Speed of Light

Track Listings

1. Westward Ho!

2. Black Elk

3. Gold

4. This Could Be Paradise

5. Afterthought

6. Speed of Light

7. Whisper in the Wind

8. Heartland

9. Columbine

10. Gold (Reprise)

Speed of Light,Pete Bardens,Capitol,Adult Alternative,New Age / Meditation,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Progressive Electronic

Speed of Light

Tracks:

Music By John Dowland: Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Music By John Dowland: Allemande (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: What If I Never Speed?
Music By John Dowland: Galliard (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: Fine Knacks For Ladies
Ave Maria
Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria
Coleccion De Tonadillas: La Maja De Goya
Three Brazilian Songs: Boi-Bumba
Three Brazilian Songs: Azulao
Three Brazilian Songs: Para Ninar
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Cancion
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Nana
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Seguidillia Murciana
Six Spirituals: Ain't Got No Time To Die
Six Spirituals: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
Six Spirituals: Ain't That Good News!
Six Spirituals: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Six Spirituals: This Little Light Of Mine
Six Spirituals: Ride On King Jesus

Customer Reviews:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening.......2007-05-06

Whether you are very familiar with these two artists or have never heard either one, you will delight in this musical collaboration. Only a guitarist of Christopher Parkening's stature could be the ideal accompaniment to the perfection of Kathleen Battle's voice. The music ranges from selections by John Dowland to American spirituals, Bach/Gounod, Villa-Lobos, Granados and some Spanish folk songs. The result is a coherent, soothing and utterly delightful listening experience. You will revisit this album often, and always be glad that you have it. For fans of Kathleen Battle and Christopher Parkening, I think it is a must.

Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing........2006-01-31

We always enjoyed seeing and hearing Battle in concerts, usually on the television and Parkening has been a favorite guitarist. To listen to these two fine artists in concert is a real treat.

Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so........2005-05-25

I can't imagine these songs being performed with any greater technical brilliance than they are by Parkening and Battle on this CD. Both are virtuosos, him in the guitar, her the voice. Their skill is particularly apparent in the Dowland songs, the "Ave Maria", and the Bachianas brasileiras no. 5 (for me, the high point of the recording), which are all in a formal style well suited to the talents of the performers.

I compare the Brazilian songs to the version recorded by Salli Terri with Laurindo Almeida in the late '50's on "Duets with Spanish Guitar", which I have listened to repeatedly since I first heard it in 1959. Battle's phrasing, enunciation, and vocal skill are far superior to Terri's, but Terri brought a level of emotion to her singing that Battle seems to lack. Where Battle's perfection enhances her superb performances of the Dowland and Villa-Lobos pieces, it seems to detract from her performance of the Brazilian folk pieces.

I find this to be true again in the spirituals - vocal perfection and control detracting from the "soul" required to bring out the "spiritual" feeling. Imagine these same pieces sung by Mahalia Jackson or Aretha Franklin and you'll understand my point.

Parkening's performance has the same quality - technical virtuosity, especially noticeable in his lute-like technique in the Dowland solo - but lacking in emotional depth.

The classical selections are highly recommended, the folk pieces a bit disappointing, but overall an enjoyable recording.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITES.......2004-03-19

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BATTLE ALBUMS, HER SWEET VOICE IS ACCOMPAINED BY THE GUITAR VIRTUOSO CHRISTOPHER PARKENING, TOGETHER CREATE A TENDER, DELIGHTFUL & BEAUTIFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE. BACHIANAS BRASILEIRAS N- 5 HAS IT`S BEST PERFORMANCE IN THIS CD.

Fans will be delighted!.......2003-08-25

Fans, maybe, but I must say I'm not a huge fan of Kathleen Battle or opera or songs in different languages, either. My mom is, though. And through her I have heard Kathleen's best. And her very best (if you ask me) is one of the tracks ON THIS CD titled "Ain't that good news," even though it should be called "Ain'ta dat good news," since that is how its sung. It is a really good song (ask anybody) with a little surprise high-note at the end. If I were you I would (if not buy this CD right here and now) then go to [a book store] and see if their computers will let you hear "Ain't that good news" because that song is great.

