Folk Art

Track Listings

1. Parade

2. Rising Moon

3. Clara's Dance

4. Cyro's Mountain

5. Farewell My Friends

6. Penobscot Bay

7. Adrift

8. Open Sky

9. Leon

10. Little David

Folk Art,Paul Sullivan,Rising Star,Adult Alternative,Chamber Jazz,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Solo Instrumental

Folk Art

Tracks:

Po Lazarus - J. Carter & Prisoners
Big Rock Candy Mountain - Harry McLintock
You Are My Sunshine - Norman Blake
Down In The River To Pray - Alison Krauss
I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow - The Soggy Bottom Boys featuring Dan Tyminski
Hard Time Killing Floor Blues - Chris Thomas King
Man Of Constant Sorrow (Instrumental) - Norman Blake
Keep On The Sunny Side - The Whites
I'll Fly Away - Gillian Welch & Alison Krauss
Didn't Leave Nobody But The Baby - Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss & Emmylou Harris
In The Highways - The Peasall Sisters
I Am Weary - The Cox Family
I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow (Instrumental) - John Hartford
O Death - Ralph Stanley
In The Jailhouse Now - The Soggy Bottom Boys featuring Tim Blake Nelson
I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow (With band) - The Soggy Bottom Boys featuring Dan Tyminski
Indian War Whoop (Instrumental) - John Hartford
Lonesome Valley - The Fairfield Four
Angel Band - The Stanley Brothers

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The best soundtracks are like movies for the ears, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? joins the likes of Saturday Night Fever and The Harder They Come as cinematic pinnacles of song. The music from the Coen brothers' Depression-era film taps into the source from which the purest strains of country, blues, bluegrass, folk, and gospel music flow. Producer T Bone Burnett enlists the voices of Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, and kindred spirits for performances of traditional material, in arrangements that are either a cappella or feature bare-bones accompaniment. Highlights range from the aching purity of Krauss's "Down to the River to Pray" to the plainspoken faith of the Whites' "Keep on the Sunny Side" to Stanley's chillingly plaintive "O Death." The album's spiritual centerpiece finds Krauss, Welch, and Harris harmonizing on "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby," a gospel lullaby that sounds like a chorus of Appalachian angels. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Buy this.......2007-07-23

This album is almost as good as the movie. A good purchase whether you like bluegrass or not.

dead or alive.......2007-07-21

This motion picture soundtrack brings grins all around because each of the tracks associates so instantly with a scene from the uproarious film it graced with fine folk music, in the process generating something of a musical renaissance for those drawn to the genre.

This is pure, early-twentieth-century, down-south Americana. It would be hard to find a more dignifying and elevating anthology of music to represent that slice of American history. This music is laced with humor and irony, putting the lie to the impression many people have that it's practitioners and their folk come from a benighted subculture between the coasts and in a chronological backwater.

Listen and love it.

O Brother, Where Art Thou?.......2007-05-28

My 1-year old grandson goes to sleep listening to some of the songs on the album, unless he is bouncing up and down to the faster numbers. I have therefore listened to the songs many, many times, and enjoy them every time. They are easy to listen to, to sing along with and to rock the baby with!

MORE OF AN IMPULSE PURCHASE FOR ME.......2007-05-26

I regretted buying this after listening to it once. I haven't listened to it since and that's about three months ago. Simply put, without the movie to provide a context, the music itself doesn't sell itself. There are four cuts of 'I'm a Man of Constant Sorrow", two by the same artists which goes a long way to proving my point. I haven't seen the movie in a few years and I'm sure there's a logical reason for the song being repeated in the soundtrack that many times, but I can't remember what it is. Sometimes I like roots music with clear acoustic instrumental sounds and soulful voices. But as for an introduction to this type of music for a general listener, this is not the CD to get. It's mostly for the already converted.

A real cheer-me-up CD.......2007-05-22

Couldn't feel bad while listening to this soundtrack - skipped over the serious stuff and just played "Happy"!!

Average customer rating:

This fixes the Beatles #1 mistake
The "hit machine" continues to strike
Once again, a great Starter kit
when the psychedelic counterculture hijacked the Top 40
500,000,000 record executives just couldn't be wrong

The Beatles: 1967-1970
The Beatles
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

British Invasion | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

1962-1966
A Hard Day's Night
Let It Be
The Beatles (The White Album)
Abbey Road

ASIN: B000002UZ1
Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

Strawberry Fields Forever
Penny Lane
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
With a Little Help from My Friends
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
Day in the Life
All You Need Is Love
I Am the Walrus
Hello Goodbye
Fool on the Hill
Magical Mystery Tour
Lady Madonna
Hey Jude
Revolution

Tracks:

Back in the U.S.S.R.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Get Back
Don't Let Me Down
Ballad of John and Yoko
Old Brown Shoe
Here Comes the Sun
Come Together
Something
Octopus's Garden
Let It Be
Across the Universe
Long and Winding Road

Amazon.com

Even as the Beatles began heading toward an inevitable breakup, their prolific ways continued; this two-disc look back only skims the surface of their later achievements. Excerpts from Sgt. Pepper, Magical Mystery Tour, the white album, Abbey Road, and Let It Be compete for space with classic singles that do as much or more to prove their eclecticism: the epic ballad "Hey Jude," the plaintive "Strawberry Fields Forever," straight rock & roll of all stripes from the plainspoken "Revolution" and "Get Back" to the surreal "Come Together." Decades after the split, this (and its companion set of 1962-1966 cuts) remains a favored introduction for young listeners and a key sampler for veteran fans. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

This fixes the Beatles #1 mistake.......2007-07-17

Their mistake was including Revolution1 on the white album instead of the catchy faster Revolution that can be found on the blue album. That makes this worth buying if you don't want to get it on past masters volume two.

The "hit machine" continues to strike.......2007-04-29

This band was amazing, I am to young to have been part of it, but I do feel like I was there when I listen to this band. This band will never be forgotten. So many classic hits they have produced !

Once again, a great Starter kit.......2007-03-08

Like I said with the review for the Red album, if you're just getting into the Beatles, no better place to start. Listen to it for the course of about 2-3 months and once you get the idea of what they're about and the direction of their music, then you can branch off onto the albums like "Revolver", "Sgt. Peppers", "Abbey Road", etc. you won't regret it for the rest of your life.

If there was anything a person can do in their life, getting into the Beatles could defintely be one of the best (and smartest)choices you'll ever have to make

when the psychedelic counterculture hijacked the Top 40.......2007-01-14

The BLUE and RED ALBUMS make more sense to me now than they did in when they were first compiled in 1973. At the time, it just seemed like a blatant marketing move, but that was when many of us were immersed in Beatles albums, and would not settle for a "superficial greatest hits." In reality they were always indispensable because they included so many great singles that were not on the regular albums.

CDs changed the way we listen to music (you don't have to get up and change sides every 20 or 30 minutes, and you can program out cuts you don't want to hear), and while you can of course create your own collection, this is pretty close to perfection as a hit singles highlights gets for the late Beatles. Perfect for driving! These discs only contain about 60 minutes of music, and it could be 80, but by the 1990s the 1973 collections were classics themselves. I can't give the set less than 5 stars considering the music that it DOES include!

