Messenger

Track Listings

1. Messenger

2. Wonder

3. Totem

4. Stormbringer

5. Earth Mother

6. Sacred Land

7. Thunderbird

8. Crystal Cave

9. Shaman

10. Ghost Dance

11. Ancestors

12. Shadow of the Cloud

Messenger,Scott Fitzgerald,World Disc,Adult Alternative,Ambient,Ethnic Fusion,New Age / Meditation

Messenger

Messenger

At the Kabuki Theatre
Average customer rating:

Don't Waste Your Money

An Important Relic

Performance pretty inspired, recording primitive......

A very enjoyable recording

For Die-Hard Fans Only

At the Kabuki Theatre
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: Snapper UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Cobra
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Mona
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Tracks:

What About Me
Call on Me
Pride of Man
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Not Fade Away
Mojo
Freeway Flyer
Subway [Studio Rehersal][*]
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Look Over Yonder Wall/State Farm [Studio Rehersal][*]
SeBlues [Studio Rehersal][*]

Album Details

Recorded in December of 1970 in San Francisco, this is the Last Show Recorded with Members John Cipollina and Dino Valenti. Includes 18 Live Tracks and a Bonus Four Studio Tracks Recorded in 1969 with Nicky Hopkins.

Customer Reviews:

Don't Waste Your Money.......2007-07-06

I'm a fan of Quicksilver and saw them many times, but this recording is just horrible. Big dropouts where everyone's playing and then, blam, just a vocal and a tinny guitar, then it will switch back to the full band. Almost like someone was going "what's this switch do?".
This recording is just horrible and should never have been commerically released.

An Important Relic.......2007-06-18

I was fortunate to see Quicksilver Messenger Service in concert on two occasions, and this welcome release is a terrific souvenir of a great band. The sound quality is hardly state of the art, but that's a minor quibble. Of primary importance is the fact that this is the only live document (except for bootleg recordings) of QMS with both John Cippolina and Dino Valenti in the line-up. And as David Crosby once declared, Valenti "does his level best to stir up your guts with a spoon!" I prefer Dino's ballads (check out his 1968 solo album), but here he's obviously "up" for a largely high voltage gig. Even if one finds his voice an acquired taste, the double leads by Cippolina and Gary Duncan are not to be missed. In the final analysis, well over half of what's presented here is essential Quicksilver.

Performance pretty inspired, recording primitive.............2007-06-18

Back around the time this was recorded, Stereo Review magazine was publishing some fabulous monthly reviews of contemporary music, written by Mr. Steve Simels. Back in that analog age, it was necessary to divide the review into two pieces, the quality of the music and the quality of the actual recording. The recording here, most of the time, sounds like it was done on a battery powered mini reel to reel, and occasionally spliced together from different source tapes! Jarring changes in volume and tone, muffles, etc. As to the music, the first CD is pretty doggone inspired, rocks on very well, maybe the liveliest version of "You're Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond" (mis-typed as "Band") I ever heard. Dino Valente's distinct high lonesome vocals, solid drumming, driving guitars, etc. The second disc is generally painful with a few bright moments, but mostly dispensable.

A very enjoyable recording.......2007-06-08

This is a most enjoyable recording which benefits from being played repeatedly, loud, in a car with a good stereo with at leat four speakers. Initially,indoors, I was disappointed because I thought John Cipollina was too far back in the mix and I wasn't sure about the sound quality. But, like many live recordings, it improves the more you listen to it. There is improvisation and atmosphere in the performance, which is not present in the studio material of this period. When you know what to listen for, you will hear John playing on the left and Gary on the right, "duelling" wonderfully, with probably the best live vocal permormances I have heard by the band. As someone who is too young to have seen the band live, this is a delight. I wish some more recordings would be released.

For Die-Hard Fans Only.......2007-06-02

I'm a sucker when it comes to Quicksilver Messenger Service. I fell in love with Happy Trails, and really enjoyed their first album. Everything else after that was always a hit and miss proposition. Each subsequent album had it's glorious moments, but were interspersed with sub-par, almost amateur songs. And... I hate Dino's voice. But... this album had the dual guitar attack of John and Gary, and the set-list didn't sound half bad, so I plunked down the money to buy it. As mentioned before, this is from a radio broadcast so the quality of the song is good, but not great (and sometimes bad). The performances, again, are hit and miss. And... no one in the band seems to know how to end a song! So many flubs. But... there are some great guitar solos, and for the most part John and Gary are sounding great.

If you don't know who QMS is, then get Happy Trails. You won't be disappointed. If you are a "completist", then add this to your collection. Just be forewarned the quality of the recording is just so-so. There are a few gems in here, but also a lot of mediocre stuff as well.

Average customer rating:

"Gold And Silver" awaits those that purchase the CD
Quicksilver
Actually, I like these guys
Quicksilver Messenger Service - Classic Filmore West Rock
Who Do You Love?

Quicksilver Messenger Service
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002UTX
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Pride Of Man
Light Your Windows
Dino's Song
Gold And Silver
Too Long
The Fool

Amazon.com

Prior to this album's release, Quicksilver contributed two fine songs to the soundtrack of the film Revolution. Vocalist Dino Valente's subsequent drug bust and incarceration didn't prevent them from playing live, but it did delay the completion of their first album. Quicksilver's debut was consequently more mature than those of their late-1960s San Francisco Sound brethren--Big Brother, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane. Quicksilver's first outing offers long instrumental passages and a communal attitude toward vocals and solos. Overall, however, QMS, while enjoyable and historically important, pales next to the band's innovative second release, Happy Trails. --James Swift

Customer Reviews:

"Gold And Silver" awaits those that purchase the CD.......2007-07-15

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.

