Heaven & Hell

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It's easy to forget the sheer freight of Vangelis's 1975 recording, Heaven and Hell. Released five years before his infamous score for the film Chariots of Fire, Heaven and Hell is a symphonic suite for orchestra and chorus; only the orchestra is all Vangelis, playing an array of electronic keyboards and percussion, joined by the English Chamber Choir.

It's a magnificent work, both bombastic and serene, part Carl Orff, part Bach, but rich with that indefinable, spatial moodiness that's trademark Vangelis. The choir calls out to the heavens, synthesizers spin in counterpoint to tuned percussion, and timpani and cymbals crash on the shores of Vangelis's electronic orchestra. The second movement begins in pure abstraction before leaping into a joyous Asian-inspired section of rippling koto and plucked synth timbres and chimes. While the title suite makes up more than 40 minutes, the album's still best known for Vangelis's delicate if overly sentimental duet with Yes singer Jon Anderson on "So Long Ago, So Clear." Twenty years on, Vangelis can still move heaven, hell, earth, and your stereo system. --John Diliberto

Heaven & Hell,Vangelis,Msi/Bmg

Heaven & Hell

Tracks:

Neon Knights
Lady Evil
Heaven & Hell
Die Young
Lonely Is The Word
The Mob Rules
Turn Up The Night
Voodoo
Falling Off The Edge Of The World
After All (The Dead)
TV Crimes
I
Children Of The Sea (Live)
The Devil Cried
Shadow Of the Wind
Ear In The Wall

Amazon.com

The idea of Black Sabbath without Ozzy Osbourne was a form of metal sacrilege in 1980, at least until people heard Ronnie James Dio belt out "Oh no, here it comes again..." to open the reformed band's Heaven and Hell. Dio's low-growl had a yowl, squaring frightfully with Tony Iommi's more reined-in crunch. And Sabbath was reborn, playing faster than they had with Ozzy and drawing crowds. Five tracks from Heaven make it to this set, where four from successor, Mob Rules, show up. The winners from each: "Neon Nights" and "Turn Up the Night," both quick, hefty wailers, steamrolling on sheer riffing tonnage. Dehumanizer rekindled the Sabbath/Dio marriage in 1992, showing speed metal's intervening influence--and the band holds up well, racing atop Vinnie Appice's iron-armed drums and Iommi's relentless, intentionally range-limited riffs. Then there are the three new tracks, all benefiting from 2006's richer low-end production and metal's return to a slower grind--where Iommi is more thrilling doling out sludge, as on "Shadow of the Wind," where chords sound slo-mo and blessedly narrow in range. Yes, "Ear on the Wall" closes the set in a hurried, fast- (not speed-) metal vibe, but at best the band is deliberately mid-tempo, making a raucous noise you're happy for after all these years. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

Honoring the time Ronnie Dio spent with the band, Black Sabbath's hits "Neon Knights," "Lady Evil," and "Die Young" are featured on this compilation spanning 1980-2006. David Ling contributes liner notes and live versions of "Children of the Sea" and "Country Girl" are showcased.

Customer Reviews:

The Dio Years, not something that should be overlooked!.......2007-07-31

The Mob rules, Lady Evil and TV crimes are just some of the many diamonds that shine and sparkle from the Dio years. Always in the shadow of Ozzy, particularly when Ozzy Osbourne's solo career got off to a great start, Dio was never quite able to establish himself as the "next great singer" of Black Sabbath, but regardless of people's feelings of loyalty towards Oz, Ronnie James Dio still has to be recognized for his own style and signature voice during his tenure with Black Sabbath. I am glad that this CD has been released and have been enjoying it a lot since purchasing it. The quality is top notch and this really is, in my mind a great collection of the best Dio material that comes from the Black Sabbath sessions.

... Don't Own "The Dio Years" But This is What I Think it Could've Been ..........2007-07-27

"The Dio Years" was released this past (April) to promote the up-coming reunion with Dio and the other members of Black Sabbath, who are simply calling themselves "Heaven & Hell" these days. Well, since I don't own
this CD, I can't really tell you about it that much, but I do have most
of the tracks on this set minus the three new ones.

Here is a list of tracks which should've been included, but were excluded
due to time constraints, and the fact that this sampling of the Dio era
of Sabbath is presented on only a single disc:

Children of the sea (studio version from HEAVEN & HELL)
Wishing Well
Sign of the southern cross
Country Girl (MOB RULES)

Computer God
Time Machine
Too Late
Master of Insanity
Letters From Earth (alternate mix) (DEHUMANIZER)

Neon Knights (LIVE)
Heaven and Hell (LIVE VERSION WITH DIO's RANT)
Slipping Away (LIVE W. DRUM SOLO)(LIVE AT HAMMERSMITH ODEON)

I don't think I'm gonna get this one, even if I can find it used.
However, I own the Re-mastered Editions of the three Sabbath/Dio albums
from the 1980's, as well as DEHUMANIZER (1992). ... And I'm
waiting for the new Live album "Live from Radio City Music Hall" by
the Heaven & Hell Project (Iommi + Dio + Butler + Appice), which will hit the shelves on August 28th, 2007.