Personally, one of my gripes was always that REVOLVER should have been in the BLUE ALBUM so that all the late psychedelic music would be together. Some other ideas to make what is nearly perfect even better --

1) Substitute George's "It's All Too Much" for "Lucy In the Sky." George's great song ended up stuck on YELLOW SUBMARINE, but it was part of the SGT. PEPPER'S sessions, and is a much better song than LSD. 2) Move "A Day in the Life" so that it follows "With a Little Help From My Friends". 3) In the animal department, substitute Paul's "Blackbird" from the WHITE ALBUM for "Octopus's Garden." 4) Substitute John's "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill" from the WHITE ALBUM for John's "The Ballad of John & Yoko," a non-album single which I never liked. The former is Lennon at his subversive best, and the song works just as well with Iraq as the backdrop as it did with Vietnam. 5) Substitute Paul's "Two of Us" from LET IT BE for George's "Old Brown Shoe," a non-album single. 6) Substitute John's "Rain," a non-album single (B-side to "Paperback Writer" from 1966, currently available only on PAST MASTERS, Vol. 2), for Paul's reggae-influenced "Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da."

The late Beatles worked on multiple levels, and what was just immaculate pop to some represented emerging higher consciousness to others. Those seeds of enlightenment are still in the music, and we need them more than ever!

500,000,000 record executives just couldn't be wrong.......2006-10-22

The Beatles' "Blue Album" celebrates their talent by boasting nothing but just some of their infamous hits from the years 1967-1970. These songs come from several of the greatest rock albums of all time including Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles ("The White Album"), Abbey Road and Let It Be. The Beatles' "Blue Album" both proves their genius and demonstrates their singular talent that no other band can replicate.

The two CD set allows us to realize that The Beatles wrote many different types of songs with different styles. This is also essential music that offers something for just about anyone who listens to the two CD set. The first CD starts off strong with the popular and psychedelic "Strawberry Fields Forever," other psychedelic and experimental songs include "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and "I Am The Walrus." There are beautiful ballads celebrating love including "All You Need Is Love" and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da." The Beatles also address the angst of a love that is no longer in the songs "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "The Long And Winding Road." Finally, the band sings songs that are just plain fun including "Octopus's Garden" and "Back In The U.S.S.R."

Another reviewer makes an excellent point: If you want to understand the sharp differences in style between John Lennon and Paul McCartney at this time in their careers there is no better comparison than between "Hey Jude," which is an classic ballad indeed, and "Revolution," which is rather conceited, smug and bitter all at once.

The Beatles' use of the unconscious when writing trippy songs like "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "A Day In The Life" enabled them to reach out to their fans and ultimately the world. The lyrics make sense even when they make no sense; this only adds to the beauty of the more psychedelic, trippy songs. Moreover, the songs on this two CD set work so well because they address universal themes of wanting to be loved, celebrating love and mourning a lost love.

The liner notes boast the lyrics to each song and great color photos of the band. The liner notes include the song credits, too.

Indeed, The Beatles were so prolific in their writing and performing that this two CD set barely skims the surface of what they truly accomplished between the years 1967 and 1970. If you like this CD set I highly recommend you buy individual Beatles' albums to discover more about the band's creativity and boldness.

Overall, this two CD set is more than just an introductory retrospective of The Beatles' music during the turbulent late 1960s. The "Blue Album" celebrates The Beatles' ability to communicate their political beliefs and amorous feelings for other people through their songs. These songs remind us to understand and appreciate the blessings of love, the evils of war and the importance of world peace--now.

I highly recommend this CD for Beatles fans, fans of great 1970s rock music and anyone who wants to experience how The Beatles taught us what was right through their music. This two CD set is a must have for any Beatles' collector as well as for anyone who wants to study the history of rock and roll.

Average customer rating:

Patricia
Like a bridge over troubled water...
Take me back
A Personal Favorite
A 6-Star Greatest Hits Package

Simon & Garfunkel - Greatest Hits
Simon & Garfunkel
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

$8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

James Taylor: Greatest Hits
Cat Stevens - Greatest Hits
Bridge Over Troubled Water
The Best of Simon & Garfunkel
Sounds of Silence

ASIN: B0000024YL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Mrs. Robinson
For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her
Boxer
59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
Sound of Silence
I Am a Rock
Scarborough Fair/Canticle
Homeward Bound
Bridge over Troubled Water
America
Kathy's Song
Condor Pasa (If I Could)
Bookends Theme
Cecilia

Amazon.com

Simon & Garfunkel have two 3-CD box sets collecting their entire career output, one with out-takes and live recordings, but the duo who were among the bestselling acts of the 1960s only recorded five studio albums throughout the entire 1960s! Their studio perfectionism is never better served than here. This greatest hits is simple and to the point, a perfect collection for anyone looking to get the basic idea (and hits) without committing to a more serious relationship. The harmonies, Paul Simon's masterful songwriting, Garfunkel's soaring choirboy voice, are all here. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

Patricia .......2007-07-29

Thanks for always have the old music I grew up with. I can not find most of this music at Cat's Music, but you have everything I need.

Like a bridge over troubled water..........2006-12-04

When you're weary, feelin' small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.
I'm on your side, Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.

When you're down and out, when you're on the street
When evening falls so hard, I will comfort you.
I'll take your part, Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will lay me down.

Sail on children, sail on by
Your time has come to shine, all their dreams are on their way
See how they shine, Oh when you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled waters
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled waters,
I will ease your mind.
I'll ease your mind.

The music of Simon and Garfunkel remains relevant, beautiful and poignant to this day. They sang well and when they sang you listened carefully because their music and their message were invariably important. This CD proves it.

The CD starts off with the classic "Mrs. Robinson;" this song was featured in the 1968 movie entitled The Graduate. The musical arrangement is very well done and their ability to harmonize to perfection makes this song a classic. The CD then switches gears for the slower paced love ballad "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her."

Other classic songs on this CD include "The Boxer;" "The Sound Of Silence;" "Scarborough Fair/Canticle;" the song "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with its opulent orchestral musical arrangement; "America" and a very rockin' song entitled "Cecilia." "Cecilia" is a strong song; it offers an upbeat melody that does not match the story of frustration a man feels about his girlfriend. Nevertheless, this song shines and it is a fine choice to end the album.

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" deserves special note as one of the greatest ballads of all time. I can hardly think of another song that is so soothing. The singer promises comfort, unconditional love and support to his partner whenever it is necessary. It boasts a grand musical arrangement and Simon and Garfunkel perform this song with such sensitivity that you won't easily forget it.

The sound quality is excellent and the pictures of Simon and Garfunkel are nicely done. Art's choirboy voice actually has a fairly good range to it and Paul Simon's voice is strong and vibrant.

One reviewer comments that they didn't care for the applause at the end of two songs. There are live tracks on this album. "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her," "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" and "Homeward Bound" are live tracks. In addition, "Kathy's Song" has applause at the beginning of the song but not at the end--was the ending applause edited out of this track? It's a small point, however, as the quality of their work never diminishes because of the sporadic applause on this CD. I personally like the way they chose some live tracks along with some studio tracks for this CD.

The liner notes don't offer much; then again, Simon and Garfunkel sing so clearly that you hardly need the lyrics written down for you. A brief essay about their work together would have been helpful but again this is a small point.

I highly recommend this CD as an excellent single CD retrospective of Simon and Garfunkel's best work when they performed together. It is also a wonderful CD for Paul Simon fans, Art Garfunkel fans, and fans of folk rock.

Take me back.......2006-11-04

True lyrical meaning and BEAUTIFUL vocal harmony sum up the core of this album. The guitar is strummed with intention and ease, and the songs are all classics that you have surely heard one time or another. I could listen to it over and over again. I wish these guys were still making music together.

A Personal Favorite.......2006-11-03

Simon & Garfunkel were a ground-breaking duo! This album is LOADED with super songs and has been at the top of my favorite albums for over a quarter century.

