Freedom to Love

Editorial Reviews
Liz Doan, Music Design, March 2002
This album is FANTASTIC...really beautiful music and when I got to the last track "Lullaby" I almost cried.

Product Description
Love is the very source of our being and thus it is our human right to love. As the world fluctuates in trying to balance its powers, the realization that we are free to love is our most powerful ally. When there are terrifying events, musicians respond as musicians do - they write music. Sweet, loving, healing, hope-filled music to help us remember that we always have the freedom to love.

Freedom to Love

Freedom to Love,Various Artists,Real Music,Contemporary Instrumental,Healing,New Age / Meditation,New Age Collections,Pop,Spiritual

Freedom to Love

Tracks:

Overture
Too Much Exposition
Urinetown
It's A Privilege To Pee
Mr. Cladwell
Cop Song
Follow Your Heart
Look At The Sky
Don't Be The Bunny
Act One Finale
What Is Urinetown?
Snuff That Girl
Run, Freedom, Run!
Why Did I Listen To That Man?
Tell Her I Love Her
We're Not Sorry
We're Not Sorry (reprise)
I See A River

Amazon.com

"How about a bad title?" wonders Spencer Kayden's Little Sally in "Too Much Exposition." "That could kill a show pretty good." It's a tribute to the skill deployed by the Urinetown creative team (Mark Hollman, music and lyrics; Greg Kotis, book and lyrics) that its title doesn't kill the show. Set in a near-future in which water depletion has led to a ban on private toilets, this may be the only musical in history in which one of the leads makes a fortune on pee. But the show (which originated Off-Broadway before graduating to the big league) limits its subversive intent to subject matter and is refreshingly classic in approach and structure--think Weill-meets-Lewis Carroll. Backed by a small ensemble, the cast (with John Cullum in a turn nothing short of brilliant as the evil urinal magnate) has a field day with Kotis and Hollman's frequently hilarious score. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

not funny.......2007-07-25

I'd heard such rave reviews about this musical, but kept passing on chances to see it. I was turned off by the title -- and this is strange for me, a person not afraid of scatological humor. But maybe I knew something I could not say.

The funniest thing about the musical, I am now convinced, is the premise. Urinetown is a place where you have to pay to pee. A conglomerate has taken over all toilet facilities, and if you don't pay, you don't pee -- unless you go into the bushes, and risk getting arrested.

But it's just not funny. It's supposed to be a satire, but it just doesn't work. Why? I don't know. But I listened to many songs on the CD, and none of them had that true spark that makes you want to laugh. The opening number is "Too Much Exposition" making fun of musicals that open by explaining too much with words instead of action. And perhaps this song is in there to deflect criticism for the main reason this musical doesn't work -- it's too busy explaining, instead of getting on with the business of being funny.

My humor tastes: I watch the Daily Show, Colbert Report, South Park, Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook (so-so), Frasier reruns. Never watched Friends, or Everybody Loves Raymond, or Family Guy, but did watch Seinfeld (although it's not funny to me anymore). The two most recent things I saw that made me laugh out loud were 1) Larry Wilmore doing his n*gg*r skit on Daily Show and 2)an early Chappelle episode where Sesame Street characters talk about drug use

An Amazing Find.......2007-04-03

I just recently discovered this gem of a musical. It's a stand out show with a unique touch. If heard a few outside musicals (The Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch...) but this one stands out from them. The music is amazing, the lyrics are creative, and the humor is ripe.

With a chamber music-esque overture, the tone is set. 'Too Much Exposition' is a great introduction to Urinetown (the musical). Officer Lockstock addresses the audience about what they should expect from the show. Little Sally wants to let the audience in on the water shortage but Lockstock stops her. ("You're too young to understand it now, but nothing can kill a show like too much exposition." "How 'bout bad subject matter? Or a bad title, even? That could kill a show pretty good.")

I've read what others have written: you don't get the whole humor of the show unless you've seen it. I haven't seen it, but this recording is enough to get me see it. (That is, if a production nearby, even a high school production, is put on.)

The songs that I find myself listening to over and over are:

Too Much Exposition (not really a song, but still...)
Urinetown
It's A Privilage to Pee
Mr. Cladwell (a wonderfully sweet villain song)
Cop Song (a wonderfully fun villain song)
Follow Your Heart
Don't Be the Bunny
Act 1 Finale
What Is Urinetown?
Run, Freedome, Run!
Why Did I Listen to That Man?
We're Not Sorry (a great 20's sound, reminds me of 'Chicago')
I See A River (I really love this song... the feeling gotten across, before Lockstock comes out to comment, is 'Oh, everything is going to be okay', but Lockstock informs us that all is NOT well)

With a cry of "Hail Mathus!" the show ends. I just have to listen again, after making a trip to the bathroom.