It's about time.......2007-07-26

To me Ozzy era Sabbath was the greatest band EVER ! Dio era Sabbath was (and currently as Heaven And Hell) is an awesome band . This compilation is great "greatest hits" of the Dio years. The Dio Sabbath albums were all very good . Heaven and Hell , Mob Rules and the very under rated Dehumanizer are all first rate classic metal . This Rhino cd , "The Dio Years" does a great job of representing those 3 albums . The only bad choice of songs on this cd (in my opinion) is the Live Evil version of Children Of The Sea. I think they should have put the studio version on here instead. There was no need to represent Live Evil , yes it was a decent album , but the studio version is much much stronger. The 3 new songs are all classic Dio era Sabbath songs . Get this cd !

New Dio-Sabbath songs.......2007-07-25

Basically this is very good selection from the four Dio sung Sabbath albums, however, some of my favorites are missing. But the major advantage is the three new songs, which are just fabulous. Classic Sabbath tones, dark, mystical but also feels like the last Dio album called Dehumanizer.

\m/.......2007-07-24

If you like the classic Sabbath with Dio then this is a no brainer to purchase. You get the remastered classics plus 3 new songs. I would have paid the 10.99 just for the new songs. They are very good. I wish Sign of the Southern Cross and Country Girl had been included on the CD.

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

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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
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I Wonder As I Wander
At The River
Long Time Ago
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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:

Haunting
better than the film
Amazing Music from Harry-Gregson Williams
Awesome music!
"Borrows" from the late Jerry Goldsmith's "The 13th Warrior"

Kingdom of Heaven
Iestyn Davies (connter-tenor) , Catherine Bott (soprano) , and Harry Gregson-Williams
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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King Arthur
The Last Samurai
Batman Begins
Gladiator: Music from the Motion Picture
Alexander

ASIN: B00080EUN0
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Burning the Past
Crusaders- Harry Gregson-Williams
Swordplay
A New World
To Jerusalem
Sibylla
Ibelin
Rise a Knight
The King
The Battle of Kerak
Terms
Better Man
Coronation
An Understanding
Wall Breached
The Pilgrim Road
Saladin
Path to Heaven
Light of Life (Ibelin Reprise)- Harry Gregson-Williams

Amazon.com

Filmmaker Ridley Scott has long been intrigued by historical events and their contemporary echoes, a fascination that evinces itself again here in the violent tale of Balian of Ibelin (Orlando Bloom), a Jerusalem blacksmith who rallies his people against foreign invaders during the Crusades of the 12th century. Breaking with a successful modern collaboration with Hans Zimmer that yielded such eclectic riches as Gladiator, Hannibal, Black Hawk Down, and Matchstick Men, Scott turned here to fellow Englishman/former Zimmer associate Harry Gregson-Williams for his new film's music. The composer, perhaps weary of the electronica-suffused action film cliches he's so often been associated with, rises admirably to the occasion with a sweeping orchestral score that masterfully trades on a wealth of disparate historical and stylistic influences. Gregson-Williams echoes the film's religious and cultural conflicts via the tense musical axis at the soundtrack's core, one that sets the invading Church's medieval choral ecclesiastics on a collision course with the ancient Arabic modalities of the film's hero. The resulting score may occasionally trade on hoary Hollywood romantic traditions, but the composer infuses them with such bracing doses of historical/ethnic antecedents—and his own decidedly contemporary instincts—as to create a compelling new whole. Even the obligatory, pop-oriented version of Ibellin's Theme ("Light of Life") by Natacha Atlas shimmers with Middle Eastern-inflected enticement. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Haunting.......2007-06-12

Plain and simple this is a haunting score from start to finish. Something about that choir church voice that haunts the mind and soul. That's not a bad thing, that's a very good thing! What's great about the score is that it's easily recognizable to scenes from the movie. Now there was one that was left out and I do believe it's the funeral scene for King Baldwin which was great. That song would've made this album complete for me. Regardless of that minor mistake by the producers of the album, it is still a great listen for those who are enchanted by great epics and great monumental scores that accompany them. There's perfect balance in this score that really sets the mood and you do not get bored. Just don't cross into that realm of half-sleep and half awakeness while listening. You will eventually get startled.

better than the film.......2007-05-24

the music was the best thing about the film. But when you listen to it i can't recall anything from the film at all. Oh well.

Amazing Music from Harry-Gregson Williams.......2007-03-12

There is too much to say concerning this score, so I will keep my review rather curt. This is one of the best action/epic film scores ever written. Williams wrote the music for the Chronicles of Narnia in the same year as Kingdom of Heaven, and although the Narnia score was excellent, it cannot compare to the wonderfully artful music delivered in Kingdom of Heaven. I own over 200 film soundtracks and this is one that spins in my CD changer most often.

Awesome music!.......2007-01-06

My 13 year old daughter took this from me, and now has loaded it in her ipod. she loves it, and I hear it coming from her earphones all the time. (That makes me happy considering some of the junk out there) I personally love it too! The music brings back the memories of the wonderful movie, but it is beautiful to listen to regardless. I definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys beautiful music.