A 6-Star Greatest Hits Package.......2006-07-15

This is one of the soundtracks to my life. This great compilation has been with me since I first heard it coming from my parents speakers 30+ years ago. I wore out my LP copy in my late twenties and snatched up a CD copy shortly thereafter...it remains close to me and my player to this day. Melancholy, somber, jubilant, hopeful, happy...these are just a few words to describe this album and the emotions it evokes while listening to it. Many great reviews have been posted on this wonderful Hits package and its obvious that it has almost "universal" appeal. Most of the reviews here resonate with the same tone---"this album is so much a part of my life". Without going into individual songs, I'll say that I enjoy every song from start to finish. This is really timeless music that will continue to reach new generations of listeners and will remain very special to me for decades to come....enjoy this(your not likely to find the 'Magic' these two gentlemen had in today's artists).

Average customer rating:

Innovation and Musicianship, It's A Beutiful Day
PATTI SANTOS was the original vocal!
Two Great Cuts, One Nostalgic Cut, and a Lot of Garbage
Memories
I don't know about "the San Fran sound", but I know IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SOUND...

It's a Beautiful Day
It's a Beautiful Day
Manufacturer: San Francisco Sound
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Marrying Maiden
Happy Trails
Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus
Surrealistic Pillow
Quicksilver Messenger Service

ASIN: B000000DPF
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Tracks:

White Bird
Hot Summer Day
Wasted Union Blues
Girl With No Eyes
Bombay Calling
Bulgaria
Time Is

Amazon.com

Yes, the original version of that FM oldie "White Bird" is included on this CD. Formed in 1967 by former symphony violinist David LaFlamme, this popular group plowed through all of the San Francisco Sound's clichés at once: organ, fiddle and drum solos; epigrammatic sayings about love, time, and dreams that are so cheesy they would make a Hallmark hack blush; the soft-part-that-heads-steadily-toward-the-crescendo part; incongruously pieced-together prog-rock songs that plod on for way too long; off-kilter male and female singing; and a near-total lack of soul. This 1969 recording, then, is a clear blueprint of what not to do in psychedelic rock--with the exception of "White Bird," which retains a sheen of innocence and melodic oomph despite its daft, repeated utterance that "she must fly!" This reissue has a bright, clear sound and excellent separation; it will more than please fans of the original LP. However, those looking for an equal to the best works of Moby Grape, Quicksilver, and the Dead are encouraged to seek elsewhere. --Mike McGonigal

Album Details

The Classic Band of the Sixites Embraced by San Francisco and the Love Generation, the Legendary First Album featuring White Bird. One of the Original Ten San Francisco Groups Produced by Matthew Katz who Produced Jefferson Airplane.

Customer Reviews:

Innovation and Musicianship, It's A Beutiful Day.......2007-07-22

David LaFlamme was one of the first, if not THE first to use an electric violin in rock music. This is an outstanding example of the vast range that "rock" music encompasses and how musicians of that era, (the late '60's), were willing to push to envelope of the time in regard to what was "acceptable" for radio. Three minutes was pretty much the time limit of anything that could get airplay. Also, the use of a violin as anything but a "sweetener" was pretty much unheard of. While not every song on this album is a top forty smash, they all have some redeeming qualities and some, most notably "White Bird", "Hot Summer Day" and "Girl With No Eyes" are extremely good for both their musical quality, vocals and the ability of the band to create a genre that simply didn't exist before them. While "White Bird" may seem a bit tired to some ears in this day and age, it is most likely because of all the airplay it has received over the years, and there is a valid reason for that...it really is that good. For an excellent feel for the Woodstock era, this is a must have for anyone interested in good music.

PATTI SANTOS was the original vocal!.......2007-07-14

PATTI SANTOS Santos was the original vocal on the original recording. Her voice was so unique and beautiful that no one since her untimely death will EVER be able to duplicate. For some reason, there is NO mention of Patti in any of these reviews OR on LaFlamme's website. I wonder why that is? PATTI SANTOS was what made It's A Beautiful Day what it was. Yes, the violin is very pretty, but I can always listen to Jean-Luc Ponty. I'm afraid that without PATTI SANTOS on vocals and percussion, IABD will never be the same. Just a good example of how it's never as good as the original. I do, however, think all of IABD's albums are excellent masterpieces. The LaFlamme solo albums are good too. Fortunately, we have the beauty of PATTI SANTOS' vocals on those albums. It's kinda like trying to recreate "Close To You" by the Carpenters with another singer other than Karen Carpenter--it can't be done. These were unique, beautifully gifted artists who were one of a kind and are still missed to this day.

Two Great Cuts, One Nostalgic Cut, and a Lot of Garbage.......2007-07-13

Great cut: Hot Summer Day: unique, superb mix of instruments (violin, harmonica, keyboard, and electric guitar), nice vocals (the lyrics are kinda dumb, but that's part of the 60s), fantastic build up...everything that characterizes a great 60s song. The last few intensive notes end this song beautifully.

Great cut: Bombay Calling - a wonderful violin driven instrumental that makes you bounce in your seat.

Nostalgic Cut: White Bird (yup. I'm that old). Great to hear it, but it makes its point and then pounds you to death with it

OK Cut: Girl with No Eyes (what is this song trying to tell us?)

What's with the rest of this junk? It's either painfully harsh or just downright boring. Amazon reviewer Mike McGonigal hit the nail on the head. This album is everything that's right and wrong with the 60s music.

Memories.......2007-03-19

I had one of the songs off this CD stuck in my head for weeks. I finally got my song fix and it was great!

I don't know about "the San Fran sound", but I know IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SOUND..........2007-02-23

This album was recorded well before I was born so this review will not be based on subjective and biased memories...though I wish I could have experienced this band back in that era because a lot of great music was created back then. I am not familiar with the so-called "San Franscisco sound" but I do know of other bands in this era such as Jefferson Airplane, the Doors, King Crimson, and Procol Harum (these are bands I mention because I think elements of their sound can be heard in It's a Beautiful Day).

BEAUTIFUL!!! That word really does describe this album better than anything else in the english vocabulary. The cover of the album reminds me of the movie 'The Sound of Music' and the music is pure genius. Take a typical 4 peice 60's band (bass, guitar, drums, vocals) then add keyboards with psychedelic sound effects, a very talented violinist, a female vocalist, and a variety of other instruments...combine all this with gorgeous melodies, poetic lyrics, and progressive song compositions = BEAUTIFUL!!!

I won't take the time to dissect every song but I will make mention that "White Bird" really is as wonderful as all the other reviewers have made it out to be. Other highlights for me were the psychedelic and very catchy melodies of "Girl With No Eyes", the distorted guitars and upbeat tempo of "Wasted Union Blues", the guitar licks and harmonies of the instrumental song "Bombay Calling", and the diverse and crazy "Time Is" (almost 10 minutes in length and includes a great percussion solo). There is really no filler on this album and David Lafamme's voice is just as moving as his violin. As the lyrics of "Bulgaria" suggest: "Open up your mind!"

BEAUTIFUL!!!

RECOMMENDATION: As mentioned earlier in my review - fans of the Doors, King Crimson, Jefferson Airplane, or Procol Harum should dig this music. If you are already familar with It's A Beautiful Day then those aforementioned bands should be part of your music collection as well. Also highly recommended is the band Camel's 1975 instrumental masterpiece entitled 'The Snow Goose'. See my profile for more suggestions.

