Sparkle [Soundtrack]

Track Listings

1. Sparkle

2. Something He Can Feel

3. Hooked on Your Love

4. Look into Your Heart

5. I Get High

6. Jump to It

7. Loving You Baby

8. Rock With Me

Sparkle,Aretha Franklin,Rhino / Wea,Pop,R&B,Soul,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues

Tracks:

Sparkle
Something He Can Feel
Hooked On Your Love
Look Into Your Heart
I Get High
Jump
Loving You Baby
Rock With Me

Amazon.com

Though she'd already been hailed as the Queen of Soul for her run of sultry '60s hits for Atlantic, Aretha Franklin split her time in the '70s between explorations of her gospel roots and flirtations with the pop mainstream, often with diminishing results. But, just as the music she had so long epitomized was evolving into rhythmic funk and nascent disco, Franklin teamed with fellow soul vet Curtis Mayfield to produce the soundtrack for this otherwise unremarkable film project, a collaboration that retrenched her successfully in the dramatic, gospel-rooted musical framework of a decade earlier. Thanks in no small part to Mayfield's focused, stripped-to-the-essentials production, Franklin frees herself to turn in remarkably consistent performances throughout, from the effervescent title track and romantic anthem "Something He Can Feel" to the soaring vocal showcase "I Get High" and infectious R&B groove of "Loving You Baby." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

I wish the soundtrack was from the original cast in the movie.......2007-07-31

I love Areatha but I like the original singers from the movie. No they are not Areatha but they brought the songs to life. I just do not like the Areatha Franklin Version's of the songs.

Sparkle Soundtrack by Aretha Franklin.......2007-05-30

I like the Cd o.k. Aretha Franklin is an excellent singer. However, it is disappointing if you are looking for the songs to sound the same as they did in the movie. I felt that should have put the movie version as well as Aretha's version. That way it is a little something for everyone. The music is the exact same, but it is sung completely different.

Stone Cold Classic!.......2007-04-13

You can let this one rip from beginning to end. I remember being first exposed to this one while raiding my parents wax collection when I was a teen. First of all, I couldn't stop looking at the cover! Aretha was looking so slim, fine and "foxy" as they would have said it back in the day! Anyway, what made me put this one on was reading the liner notes and seeing it was produced by my man Curtis, who is, in my opinion, one of the greatest producers and arrangers of all time! I was also shocked to see the title "Something He Can Feel" and then discovering that En Vogue did not record it first! And of course, after hearing other classics like "Young, Gifted & Black", and "Spirit In the Dark", Aretha was definitely Soul Sister # 1 and "Sparkle" did not dissapoint! Like one Rolling Stone reviewer put it, "she is singing her heart out" and I couldn't agree more. The music is beautifully arranged and vocally Aretha is in MY opinion at her best! The way her voice dips, dives, soars, with so much control, she holds nothing back on this one, never compromising and she never once does she overdo it! The background vocals are also doin' it big on this album, especially on the last 30 seconds of the song "Sparkle". My fave though is "Look Into Your Heart", "mercy baby" indeed! Every one of the tracks on this album could have been released as a single. I saw the movie on tv after hearing this album so I guess my opinion of the actresses versions of these songs are jaded. Not to say they did a bad job but I guess it's kinda like going from steak to chicken dinner. I do not prefer the movie versions over Aretha's! However, I do work in a Record/CD store and alot of the old heads, while they have no ought against Aretha's versions, they're always asking to either special order or asking if the original motion picture sountrack will ever be released! I don't know, maybe it's someting there I'm missing but I can't say that I'm willing to give the movie another look which was just "okay" in my opinion. In any case, SPARKLE is definitely required listening from two soul giants giving you their best, pure soul, smack dab in the middle of a disco invasion!

Lady Soul.......2007-02-22

Prior to Aretha Franklin collaborating with Curtis Mayfield, she had recorded some uneven albums with long-time producer Jerry Wexler. It was time for Franklin to get a fresh start in the studio and Sparkle became that project.

Recorded in five days in January 1976 in Mayfield's Curtom Sudios, the eight songs - clocking in at 33 minutes - find Franklin singing with passion and renewed energy. The production is pristine, with Franklin's vocals dominating the mix, but aptly backed by the Haywood Singers.

The Mayfield lyrics aren't more real than on I Get High. The emotional roller coaster of love is explored in Something He Can Feel, Loving You Baby & Rock With Me. Franklin found chart success with Jump/Hooked On Your Love (that smooth Mayfield groove) & Look Into Your Heart. And the title track really sparkles, as the strings and horns compliment Franklin's soaring vocals.

Due to variety of reasons - disinterest, egos, etc. - the sessions are oftentimes disappointing when music legends get together, but this dream team delivered a vastly underrated soundtrack.

There is no comparison in the movie version and album version..........2007-02-13

There is no way you can compare the two; the movie versions of these songs were horrible; Aretha gives these songs a whole new life. The movie renditions are amature at best; nothing like casting in old Diana Ross movies (where the person casted could actually sing and the emulation was more realistic).

I love this CD!

