Menagerie [Limited Edition] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Lovely Day

2. I Want to Spend the Night

3. Lovely Night for Dancing

4. Then You Smile at Me

5. She Wants to (Get on Down)

6. It Ain't Because of Me, Baby

7. Tender Things

8. Wintertime

9. Let Me Be the One You Need

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Limited Edition Reissue of this Classic Album Presented in a Special Package featuring a CD with a Top Side that Resembles an Original LP Vinyl Album, but Don't Let the Looks Deceive You...it's A Fully Playable CD.

Menagerie,Bill Withers,Sony Int'l,Pop,R&B,R&B/Soul,Smooth Soul,Soul,Soul/R & B,Urban

Tracks:

Ascent
Introduction To Also Sprach Zarathustra (From 2001 & 2010) - Altered Version
Star Trek: Main Theme (The Movie)
The Menagerie: Suite (Original Pilot For The TV Show Star Trek)
Battlestar Galactica: Main Theme
Superman: Love Theme
Star Wars: Throne Room & End Title
Alien: Closing Title
On The Beautiful Blue Danube (From 2001)
Gayne Ballet: Adagio (From 2001)
Introduction To Also Sprach Zarathustra - Reprise,Original Version

Customer Reviews:

I do the Time Warp again and again.......2007-05-17

For most people, especially discerning classic music afficienados, they'd rather own the soundtrack with the entire suites included, than to own a compilation. This series by Telarc is an exception, since the performances, while not definative, are still spectacular. And being its a Telarc release, sound quality is always excellent.

Telarc has release a whole slew of these symphonic Sci-Fi themed CDs, and while all of them seem to have something to offer, they all fall short of feeling like a piece of art onto themselves. This CD comes closer to being an artistic statement as any in the series, and if not for the misstep of the overlong, boring rendition of the orginal Star Trek Menagerie suite done for the TV pilot, this could have been stellar. The rest is a near perfect compilation of classic works mixed with modern classical works. The inclusion of the Menagerie suite is unnecessary here, since the TV show was already covered on the Star Tracks series. Perhaps they could have included a work from Holst:The Planets, or any other sci-fi movie.

Over all, this the best in that it came relatively early in the series which has since worn out its welcome. This disc, along with the first two Star Track CDs, is a nice collection of symphonic works.

Great Dynamic Range ... Good Selections.......2007-02-19

This older CD offers the true "Pure Digital" audio potential of CD's.

One can easily destroy an expensive speaker system using some of the selections provided.

So... keep your levels low the first time around.

You will enjoy this offering!

Cheers,
JC

A Cherished Memory.......2005-10-02

I remember when I first purchased this CD. Compact Discs were hard to find (at least the kind of music I liked). Everything was still on vinyl. This sounded so incredibly powerful over my LPs. "The Menagerie: Suite" composed by Alexander Courage with Erich Kunzel conducting still sounds very impressive. This Compact Disc really demonstrates the prominent characterists of Digital recordings. I still love my soundtracks on LPs but this CD has now become a nostalgic part of collection of film music.

From a Galaxy Far Far Away to the year 2001.......2003-07-08

Time Warp brought together the best of the science fiction world. Everything on this cd is classic. The Alien closing title, "The Menagerie," and my favorite, "Also Sprach Zarathustra."

Although Strauss' renewed version of "On the Beautiful Blue Danube" isn't as good as the original, it is definatley great. I think only Dorsey's "Ascent" was a let down. I did not enjoy that piece.

Richard Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathustra from "2001: A Space Odyssey" is brilliant. The entire cd is full of artistic minds.

Classic sci-fi gets the symphonic treatment!.......2003-04-02

"Time Warp" was the first recording by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops that I ever purchased. And it, without a doubt, was money well spent.

The album is a sci-fi lover's delights, featuring one-of-a-kind orchestral renditions of popular scores. Kunzel and company have outdone themselves with their performance on the rarely heard "The Menagerie: Suite", composed by Alexander Courage for the pilot episode ("The Cage") of "Star Trek". John Williams's "Superman: Love Theme" and "Star Wars: Throne Room" sound clearer and more majestic than in their original soundtrack forms.

Over fifteen minutes of the classical music heard in Kubrick's "2001" are presented here and that alone makes this an essential purchase.

