Crusader [Import]

Crusader [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The metal act's 1984 album for EMI. 10 tracks, including 'The Crusader Prelude', 'Crusader' and 'Run For Your Lives'.

Tracks:

King Cotton
The Gladiator
Semper Fidelis
The Belle Of Chicago
The Invincible Eagle
Manhattan Beach
The Liberty Bell
El Capitan
The Washington Post
The Crusader
The Black Horse Troop
The Fairest Of The Fair
The High School Cadets
The Stars And Stripes Forever
The Pride Of The Wolverines
Hail To The Spirit Of Liberty
From Maine To Oregon
The Diplomat
Powhatan's Daughter
Kansas Wildcats
Sound Off
The Thunderer

Tracks:

Hands Across The Sea
The Royal Welch Fusiliers
The Legionnaires
Daughters Of Texas
The Gallant Seventh
Golden Jubilee
Solid Men To The Front
Marquette University
The Beau Ideal
The Rifle Regiment
The Northern Pines
Nobles Of The Mystic Shrine
New York Hippodrome
The Gridiron Club
The Charlatan
The Lambs
The National Game
On The Campus
La Flor De Sevilla
Jack Tar
The Glory Of The Yankee Navy

Customer Reviews:

Sousa.......2007-07-25

I love Sousa marches but this recording while comprehensive and cheep lacks much to be desired in the musical rendension. It lacks the spark and musicality of Sousa.

Sousa By the Royal Marines.......2007-03-31

This is a great CD re-issue of the Band of the Royal Marines School of Music under Graham Hoskins. This band did a three LP series on Sousa marches some years ago that was better than most on this very well covered topic. Sousa march recordings will always come and go, but some like this stand out more than others. For one, there is nothing like the panache of a Royal Marines band. Their sound is a time honored development that gets passed from one generation to the next. Even as the number of RM bands continues to change and downsize, there are now about four bands left in the service, their sound quality continues to be superb.

When these recordings were made RM bands were still at their height in the British service and their quality was amazing. Most bands numbered over 60 in this period, and that is why many Americans may be surprsed at the volume of music produced here. This is not one of your small, though excellent regimental bands! Americans tend to think that British military band instrumentation is on the thin side. Not so here! Of course Sousa always sounds best with either the Allentown band or the US Marine band.

This CD is evidence of how popular Sousa has always been in the UK, and with RM bands in particular. The selection here on two CDs covers most of the standard Sousa fair, with a few different selections here and there. Unfortunatley there are none of Sousa's fine transcriptions for classical music, or selections from his operettas. This music is always wonderful to have in combination with the marches as it shows how much variety he was capable of in his compositions. For that kind of concert the reader is referred to the very fine collection of Sousa music being done under the Naxos label by the Band of the Royal Artillery.

Here you will find a solid collection of Sousa's great marches. Roughly a third of those 136 compositions are contained here. The Royal Marines give a sharpe and clear sound to these works which should certainly inspire. You will also get a very nice idea how RM bands sounded back in the 1980s. Graham Hoskins was a fine director of music, typical of the inhouse genius of the Royal Marines Band Service at that time. He took this band on a USA tour in 1985 with the Arygll & Sutherland Highlanders. Devotees of Sousa should enjoy these spirited versions of the march king's music as performed across the pond.

Still Among the Best.......2006-06-01

I bought two audio casettes with these marches back in the 1980's and wore them out. These performances are hard to beat for virtuosity, enthusiasm, and sparkle. The sound quality is outstanding. And there are some marches that are rarely, if at all, available.

How Sousa Should Sound.......2006-03-07

Great value 2 cd disc set cut in the early 1980's & remastered the sound of the Royal Marines Band is nothing short of terrific. Judging by the sound would not be surprised for this to be a combined double RM band. These 1st chair players give Sousa's great marches that extra kick that takes the "March Kings" music to that higher level. By the center quick march!!!!

Average customer rating:

Crusader great song but not great album!
Running the Gauntlet
One of the best British metal albums
Saxon - 'Crusader' (EMI)
QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST HEAVY METAL BAND OF THE 80S!!

