Essentials

Track Listings

1. Aria

2. Psyche

3. Margarita

4. Marionette

5. Mediterraneo

6. New West

7. Embrace

8. Alegria

9. Elektra

10. Always

11. Quiver

12. Desires of the Heart

13. Slow Dance

14. Bombay

Essentials,Chris Spheeris,Essence Records,Adult Alternative,Ambient,Ethnic Fusion,Folk-Pop,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Progressive Electronic

Essentials

Tracks:

Taxi
Sunday Morning Sunshine
W.O.L.D.
Cat's In The Cradle
I Wanna Learn A Love Song
Better Place To Be
Dreams Go By
Sniper
30,000 Pounds Of Bananas (Live)
Dance Band Of The Titanic
Sequel
Remember When The Music - Reprise

Album Description

Includes #1's 'Cat's In The Cradle', 'Taxi', I Wanna Learn A Love Song', 'Sequel' and 7 more musical vignettes of life and love, despair and hope in modern America. Digitally remastered. Elektra. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Not quite pleased.......2007-03-18

I thought the cd was going to be studio versions of the songs. Instead it is live versions that do not sound well. You can barely hear Chapin sing. Not quite pleased with this purchase.

A Storyteller's Dozen.......2007-02-07

The late Harry Chapin had few peers in the seventies. Like Jim Croce and Harry Nilsson, Chapin was a troubadour in the storyteller's tradition. At his best, he spun tales of folksy everymen gone down on their luck ("Taxi" and "WOLD"). He could also go all out cinematic, like the 10-plus minutes of "Sniper," which could be one of the weirdest songs ever recorded by a so-called folk artist. (And one of the most disturbing I-hate-my-parents howls this side of The Door's "The End.")

But he also had a sanctimonious streak that could turn downright corny (his biggest hit, "Cat's In The Cradle") or treacley at its worst - the pointless "Sequel." But Chapin was - like many storytellers - best experienced live. I got to see him play one of his many benefit shows, at Susquehanna University in 1980. The crowd heartily joined in for "30,000 Pounds Of Bananas," which is presented here live, as it should be.

Chapin's baritone voice barrels out atop the songs, richly expressive for every song here. Like Jim Croce, Chapin's voice was instantly recognizable and his writing style very much of his own personality. He drew from both folk and tin-pan-alley, with songs like "Remember When The Music" and sentimental fare like "Dreams Go By" being the stuff of stage musicals.

I am not the huge fan here that some claim to be, so I think this is all the Harry Chapin I - a casual listener - would need. The only song I really see as missing is "Circles," but for the budget price, I can live with that omission. Worth it for the 72 minutes of music; for a change, one of the "Essentials" discs in the Rhino series that lives up to its name.

In the High School English Book!.......2007-01-13

I teach and the kids read the poetry book and NEVER heard of Harry.
iPODS surrounded me.............

It's What's Missing.......2006-10-03

Minus two stars for not including Harry's two best storytelling gems: 30,000 Pounds of Bananas & Six String Orchestra. Some gold is on the surface. Some gold is buried, and sadly overlooked.

Top Notch.......2006-09-23

Brings back so many memories from the 70's. My friend had tickets for the concert the night he died, and still has them.

Average customer rating:

Boring, painfully vapid
Best song writer around
Lots of music
Shows the imagination and skill of a masterful singer/songwriter
Essentially Ellis

Essentials
Ellis Paul
Manufacturer: Philo / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
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American Jukebox Fables
Over the Hills
Writing in the Margins
These Four Walls
A Carnival of Voices

ASIN: B000ICLSTM
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Take Me Down
Eighteen
Paris In A Day
Home
If She's The One
Take All The Sky You Need
Maria's Beautiful Mess
The Only Way
Conversation With A Ghost
The World Ain't Slowin' Down
Angel In Manhattan
If You Break Down
Words
Snow In Austin Intro
Snow In Austin
Did Galileo Pray?
Jukebox On My Grave

Tracks:

Sweet Mistakes
3,000 Miles
Blacktop Train
Seventeen Septembers
Autobiography Of A Pistol
The Martyr's Lounge
Midnight Strikes Too Soon
Alice's Champagne Palace
Roll Away Bed
All Things Being The Same
Deliver Me
Welcome Home To Maine
She Loves A Girl
She Was
The Speed Of Trees
God's Promise Intro
God's Promise

Customer Reviews:

Boring, painfully vapid.......2007-06-17

Ok, I'm not a fan. I bought this CD because I like folk music, and the song "The World Ain't Slowin Down". The music on this album is fine, but the lyrics are so consistently vapid that I was disgusted that he dares mention Woodie Guthrie as his inspiration. Woodie sung about things going on, events of the past and hopes for the future. Woodie sang with social conscience and relevance. This guy sings like if he's scrawling on a bathroom wall--and has NOTHING to say. Granted 90+% of singers/songs do the same, and nobody seems to notice any lack, so my complaint is from the minority, but there you have it. (As a final insult, the last track moans and whines and destroys a song written by Woodie)

I listened to every song. I hated this CD, I'm selling it immediately, and I demand my two hours back!