The Star Trek Album
Average customer rating:

Flawed Track Inclusion

Quite good, but not a stellar "Trek"

Love The Soundtrack

Best ST recording in the Alpha Quadrant

I must disagree

The Star Trek Album
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Star Trek | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Ultimate Star Trek

Best of Star Trek: Original Film Scores

Symphonic Star Trek

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Best Of Star Trek: 30th Anniversary Special! Original TV Soundtrack [Enhanced CD]

ASIN: B0000DJYNZ
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

Theme (TV Series)
End Titles (The Motion Picture)
Klingon Attack (The Motion Picture)
Warp Drive (Sound Effect)
Overture (The Wrath Of Khan)
Bird Of Prey Decloaks (The Search For Spock)
End Titles (The Voyage Home)
Away Team (Sound Effect)
End Titles (First Contact)
Tasha's Farewell (The Next Generation)
Theme (Deep Space Nine)
He's Toast (Deep Space Nine)
End Titles (The Final Frontier)

Tracks:

End Titles (The Undiscovered Country)
Theme (Voyager)
Battle Stations (Sound Effect)
Overture (Generations)
One Last Visit (Deep Space Nine)
End Titles (Insurrection)
Dogfight In Space (Sound Effect)
The Menagerie (The TV Series)
Opening (Star Fleet Academy)
Crash Landing (Sound Effect)
Suite (Nemesis)

Customer Reviews:

Flawed Track Inclusion.......2007-07-29

I have to admit right off the bat that I don't own this album, although I've been trying to scrape up all the original soundtracks for the movies and some of the TV series. But looking through the track listing, it seems muddled with too many sound effects and tracks that could've been replaced with better ones. I wish Paramount and the recording industries would release a 2-CD set of tracks that includes only the main title sequences of each Star Trek TV series and standout tracks from the 10 feature films, since most of these soundtracks have gone out of print and are hard to find. Most of these compilations of different film tracks never include the main title sequences of the films, which are often the standout orchestral tracks of each movie. I hope they release an album like this, filled with only the best Trek music that is hard to find.

Quite good, but not a stellar "Trek".......2007-05-18

Silva Screen Records has made a name for itself releasing reproductions of modern orchestral soundtracks, with most of its products centering around a particular genre or composer. Star Trek has a history of quality music, so its no suprise Silva has taken a crack at music in the final frontier. This is a fine release, with some strong points and some weak ones as well.

IN GENERAL: For the purist looking for a "best of" compilation taken from the original soundtracks take note: this isn't that product. Rather, these are reproductions by Nic Raine conducting the City of Prague Philharmonic. That said, this is a quality group, and the general sound is professional and comes off quite well (for the most part..I'll mention a few exceptions). It is superior to the other releases I have heard from the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.

SELECTION: The biggest advantage here is variety of sources. The Trek feature films are all represented here, as well as the various series (except for the last one, "Enterprise"). The thouroughness seems to match or excel the oher Star Trek Compilation CDs that have been released. There are a few other offbeat additions..notably a four minute suite from the videogame Star Fleet Academy. Personally, I found this bland track to be four minutes of wasted disk space. The original series has many memorable moments (listen to the Amok Time/The Doomsday Machine soundtrack) which would be be more exciting and also a better fit on this album.

Jerry Goldsmith's standard Star Trek March is heard far too often on these 2 CDs. The march itself is terrific, but it has been used so much it has become the franchise's major theme and the album's producers rely on it by representing many movies by their "End Titles". Unfortunately, Goldsmith's end titles consistently use a three-section approach: two sections of the "standard" Star Trek March sandwich a middle section of music that is unique for that particular film. This is OK if you are listening to a single movie's soundtrack, but for a compilation album, the fourth or fifth time you hear the march, it is too much. It would have been a better idea to cut a few "End Title" performances in favor of other selections from the films' soundtracks.

PERFORMANCE QUALITY: For the most part it is very good and captures the spirit of the original soundtracks. Selections from Horner's scores for the second and third films stand out as particularly well done. The last movie, "Nemesis" also has a terrifically arranged suite, and most of the movie soundtrack reproductions are very good quality. The only exception is from "Klingon Attack" in which the awesome bass of the "blaster-beam" from the original cannot be matched by the comparatively hollow synthesized atempt here.

PERSONAL GRIPE: the inclusion of sound effects. Every so often a special effect like "Warp Drive" or "Dogfight in Space" pops up between tracks. This by itself would be extremely cheesy. Add to this that these are not the actual sound effects from the TV shows or movies and the cheesiness levels reach a level I think only a Wisconsin resident could appreciate. Sci Fi music (and Star Trek in particular) seems to inspire some labels to add special effects inclusions like this. Who knows why.

Love The Soundtrack.......2007-04-03

I bought this soundtrack and I love it.A great edition to the star trek fans.

Best ST recording in the Alpha Quadrant.......2007-01-10

Great collection of Star Trek series and Movie themes; only a Klingon
Opera is missing.

I must disagree.......2005-07-17

I own all the original recordings, and I still enjoy this re-recording. It is good. It is better than the Cincinatti Pops "Symphonic Star Trek", it is better than the Richard Hayman "Star Trek" compilation from 89, its better than the Sci Fi compilation on the Edel label from 93 and for the most part is better than Varese's Ultimate Star Trek from 1998.