Crusader
Saxon
Manufacturer: Caroline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Power & the Glory
Denim and Leather
Innocence Is No Excuse
Saxon
Wheels of Steel/Strong Arm of the Law

ASIN: B000005RTQ
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

The Crusader Prelude
Crusader
A Little Bit Of What You Fancy
Sailing To America
Set Me Free
Just Let Me Rock
Bad Boys (Like To Rock 'N' Roll)
Do It All For You
Rock City
Run For Your Lives

Album Description

The metal act's 1984 album for EMI. 10 tracks, including 'The Crusader Prelude', 'Crusader' and 'Run For Your Lives'.

Album Details

Saxon, one of the darlings of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, issued this title in 1984 (Their seventh overall). Features many anthems of rock & rebellion with typical Saxon mettle: the title track, 'Just Let Me Rock', 'Run for Your Lives' & seven more.

Customer Reviews:

Crusader great song but not great album!.......2007-05-04

Crusader is one of Saxon's best songs but this
album isn't one of their best. the production
and mix is horrible. I've listen to this a few
times and I just can't get into it and I'm a
big fan! I don't know what it is. Other than
Little Bit of What You Fancy and Just Let Me
Rock I don't hear anything else that stands out.
Some others seem to love it so.... maybe it has
something. Saxon is one of the best metal bands
of all time and it's still better than the [...]
that was out at the time and out now! I recommend
Greatest Hits Live before this for a collection
of their best and then you decide. rock on1

Running the Gauntlet.......2007-01-29

This was the first album by Saxon that I ever heard and maybe that predjudiced me towards it, but I think it is the best one that they ever recorded (not that any of their other albums were bad). From the very first lick in the prelude, the first thing that hits you is the awesome drum tracks. I mean, they have the sound and the acoustics for this entire album tuned in perfectly, but the drums, to me, just stand out. "Just Let Me Rock" is by far one of the best rock anthems, in my opinion, of all time, but there is nary a bad song in the group. As a matter of fact, all of them flat out kill. At one point in time, this cassette got stuck in my tape deck in my van (with a 3500 watt system)and I was fine with that....for all two months of it. Give it a try---you won't be dissapointed.

One of the best British metal albums.......2006-05-28

Although never breaking through in the States like fellow British metal bands Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, Saxon released several strong albums in the early to mid-80's and Crusader is the best of the lot. Starting with their previous release, Power and the Glory, Saxon added more melody to their heavy sound in order to gain popularity in the U.S. While Power and the Glory suffered from a lack of memorable songs, Crusader was strong from beginning to end and while their sound was more polished than on classics like Wheels of Steel and Strong Arm of the Law, it was still hard enough to please their diehard fans while being more accessible. The fact that this album would never take hold in the States remains a mystery as it's certainly one of the best British metal albums.

Every track here is great with something to please all metal fans. If you like melodic metal, it doesn't get much better than "Sailing to America." With its memorable melodies and choruses and its killer guitar solos, it's on par with Def Leppard's most melodic (and way more popular) material. "Just Let Me Rock" and "Run for Your Lives" are melodic mid-tempo numbers while "A Little Bit of What You Fancy" and "Rock City" would be the last of their great anthems. Like many of the British bands of the day, Saxon tried their hand at writing an epic and while the title track won't make you forget Iron Maiden's "Hallowed Be Thy Name" or Judas Priest's "Beyond the Realms of Death", it's still very good. Other great tracks include the pulsing "Bad Boys (Like to Rock N' Roll)" and a scorching version of Sweet's "Set Me Free." Finally, "Do It All for You" is one of the great metal ballads that could appeal to both love sick teenagers and hard rock fans. All told, Crusader would the last of the great Saxon albums as future releases such as Rock the Nations and Destiny would suffer from both a lack of focus and weak songwriting. Highly recommended to fans of great British metal.