It didn't take long for the 1968 debut from Quicksilver Messenger Service to make an impact. The leadoff tune "Pride Of Man" (Written by Hamilton Camp in 1964) would become synonymous with David Freiberg. To this day he performs it as a member of the Jefferson Starship. "Light Your Windows" is beauty in motion. The words flow flawlessly and the only shortcoming is the length of the tune not reaching three minutes. Dino Valente's "Dino's Song" follows in all its brilliance. Dino was in jail at the time of the recording sessions. The artistry of the song is without a flaw. The vocals are delivered with conviction and the instrumentation has a sincerity attached. "Gold And Silver" (Instrumental) lets the guitars of John Cipollina and Gary Duncan take center stage. If the production sounds exceptional during the high-energy display, give thanks to Nick Gravenites (Electric Flag) and Harvey Brooks (Miles Davis and Electric Flag to name only a couple) behind the scenes. "It's Been Too Long" continues with terrific instrumentation and a solid vocal. To end a memorable debut the twelve minute "The Fool" lets you encompass the many facets of QMS. May 1968 forever etched in the minds of those in and around San Francisco.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

Quicksilver.......2007-06-03

I forgot how good it is. Infact unlike some old things revisited this music was even better than I remembered it to be. A friend had told me how difficult it had been to find this band's work. I was so pleased to see Amazon had listed it. It is classic rock at it's best and made this old guy feel 18. Far out!

Actually, I like these guys.......2007-03-12

They had a swagger at Monterey 67 and were in the right place at the right time. I like about 3 tracks on this album (their first and best). I can't recommend it to the masses, I purchased this mainly for historical purposes. You MUST listen to Jefferson Airplane (first 2 albums only), Peanut Butter Conspiracy (first 2 albums only), Grateful Dead (skip first 2 ablums) before you dig this deep for lost nuggets.

Quicksilver Messenger Service - Classic Filmore West Rock.......2007-03-09

Just as good as it ever was on vinyl, more years ago than I really want to admit.

Who Do You Love?.......2006-11-10

One of the best, if not the best from this band. A must have for all fans of QMS

Average customer rating:

Buy this for Spindrifter
Quicksilver Rocks
QMS Continues !!!
Old Stuff
Excellent Collection of Some Great Songs

Anthology
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: Bgo - Beat Goes on
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000011O6
Release Date: 2002-02-15

Tracks:

Pride Of Man
Dino's Song
The Fool
Bears
Mona
Edward The Mad Shirt Grinder
Three Or Four Feet From Home
Fresh Air
Just For Love
Spindrifter
Local Color
What About Me
Don't Cry My Lady Love
Hope
Fire Brothers
I Found Love

Customer Reviews:

Buy this for Spindrifter.......2006-01-11

This anthology, rather than Sons of Mercury, is the one to purchase if you're new to QMS. I won't dispute with some reviewers who prefer the live energy of Happy Trails for the original albums, but Anthology delivers all of the top songs for QMS including Spindrifter, a solo piano piece that showed why both the Who and the Stones wanted his talents. This version of Mona is also better than the one on Sons of Mercury, which is cut short for some awful reason.
QMS was quirky, talented, and a unique but accessible sound in an era of trippy San Francisco bands. This anthology gives you the absolute best of their studio music.

Quicksilver Rocks.......2005-09-19

I saw these guys in Denver back in the 70's, in a little bar, with Nicky Hopkins playing piano...nothing more needs to be said!

QMS Continues !!!.......2003-12-06

May I add that Gary Duncan is
carrying on the QMS name,
and is producing new
Quicksilver music.
Check it out at
Shady Grove.
Number 9 Trvlr...

Old Stuff.......2002-10-30

When this lp first came out I wore out the grooves and bought it again but that was a different time in our American lives. It's about sex, drugs and rock-and-roll. It's too slow for my more-modern taste. Some of the tunes still stand; but you can find those tunes at a modest price. This cd should be retired.

Excellent Collection of Some Great Songs.......2002-07-14

I had this on vinyl back when it was released as a double-album in the 1970s, and was glad to see it made available on CD.

Quicksilver Messenger Service, as you may or may not know, was one of the many bands that originated in and around the San Francisco area in the middle to late 1960s. Though not as well known nor as successful as some of the others would go on to be (Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, The Steve Miller Band), Quicksilver established itself as a band with first-rate musicianship, even though the band's lineup would regularly change. (Original guitarist John Cippolina would later go on to establish Copperhead; Gary Duncan was the other guitarist and occasional vocalist; bassist/vocalist David Freiberg would end up playing in the Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship band; pianist Nicky Hopkins would come for a while but then leave, to be replaced by Mark Naftalin from the Butterfield Blues Band; vocalist Dino Valenti, although technically slated to be part of the band from the beginning, didn't actually join the group until it had been around for four or five years due to his incarceration on drug possession and his vocals are reminiscent of Marty Balin from Jefferson Starship.)

