Dominos [DualDisc] [Enhanced]

Product Description
An American band singing in their native French, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys create a chain reaction of tradition, innovation and beauty, and present the music of South Louisiana at the level of the finest in folk and world music. Dominos extends the vision of Bon Rêve, their Grammy-nominated release from 2003, into a future full of hope for their irrepressible culture. The DVD side contains interviews with the band, and performances of "Ardoin Medley," "Marie Has Died," "Sweet Dreams" and "Wait Till I Finish Crying."

Dominos,Steve Riley,Rounder / Pgd,Cajun,Cajun / Zydeco / New Orleans,Creole,Pop,Traditional Cajun,United States of America

Average customer rating: LAYLA: A PASSIONATE MONUMENT TO UNREQUITED LOVE (and a blues-rock guitar masterpiece) 25 years, 1000+ CD's, and this is my favorite ... The studio was on fire. The greatest album ever recorded EC & Skydog in the Miami Heat

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs Derek and the Dominos Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Blind Faith The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East Disraeli Gears Eat a Peach Low Spark of High Heeled Boys ASIN: B000002G87 Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. I Looked Away
2. Bell Bottom Blues
3. Keep On Growing
4. Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
5. I Am Yours
6. Anyday
7. Key To The Highway
8. Tell The Truth
9. Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?
10. Have You Ever Loved A Woman
11. Little Wing
12. It's Too Late
13. Layla
14. Thorn Tree In The Garden

Amazon.com essential recording

Layla stands as one of a handful of pillars of classic rock. The short-lived ensemble that was the Dominos provided an outlet for Eric Clapton to vent his then unrequited (and secret) passion for the wife of his best friend, George Harrison. Romantic anguish inspired Clapton to write and collect an embroiling and interconnected song cycle. Meanwhile, latecomer Duane Allman prodded Clapton to tear it up on guitar, so as not to be overwhelmed by his even more talented foil. Of course, Clapton eventually won the hand of his lady love. And then he divorced her. Sometimes real life messes up a good plot line. --Steve Stolder

Customer Reviews:

LAYLA: A PASSIONATE MONUMENT TO UNREQUITED LOVE (and a blues-rock guitar masterpiece).......2007-07-31

Of course, just about every serious rock music fan knows the story of Eric Clapton falling head-over-heels-in-love with his friend George Harrison's wife, and creating a testimonial plea to her, in the form of the blues-rock double album, Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs. Eric had taken the name, Layla, from a character in the poem, Leyla And Mejnun, written by the Persian poet, Nizami. In the poem, Mejnun goes insane, over the fact that Leyla's parents would not allow her to see him. That poem is where the fiction ends on this album. The passion, pain, and intense longing in these songs is as real as the day you were born. Clapton's singing voice is pure emotion as he cries out in painful and passionate longing. Keyboardist Bobby Whitlock's backing vocals complement Eric perfectly. Guitar great (and according to Whitlock, Eric's kindred spirit) Duane Allman came in to play on one or two songs, but fortunately (for us) ended up playing on the rest of the album, making this the blues-rock guitar masterpiece that it is. From the emotional pleading of Bell Bottom Blues and the frantic sorrow of Why Does Love Have To Be So Sad, to the pure, unadulterated blues of Nobody Loves You When You're Down And Out, and Have You Ever Loved A Woman, the two guitarist spur each other on to heights of guitar magnificance, that still stands among both legendary axemen's greatest works. Guitar greatness is everywhere on this album, from Allman's slide guitar magic on Anyday to Eric's blistering lead on the extended jam, Tell The Truth. They do a great rocking version of the Hendrix song, Little Wing, as a tribute to Jimi, and then go unplugged and acoustic on I Am Yours. The song, Layla, is a masterpiece itself, and one of the greatest songs in the history of rock music. From Clapton's impassioned vocals and Allman's fiery slide guitar solo to the sad beauty of Duane and Eric's twin slide guitars during the piano coda at the end of the song, Layla reaches heights of passion unparalleled in modern music. Without question, Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs is a masterpiece, a sonic Van Gogh, a landmark in rock music, and a monument to the saddest of all love, unrequited love.

25 years, 1000+ CD's, and this is my favorite ..........2007-05-25

I bought this LP's, as an angst ridden, teenage girl. I'm now very settled and happy but I continue to love music. I have over 1000 CD's (that are ripped of course) in the blues/rock/alternative genre and actively seek out new artists to add to my collection every year.

It occured to me recently, that out of all the music I own, this is my favorite. I have listened to it countless times, yet it still moves me. So many other reviews have detailed what's so great about this music, that I won't repeat, but somthing magic happened during these sessions.

The studio was on fire........2007-05-08

Duane Allman was the fuel that powered these sessions and the slide playing on this session is as powerful now as when it was recorded. A fantastic collection played with the raw fire that ignited when Clapton and Allman tore into these songs. You can see Eric Clapton playing a number of these songs in 2007 with Derrick Trucks playing the slide parts which is excellent, but Duane had a soulfulness in his playing here that is timeless. A great CD.

The greatest album ever recorded.......2007-03-02

Remember vinyl? Back when records were put out on vinyl I used to say that vinyl had never been put to better use than making this album. It is the greatest album ever made by anyone at any time. I'm not even a big Clapton fan, I don't care about "Guitar Gods" or endless solos or any of that crap. Every song here is heartfelt, anguished and played by musicians who sound like they're on the ledge and could fall at any second. But they don't fall, they hang together and no one ever played better.

Everything builds to the end of the title cut where Clapton invokes Robert Johnson, "Please don't say we'll never find a way, And tell me all my love's in vain." Then the piano coda, and the quietly resigned "Thorn Tree." Perfect, never matched, never surpassed.

EC & Skydog in the Miami Heat.......2007-02-19

The best and sincere white blues there is, Erics masterpiece, this and Peter Greens Fleetwood Mac is the real deal. "Skydog" Duane Allman plays his heart out here also. One note about the guitar(s) sound on this album. This album was recorded using 5 watt Fender Champ tube amps from the 50's, that is why the GTRS sound big, small amps = big sound in the studio.

Average customer rating: My best possession Dominos without Derek Not A Kid's review Uneven, but a "must-own" for the highlights The Dominos capured live.

Live at the Fillmore Derek and the Dominos Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Layla Sessions : 20th Anniversary Edition Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert Delaney & Bonnie On Tour With Eric Clapton In Concert Crossroads 2: Live In The Seventies ASIN: B000001E3V Release Date: 1994-02-22

Tracks:

1. Got To Get Better In A Little While
2. Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?
3. Key To The Highway
4. Blues Power
5. Have You Ever Loved A Woman
6. Bottle Of Red Wine

Tracks:

1. Tell The Truth
2. Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
3. Roll It Over
4. Presence Of The Lord
5. Little Wing
6. Let It Rain
7. Crossroads

Customer Reviews:

My best possession .......2007-06-24

This is by far the best Derek and Dominos concert I have ever heard though some of you can differ with my viewpoint. However, from my point of view it is a great blues live album recorded live at Fillmore on 23rd and 24th October 1970. It is said that the band was not aware of that the show had got recorded. It is our good fortune to listen to this album.