Urinetown the Musical.......2007-03-10

This CD has all the songs from the show. The show is great and this rendition is about the best.

Not for Everyone.......2006-12-28

This musical is a great piece for the 21st century no doubt, that being said it takes some getting used to. The musical cannot be taken at face value, there are lots of things happening under the surface and it takes some bites at things musical theater doesn't usually take, like itself. On the surface it is strange, and not really something people would listen to over and over. However, once you figure it out, it's fun to listen to it again to find all the things that are really going on. It is very funny, and says some good things about the current state of the world. For musical theater fans this is questionable, if you just like the toe-tapping happy go lucky feel, this isn't it. But if you like the social commentary that goes along with that toe tapping, this is a must. NOT FOR FIRST TIME BROADWAY LISTNERS. Favorite Song: "Look at the Sky"

"DON'T BE THE BUNNY!".......2006-12-04

My son, a high school senior, told me his first show of this year's theatrical season was going to be "Urinetown". My response was something like ... No, really, what shows are you doing this year? Then he brought home a recording of it, and I was hooked right away by the lyrics. Over the years my son has been involved in many performances, but he and the rest of the cast had a real blast preparing for, and performing, this show! He wanted Lockstock, but was cast as Cladwell ... Owned it ... Loved it!
I am no Broadway expert by any stretch of the definition, but this show is wonderfully entertaining! You will see (and hear) snippets from other shows, you will pick up on some of even the more subtle stabs at musicals as a whole, you will groan, you will laugh and you will enjoy ... But only if you try not to take it too seriously.
Get past the title (in this case I certainly think it did not "...kill a show pretty good"), relax, and be entertained. And for goodness sake, if you have a chance to see it performed live, do so! A musical that pokes fun at itself? Yes, a refreshing departure from the norm, and worth the price of admission.

Ultimate Broadway II: The Very Best of Broadway Now

Average customer rating:

redux
Moderate Quality
POOR EXCUSE FOR SOME GOOD THEATER MUSIC

Ultimate Broadway II: The Very Best of Broadway Now
Various Artists
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ultimate Broadway
Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need
The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology)
Greatest Songs from the Musicals
Very Best Of Broadway Musicals

ASIN: B000092Q7E
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

Overture (from Gypsy) - London Cast Recording
Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote) - Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ernie Sabella
Run, Freedom, Run! - Hunter Foster
Your Daddy's Son - Ted Sperling, Ragtime Orchestra
Music Of The Night (From The Phantom Of The Opera) - Colm Wilkinson
All That Jazz (from "Chicago") - Bebe Neuwirth
Gimme Gimme - Michael Rafter
La boh; Act I; O soave fanciulla - Placido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes, Montserrat Caball
Next Best Thing To Love - Randy Graff
Cabaret - Natasha Richardson
Springtime For Hitler (From "The Producers") - John Morris, Mel Brooks
Losing My Mind - Barbara Cook
Time Warp - Raparza
Oklahoma!; Oklahoma - Finale: Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' (Reprise) - Musical Cast Recording
Breeze Off the River - Patrick Wilson
Big Spender - Jane Lanier, Valarie Pettiford, Shannon Lewis, Kim Greene, Kim Morgan, Dana Moore, Rachelle Rak, Elizbeth Parkinson, Dede LaBarre, Mary Ann Lamb, Mary McLeod
Gee Officer Krupke - Cast
Agony - Paul Gemignani
Bring Him Home (from Les Miserables) - Colm Wilkinson, Colm
Lullaby of Broadway (from "42nd Street") - John Lesko, Jerry Orbach

Customer Reviews:

redux.......2007-07-06

Four of the songs on this CD (Oklahoma, Music of the Night, Cabaret, and All That Jazz) were on the earlier Ultimate Broadway. Of all the shows that have been on Broadway over the past 70+ years, including the ones that are currently running, there is no excuse for repeats!

Moderate Quality.......2003-06-20

I believe that the show selection for this CD was excellent. However the song selection and song order were not. Why pick "Your Daddy's Son" from Ragtime when you can have the amazing and fantastic "Prologue" from the same show. Also I believe that a mistake was made by slecting "I Don Quixote" from Man of La Mancha instead of the much more listenable "Impossible Dream." Also the overture from Gypsy is not the proper song to start out a CD. Perhaps the "Overture" from The Phantom of the Opera.