Despite the changing lineups, the band recorded a number of outstanding songs as collected on this CD. The CD opens up with their cover of Hamilton Camp's "Pride of Man", followed up by "Dino's Song" (written by the aforementioned Dino Valenti, who was by the time this was recorded spending time in jail), and then the masterful 12-minute "The Fool". Cippolina's trembling electric guitar work stands out on these, particularly the mostly instrumental "The Fool" (a few verses are sung in its later minutes).

The next song "Bears" is a light-hearted, short song; a cover of "Mona" (a bluesy, but somewhat forgettable song, previously recorded by Bo Diddley) and "Edward the Mad Shirt Grinder" (an instrumental piece written by Nicky Hopkins) follow it. "Three or Four Feet from Home," written by Cippolina, sounds like something The Grateful Dead might have done. Following it are a couple of songs for which Dino Valenti finally joined the group and sang -- "Fresh Air" (which has two instrumental breaks, one featuring guitar work and the other piano) and "Just for Love". Both songs marked somewhat of a turning point, as the band turned away from longer, less commercial songs to more radio-friendly fare. "Spindrifter," another Nicky Hopkins piece, is an instrumental piano-laden song with an exquisite melody. "Local Color" is an instrumental, slide-guitar, bluesy piece written by Cippolina; it is the last song on this collection on which he plays. "What About Me" introduced Mark Naftalin on piano to the band (replacing Nicky Hopkins) and while it is a pretty much standard protest type of song from 1970, the following Dino Valenti-penned "Don't Cry My Lady Love" is a terrific romantic pop ballad with outstanding piano work from Mr. Naftalin. "Hope," a pretty good electric lead guitar-driven piece, the acoustic guitar and piano "Fire Brothers," and "I Found Love" close out the CD. For "Fire Brothers" and "I Found Love," Greg Duncan, who at this time was the only original member from the band still around, provides the vocals.

Tracks:

Wish In This World
Beautiful Life
Promise Of You
Ghosts Of Jackson Square
I Could Not Ask For More
Do Your Thing
Prayer To St. Peter
Go Be Young
Anything Good About Me
I'll Be (Acoustic Version)
Sign On The Door
See Off This Mountain

Amazon.com

Edwin McCain struck gold with his 1997 release, Misguided Roses, which sold half a million copies and spawned the Dawson's Creek-driven hit single "I'll Be," so he's probably earned the right to think big. That's what he does on Messenger, attacking his new set of songs with fleshed-out arrangements, several of which involve string sections and horns. Fans of McCain's more stripped-down fare will be disappointed by his rather bold-faced move toward the middle of the road, the most egregious example being the Diane Warren-penned ballad "I Could Not Ask for More," which is typically syrupy and overwrought. McCain's acoustic-driven "Ghosts of Jackson Square" is more on target, as is the soulful "Wish on the World" and the bouncy "Beautiful Life." Fans of "I'll Be" will enjoy hearing it again here, this time in a hushed vocals-guitar-sax version that's even more direct and affecting than the original. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

Proving the Indie Rock Movement can be a Commercial Success.......2005-08-31

The 1990s music landscape saw Alternative Rock begin to basically become part of the mainstream music fold. However, Alternative Rock also began to produce many other off-shoots. This was because there was a perception that groups such as "Nirvana" and "Gin Blossoms" would "sell out" to commercial culture. As a result, a sub-movement within Alternative Rock began to form called "Indie Rock". The "Indie" stands for independent. It is a style of music that often covers a wide variety of genres, often working on independent record labels, but most importantly the artist maintains complete control of the music and their careers. However as Indie Rock stars gained popularity, even this term began to blur a bit. One artist who rose to popularity in the Indie Rock movement was Edwin McCain. Edwin McCain's second album "Misguided Roses" produced one of the biggest hits of 1997 and 1998 called "I'll Be". While I always felt that this was an overrated song, it did give McCain's career the boost it needed. While McCain's commercial success might have put his "Indie Rock" status in question, his style would still remain true to the "Indie Rock" roots. It would be McCain's third album, "Messenger" that would show his "Indie Rock" roots. Surprisingly, this album didn't garner the critical acclaim that I would have expected.

As mentioned, a key facet to the "Indie Rock" movement is maintaining complete control of the music - in other words, doing things your own way. For the most part, with McCain, this is not an issue. The sound on "Messenger" by McCain is as "Coffee House" as you can get. There is a lot of use of acoustic (even if it is electric acoustic) guitars. McCain supplements this sound very nicely with the use of saxophones and horns. He also makes a stronger use of drums and percussions than most "Coffee House" style artists.

McCain is also one very talented songwriter. As for doing things "his own way", this is very evident on "Messenger". McCain penned 11 of the 12 tracks. One might give him some criticism for using a song ("I Could Not Ask For More") written by a very "commercial songwriter" like Diane Warren, but McCain puts his own spin on that track. After all, part of Indie Rock is doing things your own way - and that is very evident on that track.