Average customer rating:

Traffic's most inspired release
There Were Three Men Came Out of The West
A True Five Star
One of the finest albums of all time
incredible, indelible, inventive

John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
Blind Faith
Traffic
Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory
Mr. Fantasy

ASIN: B000059T1E
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Glad
Freedom Rider
Empty Pages
I Just Want You To Know
Stranger To Himself
John Barleycorn
Every Mothers Son
Sittin' Here Thinkin' Of My Love

Amazon.com

Traffic's third studio album is also its third best, ranking below the band's superb second record (1968's Traffic) and its psychedelic debut (1968's Mr. Fantasy). The depth of those albums came from having two superior songwriters, Steve Winwood and Dave Mason; by John Barleycorn, Winwood was leading a trio that included Chris Wood on horns and Jim Capaldi on drums. Winwood now supplied guitar as well as keyboards, and songs such as "Glad" and "Freedom Rider" reflected the trio's fondness for instrumental jams. But the 1970 album is remembered most for the title tune, a traditional folk song blessed with one of the finest vocals of Winwood's long career. --John Milward

Customer Reviews:

Traffic's most inspired release.......2007-08-06

As a fan of every Traffic lineup and release "John Barleycorn Must Die" is their finest moment. Every song is beautifully arranged and performed. Winwood's voice is spectacular and every song is memorable. This is a top ten desert island disc. A masterpiece from beginning to end. The two short bonus tracks are a nice extra for those of us purchasing this album for the third time(vinyl, CD, CD remaster)

There Were Three Men Came Out of The West.......2007-06-17

This is Traffic's third album, but Dave Mason has left to pursue a solo career, and it is mainly Steve Winwood, with help from Capaldi on drums, and Chris Wood on Sax, Flute, and Organ. A core trio, and in the studio they create a full sound, with just these three key players. It embraces a variety of styles, even for this eclectic group, ranging from the old English folk ballad, "John Barleycorn," to the jazzy R&B of "Glad."

"There were three men came out of the West,
Their fortunes for to try,
And these three men made a solemn vow:
John Barleycorn must die."

There are many versions of this folk ballad, some going back as far as 1465, and collected by Cecil Sharp from 1900 to 1910. There are between 100 and 140 versions, and in the one used by Traffic & Co., in spite of the solemn efforts of the three men to triumph over John Barleycorn, or distilled liquor, this was the outcome:

"And little Sir John and the nut-brown bowl,
And he's brandy in the glass;
And little Sir John and the nut-brown bowl,
Proved the strongest man at last."

Steve Winwood plays guitar on this, and Chris Wood plays flute. There are two vocalists, and I am guessing that it is Capaldi and Winwood. Not much percussion, and hard to sing when you're playing flute. There is a tambourine. Winwood seems to be deeply into this music, and the treatment sounds both ancient and modern.

"Glad" is an instrumental, and there is an extended jam, mostly piano and keyboards. Great drums, and a fat sax riff that is easy to play, but it sounds so cool, and ends on a very cool sounding trill. This is a great instrumental track, and the rest of the record veers between these two extremes. I really like this Traffic album for "Glad" and "John Barleycorn" but the rest ain't bad, either. Since those are my favorite Traffic songs, this is my favorite Traffic album.

"The huntsman, he can't hunt the fox,
Nor so loudly to blow his horn,
And the tinker he can't mend kettle nor pot,
Without a little Barleycorn."

A True Five Star.......2007-04-16

I was there when my older sisters listened to the vinyl version of Barleycorn on the turntable, back when the LP was only recently released. Even with the scratches and pops, the unique jazzy progressive flow of the music was immaculate. Needless to say, the re-mastering of what is already a true master may be redundant or gratuitious, but go ahead--make my day...stretch the limits of the human capacity to experience bliss. The other Amazon reviewers of this legendary work of art do not lie, are not using hyperbole, and do not exaggerate the point...this one goes to eleven...er, six...er, whatever.

One of the finest albums of all time.......2007-03-04

"John Barleycorn" has in common with much of the Beatles' work that -- even if you've listened to it a thousand times -- when you come back it sounds as fresh and new as the very first listening.

The entire album is great--and covers an amazing amount of "musical territory." It would be on my short list of nominees for "greatest album of all time."

Let me also add that I was fortunate enough to see the briefly-reunited Traffic at Columbia, MD's Merriweather Post Pavilion (the year may have been 1994), not too long after the release of their much-underrated "Far From Home" - a fine album in its own right. It was a concert for the ages. Among his many other talents, Winwood is a superb guitarist.

incredible, indelible, inventive.......2007-02-16

this is one of my favorite rock and roll (plus jazz and folk influenced) albums of all time.
it gets my vote as Traffic's best, but that's a tough call, for sure. what an amazing mix of
songs, styles, influences in a unique blend of music. never get tired of hearing the story
of poor John Barleycorn!

Average customer rating:

Real Love
`Read My Lips "The Anthology Music CDs Are Not Worth Buying - Save Your Money!" Diehard Beatles Fan`
No "Spoken Word Intros" Like Volume 1, but Still Outstanding Material
Truly Historic
Paul's Fatal Mistake

Anthology 2
The Beatles
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

British Invasion | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Anthology 3
Anthology 1
Live at the BBC
The Beatles Anthology
Past Masters, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000002TYZ
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

Real Love
Yes It Is
I'm Down
You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
If You've Got Trouble
That Means A Lot
Yesterday
It's Only Love
I Feel Fine
Ticket To Ride
Yesterday
Help!
Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
I'm Looking Through You
12-Bar Original
Tomorrow Never Knows
Got To Get You Into My Life
And Your Bird Can Sing
Taxman
Eleanor Rigby (Strings Only)
I'm Only Sleeping (Reheasal)
I'm Only Sleeping (Take 1)
Rock And Roll Music
She's A Woman

Tracks:

Strawberry Fields Forever (Demo Sequence)
Strawberry Fields Forever (Take 1)
Strawberry Fields Forever (Take 7 & Edit Piece)
Penny Lane
A Day In The Life
Good Morning Good Morning
Only A Northern Song
Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite! (Takes 1 And 2)
Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite! (Take 7)
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
Within You Without You (Instrumental)
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)
I Am The Walrus
The Fool On The Hill (Demo)
Your Mother Should Know
The Fool On The Hill (Take 4)
Hello, Goodbye
Lady Madonna
Across The Universe

Amazon.com

The most anticipated of the Anthology series, this disc covers what was arguably the Fab Four's most intensely creative period ('65-'67) when they single-handedly changed the course of popular music. Anthology 2 doesn't disappoint. Outtakes and demos show the building of songs like "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite," while the pure pop song writing of Rubber Soul and Help! is also documented, along with the sonic experimentation that characterized Revolver. Even if the legendary proto-metal jam of "What's the New Mary Jane" didn't see the light of day here, there is plenty for any Beatles fan. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Real Love.......2007-06-07

To some critics, this is just a grab bag of Beatles outtakes. To others like me, it's a mini-revelation of sorts, and a chance to revisit Beatles history. The milestone of this is the Beatles' final collaboration of sorts - "Real Love" - Lennon seems to drive this with real emotion and his former bandmates play with it as if they were all in the studio. It's a great, fitting tribute to the talent of the entire band.

The second interesting part for me was CD 2 - the embryonic growth of Strawberry Fields Forever - revealed in three successive takes here - makes for a satisfying and different experience of the song. It feels somewhat dimensionalised.

While not everything is fantastic or that different here, the Beatles were pretty consistent, and what is here makes for a complete Beatles experience. To enjoy it more, watch the companion DVD set. Worth the price of admission? Absolutely.