The CD contains two disc of which the CD 1 is fantastic with tracks like "Got to get better in a little while", "Why does lover got to be so sad?" and others.

This is a must buy CD!!

Dominos without Derek .......2007-04-09

The heart and fire that made Derek and the Dominos is sorely missing. Without Duane Allman, this is simply another Clapton led sound alike diversion. Duane made "Layla" and the album one of rock's masterpieces. He carried Clapton to a new level that he had not seen before or since. This album's performance is an honest effort to keep the band going, and is enjoyable listening but anyone has who heard the Dominoes with Derek will be well aware of the missing brilliance of SkyDog.

Not A Kid's review.......2007-03-16

I've loved, loved, loved this CD since the minute I got it. I wished that I had been there to see it live. But alas I was only 6 at the time and for some strange reason I don't think my parents would have gone for that.

Last night I was lucky enough to see Clapton at the Staples Center and I was in heaven! 80-85% of the song list was from this CD. When he played Little Wing you couldn't hear a thing except for Clapton. My friend who loves Hendrix said except for Hendrix, he's never seen/heard anyone play it so perfectly. That was a huge complement coming from him since he's such a music snob.

Bottom line, if you like Clapton get this CD and then run as fast as you can and get tickets to to his '06-'07 tour. You won't regret it.

Uneven, but a "must-own" for the highlights.......2006-08-04

Derek & The Dominoes. They made one of the most essential classic rock albums of all time and - lucky us - they also laid down some live stuff. Here's how it holds up to their studio genius.

DISC ONE

"Got To Get Better" (13:52) ...WOW. This is the best live song I have ever heard, bar none. I would say that it now rivals the Stones' "Tumbling Dice" for the title of My Favorite Song Ever. This CD is well worth the asking price, for "Got To Get Better" alone.

"Why Does Love Got to be So Sad?" (14:49) is almost equally amazing. The first 3 minutes Eric gets into some cool riffage and soloing on a wah-wah pedal; if you didn't have the CD cover to tell you, you would never know what song he is starting. Then, he moves fluidly into the song itself and does an 11-minute rendition that dwarfs the (already awesome) studio version. SWEET.

"Key to the Highway" (6:25) is shorter, leaner and louder than the jammy studio version. In fact, THIS sounds like a studio version. Very good.

"Blues Power," as usual, is no good as a live song. "Have You Ever Loved" is pretty good, but "Bottle of Red Wine" verges on annoying. I usually don't listen to these three when I'm listening to disc 1.

DISC TWO

"Tell the Truth" (11:04) is decent. Different enough from the studio version, but not a different song by any means. Good soloing. Too slow, though.

"Nobody Knows You" (5:33) is terrific, and very interesting particularly if you are used to the studio version. The Layla version of this song was quite tough, but this is a totally mellowed-out, laidback blues groove. Very nice.

"Roll It Over" (6:40) is good. I'm not familiar with this song from anywhere else - was it on a Clapton solo album that I am forgetting? - but it is good.
**edit: I finally paid attention to the lyrics on this song. Kinda tasteless ("Roll it over, let's take it from behind ... means so much to me").

"Presence of the Lord" (6:16) is WAY better than the Blind Faith version, and I LOVE the Blind Faith version. It is the highlight of disc 2. Like "Nobody Knows You," this one is much mellower and more stretched out than the studio version. This song has a lot of cool transitions, and it's fun to hear the crowd expecting each one and cheering when it comes.

"Little Wing" (6:13) is very good. At least as good as the studio version, but not the same at all. More like Hendrix's version.

"Let It Rain" (18:19) is the extended jam of disc 2. It's good. There's a long drum solo that, surprisingly, doesn't get boring. I love the studio version of this song so much (my favorite song of Clapton's) that I'm tempted to say this live version is not as good; but that would be apples and oranges. This is not even the same song - instead, it is a very enjoyable jam.

"Crossroads" (8:29): Every other live take of this song that Clapton has done in his career has sucked next to the Cream version, but this one stands up. It's very slinky and funky and cool. It's definitely amusing to hear the typically-shy Clapton finally include the line, "You can squeeze my lemon babe till the juice runs down my leg...you know what I'm talkin' about." Robert Plant, sure. Eric Clapton? Haha.

In sum, this has fast become one of my very favorite CDs. Eric Clapton, as a jam-band leader, puts Jerry Garcia and Trey Anastasio to shame. At the same time, even people with little tolerance for the extended length and increased sloppiness of live music will enjoy most of the songs here. The highlights of this disc are certainly among the highlights of Clapton's career.

The Dominos capured live........2006-07-15

This is a great, great live album. The Dominos, Eric Clapton, all-world guitarist, Jim Gordon, all-world drummer, Carl Radle, tremendously talented and experienced bassist, and Bobby Whitlock, singer and keyboardist with another world of experience, rocked the Fillmore for two days and four shows, and got captured on tape. Thank goodness.

The band lacks Duane Allman from the Layla sessions, a guitarist to equal Clapton, so the stunning and unique guitar interplay featured on that album is, sadly, missing. As far as we know, Duane appeared onstage with the Dominos twice. One appearance was not effective, drugs usually given as the reason. Another appearance was recorded by at least two sources in the audience, and is available as a bootleg entitled "Twin Flames Soul Mates". The recordings are very muddy, still listenable, but it is very plain, again, that the two brought out the best in each other. They go at it with a vengeance, offering amazing virtuosity and musicianship for the evening. That, however, is a different band than the one on this CD.

The Dominos sans Allman is more of a smooth and polished unit, not as fiery or emotional, offering songs that get into grooves, the rhythm section backing Clapton in an amazingly smooth and seamless manner, whilst Eric wails. And I mean wails. Some fantastic soloing pours out of his guitar, blistering the audience for long minutes at a time. Jim Gordon adds a frantic drum solo that never slows to allow us to appreciate the cool rhythms, it just goes faster and faster.

Professional, poised, and having fun. The band plays songs that date to their time as Eric's band on his first solo album, with Delaney and Bonnie, and backing George Harrison on "All Things Must Pass". They had actually been together for awhile, and sound like it. The only non-Dominos songs on this album are "Presence of the Lord", a Blind Faith tune, and "Crossroads", which is an Eric Clapton concert staple dating from Cream's "Wheels of Fire" live side. "Bottle of Red Wine" and several others are from Clapton's first studio album, "Eric Clapton", and Whitlock, Radle and Gordon were playing with him then.

There are several bootleg copies of this concert available, most with superb sound, some offering the complete concerts from all 4 shows on these two dates, but where one would go to find that in Arkansas, well, I don't know. I bought this instead, and have a record of the Dominos in concert, and it is worth it. A great band, great evenings, great setting, and great, great playing.