"Borrows" from the late Jerry Goldsmith's "The 13th Warrior".......2006-12-27

I am an avid collector of film scores (Over 160 thus far) and many are VERY rare/valuable. I personally do not own this Gregson-Williams score (I've seen the movie) but it works quite well in the film. There is only one thing I want readers to know: Just as the final, climactic battle sequence is beginning, Orlando Bloom is giving a speech to his brothers in arms....listen to the music at that moment. If you're an avid collector such as I am, you'll notice that the music playing is actually the piece entitled "Valhalla/Viking Victory" from Jerry Goldsmith's "The 13th Warrior". I don't know how Gregson-Williams got permission to use excerpts from that piece in this film, considering Goldsmith passed away in 2004 (Before Kingdom of Heaven was released). Anyway, not EVERYTHING heard in the film is original Gregson-Williams music. I do not know if the piece is also heard on the CD.

Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven

Average customer rating:

a masterpiece
Long drifting soundscape
As close to divinity as possible...
Greatness, interrupted.
Masterpiece

Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven
Godspeed You Black Emperor
Manufacturer: Kranky
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

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Tracks:

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Amazon.com

Canada's Godspeed You Black Emperor raise the ante on their already ambitious orchestral rock by releasing a double CD of material as their second full-length album. The group combines the drums and guitar of typical rock-band instrumentation with horns and strings to create a music built around drones and slowly evolving melodic figures. It rises and falls from delicate introductory passages to unabashed grand climaxes. Their juxtaposition of drums with violins and lush romantic tonality brings to mind Rachel's, but their compositional scale and the pounding repetitive intensity of their dynamic peaks evoke Glenn Branca's The Ascension. Although the two discs are indexed at only two 21-minute tracks each, the package includes a handy road map to the movements into which each is subdivided. The opening piece starts with five minutes of a 15-beat circular melodic pattern that is gradually embellished as the volume swells to an ecstatic roar. The release drops down to a pastoral drone that rebuilds to support an acid-etched guitar solo, which in turn yields to a unified 4/4 kraut rock pound that eventually explodes, leaving behind field recordings of public announcements mingled with wandering late-night Swell Maps piano. The other pieces use a similar set of sonic building blocks to take the listener on comparable journeys. Fans of Godspeed's previous work will be very happy, and the curious might want to hop on board as well. --Bob Bannister

Customer Reviews:

a masterpiece.......2007-06-16

GYBE are probably the best live band I have ever seen and this is their masterpiece. A very ambitious record that succeeds in making you close your eyes and just listen to the music.

Long drifting soundscape.......2007-05-07

(please ignore number rating, I don't generally find them meaningful)

"Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven" by Godspeed You Black Emperor is a long sequence of shifting soundscapes, mainly instrumental, but with some recorded speech and other effects. Rather like walking along a beach where the buildings and so forth on the shoreline change every few miles, (I mean it's structured that way, not that it has any seashore sounds). Its the sort of thing I might have playing in the background that requires little concentration. I didn't find it rythmically, melodically or harmonically interesting ... but I guess the point is the whole sonic sequence, which you might like.

As close to divinity as possible..........2007-04-15

I don't know how anyone can give this record a bad review. From the second I heard the first note, I could tell I was in for a ride...just how deep and magical a ride was unknown.

This album as stated before, is best listened to all at once...no interuptions, no lights...just you and the music. People have also talked about 'God' in the same breath as Godspeed's music. This is not far off. I am not a religious person and don't believe in the traditional God, yet this music has a mystical and spiritual feel to it that is completely divine in nature.

Let it be said that this is not for everybody. A lot of people will feel bored with some of it and feel it's too long. These people have obviously been brought up on verse chorus, cookie cutter music for far too long and can't appriciate the amazing progression that is necessary for the music.

I know it is one piece of music, but my favorite track is 'Sleep'. That piece just has a grip on me and wont let go. Please do yourself a favor and BUY this record. OFF.

Greatness, interrupted........2007-01-06

I held off for years before buying this intriguing piece of music, only to discover that I had made a big mistake ... not in waiting so long, but in buying it whatsoever.

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., once submitted this two word review of Joseph Heller's novel Something Happened: "Nothing does." After reading one flattering review after another of this disc and this band, I placed disc one in my player with great anticipation of the layer upon layer of swelling musical ideas that would build up to powerful summit after powerful summit. Alas, what I hear is Hearts-of-Space-ish chord washes and minimalist instrument progressions that -- just when the drums kick in and the guitar gets a little noisy and a slight bit of hummable melody introduces itself -- sadly, slithers back into ten more minutes of aimless droning.

So many other musicians do longform musical ideas so much better -- seek out live Praxis, or even At War With Self and the Gordian Knot discs. Godspeed You Black Emperor may be sexy on paper, but in the reality of my headphones it is a veritable plain Jane.