This is however an excellent example of showtunes for inexperienced members of the theatrical world.

POOR EXCUSE FOR SOME GOOD THEATER MUSIC.......2003-05-20

The best of Broadway? Sure, if you consider the best of Broadway only those songs taken only from RCA Victor cast recordings. Expect the expected: Tracks from "Ragtime," "Chicago," "42nd Street" and "Man of La Mancha," sung by the likes of Audra
McDonald, Bebe Neuwirth, Jerry Orbach and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Including a live recording of Barbara Cook warbling "Losing My Mind" from her "Mostly Sondheim" CD isn't exactly kosher. But then again, neither is this gimmick-riddled release. Curtain up?
Half-way, maybe. Light the lights? Dim them, please.

Average customer rating:

not to great
Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$
You get what you pay for.
Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ...

100 Favorite Patriotic Songs

Manufacturer: Bci / Eclipse Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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American Pride: Sixteen Stirring Patriotic Themes
United We Stand: Songs for America
America's Favorite Patriotic Songs
America's Bugle Calls
Patriotic Country

ASIN: B0000A1HT8
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Tracks:

America the Beautiful
All Quiet on the Potomac Tonight
Ballad of the Green Berets
On Top of Old Smokey
Coyote Warrior
Semper Fidelis
Breeze from Alabama
Onward Christian Soldiers
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Patriot
Sweet Betsy from Pike
Marines' Hymn
America Is
When Johnny Comes Marchin' Home
Happy the Soldier
American Trilogy
Home Sweet Home
Washington Post March
Enraptured I Gaze
Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
Yellow Rose of Texas
Over There
Simple Gifts
Liberty Bell
Star Spangled Banner

Tracks:

God Bless the USA
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Katy Cruel
I Vow to Thee My Country
King Cotton
Beautiful Dreamer
America
American Patrol
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Beauty
Mohican Dream
Red, White and Blue
Some Folks
Liberty Song
Pomp and Circumstance
Hail to the Chief
Bennington Rifles
Peace on the Battlefield
I've Been Working on the Railroad
Under the Double Eagle
Red River Valley
My Country 'Tis of Thee
Camptown Races
Wild Blue Yonder
Hands Across the Sea
Fanfare for the Common Man

Tracks:

Stars and Stripes Forever
Living in America
Home on the Range
Old Colony Times
Clementine
Invincible Eagle
Ring Ring de Banjo
Yankee Doodle
Largo from "The New World"
To a Wild Rose
Hail Columbia
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Gettysburg
Carry Me Back to Old Virginny
Capitan
Prairie Daughter
Little Brown Jug
Marching Through Georgia
Entertainer
Steamboat Around the Bend
Revolutionary Tea
Cassions Keep Rollin' Along
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier
Amazing Grace
Grand Old Flag

Tracks:

God Bless America
National Emblem
Soldier, Soldier Won't You Marry Me
Anchors Away
Oh, Susannah
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp
Toast
Dixie
St. Louis Blues
Appalachian Spring
Bonnie Blue Flag
Old Hundreth
Swanee River
Battle Cry of Freedom
U. S Field Artillery
Sidewalks of New York
Chester
Auld Lang Syne
Kingdom Come
My Old Kentucky Home
Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Shenandoah
Abraham's Daughter
This Land Is Your Land

Customer Reviews:

not to great.......2007-04-04

We were disappointed with this CD, but for the price I guess we can't expect much. I didn't care for the new style presentation of the songs. I like a more traditional rendering.

Not so bad, 100 tunes for 4$.......2005-06-22

I red the comments of two other people who have bought this 4 CD BOX SET and it is not really so bad. I will even add that there are some excellent tunes. However, I must agree with the fact that few tunes seem to have been recorded 40 or 50 years ago, mainly when you hear the scratches of an old turntable but it is just 2 or 3 tunes. Furthermore, if you do not know American music, it is a good BOX SET to buy if you consider that you received 4 CD for 4$ including 100 tunes. On these 4 CD, I have heard some orchestration that I have never heard before and I consider that they are different but interesting. Any way, after hearing these 100 tunes, you will say to yourself that you like this tune, this other tune, this other tune and so on and you will be able to buy a more expensive CD with the tunes that you like. However, I have bought many CDs in the last few weeks and as you know, there are always some tunes that you like and some tunes that you do not like on every CD that you will buy. So, don't buy it at 25$ but at 4 or 5$ dollars, it is a very good choice for 100 tunes.