McCain's songwriting includes a wide variety of topics. Most notably, McCain's spirituality surfaces in the song "A Prayer to St. Peter". This is an acoustic sounding song that I'm shocked didn't garner more attention on the Christian Contemporary circuit. While McCain does include other spiritual/religious references on "Messenger" (such as "Ghost of Jackson Square", "Sign on the Door", "Beautiful Life", and even on Warren's "I Could Not Ask For More"). I would say it's safe to say that McCain is a Christian influenced musician. McCain also sings on other topics - such as a tribute to his grandmother ("See Off This Mountain"); Alcoholism ("Sign on the Door" and "Go Be Young"); and of course love and romance ("Wish In This World", "Promise of You", I'll Be")

As far as McCain's songwriting goes, it is his use of metaphors that really hits home. While I did feel "I'll Be" was an overrated song, this was a song that did use metaphors very well (i.e. "Emeralds from mountains thrust from the sky", "Rain falls angry on the tin roof"). McCain carries this trademark over to "Messenger". This is seen on several tracks such as: "Wish in this World" ("Running to grass so green; Dangerous road, but it's not going to change"); "Ghost of Jackson Square" ("But fall from the height; my personal ledges; afraid to look down; my crepe paper bridges; enough water to drawn"); "Prayer to St. Peter" ("The taste of summer; and a ripened pear; and girls sweet as meadow wind"); and Sign on the Door ("With a Sign on the Door; Saying sorry we're closed").

Throughout the album, the balance between McCain's haunting vocals and the outstanding work done by his band are really done well. There isn't a bad track on this collection. Perhaps the best example of the balance between the vocals and band work is on "Go Be Young". This song got a lot of airplay and deserved it - it is the best track on the album. "I Could Not Ask for More" also get some attention as well - and also well deserved. There are many other tracks that I'm surprised didn't garner more airplay or attention - such as "Wish In This World", "Beautiful Life", "Prayer to St. Peter", "Ghosts of Jackson Square", and "Do Your Thing". "Sign on the Door" is another standout track that takes on almost a gospel-like feel toward the end of the track.

My only criticism of "Messenger" is the inclusion of the "acoustic" version "I'll Be". I almost feel that this was included to capitalize on the big success of "I'll Be". Ok, it was a popular song and there may be a market to hear a more "acoustic" sound, but I think this would have been better suited for a greatest hits album. I had mentioned that McCain did things his own way "for the most part". Perhaps the record company put some pressure to include this. While you can say this violates the spirit of the Indie Rock movement, you can also say that perhaps McCain wanted to include this - and did things his own way.

The liner notes contain all of the lyrics to all of the songs as well as the musician and production credits. While "Messenger" would be a commercial success, that would be the last album that McCain would have commercial success. McCain would return to his Indie roots of touring and word of mouth music. But "Messenger" proved that Indie Music can be good even it does sell well. Highly recommended.

A BEST EVER.......2005-08-30

This is simply one of my top 20 favorite CD's of all-time. I'm 40 years old, and have heard a lot of 'albums' and trust me, this one is right in there.
If you like Edwin at all, you will love this album.

Everyone should own this cd.......2004-08-06

This is one of my very favorite cds. By far the best by Edwin McCain, and among the best albums I've ever heard. Buy it. Get an extra copy for a friend.

Heartbreaking but awesome!.......2003-05-24

Edwin Mcwinain. what can I say about him? I'm 17 years old and when I went to a concert of his, because his following is not all that large (what a shame) most people were surprised to see a person so young, there. they asked me how I knew about him. I said that I had heard him on the show "Dawson's Creek" a few years before and fell in love with his music. I have this CD ("Messenger") and I highly recommend it. Edwin's lyrics are so beautiful and meaninful and his voice is sooo sooothing. Edwin has that great combo of Pop, Blues, Jazz, Country and Rock, ALL INTO ONE! it's hard to explain but I love it. I met him once a few months ago and I'm going to see him again next week.

The best of the best.......2002-02-27

This is my personal favorite. It's a shame McCain doesn't have a greater following. Everything on this album is poetic in every sense. The instrumentation is fantastic and the lyrics, the true brilliance of the music, are amazing. There is a fantastic acoustic version of "I'll Be" that is quieter, tamer and features the lyrics, though it loses the wonderful saxophone pieces that are that song's trademark. True to that, this album is quieter all around, with the noteable exception of "Anything Good About Me," which is really the only 'rock' song here. "Beautiful Life" and "Just Do Your Thing" are eloquent commentaries on life today. Though this album doesn't have much of the upbeat tunes like "Guinevere" or "Alive" common to Edwin McCain's earlier albums, it is poetic an moving. Edwin McCain's best songs are rarely released on the radio waves and anyone who misses them is really missing out.

Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future

Average customer rating:

Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future
Guru
Manufacturer: Seven Grand
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Average customer rating:

unadulterated rock-n- roll
Better Remembered
60's revisited
Return to the origin of modern music
Disappointing - sounds muffled and flat

Classic Masters
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: EMI Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
The Best of Spirit
Anthology
It's a Beautiful Day

ASIN: B00005V5Q3
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Pride Of Man
Light Your Windows
Who Do You Love (part 1)
Stand By Me
Dino's Song
Shady Grove
Joseph's Coat
Flute Song
Fresh Air
What About Me
Just For Love
Hope

Customer Reviews:

unadulterated rock-n- roll.......2007-07-16

At this stage of my life, I do not have the time to listen to as much of the old Hard-Rock music that I would like. However, this QSM gem is always a trip down memory lane. When my wife is out of the house, I crank this up as loud as possible!!!! Oh, to be 20 years old again.

Better Remembered.......2007-03-10

This album/CD was only a few dollars, thankfully! It had, perhaps, two cuts that were worth remembering. Too bad I didn't remember that when I took the offer (like a hungry trout).

It's better left in the dust bin.