Masterpiece.......2006-11-04

Music like this is so rare. Music so mapped out, so layered, so etheral... This album is an experience. It isn't a collection of songs. It's a series of movements that form an orchestral piece. When listening to it you feel as if you're in another world; a barren landscape plagued by destruction and an impending apocolypse. Yet, despite this, there are still areas of light and hope.

When listening to this album, do it all at once. Don't start on track 2 of disc 1 or track 1 of disc 2... Play it all in succession. This is the best way to fully appreciate what you're listening to.

Also, this album may take a little while to sink in. But when it does, it will be one of the greatest things you've ever heard.

Average customer rating:

Another Best of Mehdi
Delightful, Relaxing, Wonderful !
Nice, but not the best I've ever heard.
Musical Nirvana - Where sound quality, artistry and composition come together.
Gorgeous sound !

Instrumental Paradise Volume 8
Mehdi
Manufacturer: SoothingMusic.Com
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000PGQEIG
Release Date: 2007-04-30

Tracks:

Steps To Paradise
Eternal Bliss
Guiding Light
Heavens Rain
Utopian Dance
Sacred Gathering
Blossoming Flowers
Connecting Prayer
Trees In The Breeze
Prayers Answered

Product Description

Have you ever heard music so beautiful that it captivated you, lifted you up and opened your heart and mind? As comfortable as a relaxing day on the beach or as fresh as a warm spring breeze, these rich multicultural soundscapes are the soundtrack to your dreams. It's the feeling of bliss that you wish would never end. This is the music of Mehdi. We call it, "Music that sounds the way life should feel".>>> Contemporary Instrumental: Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Violin, Cello, Flute, Live Orchestral Strings, Electric Guitar, Persian Oud, Sitar, Santoor, Hammered Dulcimer with Rhythmic Hand Percussion, Drum Kit all Placed in Lush Orchestral Arrangements.

Customer Reviews:

Another Best of Mehdi .......2007-07-06

"Every album should be called Best of Mehdi," another reviewer once said.
Amen. It's everything everyone says it is. And it was absolutely worth the wait.
Yes, good cover choice; love the white horse.

Where's our DVD, Concertmaster?

Delightful, Relaxing, Wonderful !.......2007-06-29

I also purchased this CD based on the reviews and I'm truly glad that I did. This is Mehdi at his best. I've only listened to it a a few times since I received it, but I know I'll be playing it often. It's especially nice in the car, because it brings the surrounding natural scenery to life. Recommended !

Nice, but not the best I've ever heard........2007-06-29

I bought this based on other review I read on Amazon cold-turkey. It's nice, but not up to the calibur of other albums I have in the same genra.

I wouldn't not recommend it, but I wouldn' rave over it either.

Musical Nirvana - Where sound quality, artistry and composition come together........2007-06-25

Power up the stereo. Turn the lights down low. Don the headphones and energize the CD player. Relax. It's time to enter a world of virtuoso musicianship, of soundscapes that take you to another world. Close your eyes and listen. You're no longer alone but surrounded by beauty and floating into Paradise. You move seamlessly between this world and the next, the music weaving a tapestry that transcends the distance and the times.

Mehdi's Instrumental Paradise is a special recording in that it captures the soul and essence of one of the great musical visionaries in our time.

Mehdi has been playing the piano since he could reach the keys and has composed music for many feature films prior to embarking on his Instrumental musical journey in the mid-90's. Mehdi's music (a mixture of Middle Eastern, Celtic, Greek, Southern European and Spanish or at times Moorish set to neo classical and more modern influences) defies the current practice of cataloging each artist into a standard category. Above all else, this is music for the adventurer in each of us.

Mehdi is the feature artist showcasing his wide-ranging Piano and mesmerizing original compositions. But this is by no means a one-person show. Flutist Dan Jenks, Violinist Tony Ragetti, Percussionist Yoshi Masayuki,Cellist Jesse Von Unwerth,Persian Oudist John Bilezikjian,Guitarist Michael Barbieri,Sitarist Daniel J Gupta are just a few of the virtuoso musicians on this master piece.
They add their tremendous musical talents to a recording that truly is more than the sum of its individual parts. Each of these musicians are talented masters in their own right and have recorded with Mehdi as well as other respected and diverse musicians ranging from Loreena Mckinnett to Yanni.

The sound quality of this recording is beyond reproach. The dynamics and spatial imaging of the recording deserve special mention. This truly is a recording without fault: Over 59 minutes of timeless excellence in sound.

Mehdi's spirituality seems to be as little understood as his music. He is a musical and spiritual adventurer. Each recording contains compositions that deal with a wide range of influences ranging from Christianity to Mysticism to Islam and other faiths. One should be careful in not labeling his beliefs as well as his music. Just listen, learn and enjoy.

If you enjoy artists such as Secret Garden, Loreena Mckinnett,Enya, David Lanz, Phil Coulter, Yanni, classical, Celtic and other world music, or if you are intrigued by a musical adventure, Mehdi's extraordinary Instrumentals should be on your short list of future musical purchases.