Average customer rating:

Original

Speed of Light
Alex Schein
Manufacturer: SkyHunter Music LLC
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Little People: Mickey Mouse Operation

ASIN: B000FGFC0W
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

BeLong
RiseUp feat. Deirdre
Speed of Light
Mind of the Maker
Knot Poetry feat. Mark Holmes
the Drop
Dawah's Message
On Your Side feat. Alex Frampton Jost
Gift of Gabriel
DeSide
The White Flag

Product Description

A rich symphony of soulful melodies (Jeff Buckley, Erykah Badu), poetic flow (Saul Williams, Zach De La Rocha) and conscious lyricism (Michael Franti, Bob Marley. Written, performed, and produced by Alex Schein, "Speed of Light" is a glimmer of the future for independent music in the 21st Century.

Customer Reviews:

Original.......2007-05-12

This guy is awesome. I am climber and his music inspires me greatly. Pick up the album and see what you think!

$Spirit\Light\Speed$
Average customer rating:

A good idea on paper.
Shaman......
Ian's a great singer and weak writer
Zen master.
Ian Astbury it says, not The Cult

Spirit\Light\Speed
Ian Astbury
Manufacturer: Beggars Banquet Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

High Time Amplifier
Coloursound
Live at Marquee London 1991
Beyond Good and Evil
Cream

ASIN: B00000K29Y
Release Date: 2000-06-20

Tracks:

Back On Earth
High Time Amplifier
Devil's Mouth
Tonight (Illuminated)
Metaphysical Pistol
The Witch (Slt Return)
It's Over
El Che/Wild Like A Horse
Tyger
Shambala (R.F.L)

Amazon.com

Recorded during the hiatus between the Cult's 1995 breakup and the band's re-formation in 1999, Spirit\Light\Speed is based on some sound thinking. The Cult's two previous albums, Ceremony and Cult, showed signs of serious disintegration in the Ian Astbury/Billy Duffy partnership. Astbury, declaring the death of rock, came up with a peculiar and somewhat prophetic marriage of rock and electronica that sat in the can for a couple of years before its eventual release. Cult fans and Goths (there's considerable overlap) will, at the very least, be interested in hearing what Astbury sounds like without his partner in crime. The answer: not much different, but he does stretch a bit musically. What with the use of "She Sells Sanctuary" in a car commercial, two best-of collections, and the inclusion of a song on the Gone in 60 Seconds soundtrack, the Cult seem poised for a new rise to prominence, and perhaps Astbury solo will earn a little extra acclaim, too. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

A good idea on paper........2006-04-29

Ian Astbury's (so far) only solo effort, 2000's "Spirit\Light Sound", was the singer's attempt at living up to his declaration that "Rock is dead". An album of electronica, it pits Astbury's vocals on top of a pile of samples, noises, beats, and guitars in nine originals and one old Cult song (1992's "The Witch").

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm normally the kind of person who's inclined to enjoy this sort of stuff-- my taste in music drifts in and out of electronica, but this album is pretty much a trainwreck from start to finish.

To begin with, it's clear that Astbury and produer Chris Goss were not the best pair-- neither seemed to really have a good grasp for assembling an electronica piece, and samples come floating in and out seemingly at random (check the irritating processed noise on "Tyger" for a good example of this). This is added to songwriting that essentially avoids having any hooks in it, so what you're left with is essentially simple techno beats with very basic lines over it that at their best sound like a poor man's "Pretty Hate Machine" ("Back on Earth") and at their worst are totally disengaging ("Metaphysical Pistol") or downright irritating (single "High Time Amplifier"). Add to this Astbury's general sound of directionlessness as a vocalist as he's so far out of his element that all of his usual stylings and trademarks fall way short. To be fair, the vocal on "Devil's Mouth" is actually superb, it's just that the song itself is awful.

The exception to this is the Cult song, "The Witch", but quite frankly, as powerful as the piece is, the reading here falls far short of the Cult original.

In the end, Astbury's partnership with Billy Duffy and the tension the two generated is the real strength of the Cult-- I'd love to see the pair attempt an album in the electronica vein, but this one is pretty much dead on arrival.

Shaman.............2004-09-21

Ian is a great artist. This isn't the Cult, but it's not supposed to be. Alot of textures in this recording. Cool lyrics. All of the songs are solid.

Ian's a great singer and weak writer.......2004-08-13

I LOVE Ian's voice. He can sell any song...except apparently ones he's written without Billy Duffy. I don't find this cd to be worth more than one or two pained listenings. Other than his great voice it has nothing to recommend it and it's NOWHERE near the level of his work with the Cult. Even as a 'stretch' or experiment it achieves very little. It's a musical equivalent of a vanity press release, an ego ejaculation.