Saxon - 'Crusader' (EMI).......2004-12-26

I'll give it 3 1/2 stars.Originally released in 1984,this was Saxon's seventh lp.I remember seeing them as support act for Motley Crue on their 'Shout At The Devil' tour.Yes,this really happened.While 'Crusader' may not be the band's best album,it's still very much worth having a copy of.While I've heard other fans comment that 'Crusader' was Saxon's last 'good' lp,that simply isn't the case.In this fan's humble opinion,Saxon to THIS very day,is still able to cut a good record.Tunes I do remember them doing live(their set was nearly as long as the Crue's)was probably the better tracks off the album,which were "Sailing To America",the title cut "Crusader","Just Let Me Rock","Bad Boys(Like Rock And Roll)" and maybe the 'sort of' metal anthem "Rock City".Rest assure,'Crusader' holds Biff Byford's signature vocals and the crisp guitar sound of axemen Paul Quinn and Graham Oliver fully intact.A decent find.

QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST HEAVY METAL BAND OF THE 80S!!.......2000-11-22

I have every Saxon recording of the 80s and 90s and there isn't a bad song on any of them. Crusader blends excellent musicianship with well written lyrics. Biff Byford has a signature heavy metal voice with incredible range. Crusader is a 5 star recording as Saxon is a 5 star band. Buy any Saxon recording (Crusader is my personal favorite) you will not be disappointed. No three chord songs here. Crank up "Sailing To America." This song still gives me the chills even after 16 years-excellent hook and chorus!! I'm sill suprised that they were not bigger here in the states during the 80s heavy metal heyday.

Average customer rating:

Excellent intro to Foster and Sousa
march review

Stories Of Foster And Sousa

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Story Of Johann Strauss In Words And Music
Story Of Verdi In Words And Music
The Story Of Brahms
The Story of Tchaikovsky
The Story Of Handel

ASIN: B000001KDF
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Old Folks At Home
Oh ! Susanna
Old Black Joe
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
My Old Kentucky Home
Old Folks At Home
Camptown Races
Massa's In De Cold, Cold Ground
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Beautiful Dreamer
The Stars And Stripes Forever
The Crusader
Offenbach: La Vie Parisienne
The Belle Of Chicago
The Gladiator
Semper Fidelis
Washington Post
High School Cadets
The Thunderer
Semper Fidelis
Washington Post
Hands Across The Sea
El Capitan
Stars And Stripes Forever
Semper Fidelis
Washington Post March
The Thunderer
High School Cadets
El Capitan

Customer Reviews:

Excellent intro to Foster and Sousa.......2007-02-25

This is a tremendous value considering the price and the number of tracks that you get. The renditions are not bad, but I have heard better Foster. There is a lot of narration, which makes this a great teaching tool to introduce Foster and Sousa. The narration is a bit more for Foster than Sousa. Some of the Foster songs seem to be cut a little short, giving you what is really more of a sampler than a rich collection of complete Foster songs. The Sousa marches seem to be a little longer and don't have quite as much narration. Even though both men were well known American composers, their type of music was quite different, so it's kind of an odd paring on this album. It's a pleasant listen, but not a "must have" item unless you don't have much Foster or Sousa in your music collection; it's a good starter album. Great for kids who might be interested in learning about these two famous composers.

march review.......2001-05-10

this cd gas a great selection of music on it. the sound of the music is perfectly clear and i definately reccomend it. it is an ideal disc for all march fans. two of the greatest american composers on one disc. this is also a great deal considering the amount of songs on this disc. definately but this cd.

The Joy of God - Great Hymns Across the Ages

Average customer rating:

The Joy of God - Great Hymns Across the Ages
William P. Rowlands , Gordon Slater , John Stainer , Choir of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church , Ronald S. Jordan , Katherine Hill , Christopher Edwards , and Thomas Campbell
Manufacturer: Marquis Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2