Gorgeous sound !.......2007-06-25

A DJ here in Austin insists on calling Mehdi, "The Jewel of public television." While many of his fans are probably jealous that there's actually a station here that gives him airtime (KGSR, 107.1 -- a near identical twin of KBCO Boulder, 97.3), I've patiently combed public TV listings for months, and never seen his name once. Woe is me!

Ever since some cognoscenti used a snippet of his "Wedding Song" as background on an episode of "Northern Exposure," I've been hooked on Mehdi's compelling blend of inspiring melodies and middle eastern rhythms. The California Native and his bandmates are wizards with their instruments. Volume 8 Instrumental Paradise is a must for any fan of Mehdi's music; and I can think of no better way for someone unfamiliar with his sound to become acquainted.

Average customer rating:

Best lyrics ever written???
Black Sabbath Inspired.
genius
The best of the rest....4.5 stars
Black Sabbath is reborn; 4.5 stars

Heaven And Hell
Black Sabbath
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Mob Rules
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The Mob Rules

ASIN: B000002KKS
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Neon Knights
Children Of The Sea
Lady Evil
Heaven And Hell
Wishing Well
Die Young
Walk Away
Lonely Is The Word

Amazon.com

After kicking vocalist Ozzy Osbourne out of the band in 1978, Black Sabbath knew they would have to strike back with a powerful record if they were to retain their credibility. They recruited Elf vocalist Ronnie James Dio, whose melodramatic vibrato shuddered with menace, and in 1980, they released Heaven and Hell, their most potent offering since Master of Reality. Faster and more theatrical than Sabbath's earlier oeuvre, Heaven and Hell features the dynamic seven-minute title track, which builds from a lazy throb to a high-octane roar, and the dynamic "Die Young," which segues from an uptempo saunter to a flamboyant midsection strangely reminiscent of Queen. Although the album helped build Sabbath a younger, more enthusiastic fan base, Dio only remained with the band for one more studio album, after which Sabbath's star slowly began to fade. --Jon Wiederhorn

Album Description

1996 reissue on Castle of their top 30 1980 album for WarnerBrothers, remastered from the original master tapes and withfaithfully restored artwork. Eight tracks, including 'Neon Knights', 'Lady Evil' and 'Heaven And Hell'.

Album Details

Black Sabbath's 1980 Album Highlighting Rainbow's Ronnie James Dio on Vocals. Digitally Remastered and Reissued in 1996. Includes Original Art, Liner Notes and Track Sequence. Is Home to the Standout Tracks "Neon Knights", "Children of the Sea" plus Six More. Also Includes an Essay by Hugh Gilmour.

Customer Reviews:

Best lyrics ever written???.......2007-07-24

Ozzy's gone, replaced by Ronnie James Dio from Rainbow, resulting in an ambitious theme with some of the very best song lyrics in tmy extensive Rock collection, with music to match.

Underappreciated by a market that was hoping for more of the same, maybe they should have changed their name? You know, people feel very stongly about religion, even if it's apathy, so this was about as much risk-taking as any group will EVER take.

Obviously, I think it worked out - it's nearly 30 years later and I'm still quite taken with the lyrics. At least try "Children of the Sea", where the symbol-laden lyrics aren't merely the best in my entire collection, but may be deemed of historical significance in future religious history. It's not merely an important album, but great Rock! The finest piece of art I'll ever own.

Black Sabbath Inspired........2007-05-23

Tony Iommi plays great on this album. It was the last album before he changed his tone & style to now using a wah wah on every solo... to bad.
Drummer Bill Ward finally has a big bass drum sound & Geezer Butler plays bass excellent as always.
Thanks to Martin Birch for his excellent production in capturing this inspired band. Ronnie James Dio sings excellent as well.

genius.......2007-05-18

This album is pure genius, and, despite its age (it's now 27 years old!) it hasn't dated at all, which is unusual for a heavy rock album. If the album was released today, it couldn't sound any fresher.

The introduction of RJ Dio took 'the worst band in the world' and made them tight, with actually 'catchy' songs that people could listen to, something Osbourne has yet to accomplish.

This album would be included in any 'Top 100 Albums of All Time' if it were done by Deep Purple, Queen, or Led Zeppelin. The fact that it's not means that it never will. This is a shame.

The best of the rest....4.5 stars .......2007-05-17

I usually don't bother with post-Ozzy Sabbath, but when the fans stopped giving Dio the finger long enough to listen to this in 1980, they realized they had a masterpeice on their hands. Unlike it's successor, the overblown "Mob Rules", Heaven and Hell still had a good amount of '70's hard rock style to keep it out of the '80's excess department. That's not to say the songs are just average. Indeed, these are classics in their own right and go down with the best Ozzy and company had to offer in the '70's. Dio is in top form, and provided a fresh new sound for the rest of the band to use as a springboard to launch these new songs. Later releases would build on and recycle "Heaven and Hell", but ultimately Sabbath would never be this good again.