Zen master........2001-02-20

If I could give this 10 stars I would. Being a die-hard Cult fan for 16 years, I was not sure what to expect from this attempt at going solo, however I was greatly surprised. I really thought something would have been lost without Billy, but instead Ian's incredible talent for making you feel through his music still holds intact and is even stronger. It really exhibits some Zen, gives a serene feeling through his electronica influences, and songs like Wild Like a Horse pulls at the heart and soul. His beautiful voice has not changed except for the added wisdom of the years. I can can listen to this over and over again. A must for Ian Astbury fans.

Ian Astbury it says, not The Cult.......2000-12-17

The name on the spine of this disc says "Ian Astbury", not The Cult. So why is it that most of the complaints I hear about this CD is that it doesn't sound like Sonic Temple, or Love. The reason for a member of a band to record a solo project is to do something different. That is exactly what Ian has done here. The CD has a great range of songs on it. Even a remix of a Cult song. Even if you hear a slight nod here or there to his other band every once in a while, this is a stand alone solo project. And as solo projects go, this one is excellent. Several songs just jump out at you and make you sing it all day. Tunes like "Tonight", and "High Time Amplifier" just follow you. I myself am a hugh Cult fan, so I doubt that I could find anything to complain about, Ian's voice is just that good, but whether you like his voice that much or not, you'll love the music on this disc.

Average customer rating:

A great traditional no frills heavy metal release, the 'Church' lives on!
awesome power/thrash metal album
Metal Church - A Light In The Dark
Stunning return to form.
Agree with J Phoenix

A Light in the Dark
Metal Church
Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Beyond Fear
The Weight of the World
United Abominations
A Matter Of Life And Death
Christ Illusion

ASIN: B000FBG0F8
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

A Light In The Dark
Beyond All Reason
Mirror Of Lies
The Believer
Disappear
Son Of The Son
More Than Your Master
Pill For The Kill
Temples Of The Sea
Blinded By Life
Watch The Children Pray (bonus track, new version)

Album Description

The legend returns: Metal Church are scheduled to release their latest album, A Light In The Dark, reanimating the zeitgeist of their first two releases, Metal Church (1985) and The Dark (1986). "It's almost precisely twenty years ago that we shook up the international metal scene for the first time with those two recordings," recalls guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof. "Just the right moment to bring that era to mind with a brand new album and the same sort of energy that we had back then". The current band line-up consists of Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitar), Ronny Munroe (vocals), Jay Reynolds (guitar), Steve Unger (bass) and new addition Jeff Plate (drums; ex-Savatage). "I've known Jeff since my solo tour with Savatage," Vanderhoof recalls. "And during the 2005 Metal Church tour, when he drummed with opening act Chris Caffery's band, we also got on really well. So it suggested itself to ask him whether he wanted to join Metal Church". Vanderhoof, who doubles as sound engineer and producer during the recordings, promises an offering featuring all the important trademarks of typical Metal Church tracks, including a new version of the classic We Watch The Children Pray as a tribute to vocalist David Wayne, who passed away in May 2005. "A Light In The Dark will represent what the name Metal Church has been standing for the last twenty years."

Customer Reviews:

A great traditional no frills heavy metal release, the 'Church' lives on!.......2007-05-19

The only reason I bought this album was because I could get it new for $11 and decided that was worth the risk. I have every MC album except for "Weight of the World". The self titled album is great and "The Dark" and "Blessing" were pretty good. The "Human Factor" had great music on some tracks and forgetable music on others. I didn't like how prominent Mike Howe was on that one. Everything after was okay at best.

Metal Church lives on. That is good news because they are one of the few bands that played consistent no frills heavy metal (more from a late 70s, early 80s Hard Rock perspective). It's tough to describe the MC sound, but it is somewhere between Deep Purple, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motorhead, and Saxon. The band has always been under Kurt Vanderhoofs direction and guidance. For this reason they remained relatively consistent despite internal struggles.

Every thing about this album exceeded my expectations. The riffs are great, solos are good, really catchy, the drumming is good and not overbearing, and I love Ronny Munroe's vocals. I get the feeling by reading some of the other reviews, people hate Munroe and like Wayne and Howe better. I loved Wayne (especially in Reverend) but didn't like Howe that much. Munroe's vocals are great. The range is pretty varied and they're high but still forceful.