Average customer rating:

Just as I Remember
Sparklle In The Rain......
Magical! One Of Their Best Albums!
The Best Simple Minds Album
Wow...this album takes me back

Sparkle in the Rain
Simple Minds
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000793ZA
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Tracks:

Up On The Catwalk
Book Of Brilliant Things
Speed Your Love To Me
Waterfront
East At Easter
Street Hassle
White Hot Day
'C' Moon Cry Like A Baby
The Kick Inside Of Me
Shake Off The Ghosts

Album Description

Import only reissue of 1984 album. It's their 7th album and best effort at that point with songs like 'Up On The Catwalk' & 'Waterfront'.

Customer Reviews:

Just as I Remember.......2007-05-31

Often records I one loved 20 years ago don't hold up well to the test of time. Book of Love's records, Killing Joke's "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" and several others fall into this category. That said, I bought "Sparkle in the Rain" on vinyl when it first came out way back in the mid-1980s. After being introduced to Simple Minds via "New Gold Dream" (on limited edition gold vinyl even...) this was a welcome addition to my record collection. I remember being amazed at the driving rhythms and the powerful vocals. I hadn't listened to or even thought of the record until a few weeks ago when someone off-handedly mentioned Simple Minds telling me "I'm alive and kicking." That made me seek out and replace my long-missing LP with this CD. I'm glad I did and am enjoying it right now as I take a break from writing a thesis.

Sparklle In The Rain.............2007-02-23

Outstanding tunes . . . Speed Your Love to Me.... Memories of a time past and present....

Magical! One Of Their Best Albums!.......2006-05-28

Simple Minds came closer than ever before to all-out rocking on this album. They do rock here, but they still exhibit skillfully played musical shadings. Highly inventive, underrated guitarist Charlie Burchill steps forward and rocks, but not without his rhythmic subtlety. At the time, this album was criticized for being poorly mixed and sounding muddy, but I quite like that thick din of sound. I haven't heard the remaster, so I hope they haven't botched it.

"Up on the Catwalk" kicks things off with rumbling thunder and haunting keyboards. One of SPARKLE's best songs despite borrowing the already overdone U2 theme "I'll be there tonight." Singer Jim Kerr delivers a fantastically wordy vocal that moves into improvisation towards the end of the song.

"Book of Brilliant Things" is good but not my favorite, although it grows on you with that catchy guitar hook.

"Speed Your Love To Me" and "Waterfront" are the album's glorious centerpieces. Simply brilliant and uplifting (and totally rockin'!)

"East at Easter" is a slow burner that builds with subtle intensity.

"Street Hassle" is one of Lou Reed's best songs and SM actually improve on the original, giving it a smoother, more organic quality. Fantastic orchestration. And, let's face it, Kerr has a much better voice than Reed. Lou must've approved because he sings (or, rather, speaks) on SM's "This Is Your Land" from STREET FIGHTING YEARS a few years later.

"White Hot Day" - not the best, but still a good song with musings about "time."

"'C' Moon Cry Like A Baby" is another favorite. This one has an infectious swing.

"The Kick Inside Me" is the hardest rocking song on the album.

"Shake Off The Ghosts" is floating serenity. Keyboardist Michael McNeil, so integral to the whole album, really takes this instrumental to a place of wonderment. A beautiful way to finish.

It's wonderful to hear an album that rocks without banging you over the head with feedback, distortion and the like as so many bands do today. People who call this the start of their U2-style bombastic phase are really missing the point.

The Best Simple Minds Album.......2005-02-07

This album sounds as fresh in 2005 as it did when I first bought it in '83. Amazing stuff

Wow...this album takes me back.......2002-10-08

The first time I heard Waterfront (listening to KROQ while on vacation in Orange county back in 1984) two things became very clear to me...one, that Sparkle in the Rain was a must-own album and two, that it would be years before Portland, Oregon would ever have a radio station as cool as KROQ (actually, it took twelve years)

Average customer rating:

If you want to experience some intensity........!
Superb in All Aspects
7.1/10.0
Brilliant Song Writing and Musical Range make for Everclear's Best
piss on emo!

Sparkle and Fade
Everclear
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ten Years Gone: The Best of Everclear, 1994-2004

ASIN: B000002TTU
Release Date: 1995-05-23

Tracks:

Electra Made Me Blind
Heroin Girl
You Make Me Feel Like A Whore
Santa Monica
Summerland
Strawberry
Heartspark Dollarsign
The Twistinside
Her Brand New Skin
Nehalem
Queen Of The Air
Pale Green Stars
Chemical Smile
My Sexual Life

Amazon.com

The Nirvana Revolution smashed opened the door for countless like-minded bands. Many were second-rate rip-offs, but Everclear was one deserving of the opportunity. Sure, the angst and crunchy post-punk riffs of Sparkle and Fade owe a debt to St. Kurt, but Art Alexakis's own outsider tales--sample titles include "Heroin Girl" and "You Make Me Feel like a Whore"--prove piercing in a woe-is-him sort of way. Featuring the swaggering, strangely euphoric "Santa Monica," itself one of the finer rock singles of '90's, Sparkle burns like a fresh wound. It's an exhilarating, if ultimately long-winded collection, far more accomplished than the band's hit-and-miss debut and not nearly as overtly radio-minded as it successor. --Neal Weiss

Customer Reviews:

If you want to experience some intensity........!.......2007-07-08

"So Much for the Afterglow" is a great album but, "Sparkle and Fade" is stellar! Anyone that has ever felt "lost" or "mixed up" will connect with this album. Art has the uncanny ability to capture gritty, everyday moments and portray them with an angry and intelligent honesty. This is not relaxation music, nor is it music for those who like to keep their rose colored glasses on. "Sparkle and Fade" is intense and it resonates long after the music is over. "Summerland" and "Strawberry Burns" are two of my favorites on the album. Art is not a great singer, but he is a masterful story-teller and his raw vocal style only enhances the effect.