60's revisited.......2007-01-09

Great walk down memory lane. I had forgotten their unique sound, and I enjoyed listening to it once again. You can hear the band grow and change as they moved from rock and roll to their Quicksilver sound.

Return to the origin of modern music.......2007-01-03

Few gen X or Y people know that Quicksilver Messenger Service was another vital piece of the musical pie that came out of the 60's/early 70's..........for those of you who don't know them.....pickup this 'best of' and connect the dots to modern jam bands........good stuff. bcp

Disappointing - sounds muffled and flat.......2006-12-12

I have to disagree strongly with the review below which says that the sound quality on this disc is "superb." It's not. In fact, it's one of the worst sounding discs I've purchased in a long time. On many of the cuts the higher frequencies are missing; this is probably because over long periods of time, recordings on tape (i.e. the master tapes used to produce this CD) deteriorate. As a result, the music sounds dull and muffled. Also, I was surprised how dated many of these songs are, both in musical style and the lyrics. I was a big fan of QMS "back in the day," but this disc is a loser.

Average customer rating:

A recording of the band's finest hour....................
Quicksilver Just for Love
Lost Gems
Best of the original Albums by QMS
timeless classic!

Just for Love
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: Bgo - Beat Goes on
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Classic Rock | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

What About Me
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Quicksilver
Happy Trails
Comin' Thru

ASIN: B00000735E
Release Date: 1996-12-13

Tracks:

Wolf Run, Pt. 1
Just for Love, Pt. 1
Cobra
Hat
Freeway Flyer
Gone Again
Fresh Air
Just for Love, Pt. 2
Wolf Run, Pt. 2

Customer Reviews:

A recording of the band's finest hour...........................2006-08-15

With the long-awaited return of Dino Valente to the band as singer and songwriter, Quicksilver Messenger Service marked perhaps its finest hour during the recording of this particular album. Unfortunately, Mr. Valente had been absent during the recording of the band's previous two studio albums, "Quicksilver Messenger Service" and "Shady Grove", and during the band's live concert recording, namely, the album, "Happy Trails." Problems with the law and a failed attempt to make it happen musically in New York City alone and also with QMS colleague, guitarist Gary Duncan, drew him away from the band for an extended period of time. The added absence of Gary Duncan prompted the rest of the band to ask Nicky Hopkins to join them during the recording of their second studio album. Nicky Hopkins was one of rock history's preeminent pianists, having had contributed his talent to many memorable albums by top artists, ranging from the Rolling Stones to the Who. There is no exception here, with Quicksilver Messenger Service, as evident on this particular album, and on the previous studio album, especially on the song entitled, "Edward, the Mad Shirt Grinder."

The band at this stage of its history also included a gifted guitarist by the name of John Cipollina whose style was quite unique--John Cipollina oftentimes used the tremolo bar on his solid-body Gibson while playing solos and also while playing as a counterpoint to the guitar work of fellow band member, Gary Duncan. A wonderful aspect of the band at this particular point in time was the fact that two of its members were capable of playing "true" lead guitar at any one time. Unfortunately, shortly after the recording of this album, John Cipollina left the band. He eventually formed the band, Copperhead.

Quicksilver Just for Love.......2006-02-24

I grew up in the Bay Area in the late sixties so I became very familiar with the "San Francisco" bands of that time and I seemed to enjoy many of the bands that never had "tremendous success". Quicksilver falls into that category and I have to admit they were among many of the groups of that area and time that had to be experienced live to know what they were really like and to see them at their best. That's not to say that I don't like their studio material because I do. This album was a new direction for Quicksilver with Dino Valenti returning after doing some time for a drug bust. While this may not be their strongest album I would have to say it's worth buying for the song "Fresh Air" which became a sort of an anthem of that time. This album and the one that followed "What About Me" are essential to any Quicksilver fan that is serious about what this band was about and wants to experience the magic of the music of that time and place. Some other bands worth looking into to get the flavor of that era: Moby Grape, Cold Blood, It's a Beautiful Day, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Malo, Hot Tuna, Tower of Power, The Youngbloods, Blue Cheer, The Blues Image, Eric Burdon & the Animals, and Country Joe and the Fish. They just don't make 'em like that anymore sorry to say.

Lost Gems.......2004-12-15

Certainly QMS represented the best of "Jam Rock" with their style of 2 guitar, point and counterpoint method of playing.Whether intentional or not they touched the very essence of classical music structure and connotation,which resulted in a musical conversation rather than merely a song.They gave a great effort on this album and it was well engineered

Best of the original Albums by QMS.......2004-09-06

I think this was the best QMS Albumb that was ever released. This Album had profound influnce upon my life when it was originally released and it is still one of my favorite Cd's to play. The guitar playing was profoundly original and creative for it's time, and so was the piano. Nicky Hopkins went on to play with the Rolling Stones.. I would say it has with stood the test of time too, still sounding unique, and undated... Quicksliver had some later Albums that had some pretty good suff on them, but none of the later work seemed to hold unity as well as this album did. There were a lot of bands putting out concept albums, at that time, where it wasn't just a culmanation of songs, but the whole Album was to be listened to at one sitting...That's what this Album is and was, I don't see that idea playing out as well in any other Quicksilver Album. May the memory of these great artists, who lived like there was no tomorrow live on...

timeless classic!.......2004-08-03

Quicksilver Messenger-one of THE best West-Coast bands ,of all time,No doubt!!!This -"Just for Love", made at a time when Dino Valenti's influence was great,as lead singer-/songwriter, is one of my personal favourites!!I just love this album-even more so on c.d.!They were one hot band -great drummer,great bass,GREAT lead guitarist(s),too!!Either love or hate Dino Valenti's voice/lyrics-i adored his fabulous voice,totally unique(his solo album STILL amazes me 35 years on)......So here we have Q.M.S. AT A PEAK IN THEIR RECORDED OUTPUT,NO DOUBT!!A Hippy/Hard-rock/soft-rock masterpiece great production/ ..a timeless classic,folks--get it-NOW!!!!!