This collection has music you will not find anywhere else. The Tasha's Farewell track is beautiful and the only other place its avialable is the Edel "Best of Science Fiction" compilation from 1993, and while that was recorded by the same orchestra, it was with a different conductor, and comparing the two, you can tell that Nic Raine was more successful with Prague than William Motzing was. That said Edel release is also more than $30 here on amazon. Also this release is in HDCD Dolby which is a plus. There's also two cues from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; one of them is on The Best of Star Trek: 30th Anniversary Special, the other is not on any other album. In addition, there is music from Ron Jones "Starfleet Academy" video game which is pretty cool to listen to, and not availble anywhere else that I know of. Finally, Jerry Goldsmith's main theme can get boring after a while, I mean, its repetitive that it is in all the end credit suites, it would have been nice for Insurrection to have maybe an action cue instead of the end credits suite...And Nic Raine, did just that, only for Star Trek: Nemesis. Instead of the tradition end credit suite, Mr. Raine arranged a professional suite with the main Nemesis theme, some action cues, as well as the Goldsmith Star Trek march, and it is a wonderful 8 minutes. If you already have the 3 space and beyond albums, the Star Trek Nemesis track as well as Birds of Prey Decloaking from Star Trek III are the only new tracks on this CD.

This is a must-buy for fans of star trek in general, and hardcore star trek fans should buy this album for the aforementioned cues that aren't available anywhere else.

Average customer rating:

'Menagerie' Is A Lovely Album
Bill Withers at his damn best.
Classic
Organic food for the soul.
The Epitome of Soul and Sincerity

Menagerie
Bill Withers
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

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

4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Still Bill
Live at Carnegie Hall
Just as I Am
Super Hits
Understanding

ASIN: B000084TTE
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Lovely Day
I Want To Spend The Night
Lovely Night For Dancing
Then You Smile At Me
She Wants To (Get On Down)
It Ain't Because Of Me Baby
Tender Things
Wintertime
Let Me Be The One You Need
Rosie Previously (Unreleased Demo) (Bonus Track)
Lovely Night For Dancing (Single Version) (Bonus Track)
Let Me Be The One You Need (Instrumental Mix) (Bonus Track)

Customer Reviews:

'Menagerie' Is A Lovely Album.......2007-05-21

Bill Withers is one of the most underrated African American singer/songwriters of the modern era-he's probably THEY most underrated of the 70's.If Bill's first masterpieces Just as I Am and Still Bill weren't enough proof then 'Menagerie' sure was.Released in 1977 this recording finds Bill Withers moving his sound into the late 70's,and unlike other artists such as his "sound" really wants to go there!The key to understanding Bill Withers is something my friend Henrique calls naturalness;it's what contemporary artists such as Macy Gray,John Legend and Jill Scott try very much to achieve.What Bill understands here is that "naturalness" has to come naturally or it defeats it's own purpose.And that is what makes this music so special;it's totally natural but he manages to bring contemporary late 70's style musical values into it without sacrificing his classic sound.And it starts out with one of his greatest songs too-'Lovely Day' feels like what it sounds like-love bringing on carefree emotions.That song actually sets the tone for the album;not that every track sounds alike but well crafted,uptempo compositions dominate this recording.There are some exceptions;Bill pulls out some stunning 70's funk with the grooving "Lovely Night For Dancing" and thankfully "She Wants To (Get Down)" manages to incorperate disco successfully.Strangly enough the real standout on this is a bonus track "demo" called "Rosie"-it's a piano ballad sung and composed in a manner befitting someone like Stevie Wonder;the style and vocal arrangement actually recalls Rufus Wainwright,himself about as far from Bill Withers as anyone musically.'Menagerie' really showcases the compositional creativity of soul musicians during this era,before they were forced to "compete" with the hip-hop beats of today.

Bill Withers at his damn best. .......2007-05-12

I play this cd just about everyday and I agree also...the song, "Rosie" is one of the most moving, beautiful, breathtaking ballads I think I have ever heard. Buy this cd just for that. It's Bill and piano alone.

This album also has disco but the disco on this album is far from corny or cheesy. Trust me...it is slightly disco nothing hard core like Donna Summer but the jams are: Wintertime, She Wants to Get on Down, Lovely Night for Dancing, It Ain't Because of Me Baby, Lovely Day--the hit and a couple of ballads thrown in. Bill knows his stuff and he never disappoints.

I'm glad I found this. I love 70s music and this album is one of the reasons why 70s music is so much better than 90's or the waste material fecal matter they are churning out today.

Classic.......2006-05-31

I brought this album mainly for ROSIE (check it out) the whle album is classic but when i first heard Rosie i cried shuch a beutiful song bill you a genius even if you dont get this album download that sons ROSIE it's genius soul music soul food for the soul.

peace

Organic food for the soul........2006-03-03

Some say the message is in the music,i say this music speaks to me and i get the message.This is unadulterated organic soul food,absolutely no chemicals or preservatives added.Track one is my personl theme song for all the special people in my life who makes every day a lovely day...my highest recommendation.

The Epitome of Soul and Sincerity.......2005-02-01

God, how I love this man, his music, specifically the ballads, can take me to the most honest emotional places. This record is worth purchasing because it contains one of his finest recordings, surpassing all the hits and commercial junk he's known for: "Let me be the one you need." Listen to this song if you want to see how a man can express his vulnerablity and fragility, yet still retain his masculinity. Unbelievable.