Superb in All Aspects.......2007-01-03

"Sparkle and Fade" was my introduction to Everclear, and a good one at that. It was actually one of the first discs I ever purchased; the music came to me at the perfect age -- a time in my life when I was realizing who I am and who I'd like to become. This music not only served as the soundtrack to my teenage years, but also helped to shape and mold them into years that I look back on with fond memories. Art Alexakis is at his lyrical best on this album, utilizing the proper words at the right spots to punctuate and accentuate his message. The music gains a lot of impact from the manner in which the words are sung. Each track is placed in the correct position to allow for proper reminiscence and reflection during the course of listening. I could not have chosen a more perfect album to introduce me to the world of music. And since not every track is a radio single, the album is still listenable all these many years later.

7.1/10.0.......2006-08-01

Anger. It happens. It can also sound really good, too. At least that's the case on Sparkle & Fade. This, the band's second (and remarkably improved) album finds Art and company rolling off a set of songs about anxiety, restlessness, and anger (the holy ghosts of grunge music). All fourteen of them are successes, largely on the basis of the band's ability at turning experience into emotion. Filler seems nonexistent in the space of these songs; the music is entirely in tune with the crookedness of modern living (loving a girl even when she loses herself inside an addiction, trying yourself to stay away from addictions, being caught in the dramas of a household). One of the most prominent themes of Sparkle & Fade seems to be escapism, but the album is a kind of escape in itself, for anyone who has ever felt the need to just "rock out." The music here is exhilarating in the same way driving fast can be; the lightness that comes in crowning hills and sliding through curves is reflected here, in the feeling of liberation as Art sings about broken households and the struggles with narcotics; the guitars, the drums manage to keep pace with these lyrics, artfully attuned to the emotions of each song. Their ability to exhilarate their audience amidst musings of desperation and anger is due almost entirely to the strength of the music they've created. What they sing on these 14 tracks, they mean, and that can make for a powerful listening experience for someone with troubles of their own.
Everclear Vodka. Translucent, potent, flammable. Here we find the adjectives have much in common with the band itself. But as with most drinks of this type, there's something lacking. It needs to be paired with other flavors for most people to properly enjoy it, for the alcohol to be properly accented. And that's much the case with Sparkle & Fade. It lacks the intricacies in lyrics and instrumentation that show a band has more than one thing to tell its audience. Though the tone of the band does shift occasionally (The Twistinside, Queen of the Air, My Sexual Life), what the band tells us remains the same throughout (the pervasive themes of escapism, emptiness, and trauma); and that's not enough to capture a rave review from the more competent musical critics. Thus, Sparkle & Fade, although a powerful and raw album with some great music, cannot be a complete success on the strength of those attributes alone. Like the vodka they've named themselves after, no one with fine-tuned tastes would choose to drink it straight up.

Brilliant Song Writing and Musical Range make for Everclear's Best.......2005-12-29

To date this is one of the best albums I've ever heard and imo the best rock album to come out of the 90s. It paints a vibrant story throughout the album that draws you in for a rollercoaster ride of sounds and emotions. The musical range and songwriting is second to none only downshadowed by a couple of misses.

Track 1 "Electra Made Me Blind" - This song is a fitting starter to the album that grabs you by the balls and simply tells you you're in for a hell of a ride, a simple straight up hard rock song, nothing more, nothing less: **** four stars

Track 2 "Heroin Girl" - This song takes you into an even deeper darker and harder rock, gripping lyrics and pounding guitars leave you at the edge of your seat. **** four stars

Track 3 "You Make Me Feel Like a Whore" - One of my favorites, this song eases up a bit, but the in your face lyrics and guitar rythm make it unforgettable. ***** five stars

Track 4 "Santa Monica" - The musical range takes a turn as we hear a softer rock song, that's warm and radio friendly with its unforgettable almost "country like" guitar hook and good time lyrics, if i could choose one song to sum up the album to someone who has never heard Sparkle and Fade this would be it. ***** five stars

Track 6 "Strawberry" - This song continues on with the drug theme that we first saw in "Heroin Girl" with no percussion, this song is almost like a calm after the thrashing storm of Heroin Girl. **** four stars

Track 5 "Summerland" - I whole heartidly believe this is the type of sound that Everclear should have continued working on as it brings the basic sounds we heard on their first independent grunge album "World of Noise" to the more mainstream songs found on this album, Art (lead singer/guitarist) has noted that this is his favorite Everclear song, and with good reason. ***** five stars

Track 7 "Heartspark Dollarsign" - A great rock pop song that I still can't see why it didn't catch on. This song whole heartidly takes us back to the topic of relationships found in previous songs. ***** five stars

Track 8 "The Twistinside" - This song has two faces to it, it starts off innocent and gets harder near the end, think of it as a mix of strawberry at the beginning and heroin girl at the end, a little repepative but i really like the lyrics on this one. **** four stars

Track 9 "Her Brand New Skin" - Our first miss of the record. So far on the album Everclear has spand several types of rock based music and they did it with great success, this track however kicks off a downside to the album: Punk Rock. I've never seen Everclear as a Punk Band, as well they shouldn't be. This song lacks content and structure, feels like it is just thrown together with no cause or place in the album. ** two stars