Black Sabbath is reborn; 4.5 stars.......2007-05-12

This could easily have been the last gasp for Black Sabbath. Following the artistic and commercial failure of their previous two releases (both of which were abysmal) and the ousting of Ozzy Osbourne (the group's most identifiable member from a media perspective) it seemed that Sabbath was on the skids with no way out. Ronnie James Dio was chosen as Osbourne's successor, having recently parted company with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow. The little man with the big voice almost single-handedly pulled Sabbath's career out of the gutter, and in 1980 the mighty Sabs released Heaven And Hell, one of the all-time heavy metal classics.

Anybody who expects this to sound like early Sabbath classics like Paranoid or Masters Of Reality might as well not spend their money. Certainly there are echoes of early Sabbath here, but the addition of RJD to the songwriting team gave the band a much-overdue makeover. There tend to be more up-tempo tunes on a Dio-era Sabbath album, and Dio's sword-and-sorcery lyrical approach is quite a change as well. Another major difference is that while Osbourne would usually follow Tony Iommi's guitar riffs and call them vocal melodies Dio prefers to sing a melody that counterpoints the riff rather than doubling it. The fresh approach seems to rejuvenate the band and Geezer butler (bass), Bill Ward (drums), and Tony Iommi (guitars) deliver performances that are head and shoulders above the tired-sounding musicmanship on the previous two releases. Dio also seems to take inspiration from his new compatriots, singing with an edginess that was never quite there in Rainbow and would be his trademark sound for years to come. Rainbow's old producer Martin Birch was called in to oversee the process, resulting in a crisp, vital sounding recording.

Many of the songs here are timeless classics that are still regular features of Dio's concert performances and were for Sabbath as well until the ill-advised reunion with Osbourne. Some high points include the fast-paced opener "Neon Knights", the light-yet-heavy "Children Of The Sea", the hard-rocking "Die Young", and the slow, mournful "Lonely Is The Word". Then there's the title track, which is one of those tunes that really has to be heard to be believed. An epic in the best sense of the word; when it's over you can't believe that seven minutes have passed. I subtracted half a star because there is a little bit of filler here. Lady Evil is interesting but in no way does it stand up to most of the other songs on the album, and Walk Away is just fluff. But the rest of the album is so unbelievably great that it's pretty easy to ignore.

If you're a metal fan and don't have this album you need to rectify the situation immediately. Add to cart NOW!

Average customer rating:

This should never have worked at all
A GREAT AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED MUSICAL FROM THE 80-IS
Chess
One of my favorites!
Concepts get better with practice

Chess
Bjorn Ulvaeus , and Tim Rice
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Chess (1988 Original Broadway Cast)
Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
A Little Night Music (1973 Original Broadway Cast)
Evita (1978 Original Broadway Cast)
Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast)

ASIN: B000002GLR
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Merano - The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas/Murray Head
The Russian And Molokov/ Where I Want To Be - The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas/Tommy Korberg/Denis Quilley
Opening Ceremony - The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas/Bjorn Skifs
Quartet (A Model Of Decorum And Tranquility) - Elaine Paige/Tommy Korberg/Denis Quilley/Bjorn Skifs
The American And Florence/Nobody's Side - Elaine Paige/Murray Head
Chess - LSO/Anders Eljas
Mountian Duet - Elaine Paige/Tommy Korberg
Florence Quits - Elaine Paige/Murray Head
Embassy Lament - Tommy Korberg/The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas
Anthem - Tommy Korberg

Tracks:

Bangkok
One Night In Bangkok
Heaven Help My Heart
Argument
I Know Him So Well
The Deal (No Deal)
Pity The Child
Endgame
Epilogue: You And I / The Story Of Chess

Amazon.com

Chess is a musical that sounds like it shouldn't work but instead succeeds surprisingly well. This is the original concept album that was recorded before the musical was staged in London. Chess is the story of a love triangle told against the backdrop of an international chess tournament during the height of the cold war. The composers are Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (the Bs in ABBA) and the lyrics are by Tim Rice, who supplied the words for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, as well as Disney's Aladdin (with Howard Ashman), The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast. The six-member cast does a beautiful job with the songs, which are a combination of ballads, rock, and operatic choruses. Murray Head's version of "One Night in Bangkok" became a surprise hit in the mid-'80s and it still turns up on the turntables in dance clubs around the world. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

This should never have worked at all.......2007-06-18

And on that basis alone, you've got to cut it some slack. Fortunately, not all that much slack turns out to be necessary.

While "Chess" may be a document of an era that no longer exists, there's a lot more going on than the surface metaphor. It holds up very well indeed. When it aims for humor, it generally succeeds, and likewise when it aims to devastate. What more can you ask for?

A GREAT AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED MUSICAL FROM THE 80-IS.......2007-03-04

`Chess' is a musical that should be counted among the best of what the 1980-is had produced: side by side with `Cats', `The Phantom of the Opera', `Les Miserables' or `Miss Saigon'. The score as heard on this concept album, written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (formerly of ABBA) and with the exceptional lyrics written by Tim Rice, stand proof to this. And yet, due to various reasons, like the changing of the director half way through London staging; a heavy rewrite for Broadway and a pan review from Frank Ritch (a.k.a. `The Butcher of Broadway'), `Chess' seems to be unjustly neglected.