Average customer rating:

Premier Pops

Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Mancini Country

ASIN: B000008I2M
Release Date: 1994-08-05

Tracks:

Overture To A 'Pops' Concert
The Thorn Birds: The Thorn Birds Theme
The Thorn Birds: Arrival At The Vatican
The Thorn Birds: Meggie's Theme
The Thorn Birds: It's Shearing Your Hearing
Movie Song Medley: Life In A Looking Glass
Movie Song Medley: Crazy World
Movie Song Medley: Song from '10'
Hong Kong Fireworks
Sunflower
The 'Inspector Clouseau' Theme
Charade
Glass Menagerie, Pt. 1 (Tom's Theme)
Glass Menagerie, Pt. 2 (Blue Roses/Laura's Theme)
Three TV Themes: Hotel
Three TV Themes: Newhart
Three TV Themes: Remington Steele
The Sons Of Italy
Ohio Riverboat
Main Title From 'The Great Mouse Detective'
Moon River

Berg: Lulu / Stratas, Minton, Schwarz, Mazura, Riegel, Blankenheim, Tear, Pampuch, Boulez

Average customer rating:

UNREAL
Excellent achievement
A Travesty from start to finish
Marvelous

Berg: Lulu / Stratas, Minton, Schwarz, Mazura, Riegel, Blankenheim, Tear, Pampuch, Boulez
Alban Berg , Pierre Boulez , Teresa Stratas , Orchestre de l'Opéra de Paris , Yvonne Minton , Hanna Schwarz , Franz Mazura , Kenneth Riegel , Toni Blankenheim , Robert Tear , and Helmut Pampuch
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Alban Berg: Wozzeck (Opera in 3 Acts) - Franz Grundheber / Hildegard Behrens / Wiener Philharmoniker / Claudio Abbado
Massenet: Chérubin / von Stade, J. Anderson, Ramey, Upshaw, P. Steinberg
Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten / Varady, Domingo, Behrens, van Dam, Sir Georg Solti
Rossini - Il viaggio a Reims / Ricciarelli, Valentini-Terrani, Cuberli, Gasdia, Araiza, E. Gimenez, Nucci, Raimondi, Ramey, Dara; Abbado

ASIN: B000001G6N
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Prolog: Hereinspaziert in die Menagerie - Gerd Nienstedt
Act I: Scene 1: Darf ich eintreten?-Mein Sohn!/Intro/Canon/Coda - Kenneth Riegel/Franz Mazura/Teresa Stratas/Robert Tear
Act I: Scene 1: Melodram: Machen Sie auf!/Canzonetta: Auf einmal springt er auf/Recitativo... - Toni Blankenheim/Teresa Stratas/Robert Tear
Act I: Scene 2: Eva!-Befehlen?/Duettino: Ich finde, du siehst heute reizend aus - Teresa Stratas/Robert Tear
Act I: Scene 2: 1. Chm Music 1: Den hab' ich mir auch ganz anders vorgestellt - Teresa Stratas/Toni Blankenheim
Act I: Scene 2: 1. Chm Music 1: Was tut denn Ihr Vater da?/Sonate: Wenn ich Mann ware - Franz Mazura/Teresa Stratas
Act I: Scene 2: Monoritmica: Nun?-Du hast eine halbe Million geheiratet - Franz Mazura/Teresa Stratas/Franz Mazura
Act I: Scene 2: Monoritmica: Ich darf mich jetzi hier nicht sehen lassen - Franz Mazura/Teresa Stratas/Robert Tear
Act I: Scene 3: Interlude - Pierre Boulez/Orch de l'Opera de Paris
Act I: Scene 3: Ragtime: Seit ich fur die Buhne arbeite/(English Waltz): Noch etwas, bitte - Kenneth Riegel/Teresa Stratas
Act I: Scene 3: Uber die Lie sich Freilich eine interessante Oper schreiben/Choral... - Kenneth Riegel/Helmut Pampuch/Teresa Stratas/Frnaz Mazura/Hanna Schwarz...
Act I: Scene 3: Son Dev: Wie kannst du die Szene gegen mich ausspielen?/(Fin Son Recap)... - Franz Mazura/Teresa Stratas

Tracks:

Act I: Scene 1: Sie glauben nicht, wie ich mich darauf freue/Kavatine: Konntest du dich fur... - Franz Mazura/Teresa Stratas/Yvonne Minton
Act I: Scene 1: Gott sei Dank dawir endlich zuhause sind/(Canon): Er hat sie namlich... - Teresa Stratas/Toni Blankenhein/Hanna Schwarz/Helmut Pampuch
Act II: Scene 1: Die Matinee wird, wie ich mir dneke, bei elktrischem Licht stattfinden - Kenneth Riegel/Teresa Stratas/Robert Tear/Helmut Pampuch
Act II: Scene 1: Sein Vater!-In Paris ist Revolution ausgebrochen/Intro: Wo ist denn der hin?... - Teresa Stratas/Robert Tear/Kenneth Riegel/Gerg Nienstedt...
Act II: Scene 1: Lied der Lulu: Wenn sich die Menshen um meinetwillen umgebracht haben... - Robert Tear/Teresa Stratas/Kenneth Riegel/Hanna Schwarz...
Act II: Scene 1: Ostinato: Interlude (film music) - Pierre Boulez/Orch de l'Opera de Paris
Act II: Scene 2: Er la auf sich warten wie ein Kapellmeister - Gerd Nienstedt/Yvonne Minton/Toni Brankenheim/Kenneth Riegel
Act II: Scene 2: Largo: Sie wolten der verruckten Rakete noch Geld geben!/Chm Music... - Kenneth Riegel/Hanna Schwarz/yvonne Minton
Act II: Scene 2: (Melodram): Hu, kleine Lulu/O Freiheit! Herr Gott im Himmel! - Teresa Stratas/Gerd Nienstedt/Kenneth Riegel/Toni Blankenhiem...
Act II: Scene 2: Wenn deine beiden gron Kinderaugen nicht waren/Hymne... - Kenneth Riegel/Teresa Stratas

Tracks:

Act III: Moderato (Piano)/Scene 1: Meine Herrn und Damen! Gestatten Sie, daich trinke... - Gerd Nienstedt/Jules Bastin/Teresa Stratas/Kenneth Reigel/Helmut Pampuch...
Act III: Scene 1: II. Ensemble: Brilliant! Es geht brilliant - Teresa Stratas/Yvonne Minton
Act III: Scene 1: II. Ensemble: Einen Moment! Hast du meinen Brief gelesen? - Teresa Stratas/Jules Bastin/Gerd Nienstedt/Hanna Schwarz
Act III: Scene 1: II. Ensemble: Ich brauche namlich notwendig Geld - Toni Blankenhiem/Teresa Stratas
Act III: Scene 1: Cadenz: Behandeln Sie mich doch wenigstens anstandig - Helmut Pampuch/Teresa Stratas/Gerd Nienstedt
Act III: Scene 1: Cadenz: Marth! Mein liebes Herz, du kannst mich heute vor dem Tode retten - Helmut Pampuch/Teresa Stratas/Yvonne Minton
Act III: Scene 1: (III. Ensemble): Wollen Sie wohl diese Aktie akzeptieren - Jules Bastin/Kenneth Riegel/Claude Meloni/Jane Manning/Anna Ringart...
Act III: Scene 1: Vars I-IV: Interlude - Pierre Boulez/Orch de l'Opera de Paris
Act III: Scene 2: Der Regen trommelt zur Parade - Teresa Stratas/Kenneth Riegel/Toni Blankenheim
Act III: Scene 2: Wenn ich dir ungelegen komme/(Quartett): Ihr Korper stand out auf dem Hohepunkt - Yvonne Minton/Kenneth Riegel/Toni Blankneheim/Teresa Stratas
Act III: Scene 2: Komm nur herein, mein Schatz - Teresa Stratas/Toni Blankenheim/Robert Tear
Act III: Scene 2: Der Herr Doktor haben sich schon zur Ruhe begeben - Yvonne Minton/Toni Blankenheim
Act III: Scene 2: Wer ist das? - Franz Mazura/Teresa Stratas
Act III: Scene 2: (Nocturno): Das ist der letze Abend/Lulu! Mein Engel! - Franz Mazura/Teresa Stratas/Yvonne Minton

Amazon.com essential recording

One of the bewitchments of this performance is that Pierre Boulez leaves unreconciled the two conflicting tendencies of Berg's music--on the one hand, grand Romantic opera; on the other, dodecaphony. Their clash is the hinge of Berg's exhilarating composition, and, once perceived correctly, it's a drama of almost unbearable intensity. The dense instrumental texture is brought out in stunning detail. Yes, Teresa Stratas is occasionally unsteady in the title role; but this is the King Lear of opera roles: probably unperformable and altogether unforgettable. --Joshua Cody

Customer Reviews:

UNREAL.......2006-07-15

If you look at all my reviews , many are quite long-winded. I always have alot to say on things most important in my life.
But here I have only one word to comment on the music and the performance.
UNREAL
there thats my review. Sure I know that is not helpful in any way, and please give me a vote of "NO".
I should mention that Berg did not complete the opera but left extensive notes so that Friedrich Cercha completed it. Boulez mentions that a scholar named adorono felt satified with Cercha's work, and Boulez agrees.
but I'm not so sure. The first 2 cds are clearly from the hand of berg, from the opening of the 3rd cd, immediately I/you notice that there is a drastic change in compositional quality. Its the best Cercha could do, and its good work. Just not near on the level as Berg's completed first 2 cds of music.
Paul