Track 10 "Nehalem" - Same as "Her Brand New Skin" no structure content or point, the punk is just out of place. ** two stars

Track 11 "Queen of the Air" - A mellow song with slightly distorted melodies, a heartfelt song reminiscent to another great "Fire Maple Song" off of "World of Noise", although it embodies that classic, it fell a little short of a masterpiece. **** four stars

Track 12 "Pale Green Stars" - The second hint of country appears in this song. A softer song about girly stuff, yadda yadda, something Everclear really shouldn't be relating to. *** three stars

Track 13 "Chemical Smile" - see track 9 and 10 for details. ** two stars

Track 14 "My Sexual Life" - Great Closer for the album, a beautiful melodic song once again about relationships that closes one hell of a ride. **** four stars

I believe the only downfall to the album's enternal greatness were the punkesque songs that failed me on every level, other than that it was by far the best MAINSTREAM Everclear Album, if you haven't already got this album, what in the hell are you waiting for? - word

piss on emo!.......2005-11-05

Emo, what a crappy name for a style of music. It supposed to stand for 'emotional' music as I understand. What the F were they ("Who are THEY? And where do they get their information?) thinking? All music is emotional. That's what it's about!
Anyway, this is a great and TRUELY emotional album. This is the best Everclear album. I lost interest for the most part after "So Much For the Afterglow" but "Sparkle and Fade" is one of my all time favorite albums. This is comiing from a die hard music fan of all genres, not just rock.

Average customer rating:

FANTASTIC!
Diamonds Sparkle
Be Careful
Sparkle Is Shining Like Diamonds
Sparkle Sparkles

Sparkle
Sparkle
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000006O2J
Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

Good Life
Time To Move On
Lean On Me
I'm Gone
Turn Away
What About
Be Careful
Nothing Can Compare
Quiet Place (Prelude)
Lovin' You
Straight Up
Vegas
No Greater (Prelude)
Play On
Plenty Good Lovin'

Customer Reviews:

FANTASTIC!.......2007-08-01

I've had this CD about 2 years now, and it still jams like the day I bought it. Sparkle jams from BEGINNING TO END! A really first class album with some very smooth songs.

Diamonds Sparkle.......2005-07-27

This self titled debut for Sparkle takes you through a woman's perspective within a relationship. Even with the entire album is written, produced and arranged by R. Kelly, as done with Aaliyah's debut this album is a lot more mature in its subject matters. "I'm Gone" is a story of a seven year relationship turned sour as the overpowering words lingers over the simple, yet crisp track. Sparkle attempts to understand what love is and how it could about face on "Turn Away" and "What About". The dramatic "Be Careful" featuring R. Kelly more depth and feeling with his presence as does the remake "Lovin' You". It's just as good as the original with an additional arrangement for that same classic feel. With the nearly spiritual "Quiet Place (Prelude)" and "No Greater (Prelude)" where she displays her soul it adds meaning to the direction. Moody, touching substance of this deep endeavor will require multiple repeats, "Nothing Can Compare"!

Be Careful.......2004-07-22

Although I never really fell hard for Rkelly music (although I consider myself a limited fan) he has always found a artist to put his music to work and Sparkle really showcase this on her debut album. This album with feature writing, production and everything else by Rkelly is one of his best to date. Sparkle is really not the best singer in the world Kelly really finds a way to put her to work because I love this whole cd from start to finish even with the album being six years old. Be Careful scored Sparkle a #1 Hit in the spring of 98'.THe album is pretty solid and starts off with The Good Life a song that I love and then moves to her second single Move on , a Chicago's Favorite then the cd moves through with Be Careful and Loving You as song she never should have put her hands and then Her (Church Prelude) No Greater a very nice song .Everyone may not find this album as good as I have but I truly love it. I would recommend it used.

Sparkle Is Shining Like Diamonds.......2003-04-18

Sparkles Self Titled Cd '98 Produced By R.Kelly Is The Boom,All 15 Songs Are Good!!!
Also Sparkles 2001 "Told You So" Is Showing The Talent That Sparkle Has!! I Would Say Go Out And Buy Both Cd's,"I Really Love Sparkles Gospel Song "Everything" On The "Told You So" Cd!!
Once Other Issues Are Settled Sparkle And DD Will Shine Together!!

Sparkle Sparkles.......2000-10-11

Every since I heard "Be Careful" being first played on MTV I fell in love with this singer. I went and bought this album, and I must say it's one of my top 3 of all time. This girl has heart. She can pull you through every emotion imaginable. Her and Mary J. Blize are very similar in that they sing a lot about heartbreak, but she also has different out looks being focused on every different song. If you don't have this album, buy it ASAP!! It's awesome and you'll truly fell emotionally charged.

Average customer rating:

Agreed; Ike Reilly Should Be A Star!!
Ike Reilly Should Be A Star.
Great Album
The Best Band You've Never Heard
Spread the Word

Sparkle in the Finish
Ike Reilly Assassination
Manufacturer: Rock Ridge Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2004-10-12

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Album Description

The follow-up to 2001's "Salesmen And Racists" is laced with punk blues, classic, and garage rock, and is wrapped up in both lo-fi and contemporary production. Reilly combines recklessness and unpredictability with pure confidence, lyrical candor, and a greasy sexuality. He swallows rock 'n' roll and spits out a unique and compelling vision that's refreshing for its fearless self-expression.