`Read My Lips "The Anthology Music CDs Are Not Worth Buying - Save Your Money!" Diehard Beatles Fan`.......2007-01-21

As a 57-year old dedicated Beatles fan since 1963, I listen some Beatles songs everyday 365 days a year. UNLIKE the ANTHOLOGY DVDs and VHS VIDEOS, these ANTHOLOGY MUSIC CDs ARE 100% DISTORTED WORTHLESS CRAP BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN UNFINISHED SONGS FULL OF MISTAKES of the BEATLES PRACTICE DEMO RECORDINGS and EXHIBIT NONE OF THE BEATLES CREATIVE MUSIC GENIUS FOUND ON ORIGINAL ALBUM'S FINAL RECORDINGS.

No "Spoken Word Intros" Like Volume 1, but Still Outstanding Material.......2006-12-14

The Beatles need no introduction when it comes to the elite of Rock/Pop music. When trying to "rank" the greatest artists of the Rock/Pop era, there is no doubt that the quartet from England ranks number one on just about every list. Going even further, the Beatles might be the top act in the history of modern music - among any genre. Some quarter-century after their breakup, the Beatles began to consider their place in history. This impetus played a key role in the release of the three volume, "Beatles Anthology" CD set and corresponding television documentary. One of the main attractions of this project was that it would bring the three surviving Beatles together for the first time since the famous breakup. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr would collaborate together on two unfinished John Lennon songs: "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love" - creating a "virtual" reunion among the four band members. This three volume set would not be an ordinary greatest hits collection - it would provide a historical retrospective to the band through rare and unreleased material. The second volume, "Beatles Anthology 2" covers the middle to late years of the Beatles from 1965 through 1968 - and shows some of their most creative material.

As mentioned, this CD serves as a historical retrospective to the band. The material is arranged in chronological order. One of the strengths of "Beatles Anthology Volume 1" was that there was material that was prefaced with spoken words by the likes of Lennon, McCartney, and Brian Epstein. These spoken words helped set the stage for the material to follow. Unfortunately, "Beatles Anthology 2" does not have any spoken words with the exception of some comments that are on the demo cuts. While the content of "Beatles Anthology 2" is still very good, I still think it falls a bit short when compared to Volume 1. One positive is that Volume 2 does contain an outstanding 46 page booklet that helps to supplement the listening experience. This collection should not be confused with a traditional "Greatest Hits Collection". Instead of studio cuts, this collection consists of outtakes, demos, and rarities that construct a terrific listening experience.

Here are 10 things to look for - in no particular order:

1) "Real Love" is a good song. When compared to the other "virtual reunion" song on Volume 1, "Free as a Bird", it is the better of the two cuts. "Real Love" features Lennon on lead vocals (unlike "Free as a Bird" that had also had vocals by McCartney and Harrison) Like "Free as a Bird", - it was produced by Harrison's "Wilbury" partner Jeff Lynne produced the song. I didn't think this song belonged as the first song, but given the fact that this doesn't fit in with the early material - I'm not sure where this should have been put.

2) Like Volume 1, George Martin does a masterful job at providing continuity and fusion to the collection. While he didn't actually produce "Real Love", he produced the Anthology series as a whole.

3) This collection does a better job at providing demo cuts than Volume 1. In particular it is very interesting to hear demo versions such as "Strawberry Fields Forever", "Yesterday", "The Fool on the Hill", "I'm Only Sleeping", and "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite"

4) The collection features four live cuts ("I Feel Fine", "Ticket to Ride", "Yesterday", and "Help!" that were recorded at the ABC Theatre in Blackpool for the British Television Show, "Blackpool Night Out". These live cuts are outstanding.

5) Volume 1 featured much more in the way of covers. On Volume 2 the majority of the cuts are original Beatles compositions with the exception of Carl Perkins' "Everybody Trying to Be My Baby" and Chuck Berry's "Rock and Roll Music".

6) There are three instrumentals worth noting: "Eleanor Rigby", "Within You Without You", and the unissued "12-Bar Original". "12 Bar Original" is highlighted by the Harmonium played by George Martin. However the instrumental version of "Eleanor Rigby" simply blew me away.

7) I didn't classify the version of "Got to Get You Into My Life" as a demo, but more like an alternate version. While not as strong or polished as the final version that was released, I still found this intriguing. There are alternate lyrics and "pauses".

8) Perhaps the most amazing thing about this collection is the Beatles transform from the early 1960 sound into their psychedelic era. The bluesy "12 Bar Original" and very psychedelic "Tomorrow Never Knows" are ordered back to back and show how dramatic a transformation that was.

9) The three cuts of "Strawberry Fields Forever" really demonstrate how the Beatles came to evolve what would be the final product. The demo starts out as a folksy version and you can hear how they evolve some more psychedelic elements into the arrangements on the second two cuts.

10) While some of the material on this version is unfinished or interrupted by spoken words, it is what adds to the charm of the collection. I heard a disc-jockey in "New York" so impressed with this collection as he said "...and this is the junk!" It's amazing how stuff that didn't make it through editing could sound so good, but in this case it works.

Overall, this is one terrific collection. I've heard that this collection is not geared toward the novice fan, but I think anyone with an interest in modern music history will appreciate this collection. This collection is best listened to when you listen to it from start to finish. I wish more groups would follow this formula for producing retrospectives. Be sure to follow along and read the liner notes that are included - they are as good as you can get. Despite the lack of the "Spoken Word Intros" that were on Volume 1, this is still an outstanding collection. Highly recommended.

Truly Historic.......2006-12-05

This volume of the Beatles Anthology continues where volume 1 left off, around the time of Help. It also presents another new song, "Real Love." This was a time of creativity and a change in direction in the Beatles music. In some cases, the alternate takes presented here are radicaly different from the masters. One example of this is "Got to Get You Into My Life." There are also some live tracks on disc 1, which are very interesting to hear. Some highlights for me are:

*Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby - from the 1965 Shea Stadium concert, not used in the film.
*I'm Looking Through You - different, with a very funky, earthy sound.
*Rock and Roll Music - live in Japan 1966, the final tour.
*Good Morning Good Morning - without the chorus or overdubs

I greatly enjoyed hearing the working versions of the Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour, two of their most creative albums. This album is a must for the serious collector.

Paul's Fatal Mistake.......2006-08-23

The story goes that Paul decided to end the band after discovering that John had turned over the Let It Be tapes to Phil Spector behind his back, and muzaked his beloved Long and Winding Road. But truely the real end came with Paul's refusal to release the last song on this anthology.

Both John and Paul had a knack for tapping into the rapidly evolving zeitgeist of the 60's. All You Need is Love may seem a little precious at this far removed time, but it was the perfect world rally rant at the peak of the summer of love.

Similarly, the world's attention in early '68 was on the Beatles celebrated trip to India to study with the Mahariji. What secret had they learned that they could impart on us? Of all the songs written during that sabbatical, the one that would have satisfied the curiousity of of the current youth culture was John's vision of spiritual wonder and inner peace, Across the Universe. A beautifully tranquil mantra to allow the fans a couple of weeks to contemplate before moving on.

But the ever competetive Paul would not hear of it. He was working on his very catchy, paternal influenced Lady Madonna. Brian was no longer around to intervene with his wonderful sense of timing. John's moment to capitalize on world attention was shattered. A week later, during the very next session, Hey Bulldog, he brought into the studio for the very first time his new partner, Yoko.

There were plenty of songs written in India to fill up most of the white album, and John's sudden disdain for the group venture was not completely evident until that batch was used up.

So here it is, before it mangled by World Wildlife, Phil Spector and finally the naked Paul, John's last shot at global connection in all its shimmering glory. (68 was a year where a lot of potentially positive things ended up pretty downtrodden.)

"Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friend."

Average customer rating:

Simply, a Must Have!
Traffic's second album
One hell of a record
Feelin' Alright
Traffic's Second Album Is Great

Traffic
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mr. Fantasy
John Barleycorn Must Die
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys
Heaven Is in Your Mind
Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory

ASIN: B000059T1H
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

You Can All Join In
Pearly Queen
Don't Be Sad
Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring
Feelin' Alright
Vagabond Virgin
Forty Thousand Headmen
Cryin' to be Heard
No Time To Live
Means To An End
You Can All Join In - (mono single mix, bonus track)
Feelin' Alright - (mono single mix, bonus track)
Withering Tree - (stereo single mix, bonus track)

Amazon.com

Considering that Traffic couldn't seem to stay intact for more than a few months at a time, the band's work seems even more remarkable. Recorded in the summer of 1968 and released later that fall, Traffic, the band's sophomore release, stands as the outfit's high-water mark and one of the great rock albums of its time. Clearly, Dave Mason and Steve Winwood had completely different visions for the band, both musically and socially. In fact, Mason had already left the band at the year's beginning, only to return a few short months later. Mason liked to work alone and favored rooted folk-tinged material; Winwood saw the band as a communal affair and leaned toward progressive jazz-influenced music. Of course, the synthesis of these two approaches is what makes Traffic such a terrific album. There's not a weak moment across these 10 songs (augmented on this reissue with three mono single mixes). By fusing bits of country and folk, wisps of psychedelia, and elements of jazz and soul, the album managed to both presage and summarize the ambitious developments of rock music during its most creative era. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Simply, a Must Have!.......2007-07-14

For anyone appreciative of the late sixties, early seventies progressive rock era of music, this is simply a must have for your collection. Combining psychedelia and folk, this innovative CD stands out above the rest. As popular as Traffic was back then as a band, I still feel that Steve Winwood and company were underrated. Check out Blind Faith and Steve's later solo work from the eighties too.

Traffic's second album.......2006-12-12

This isn't the place that you want to start your Traffic collection. Get Low Spark and Shootout first. Still this is a very good album. The only weak cuts for me is Vagabond Virgin which sounds like they're trying to be a little too clever and Don't Be Sad. Many songs that would be considered Traffic classics come from here-Feelin' Alright?, Fourty Thousand Headmen, Pearly Queen, ect. This is a very good release with great sound.

One hell of a record.......2006-11-04

This is amazing, a must-have in any self-respecting '60's rock collection. Any album with You Can All Join In, Pearly Queen, 40,000 Headsmen and Feelin' Alright? has got to be pretty good. But you also get Cryin' to Be Heard, the underrated Don't Be Sad (pathetic lyrics aside, it's actually quite good) and Who Knows What Tomorrow Brings. Vagabond Virgin has some good social-commentary lyrics, something the group rarely tackled. And while No Time to Live is a filler, that's it. The rest is excellent jazz/folk/rock, far exceeding anything imitators ever did. For a similar record, both in general feel and in quality, pick up Jethro Tull's excellent Benefit.

Feelin' Alright.......2006-08-04

Back in the day, I had every Traffic album. I only recently picked up this one again. I'd forgotten what a classic it is. In retrospect, it's more like Dave Mason backed with Traffic, but that's a pretty good billing in my book.

The greatest feat here was the lifting of the veil of psychedelia that permeated their first release. As much as I still love Mr. Fantasy, the cohesion that Traffic produced for their sophomore effort solidified their greatness, making this album their most accessible record. It manages to balance a myriad of musical genres from psychedelia ("Vagabond Virgin") to country ("You Can All Join In") to straight-up rock and roll ("Pearly Queen") to the folky/soft-rock stylings of Mason's solo work ("No Time To Live").

What makes "Traffic" even more impressive is the incredible use of layering to produce a rich, complex tapestry of music. Generally speaking, overdubbing tends to muddle and confuse music, but it was done in such a well calculated way here that it actually enhances the overall feel of each song. It's clear there was a focus here that didn't really manifest itself ever again. That's not to say that Traffic's later work was academic or pedestrian by comparison, but the effort to establish themselves as top-notch composers is most evident on this record.

Traffic's sound changed so much over their relatively short catalog that it is difficult to point newcomers to a particular album as a good starting point. In fact, this album may be the one most unlike any others with the possible exception of John Barleycorn.

I rate this album with five stars not so much because it's my favorite Traffic album (it's not), but because of the obvious clarity of purpose they put forth. There are no weak songs here. Every one could stand alone as a picture of brilliant song writing. This is absolutely a must have for any fan of the era and/or genre.

Traffic's Second Album Is Great.......2006-04-13

Traffic's self-titled second album is great. It contains an equal number of compositions by Steve Winwood and Dave Mason, with an odd Jim Capaldi number thrown in at times for good measure. Whereas the first album (MR. FANTASY/HEAVEN IS IN YOUR MIND) is, at times, a bit too druggy-sounding to suit my chosen lifestyle, this album has very little, if any, of that. The songs are very pop- and blues-oriented, with a folk influence also present. The best song on the album is "Feelin' Alright?", a song which is about needing a change of pace and the perils of stagnation. Winwood's and Mason's belief that the young Australian tourist convicted in Indonesia in May of 2005 for drug-smuggling was the victim of a grave injustice makes this CD an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.

The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

Average customer rating:

the most relaxing classical music in the university
Relaxing Classical Music
Stress-freedom
Greatly enjoy!
the most relaxing classical music in the universe

The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
Johann Sebastian Bach , Ralph Vaughan Williams , George Frideric Handel , Gustav Holst , Samuel Barber , Edvard Grieg , Jean Sibelius , Antonin Dvorak , Franz Liszt , Charles Gounod , Fryderyk Chopin , Alexander Borodin , Maurice Ravel , Vivaldi, Antonio , Satie, Erik , and Various Artists
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever!
More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe
Mozart for Relaxation

ASIN: B00008RH16
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Canon - Pachelbel
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik-Andante - Mozart
Fur Elise - Beethoven
String Quartet #1 - Tchaikovsky
Clair De Lune - Debussy
Idyl for Strings - Adagio - Janacek
Adagio in G Mnor - Albinoni
The Girl with the Flaxen Hair - Debussy
Air on a G String - Bach
Greensleeves - Vaughn Williams
Largo from Xerxes - Handel
Prelude in C - Bach
The Planets - Venus - Holst
Goldberg Variations - Aria - Bach
Adagio for Strings - Barber

Tracks:

Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun - Debussy
Fur Elise - Beethoven
Holberg Suite - Sarabande - Grieg
Valse Triste - Sibelius
Concerto in F Minor - Largo - Bach
Serenade for String - Moderato - Dvorak
Liebestraume - Liszt
Ave Maria - Bach/Bounod
Etude in E Major - Chopin
String Quartet No 2 - Nocturne - Borodin
Arabesque - Debussy
Pavane for Dead Princess - Ravel
The Four Seasons - Largo - Vivaldi
Gymno0pedie 1 - Satie
Moonlight Sonata - Adagio - Beethoven
Piano Concerto No 21 - Andante - Mozart "Elvira Madigan"

Customer Reviews:

the most relaxing classical music in the university.......2007-05-12

All my favorites. I can start the CD player, which is wired to speakers in every room of my house, and just let it play, along with "The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the World" and "The Most Relaxing Classical Guitar in the World." I enjoy an awareness of familiar and beautiful strains of my favorites all day long and never get tired of it.