This concept album is the main reason why the show has so many ardent fans until this day. Tim Rice wanted to write the show with the main plot revolving around chess for years and after his long time partner Andrew Lloyd Webber remained uninterested, he found the new collaborators in Ulvaeus and Andersson. The subject matter follows two international chess players in a championship, a Russian (Tommy Körberg) and an American (Murray Head) and a woman called Florence (Elaine Paige) who is a manager to the American but falls in love with the Russian. The story also draws a parallel between the game of chess and the cold war/real life situations.

This concept album was recorded in 1984, two years before the original London production took place. As the authors noted in the accompanying booklet, it was a work in progress and thusly the story is not quite readable here from the musical numbers alone. Despite that fact (which is amended by the synopsis included in the booklet), this album remains a winner. The score (played here by the London Symphonic Orchestra) itself makes an intriguing bland of the famous ABBA sound, the classical; the rock and the pop enhanced by the orchestral solo passages and the strong choral parts. The lush orchestrations add an epic touch to it and on the whole it is melodic and hummable, packed with great tunes. Some of the songs achieved huge success outside the musical: `I know him so well', a duet between Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson, held the number one spot on the UK singles charts for 4 weeks in February 1985 and won Ivor Novello Award as the Best Selling Single; Murray Head's `One night in Bangkok' became one of the biggest dance hits of its time, often heard today. Some other notable tunes include `The Anthem' (Russian's deliberation on his homeland); the soaring rock songs `Where I want to be' and `Pity the child' (in the former, the Russian reflects upon his life under the spotlight; in the latter, the American ponders about his own unhappy childhood) or the gentle `Heaven help my heart' (in which Florence weighs up her relationship with the Russian).

A special reference must be made to Tim Rice's excellent lyrics. With `Chess' he managed to keep up to the high standards he set himself in `Jesus Christ Superstar' and Evita'. Again in this case he shows he is a lyrical wizard, with his familiar cynical touch. `The story of chess', in which he gives a history of the game in a couple of crafty verses, is a pure masterpiece. The same can be said of the song `I know him so well', where the two women reexamine their relationship with the same man. As a whole, `Chess' owes a lot of its appeal to Tim Rice's written word.

The cast on this album ranks the high standard of the material. The principal parts (sung by Elaine Paige, Tommy Körberg and Murray Head) are delivered in a strong and impeccable fashion.

This 2-disc edition comes with a booklet containing a note from the authors, a text about chess, a full synopsis and a libretto, together with the photos of the principal singers.

Anyone interested in the modern musical theatre should find `Chess' to be a great score with great lyrics, which should be enough to satisfy any aficionado.

Chess.......2007-01-15

A magnificent musical, i have enjoyed the music since i first heard it and read the storyline. Had been unable to find it in our local music stores.Very pleased to find it on your site.

One of my favorites!.......2007-01-12

I love "Chess"! I still remember the first time I heard the single "One Night in Bangkok" on my car radio. I thought it was so unusual and so very cool, so I tracked down the album and bought it. Then I taped it onto a cassette, which is what I've been listening to for years, so I finally broke down and got it on CD. Of course, it's on my iPod now. I've seen the musical, and I loved that, too.

Concepts get better with practice.......2006-11-27

I love this show! That said, I do not care for this version of it. The inclusion of the word "concept" in the title means it is just that. This was, thankfully, not the final version of the show that would later spawn the hit song, "One Night In Bangkok".

With most Broadway musicals, the musical numbers tell the basic story of the show. If you listen to the recordings of Phantom, Mama Mia, Beauty and the Beast, you can discern the basic storyline of the show. Listening to this particular recording of Chess, though, will leave you wondering "What was that?" The Broadway arrival of Chess saw a much needed reworking of the storyline and arrangement of the musical numbers. This recording seems too much like a mish-mash of songs that don't really relate to each other.

For musical fanatics (like myself), I say "yes, you should have this recording in your collection", if only to understand how much work went into the show before it opened on Broadway.

If you are only buying the album because of "One Night In Bangkok", purchase the Broadway recording instead; you'll be much happier with the performance by Phillip Casnoff rather than Murray Head.

Average customer rating:

Smooth As Silk
John Rutter Collection is glorious!
John Rutter Collection
Typically gorgeous Rutter
Wonderful!

John Rutter Collection
Rutter , Cambridge Singers , and London Sinfonia
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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The John Rutter Christmas Album
Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers
Be Thou My Vision
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Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter

ASIN: B00006LIEZ
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

For The Beauty Of The Earth
The Lord Is My Shepherd
All Things Bright And Beautiful
Shepherd's Pipe Carol
The Lord Bless You And Keep You
Open Thou Mine Eyes
My True Love Hath My Heart (From Birthday Madrigals)
Esurientes (From Magnificat)
Gloria Patri (From Magnificat)
Out Of The Deep (From Requiem)
Pie Jesu (From Requiem)
What Sweeter Music
A Choral Fanfare
A Prayer Of St. Patrick
O Be Joyful In The Lord
Behold, The Tabernacle Of God
O Praise The Lord Of Heaven
A Gaelic Blessing
Angel's Carol
Matthew, Mark, Luke And John (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
Sing A Song Of Sixpence (From Five Childhood Lyrics)
Go Forth Into The World In Peace

Customer Reviews:

Smooth As Silk.......2007-08-03

This is a potpourri of Mr. Rutter's compositions, sung by the peerless Cambridge Singers. Buy it only if you want outstanding music that cures the senses.