If you're looking for that classic traditional heavy metal release as of late...here it is.

awesome power/thrash metal album.......2007-04-05

Metal Church are an awesome metal band, and his new album proves it.

Metal Church - A Light In The Dark.......2006-11-07

Excellent stuff. The current line up isn't as good as the original one but they are still very good. A Light In The Dark is a good solid metal album.

Stunning return to form........2006-10-22

I've always been a fan of Metal Church, since hearing tracks from 'The Dark' played on the radio 20 or so years ago. I really like this album, they have retained the Metal Church signature sound despite the fact that Kurdt Vanderhoof is the only original member left in the band.
This is a collection of great songs that deserves to be successful, and its a nice touch to re-record Let The Children Pray as a tribute to David Wayne.
I also like the production on this CD. Like a previous reviewer I have also 'dumped' $10k or so on my sound system, but I don't have a problem with the production at all.
I thoroughly recommend this album to anyone who likes heavy metal, as in heavy metal, not emo, etc.

Agree with J Phoenix.......2006-10-20

J Phoenix speaks the truth. Music is great on this cd, but the vocals suck!

Average customer rating:

Light Speed Collision
Def FX
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000008EYH
Release Date: 1993-07-27

Tracks:

Definition Function X
Feels Good
Surfers of the Mind
Something Inside (No Time for Nowhere)
Crystalise
Angel in the Devils Sky
Road Song Fever
This Is the Place
Under the Blue
We Are Now
Space Time Disco
Lost
Light Speed Collidion
Space Time Disco [Space Tribe Disco Trance Mix]

Average customer rating:

The Speed of Light
Ben Light & His Lightning Fingers
Manufacturer: Jasmine Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009GUSV6
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Benny's Bounce
I Got Rhythm
Tea for Two
Rose Room
I Cried for You (Now It's Your Turn to Cry for Me)
Orchids in the Moonlight
Perfidia
Mistakes
Mexicali Rose
I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
Siboney
Green Eyes
I Want My Mama (Ma Yo Quiero)
Sweet Sue, Just You
Lady of Spain
Whispering
Do You Ever Think of Me?
I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You)
Marie
Hallelujah
Margie
Charmaine
Lover
You Made All My Dreams Come True
Twelfth Street Rag
My Broken Heart Keeps Asking Why
Waiting for the Robert E. Lee

Tracks:

My Baby Said She's Mine
Birth of the Blues
Blue Skies
Hindustan
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans
Ida (Sweet as Apple Cider)
Sleepy Time Gal
Ragging the Scale
Very Thought of You
Mama Inez
Back Home Again in Indiana
Carolina in the Morning
Georgia on My Mind
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Missouri Waltz
Alabamy Bound
California, Here I Come
Alexander's Ragtime Band
September Song
I Don't Want to Walk Without You
Toot Toot Tootsie
Embraceable You
Negra Consentida
Ain't Misbehavin'
Light's on Foster (Stephen Foster Medley)
You (Brought Me Sunshine) - Ben Light,
Bring Me a Bluebird - Ben Light,

Marilyn Horne - I Will Breathe A Mountain ~ Songs of Barber, Bernstein & Bolcom / Martin Katz, Tokyo String Quartet

Average customer rating:

Exceptionally moving
Horne brings these wonderful masterpieces to life!

Marilyn Horne - I Will Breathe A Mountain ~ Songs of Barber, Bernstein & Bolcom / Martin Katz, Tokyo String Quartet
Samuel Barber , William Bolcom , Leonard Bernstein , Marilyn Horne , Martin Katz , Tokyo String Quartet , Kikuei Ikeda , Kazuhide Isomura , Peter Oundijian , and Sadao Harada
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Horne, Marilyn | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

The Daisies, Op. 2 No. 1
A Nun Takes The Veil, Op. 13 No. 1
Bessie Bobtail, Op. 2 No. 3
The Secrets Of The Old, Op. 13 No. 2
Sure On This Shining Night, Op. 13 No. 3
Barber: I Hear An Army, Op. 10 No. 3
Dover Beach, Op. 3
I Will Breathe A Mountain: Pity Me Not Because The Light Of Day
I Will Breathe A Mountain: How To Swing Those Obbligatos Around
I Will Breathe A Mountain: The Crazy Woman
I Will Breathe A Mountain: Just Once
I Will Breathe A Mountain: Never More Will The Wind
I Will Breathe A Mountain: The Sage
I Will Breathe A Mountain: O To Be A Dragon
I Will Breathe A Mountain: The Bustle In A House
I Will Breathe A Mountain: I Saw Eternity
I Will Breathe A Mountain: Night Practice
I Will Breathe A Mountain: The Fish
My House
So Pretty
Greeting
Take Care Of This House
Rabbit At Top Speed
Sonnet: What Lips My Lips Have Kissed
Nachspiel
Dream With Me