Average customer rating:

if not the best QMS
Why the hefty price tag?
an album that produced with its title song an anthem of sorts for its day
Peaceful Music
Super but not the best

What About Me
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: Bgo - Beat Goes on
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Just for Love
Quicksilver
Comin' Thru
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Quicksilver Messenger Service

ASIN: B000006ZU6
Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

What About Me
Local Color
Baby Baby
Won't Kill Me
Long Haired Lady
Subway
Spindrifter
Good Old Rock and Roll
All in My Mind
Call on Me

Customer Reviews:

if not the best QMS.......2007-08-04

pretty darn close to it. Great songs. Great LP for it's time. Well worth the listen and investment. Last LP with their best lineup.

Why the hefty price tag?.......2006-09-30

I love this lp and Just For Love but why is this one $4 more? And the offer to buy this and Just For Love together is no deal, it's the same price as separately. C'mon amazon, get your poop in a group.

an album that produced with its title song an anthem of sorts for its day.......2006-09-02

A suitable follow-up to the group's seminal (fourth) album, "Just For Love", the album, "What About Me", produced soon after its release with its title song a widely-played anthem of sorts for the early 1970's. The title song was aired repeatedly over the radio on numerous progressive-rock FM stations from coast to coast. It was written by Dino Valente; the song's lyrics reflected the songwriter's concern for the environment as well as his strong distaste for certain laws of the land at that time, specifically, laws prohibiting the use of some recreational drugs. The song, "What About Me", was a forceful, and yet a typical, protest song of the late 1960's and early 1970's, played over the airwaves during a period of time when the country was engulfed in numerous protests that took on a wide range of issues, including protests against our nation's involvement in faraway Vietnam, an unjust war that, for a good number of years, had no visible end in sight. Fortunately, with the eventual passage of time, positive change did come!!

Certain tracks on this particular album were recorded during the same sessions in Hawaii that produced its predecessor. As a result, the lineup of the band, in essence, remained unchanged on this album with the heart of the group's driving force consisting of two(2) competent lead guitarists in John Cipollina and Gary Duncan, and the infamous piano player, Nicky Hopkins. The rest of the band consisted of David Freiberg on bass, Greg Elmore on drums, and the late Dino Valente as singer and songwriter.

Soon after the recording of these "twin" albums, namely, "Just For Love" and "What About Me", the band's lineup began gradually to change. With the arrival of Dino Valente at this particular time during the group's history, and just in time to inject some much-needed energy, there appeared to be a sudden shift in power within the group and thereupon, a slight change in its musical direction, too. Mr. Valente's immediate background, prior to rejoining the band, had been as a solo artist in New York City. Consequently, the band now began to record an occasional ballad or two sung by Mr. Valente, in contrast to the band's other tracks that reflected San Francisco's brand of harder (and at times, psychedelic) rock. Having had rejoined the band as lead singer, Dino Valente became the group's frontman on stage and, for better or worse, the band's de facto leader, as oftentimes was the case within a rock band at that time when the lead singer and writer of most of a band's songs took the helm.

The title song of this album, "What About Me", was similar in its intensity and stance (critical of society's ills) to another song that Dino Valente had recorded during his days in New York City while he sang as a lone troubadour. The song, "Children of the Sun", likewise became popular, and with time, it grew to become another anthem of sorts for its day. As such, it received its share of airplay on the radio, too, but predominantly in California and on the West Coast. (The song can still be heard on Dino Valente's only solo album, "Dino Valente.")

Peaceful Music.......2006-08-31

I am not a music critic who will cite numerous reasons why certain songs should or shouldn't be on a CD, but I do know what I like. This is something that I find extremely relaxing, and I play it for the same reason I listen to CSN, The Grateful Dead, It's A Beautiful Day or Van Morrison. It is an incredible collection of songs. I would find it interesting if a critique would mention songs on this album not making it onto any radio program, because I grew up during the sixties, and it was a trend to want things that didn't get air play. Everyone wanted the "underground" sound. This album has it. I listen to it when I need escape from the stress of day-to-day [...] I listen to it when I need to relax my hands that grip the wheel when I drive in busy traffic.

Super but not the best.......2000-06-30

This was an excellent album, but it lacked some of the great songs such as Fresh Air. Other than the song choice, the album was great. The guitar playing was just as great as their other albums. I would only get this one if I really liked Quicksilver. If I were just a person whose friends had reccomended it, I would get something along the lines of the anthology because that has all of their really big hits. But if you want to hear some not as famous songs, but just a good, get this one. This is a great cd for listening to on loong trips becuase everybody will like. My dad who usually listens to Tony Bennet, my mom who listens to the Stones, and me (I listen to punk rock) all listen to Quicksilver and we have no arguements about listening to it.