My brother visited me recently and noticed it right away. That will be another order for this fabulour music.

Relaxing Classical Music.......2007-01-08

I was not really a classical music fan but I am now. I purchased this cd for my 14 year old grand-daughter, not knowing we would both enjoy the music so much. She has always enjoyed classical music along with all of the other teen music, rap, rock, country, etc.
Also, it really helped being able to listen to parts of the music before purchasing.

Stress-freedom.......2006-03-14

Perfect music to end the work day. After listening to this I can face the evening. If the morning is hard, a little at lunch time gets me through the afternoon.

Greatly enjoy!.......2006-02-23

I first developed a taste for this music a number of years ago when my daughter started playing in the orchestra. The reason I made this purchase however, was because I have a great deal of difficulty with anxiety and I was looking for ways to find help. I love these CDs. It helps so much to sit and close my eyes and enjoy the music. The CDs are full of beautiful music.

the most relaxing classical music in the universe.......2005-09-21

it's the best next to the first one...

DEBUT ~ Nathan Gunn - "American Anthem" from Ragtime to Art Song / Kevin Murphy

Average customer rating:

okay
A promise about to be fulfilled
Amazing collection - amazing voice.
Amazing recordings
First Rate Singing!

DEBUT ~ Nathan Gunn - "American Anthem" from Ragtime to Art Song / Kevin Murphy
Nathan Gunn , and Kevin Murphy
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Opera & Vocal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Just Before Sunrise
Barber: Prayers of Kierkegaard/Bartok: Cantata profanna/Vaughan Williams: Dona nobis pacem
Brahms: A German Requiem (New English Adaptation)
John Adams: Shaker Loops; The Wound-Dresser; Short Ride in a Fast Machine
Prokofiev - War and Peace / Bertini, Gunn, Kit, Mamsirova, Gouriakova, Brubaker, Paris Opera

ASIN: B00000IWW3
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Shenandoah
Brother Can You Spare A Dime?
Early In The Morning
The Lordly Hudson
At Howard Hawks' House
Holding Each Other
The Lass From The Low Countree
Recuerdo
Nocturne
Sure On This Shining Night
Fur (Murray The Furrier)
Over The Piano
Black Max (As Told By The De Kooning Boys)
Slugging A Vampire
Two Little Flowers
General William Booth Enters Into Heaven
The Lamb
I Wonder As I Wander
At The River
Long Time Ago
Lean Away
American Anthem

Customer Reviews:

okay.......2007-01-05

I heard wonderful things about this recording... but was a little disappointed. It is good, but nothing spectacular.

A promise about to be fulfilled.......2006-12-17

Not all of EMI's Debut seeries make it to the U.S., but since this one features an American singer, it did (as did the one featuring rising pianist Jonathan Biss). Nathan gunn is certainly well kn0wn now, after high-profile Met appearances in The Magic Flute and Harbison's An American Tragedy. The past few years have seen him mature, even though his voice will never be heroic. Gunn is very well suited to songs, although he makes a moving (and physically handsome) Billy Budd.

Her he sounds a little stiff, and he cannot carry off the numbers that re comic (Bolcom's Fur) or popular (Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?), but his straightforward masculinity works extremely well in Gene Scheer's Holding Each Other, he has enough poetry for Barber's Sure on This Shining Night, and just enough savoir faire for Rorem's Early One Morning. The voice itself isn't intrinsically beautiful, which may in the end mean that Gunn falls behind young counterparts like Gerald Finley and Simon Keenlyside, both of whom he resembles. Even so, this is a nice debut, and one can say that gunn's promise is being fulfilled.

Amazing collection - amazing voice........2006-02-22

Nathan Gunn has chosen a collection of mostly obscure songs and has applied his remarkable baritone voice to music not usually in the operatic repetoire. What results is a CD of depth, some humor, and extraordinary listenability. It's nice to see one of my favorite opera stars branch out. Bravo!

Amazing recordings.......2006-01-02

I first listened to this recording at the recommendation of a voice teacher and I am eternally grateful. I strongly recommend this album. Nathan Gunn is an extremely talented singer. As a singer myself (also a baritone like Nathan Gunn) I find much in his voice to model.

Nathan Gunn has an extremely beautiful voice, superb technique and execution, and has a very natural sound. There is an old steriotype of opera as sounding forced or artificial, but Nathan Gunn does a great job of avoiding this. He does a great job of communicating the "story" of the song to the listener, and I frequently found myself taken to the world of the song. Listening to many of his songs are like opening a good book and Nathan Gunn takes you there.

Highly recommended.

First Rate Singing!.......2005-12-20

I only recently discovered Mr. Gunn, but after hearing this recording, it makes me wonder why his name has eluded me for so long. Simply put, Nathan Gunn sings like a god! His voice is pure, and hypnotically beautiful to listen to. Turn on this CD and you will be wrapped in the most luxurious blanket of sound--his phrasing is impeccable, and his dynamics are wonderfully varied without being affected. His recording of Barber's "Nocturne" is haunting. "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" shows he isn't afraid of low notes, and the ending has some of the most spectacular high notes I've ever heard from a baritone. The Copland songs are also well done, as are the two John Jacob Niles selections. I wasn't familiar with Gene Scheer's songs prior to this CD, but they are all quite remarkable, though most especially "Lean Away" and "American Anthem." This is the best addition to my CD collection in a long time. I'm only saddened by the fact he doesn't have more recordings available. Mr. Gunn, I know you're busy with your opera schedule, but for those of us who can't make it to New York to see you in person, please record another CD!

Average customer rating:

Yes a notch below the other two volumes, but still a very good collection
A Sensational End
Beatles Anthology 3
When I grow up, I'll be a singer.
The third of three

Anthology 3
The Beatles
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

British Invasion | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Anthology 2
Anthology 1
Live at the BBC
Past Masters, Vol. 1
Past Masters, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000002TZ2
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

A Beginning
Happiness Is A Warm Gun
Helter Skelter
Mean Mr. Mustard
Polythene Pam
Glass Onion
Junk
Piggies
Honey pie
Don't Pass Me By
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Good Night
Cry Baby Cry
Blackbird
Sexy Sadie
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Hey Jude
Not Guilty
Mother Nature's Son
Glass Onion
Rocky Raccoon
What's The New Mary Jane
Step Inside Love/Los Paranoias
I'm So Tired
I Will
Why Don't We Do It In The Road
Julia

Tracks:

I've Got A Feeling
She Came Through The Bathroom Window
Dig A Pony
Two Of Us
For You Blue
Teddy Boy
Medley: Rip It Up/Shake Rattle And Roll/Blue Suede Shoes
The Long And Winding Road
Oh! Darling
All Things Must Pass
Mailman, Bring Me No More Blues
Get Back
Old Brown Shoes
Octopus's Garden
Maxwell's Silver Hammer
Something
Come Together
Come And Get It
Ain't She Sweet
Because
Let It Be
I Me Mine
The End

Amazon.com

From the White Album to the end, the last days of the Beatles weren't smooth, which made the fact that they still produced some astonishing music all the more remarkable. In abbreviated form, "What's the New Mary Jane" is finally issued here, and proves underwhelming. For the rest of the set, it's largely down to outtakes and demos, but this time there isn't the same insight of the previous two volumes. Anthology 3 comes dangerously close to the sound of barrels being scraped. That said, it's the Beatles, and in whatever form, the music still shines brilliantly. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Yes a notch below the other two volumes, but still a very good collection.......2007-01-12

The Beatles need no introduction when it comes to the elite of Rock/Pop music. When trying to "rank" the greatest artists of the Rock/Pop era, there is no doubt that the quartet from England ranks number one on just about every list. Going even further, the Beatles might be the top act in the history of modern music - among any genre. Some quarter-century after their breakup, the Beatles began to consider their place in history. This impetus played a key role in the release of the three volume, "Beatles Anthology" CD set and corresponding television documentary. One of the main attractions of this project was that it would bring the three surviving Beatles together for the first time since the famous breakup. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr would collaborate together on two unfinished John Lennon songs: "Free as a Bird" and "Real Love" - creating a "virtual" reunion among the four band members. This three volume set would not be an ordinary greatest hits collection - it would provide a historical retrospective to the band through rare and unreleased material. , "Beatles Anthology 3" covers the latter years of the Beatles focusing on the last three albums: "The White Album", "Abbey Road", and "Let It Be".

As mentioned, this CD serves as a historical retrospective to the band. One of the strengths of "Beatles Anthology Volume 1" was that there was material that was prefaced with spoken words by the likes of Lennon, McCartney, and Brian Epstein. These spoken words helped set the stage for the material to follow. Unfortunately like "Beatles Volume Anthology 2", "Beatles Anthology 3" does not have any spoken words with the exception of some comments that are on the demo cuts.

There is no doubt that Beatles fans will enjoy the content of Volume 3 but when you put it up against the content in the first two volumes, it does fall a little short. Like the first two volumes, Volume 3 does contain a 42 page booklet that helps to supplement the listening experience. This collection should not be confused with a traditional "Greatest Hits Collection". Instead of studio cuts, this collection consists of outtakes, demos, and rarities that construct a terrific listening experience.

Here are 10 things to look for - in no particular order:

1) This is the only volume of the three volume Anthology collection that does not contain an original song. (The original song "Free as a Bird" is found on Volume 1 while "Real Love" is found on Volume 2.)

2) Like Volume 1 and 2, George Martin does a masterful job at providing continuity and fusion to the collection. While he didn't actually produce every individual cut, he did produce each of the three volumes of the Anthology collection as a whole.

3) For the most part the first disc of Volume 3 revolves around "The White Album" and the associated recording sessions. The second disc revolves around the "Let It Be" and "Abbey Road" albums. As many know, "Let It Be" was the final Beatles album to be released, but it was shelved and "Abbey Road" would actually be released before it. I found it amazing how much material did not make it on to "The White Album".

4) Much of the material could easily be mistaken for "Beatles Unplugged". Many are acoustic guitar cuts that were used as demos. While a lot of the material on Disc 1 falls into this category, there is some material on Disc 2 that also falls into the "unplugged" category. Most interesting was George Harrison's solo demo of "Something".

5) Like the previous two Anthology volumes, there are also some covers. Volume 1 would contain the most covers, but Volume 3 includes a three song medley ("Rip It Up", "Shake Rattle, and Roll", "Blue Suede Shoes"), "Mailman Bring Me No Blues", and "Ain't She Sweet". These are "throwbacks" to the Beatles' early days (as evidenced on Volume 1). I personally liked the cover of "Ain't She Sweet". "Come and Get It" is included, but this was an original McCartney composition later made famous by Badfinger.

6) This volume reflects a period where the Beatles were doing more songs as "narratives" and began to introduce "characters" in their songs. These "characters" provided a great avenue for the Beatles. Some of the more popular characters we hear about on Volume 3 include "Maxwell Edison", "Polythene Pam", "Mr. Mustard", "Desmond and Molly Jones", "Sexy Sadie", "Jude", "Rocky Raccoon", and "Mary Jane".

7) There aren't as many alternate takes as I would have liked to have seen. "Glass Onion" is the only song we are given multiple takes on. Volume 2 did a much better at the multiple outtakes in showing how the song developed.

8) Despite the fact that this was the time the Beatles were coming apart at the scenes, you wouldn't seem to know it from these cuts. There are plenty of examples of the members laughing and joking around.

9) There is a shorter and stripped down version of "Hey Jude". It isn't as good as the final product, but it still is interesting to hear. I'd also put "Something" in the same category.

10) While some of the material on this version is unfinished or interrupted by spoken words, it is what adds to the charm of the collection. I heard a disc-jockey in "New York" so impressed with this collection as he said "...and this is the junk!" It's amazing how stuff that didn't make it through editing could sound so good, but in this case it works.

This is a good collection. However, when you compare this to Volumes 1 and 2, it just isn't as strong overall. This is not a knock on Volume 3 - just a testament to how strong Volumes 1 and 2 are. Overall, this is still a very good collection and one Beatles fans will surely want in their collection. Highly recommended.

A Sensational End.......2006-12-05

This is remarkable. The third and final volume of the Anthology series reveals more previously unheard music from the greatest band of all time. This collection may prove to be the most interesting to casual fans. The first volume shared a lot of home recordings and live stuff that really only hardcore collectors would want. The second volume, while definately having value to hardcore fans, focuses again on live performances and studio cuts that the casual listener might not see the need for. On this third set, however, we hear many acoustic demos and outtakes that are more than listenable for the average fan. The material is late enough and all studio produced that it is quite good quality that all fans can equally enjoy it. And the beauty is, there is still enough to keep us die hard fans happy, too. The following are my personal favorites:

*Helter Skelter - nice bluesy mix.
*While My Guitar Gently Weeps - George on acoustic, very nice.
*The Long and Winding Road - stringless.
*Maxwell's Silver Hammer - Paul screws up third verse, fantastic.
*Something - again, George only on acoustic, and with alternate lyrics.

This is a beautiful set with something for everyone.

Beatles Anthology 3.......2006-10-29

Anthology 3 is a treat for any Beatles fan. You get to hear some of your favorite songs as they are being born along with studio cuts that allow a glimpse into this band's creative process.

When I grow up, I'll be a singer........2006-07-15

This was the final volume of the Beatles Anthology series of rarities. It's a two disc set, with Disc One featuring "White Album" outtakes and Disc Two featuring "Abbey Road" and "Let It Be" rarities. A lot of this is demos or alternate versions of previously released songs, althought there are a few unreleased songs here. Of course, being the Beatles, most of it is very good, if not quite as good as the "official" versions of these songs. This is a must get for all Beatlemaniacs, although new Beatles fans should start with their regular albums before getting this.

The third of three.......2005-11-05

Anthology three as with one and two also has outakes and unfinished songs.
I will only hit the highlights or songs of note.
You hear 3 unfinished songs from side two of the album (back when we still had vinyl).
Those songs are Mean Mr. Mustard, Polythene Pam and She came in thru the Bathroom Window. You hear John playing Mean Mr Mustard on an acoustic guitar with an altered tuning.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps is nothing like the vesion on the White Album with Eric Clapton doing the lead guitar. This version is an acoustic version and has a charm of its own.
Rocky Racoon is still unfinished and has verses that were later dropped. Something has George Harrison playing the song solo without the band and again he uses extra lyrics that were later dropped on Abbey Road.
You also hear Paul doing Teddy Boy that appeared on his first solo album. You also hear a very early version of George Harrison doing the title song from his first solo LP, All Things Must Pass. So you even get a little bit of a preview of what was yet to come.
Another song of note is the version of Come and Get It which was later recorded by Badfinger. As I said these are just the highlights, you need to give this a listen.

Pop Music:

Pop Music

pop music

Recommended Music:

And Don't the Kids Just Love It

Gregorian Chant For Easter

Jazz Satchmo [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Music: Song in Good Time

Freestyle Megamix [CD-single] [Import]

Glad To Be Gay 2 [Import]

Il Cammino Dell'Amore [Impor