ASIN: B000003WHH
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

Great Hymns Across The Ages: Psalm 117: Plainsong, Tone I:1
Great Hymns Across The Ages: When Morning Gilds The Skies
Great Hymns Across The Ages: Jesu, The Very Thought Of Thee
Great Hymns Across The Ages: O Jesus, I Have Promised
Great Hymns Across The Ages: Fairest Lord Jesus
Rheinhardt Manuscripts: Worship The Lord
Great Hymns Across The Ages: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Book Of Common Prayer: Psalm 121
Greek Liturgy Of St. James: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Great Hymns Across The Ages: Let Us Break Bread
Great Hymns Across The Ages: And Can It Be
Great Hymns Across The Ages: When All Thy Mercies, O My God
Psalterium Chorale', Constance: Creator Of The Earth And Skies
Great Hymns Across The Ages: I Need Thee Every Hour
Geistliche Seelenfreud: My God, My Father, Make Me Strong
Great Hymns Across The Ages: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Great Hymns Across The Ages: In The Cross Of Christ I Glory
Great Hymns Across The Ages: Low In The Grave He Lay
Great Hymns Across The Ages: Crown Him With Many Crowns
Great Hymns Across The Ages: This Is My Father's World
Great Hymns Across The Ages: Lead, Kindly Light
Great Hymns Across The Ages: I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say
Great Hymns Across The Ages: God, That Madest Earth And Heaven
Te Lucis, Mode VIII: Before The Ending Of The Day

Average customer rating:

Crusader
Fishbelly Black
Manufacturer: Liquid 8
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00007MB41
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Product Description

Tracks:

Crusader
Call Me Kiki
Ven A Gozar (Remix)
Freaks Intro
Freaks Gonna Rule The World
Grapevine
Brick House
That's It
Solid Ground
Ven A Gozar (Orig Mix)
Freefall

Customer Reviews:

Major Move Rite Here!.......2007-04-13

BACKBEAT IS AT IT AGAIN WITH THEIR CONTINUED FOLLOW-UP OF "FISHBELLY BLACK" PROPS, FOR TOPPING OFF THIS RELEASE AFTER A FEW OTHERS,THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME WITH THE MUSIC OF THE SMOOTH JAZZ INDUSTRY. NEW COMPOSITION'S AND A GREAT DEFINITION OF SCIENCE IN MUSIC AT ANOTHER LEVEL OF THE GROOVE THEORY IN MOTION FOR YEARS TO COME.

Cruasder.......2006-01-15

The CD is chocked full of happy, toe-tapping somgs. This was my first experience buying anything by Fishbelly Black and I'd do it again. I highly recommend this CD to folks who like just plain good music.

Excellent.......2003-04-24

My dad was playing this CD in his basement when I first heard it, and it drove me nuts. Frankly, his old stuff doesn't appeal to me at all. But one track, That's It, hooked me, and I borrowed the album. One of the best decisions I've ever made, hands down. This album is musically strong. Catchy, unique, and fun to listen to, this CD is a must have for acid jazz, regualr jazz, or any respecting music fan. Each track is completely unique, however, all the tracks fit together nicely. The song order was arranged perfectly. Simply put, an awesome, awesome album for relaxing, jogging, outdoors, or just about anything, save hockey. Call Me Kiki is my favorite track. Mostly due to it's upbeat, catchy chorus, and also due to the fact that I also play trumpet, and I love hearing good players.

Go buy this album. Now. You'll love it.

Great acid jazz!.......2002-09-26

Here's a group that is deserving of a rank close to Down to the Bone (however, "the Bone" still remains my favorite!). If you like acid jazz, grab this one! Great solid, funky sound that truly commands you to dance or tap that steering wheel!

A fun cd!.......2002-08-01

An enjoyable cd with great music even my family enjoys. I would highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

one of the best hip hop cds ever
i didnt like it
My favorite Hip Hop CD ever
Justice Prevailed
Grouch lyrics 5 stars: beats hmmm.....

Crusader for Justice
The Grouch
Manufacturer: Legendary Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000860FV
Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

Crumble Your Tower
Where I Wanna Get
Crusader for Justice
Backseat Drivers feat. Scarub and Safari
Cloud 9 feat. Yadira
Some People
Clean Nikes
Dragonfly
No Slow Thinkers
Ain't My Life
Juxtaposed feat. Eye Cue
Paint A Perfect Picture
Better Than You
Moves That Make Me feat. Zion and Bicasso
More Than Meets The Eye

Album Description

This is Grouch's seventh solo album. Two years in the making and worth every minute of the wait, this release is everything you've come to expect from the Living Legends heavyweight and ten times more. There is no filler. At fifteen tracks and over an hour long (but not too long)this work of art weighs in as one of the must haves of 2003.