John Rutter Collection is glorious!.......2007-07-23

This music begins my day in uplifting way. Each day a different piece catches my attention. I am so glad to have it.

John Rutter Collection.......2007-02-19

This CD is one of several that features Rutter directing his own choir. It has a good cross section of the John Rutter compositions, and is a good starting place for someone who has not heard Rutter's music before. I think you will be "hooked" if you really love choral music.

Typically gorgeous Rutter.......2005-12-20

I love John Rutter's music. Especially the "For the Beauty of the Earth" that is on this CD. Rutter is not the most inventive or varied composer of modern music, but if you have a taste for traditional choral writing with some angelic children's chorus singing, then you will probably share my enjoyment of Rutter's writing. Unfortunately I cannot give this CD 5 stars when it seems there is a drum set tapping annoyingly away on several of the songs. I do not understand this at all and am bothered by it every time I listen to those songs. It's a shame, because otherwise I love the music, and think it is lushly written, and simply but beautifully performed. I would highly suggest listening to sample track 3 before purchasing -- you can hear what sounds like a ride-cymbal right at the very end of the sample. This sound occurs in several of the songs on this recording.

Wonderful!.......2005-12-03

I am a huge John Rutter fan. The lilting melodies, the poignant lyrics and the lush orchestrations make his music not only accessable but also uplifting. This compilation, although drawing from many other previous recordings, is a great composite of his wirk. The sound is exquisite. Even if you own other recordings of this music, this is worthwhile.

Average customer rating:

Anointed worship
One of best Worshippers today!!!
Awsome!!
"beautiful songs"
AN ANOINTED COUPLE

The Sound of Heaven
David Binion , and Nicole Binion
Manufacturer: Sound of Heaven
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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When Heaven Kisses the Earth
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ASIN: B000E1VYQE
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

Introduction
The Sound Of Heaven
Revelation 5:11
In the Sanctuary
I Will Ascend
Come Together
Pray For Rain Medley
Rain On Our Fields / Pray For Rain
We Thirst For You
Pray For Rain
Rain Dance
We Need Your Rain
Get Your Buckets Out
David Tries To Settle The Crowd

Tracks:

Alabaster Box Medley
I Pour My Love On You
David Introduces Jason Upton
Lion Of Judah
Prophetic Song
Deeper
Sound Of Heaven Reprise
We Seek Your Face Medley
We Really Want To See You
'YES!'

Product Description

Disc One 1. Introduction 2. The Sound of Heaven 3. Revelation 5:11 4. In the Sanctuary 5. I Will Ascend 6. Come Together 7. Pray for Rain Medley 8. Rain on Our Fields / Pray For Rain 9. We Thirst For You 10. Pray for Rain 11. Rain Dance 12. We Need Your Rain 13. Get Your Buckets Out 14. David Tries to Settle the Crowd Disc Two 1. Alabaster Box Medley 2. I Pour My Love on You 3. David Introduces Jason Upton 4. Lion of Judah 5. Prophetic Song 6. Deeper 7. Sound of Heaven Reprise 8. We Seek Your Face Medley 9. We Really Want to See You 10. "YES"

Customer Reviews:

Anointed worship.......2007-06-05

I encourage anyone who enjoys good praise and worship to purchase this CD. This is the first time I've ever listened to these folks...I really enjoyed their music. This is anointed music that will really minister to your heart!

One of best Worshippers today!!!.......2007-05-15

I first heard David and Nicole on a Service @ their Church one Sunday as MY wife and I was preparing dinner. We had to turn everything off and they had us on the floor worshippng GOD. It was like, WOW, what an awesome wonder. I purchase this CD and it again had me on the floor. I have be listening to in for the past week. I drive about an Hour in D.C. traffic to work and home, usually with a headache, now it's filled with peace during that Hour. David and Nicole truly has an Annoiting on their Lives at this point! Praise the LORD!!

Awsome!!.......2007-05-12

This is an awsome time in the Lord!! It's done live and with special guest. It just lifts your spirit and give you joy just listening.

"beautiful songs".......2007-03-10

This CD is wonderful worship, listening, bring the presence God CD, and just down right beautiful to listen to. I look forward to hearing the others the Binions have to offer.

AN ANOINTED COUPLE.......2006-11-12

I first seen David & Nicole Binion on TBN ministries with Prophetess Juanita Bynum. Their voices touched my heart, so I had to get their CD "The Sound of Heaven". David & Nicole really believe in using their voices to worship God. Andrae Crouch also sings along with them on a couple of tracks, which I found good to listen to. I've also purchased their latest CD "live@straightgate" which I enjoyed and loved. I would recommend both CD's to anyone who enjoys worshiping God.

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