Excellent achievement.......2001-08-31

When I discovered Alban Berg's opera "Lulu" it changed my life. It was a recording from the year 1965. The orchestra was conducted by Karl Böhm being Lulu the great Evelyn Lear. (That was a DG recording like this) Though Böhm's orchestra was not, precisely, inspired, Lulu's character depicted by Evelyn Lear became a myth for me. I had read before the plays "Erdgeist" and "Die Büchse der Pandora" by Wedekind on which Berg's opera is based, and always loved the complex character of Lulu beautifully depicted by Evelyn.
Teresa Stratas is very irregular in the role. Her screams are maybe better than that of Evelyn, but she seems uncomfortable with the role, apart from the lack of entonation and strength. Boulez' orchestra is wonderful but sometimes one miss the fact of bringing the main voices to the first plane.
From my humble point of view I think that this recording is an excellent one but I prefer Böhm/Lear/Fischer-Dieskau//Deutschen Oper Berlin (in DG). The listener has to take into account that the third act completed by Friedrich Cerha is not present in that recording. If the listener wishes the complete opera, Boulez/Stratas/... is then the reference.

A Travesty from start to finish.......2001-08-30

Famously, Pierre Boulez suggested that all opera houses should be blown up. There is not one bar on this recording to indicate any change of perspective ("change of heart" is evidently not an appropriate expression here). Bluntly and simply, Boulez loathes drama, and doesn't seem to care much for music, either. If you like your music drama joyless, pedantic, and frequently perverse, this is the one for you. A decent cast and band gone to waste on the altar of anti-bourgeois condescension.

Marvelous.......1998-11-14

There's really no use in trying to review this album; just imagine every glowing superlative you can and it would apply. I never thought it possible to fall in love with serial music, but "Lulu" made me do just that. Berg really can write twelve-tone music that soars, and the cast that delivers his completed masterpiece on this recording can't be beat. Each and every one of them is an accomplished vocal actor (thanks in part to having all participated in the premiere of the three-act version in Paris in the late 1970's). The recorded sound is incandescent; this is one of the most marvelous studio opera recordings ever.

Average customer rating:

The not-so-humble beginning of Steve Harley resonates 30+ years later
Their Most Consistent Album!
When artsy was "in" and "glam" was a good thing

The Human Menagerie
Cockney Rebel
Manufacturer: Beat Goes On
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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

Glam | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Psychomodo
The Best Years of Our Lives
A Closer Look/Love's a Prima Donna
Timeless Flight
Kimono My House

ASIN: B0001CTJQI
Release Date: 2004-02-23

Tracks:

Hideaway
What Ruthy Said
Loretta's Tale
Crazy Raver
Sebastian
Mirror Freak
My Only Vice (Is the Fantastic Prices I Charge for Being Eaten Alive)
Muriel the Actor
Chameleon
Death Trip
Judy Teen
Rock and Roll Parade

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Re-issue of the Album that Established Harley as an International Artist. First Released in 1974, it Includes the Single "Sebastian" and features New Sleevenotes Penned by Harley Himself.

Customer Reviews:

The not-so-humble beginning of Steve Harley resonates 30+ years later.......2005-11-05

Steve Harley made a huge impact in the mid-70's, with 1975's "The Best Years of Our Life" as the exclamation point. But his band, Cockney Rebel, came on the European music scene with this album, originally released in 1973, with a "new" concept: no electric guitars, but instead a violin as the lead instrument, what a concept!

"The Human Menagerie" (12 tracks, 51 min., including 2 bonus tracks) is mostly famous for its hit single "Sebastian", a 7 min. beautiful epic, yet slow and mostly quiet song, truly an enigma that this somehow found an audience (try imagine this today: not gonna happen!). But the album offers a lot more: the opener "Hideaway" is a delicious starter that perfectly introduces the band's "revolutionary" sound. "Mirror Freak" is another stand-out track, but the closer of the original album looms larger than any other: the 10 min. epic "Death Trip", with full-blown orchestration, just beautiful. This reissue comes with 2 bonus tracks: "Judy Teen", the great hit single released after this album and before the subsequent "Psychomodo" album, and "Rock and Roll Parade", the B-side.

Cockney Rebel is often classified as a "glam" band of the mid-70's era (based on their looks--check the album cover of "The Human Menagerie"), but that is just plain wrong. Their sound is unique. "The Human Menagerie" is a good album, but to hear Cockney Rebel at their peak, check out 1974's "Psychomodo", truly a classic.

Their Most Consistent Album!.......2005-01-14

This was Steve Harley and Cockney Rebels' first album - originally released in 1973. Cockney Rebel was a glam-rock act ; somewhere between David Bowie and Doctor's of Madness. At least their first 3 albums were really great; from then Harley's songwriting seemed to be somewhat exhausted.

This album, probably their most consistent, contains their first classic single "Sebastian", which was a hit record in several countries, though never made it to the top 20 in Britain. The song may appear a little dated today ( maybe because of its 7 minutes playing time ) - but their follow up single "Judy Teen", which is included as a bonus-track, is still among my favourite Rebel songs.