Customer Reviews:

one of the best hip hop cds ever.......2005-10-28

G. Kubrak--what are you talking about? These are not 5 minute laptop productions--each and every track's instrumentation and beats are on point, and his late great father, a professional organ player and guitarist plays on many of the cuts. The musical ideas go way beyond 90% of hip hop cds out there, you comments are totally off point. Not to mention that his lyrics and delivery are nothing short of staggering--I've listened to this disc hundreds of times over the last two years, and at least seven of the cuts on this disc has been my favorite at one time or another. I'm still picking up things everytime through it--Grouch has a LOT to say, so listen up. AMAZING, MUST HAVE CD, period.

i didnt like it.......2005-07-03

but i did enjoy numerous songs from his previous albums. in todays rap you cannot just be all lyrical with a beat made in 5 minutes using your lap top. i dont want to pay for that. i want to feel good when im listening to music. thats what this is supposed to be, right? music, not reading your poetry to some half ass beats and production.. because if thats what it was then Grouch is the best poet w/ wack beats, but when it comes to hip hop music this just cannot cut it anymore. grouch says he is intelligent so much that his listeners start to believe him and reciprocating. if you want something intelligent read a book written by someone with a phd.. if only grouch had a degree, and a good producer...

My favorite Hip Hop CD ever.......2004-09-29

This has to be the most positive uplifting hip hop cd i have ever heard. its pure gold from start to finish. Its very hard to find good positive lyrics with such good beats. This CD is held closest to my heart its a must have for any lyric lover.

Justice Prevailed.......2003-11-22

With this release from Grouch he has really shown growth over the years. From his first solo album "Don't Talk To Me",which is a classic,to this one "Crusader For Justice" it shows Grouch can only get better and nothing less.To hear tracks like "Clean Nikes" and Better Than You" Grouch shows his deepest thoughts about life.But of course Grouch has always been open minded about life,struggles,anything worth talking about as long as he can get a positive message out.Some of his best production to date is shown very well on "Cloud 9"&"Dragonfly" but like always his deepest songs could easily be spotted just by the title like "Ain't My Life" "Paint a Perfect Picture".This well deserved five star album his worth every minute of anybody's time whether you like hip hop or not because this is not just hip hop but REAL music with REAL meaning.

Grouch lyrics 5 stars: beats hmmm............2003-10-17

everyone who listens to all types of rap/hip hop can say one thng about Grouch on this cd- he is the best or at least top three emcees today-commercial or underground. Never has a rapper exposed his verbal skills with such emotion. he is very wise and has above average intelligence.
i know that he is rapping but it sounds like poems to me...is that weird?
i have never ever heard a producer who can rap like he can.
the one negative thing about this and most "living legends" cd's is the beats/production. maybe its lack of money to pay for samples or great equipment. but- for the simplistic use of a beat machine and odd samples- he makes it work. you can only wonder if dj premier lent his expertise to them...wow!
anyways- i gave it four stars because the "mediocre production" -if the lyrics were to match the level of production- it could easily recieved a "2 star or 1 star" rating- but Grouch's lyrics are perfect- 100% pure! Listen to what hip hop really is.

you should check out other living legends cd's and Canibus's new cd "rip the jacker". hi mom!

Average customer rating:

The bard side of Chris de Burgh

When a Troubadour Was Still a Troubadour ...

Crusader - His Greatest Work

Masterpiece

Crusader

Crusader
Chris de Burgh
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
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Far Beyond These Castle Walls

At the End of a Perfect Day

Spanish Train & Other Stories [IMPORT]

The Getaway

Man on the Line

ASIN: B000026GZ6
Release Date: 2004-04-16

Tracks:

Carry On
I Had The Love In My Eyes
Something Else Again
The Girl With April In Her Eyes
Just In Time
Carry On (Reprise)
The Devil's Eye
It's Such A Long Way Home
Old-Fashioned People
Quiet Moments
Crusader
You And Me

Customer Reviews:

The bard side of Chris de Burgh.......2006-01-21

My first exposure to the engaging music of Chris de Burgh was the song "Don't Pay the Ferryman" which was a radio hit around the world in the early 80s, but the first album by Chris that really appealed to me was Man on the Line, probably because I was only really getting into pop music at that time, 1984. I like virtually every song on that album. His greatest commercial success came with his next album, Into the Light, which I also greatly enjoy (yes, even the Lady in Red). I got to know some of Chris' earlier work through his greatest hits collection, Spark to a Flame. Although Crusader was overlooked for that compilation, I sought it out by reputation alone.
This album is much more low key than his later pop-rock efforts, most of the songs being gentle balladry that is reflective of its era. Even so, Chris de Burgh's musical style is unique. Not everyone can get into this type of music. Crusader not my favorite Chris de Burgh album, as I think he wrote more memorable and touching ballads on other albums (e.g., "In a Country Churchyard," "Where Peaceful Waters Flow," "The Head and the Heart," "For Rosanna"), but it is notable for its title track, an epic story-song that became an element of many of Chris' albums. You will find this kind of multi-part thematic epic on Into the Light as well, with the trilogy "The Leader/The Vision/What About Me?" And Spanish Train and other Stories has Chris' best collection of story-songs with its title track, "Just Another Poor Boy," and "A Spaceman Came Travelling." Chris often wrote songs with religious and even Christian imagery, rare for a secular artist. Crusader visits this theme on the aforementioned title track.
Seeing as so many of the reviewers of this album felt compelled to offer apologies for, or even debunk, Chris' politically incorrect imagery of the war between the Crusaders and the Saracens over Jerusalem, I will comment here as well. The Crusades were not a Christian war of aggression against an otherwise peaceful Islam, they were a response to centuries of Muslim jihad that conquered North Africa and struck deep into Europe. It was only when Muslim control of the Holy Land led to the expulsion of Christian pilgrims and desecration of holy sites that the pope called for a crusade to reclaim the Holy Land. It's true that the crusaders did not always live up to their ideals of courage, honor and chivalry - they were men who lived by the sword and shed blood. But people should not be shocked that Chris's lyrics are less than kind to Saladin. He was a brutal leader, who delighted in slaughtering the inhabitants of Constantinople. In the first battle for Jerusalem (just prior to Richard the Lionhearted's crusade), Saladin showed mercy to its Christian inhabitants, but only if people could buy their passage out of the city, and because the knight Balian threatened to destroy the Muslim holy sites and put all Muslim inhabitants to the sword if Saladin persisted in his attack.

When a Troubadour Was Still a Troubadour ..........2005-04-03

Once, there was a troubadour whose songs told stories about Country Churchyards and houses with Satin Green Shutters, about Lonesome Cowboys, Spacemen and Strippers, and about the devil cheating the Lord in a game of chess for the souls of humanity played on a Spanish Train. In those years, that troubadour's songs were simple, straightforward and enchanting, both musically and lyrically, and he published albums fittingly entitled "Far Beyond These Castle Walls," "Spanish Train and Other Stories" and "At the End of a Perfect Day."

Then, he was discovered. And while (initially) his lyrics at least maintained their poignancy (see "The Getaway"), his music suddenly joined the flood waves of overproduced pop. But just before that point, in 1979, he released what many to this day consider his masterpiece; the album most pointedly embodying the tradition in which, if interviews he gave at the time were to be believed, he saw himself. Supported by the better part Alan Parson's "Project" (minus Parsons himself and Eric Woolfson) - guitarist Ian Bairnson, bassist David Paton, drummer Stuart Elliott and keyboardists Mike Moran and Andrew Powell, the latter of whom also served as the album's producer and conductor - he put together a collection of 12 songs in turn seducing, stirring and soothing the listener's soul. There are soft songs of love and loss like "I Had the Love in My Eyes," "Something Else Again," "It's Such a Long Way Home" and "Quiet Moments." There is the heartrending fairy tale of the "Girl With April in Her Eyes." There is De Burgh's bow to the era's "save the earth" movement, the rallying cry of "Just in Time". There is the sequel to the ghastly game of chess in "Spanish Train" (to which the song's lyrics expressly make reference), the dramatic story of "The Devil's Eye" gazing back at you from your TV screen. And there is a troubadour's look at "Old-Fashioned People" wishing to be carried back to the times and places that they knew.