Customer Reviews:

Agreed; Ike Reilly Should Be A Star!!.......2006-05-10

I am a huge fan of The Ike Reilly Assassination. I cannot wait for their next full CD to come out. Why he/they are not stars is beyond me. I suppose it could be because of thier "explicit lyrics" that the band does not get airplay and without being on the radio much, they're relatively unknown. I went to see the band based upon a review/suggestion. I'd never heard of them until that day. It was definitely worth it and I bought all of their CD's after that. I get to listen to my choice of music all day (I work out of my home) and I own over 800 CD's (plus 700 vinyl albums) and Ike Rielly is a regular part of my rotation. I've seen hundreds of bands in concert and Ike Reilly fits in their with some of the best. My suggestion is buy their music and see the band live ASAP. It will be worth it.

Ike Reilly Should Be A Star........2006-02-28

It will be one of the great tragedies of modern music if the sun does not one day shine on Ike Reilly, and dolts like Ashlee Simpson are recording millionaires. The record (and all of Ike's records) are chock full of intelligent and quirky rock songs. I saw Ike a few months ago performing at Arlene's Grocery in NYC to an audience of about 20 people. And that's just wrong!!!

Great Album.......2005-10-10

Ike Reilly returns with a musical masterpiece. Now the Ike Reilly Assassination, Reilly mixes punk, folk, blues, country, and rock together to make a beautiful political record. Reilly is a great songwriter and will be a big name in music history someday. Though the lyrics are not as good as his debut, they are still better than half of what is out there. Favorites include I Don't Want What You Got (Goin On), Holiday in NY, Whatever Happened to the Girl in Me?, The Boat Song (We're Getting Loaded), Garbage Day, Our Lady of Arturo, Ballad of the Choir Boy Band Robber, Waitin' For Daddy, and The Ex-Americans. Highly Recommended.

The Best Band You've Never Heard.......2005-06-16

IRA's Sparkle in the Finish is the kind of disc that grabs your attention and doesn't let go. To listen to Sparkle is like taking a roadtrip with your friends. You're everwhere Ike is during the entire CD and you don't mind at all. Ike lyrical skills rival the greats, this boy can write a song. One listen to "Garbage Day" or "I Don't Want What you got Goin' on" will have you hooked.

Do yourself a favor, buy Salesmen and Racist while you're at it. And, see the band live when you get the chance. You won't regret it.

Spread the Word.......2005-03-26

I bought this cd at the suggestion of a friend a few months ago and I can't stop listening to it. Reilly's an incredible lyricist and the music rocks. The songs hit your soul and mind and make you want to listen to them again and again until you're addicted. I'm not even sure how to describe it. I just read an article about IRA in the March issue of Time Out New York and the writer summed it up better than I can. Joe Angio writes "Dylan and the Clash - Reilly's high priests - provide clues to the terrain he maps out in his songs, but his music resists easy classification, finding rare common ground between rockabilly and hip-hop. He packs a tackle box full of hooks when he writes, and his songs have a knack for lodging immediately - and permanently - in your brain". So true!

I've since bought Reilly's first release "Salesmen & Racists" and the two cds are continually slipping back and forth from my living room stereo to my car stereo. At my last party I played both cds in their entirety and everyone was floored. Everyone who appreciates good music needs to buy this. You won't regret it.

They're incredible live too, so if you ever get the chance go see them. I just saw them perform in Chicago in February to a packed house and they rocked!

Average customer rating:

A Nice Time Capsule
Classic Deep Disco Collection
Worth the cost for "Make It Last Forever" Alone!!!!
No mixing!
a tribute to larry

Larry Levan's Paradise Garage
various artists sparkle skyy , and Inner life Instant Funk First Choice
Manufacturer: Salsoul Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Maestro

ASIN: B000001H5P
Release Date: 1995-12-05

Tracks:

I Got My Mind Made Up - Instant Funk
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Customer Reviews:

A Nice Time Capsule.......2006-04-30

If you want to know where House got its sound and how it all got started this CD is required listening. Original House is basically DISCO. Everyone who calls themselves DJs should have ANY AND ALL of Larry Levan's music available because without Him neither Paradise Garage NOR HOUSE music and it's many subgenres (GARAGE Music being one and owes its NAME to the legendary club)would have been what they were. His music selections were not just TOP 40 songs or the garrish POP MUSIC format that has infested modern music today.The songs were better yet the description of the Soul Of A Man. How many DJs TRULY do it like Larry Levan did? I doubt you will find any no matter how good these Djs out here are now there had to be one to pave the way for all the rest.Larry Levan was that one. Buy this CD if you don't have it!!!!

Classic Deep Disco Collection.......2005-11-19

Larry Levan snd Salsoul?? How much more can be said other than of corse this is classic by all means. If you're new to deep disco then this is a great place to start your collection. For those of u who already know this nothing more can be said. MUAHH

Worth the cost for "Make It Last Forever" Alone!!!!.......2005-03-25

This compilation is one of the VERY few that feature the full length version of Jocelyn Brown's Garage classic "Make It Last Forever." EVERYTIME I hear the first few bars of that song I go back to Paradise...and remember hearing the song while up on the roof watching the sun come up. I would always head toward the floor, because Larry would work this song...gonna make it last forever!!! An essential Larry Levan classic!!!!!!!!!!