The album contains many great tracks; both ballads and rockers - quite impressive considering that this was their debut-album. Songs like "Hideaway", "Loretta's Tale" and "Mirror Freak" have obvious hit-potential. "My Only Vice" and "Muriel the Actor" are simply charming tracks.

"Death Trip", like Sebastian, is an ambitious piece of work, with a lot of inspiration from classical music.

A great album!

When artsy was "in" and "glam" was a good thing.......2004-06-17

Released 30 (gulp!) years ago, "The Human Menagerie" barely created a ripple on the American music scene, but in England and much of Europe it created a sensation. I was into all things Bowie, Roxy Music, and New York Dolls then, so when a friend played this for me I was hooked. It sounded fresh and rather daring in its time - it still does to some extent.

Singer Steve Harley wrote artsy, fey lyrics that worked well with the unconventional instrumentation of the early Cockney Rebel recordings. "Hideaway" kicks off the CD with a bang. The formula of drums, bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards, and violin is introduced in a tight, driving song that Harley punctuates with campy phrasing and clever lyrics. Let's just state right up front that Harley's voice was limited, but he was very good at phrasing and could deliver some memorable moments. "What Ruthy Said" and "Loretta's Tale" are the perfect follow up songs - catchy, dramatic, and original. These two songs also introduced Harley's lyrical technique of storytelling using names like Ruthy, Sebastian, Mona, and Loretta that he continued using for many years.

"Crazy Raver" is a completely over the top, well, rave if you must. It is one of the weaker songs on the CD, but not a complete loss. "Sebastian", the notorious hit single, is Harley at the height of his drama queen stance, complete with full orchestra and choir. Listening to it then and now, I could never believe it was ever played on the radio in Europe or anywhere else much less America. It is slow, long, and unconventional. It was the signature song of their concerts for many years.

"Mirror Freak", one of the best songs on this CD, was the real hook. It worked its way into my brain and I would find myself mentally replaying it or remember snippets of the lyrics for years and years. "My Only Vice" and "Muriel the Actor" are standouts as well with their vaguely Gypsy-esque, outdoor carnival style using violins and marimbas. "Chameleon" and "Death Trip" closed the original album with a dark, dramatic ending. The remastered CD includes the modest hit "Judy Teen" and "Rock and Roll Parade".

While "The Human Menagerie" was an impressive, original debut, the follow up work, "Psychomodo" solidified Harley and company's reputation as a major act. Harley's influences were many, including David Bowie, Nico, and Lou Reed, but his willingness to try unconventional, offbeat instrumentation and lyrics set Cockney Rebel apart from so many other arty bands in the early and mid-70s. For those wanting to explore the music of the early 70s, "The Human Menagerie" is a less explored path that deserves to be followed.

Menagerie: The Essential Zydeco Collection
Average customer rating:

High-energy, good-time music!

Great!!!!!!!!!!!

If you collect Zydeco you must have this CD.

Body-moving, feel good music

Menagerie: The Essential Zydeco Collection
Buckwheat Zydeco
Manufacturer: Mango
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Zydeco | Cajun & Zydeco | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Cajun & Creole | Cajun & Zydeco | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
General | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Where There's Smoke There's Fire

On a Night Like This

The Ultimate Collection

Check It Out, Lock It In, Crank It Up!

Louisiana Blues & Zydeco

ASIN: B000003QL5
Release Date: 1993-01-26

Tracks:

Ma 'Tit Fille
Buck's Hot Rod
Drivin' Old Grey
Hot Tamale Baby
Hey, Good Lookin'
Where There's Smoke There's Fire
Taking It Home
What You Gonna Do (When The Zydeco Turn On You?)
Pour Tout Quelque'un
Make A Change
Maybe I Will

Customer Reviews:

High-energy, good-time music!.......2003-05-26

Zydeco, the black relative of Cajun music, is right up there with Celtic jigs, Indian banghra and belly-dance music when it comes to fun sounds to dance to. Drawing from Cajun and R&B, the harmonic structure of this music is simplistic (and occasionally even mono-chordal), but the focus is on spirit and soul rather than structure. Selections are frequently punctuated by hoots and hollers in both French and English, and spurred on by the frenetic, locomotive-like rhythms of frottoire (a metal rub-board derived from old-fashioned washboards) and drums. In short, these songs have so much energy you can't help but grin and move your feet. The group "Buckwheat Zydeco" features accordionist, pianist and lead vocalist Stanley "Buckwheat" Dural, Jr., a protege of Clifton Chenier (who is considered the father of Zydeco). The 10 tracks on "Menagerie" are compiled from Dural's Island Records recordings. For more good, spicy Zydeco, try also the music of Queen Ida and her Bon Temps Zydeco Band.

Great!!!!!!!!!!!.......1999-05-20

Without a doubt, a must have for any party! Great tunes throuhout the entire CD!

If you collect Zydeco you must have this CD........1998-07-20

The title says it all: The essential Zydeco Collection. Whether your from Beau Bridge or Boston, this album gives you Zydeco with all the energy that there should be.