Best song writer around.......2007-03-14

Ellis Paul is far and away the best modern song writer. Just close your eyes and see the stories unfold; from climbing the water tower to floating down fifth avenue in a taxi with an angel at your side. And that voice! There aren't many like him anymore. He is truly a classic. Not like that commercial garbage all over the radio nowadays. If you like Ellis give Martin Sexton a listen. Marty also is tops when it comes to song writing. Another Boston folk singer. Good stuff.

Lots of music.......2007-01-09

Paul uses a unique style to give a wide variety of music. Very enjoyable. A good change of pace from the copy-cat tmes we're in right now.

Shows the imagination and skill of a masterful singer/songwriter.......2006-12-22

Playing Time - 1:16:46 (CD#1), 1:07:30 (CD#2)-- Wow, what a body of material to get an historical overview of Ellis Paul' songwriting for the past twenty years. He has many many kinds of songs over the years - folk, love, pop, story, rock, and even novelty songs. This 2-CD set with nearly two and one-half hours of music deserves close listening and analysis of melodies, lyrics, messages, and arrangements. He's worked with seven producers over the years and many more musicians.

Paul attributes "Conversation With A Ghost" (released in 1992) as the first song that brought people out to the clubs of Boston to hear him play. Folksinger Bill Morrissey was producing his music back then. Most recently in 2006, his "American Jukebox Fables" album was produced by Flynn, and there are several cuts from that project on this compilation. There is some previously unreleased material on "Essentials" too, including some live material from some 2006 shows in Mass. and Maine. Reviewing this project a week before Christmas, I especially enjoyed "Snow in Austin," a Texas Christmas song. Another unreleased song was an attention-grabber entitled "Welcome Home To Maine," a writing assignment about his birthplace and its features for the Maine Governor. John Jennings produced some of the newest material for "Essentials" with The Best of Band that included Paul and Jennings, along with J. T. Brown, Dave Mattacks, Don Conoscenti, and Rachel Davis contributing background vocals on one cut.

From the stock of Maine potato farmers, Ellis Paul moved to Boston, studied music, connected with the roots of the folk genre, then proceeded to develop a signature singer/songwriter sound that now incorporates pop, rock and contemporary sensibilities. Ellis Paul's wise perceptiveness and charisma have built him a strong fan base. He's also a hardworking, resilient touring artist who has garnered numerous awards for ten album releases and music, some of which has been featured in soundtracks for the films, Shallow Hal and Me, Myself, & Irene.

Ellis' voice has much character, and his songs understand the bond between land, life, heart and soul. Most are slower to moderate tempo'ed, and Ellis does particular well creating an intimate and familiar feeling with some songs. Keyboards and percussion provide the primary instrumental excitement that serve to increase the emotional impact of his later material. I would've enjoyed more vocal harmony in his arrangements.

Ellis possesses all the fundamental elements for success as a singer/songwriter. His messages are profound, and they make us think. For example, "Home" (from the American Jukebox Fables album) is a lover's tribute with the "house being just an address, you're my home." "Jukebox on my Grave" leaves us with his simple wish to mark the music man's ultimate resting place. His influences are many -- Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Rolling Stones, Hank Williams, Buddy Holly, Patty Griffin and others. Interesting that "Essentials" tips his hat to Woody Guthrie tribute artists and even Woody himself "in a sense." Ellis Paul's imagination and skill are both polished and fanciful all in one. He a masterful singer/songwriter. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)

Essentially Ellis.......2006-11-21

Ellis Paul is the best singer songwriter to come along in years & he just keeps getting better.
His Essentials cd is the perfect way for a new fan to get aquainted & a long standing fan to get lost in Ellis memories as well as connecting to a few new songs.
The songs were chosen with care & love I am sure & made me go back into my Ellis collection & pull out some of my less played Ellis cd's to rediscover their magic as well.
This two cd set is a wonderful look at Ellis' career. I especially like the second cd with a beautiful live performance of She Was, a haunting Ellis song. As well as God's Promise, the Woody Guthrie piece that Ellis supplied the music for. And a new favorite Welcome Home To Maine.
If you only buy one cd this holiday season, this should be it.

Average customer rating:

"turn up the heat for lowdown blues & ballads ~ Gene Harris"

Ballad Essentials
Gene Harris
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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The Best of the Concord Years
Black and Blue
Soular Energy
Listen Here!
Down Home Blues

ASIN: B000088NTO
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Tracks:

Sweet And Lovely
Nobody Knows You When You're Dwon And Out
Until The Real Thing Comes Along
This Masquerade
At Last
Everything Happens To Me
Black And Blue
When You Wish Upon A Star
You Don't Know What Love Is
That's All
Angel Eyes

Customer Reviews:

"turn up the heat for lowdown blues & ballads ~ Gene Harris".......2003-06-06

What is there that makes us like Gene Harris so much? Could it be his artistry on the ivories ~ his personality ~ or the fact that he enjoys what he does and we enjoy listening to the final result. And that result is "God-given-talent" that he was born with and has fine tuned to perfection. Gene Harris has been my favorite Jazz Pianist from day one ~ the first time I heard him my senses became aware of his natural ability to convey Blues, Jazz, R&B, Pop, Easy Listening and hard pounding Funk all on one track if need be. When you hear Harris play you immediately know who it is and are drawn into his realm of enchantment through that unmistakable style of his.

Concord Jazz has put together eleven selections from various albums that prove beyond a doubt, Gene was one of the top five "Jazz Pianist" in the entertainment field. So just sit back and give a listen to "NOBODY KNOWS YOU WHEN YOU'RE DOWN AND OUT", the great Jimmy Cox tune that Gene takes us on a funky blues ride that we're sure to enjoy ~ "AT LAST", take your favorite partner on the dance floor and hold them close, as Scott Hamilton joins Gene on this beautiful ballad ~ "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS", two great keyboard artists Jack McDuff (Hammond B-3 organ) and Gene Harris (piano) take this tune to another level of quality ~ "THAT'S ALL", always a favorite instrumentally, but what Gene does with this is truly amazing ~ "ANGEL EYES", probably one of my all time favorite saloon songs by Ella, Frank, Sarah and now Gene, not bad company to be in.

If you haven't discovered Gene Harris by now, this would be a starting place. If you enjoyed this album ~ would suggest "The Best of the Concord Years" (2-CD-Set) (CCD2-4930-2) featuring none other than Mr. Gene Harris, it will simply knock your sox off ~ gotta love it!

Tracks:

High Enough
Coming Of Age
Where You Goin' Now
Don't Tread On Me
Come Again
Fifteen Minutes Of Fame
Mister Please
Bad Reputation
Piledriver
Damn Yankees
Runaway
Silence Is Broken

Album Description

Guitar great Ted Nugent, Styx alumnus Tommy Shaw, and Night Ranger's Jack Blades joined with drummer Michael Cartellone to from this early 90's super-group. Their slick harmonies and guitar power shone through on hits like 'Coming Of Age' and the power balled 'High Enough'. Digitally remastered.

Customer Reviews:

Get the two CDs they put out instead.......2005-12-23

Damn Yankees did two great CDs in 1990 and '92. It seems to have done something for Tommy Shaw's songwriting...unlike one other reviewer seems to think, Styx has grown into an honest to God ROCK AND ROLL band ande Dennis DeYoung is touring with a full-blown symphony orchestra (not to take anything away from his considerable talent, they just didn't want to be playing "Babe" the rest of their careers, and Lawrence Gowan seems to have injected some adrenaline there...and they all get along, more than you could say seven years ago). This is a good starter kit...but you're best off just getting the two CDs and finding the soundtracks to Nothing But Trouble and Encino Man for the songs "Bonestripper" and "You're Invited But Your Friend Can't Come" (essentially Vince Neil singing with Damn Yankees backing him). That's everything that's been released aside from a live video "Uprising"...go looking and enjoy!

PS: They saved the best track for last..."Silence is Broken" is a very powerful song that will bring chills to anyone that's ever been in any kind of abusive relationship, and needs the courage to stand up and say "enough"...one of Tommy Shaw's finest pieces of work, intense and emotional and has plenty to say. That alone is worth the price of admission!

Seriously just buy the other two disks.......2005-11-03

Great stuff, but come on they only had two disks. Just get them both for Pete's sake. To act like this is all you need as some reviewers state makes me wonder how you'll love all of these songs and still wake up feeling good in the morning knowing that you are missing awesome rockers like Uprising, Rock City USA, and Livin This Side of Hell.

If You Own...........2004-08-06

If you already own "Damn Yankees", and "Don't Tread" CD's, there is no need to buy this "Best Of" release. If you don't own either of the CD's, this has all the songs you will need. It would have been nice, (in this compilation), if there was something new that didn't make it to either original CD's. That is why I'm only giving this CD, 3 stars. To bad Ted, Tommy, Jack & Michael didn't give us another release. If or when they ever do, crank up this or either of the only 2 original CD's, and enjoy true American musicians, doing what they do best...playing good solid kick ass rock & roll!

Better than I thought.......2004-01-25

I would consider myself a "radio" Damn Yankees fan, having only heard their radio hits like, "Don't Tread on Me," and, "High Enough." After hearing this Essentials CD though, I see that there's more than meet's the ear. The only song on here that I can't seem to get into is, "Come Again," but all the others are real rockers for me. From the milder, "Silent is Broken," to the fast and heavy, "Piledriver," this CD never stops! The guitars, vocals, bass, and drums, all rock. I tend to give conservative ratings, so that's why I gave this a 4 out of 5 stars, but otherwise, I would highly recommend it for any other "radio" fans like myself.

Save yourself some money and buy this CD!!!.......2003-05-27

I must say...instead of buying both Damn Yankees CDs...save yourself some $$$$ and buy this compilation instead....all of their best are here..High Enough, Come Again, Where you goin now, Runaway, etc. I definitely recommend this for any "Yankees" fan!!!

Average customer rating:

Some of the Best of Chris Spheeris

Essentials
Chris Spheeris
Manufacturer: Essence Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
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The Best of Chris Spheeris: 1990-2000
Brio
Culture
Mystic Traveller
Eros

ASIN: B000AN12HM
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Aria
Psyche
Margarita
Marionette
Mediterraneo
New West
Embrace
Alegria
Elektra
Always
Quiver
Desires of the Heart
Slow Dance
Bombay

Product Description

Newest CD by Chris Spheeris

Customer Reviews:

Some of the Best of Chris Spheeris.......2007-07-13

Chris has a number of excellent albums available, but this is one of the better collections, particularly if you are starting to collect his music. Chris has a Greek heritage, and the music wonderfully reflects this, but it is more eclectic, more varied, quite modern yet, evocative of older, ethnic and vibrant near East dance and festival music. He also has a fine talent for slower, more haunting pieces, and again, this album seems to reflect a perfect balance of themes, tempos and styles to really get one hooked on his albums. This is excellent background music, sophisticated music for a social gathering or conversation pit, BBQ or soiree with hors'douvres, souvlaki, retsina and a friend named Zafaria!

Don't just listen to Chris Spheeris, get off that couch, you old potato and let your feet discover their long lost ancient dances...you want to get lost in the Ageian, vine twist in Santorini and Crete, you know you do! Oppa!

Average customer rating:

Great C.D.
Matchless inventiveness; a near-perfect blending of sound
Essential? Yes! Comprehensive? No!
Why not include the full

The Essentials
Tommy James & the Shondells
Manufacturer: Rhino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Bubblegum | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Pop | Imports | Stores | Music
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The Essentials
The Grass Roots - All Time Greatest Hits
Happy Together: The Very Best of The Turtles
The Very Best of the Rascals
Hollies - Hollies Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000630Z9
Release Date: 2006-04-10

Tracks:

Hanky Panky
Say I Am (What I Am)
I Think We're Alone Now
Mirage
Gettin' Together
Mony Mony
Crimson and Clover
Sweet Cherry Wine
Crystal Blue Persuasion
Ball of Fire
She
Draggin' The Line

Album Description

2002 compilation featuring 12 remastered tracks, 'Hanky Panky', 'Say I Am (What I Am)', 'I Think We're Alone Now', 'Mirage', 'Gettin' Together', 'Mony Mony', 'Crimson & Clover', 'Sweet Cherry Wine', 'Crystal Blue Persuasion', 'Ball of Fire', 'She' & 'Draggin' the Line'.

Customer Reviews:

Great C.D........2004-02-22

Exellent sound quality. Buy ths C.d. It's the only new Rhino C.D. and the C.D.s on the other labels either are missing a version and or are different versions.

Matchless inventiveness; a near-perfect blending of sound.......2003-09-26

This is one amazing band as far as their ability to reinvent themselves on every release of a single - kind of the way the Doors did on every song of their 'Strange Days' album, though of course in a very different way.

They started out with the lanky, strongly original proto-garage tune "Hanky Panky" - at about the same time the Young Rascals launched their smoky, similarly styled "I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore". [Gritty, intensely moving and sonically astounding as it was, the (Young) Rascals' song crashed and burned on the charts, though not in the minds of forward-looking listeners. But they tamed their sound a bit on "Good Lovin'", went straight to the top, and stayed there for several years.]

The Shondells' (as they were announced by DJs at the beginning of their equally long run) had a second hit with "Say I Am" - which didn't grab me during its short tenure on the charts (I later realized my mistake). This one is amazingly inventive in terms of melody and vocal delivery; and with those jazzy riffs/rhythms that accompany the lyrics, the song moves through its paces relentlessly, confidently buoyant throughout.

"I Think We're Alone now" was the obvious follow-up to the Turtles' "Happy Together". [This is especially true since the Turtles' own next effort "She'd Rather Be With Me", was such inferior product - a very bad-sounding song possessing none of the gorgeous guitar playing of their short-lived folk-rock phase - early in their career the Turtles were among the best in the world.]

"I Think We're Alone Now" tugged at the heartstrings and told a very familiar story in a novel musical fashion - its pop-rock sonic pallet was colorfully descriptive - its arrangement was rich but uncrowded. In "Mirage", their follow-up in a similar vein, Tommy's vocal (during verses, not choruses/bridges) added a twinge of the jazzy R &B influences the band was [secretly?] absorbing, eventually exploding full force into their music ("Crystal Blue Persuasion").

"Gettin' Together" I suppose was one of their rare mistakes; in bowing to the likes of Tommy Roe, Gary Lewis and other proto-bubblegum artists, they temporarily displaced themselves from the main thrust of their ongoing musical experiment/evolution. Sentimentality can be a creative force, but these two songs are obvious instances of poor songwriting and stylistic meltdown.

"Mony Mony" I hated this song, convinced at the time the group was going in a really bad direction, but later changed my mind, and give it almost a 4 out of 5. Even today people get really happy dancing to this one.

"Crimson and Clover" was called 'psychedelic' by one reviewer. Ouch! Sure it was squarely in the midst of that era, and fit in very well, but the average groovy hippie freak (myself included, at the time) didn't pay it much mind. On the other hand, slow dancing in high school and beyond was never greater than when this was playing. Still solidly rock, but with a lot of soul - it was maybe a forecast of Bob Seger on the far horizon - who knows? But this richly energetic outburst owed more to the Kingsmen than to Jefferson Airplane - a severely/serenely updated version of the Kingsmen nonetheless, like when they did their occasional ballad-like song.

"Sweet Cherry Wine" The way this begins in the middle of a phrase is formula-shattering (Motown was famous for launching into songs in this fashion, ditto Paul Revere and the Raiders). Gorgeous overall sound, gorgeous singing executed with extreme aplomb - even with such minimal melodic movement! Tommy sings his way into and all around the melodic contour - great lead singers know how to gently release and channel their overtones - he lets loose in a stunning manner here.

[Still decidedly "rock", but with some kind of almost unexpressed R &B flavor moving/flowing underneath/inside it.]

With the song "Crystal Blue Persuasion" Tommy James and the Shondells completed their temporary transition into the royal echelon of blue-eyed soul, taking their place amongst earlier-arrived luminaries such as the Righteous Brothers, the Rascals, and dare we say it - the Fifth Dimension. We hear horns - and a gloriously reedy, buttery combo organ for the first time - the musical arrangement is full to the brim, and tasty to the core. The songwriting is emotionally appealing, inventive to a fault - this song is both musically and poetically priceless!

Pop songs, appealing as so many seem to be, are rarely so powerful, memorable, enlivening, and even "healing" - as is this collection of gems.

Essential? Yes! Comprehensive? No!.......2002-08-09

This is a concise, if not thorough, collection. All the big hits are here. In fact, only three of the Shondells Top 40 hits ("It's Only Love," "I Like the Way" and "Do Something To Me") are missing. In addition you get James' lone solo Top 10 hit "Draggin' the Line." [Footnote: James was still only 24 when "Draggin the Line" was a hit--he was only 16 when he first recorded his biggest single "Hanky Panky"!] Like other Essentials releases, Rhino has simply taken an earlier compilation (in this case 1990's 27-track Anthology) and repackaged the material. This is only an improvement if you want nothing but the big radio hits--and they're all here, but at 35 minutes my only complaint is that the lesser hits weren't also included.

Why not include the full.......2002-06-06

As with most other Rhino comps, this one also includes the edited version of "Crimson & Clover." If the full version were included, this would be a 5-star review, because all the other tracks I would consider "essential" are there. And the remastered sound is great--truly an improvement over previous releases.

Bare Essentials: Volume Two [Regular Edition]

Average customer rating:

Mature House at its best
Just GOOD Music...
C.TORRES
wow!
Enjoyable, not essential deep house

Bare Essentials: Volume Two [Regular Edition]
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Bare Essentials: Volume One
Vol. 3-Nude Dimensions
Nude Dimensions, Vol. 2
Nude Dimensions: Naked Music, Vol. 1 - The Petalpusher Session Mixed By Miguel 'Migs'
Carte Blanche

ASIN: B00007L9OS
Release Date: 2003-02-10

Tracks:

Nowhere (Crazy P's Heatwave Mix) - Aquanote
Try (Fenomenon Remix) - Arvid feat. Ernestos
All I Need (Jimpster Remix) - Blue Six
Inside - Central Living
All I Need (CJ One Remix) - Andy Caldwell
Brighter Day (Quant Remix) - Kaskade
The Night (Andy's Love Bizarre Dub) - Miguel Migs
Weekenderstyle - Weekender
Visions - Central Living
Let It Ride (Jimpster Remix) - Lisa Shaw
Blow My Mind - Quant
Rely On Me (Jay's Bodega Vocal) - Petalpusher
All Over You (2B4U remix) - Aquanote

Amazon.com

This second volume of New York label Naked Music's Bare Essentials series continues where Volume 1 left off, showcasing the soft-edged house and blue-mood electronic music of artists like Aquanote, Blue 6, and Miguel Migs. Like other Ibiza-flavored downtempo compilations that have been released in the midst of the style's popularity, Essentials is dance music for beautiful, stylish hipsters who prefer a more bourgeois thump than club music usually provides. Songs like Andy Caldwell's "All I Need" (CJ One Remix) are awash in warm keyboards and an atmosphere of relaxed elegance, transporting even the most landlocked listeners to the imaginary tropical paradise of their choice. Volume 2 also provides a nice mix of old and new, putting tracks like Blue 6's "All I Need" (Jimpster Remix) alongside previously unreleased material, including a blissful track from Weekender ("Weekenderstyle") and two from rising stars Central Living. It's a compilation that appeals to our collective happy place, a land where the nights are warm, everyone is beautiful, and the daiquiris flow freely. --Matthew Cooke

Album Description

The second volume in Naked Music's 'best-of' series featuring rare mixes and unreleased songs from the label's best-known artists including Aquanote, Blue Six, Miguel Migs, Lisa Shaw and more. Slipcase. Astralwerks. 2003.

Album Details

"bare Essentials Volume 2" is an Unmixed Collection of Rare and Unreleased Tracks from the Label's Best Known Artrists.

Customer Reviews:

Mature House at its best.......2007-05-21

This collection takes you to the club. Downtempo, Deep House, Uplifting, relaxing, Mellow Vocals (Lisa Shaw ect.) These are words that best describes this CD. If Calgon takes you away, this is the Soundtrack.

Just GOOD Music..........2007-02-17

Yo, they mixed the hell out of this mix. Something told me to visit this used/new store in the mall tonight and LOW AND BEHOLD I find Bare Essentials 2. Something that's been sitting in my saved cart for a year. It didn't let me down either, Every song flows nicely into the next and the remixes and mixes are really grooveable.. Pick this up for a nice moonlight drive on the highway or through any city. Just that feel good after 12 CD right here!

C.TORRES.......2006-07-23

THIS ALBUM BLEW ME AWAY. COMING FROM NEW YORK CITY AND MOVING SOUTH,IT WAS HARD TO FIND MUSIC OF THIS CALIBER. THE MIX OF SENSUALITY AND CLUB IS UNBELIEVABLE. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS ALBUM TO EVERYONE WHO IS READY FOR THIS MUSIC. JUST BUY THE ALBUM AND SIT BACK AND RELAX, YOU WILL SEE WHAT I MEAN.

wow!.......2004-05-28

This CD is fantastic. Well worth any price! The sultry beats and exotic sounds are perfect for any mood. I am new to discover the "Naked Music" genre and I love it. The music on this CD has so much meaning. It conveys -at least to me- a sense of ultra modern luxury in sound. I finally have found my favorite genre of music and bare essentials it at the top.

I hope you get to enjoy this CD.

Enjoyable, not essential deep house.......2003-03-17

Bare Essentials Volume 2 follows up the initial 1999 release from Naked Music, home of delectable deep house and stylishly nude slip covers. With more artists in tow this time, BE2 offers a much broader mix of previously unreleased material and new tunes to tantalize, if a bit lacking in breakout hits.

Surprisingly, the bigger names folks are familiar with (Blue Six, Miguel Migs) supply auto-pilot efforts that belies their talent, while soulful staple Lisa Shaw hits ("Visions") and misses ("Let It Ride"). The standouts are Aquanote's "Nowhere," a mellowed Heatwave Mix pushing the guitar backed Zoe Ellis line "I can tell that our love is going nowhere without you" to somber near-classic status. Likewise, Arvid featuring Ernestos livens with jazz drums for a beautifully realized song, and Kaskade/Quant's festive "Brighter Day," breathy vocals by Josyln, add pep and beach house atmosphere. A stripped down Petappusher (Miguel Migs) offers a serene closer, with flute, on "Reply on Me."

Some Minor misses pop up, primarily Central Living's simplistic lyrics and uneasy (as in, what where they thinking) bass to the batch on "Inside." A shame too, that just one instrumental made the cut (Weekender).

Regardless, the efforts here are impeccably produced; this crew knows their way around a studio. Bare Essentials 2 spins a bit too smooth to gain your attention; call it enjoyable then, just not essential. 3/5

NOTE: Exclusive to Amazon.com is an eight track 45-minute bonus CD packaged in a cardboard sleeve. Dropping the mellow vibes for a welcome return to the dance floor, this mixed offering combines a few exclusives, material from other Naked comps, and older tracks given an umpteenth remix to spruce them up a bit. Far more than just a tossed-in freebie, this is a bopping lil' set in it's own right; Satin Soul adds sprightly keyboard with punchy drums on a welcome revisit to "Music & Wine," a tasty set-up to Kaskade/Quant's festive "Brighter Day," breathy vocals by Josyln. Add quality work from Gaelle via Bugs in the Attic, and energetic beats by Project 4 (a catchy gem that peaks the hour), for a disc that heartily upstages its companion. How's that for essential? 4/5

Average White Band - The Essentials
Average customer rating:

One of the Best Old School Collections There Is

Average White Band - The Essentials
The Average White Band
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006310E
Release Date: 2006-04-10

Tracks:

Pick Up The Pieces
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If I Ever Lose This Heaven
School Boy Crush
Queen Of My Soul
Walk On By
Got The Love
Soul Searching
A Love Of Your Own
Cloudy
Work To Do
Person To Person

Album Description

12 remastered tracks including 'Pick Up The Pieces', 'Cut The Cake', 'Walk On By' & 'Person To Person'. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Old School Collections There Is.......2006-10-14

AWB is one of the best R&B collections there is. I especially like the diverse background of this group, which makes them great. Should have been called AAWB(Above Average White Band)!

Average customer rating:

A cd worthy of 5 stars
"beautiful tones is music-to-the-ears via Hamilton"
Great for creating a romantic mood!
This cd should be titled the "Best Of Scott Hamilton"
The true ballad album.

Ballad Essentials
Scott Hamilton
Manufacturer: Concord Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00004NRVM
Release Date: 2006-04-10

Tracks:

Skylark
Everything Happens To Me
My Foolish Heart
That's All
In A Sentimental Mood
I Should Care
Body And Soul
'Round Midnight
My Romance
Stardust
I'll Be Around
Tonight I Shall Sleep With A Smile On My Face

Amazon.com

The musical line leading up to tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton is not confusing. He wears his influences on his sleeve. You hear Lester Young's phrasing, Ben Webster's languid tone, and more than a dash of Zoot Sims's overall presentation. And while 1989's Scott Hamilton Plays Ballads is a gorgeous showing off of these influences, Ballad Essentials is a magnificent overview of his smoldering command of the genre. There's a pair of tracks from Plays Ballads ("In a Sentimental Mood" played as limber, late-night swing and "Round Midnight" given a robust, big-hearted embrace) and a pair from With Strings. The other eight pieces come from all over Hamilton's catalog, and describing any particular tune would tax the vocabulary--"aching" and "tender" have only so many synonyms. Hamilton's sense of swing is easy to love, as is his brawny tone--even when it slips into whispering mode. Ballad Essentials is meant as a themed collection, and it not only succeeds as such, it also serves as a primer for Hamilton's whole output. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

A cd worthy of 5 stars.......2001-12-28

I shall not waste your valuable time with an analysis of this cd. Other reviews exist with which I am in agreement and these reviews detail the merits of Hamilton's work with far more eloquence than I could achieve.

Ballad Essentials is a wonderful and marvelous cd. Hamilton's saxaphone is smooth and flowing. The songs are basically romantic. This cd is ideal for a romantic and/or relaxing evening. One of the best Jazz cd's I have ever heard for such occasions. Highly do I recommend Scott Hamilton's Ballad Essentials.

"beautiful tones is music-to-the-ears via Hamilton".......2001-01-28

This talented artist began playing at the age 16 and developed quickly, moved to New York in 1976. Played with Benny Goodman in the late '70s, also with such greats as Warren Vache, Ruby Braff, Rosemary Clooney and the Concord-Jazz All-Stars, recording a long string of performances for Concord that are not able for their consistency of outstanding jazz.

Scott Hamilton has appeared on more than 60 Concord releases during the past 22 years, a master of the swing, butmore not able are his beautiful tones which appear on these dozen collections from - "Scott Hamilton Is A Good Wind Who Is Blowing Us No Ill" (CCD-4042)(1977), "Scott Hamilton 2" (CCD4061)(1978), "Tenorshoes" (CCD-4127)(1979), "The Right Time" (CCD-4311)(1986), "Scott Hamilton Plays The Ballads" (CCD-4386)(1989), "Radio City"(CCD-4428)(1990), "Scott Hamilton With Strings"(CCD-4538)(1992), "East Of The Sun" (CCD-4583)(1993) and"My Romance" (CCD-4710)(1995), is just the tip of the iceberg.

Of course there are stand outs - "MY FOOLISHHEART" the classic Ned Washington and Victor Young composition performed by Alan Broadbent (piano, musical director, arranger andconductor) and a trans-fixing solo by Hamilton, you just want it to go on and on..."IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD" smooth and haunting Duke Ellington tune, Scott makes this one his own, you find yourself drifting in a musical journey with just a peaceful existence.

But the highlight is - "TONIGHT I SHALL SLEEP WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE" another Ellington tune, shades of the Jackie Gleason presents arrangements from "Music For Lovers Only", only this time we have Scott Hamilton to put the icing on the cake.Concord once again shares the warmth and wonderful moments from their vaults of never-to-be-forgotten classic sounds of JAZZ!

TotalTime: 58:36 on 12 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4885...(2000)

Great for creating a romantic mood!.......2000-12-09

This CD will definitely put you in a mellow mood. It is very relaxing throughout each track. All of the songs are slow and smooth. You don't listen to two or three slow songs and then suddenly a fast upbeat song that catches you off guard. It's great to curl up to with a cup of hot chocolate or glass of your favorite wine and the one you love.

This cd should be titled the "Best Of Scott Hamilton".......2000-11-28

What a thrill it was for me to buy this cd. It has 12 tracks on it from 12 different cd projects. It re-opened my eyes to what Scott had available of his music. I am sure I will want to order more products by him based on this cd.