No mixing!.......2003-09-11

Very good tracks, but didn't mix any of the great songs. A little dissappointed, but will keep the CD anyway. If your not looking for a mix then this CD will give you the enjoyment you need from a Great DJ like Larry Levan.

a tribute to larry.......2002-03-20

This CD is dedicated to greatest dj ever, the selection made by François Kevorkian is simply awesome and features some very rare grooves, you should have it already ;)

Average customer rating:

Liked it better than the debut
Not Exactly Sparkling
Not Exactly Sparkling
She Told You So!
weak

Told You So
Sparkle
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sparkle
Hey Kandi...
Gangsta Lean
Talk Show
No Half Steppin'

ASIN: B00004ZEJI
Release Date: 2000-10-24

Tracks:

Don't Know Why
The Ghetto
It's A Fact
Lovin A Man
Into My Life
When A Woman's Heart Is Broken
Good Life
All I Want
Somebody Else
Everything
Games
Never Can Say Goodbye

Customer Reviews:

Liked it better than the debut.......2005-07-21

Sparkle's second album was far better than the debut. There's a 70s feel on most of the ballads, especially The Ghetto, where Sparkle recalls her past beginnings. The rest of the album is solid. Sometimes the songs are a little too similar, given that Steve Huff produced this album and Keke Wyatt and Avant's albums at the same time. Probably lots of late nights, drinking loads of coffee, making 30 to 40 songs and doing that thump-thump-thump thing with the drums and keyboards in that studio for Huff. A lot of Huff's songs are identical with that thump-thump-thump sound on the ballads, very beat heavy over conservative ballad music. But Huff has a smooth, mellow sound that matches well with Sparkle. She sings with so much precision and vocal talent throughout this album.

Not Exactly Sparkling.......2001-05-02

Sparkle's TOLD YOU SO is a follow-up to her eponymous 1998 album, which was dominated by R.Kelly. The album had a hit single entitled "Be Careful" (feat.R.Kelly), and the album flew to No.4 on Billboard 200 instantly. Now Sparkle switched to Motown, with different writers (she even writes some of her own stuff). TOLD YOU SO has certain musical appeal and is an undeserved flop (I didn't even see it debut in the Top 100 of Billboard). But Sparkle's new album sounds cliched, undercooked, and not aggressive enough, considering I hear nothing to make it deserve a "Parental Advisory." Parental Advisory for what??? "It's A Fact" is a catchy, and haunting first single. And I would've suggested playing the breath-taking "When A Woman's Heart Is Broken," the booty-shaking "Good Life"-remix feat. Memphis Bleek (I actually would've put that on the album instead), and the wedding-worthy "Everything" all on the radio. Despite those high points, she also falls into bland territory with the turn-off "All I Want," the so-so "Somebody Else," and the disastrously mushy "Lovin A Man." Grade: B-

Not Exactly Sparkling.......2001-05-02

She Told You So!.......2001-01-13

Sparkle's latest work is really great. "Told You So" is a great album, and I just wish that she was getting more airplay with this album. I don't think it's been promoted good, and I'm just so glad that I happened to get it for a Christmas present. It's a great CD. I really recommend it to anyone who likes R&B that's actually good.

weak.......2000-12-29

when i first heard sparkle, she was with r. kelly on "be careful", and like most people I rushed to the store expecting to get a phat cd. i couldn't have been more wrong. she always drops an amazing first single, and then the rest of the album is just terrible. in this case, sparkle doesn't show any maturity at all, in fact its almost like she takes a few steps back.

the first single, "it's a fact", didn't do much for the album since the promotion and release were very quiet and didn't raise that much of a craze like her first album did. the song is tight though but also very misleading. just letting you know now, expect nothing else like this ANYWHERE on this record.

"don't know why", "loving a man" & "the ghetto" lead the way for the rest of the tottally wack tracks to follow. with weak lyrics, and not the good of a voice she needs to switch up her game plan. "all i want" is one sorry excuse for a ballad, and i'm not even gonna get started on "games", "everything", "when a woman's heart is broken" & "good life".

sparkle needs to get her facts straight if she is ever gonna generate heat on the charts, because making albums like shes been then its a fact that she won't be an outstanding force in music any time soon, and i hate to say it but i TOLD YOU SO.

Chen-Yi: Sparkle
Average customer rating:

an eastern western

Chen-Yi: Sparkle

Manufacturer: Composers Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000I0UD
Release Date: 1999-02-09

Tracks:

Sparkle
Song In Winter
Qi
Duo Ye
Shuo
As In A Dream
Near Distance

Customer Reviews:

an eastern western.......2004-09-22

the label program of c.r.i. recommends the finest chinese modern classical music ... some notes here for the chinese are outstanding avantgarde. leaving all traditions ... for us these music is under another level common cultural ground, composers like zorn and others in the avantgarde are marked influenced ... here you can hear the difference ... this music is more concentraded, more worked out and so much more floating than the music of those who tried to get into from the western side ... to the chinese this music here is western music

Average customer rating:

Simple Minds-Sparkle in the Rain
Their Best Album
Virtually hook-free, but with a fascinating texture
A Band About to Break Through and Did They Ever
The First Masterpiece From Scotland's Righteous Rockers

Sparkle in the Rain
Simple Minds
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84)
Once Upon a Time
Street Fighting Years
Once Upon a Time

ASIN: B00006IUPX
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Tracks:

Up On The Catwalk
Book Of Brilliant Things
Speed Your Love To Me
Waterfront
East At Easter
Street Hassle
White Hot Day
'G' Moon Cry Like A Baby
The Kick Inside Of Me
Shake Off The Ghosts

Album Description

2002 digitally remastered reissue of the new wave icon's 1984 album (o.o.p. domestically), packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve with original outer & inner bag artwork. EMI.