Amazon.com

Though Horne is audibly at the end of her long and rich career, she did a good deed for American music with this disc, which consists of songs by Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, and a new song cycle by William Bolcom, from which the disc takes its title. Horne's voice has a quiver, a lack of center, almost as if it refuses to stop singing Rossini (Horne's lifelong specialty). However, it's worth buying for the Bolcom cycle, which is one of his best vocal works, typically an eclectic, natural outgrowth of Bernstein's style with Horne gamely employing a wide range of vocal techniques with more eloquence than one could hope for. --David Patrick Stearns

Customer Reviews:

Exceptionally moving.......2003-10-16

This is AMERICAN SONGS at their most moving and emotional best, not to mention with great melody. Unlike a lot of American song literature (not broadway type, but "serious classical art songs"), these songs are actually quite beautiful, melodic, and can touch the heart of the listener easily. There is no strain to enjoy them. There is a bit of "sameness" between them, which is my only complaint about this recording; one piece starts to sound like another, especially if you are not listening carefully while listening. Even then, it is still very lovely.

It has been mentioned that Horne is now far past her prime, and that may be, but even far past her prime she is far better than most singers half her age. There is still vibrancy, life, and depth to her voice. It communicates on a very deep level. Martin Katz, her life long accompanist, is, as usual, a revelation as an accompanist. Unlike people think, the accompanist just doesn't play in the background, he is a very vital part of making a performance work. Accompaning singers is a very new art form, and many performers of earlier ages simply had very bad accompanist. With Gerald Moore we started to have people who knew how to support the singer, actually adding to the performance giving it depth and helping the singer shine. Now we are so used to good accompanist, and are so accustomed to their high level of performance, it is very easy to forget what they add.

Katz knows Horne well, and is fully aware of when she is having troubles supporting a phrase, or when she is in best voice. He gives so much to her awesome performance through his very sensitive way of playing this music.

I would recommend this for anyone to buy: fans of modern art songs, fans of Marilyn Horne, and simply fans of good singing.

Horne brings these wonderful masterpieces to life!.......1999-07-17

Throughout the Barber, Bolcom and Bernstein, Marilyn Horne uses her ability to combine technical definition with artistic movement and expansion. Having had the opportunity to see her perform this literature live was an emotionally elevating experience. The way Horne and Katz have reworked a few of the Berstein pieces brings new life and perspectuve to these already wonderful pieces. I highly recommend this recording for the casual classical listener, as well as, for the student that enjoys learning from a master through their art.

Average customer rating:

Huge fan of Ms. von Otter
Great collect of Baroque Melodies
Joyness and great musicality
Mellow, but it does have a distraction
At times, a wonderful experience, at others, a lukewarm one.

Music for a While: Baroque Melodies
Anne Sofie von Otter , Jory Vinikour , and Jakob Lindberg
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anne Sofie von Otter - Lamenti (Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Purcell, Bertali, Legrenzi) / Goebel
Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski
Watercolors: Swedish Songs
Anne Sofie von Otter - Folksongs (Dvorak, Kodaly, Britten, Grainger, Larsson, Hahn)
Anne Sofie von Otter - Love's Twilight (Late Romantic Songs by Berg, Korngold, Strauss)

ASIN: B0002XNMA0
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Amanti io vo se dire
Se l'aura spira
Dovrunque morire
Ecco di dolce raggi
Quel sguardo sdegnosetto - Madrigali, Canzonette e Scherzi musicali (Book X)
La Capona
Adagiati, Poppea - Oblivion soave (Arnalta)
L'Eraclito amoroso (Udite amanti)
Ciaccone
Saraband with Division, Z 654
Sweeter than roses
Dear pretty youth
Music for a While
There's not a swain
An Evening Hymn, Z 193
Arpeggiata
In darkness let me dwell
5. Can she excuse my wrongs
Weepe you no more, sad fountaines
What if I never speed?
Fantasia

Customer Reviews:

Huge fan of Ms. von Otter.......2005-10-01

I bought this recording and I really enjoyed it, but it's not my favorite by Ms. von Otter. I still recommend it to everyone. This recital is wonderful, with the exception of "Amanti io vo se dire." It was nice, but a little out of place. I still rate this as a good recital disc.