On this cd Scott plays nothing but pure ballads. This is my favorite kind of song. I can't seem to get enough of this romantic music. For the most part I liked what Scott did with this project. However, I did hear a few songs that I didn't paticulary like. All in all, I liked this cd and hope others will feel like wise.

The true ballad album........2000-06-01

This is my first Scott Hamilton Cd.I didn't know much about this guy until I heard him in a music store.Wow!he is a real gentleman who play great ballads.He got the warmest and most beautiful subtones that anyone can get.His tone is full of lust and romance.Listen with care...exquisite harmonies keep pouring out from his sax.Watch out for , a song fills with bittersweetness.I rate this 5 stars because this is the best ballad album I have ever heard.The notes that came out from his sax may not be as complex as Henderson or Coltrane's,but every note he played is very essential to Jazz ballads.With this album,you don't even need a lover to spent a perfect valentine's day.Enjoy it at solitude moments with a glass of red wine would make a perfect moment.I highly recommend this album to people who love REAL MUSIC.Trust me,this one is unlike many other ballad albums out there...Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Good Vibes
the best introduction to naked music
Groovy, Funky, Housy, Jazzy... But mostly SEXY !
Good deep house
Strong CD

Bare Essentials: Volume One
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Carte Blanche

ASIN: B00005OLDG
Release Date: 2001-10-02

Tracks:

Breakin' It Down [Jay's Blue Vocal] - Petalpusher
Music & Wine [Th' Attaboy Vocal] - Blue Six
You Are Love [Original Version] - Lovetronic
Everything Is Changing [Swag Remix] - Groove Collective
Surrender [Original Version] - Petalpusher
Don't Ya Wanna? - Night Source
Soulmate [Original Version] - Summerland
Breakin' It Down [Mig's Bump Deluxe Mix] - Petalpusher
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Surrender [Attaboy Remix Edit] - Petalpusher
Soulmate [Restless Soul Moontime Dub] - Summerland
Pure [Original Version] - Blue Six

Album Description

Showcasing the best (as well as unreleased) mixes from Naked Music's inception to present... Bare Essentials showcases a broad spectrum of tracks from the back catalog. Featured on the compilation are tracks from Summerland, Petalpusher, Blue Six, Groove Collective and Night Source as well as some out of print remixes and exclusive edits. This is an introduction to the Naked Music story so far. Astralwerks is now reissuing long out-of-print catalog.

Customer Reviews:

Good Vibes.......2007-05-21

This is a good collections of smooth vibes. The first track pulls you in but the other tracks range from good to ok next track. Still a good addition to my collection. Vol. 2 makes up for what this lacks.

the best introduction to naked music.......2006-07-03

Bare Essentials Vol. 1 contains many of Naked Music's classics making it an essential purchase for anyone who enjoys deep house. By now, I would assume most people are familiar with the naked music sound, but just incase, here's my take: jazzy arrangements, clean, clear production, lush textures, latin percussion, straight ahead dance beats, and of course, amazing female vocal work. Of course some songs and artists vary from this formula, but overall, it fits their style quite well. The music is uniformly positive and uplifting. It's typically laid back, but almost always encourages dancing. Sound good? It is.

Bare Essential's is a great introduction to this sound and style. If the term "house" scares you, don't worry - this isn't more of the rather dubious trash that people have come to associate with house music. The music is equally good for listening and relaxing. Some have accused Naked Music of putting out compilations of tracks that all sound exactly the same. Rather, Naked Music has a voice, a style that works and the artists tend to use it as a point of departure. True, most of the tracks have a four-on-the-floor dance groove, but so does pretty much all techno. Nothing wrong with techno (I love Jeff Mills, Derreck May, and Underground Resistance as much as anyone), but this is not nearly as repetitive as techno fans are used to. Besides that, the music just sounds good. It's fun, it's light (but not lightweight), and is great for parties. If you're a fan of electronic music, you will surely enjoy this introduction to the Naked Music sound.

Groovy, Funky, Housy, Jazzy... But mostly SEXY !.......2005-06-27

Hmmmm, I'll have another vodka martini please. Straight-up, a couple of olives...

I hate to review this album and say what's been said before but I have to. This is a CD you MUST own if you like sexy house music. You can call this one downtempo lounge, midtempo, deep house, or whatever you want to call it... It doesn't matter. One thing is for sure: IT IS SEXY. This is a beautiful selection of HOUSE tracks you can chill to, SMOKE to, drink to, think to, make love to (of course), and dance to. You'll find here flutes, strings, funky bass, housy beats, and very sexy vocals that make this compilation a must have if you're into quality electronic music.

It is not perfect, but it is quite good.

Good deep house.......2005-02-27

This is a good CD for those starting out or to further flesh out a collection. My favorite is the Attaboy remix of Surrender.

Strong CD.......2004-08-02

Very good CD, doesn't flow as much as some of the other Naked Music cd's but still a nice vibe and laid backness to the CD that actaully gets better with every listen.

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