Album Details

24bit Digitally Remastered Edtion of their Sixth Album in MINI-LP Replica Packaging for Initial Quantities. And Thus We Come to the Final End of Simple Minds' Artful Youth. With Mixes Where Listeners Could Actually Understand Every Lyric, They Delivered One of their Best Albums Yet, with the Hits "Waterfront", "up on the Catwalk" and "Speed Your Love to Me" the Centerpieces of this New Wave Classic. But Don't Miss the Power and Energy of "The Kick Inside of Me" that Shows all the Modern Punkers of Today that True Grit Has Been Done Before with Greater Feeling and Panache.

Customer Reviews:

Simple Minds-Sparkle in the Rain.......2007-04-11

I love this CD! All solid tracks. Rich, textured, powerful, creative sound. Unmatched in todays music scene. This band was copied by bands like U2...not the other way around. This is their best work. I have been listening to this CD for over 20+ years and it still sounds fresh. A classic.

Their Best Album.......2006-11-09

This album kicks! It's got a very original sound to it. It shows how great they were as a band and their musical abilities. If I had to use one word to describe it, it would be "Powerful".

Virtually hook-free, but with a fascinating texture.......2006-07-03

Jim Kerr had one of the strongest voices around in the early '80s. It's too bad that with this album, he didn't have better material to showcase it with. I really like the previous Simple Minds album, New Gold Dream, which includes a few gems. But the songs on this album aren't nearly as catchy.

It was produced by Steve Lillywhite, known for his work on albums by U2 and Big Country, among others, and to him goes the credit for adding a densely textured, thunderous drum sound with a huge feel thanks to reverb/echo. On opener "Up On the Catwalk" you can hear this sound in full force, and there's no doubt the beat is very intriguing. In front of this, many less-talented singers would struggle to be heard--but Kerr delivers his cryptic lyrics with fervor enough to take charge of the whole sound. Combine the vocals with percussively-struck keys (vaguely reminiscent of the piano in U2's "New Year's Day") and atmospheric guitars, and I'm almost sold. It's just too bad there's not more of a hook to the tune.

"Speed Your Love To Me" has a nice edgy guitar and more of the big drum sound. The titular refrain is memorable, but the verse feels like an uncomfortable accomodation between the estranged partners of guitar and vocals. The song has great atmosphere, though, with a slightly darker tone than most of the album. And, despite its imperfections, it is the catchiest song on the album.

No song exemplifies my problem with this album better than "Waterfront". It has a unique sound, and the textures are incredible: big, booming drums, bright, clangy (yet atmospheric) guitars, rock-solid bass, and vocals that would carry all the way to the next castle. But as a pop song, you just scratch your head: where is the melody, the hook? There's no chorus--just the hypnotic repetition of the driving bassline and vocals: "come in come out of the rain/I'm gonna walk on up to the waterfront." The song simply never gels--it's almost as if they had a bunch of cool pieces but couldn't agree on how to combine them into a whole. What is remarkable is that this song did so well in the charts (#1 in some European countries). I really don't understand that, but maybe it had something to do with the new sound achieved by the band and Lillywhite. (Along with Kerr's powerful vocals.)

Is this a pop album? A rock album? New Wave? No; sort-of; and not really. At least, in my view, it's not very successful on those fronts. It's an interesting mix of textures and colors, and strong vocals, with an innovative sound (for its time). But it falls short in pop terms because the songwriting just isn't very compelling.

Yeah, there's an inspiring quality to these songs, thanks to Kerr's heart and commitment. If you appreciate oblique religiosity and a positive outlook mixed in with your rock 'n' roll, you may grow to love this album. But if you're looking for the best New Wave pop, keep looking.

A Band About to Break Through and Did They Ever.......2005-10-20

Never being one's to sit still and go with what worked for them so well(New Gold Dream), Simple Minds literally crashed into the US alternative scene with one of the most unique sounding records I've ever heard. Honestly, is there a single record that anything like this one? I know they've been compared to U2 on more than one occasion but noone had a bass player quite like Derek Forbes, a guitar player quite like Charlie Burchill, a keyboard player quite like Michael McNeil, a drummer quite like Mel Gaynor or a singer/songwriter with the majesty of vocals and lyrics of Jim Kerr.

I remember the end of a Rolling Stone review saying that "Sunday school never sounded quite like this." What a good description. The first thing I thought of when hearing "Up on the Catwalk" was organs in a large cathedral high in the Scottish countryside. Steve Lillywhite brings every sound out front and helps make these powerful songs so much more.
This album is solid from start to finish. Each one memorable in its own way and each one adds to the overall impact of teh album. My favorite tracks here are "Speed Your Love to Me", "Up on the Catwalk", "East at Easter", "C Moon Cry Like a Baby" and "Shake Off the Ghosts". When I saw the band on this tour this incredible instrumental would fade in over the pa while the shadows of the band members appeared behind some light drapings. What an incredible entrance.