Great collect of Baroque Melodies .......2005-04-27

This is a great cd,I am a 23 year old music lover I love all kinds of music.I have many cd's and I have to say this is one of My favorite Cd's.All the songs are sung very well.

Joyness and great musicality.......2005-04-22

This artist always knows what she does and why. In this wonderful recording the serious, grave manner is replaced by sheer joyness. This is a record that makes the listener very happy! And the musicality never fails. Strongly recommended!

Mellow, but it does have a distraction .......2005-01-01

After receiving this CD a few weeks ago, I have fluctuated between "I like it" and "I don't" back and forth, settling eventually on, I like it - sort of, and can recommend it with the following understandings. First, its technical merit. This is a well produced minimalist approach to Baroque music. The production notes say we should listen to it as we would a recital, and it is well-suited for that atmosphere. The instrumentation is bare bones: harpsichord, chamber organ, theorbo, lute, Baroque guitar. They accompany Ms. von Otter individually in each song and usually never more than one at a time. This is a fine quality recording: clear and even-handed throughout. As for the twenty-one selections, with the exception of Benedetto Ferrari's "Amanti, io vi so dire", the very first song on this otherwise thematic CD, the selections create a mellow mood and maintain that mood throughout. I can't understand how the first cut escaped a final editing, and wondered as I listened to it over and again, what goes through the minds of producers and artists when they review what they have created and don't hear that something is as out of place as this. Nonetheless, I could easily sit with a book and listen to this CD without much distraction, except for the first cut. Anne Sofie von Otter delivers an evenly modulated performance and hints at considerably more power in her voice than she delivers. Her voice has a richness and depth that even when controlled as it was, conveys power. Pull up a seat at King Arthur's Court, sit back, close your eyes and enjoy a fine, minimalist performance in the Baroque tradition that for the most part will not disappoint. PJW

At times, a wonderful experience, at others, a lukewarm one........2004-11-17

I've been a von Otter fan for a number of years now and almost always, blindly purchase her recordings immediately upon release, never having to be either persuaded or dissuaded. I'm rarely, if ever, wholly disappointed. And this is no exception. Von Otter is one of the most intelligent and completely versatile singers on the classical music scene. Her ability to go from Baroque to 20th century works (like her Melisande for Haitink) is admirable and always tasteful. In "Music for a While" she seems, at times, too eager to please, if you will. It's obvious she means to be cheeky, but at times comes across rather annoying and that is not something that she wears well. I don't take anything so seriously that I can't see what the ultimate aim was, but it just seemed somewhat silly and smacking of effort; however, I still think that is a more than worthy recital and one that will provide a great deal of entertainment to both her established fan base and any newcomers. Her Dowland selections are where she really shines, imbuing those lovely pieces with a pathos and quiet dignity that have become her trademark, especially in the early music field, where projects such as "Lamenti" and "Coronation of Poppea" with Gardiner (her "Addio Roma" is nothing short of spectacular) being especially memorable. The lute/theorbo solo pieces are recorded at too low a level, making one having to strain to get the full effect. Yes, the voice doesn't have the bloom it once did, but it's still a gorgeous instrument. I think that those, like myself, who believe in Ms. von Otter's innate artistry and musicality will not be disappointed, so go ahead and purchase it; believe me, you won't be that upset over the few excesses that you'll ultimately be sorry.

The Very Best of Impelliteri: Faster Than the Speed of Light

Average customer rating:

A shredder's dream
The Very Best of Impelliteri (IMPELLITERI)
suprising

The Very Best of Impelliteri: Faster Than the Speed of Light
Impellitteri
Manufacturer: Seoul Record
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
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Pedal to the Metal
Screaming Symphony
Answer To The Master
Stand in Line
Grin & Bear It

ASIN: B00007KE99
Release Date: 2002-12-09

Tracks:

Freakshow
Victim Of The System
Beware Of The Devil
Rock And Roll Heroes
Perfect Crime
Spanish Fire
Rat Race
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Stand In Line
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Power Of Love
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Lost In The Rain
Anti Social Disease
Texas Nuclear Boogie
Cyberflesh

Album Description

Full title - The Very Best Of Impellitteri, Faster Than The Speed Of Light. Asian edition of the metal act's import exclusive 2002 compilation. Highlights include two previously unreleased tracks, ('Freak Show' & 'Cyberflesh'), & one track, ('Anti Social Disease'), recorded for this release. 19 tracks. Seoul Records.

Customer Reviews:

A shredder's dream.......2007-07-04

The greatest hits album of an artist few people have even heard about or remember from the 80s, but was once considered the second fastest guitar player in the world...Chris Impellitteri. Even though only one of his albums (Stand In Line '88) ever made it onto the charts or music television, all his best shredding guitar work is here in this rare collection released in 2002. I can probably guarantee you that 9 out of 10 music stores with a heavy metal section will not carry this cd. So buy it here while you can and hear some truly amazing speed soloing that will make your fingers bleed.

The Very Best of Impelliteri (IMPELLITERI).......2007-01-04

This CD is just AWESOME,is just jam after jam just non stop great licks,I would recomend this CD to anybody,I loved all the songs it definately deserves 5 stars!

suprising.......2005-03-23

The first experience I ever had with Impellitteri was his speed soloing video. I have just about every shred instructional video and I wasn't blown over by it. It sweemed on the video as he approached speeds "too fast" it seemed as though he lost accuracy/cleanness,and some of the speed runs were very beginer double triplet fingerings sped up lightning fast, so I kind of dismissed his work which was a mistake. This greatest hits album is exellent. The guitar work is beautifully written, theres no silly shred like you can sometimes get from speed pickers but very melodic neo classical riffs. Chris also plays in different tempos at different speeds which is a true sign of virtuosity. Some shredders can only play really fast at one speed and if you slow it down they lose it. another great thing is the rythms. The song writing is acually great. Great hooks, great vocals, and makes good musical sense. I found myself "pumped" after listning like I used to be after blasting ACDC back in school. You can tell a lot went into these songs. He takes the Racer x platform and expands it by making better songs while keeping Paul Gilberts technique, which is what these songs demand. He then takes Yngvie's prasing and expands it to be more technical, with less unnessesary notes in which Malmsteen gets criticised for often. All in all it's an absolute shame that Chris's name is often left out in the likes of Paul Gilbert, Michael Angelo, or Malmsteen. He should be given the same respect and attention. I'm going to buy all of his work now that I heard the greatest hits. His playing is a conglomerate of every aspect of what a shredder should be. I just hope theres a video available where you can see him play live with that great band.

Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light

Average customer rating:

Years Later He's Still Making Quality Music...
Moving At The Speed of Funk
Back to the Future with one of Hip Hop's forefathers
RETURN TO PLANET ROCK

Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light
Afrika Bambaataa
Manufacturer: Tommy Boy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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

East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Zulu Groove
Lost Generation
Beware (The Funk Is Everywhere)
12" Mixes
Adventures on the Wheels of Steel

ASIN: B0002XL38I
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

Got That Vibe
Metal - (with Gary Numan)
Dark Matter
Take You Back
Soul Makossa
Just A Smoke
2137
Almighty Rah
Shake N Pop Roll
Ain't Talk'in No Shhh
Pick Up On This
No Dope Fiends on the Floor
Electro Salsa
B-More Shake
Meet me At The Party
Zulu Chant No. 5

Album Description

Afrika Bambaataa is a timeless legend, as relevant, daring, and innovative today as he was over two decades ago when "Planet Rock" became one of the first breakout hits to put hip-hop on the map. He's created countless classics and has collaborated with everyone from James Brown to Boy George to John Lydon. His Zulu Nation launched the careers of De La Soul, Queen Latifah, and A Tribe Called Quest. "Dark Matter" taps into elements ranging from African percussion, Bollywood, and jazz, to techno, new wave, and "dirty south", blending them into one of the most interesting and infectious albums in recent memory. Contributing producers include such famed and up and coming names as Fort Knox Five, Paul Daley, Uberzone, Simply Jeff, Sharaz, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Years Later He's Still Making Quality Music..........2007-06-15

This album was seriously slept on. With only three mere reviews on this site (all three reviewed around when it was released) and the bargain basement price, combined with almost nonexistent sales, you can tell barely anyone heard this. Which is a shame, because the always-creative Afrika Bambaataa released a real gem here.

When I originally bought 'Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light' I really wasn't sure about what I was getting into. Sure, like everyone else, I've heard Afrika Bambaataa's classic work, but what would his new school stuff sound like? However, the legendary name and spiffy cover convinced me to purchase this 2004 release, and in the end I was glad I did.