Average customer rating:

Guru - Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future

Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future
Guru
Manufacturer: V2
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1
Streetsoul
Finding Forever
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The Return of the Magnificent

ASIN: B000O7665M
Release Date: 2007-06-04

Tracks:

Cuz I'm Jazzy - Guru, Slum Village
State of Clarity - Common, , Guru, , Bob James
Stand Up (Some Things'll Never Change) - Guru, Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, Damian "Junior Gong" Marley
Look to the Sun (Solar) - Guru, Solar
Connection - Guru, Kem
Fine and Free - Vivian Green, , Guru
Wait on Me - Raheem DeVaughn, Raheem DeVaughn, , Guru
International - Guru, Bobby Valentino
This Is Art - Guru, Ronnie Laws,
Fly Magnetic - Dionne Farris, , Guru
Jazz Style - Guru, , Omar
Follow the Signs - Guru, , Shelly Harland
Universal Struggle - Brown Man, , , Guru
Infinite - Blackalicious, , Guru
Kissed the World - Guru, Caron Wheeler
Living Legend - Guru, David Sanborn

Album Description

Jazzmatazz Volume Four gives you all that goodness you've come to expect from the stellar partnership of Guru with "SuperProducer" and fellow New Yorker, Solar. Many talented friends also come through on Jazzmatazz Volume Four to bless the record and be a part of its tradition including Slum Village, Common, Blackalicious and many others who lend their unique voices and styles to the album. V2. 2007.

Album Details

2007 Release of the Fourth Volume of the Revered DJ'S "Jazzmatazz", Titled "The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: "Back to the Future" that Includes "Stand Up (Some Things'll Never Change)" featuring Damian Marley, One of the Joint's Stand Out Tracks that Helps to Set the Whole Project Ablaze. Other Artists Appearing Include Vivian Green, Blackalicious, the Returns of Caron Wheeler (Soul Ii Soul) and Dionne Farris and Saxophonist David Sanborn. Always Pushing the Envelope, the Set was Entirely Produced by Solar and Co-produced by Guru. Gushing Over the Recording Sessions, Guru Laments: "Since the Inception of "Jazzmatazz", One of the Main Focuses Has Been that it Has Something for Every Generation and Music Lover. It's Timeless. When We Enter Into These Projects We're Working with Artists that Are Relevant and it Provides for that Fresh New Territory. The Tracks Solar and I have Laid Down Are Incredible!".

Customer Reviews:

Guru - Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future.......2007-06-20

Guru (A.K.A. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, Keith Edward Elam) returns with "Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future" (2007) a sixteen track release which features guest appearances from Slum Village, Common, Bob James, Damian Marley, Kem, Vivian Green, Raheem DeVaughn, Bobby Valentino, Ronnie Laws, Dionne Farris, Omar, Shelly Harland, Brownman, Blackalicious, Caron Wheeler & David Sanborn. As one half of the groundbreaking group Gangstarr, Guru released many memorable albums, he has also succeeded in delivering memorable solo releases in the Jazzmatazz series. At fourty year's old, Guru is one of the Rap game's veteran's who continues to deliver relevant music, that old and new fans alike can enjoy. This release opens up with "Cuz I'm Jazzy" which has Guru teaming up with T3 & Elzhi of Slum Village. Next up is a highlight track in the single "State of Clarity" - Guru, Common and Bob James (Jazz Keyboards) deliver a substantial track about being true to ones self and avoiding the trife life. Guru tag teams "Stand Up (Some Things'll Never Change) with Damian Marley who provides the chorus. Guru rhymes about change and creating a better future on "Look To The Sun". Guru shines on the introspective "Connection" feat. Kem- delivering more substantial lyrics like "Its so real when it comes from the heart, from deep down inside". Guru flipts the script some and slows things down with "Fine and Free" which features some soulful vocals from Vivian Green, rhyming with confidence - Guru show's his love for Hip Hop and the ladies while repping himself and giving his opinion on sell out MC's. Up and coming soul singer Raheem DeVaughn makes an appearance on "Wait On Me", while Bobby Valentino & Guru travel worldwide on "International". Guru kicks some on point rhymes backed by the sounds of Jazz, Funk & Blues musician Ronnie Laws on "This Is Art". Guru rhymes about a woman whos after him on "Fly Magnetic" backed by some vocals from Dionne Farris, then colloborates with British Singer Omar on "The Jazz Style". Guru takes a trip looking for a special lady on "Follow The Signs" backed by smooth vocals from Shelly Harland. My favourite track at the moment is the deep "The Universal Struggle" feat. Brownman, Guru delivers some excellent lyrics on this conscious track about how people worldwide face the same struggles, talking about showing resilience in the face of danger and overcoming. Guru then collabs with Rap duo Blackalicious on "Infinite" - letting it be known he won't be leaving the game anytime soon and that the music he delivers goes beyond simple rhymes to deep thoughts. Guru provides another international collaboration this time with female British Singer Caron Wheeler (hook) on "Kissed The World" a track about George Bush and the War. Guru closes off the album with "Living Legend" backed by the sounds of Saxophonist David Sanborn. It's refreshing to listen to a grounded MC who has a significant social conscious, and drops positive on point rhymes. "Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future" is a strong release worth checking out.

Elton John And Tim Rice's Aida (1999 Concept Album)

Average customer rating:

I would order from you again.
Loved it!!!
good variety and feeling
Sour Concepts
Living Elaborate Lives...