But the album's piece de resistance is its title track, an (especially considering the time of its release) epic, nine-minute long tale retelling the story of Richard the Lionheart's crusade; beginning quietly but rising to dramatic heights as the enemies face each other over Jerusalem, and yet, ending on a quiet, pensive note. True, the song's lyrics reflect enormous bias and are, at the very least, historically debatable; and the mere fact that the story is told from a crusader's point of view doesn't do anything to change this, for those who participated in the crusades knew better than to underestimate Saladin or put him down like this - the version we're getting here is the propaganda spread throughout Christian Europe in support of the campaign to "free" Jerusalem. But ultimately, I don't think this part of the song represents the point that Chris De Burgh wants to make. Rather, the song's most important lines are those of the last, reflective verses, which are well worth considering, particularly these days:

"What do I do now?" said the Wise man to the Fool,
"I have spent my whole life searching, to find the Golden Rule,
Though centuries have disappeared, the memory still remains,
Of those enemies together, could it be that way again?"
Then the Fool said "Oh you Wise men, you really make me laugh,
With your talk of vast persuasion and searching through the past,
There is only greed and evil in the men who fight today,
The song of the Crusader has long since gone away ..."

The album's last song, "You and Me," is a short, gentle farewell: "The time has come for me to take my bows and leave the stage," De Burgh sings, and promises to return and again take his audience "through the ancient halls and stories of the past, and the many ways of loving." Well, return he certainly did, but would that he had remembered the rest of his promise as well! Alas, that was not to be the case. But even for those of us who think he later sold out, there are still his first four albums - and particularly this one - to turn to for enchantment, comfort, and exceptional storytelling ...

Crusader - His Greatest Work.......2004-04-14

Crusader was the first album by Chris de Burgh that I ever heard, back in 1979, and I was an instant convert. While I love much of his early work, Crusader stands out by being consistently superb - it is very rare for me to find an album on which every song is worth listening to time and time again! From the poetic storytelling of the title track (historical accuracy aside, it is a wonderful piece of art to transform such a great story into a song), through to the Gaelic background vocals in 'Carry On', from the homesickness evident in 'Such A Long Way Home' to one of the best love songs ever ('Something Else Again'), the whole album is a tour de force. Anyone who is remotely interested in anything that Chris de Burgh has ever released should own this album!

Masterpiece.......2003-12-30

No doubt, Crusader is the ultimate masterpiece of the early De Burgh! Produced by orchestrator, arranger and piano player Andrew Powell (long-time sideman to Alan Parsons) and the entire Alan Parsons personnel (Ian Bairnson, David Paton, Stuart Elliott) playing on this recording, completed by Mike Moran (keyboards, piano, synthesizer) Crusader finally convinced where the three previous albums failed. The compositions are again in the balladeer style, but the production and arrangements ultimately reach perfection. "Carry On" is probably the most commercial song on the album. I'm not sure if it was released as a single. "Something Else Again" is probably the loveliest love song a man could ever play for a woman! "Crusader" is an almost 9 minute piece which reminds me of "Spanish Train" in a way, but it is still unique in its own style. A remastered version of this CD might be appropriate.

Crusader.......2003-10-04

This is Chris de Burgh at his very best. Combining powerful melodies with vivid storytelling and outstanding ballads, this album captures Chris de Burgh's vocal and songwriting talents at their very best. Not to be missed if you are a true Chris de Burgh fan!

Average customer rating:

Crusader
Scribe
Manufacturer: Festival
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00020PPNK
Release Date: 2003-12-30

Album Description

2003 debut album from the critically acclaimed New Zealand rapper is a Top 5 smash & includes the hit single 'Stand Up'. 12 tracks. Dirty Records.

Average customer rating:

A must-have for anyone who loves the bassoon!
fun for bassoon lovers
Review of Captured! The Bassoon Brothers
This album Captured my attention
It's.......

Captured! The Bassoon Brothers
Bassoon Brothers
Manufacturer: Crystal Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Wanted-The Bassoon Brothers
Bassoonatics!
Mozart, Weber, Hummel: Bassoon Concertos
Music for an Awful Lot of Winds and Percussion
Williams: The Five Sacred Trees (Bassoon Concerto) / Takemitsu: Tree Line / Hovhaness: Symphony No. s, Op. 132 "Mysterious Mountain" / Picker: Old and Lost Rivers

ASIN: B000067UO3
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

Fanfare for the Common Bassoonist
Hey Jude
Mexican Hat Dance
My Funny Valentine
My Girl
Habanera
Preludio
Aragonaise
Pigs
Yankee Doodle
Louie, Louie, Roll Out the Barrel
Send in the Clowns
Funeral March of a Marionette
Three Little Maids from the Mikado
The Godfather Waltz
Sibelius Interlude
The Godfather Love Theme
Pizzicato Polka
Sabre Dance
Rock Etude
Purple Haze
Londonderry Air

Album Description

The Bassoon Brothers first album "Wanted — The Bassoon Brothers" was called "Just plain hilarious" by the Seattle Times., and "a sort of all-bassoon version of the Canadian Brass" by Audiophile Auditions. It quickly became one of Crystal's best-selling albums and very high on Amazon's sales list. This second CD is at least as entertaining, with riotous takes on well-known classical, popular, and movie tunes. The quartet is the bassoon section of the Oregon Symphony in Portland and are on a mission to save the 'oons from extinction. Bassoon, contrabassoon, tenoroon, and tromboon — all are now a little safer.

Customer Reviews:

A must-have for anyone who loves the bassoon!.......2007-05-13

This is just a terrifically fun, inventive recording, featuring world-class performers playing truly innovative and interesting arrangements of a wide variety of music, from the cute and fun to the sublime and serious. You gotta get this CD!

fun for bassoon lovers.......2007-04-04

Sometimes, even bassoonists need to be a little silly, and this fits the bill!

Review of Captured! The Bassoon Brothers.......2006-08-01

Great CD with some very interesting instruments you don't hear everyday. If you like the bassoon, you'll like the uniqueness of this CD.

This album Captured my attention.......2005-03-02

Once while on a road trip, I found a radio station playing an instrumental rendition of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Three Little Maids" like I had never heard it before.

When the DJ said the unusual version had been performed by the Basoon Brothers I knew I had to find it.

The whole album just kept me giggling while it charmed me with it wonderful musicality. Well worth owning.

It's..............2003-02-18

An easy five stars to "Captured!" by The Bassoon Brothers. In fact, five stars to any bassoon playing that has a pulse. The mix of tune choices and the arrangements are exquisite. Who doesn't love "Fanfare For The Common Man"? I was listening to "My Girl" in the bath, and what with the singing and dancing, slopped water all over. I love "Send In The Clowns" and "Purple Haze" and the "Louie Louie" with the sly Glenn Miller and Sly references.

It reminds me of much more than just Spike Jones and Schickele. Willem Breuker Kollektief, the World Saxophone Quartet, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Don Cherry, Carla Bley, and Sun Ra spring to mind. And the use of the all-too often neglected bassoons reminds me of James Carter's recent resuscitation of the nearly DOA bass saxophone on "Chasin' The Gypsy."

It's a treasure. And it only serves to remind that Mr. Eubanks is the premier bassoonist in the world and an arranger with few equals. I have not heard all of the dreary rehashes of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring"; maybe I've heard eight or ten. With one exception, all dreary. The opening bassoon solos always remind me of the implication of "Waiting For Wood," an article of a couple of years ago in the New Yorker magazine. But, Mr. Eubanks' opening solo in "The Rite of Spring" by The Oregon Symphony is truly divine. Ethereal. Definitive. It sings, and gives the sense of the juggernaut that is to follow.

"Captured!" Five stars.

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