Average customer rating: An All Time Classic Just Got Better!! Technical review of the remix... Inspired jamming!! Removing The Veil Better than most "Deluxe Editions"

The Layla Sessions : 20th Anniversary Edition Derek & the Dominos Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Heavy Metal | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Live at the Fillmore An Anthology, Vol. 2 An Anthology Blind Faith Crossroads 2: Live In The Seventies ASIN: B000001FZ5 Release Date: 1990-08-31

Tracks:

1. I Looked Away
2. Bell Bottom Blues
3. Keep On Growing
4. Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
5. I Am Yours
6. Anyday
7. Key To The Highway
8. Tell The Truth
9. Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad
10. Have You Ever Loved A Woman
11. Little Wing
12. It's Too Late
13. Layla
14. Thorn Tree In The Garden

Tracks:

1. Jam I
2. Jam II
3. Jam III
4. Jam IV
5. Jam V

Tracks:

1. Have You Ever Loved A Woman (Alternate Master #1)
2. Have You Ever Loved A Woman (Alternate Master #2)
3. Tell The Truth (Jam #1)
4. Tell The Truth (Jam #2)
5. Mean Old World (Rehearsal)
6. Mean Old World (Band Version, Master Take)
7. Mean Old World (Duet Version, Master Take)
8. (When Things Go Wrong) It Hurts Me Too (Jam)
9. Tender Love (Incomplete Master)
10. It's Too Late (Alternate Master)

Customer Reviews:

An All Time Classic Just Got Better!!.......2007-07-27

What more can possibly be said about this album? You have two of the greatest guitarists of all time jamming together. The alternate versions of "Have you ever loved a woman" & "Tell the truth" are amazing. The real find here is the disc containing "The Jams". A couple of these jams have Dicky Betts joining in with the band. Clapton's guitar is searing throughout, and if anyone wants to know just how great a guitar player Duane Allman was, this is the album to listen to. The version of "Little Wing" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. If you are a classic rock fan this album is a must. You won't stop playing it. You can keep your Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde & yes, even Eddie Van Halen. These two blow them all away!!!

Technical review of the remix..........2007-02-17

Originally, I purchased the single Anniversary Mix disc that had been separated from the rest of it's set at a used CD store. Hey, I was in college at the time and was trying to broaden my palette. So, this newer mix was what I got to know over the years and really was none the wiser to the original.

Now, being 10 years after first having purchased the CD, I am comparing the two mixes side by side, switching between the two, and have come to a personal conclusion that is at odds with most of the other reviewers.

It's pretty clear to anyone who does a comparison between the two where you can rapidly swap between the two mixes, that the original mix is more dynamic; it just jumps out at you more. It also contains more high frequency content. There are a couple of possible reasons for this.

Someone probably surely more about the actual equipment history of this album. But from what I can gather, Criteria Studios at that time should have been outfitted with MCI consoles and tape machines built by Jeep Harned with "philosophical direction" provided by Tom Dowd. While the MCI consoles that became marketed later across the world (which later evolved into Sony's consoles) are solid state designs, it is possible that these early MCI consoles that Layla would have been recorded and mixed through were tube designs. Again, I might be wrong here and it is strictly open for conjecture from someone who absolutely knows for sure. For recording engineers like myself, older (more simple) console designs of that period and before are revered for their unique sonic character.

Now that brings us to the studio where the Anniversary CD was mixed: The Power Station. Today, The Power Station is now Avatar Studios in New York and Studio A (housing a very good sounding Neve 8068 console) has been mostly left the way it was in the days of the Power Station, with the exception for whatever the flavor of the month is when it comes to recorders. However, the time period of the late 80's and early 90's was a time when digital mixing was rampant (it's back unfortunately) and this is most certainly the case with the Anniversary Mix with it's ADD designation (the second D denoting that it was mixed to a digital format). The original mix was definitely an analog reel to reel (either 1/4 or 1/2 inch master) tape.

This is significant for when you mix to analog tape, an interesting phenomenon called "crosstalk" alters the mix ever so slightly. What happens is that the left and right channels of magnetic information stored on the tape interacts with one another as higher bursts of energy on each track often co-mingle in the space between them (and sometimes even bleed over to the other track ever so slightly). The result is, believe it or not, a much more strong center image which, when done properly, creates an even sound field. A technical engineer would say that this is a negative and undesirable side-effect of analog mixing since it is not what the engineer was hearing at the console outputs. However, a musical engineer would recognize that crosstalk is a beneficial thing to the music and the listener and would listen to the mix through the repro heads on the machine as it is being recorded so as to know exactly what is being committed to tape.

Digital mixes of the time of the remix are often sterile and severely lack the dynamic range and character present on that old "inferior" analog tape. What I have noticed in the Anniversary mix is a more cautious mix that fears sounds that jump run and play. The original tracks and comps were so good and whole (as well as limited; the drums were premixed to L and R tracks only) that only balancing, some compression here and there, and some time based effects were needed to complete the remix. However, the compression is perhaps a tad overdone, thusly preventing the mix to "live" as much as the original.

The original mix's reverb (really noticeable on the guitars) take more risks (and wins) and is either an EMT plate reverb or a live chamber (if Criteria had one). The predelay on the reverb might have been provided via a spare mix deck's repro head before the signal went to the reverb. While digital reverb was the rage at the time of the Anniversary Mix, I feel that it is likely that a plate reverb was used, but that the highs were rolled out more than on the original mix.

Give them both a comparison side-by-side and decide for yourself. Be sure to use a good copy of each (I would use at least a recent printing [Re-Master] of the original mix since the Analog to Digital converters and digital clocking are MUCH better now than at the dawn of the CD age - perhaps yet another strike against the Anniversary Mix).

Inspired jamming!!.......2007-01-17

I must be one of the few middle-aged people not terribly familiar with the original recordings. Sure, I've heard Layla (you'd have to live in a cave to have missed it) but had not given the full album much of a listen. The remastering is a dramatic improvement in sonic quality. But, the real bonus in this boxed set are the jams, especially the second disc. The interplay is inspiring and makes for just plain great listening pleasure now, nearly 30 years later, and probably 30 years from now.

Removing The Veil.......2007-01-07

I would have to disagree with the gentleman below who likes the Original better. I have the original CD & the MSFL gold CD. I am currently listening to the SACD Hybrid which is undoubtedly the source for this remastered double CD (Disk 1). Man it is so much smoother. The veil is lifted. You can not put treble back where there was none but nevertheless this goes down like Johnny Walker Blue Label. Smooth. I much prefer this to the original. I have lived with the original for 30 years & I like it but todays electronics are so much better. Thanks to whoever spent the time to restore this classic album. This & Wheels of Fire sort of define an era. EC will be here in Bangkok the night of Jan 15 2007. Yeehaw!! Love you Duane.

Better than most "Deluxe Editions".......2006-03-07

Unlike the Disraeli Gears and Blind Faith "Deluxe" expanded reissues (both of which I loved) all of this material is previously unreleased. The first disc is all remixed and I love it. The second and third discs are all unreleased material that is mind blowing Clapton at his very best. I cannot endorse this collection highly enough. Anthony Yanow, Music.com

Average customer rating: Impeccable Songs and Sound! SACD cannot work miracles Classic, of course Cleaner and clearer Layla and Other Love Songs gone wrong

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs Derek & The Dominos Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Slowhand 461 Ocean Boulevard Tumbleweed Connection Eat a Peach Madman Across The Water ASIN: B00064X2QE Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

1. I Looked Away
2. Bell Bottom Blues
3. Keep On Growing
4. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
5. I Am Yours
6. Anyday
7. Key to the Highway
8. Tell the Truth
9. Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?
10. Have You Ever Loved a Woman
11. Little Wing
12. It's Too Late
13. Layla
14. Thorn Tree in the Garden

Customer Reviews:

Impeccable Songs and Sound!.......2007-06-12

The Clapton/Allman/Gordon Rock 'n Blues in Surround Sound!? Fantastic! "Layla" and "Bell Bottom Blues" never looked or sounded so good! This album was the only studio album produced by Eric Clapton, Duane Allman and veteran drummer Jim Gordon. The SACD Surround Sound is less distinct than most, but still gives the strong feel of a studio presence. Classic songs with classic arrangements.

SACD cannot work miracles.......2005-12-15

I used to have the optimistic point of view that, in the digital age, old music could be infinitely improved if it was properly remixed and remastered. Time has shown that the best of the digital "redos" can only be as good as the original source tape, whether the original stereo master or the original multitracks.

It's obvious now, after at least six attempts at digital remastering (the original CD reissue, the boxed set in '90, the Mobile Fidelity release in '93, the '96 remaster and now the SACD edition), that the original tapes are not that well recorded. We've heard excuses for this, that everything was recorded live (and LOUD) and there was a lot of bleed between mics, that it was the beginning of multitrack technology and therefore noisy, that everyone, including the engineers, was stoned, etc., etc.

None of the excuses, except for the drugs, really holds up. They were working in a fine studio with state of the art equipment, a place where other artists made fine sounding records at that time. Also, I don't think they were playing all that loud, as Clapton was using a Pignose (small amp) for much of the session. But even if they were playing loud, I doubt that they could top the volume level of Who's Next, for instance, and that's a fine sounding LP.

Anyway, it is what it is. It's obvious now that there will be no significant improvement on the way this LP sounds. It will always sound claustrophobic, muddy and midrange heavy. You know they've gone back to the multitracks at least twice (20th Anniversery was remixed and they had to use the multitracks for the 5.1 on the SACD) with no significant improvement.

So I guess we just have to appreciate the subtle improvements, and, to disagree with several other reviews, I think they are here. I own all the other remasters, and I've felt like the best were the Mobile Fidelity and the '96 remaster. Tough to declare a winner there; each has their pros and cons, and the difference is definitely subtle. Last night, I did an A-B comparision of each of those with this SACD, and the SACD is a marked improvement on the bottom end. The drums also have more detail. When the tape becomes more saturated (i.e., when all those guitar overdubs kick in) like on Anyday, it still becomes a quagmire. But on sparser songs, like Have You Ever Loved A Woman, the improvement is considerable.

Our ears (and minds) are tricky animals. When looking for improvement in a recording such as this, it is not fair to compare to another recording. Layla will never sound like Who's Next or Abbey Road. Different musicians, different studio, different conditions. And Layla will never be a CD to demo speakers with. But when comparing apples to apples, I guarantee this SACD is the best sounding Layla yet.

Classic, of course.......2005-09-07

No words necessary for the content so this will be for the sound of the disc. The surround is a very good mix that gives you a spread across the front of the instruments and especially in the first few tracks with Clapton's strat. Finally, you're able to hear instruments and vocals clearer than ever before. I agree with another reviewer that said if you wanted a state of the art demo disc for SACD, this wasn't it. But I will say this is the best version of this classic recording available now. Yes, it will sound great on the CD layer, but you need SACD to really appreciate this disc.

Cleaner and clearer.......2005-03-16

Layla is one of the great albums of Rock Music and stands as Clapton's personal opus. The addition of Duane Allman at his peak is a huge bonus and the key catalyst in the creation of this masterpiece. Bobby Whitlock, Carl Raddle and Jim Gordon never played any better then on this.

I own two vinyl copies (Aust & US), CD release, Anniversary box set and now the SACD. I agree with other reviewers that the original CD release was the usual poor transfer from the equalized-for-vinyl master tape. The anniversary box set was a significantly improved transfer but this SACD raises the bar.

The extra spread across the front channels and sub clarifies the sound. What it clearly shows is that the recording was live in the studio plus overdubs and redubs. The guitars can be clearly heard through the drum mikes and the drums through the vocals mikes, which seem to be just left on most of the time. The bass is now present with a strong bottom end and with judicious adjusting of the sub, nicely balanced against the guitars. It's the clearer separation of the guitars that provides increased clarity (the rears are only used for ambience and I turn them well down). However it remains a sonically flawed recording due to its live-in-the-studio recording and jamming music style. But that's what also gives the brilliant music its distinctive sound - Tom Dowd was interested in capturing the music and admits he just kept the tapes rolling. Thus the sound is a bit raw and rough, which amplifies spontaneous feel to the process of creating the highly sophisticated music that is Layla.

Layla and Other Love Songs gone wrong.......2005-03-06

I first bought Derek and the Dominoes "Layla and Other Love Songs" in 1972 as a high school boy and have since kept it close to my heart as many have and will do as long as guitars and yearning coincide. I bought the double LP, expensive then at $14.00. I wore that out, bought the 8 track, passed by the cassette version, bought the first version of the CD and now the SACD version. That's approx. $100.00 worth of "Laya", cheap at half the price, I suppose considering the music...
Yet..
I am not a vynle purist. I have plenty of 45 and LPs that sound better than CD/SACD/DVDaudio. But for the most part, new technology has brought out nuance and crisp sound that has just not been avaiable to some older recordings. Plus the thrill of 5.1 sound adds a kick to us audiophiles.
The first release of "Layla" on stereo LP played on a home HiFi through conventional speakers sounded as it should when recorded. Clear, crisp sound loud when it should have been, quiet when it meant most. We knew 8 track would sound awful so that doesn't count it was meant to be played loud in a car with a girlfriend on a bench seat. The first CD version was so bad that I checked my ears for mud.
Now the new SACD hybrid: The SACD doesn't sound much better than the old version. If you have 5.1 capability, you might find a few surprises. The lower ends are less full, but the high ends sound terrific. The vocals are in line and the phasing seems right. Channel separation is at best somewhat haphazard. Center seems fine, rear fades in and out.
Bottom line: If one is looking for the thrill of 5.1 sound, it ain't here. If one wants a clear clean version, then, yes okay fine, this is the one to buy. However, if you still have a nice LP without too many scratches, then put that one on. Oh and if you have the 45 version of " Tell the Truth" produced by Phil Spector play that instead

Average customer rating: NOT the Mobile Fidelity Ultradisc version outstanding -hard to find The real "Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad"- not to be missed! Great Companion Album Live at the filmour is better!

In Concert Derek and the Dominos Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity Ultradiscs ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Live at the Fillmore The Layla Sessions : 20th Anniversary Edition Delaney & Bonnie On Tour With Eric Clapton Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominos (Rock of Ages) Eric Clapton ASIN: B0007MAKGU Release Date: 2005-01-10

Tracks:

1. Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?
2. Got to Get Better in a Little While
3. Let It Rain
4. Presence of the Lord

Tracks:

1. Tell the Truth
2. Bottle of Red Wine
3. Roll It Over
4. Blues Power
5. Have You Ever Loved a Woman

Album Description

Limited edition re-press of this highly sought-after and long deleted two-disc live set, originally released in 1973. Features Eric Clapton on guitar. Includes the same number of tracks (nine). Universal.

Album Details

Limited Edition of the Live Album from the Early 1970's Group that Featured Guitar Legend Eric Clapton in the Lineup.

Customer Reviews:

NOT the Mobile Fidelity Ultradisc version.......2007-03-23

Amazon has listed the label for this as Mobile Fidelity Ultradisc; this is most certainly not that version. It is a South Korean release of the Polydor Records CD, and is the same as the US / UK version released years ago.

outstanding -hard to find.......2007-01-09

Folks, I had this as an album 25 years ago. I love the version of "why does love have to be sad" I was troubled for many years as I could not find the CD version. To me, this album is better than Filmore simply because it is a bit more raw and reminds me of album rock with a few concert flaws. it makes the versions of songs real and more unique. I would highly recommend this CD.

The real "Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad"- not to be missed!.......2006-03-05

The most important difference between "In Concert" and "Live At The Fillmore" is that this album contains the version of "Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad" that was on the original release. Absolutely some of the best, most singular and unique playing of Eric Clapton's career. His chops were way up and he was obviously "in the zone", playing two long solos with a passionate, intense, imaginative flow of improvisation that is different than anything else he's ever recorded. It is unconscienable that some genius producer replaced this version with the much more pedestrian version on "Live At The Fillmore". It's as though he never even listened to the original release, and he certainly couldn't have been a guitarist. Simply put, if you like Eric's guitar playing you absolutely have to hear this version of "Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad".

Great Companion Album.......2005-11-30

"In Concert" was the live album released as a sort of companion to the Layla masterpiece. I own it as an LP. It features Eric Clapton on guitar, Bobby Whitlock on the keyboards and great backing vocals, Carl Radle on the bass, and the great Jim Gordon on drums. Two all-worlders in Gordon and Clapton, and two very, very solid, experienced sidemen in Whitlock and Radle. A fine band indeed, but not as good as the one on "Layla" because of the lack of guitar virtuoso Duane Allman.

One of the main attractions of "Layla" is the stunning, awesome, incredible guitar interplay between Clapton and Allman. That is, sadly, absent from "In Concert". In fact, to enjoy this album you kind of have to think of THIS version differently from the one on "Layla". Not just in personnel, but in style as well.

This band is solid, smooth and polished, lacking that hard, raw edged power of the +Allman band. They play long jams, smoothly, professionally, and so easily they act like they're barely trying.

Clapton is great. Gordon is great. Whitlock and Radle add to Gordon to make a fantastic rhythm section. The album cruises along, featuring great playing by a band that was as tight as any ever. This recording shows that. As good a live recording of a great band as you will ever find.

5 Stars.

Live at the filmour is better!.......2005-10-27

Most people I talk to or read reviews by say that this, Derek And The Dominos: In Concert is better then Live At The Filmour, now I just dont agree. While the performances here a good all around, I mean everysong is performed flawlesly so there is nothing to complain about there. [...] Eric Clapton is like always mindblowing live. The backing band is perfect as well. But everyone says the versions here of 'Tell The Truth' along with 'Why Does Love God To Be So Sad' are better here, well while they are really wonderful here I think the versions on At The Filmour are superior, by a long shot.

This opens with 'Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad' one of the bands most upbeat and harder rocking songs, and it was deffinatley the best way to start off the night. 'Got To Get Better In A While' is pulled off nicely here but once again I think the other version is better. 'Let It Rain' is one of Eric Claptons all time best songs and the solo is amazing and when I hear him play it live he takes the songs to a whole nother leavel. 'Presence Of The Lord' is not a song that I absolutly love but it is a song that features some amazing guitar playing by Eric and Duane. 'Tell The Truth' is my favorite Derek And The Dominos songs, the guitar is amazing and so are the lyrics and the arrangements and every time I hear it live it is amazing no matter what version I hear. 'Bottle Of Red Whine' is one of the best songs Eric Clapton ever recorded in his solo carear, and here with Duane's help this song is made into one of the greatest guitar anthems ever! 'Roll It Over' is a nice bluesy shuffle of a song that is performed really well here, I think this version is better then the other one though. 'Blues Power' is one of those songs that blows your mind everytime you put on Eric Claptons first solo album, and then you hear it live and you go oh, my God, that man is God! The album and the night end with 'Have You Ever Loved A Woman' which is one of the heaviest and deepest blues songs ever written, the guitar is so powerful that there is no need for the lyrics but they do add a nice touch. This was a really good way to close out the night.

As good as all the songs here are I hought that for the most part the other versions are better. Another thing that I dont really like about this one is that there are far fewer songs on this record then on At The Filmour. But other then those few minor compliants this is a pretty good live album, all Eric Duane and Derek And The Dominos Fans should own this one!

Average customer rating: Endlessly delightful More French Baroque music on piano

François Couperin: Keyboard Music, Vol. 3 Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Couperin, François | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chaconnes | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Hewitt, Angela | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: François Couperin: Keyboard Music, Vol. 2 Couperin: Keyboard Music, Vol. 1 Rameau: Keyboard Suites Chabrier: Piano Music Bach: The Toccatas ASIN: B000B8656Y Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

1. Les Lis Naissans
2. Les Rozeaux
3. L'Engageante
4. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
5. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
6. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
7. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
8. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
9. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
10. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
11. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
12. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
13. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
14. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
15. Les Folies Francoises, Ou Les Dominos
16. L'Ame-En-Peine
17. Le Rossignol-En-Amour
18. La Linote-Efarouchee
19. Les Fauvetes Plaintives
20. Le Petit-Rien
21. Les Idees Heureuses
22. Le Dodo, Ou L'Amour Au Berceau
23. La' Mezangere
24. La Muse-Plantine
25. Le Reveil-Matin
26. La Fovorite
27. La Lutine
28. La Distraite
29. L'Himen-Amour
30. La Menetou

Amazon.com

Angela Hewitt is best known for her excellent Bach recordings, but in her less-comprehensive series of Couperin's works written for the harpsichord she matches that high standard. Fans of the French Baroque will know this music and may need to adjust to the sound of the piano. But the open-minded will be captivated by her buoyant playing and by her refusal to imitate the harpsichord. Instead, she brings the resources of the modern concert grand to bear on these stylized scores--"authenticity" becomes irrelevant to the immense pleasure generated. Hewitt's ornamentation is stylishly convincing, as is her wit, attention to detail, and beautiful tonal production. She plays all of the Treizième Ordre and a generous selection of pieces from Couperin's other works, focusing on those she believes work best on the piano. The captivating result makes one sorry that, as she writes in her lucid notes, this will be the last of her Couperin series. Hyperion's vibrant sound does full justice to Hewitt's colorful playing. -- Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Endlessly delightful.......2006-03-05

While I agree that these selections do not match the grandeur of Hewitt's previous recording, they do exude as much -- if not more -- charm and elegance as ever before. Hewitt's playing is nimble, delicate, lucid, and heartfelt. Amazingly coupled with the grace and fluidity of the performances is a captivating touchingness and melancholy. The only disappointment for me is that this is the end of the cycle. Would that there were more!!

More French Baroque music on piano.......2005-12-02

With this third volume, Angela Hewitt concludes her survey of Couperin's major keyboard music and proves that, in the hands of someone as steeped in Baroque keyboard style as herself, music which was previously thought the exclusive domain of the harpsichordist can be fully expressed on modern piano to great effect. So how does this third and last CD compare? In Volume I, we had mostly Couperin's earlier works of great granduer, inventiveness, pure charm and full of sunny, dancing melodies. Then in Volume II (the late works) the landscape darkened a bit with Couperin's most personal expressions of touching poignancy and deep melancholy. Volume III here is a mixture of these moods and showcases the imaginative 13th Ordre with its creative mimicking of twelve characters from a masked ball (of the era of Louis XIV) along with several wonderfully ponderous pieces in true Couperin poetry.

Not only is Hewitt's survey of Couperin's music here rather ground-breaking (given few if any recordings done on the piano for them), but it also sets a high standard. Hewitt's gingerly touch, knack for dance rhythms and poetic depth are well-suited to Couperin's graceful, inventive and sadness-tinged music. Right from the rhythmic opening movement and its "tripping" theme, Miss Hewitt sets a delightful and confident attitide towards this music. In the next two gentle pieces, her lyrical depths emerge to meld with Couperin's melancholic intent. This same emotive playing finds its home in several moving, introspective works (tracks 19, 21 and 26) suggestve of the composer's deep yearings and sadness (from perhaps his health struggles). In all these, Miss Hewitt seems to really find the emotional core and present it to us with great tenderness and artistry.

But, soon the fun and frolic begins with "Les Folies Francoises" - a delightful and imaginative miniature "theme-and-variations" ordre in which each variation parodies some virture or emotion (hope, jealousy, fidelity, despair etc). As such it is truly early "programmic music" - as is most of Couperin's music with their odd titles. In the masked ball parody, Hewitt covers the range of expressive textures brilliantly - from the festivity in the "Couquetry" piece to the dark moodiness of "Jealousy" played in the lower half of the keyboad. As the pianist quotes in her abundant notes, "This work is a microcosm of Couperin's art, its tragic passion, its whitty urbanity, its sensuous charm." Indeed.

Once again here we see Miss Hewitt's mastery of the composer and his music - most notably her scrupulous attention to detail to Couperin's precise score notations. Her skill in these most-important ornamentations show both a well-studied approach and fine taste, integrating them into the tapestry of the music smoothly and attractively. As such, her playing really has a more gentle, feminine quality in its appeal. Hewitt certainly makes a strong case for this music on piano, especially the greater nuance of expression afforded the piano in the slower movements. I know some insist this music is best suited for the harpsichord, but it is hard to resist this artist's ability to produce music of such tonal beauty and pianistic richness. Her emphasis on such tonal beauty is once again fully supported by Hyperion who produced a sparkling clear and bright sound quality (much like Volume II) with richly developed timbre from her Steinway in an attractive, mildly resonant recording ambiance.

While there are many fascinating textures and themes played marvelously by Angela Hewitt in this third release, I have to admit I found the pieces in the first two Hyperion recordings slightly more musically interesting in scope, granduer, lyricism and expressiveness. If you are wondering which one to get first, I would say definately Volume I. But, overall, Hewitt plays this music most elgantly and with just the right elan and sensitively to Couperin's intent. I find a refreshing quality in all her Couperin recordings that makes them some of my favorite to play throughout the day. They are easy on the ear, yet musically rich and satisfying. Fans of Angela Hewitt or the French Baroque should find more of a good thing here in Hewitt's third Couperin CD and much to celebrate in her delicate and tasteful pianism. Also her very useful accompanying notes to guide you along add to the attractiveness of this release. And the cover art is particular sumptuous as well. Rating - 4.5 stars.

And continuing in the tradition of French keyboard music, Angela Hewitt has since recorded works by Emmanuel Chabrier and Rameau - both on the Hyperion label.

Average customer rating: Best Clapton on record simply the best a great live recording by Derek (eric ) and the dominoes

In Concert Derek and the Dominos Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Layla Sessions : 20th Anniversary Edition Live at the Fillmore Delaney & Bonnie On Tour With Eric Clapton Europe 72 Blind Faith ASIN: B000008F08 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?
2. Got to Get Better in a Little While
3. Let It Rain
4. Presence of the Lord

Tracks:

1. Tell the Truth
2. Bottle of Red Wine
3. Roll It Over
4. Blues Power
5. Have You Ever Loved a Woman

Customer Reviews:

Best Clapton on record.......2005-08-25

D&D Live at the Fillmore is superb, but In Concert has a different version of Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad that is wonderfully loose and melodious, the best Clapton guitar playing I have ever heard.

simply the best.......2005-06-05

The 'In Concert' discs from Derek (aka Eric Clapton) & the Dominos stand as one of the finest live rock recordings of all time. If you own the 'Live At The Fillmore' discs, however, owning these particular recordings may be superfluous. The 'Live At The Fillmore' recordings are available in abundance, and the price is agreeable. 'In Concert' discs, though more readily available with the recent appearance of a reasonably priced Japanese import, still are selling for double the price. Given the nominal distinctions, most customers, though not all collectors, should opt for the less costly (and in many ways more rewarding) 'Live At The Fillmore' version.

The vinyl 'In Concert' albums predated the 'Live At The Fillmore' CD's by two decades, so a lot of baby boomers have a penchant for the former discs, even though both owe their origins to recordings made over two evenings at The Fillmore East in October of 1970. Clapton was at the absolute peak of his career, with a compelling catalog of songs to draw from, and a talent untainted by the excessive drug usage that would soon put his career on hold for much of the early 1970's. The 'In Concert' discs offer expansive renditions of tracks from his first solo album ('Let It Rain', 'Bottle of Red Wine' and 'Blues Power'), his double studio album titled 'Layla' ('Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad', 'Tell the Truth', and the bluesy 'Have You Ever Loved a Woman'), Blind Faith ('Presence of the Lord') and two tracks that were originals, 'Got To Get Better In a Little While' and 'Roll It Over'.

The 'In Concert' discs only offer three differences from the 'Live At The Fillmore' release. While 'Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad', 'Tell the Truth', and 'Let It Rain' all appear on the 'Live At The Fillmore' recordings, the versions offered on 'In Concert' are different performances. Clapton and crew performed two concerts each night they played The Fillmore East, so most likely 4 versions of each song were recorded. The versions of 'Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad' and 'Let It Rain' are longer on the 'Live At The Fillmore' discs (9:33 versus 14:49, and 17:47 versus 18:19 respectively), while 'Tell the Truth' is longer on the 'In Concert' version (11:20 versus 11:04). Which versions are of superior quality is debatable. I have a preference for the 'In Concert' versions of 'Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad' and 'Tell the Truth', and the 'Live At The Fillmore' version of 'Let It Rain', but the truth is I'm overjoyed that all of them are available. I also believe the 'Live At The Fillmore' recordings are a better transfer from the master tapes, but none of these recordings are expendable due to recording quality in my opinion.

Undoubtedly most consumers would compare the two collections and conclude that the 'Live At The Fillmore' discs are superior since 4 additional songs are included, but those alternate versions of three classic Clapton performances are enough to motivate a true collector to make the purchase of the 'In Concert' discs. The liner inserts and booklet also offer the nostalgia of owning replica's of the original vinyl album graphics and photographs, which are not available in the 'Live At The Fillmore' package. It's the real test of what separates the Derek & the Dominos fanatic from the average fan. Tell the truth, who are you?

a great live recording by Derek (eric ) and the dominoes.......2003-03-27

this is not the same album as the Derek and the Dominoes at the fillmore. Even if these songs were recorded at the same shows the songs seem more together and not as loose and sometimes sloppy as the fillmore album. The solos even the longer ones seem sharper and the band as a whole sounds tighter on this album not as rough as they sound on the fillmore album. this album is easily one of eric clapton's best live recordings.

Average customer rating: Maturity and Accomplishment - Authentic Cajun Musicallity A sound of their own that balances roots conformity with contemporary creativity Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys scale the heights again!

Dominos Steve Riley Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd 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 Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Bon Rêve Live! Right Key, Wrong Keyhole La Musique Happytown ASIN: B000ASDG8U Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

1. Dominos
2. Pays Des Etrangers/Land Of Strangers
3. Ardon Medley
4. La Vie D'un Vieux Garcon/Bachelor's Life
5. Marie Mouri/Marie Has Died
6. Napoleon B. Fruge
7. Coulee Rodair
8. Les Clefs De La Prison/Keys To The Prison
9. Elise
10. Espere Jusque'A Je Pleurer/Wait Till I Finish Crying
11. Waxia
12. Tu Peux Cogner/Keep A Knockin'
13. Mazurka
14. Ramifacajuns
15. Riviere De Temps/River Of Time

Album Description

An American band singing in their native French, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys create a chain reaction of tradition, innovation and beauty, and present the music of South Louisiana at the level of the finest in folk and world music. Dominos extends the vision of Bon Rêve, their Grammy-nominated release from 2003, into a future full of hope for their irrepressible culture. The DVD side contains interviews with the band, and performances of "Ardoin Medley," "Marie Has Died," "Sweet Dreams" and "Wait Till I Finish Crying."

Customer Reviews:

Maturity and Accomplishment - Authentic Cajun Musicallity.......2006-08-16

This album is a great piece of work. The last few CDs have shown a steady growth in maturity and accomplishment and this is the best yet. Admittedly I am a big fan and Steve and the band can do no wrong as far as I can see, but this is just a great recording. If you are new to Cajun music I would heartily recommend this as the peak of Cajun musicallity. I just love the soulful feel of the waltzes and when the more upbeat two-steps kick in it is almost impossible not to move along to the springing rhythm. Check out the live recordings available on CD to get a taste of how energised this band can be in concert. Dominos presents an authentic Cajun band that has been perfectly captured in the studio.

A sound of their own that balances roots conformity with contemporary creativity.......2005-11-24

Playing Time - CD (58:36) plus DVD -- Ayeeee! "Dominos" is the tenth release from Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Nine of them are on the reputable Rounder Records label. Steve Riley is a very talented Cajun accordionist and fiddler. David Greely, also a fiddler, is a founding member of the band too. The other members are Kevin Dugas (drums, triangle), Brazos Huval (bass) and Sam Broussard (guitars). Steve Riley grew up in the small Louisiana town of Mamou where French is spoken on the street. He plays a single-row diatonic instrument made by his cousin, accordionist Marc Savoy. He also plays a triple-row accordion. David Greely grew up near Baton Rouge, served as an apprentice to Dewey Balfa, and has studied and toured area rich in Acadian history from where his mother's family, the Thériots, come from. I wish he would've included some of his fine saxophone playing on "Dominos."

With many releases under their belts, this exceptional band from Louisiana has been very prolific and popular over the years. They present some excellent dancehall music that is comprised mainly of two-steps and waltzes. The 24-page CD booklet includes all the French lyrics (and English translations). The songs have straightforward messages which are easy to comprehend like "I'm working really hard, I'm working as a day laborer. When I collect my week's pay, All I think of is spending it" from "La vie d'un vieux garcon" (The Bachelor's Life). That song comes from the canon D.L. Menard, a preservationist of a pure Cajun sound. If you think the lyrics are all about partying, there's also a sad element imparted in minor key on "Marie mouri" (Marie Has Died), a haunting piece with lyrics from a poem by a Louisiana slave named Pierre. About a half of the album is their own high-stepping original material. The remainder are covers from D.L. Menard, Denis McGee, Canray Fontenot, Nolan Dugas, and Slim Doucet.

True to a more traditional style such as that of the Balfa Brothers, this band keeps their sound dominated by fiddle and accordion. While some other Cajun bands are being influenced by rock, R&B and blues, the guys on this album are passionate about Cajun tradition. At the same time, they've created a sound of their own for people who want to boogie from the bayous into the 21st Century. Akin to Belton Richard and the Musical Aces, there are a few country and rock ingredients in the Mamou Playboys' gumbo.

After cutting a bean on a song like "Coulee Rodair" and thinking you have this group pegged, they serve up an a cappella rendition of "Les clefs de la prison" (The Keys to the Prison), a song which Alan Lomax recorded Elita Huffpauir singing in 1934. Country influences are most apparent in a beautiful waltz written by drummer Kevin Dugas' father, Nolan Dugas. "Tu peux cogner" (Keep A-Knockin') is a Cajun version of a song from Texan western swinger Milton Brown. David Greely's instrumental "Ramificajuns" even has a bluegrass flavor that reminds me of a upbeat fiddle tune like "Billy in the Lowground." The album closes with Sam Broussard's "Riviere de temps" (River of Time) which dispels any myths about the simplicity of Cajun music. I like his observation that "A hard head has its value, It holds the family together..." Many of the band's extended family and friends are shown in the album's cover photograph. After the song ends, we hear Steve Riley and his grandfather from a 1975 recording.

Flip the disc over and you are also treated to a DVD that has interviews with band members, as well as performances of four selections. That's right, folks. This is one of those new high-tech (and rather costly to produce) 2-sided discs with both CD and DVD.

Together since 1988, their gumbo is upbeat and spirited dance music. With a very similar and successful band formula found on their Grammy-nominated 2003 "Bon Reve" release (Rounder 11661-6112-2), "Dominos" captures the heart, soul and groove of Cajun music. Proponents and among the leaders of the Cajun revival, Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys are both preservationists and innovators who balance roots conformity with contemporary creativity. Sounds to me like their acquiescence to tradition, mixed with a little heterodoxy, has simply allowed these ambassadors to create their own strong signature sound. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys scale the heights again!.......2005-10-08

Every time I think Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys have reached a peak, they surprise me by finding and scaling a new one, extending and enriching the Cajun musical tradition and breathing new life into it with each new effort. Dominos is such an effort, a magnificent blending of old tunes re-envisioned and new one created by the boys, mournful tunes (Pays des Éstrangers and Marie Mouri) and celebrations of love and life, back-porch simplicity (Ardoin Medley's opening), dance-hall outrageousness and the simple beauty of perfect twin fiddles in Napoleon B. Frugé and their ever-improving a capella harmony heard in Clefs de la Prison. Some exquisite guitar work on Couleé Rodair and Ramificajuns is also not to be overlooked.

Highlights of the material include the title track, Dominos, the magnificent Ardoin Medley (also performed on the DVD side), Napoleon B. Frugé (okay, I'll confess, it's one of my favorites), Ramificajuns (you've just got to love that title) and Marie Mouri. The lyric was taken from a poem written by a late Creole slave by the name of Pierre; it's now transformed by the simple music and wonderful voice of David Greeley to a beautiful lament for lost love (also included on the DVD side). Don't miss the Texas Swing in Tu Peux Cogner, either.

The whole effort, at least for me, is summed up in the final track, Rivière de Temps (River of Time). I'm not going to spoil it for you by saying more about it. Get this release and enjoy it for yourself. There's a little treat at the end, too.

The DVD side's bonus material is a video mélange of staged performances, interviews with the band's core, another with Dr. Barry Ancelet (a long-time supporter of the band and Professor of Folklore and Francophone Studies in the Department of Modern Languages at USL) and a live performance in front of a home crowd in Henderson, LA. The latter just begins to touch the excitement that this band can ignite at festivals and dance halls all over the country. I can personally attest to the fire this band can light under a crowd, and the way the crowd feeds back that higher level to the band in a loop that just rocks the dance-hall. The video is certainly of interest, and enjoyable, but the production values are a bit of the home video level.

One technical note: the DualDisc format can be problematic, not playing on all hardware. My recently-purchased (July 2005) Dimension 4700's CD/DVD drive will play the DVD side of the DualDisc with no problem, but if I want to listen to the CD side, I need to enlist my nearly ten-year old Bose CD Music System to play it. The DualDisc is a slightly thicker media than traditional CDs and is reportedly having trouble with about 15% of players. The result for me is I cannot add this recording to my PC music collection, which up until now included every Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys release.

I'd have rated this at 5 Stars, except for that technical issue.

Average customer rating:

The Jams Manufacturer: Polygram ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Road to Escondido ASIN: B0008ISLOQ

Product Description

The Layla Sessions-20th Anniversary Edition-1)Jam I, 2)Jam II, 3)Jam III, 4)Jam IV, 5)Jam V

Average customer rating:

Doo Wop Vocal Group Greats Boxed 3-cd Set! The Tokens , The Cleftones , The Five Keys , The Cardinals , and The Dominos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B000NWDP4S

Product Description

Disc One: 1 Come Back My Love - The Cardinals * 2 The Glory Of Love - The Five Keys * 3 Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind - The Five Keys * 4 Love Walked In - The Flamingos * 5 Twilight Time - Platters * 6 Blue Velvet - The Moonglows * 7 The Wind - The Diablos * 8 Work With Me - Annie Hank Ballard & The Midnighters * 9 My Memories Of You - The Harptones * 10 Down On My Knees - The Heartbeats * 11 The Letter - Vernon Green & The Medallions * 12 A Casual Look - The Six Teens * 13 Please Send Me Someone To Love - The Moonglows * 14 Goodnight My Love (Pleasant Dreams) - Jessie Belvin * 15 Count Every Star - The Rivieras * 16 Every Night (I Pray) - The Chantels * 17 I Met Him On Sunday (Ronde-Ronde) - The Shirelles * 18 Bad Boy - The Jive Bombers * 19 Sixty-Minute Man - The Dominoes * 20 Star Dust - Billy Ward And His Dominoes! Disc Two: 1 For Sentimental Reasons - The Cleftones * 2 The Girl I Love - The Cadillacs * 3 I'm Not A Juvenile Delinquent - Frankie Lymon And The Teenagers * 4 Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters * 5 Come Softly To Me - The Fleetwoods * 6 Chapel Of Dreams - The Dubs * 7 Happy, Happy Birthday Baby - The Tune Weavers * 8 Don't You Just Know It - Huey 'Piano' Smith & The Clowns * 9 Little Bitty Pretty One - Thurston Harris & The Sharps * 10 Down The Aisle Of Love - The Quin-Tones * 11 A Million To One - Jimmy Charles & The Revelettes * 12 Once Upon A Time - Rochell & The Candles With Johnny Wyatt * 13 Moonlight Cocktails - The Rivieras * 14 Deep Purple - Billy Ward And His Dominoes * 15 At The Hop - Danny & The Juniors * 16 Little Darlin' - The Diamonds * 17 Lonely Way - The Skyliners * 18 Sea Of Love Phil Phillips With - The Twilights * 19 Those Oldies But Goodies (Remind Me Of You) - Little Caesar & The Romans * 20 I Believe - The Earls * Disc Three: 1 A Wonderful Dream - The Majors * 2 Village Of Love - Nathaniel Mayer And The Fabulous Twilights * 18 more!

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