Elton John And Tim Rice's Aida (1999 Concept Album)
Jimmy Johnson , Juliet Haffner , Regis Iandiorio , Tony Kadleck , Elena Barere , Blackwell, Virgil , and Clark, John
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Aida (2000 Original Broadway Cast)
Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida: The Making of the Broadway Musical
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Made in England

ASIN: B00000IFTH
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

Another Pyramid - Sting
Written In The Stars - Elton John/LeAnn Rimes
Easy As Life - Tina Turner ft. Angelique Kidjo
My Strongest Suit - Spice Girls
I Know TheTruth - Elton John/Janet Jackson
Not Me - Boyz II Men
Amneris' Letter - Shania Twain
A Step Too Far - Elton John/Heather Headley/Sherie Scott
Like Father Like Son - Lenny Kravitz
Elaborate Lives - Heather Headley
How I Know you - James Taylor
The Messenger - Elton John/Lulu
The Gods Love Nubia - Kelly Price
Enchantment Passing Through - Dru Hill
Orchestral Finale - Elton John

Amazon.com

Following hot on the heels of their enormously successful collaboration for The Lion King, Elton John and Tim Rice have once again culled their talents to create another Disney contemporary musical, based this time on Verdi's opera Aida. The album, recorded by some of the biggest talents of pop, country, and R&B, features songs from the stage show, which recounts the well-known tale of a love triangle further complicated by slavery, royalty, and the armed forces. John duets to great effect with country crooner LeAnn Rimes, the enchanting Janet Jackson, and the lovely Lulu of To Sir with Love fame. Lush and lively, the soundtrack hits a hoot of a (decidedly not highbrow) high point with the infectious pop of the Spice Girls warbling the merits of undergarments on "My Strongest Suit" ("Always wear underwear/Anytime, anywhere"). Lenny Kravitz funks things up with "Like Father Like Son." Shania Twain's husky emoting makes a fine pop ballad of the brief "Amneris' Letter." "Not Me" chronicles the goodness of love as Boyz II Men coo dreamily, their harmonies nestling into John's sumptuous score. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

I would order from you again........2007-01-27

Product arrived in a timely manner in new condition, still wrapped in plastic. Thank you.

Loved it!!!.......2006-09-07

I'm so impressed with this album for several different reasons.
3) It's Elton John
2) I loved all but two of the songs!
1) I usually hate the original broadway cast albums and movie soundtracks. They don't do the songs justice. They usually have chopped up versions of the songs and include unnecessary dialouge.

I'd love to see every musical (broadway or movie) done this way!
I appreciate the b'way versions, but I don't want to listen to them in my car...

good variety and feeling.......2004-06-24

This is a very good CD. "Written in the Stars" is an extremely emotional song, and it is my favorite on the album. I would like to see the show on Broadway, but I have to say I don't think it can be too much better than this CD

Sour Concepts.......2003-06-29

It takes so much to try to get a musical to make its way upon Broadway. Sometimes you really need to understand how to make it really happen within the passion of the storytelling music. In that case with Elton John, he nearly seemed to make it with Aida. While the music for Broadway always seems to have at least something completely mgaical and a dash of power in it. Sometimes, you really need to understand it, to make it happen, and others don't see it from the start. Although Elton John has had great music for years, at least once in a era, something goes a little flat.

The 1999 Aida, was not a studio album from Elton, but a preview from what was happen on Broadway. The various artists record contains so many different artists in the record including Tina Turner, Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, and the upcoming Heather Headley. Before Heather made it as a singer, she made it right here in Aida, on this record. The only decent song that was a hit was Written In The Stars, which Elton performed with Leann Rimes. The song was also the last song Elton cracked Billboard's Top 40. Still, there really wasn't a lot of enjoyment within most of the record, and it fell into a sleeper. Considering that Elton is already planning on making another smash musical on Broadway, hopefully he'll do better with the concept record.

When it does come to making it on Broadway, it isn't really anything exciting, unless it truly is a smash, and Aida is a smash on Broadway, just not the record. Still, if you're a die hard fan of Aida, buy this record. Otherwise, it could be a hitless miss.

Living Elaborate Lives..........2002-11-02

Aida was Elton John and Tim Rice's baby, providing a concept soundtrack album before even setting the stage on fire, the tracks are generally sweeping show ballads.
Elton teams up with several lovely and talented ladies, in LeAnn Rimes, Janet Jackson, and Lulu. "Written In The Stars" could be a vocal gladiator battle, the way LeAnn and Elton sing it. Janet and Lulu prove themselves as more mellow duet partners.
Kelly Price makes "The Gods Love Nubia" her own, the song is tied up in soul with her voice being smooth as silk. The far too short "Amneris' Letter" shows off Shania Twain's voice to perfection also. Pop culture phenomenon the Spice Girls turn "My Strongest Suit" into the most obvious pop stomper of this set. Another strong point is Heather Headley's solo "Elaborate Lives". A rich ballad, Headley recently embarked on an R&B singing career with the track "He Is". The legendary Tina Turner provides a fiery perfomance, her track being the powerful "Easy As Life" with Angelique Kidjo.
Duds are also present, Sting and Dru Hill's tracks are admitted stinkers. James Taylor, Boyz II Men, Sherie Scott, and Lenny Kravitz also deliver perfomances on the album. This album is well put together, with strong tunes and a short-list of superstars presenting them. A fun buy.

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