At first I was disappointed with it because I really didn't know what to make out of 'Dark Matter...'. However, the more I listened to it the more it grew on me. The opening song 'Got that Vibe' has a unique beat and great rapping. 'Metal (featuring Gary Numan)' is an update of the classic track of the same name, and it features another legend Gary Numan (you know, the guy that did the song 'Cars'? Yep, him). Most of the tracks here are great, but at 18 songs long does the entire album stack up? Well, there are some tunes on here that I skip, namely 'Touch & Go', 'Ain't Takin' No Shhh', and ' Pick up on This', but the majority of the stuff here is good, so if you're a hip-hop fan that wants to witness a modern album by a legend (who may have possibly been the first rapper ever), check this out.

Moving At The Speed of Funk.......2004-11-30

So Afrika must have gotten tired of the shadows. His newest opus hit the shelves on October 26th, 2004. It's called Dark Matter: Moving At the Speed of Light and it's truly worth of Afrika's name. It's difficult to explain this album simply in terms of Afrika's history since it's largely a techno album with some hip hop elements, and the status of most electronic music is lamentable got too many subgenres to discuss without someone getting upset. But there's something beautiful about this album. Not only is it not missing a beat, and has Afrika at the peak of his game playing in a style that's familiar, it's llike 80s Bambaataa armed with modern technology and some of the most awesome production possible. The overall sound is so thick and noisy with amazing beats, clicks, african chants, sitars, world percussion, electrodrum assaults, and the occasionally insane speed rap from the many guest stars on this album that it's hard to even catch your breath. Weighing in at 72 minutes, it's also a hefty chunk of music in toto.

While the album has its LARGE SHARE OF FILLER (70 minutes you're practically guaranteed that, with "Pick Up on This" and "No Dope Fiends on the Floor" as unfortunate examples), it's got some songs on it that are just plain perfect. From the opening salvo of "Got That Vibe," with its speed rapping from King Kamonzi and sitar slinging tempo blur, this album is obviously special. From that it cools down to Gary Numan covering his own song with a special guest bluster by MC Chatterbox. If that wasn't wild enough to throw hip hop, new wave, and techno into one insane blender, there's more like that to come. The title track, "Dark Matter", keeps up with just as much speed and an addictive chorus and is personally my favorite with its swirling synth horns and expanding synth leads. The funny thing is the amount of producers Bambaataa flips and then destroys at their own game. Lil' Jon gets beat and shown for the Afrika-plagiarizer he is when Afrika effortlessly pulls up "Just a Smoke" and "Shake n Pop Roll" to old-schoolize the whole Crunk movement. Along with that there's the dark funk provided by "Take You Back" and "Almighty Rah" full with slab bass lines and some wah effects.

Perhaps the greatest standout is Afrika's ease at standing away from the controls. A careful reading of the liner notes reveals there are quite a few tracks he wrote but did not produce, and at time sung over beats made by others. Dark Matter comes out then as more than Bambaataa updated, but Bambaataa also joining with his contemporary electro-descendants while retaining all of trademark sounds. If anything, Afrika gets a little too addicted to shout outs, chants, and tribal drums, but everyone deserves some of their indulgences. For anyone that likes techno, hip hop, or even likes funk this album should suit you.

Back to the Future with one of Hip Hop's forefathers.......2004-11-25

The man that brought you Planet Rock and some of the most intense breaking music of the 80's is back. This guy is a legend. If you're into hip hop and want to get a feel for an artist that was probably your favorite current star's inspiration - check this out. This is NEW music with a significant old school influence. It has great production values and sound quality.

As a hip-hop fan for over 25 years, I am telling you cannot go wrong with anything produced by this creative and innovative artist. ROCK - ROCK - Planet Rock - Don't Stop.

RETURN TO PLANET ROCK.......2004-11-01

I'm so glad that Afrika Bambaataa is back. His influence in hip hop is undeniable but what is understated is the inspiration he's given to the rock world. Where would bands like Out Hud and !!! be without Bam? It'd be hard to tell but Bam's retro-futuristic space funk has been popping up a lot in new music. With the return of Death Comet Crew and Liquid Liquid, it's nice to see Bam right there with them. There wouldn't be a DFA records without Bam who is the man who built the house of jealous lovers. This is another great outing from a man who has brilliance encoded in his DNA. Viva La Bam! Much respect to this man.

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