You get what you pay for........2004-07-04

You get what you pay for. The singers put their own spin on the singing of each song. If you didn't hear the words you would not recognize some of them. Even some of the music sounds like a bad recording of music played on a turntable. Definitely not worth the price.

Now I know why there were no song samples to listen to ..........2004-07-04

I wish this review had been here when I was thinking of purchasing it. I guess you get what you pay for. If you are thinking of buying this, you are better off recording your own CDs (or at least buying one that you can listen to a sampling of the songs). This album includes songs that were mere recordings of the songs playing on an old record player. It's almost so unbelievable that it is funny.

Average customer rating:

Good Previn Great Korngold
MAGIC FORMULA
Suffocated in marzipan?
Great Music, but a Mediocre Performance
Film Scores By Korngold

Korngold: The Sea Hawk
Erich Wolfgang Korngold , London Symphony Orchestra , and Andre Previn
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Erich Wolfgang Korngold's Music From The Adventures Of Robin Hood (1988 Re-recording of 1938 Score)
Captain Blood and Other Swashbucklers
Adventures Of Robin Hood
The Maltese Falcon and Other Film Scores
Korngold: Devotion

ASIN: B00005UW3Z
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

The Sea Hawk: Main Title
The Sea Hawk: Reunion
The Sea Hawk: The Albatross
The Sea Hawk: The Throne Room
The Sea Hawk: The Orchid
The Sea Hawk: Gold Caravan
The Sea Hawk: Duel Part I
The Sea Hawk: Duel Continued
The Sea Hawk: Freedom
The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex: Main Title
The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex: Essex' Victory March
The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex: The Chess Game
The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex: Lady Penelope
The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex: Elizabeth the Queen
The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex: Defeat In Ireland
The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex: Darling (Love Scene)
The Private Lives Of Elizabeth And Essex: Finale
Captain Blood: I. Main Title
Captain Blood: II. Sold Into Slavery
Captain Blood: III. Meeting On The Ocean
Captain Blood: V. Peter And Arabella
Captain Blood: VI. Finale
The Prince And The Pauper: I. Main Title
The Prince And The Pauper: II. Tom
The Prince And The Pauper: III. The Prince
The Prince And The Pauper: IV. The Boys Go To Play
The Prince And The Pauper: V. Riot
The Prince And The Pauper: VI. Flirtation Waltz
The Prince And The Pauper: VII. Duel
The Prince And The Pauper: VIII. The Seal
The Prince And The Pauper: IX. Epilogue And Finale

Customer Reviews:

Good Previn Great Korngold.......2006-12-23

I was never too enamored with Andre Previn as a film composer or a conductor. However, I found this recording to be rather exhilarating. Previn gives Charles Gerhardt a run for his money with the performances here of Korngold's music. If you have seen the films the recordings take on a new life. I recently viewed "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" and I enjoy those selections even more.

MAGIC FORMULA.......2005-12-17

This disc provides four sets of selections from Korngold's legendary film scores. That suits me for one better than the scores in their entirety, and I like the way the production has been done, with each set of extracts played without intermissions (although there are separate tracks for the individual episodes). Korngold's film music is all about effect so far as I'm concerned, and enough of a good thing is enough, especially when the transitions between the separate extracts are arranged as skilfully and smoothly as they are here. Korngold's style fitted the epics of the 30's and 40's to perfection - it was his natural style, he didn't adapt that as William Alwyn did, and he didn't follow models but was the model himself, starting with Captain Blood in 1935. It was as if someone had invented a glove because he liked the shape of it, and found out that it was perfectly suited to being worn on the hand.

The liner-notes that come with the disc are admirable. Previn contributes a short and lucid introduction giving us his general view of Korngold and of film music. The majority of the material is from the authoritative source of Brendan G. Carroll, providing a more detailed commentary on the four film scores separately. These are given in the chronological order of the films, whereas the scores are not, in case anyone needs to know that. Previn suits me down to the ground as an interpreter of music like this. He had an exceptionally adept touch with scores that are thick-textured and lyrical, something I found many years ago in his Brahms readings, and which you will find in his recording of the German Requiem from 2000, one year prior to the present disc. The way he does it is just right for me, with plenty of body and fullness to it, but showing real mastery in keeping the texture clear at the same time. He and the LSO are long acquainted of course. Their relationship had its stormy episodes, but in my own opinion it was one of the most successful such partnerships in the entire 20th century. There is a sense of consistency here, which might seem unsurprising given that this is Korngold whose idiom is not exactly varied, but it does great credit to the various orchestrators, of whom I count five. Korngold simply was not given time to go through the hard slog of writing out his scores in full, but he knew the kind of sound he wanted and I would guess he supervised his assistants pretty closely.

The recording seems exemplary to me as well. It suits Korngold, it suits the LSO, it suits Previn's special approach. The packaging is a new kind that I was also given by DG for a set of Lutoslawski concertos. It is in soft board, with a fold-over cover forming an envelope containing the liner. Extracting the latter can be like coaxing an unwilling dog out of its kennel sometimes, but I have no objection to this new format. In my filing system this disc will be separated by only one other from my disc of Ketelbey, another composer for the masses during the same era. The two make an interesting contrast. Ketelbey wrote for the radio, specifically for the BBC Light Programme and was listened to by an audience of impoverished British housewives in pinnies as in the film Vera Drake, and by the husbands and sons of these in flat caps. Korngold sang of romantic adventure and - more to the point - of romantic opulence. Where I come from, and for my age-bracket, this is the music of escapism, and it is a pleasure to escape down memory lane again.

Suffocated in marzipan?.......2005-11-05

For anyone too young to remember, Charles Gerhardt single-handedly revived the movie scores of Korngold in the late Sixties with swashbuckling performances on RCA. Korngold wasn't just forgotten--he had been crushed by a famous review that said his serious music needed "less corn and more gold." Gerhardt worked dilligently to bring both serious and popcorn scores back into circulation.

This 2001 CD from Previn and the LSO is about ten shades less luxurious and shmaltzy than those earlier sets. Here Previn aims to keep the sweetness below the saccharine level. Is that even possible? I think he succeeds a lot of hte time, despite the loss of visceral excitement that goes along with it. One big dose of Korngold per lifetime is a great thrill; too much leads to insulin shock.

So, at this stage of life I welcome these less excitable readings (in gorgeous sound) and can enjoy them without feeling that someone is suffocating me in marzipan.

Great Music, but a Mediocre Performance.......2005-11-05

Korngold was indubitably one of the greatest film-score composers in the history of cinema if not the singularly greatest one. Both his innovations in the syntactical procedures involved in the production of film music and his highly individual expressiveness have seeped into the work of nearly all the composers in the genre in the generations since. What Korngold did for the art for which he is best remembered may be likened to what Monteverdi did for the opera or what Haydn did for the symphony. It was thus with great enthusiasm that I greeted the release of this album from the preeminent Andre Previn and the equally illustrious LSO.

While it is already granted that what is being played is both brilliantly constructed and enjoyable to listen to, I was disappointed in the playing itself, especially given the reputations of the players. In this recording, the LSO is uncharacteristically lethargic, and their sound is a bit on the bellowing, turgid side, lacking in an articulation adequate enough to highlight the many breathtaking orchestral details which are typical of Korngold's intricate style. I also find it disconcerting that this recording continues the trend of committing to disc only truncated suites of the scores. If we are ever to appreciate these great pieces of music, one must first play them in their entirety. Two-hour tone poems operatic in their scope cannot be done justice when they are turned into fleeting musical interludes.

Film Scores By Korngold.......2003-05-03

I have been collecting film scores for over fifty years. One
of Erich Wolfgang Korngold's great film scores is for the film
that made President Ronald Regan a major film star "King's Row"
with Claude Rains, Robert Cummings, Ann Sheridan, Charles Coburn
and a host of very fine film actors of the period - 1942. I have
often though that the film could be remade for a new, younger
audience, but no one could duplicate the outstanding film music
composed by Korngold, along with Max Steiner,and Sir Malcom
Arnold, a favourite of mine.

Average customer rating:

Awesom
One song worth it all
from Solo Piano Publications
Impressive Collection of New Compositions

Freedom to Love
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Real Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pure Joy
Opal Fire
Touching Beauty
Free as a Bird
Tranquility

ASIN: B00006311W
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

One - Russell Walder
Fields Of Hope - Element
Out Of The Darkness Into The Light - Kevin Kern
The Peace Within - Karunesh
Last Dance - Omar
A Hundred Thousand Angels - Bliss
Heaven's Love - Danny Wright
City Of Love - 2002
The Truth Of Being - Dan Spoilen
In The Arms Of Angels - David London
Beyond This Moment - Patrick O'Hearn
We Are One - Hiko
Lullaby - Jim Chappell

Album Description

Love is the very source of our being and thus it is our human right to love. As the world fluctuates in trying to balance its powers, the realization that we are free to love is our most powerful ally. When there are terrifying events, musicians respond as musicians do - they write music. Sweet, loving, healing, hope-filled music to help us remember that we always have the freedom to love.

Customer Reviews:

Awesom.......2006-02-21

This CD is great. I am a LMT, and purchased this CD to use at work. Although I do not use it at work (personal reasons) the song "a hundred thousand angels" is worth the cost of the cd. Excellent.

One song worth it all.......2005-09-28

This song alone is worth the price of the CD: A Hundred Thousand Angels - Bliss

from Solo Piano Publications.......2002-06-20

"Freedom to Love" is a compilation CD assembled to honor those lost in the attack of 9/11/01 as well as to soothe, uplift, and comfort the rest of us who were so profoundly affected by those events. Real Music always does an outstanding job with their compilations, and this one is especially good. Several of the tracks were composed specifically for this album, a few are from CDs to be released this year, and Jim Chappell's "Lullaby" comes from one of his albums from the early `90's. The styles are diverse, but the album holds together as a warm, cohesive whole. Most of the tracks are predominantly piano or guitar with other instruments or synth fills. Kevin Kern's "Out of the Darkness Into the Light" is a gentle, wistful piano solo full of hope. I'd love to hear more of his work recorded without accompaniment. Karunesh's piece, "The Peace Within" is more ambient but carries a simple, lovely melody. Omar's "Last Dance" reminds me a bit of early Yanni with piano carrying the melody, and other instruments (mostly synth) fleshing out the harmonies and rhythms. This is my favorite track. It is almost buoyant - more uplifting than soothing, and a joy to hear over and over. "City of Peace" by 2002 does what 2002 does best - music so smooth and soothing that it almost slides out of the CD player. Another highlight is Patrick O'Hearn's "Beyond This Moment", a piece stunning in its simplicity. Other artists included in this collection are Russel Walder, Element, Bliss, Danny Wright, Dan Spollen, David London, and Hiko. Overall, the mood of this album is light and gentle, intending to bring solace rather brooding over what has happened. The liner notes emphasize that one of the most important human rights is the freedom to love, so this collection celebrates that freedom as well as offering comfort. Very highly recommended!

Impressive Collection of New Compositions.......2002-03-27

"Freedom to Love" represents Real Music's tribute to the victims of September 11th. It is a moving, soothing and quite beautiful CD with ten original compositions from such musicians as 2002, Kevin Kern, Danny Wright and newcomer David London. In addition, there are three specially selected pieces from the likes of Patrick O'Hearn and Jim Chappell.

As with all Real Music collections, this one transports the listener into another world. Personal favourites are tracks 1 ("One" by Russel Walder, from an upcoming release on the Real Music label), 2 ("Fields of Hope" by Element") and 12 ("We are One" by Hiko).

The packaging is attractive and, at just over 61 minutes in length, represents good value for money.

Tracks:

Emotions - Peter Principle
Wilow Willow - Eggs
Robert Montgomery - Urge Overkill
Message To Pretty - David Kilgour/Martin Phillipps
Dream - Johnson
Alone Again Or - Gobblehoof
Which Witch Is Witch - Hypnolovewheel
Que Vida! - Uncle Wiggly
Keep On Shine In - Diesel Meat
Softly To Me - The Gamma Rays
She Comes In Colors - The Mad Scene
No Matter What You Do - Love Battery
(Don't Turn Your) Car Lights On In The Daytime Blues - The Jetty
My Flash On You - Fly Ashtray
Signed D.C. - The Deer Team
Bummer In The Summer - Smack Dab
I'm Down - HP Zinker
Stand Out - Das Damen
Between Clark & Hilldale - Teenage Fanclub
Can't Explain - Trycycle
You Are Something - Television Personalities

Customer Reviews:

Good companion piece........2002-10-14

I am a huge fan of Love originals, and I think you should buy _both_ this tribute album and the originals. They stand separately. Fans of the many popular artists on this tribute will enjoy the compilation, and Love fans can enjoy this as well. Remember that Love is also known for their cover of Burt Bacharach's "My Little Red Book" which caused quite a stir when it drastically changed the original.

In this compilation I love the Teenage Fanclub version of "Between Clark and Hilldale" (sp?), The Gamma Rays' "Softly to Me" is amazing, and I also enjoy Smack Dab's version of "Bummer in the Summer". Only missing is The Damned's version of "Alone Again Or".

It is not a replacement for the originals, but you can enjoy both separately or together. I do.

One of the first tribute albums..........2002-03-31

This tribute translates psychedelia to grunge. I LOVE this tribute. First of all it was one of the first of the glut of tributes. It seems that the bands all really were influenced by the band LOVE. Arthur Lee himself is really into this tribute and it's obvious that it wasn't done to take advantage of Lee's popularity. There's a refreshing niavity to it, I'm not sure they knew what they were doing or how impactful the medium of 'tribute album' could be. I love Love and while the originals are great, there's something to a group of inexperienced but passionate musicians forging ahead by paying homage to their roots. Enjoy...

One of the first tribute albums..........2002-03-31

A good tribute but...........2000-01-09

If you have not heard the originals, then buy them first. If you want to explore then try the album "Comes in Colors"ÿ

Buy the originals.......1999-04-15

I'm sure that the bands on this album all performed these songs out of respect for the great band Love. But as seems to happen often, this sort of "tribute" ends up being a slaughtering of the original music. These bands have not improved upon Love's originals by any stretch of the imagination. If you have not yet discovered Love, please go buy Forever Changes, or better yet, get Rhino's box set which includes Forever Changes plus all of the essential stuff from their other albums.

Average customer rating:

Melodies We Love: The Forties
First rate musicianship
Goes great with coffee

Melodies We Love: The Forties
Jim Gibson
Manufacturer: Hickory Cove Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Songs of the South
The Art of Tea
Carols for Christmas
Songs of the Civil War
Songs of the South II

ASIN: B00005B08K
Release Date: 1999-07-01

Tracks:

Anniversary Song
How Hight the Moon
My Meloncholy Baby
Dream
It Had to Be You
You Made Me Love You
Peg O' My Heart
For Me and My Gal
As Time Goes By
Seems Like Old Times
There's A Small Hotel
Laura
(Kiss Me Once . . . )It's Been a Long, Long, Time
(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover
I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
Look for the Silver Lining

Album Description

This is music from "The Greatest Generation." Beautiful and haunting melodies from World War II expressed hopes and dreams, and created songs that have become classics.

This recording continues Jim Gibson's popular solo piano tradition--combining the timeless appeal of classical music, the free, improvisational spirit of jazz, and the melodic focus of new-age pianists. It's a blend that creates a relaxing, wonderful new appreciation of these classic popular songs.

The forties are gone . . . but these melodies live on.

Customer Reviews:

Melodies We Love: The Forties.......2004-06-19

This CD has a VERY romantic sound-definitely great mood setting music for a laid back dinner for two. It also has great public appeal. My husband plays it in his art gallery and people hum or sing along with the music commenting that they haven't heard good songs like Gibson's in a long time. Certainly not a sound available on any radio stations today.

First rate musicianship.......2001-09-21

Jim Gibson is an exceptional talent. His approach to Popular Solo Piano is unique... REAL MUSIC, not renditions that are "elevator" or "vanilla" or "trite". Rich harmonies, voicings and counterpoint, along with thoughtful Rubato sections and mood/tempo changes hold your attention without being overpowering. BUT... if you "listen seriously" to his inventiveness and musicality, your interest will be piqued by the clever use of hints of the classics, modern harmonic substitutions and melodic sequences. The most mundane of melodies takes on a new life not before imagined!
One album WILL lead you to another - your problem will be
WHICH ONE NEXT?

Goes great with coffee.......2001-06-15

I own a coffee and tea shop and I frequently play this CD in the shop. I don't remember where I got it, but I am amazed at the number of customers who come up to me to find out "what that wonderful music is." It's quiet, but not boring, and the songs are great. My customers love it, and so do I. I'm glad to find it on Amazon.com, so I can send people here to buy it!

Average customer rating:

Paul Robeson, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Pearl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Paul Robeson, Vol. 1
Ballad for Americans
Paul Robeson Sings "Ol' Man River" & Other Favorites
Green Pastures
Ol' Man River: His 25 Greatest

ASIN: B000000WUH
Release Date: 1993-01-04

Tracks:

Down In Lovers Lane
Swing Along
Bear De Burden - All God's Chillun Got Wings
Witness
Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho
De Ole Ark's A-Movering
Ezekiel Saw De Wheel
Scandalise My Name
Sinner Please Doan' Let This Harves' Pass
Work All De Summer
Didn't My Loard Deliver Daniel?
Dere's A Man Goin' Roun' Takin' Names
Shenandoah
Say It With Song: Little Pal
The Show Boat: Lonesome Road
Virginia: Roll Away, Clouds
King Solomon's Mines: Ho! Ho!
King Solomon's Mines: Climbing Up
Song Of Freedom
Song Of Freedom: Sleepy River
Trees
No! John No!
Song Of The Volga Boatmen
There Is A Green Hill
Nearer, My God, To Thee
Fat Little Fellow - Mama's Little Baby-Love

Average customer rating:

Historical Time Capsule

The Civil War
Douglas Jimerson
Manufacturer: Amerimusic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004SU99
Release Date: 2000-04-18

Tracks:

Tenting on the Old Camp Ground
Wait for the Wagon
Clari: Home, Sweet Home
Oh! Susanna
The Bonnie Blue Flag
Do They Miss Me at Home?
Yellow Rose of Texas
Goober Peas
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Aura Lee
Marching Through Georgia
Just Before the Battle, Mother
That's What's the Matter
We are Coming Father Abraham
Gentle Annie
I'll be a Sergeant
Dixie
Tramp, Tramp, Tramp "The boys are coming"
For the Dear Old Flag I Die
Battle Hymn of the Republic
The Battle Cry of Freedom
America
The Bonnie Blue Flag
My Maryland
Yellow Rose of Texas
Woodman, Spare that Tree
Juanita
Green Grow the Lilacs
Lorena
Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming
Rock'd in the Cradle of the Deep
How Firm a Foundation
Blue Bell of Scotland
Storming of Monterey
Joys that We've Tasted
Polly Hopkins and Tommy Tompkins
Drummer Boy of Shiloh
Roll, Alabama, Roll
Weeping, Sad and Lonely
Vaccant Chair
Goober Peas
All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight
Dixie
Oh! Susanna
Massa's in de Cold, Cold Ground
Old Folks at Home
Camptown Races
Beautiful Dreamer
Nelly Bly
Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair
Gentle Annie
Hard Times Come Again No More
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Deep River
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
If You've Only Got a Moustache
Old Dog Tray
The Glendy Burk
My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night
Some Folks
When This Dreadful War Is Ended
Was My Brother In The Battle?
Nothing, But a Plain Old Soldier
Battle Hymn of the Republic
America
Barbara Allen
Skip to my Lou
Kathleen Mavoureen
Adam and Eve's Wedding Song
Old Sister Phoebe
Oh! Susanna
Twenty Years Ago
The Ship on Fire
Silver Bell Waltz
Your Mission
Dixie
Go Down Moses
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen
Free at Last
Martha: Ach, so fromm
Die Zauberflote, K 620: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schon
Faust: Salut! demeure chaste et pure
Faust: Gloire immortelle [Soldiers' Chorus]
Hail, Columbia
We are Coming Father Abraham
Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean
Taps

Customer Reviews:

Historical Time Capsule.......2000-08-12

This is the most comprehensive recording I've found of songs popular during the Civil War period. The performances are a time capsule of Civil War music.

Average customer rating:

A Creative Programming Idea Gone Awry

Warren M. Swenson: Battle Pieces

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000C7PTD
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Customer Reviews:

A Creative Programming Idea Gone Awry.......2003-10-01

The notion behind the program on this CD was a wonderful one. As a pendant to a new song cycle by Warren M. Swenson set to Civil War poems by Walt Whitmen, George Shirley, tenor, and William Bolcom, pianist, record eleven popular songs from the period surrounding the Civil War including familiar favorites as 'Oh, Dem Golden Slippers,' 'My Old Kentucky Home,' and some rare songs like the Creole folk song 'Michieu Banjo' and Henry Russell's 'The Maniac.' But there are two things wrong with the final product. First, the song cycle of twelve songs, although set to stirring, evocative poetry, is pedestrian and in a pale faux-Ives style. Second, and sad to hear, is the deterioration of the nearly 70-year-old Shirley's once glorious voice. He was, in his day, an intelligent singer with a beautiful voice that he could use to do just about anything he wished. I remember a riveting 'Salome' Herod only ten years or so ago. He still sings with immaculate musicianship and intelligence and his accompanist, the redoubtable composer/pianist William Bolcom gives him formidable support, but the voice splays and wobbles under pressure and it becomes painful to listen to it.

The booklet notes and recorded sound are exemplary.

But my advice is to avoid this issue unless you really want to hear Swenson's songs; this is likely to be their only recording.

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