Any fan of alternative music should make it a point to add this one to their heavy rotation stack. Awe inspiring from start to finish and an unforgettable listening experience.

The First Masterpiece From Scotland's Righteous Rockers.......2005-07-31

SPARKLE IN THE RAIN was the first true masterpiece from Simple Minds, who, along with U2, The Police, REM, INXS, The Cars, The Clash, The Call, Midnight Oil, Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, The Fixx, a few other 80s new wave acts, certain 80s hard rockers, and all the great 60s and 70s bands, can rightfully be called "classic rock" today. The songs "Up On The Catwalk", "Speed Your Love To Me", and "Waterfront" are bona fide anthems in the vein of U2, although Simple Minds have their own unique sound which is finally being appreciated today, especially since this band currently advocates sanctions against Indonesia in reataliation for that country's recent trumped-up drug-smuggling conviction of a young Australian tourist. This album and ONCE UPON A TIME are the first Simple Minds albums to purchase.

Average customer rating:

totally jawesome
Today's Buffet is... Grand
Not just cool... REAL cool.
My Eyes Are Wide Open
all yinz can eat at the grand buffet

Sparkle Classic
Grand Buffet
Manufacturer: Brickbrain
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Five Years of Fireworks
Pittsburgh Hearts
Cigarette Beach
The Haunted Fucking Gazebo

ASIN: B000065DUV
Release Date: 2002-04-09

Tracks:

Real Cool
Candy Bars
Radical
Deep Dish Danger
1000 Percent
Code #0322-02332
Sgt. Rock's Green Boot Bounce
You're On Fire
Double Crazy
Special Powers
Tape Master

Customer Reviews:

totally jawesome.......2005-02-16

These guys are totally amazing. I strongly advise anyone and everyone to see them perform. While the reordings are fun to listen to, and you can totally get your jam on, there is nothing like hearing these guys live, and being a part of their show. They are ten hundred percent better in person, and I honestly believe that you cannot live a full and complete life without attending at least one. The albums are good, and the songs are rockin. http://www.grandbuffet.com for tour info and additional recordings.

Today's Buffet is... Grand.......2003-10-17

You listen to them and think, oh, they're ok. Then with a few more tastes you'll get their other CD's (Which I find even better). Even more listening and you'll get psyched and travel to a concert. Whoah! Now you're so hooked that you search for hours on end just to find songs from their rare first CD, Scrooge McRock, and go to their websites for a few more free mp3's. Then you'll go to every other concert they have in your area, ever, and just chill. by the way, their other CD's are Cigarette Beach, Undercover Angels, and Pittsburgh Hearts. Great Music for anybody to own. Their rhymes in some of the less popular songs are actually the best when you listen to them carefully enough. Definitely not backround music, dont pump the bass, and phaze out the echoes to look for the punchlines, look at the other reviews for some more details. That's unfortunate, people are receptive. It's like calling a guys who beats his kids to protect them. Peace.

Not just cool... REAL cool........2003-06-10

Whoa. These cats are the real deal.

Don't worry if you don't like this album on first (or second or third) listen... you may have to reconfigure your brain before you dig it fully. The first couple listens you'll wonder what they're smoking, the next couple you're jaw will drop trying to keep up, and a few listens after that you'll be laughing and grooving along at the same time.

Grand Buffet is a Pittsburgh-based hip hop duo, Lord Grunge and Grape-A-Don. Their aim as musicians seems to be making your head explode like that scene from "Scanners." The lyrics are a high velocity stream of seemingly non-sensical non-sequiturs set to synth-heavy beats... the kind of beats that make you want to turn the bass way up, though you probably won't for fear of missing a punchline. (Sorry, but trying to describe exactly what they do demands a run-on sentence.)

It took a few listens to grow on me, but now I don't hesitate to say that this album is a full on classic. It may only be 28 minutes long, but it's packed so tight with amazingly creative lyrics and fun beats that you'll be listening to it for months and still get something new from it each time. My mind has officially been blown.

To give you an idea: "Double Crazy" has a chorus that sounds like a singing Jimmy Stewart impersonator. Grape-A-Don's Dad shows up on "You're On Fire" to remind you that you ARE on fire and you ARE going to H-E-double-hockey-sticks. The first twenty seconds of "Code #0322-02332" sound a bit like background music from a Jane Fonda workout video before kicking into some fuzzed out, high energy beats which the boys lay some mind-boggling rhymes over...Buy this now!

My Eyes Are Wide Open.......2003-03-15

Would that I believed in the everyday use of swear words, for I can feel tons of the overwhelming me RIGHT NOW. I am MOVED. The scope of Grand Buffet's work is incredible. Sparkle Classic is completely fresh, and unlike anything you have ever heard. Calling it Rap is technically correct, but the images conjured by the word don't do GB justice. You can really only understand the Majesty of the Grand Buffet after you've heard it. Besides being their longest CD (I think), Sparkle Classic is the perfect place to start your GB devotion because every track on it is ten hundred percent awesome. And that is at least twice as good as 300%. Believe me.

all yinz can eat at the grand buffet.......2003-02-18

This album is fresh. Great grooves with fun lyrics. my only beef is that it's less than 30 minutes long. i want more buffet!

R&B Music: