds ever). People like you make me sick, first you don't use your real name (like your a terrorist wearing a hood), next you play it off like a kid wrote that review, very cowardly. "

I'll tell you I'm a kid (age 16) and some don't want to use their real name because this is the internet, not real life. If you knew my name or the original reviewer's real name, would that make any difference? Anywa, you say since a reviewer doesn't use their real name, they are a terrorist? Very intelligent.

"If your home is destroyed by someone, you are not going to look for the people or person involved. No you are going to the proper authorities and they will handle it.

That is what happened here. We were attacked and the proper authorities are handling the situation."

We were not attacked by Iraq and the proper authorities are not handling the situation. We attacked Afghanistan, but Iraq has nothing to do with this.

"Look I am all for freedom for imagrant's but they took it to far with the attacks. Living in our country, working here, becoming friendly with the neighborhoods and gaining the trust of everyone around just to destroy part of the country you love (so you say) is just something that cannot be tolerated. At least we had the guts to tell them we were coming. You should be thankful that you have a country who is willing to protect you and your family. "

So you think it's immigrants fault that we were attacked? And you call yourself an American? You should be blind to race and country of origin, we are all Americans here. The country of Afghanistan attacked us and we went after them, that has nothing to do with immigrants.

"Right after 9/11 happened EVERYONE was togther as a whole to make sure the people behind this act of cowardly violence (kind of like the way you wrote your rewiew) and any kind of terroristic threats on U.S.A. would never happen again. But I guess for some of you people that was just like hopping on the band wagon for a short period of time."

It was not cowardly violence. In a war you strive to kill the most enemies you can. I would only Hope the US would strive to kill or detain as many terrorists as they can just as their target was civilians. Whatever you say, suicide bombings are not cowardly, they are actually pretty effective. Find me a US citizen willing to fly a plane into a building full of terrorists to kill our enemies.

"It's not a matter of what song's are good to listen to and what songs aren't. It's about a bunch of people who support the country (they love) so they can feel safe to go shopping, go to work or just go for a walk and not have to worry about some idiot flying a couple of planes into some building's or into the ground and never see their loved ones or the light of day ever again."

Ah, back to the actual review of the CD, which you have made a minor detail. I don't care about what these singers support, I care about their music. I care about what politicians support, and how singers sing. I happen to like many of the songs on the CD, but I didn't buy it because I own many of the songs already.

"How can you say you love something if you are going to let it get hurt and not try to justify the situation. I feel sorry for the people in your life."

Well more people are in car crashes every year than were in the WTC during 9/11, so you should be pushing for safety in cars. How can you say you love something if you are going to let it get hurt and not try to justify the situation? Of course you are a very effective tool of the terrorists, the typical American scared out of his pants when a building goes down, scared to shop, when you are in more danger driving your car. We have killed over 10 times the ammount of CIVILIANS in Iraq (nothing to do with 9/11) than the 9/11 attacks killed. Of course I'm sure they aren't people to you.

But back to the CD, I am really thinking about buying it mainly just for "Hey Mr. President" and I'm dissapointed they didn't put it on another CD, I love the song and the Warren Brothers.

Most of the songs are really great, although "God Bless The USA" was overplayed and I used to love it, but now I'm just tired of it. All of these songs are great, although some don't even seem to be patriotic. But that doesn't matter to me, because great music is great music, which is worth buying.

A Message For A Kid's Rewiew Comment.......2005-03-10

I would like to say that this is a great cd and I love it when people write reviews like the one written on Dec. 21, 2004 titled (One of the worst cds ever). People like you make me sick, first you don't use your real name (like your a terrorist wearing a hood), next you play it off like a kid wrote that review, very cowardly.

If your home is destroyed by someone, you are not going to look for the people or person involved. No you are going to the proper authorities and they will handle it.

That is what happened here. We were attacked and the proper authorities are handling the situation.

Look I am all for freedom for imagrant's but they took it to far with the attacks. Living in our country, working here, becoming friendly with the neighborhoods and gaining the trust of everyone around just to destroy part of the country you love (so you say) is just something that cannot be tolerated. At least we had the guts to tell them we were coming. You should be thankful that you have a country who is willing to protect you and your family.

Right after 9/11 happened EVERYONE was togther as a whole to make sure the people behind this act of cowardly violence (kind of like the way you wrote your rewiew) and any kind of terroristic threats on U.S.A. would never happen again. But I guess for some of you people that was just like hopping on the band wagon for a short period of time.

It's not a matter of what song's are good to listen to and what songs aren't. It's about a bunch of people who support the country (they love) so they can feel safe to go shopping, go to work or just go for a walk and not have to worry about some idiot flying a couple of planes into some building's or into the ground and never see their loved ones or the light of day ever again.

How can you say you love something if you are going to let it get hurt and not try to justify the situation. I feel sorry for the people in your life.

Music Track:

Music Track

music track

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