Body-moving, feel good music.......1998-07-18

Crank it up! If you can keep your body still listening to Buckwheat Zydeco, call the undertaker 'cause you're ready to go. An accordion, drums, and a few choice words in French seems to be all Buckwheat needs. The floors will tremble, and you'll feel yourself starting to strut. Frowning? Forget it. This is good time, happy time, feel good music.

Average customer rating:

TRACKS ARE...

The Glass Menagerie

Manufacturer: Membran/Mousiki Akti
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Soundtracks | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0001LYEAK
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Album Description

Reissue of soundtrack with special plastic packaging & music by Max Steiner. Membran. 2004.

Customer Reviews:

TRACKS ARE..........2007-03-28

1. Main Title/The Early Morning Watch/St. Louis/The Wingfield House
2. Money For Lunch And Carfare/Mother And Son
3. Laura En Route To School
4. Typing Test/Shoe Factory/Dinner Table
5. Memories Of Blue Mountain
6. Broken Glass
7. Drunk Scene
8. Drunk Scene Cont.
9. Laura's Deception
10. Smiles
11. Deception!
12. You're Not Crippled!
13. Wishes For Her Children
14. Reflecting On Laura
15. Making Preparations
16. Laura's Aprehension
17. Yangtze River Pirates
18. Avalon
19. Dinner Table
20. The Yearbook
21. Psychology
22. The Glass Menagerie
23. Let The Rest Of The World Go By
24. Broken Unicorn
25. Heading For The Paradise
26. If You Could Care
27. Transition
28. Jim And Laura's Waltz
29. Jim's Confession
30. Amanda's Disappointment/Farewell To Jim
31. The End Of Tom's Rope/Finale
32. Teaser Trailer
33. Preview Trailer

Average customer rating:

Excellent album, Mike Stern plays great

Stratus
Billy Cobham's Glass Menagerie
Manufacturer: Inakustic Gmbh
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006O4K
Release Date: 1998-05-05

Tracks:

Drum Solo Intro/ Stratus
AC/DC
Kasia
All Hallows Eve
Wrapped In A Cloud
Drum-Solo
Total Eclipse
Brooze

Customer Reviews:

Excellent album, Mike Stern plays great.......2002-11-11

Originally I believed that Stratus was a Mike Stern album, but it finnally turned out to be authored by Billy Cobham. It might be a shame, but I am not very familiar with BC, though fond of MS. Excellent album, released by Boose as a masterpiece for testing audio equipment. The album is pretty short, but worthwile listening to.

Average customer rating:

Marine Menagerie
AIN SOPH
Manufacturer: Musea/Poseidon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Five Or Nine - Five Evolved From Nine
A Story of Mysterious Forest

ASIN: B000E3LF6G
Release Date: 2006-01-06

Tracks:

Wind And Water
Flooded By Sun Light
Marine Menagerie
Little Pieces - Part Three
Variations On A Theme By Brian Smith - Original Version
Ride On A Camel
(I. Metronome 7-8/II. Peacock's Father - The Peacock Spread Its Wings/III. Metronome 7-8 - Reprise)

Product Description

Famous for the quality of its musicians and the refinement of its music, the Japanese Progressive rock scene provided such prestigious representatives as GERARD (For the symphonic side), RUINS (For the Zeuhl side) or KENSO (For the jazz-rock fusion side). As far as the so-called Canterbury school is concerned, the local reference is AIN SOPH. This major instrumental quartet produced some of the best gems in the genre, which is however significantly dominated by Anglo-Saxon outfits. This unique combo plays a music that combines extreme delicacy with a great technical perfection, the whole thing being illuminated by an outstanding melodic and harmonic richness. Now a piece of history, the legendary first studio album "A Story Of Mysterious Forest" was first released in 1980. Today reissued by the Musea and Poseidon labels as a co-venture, "Marine Menagerie" (1991) has its own personality, but also clearly evokes the best albums of CAMEL ("Mirage" or "Music Inspired By The Snow Goose" period). This is especially true in "Ride On A Camel". Some brilliant guitar solos are to be heard, as expected, solos whose level is comparable with those of Andy LATIMER. This is not an understatement ! Released two years after, "Five Or Nine - Five Evolved From Nine" (1993) diverges rather significantly from its major influence, while broadening the spectrum towards music sounding like those of HATFIELD AND THE NORTH or KENSO. Here are two gems of instrumental jazz-rock fusion that you should not miss whatsoever !

R&B Music:

R&B Music

r&b music

Recommended Music:

This Is the Best of R&B, Vol. 2 [Box set] [Import]

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas, Opp. 24 'Spring' & 47 'Kreutzer'

Bartok: Piano Music

Little Rock

Era + Era 2 + DVD [Import]

Bells of the Chud Region

Carnival of Light

Anthology [Import]

Blowin' Up 2004, Vol. 5

Christmas in Early America

The Grand Wazoo