Style [Import]

Track Listings

 
1. Namie's Style
2. Indy Lady
3. Put 'Em Up
4. So Crazy
5. Don't Lie To Me
6. Lovebite
7. Four Seasons
8. Fish
9. Gimme More
10. As Good As
11. Shine More
12. Come
13. Wishing On The Same Star

Style,Namie Amuro,Avex Trax,Rock/Pop,World Music
Rock Art and the X-Ray Style
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Absolutely amazing, as expected
  • Joe saw the world; made a timeless record
  • Someday Joe will be remembered for more than the Clash
  • Classic Joe
  • Everything Strummer touches is gold
Rock Art and the X-Ray Style
Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros
Manufacturer: Hellcat Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00001X51J
Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

  1. Tony Adams
  2. Sandpaper Blues
  3. X-Ray Style
  4. Techno D-Day
  5. The Road To Rock 'N' Roll
  6. Diggin' The New
  7. Nitcomb
  8. Forbidden City
  9. Yalla Yalla
  10. Willesden To Cricklewood

Amazon.com

The Clash made their splash playing raucous punk rock earmarked by a twin chainsaw guitar attack and Joe Strummer's strained vocal barks, so it's easy to forget that they could create some lovely music. See Sandinista!'s "Rebel Waltz" and "Charlie Don't Surf," London Calling's "Death or Glory," and Combat Rock's "Straight to Hell." The boy who used to scream "White Riot!" realized there are other ways to be heard than shouting fire in a crowded theater, and there is no denying that the Clash wanted to be heard. It's a lesson Joe Strummer has carried on as he's gone from angry young man to wizened elder, and with his new album, Rock Art and the X-Ray Style, and new band, the Mescaleros, he trades in the snip and snarl of punk for a loose yet powerful amalgam of blues, country, and reggae grooves. It provides a perfect canvas for Strummer's still potent messages of social insight and political critique, painted with his warm but ravaged vocal chords. Aside from the misstep of the second track, "Sandpaper Blues," Rock Art bristles with outstanding songs. On "Tony Adams," Strummer rants atop a rocking reggae shuffle, "I am waiting for the rays of the morning sun / Somebody tell me clearly--has the New World begun?" On "Techno D-Day" (as close to a Clash City Rocker as you'll find these days) he reinvigorates rock with a revolutionary agenda. The album's best cut, however, is the lovely closer, "Willesden to Cricklewood," a wonderful, wispy tune that finds Strummer waxing poetic on an afternoon whiled away with friends and family in a small town. It's a far cry from the apocalyptic vision in the Clash's "London's Burning," but no less powerful. --Tod Nelson

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely amazing, as expected.......2007-03-20

This is one of those albums you just let spin--- no need to skip a thing. Wait-- I take it back-- there are some tracks worth playing a couple times now and then. Great for all moods and locales.
Joe Strummer will forever be so very missed. His legacy is critical to more than just rock. What an amazing person. His lyrics read like a book. "Forbidden City" is brilliant-- but then again-- so is this entire album.
Without a doubt-- a must-buy.

5 out of 5 stars Joe saw the world; made a timeless record.......2006-11-03

There is beautiful music on this disk. It is one of my favorite records, praise I would not hand out frivolously. Joe's music here is rich, textured, subtle, worldly, gentle, introspective... but it is also catchy, energetic and charged. Like the Clash catalog, this album is a progression forward with musical exploration. Clash records didn't always strike gold, but you can't accuse Joe of recording the same album twice. The music on X-Ray achieves power without over using the typical "punk" techniques of loud volume, machine-gun drums (sorry Topper) or excessive angst. It's like sitting down with an older wise man and letting his experience and insightfulness dazzle you gently without explosions or exaggeration to hold your attention. There is a toned muscular confidence on this album that keeps the listener there. The music is solid. There is no shortage of ideas or over used ones like the case with Sandinista. Each song has it's own clear identity. This is the 80's album Robert Plant wishes he could have made when he was pretentiously toiling in World music and coming up dull and duller.

Put this disk in the car stereo and go for a drive. By the time "Diggin' the New" and "Forbidden City" kick in, you will already be in a great state of mind.

5 out of 5 stars Someday Joe will be remembered for more than the Clash.......2006-07-17

This may not the be the best piece of music Joe Strummer has ever created--London Calling will forever be remembered as one of the most important records ever produced, and the other two Mescaleros albums are just as good--but this is my favorite.

I began as a Clash fan. They were my favorite band and London Calling was my favorite album for years. I own everything they ever made except Combat Rock, which, at first, I didn't buy because I thought it was a "sell-out" album, and by the time I realized how stupid that was I didn't really care anymore. But if I can blaspheme for a moment, I like everything the Mescaleros have done better than anything by the Clash. In fact, I like it A LOT better. That's partly because my tastes have mellowed out some, but, regardless, this is a fantastic album, as are Global A Go-Go and Streetcore.

Once you get past the opener "Tony Adams," which almost sounds like a natural next step for the clash, with its yelling Joe on vocals, the first thing you'll be shocked by is the African/world-beat sounds of "Sandpaper Blues" and really the whole album. The second thing you'll notice, especially towards the end of the album, is how much Joe softened as he aged. Songs like "Nitcomb" and "Willesden to Cricklewood" are much mellower than any Clash creation. Of course, Rock Art still has plenty of fury, which the later Mescaleros albums have a little less of, on tracks like "Tony Adams" and "Techno D-Day."

Really, Rock Art has a little of everything. It's at points angry, introspective, furious, soft, and always eclectic and always entertaining. Highly reccomended.

4 out of 5 stars Classic Joe.......2006-06-29

Fans of The Clash will not be disappointed with this effort from Joe and the boys. I bought the CD on the strength of Tony Adams & Yalla Yallah downloaded a while back and the rest of the tracks are equally good :o)

5 out of 5 stars Everything Strummer touches is gold.......2005-07-20

OK, I could go on and on about the man and his music but I just wanted to second the one reviewer's opinion about the title track, "X-Ray Style". I must have listened to this one about 200 times and never once felt the urge to skip it. The guy's right, I think it might be the most beautiful song Joe ever wrote, and that is saying something.

Oh yeah, the rest of the album ain't too bad either! But why are you wasting time reading this? Add it to your cart already!

OK, now back to that song again...
"I need some rock art / That don't come in no phial..."
M.F.Horn 2 & The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • MF2 is a Must Own
  • Strange pairing, but well worth having
  • MF Horn 2 & The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson
  • Nobody does it better
  • MF2 / Ballad Style
M.F.Horn 2 & The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson
Maynard Ferguson
Manufacturer: Dutton Vocalion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000FOQHFI
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

  1. Give It One
  2. Country Road
  3. Theme From 'Shaft'
  4. The Summer Knows
  5. Mother
  6. Spinning Wheel
  7. Free Wheeler
  8. Hey Jude
  9. Born Free
  10. Girl Talk
  11. If He Walked Into My Life
  12. The Fool On The Hill
  13. The Impossible Dream
  14. Somewhere
  15. Maria
  16. As Long As He Needs Me
  17. Hushabye Mountain
  18. The Sound Of Silence
  19. You Only Live Twice

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars MF2 is a Must Own.......2007-07-30

As noted by virtually everyone, the pairing of MF2 and "Ballad style..." is bizarre. Columbia had the brains to reissue MF's 1 & 2 on vinyl in the mid-seventies; that would have made a heck of a lot more sense.

But in a sense, it doesn't really matter. If MF2 were backed up with "Maynard reads the phone book" it would still be a must-have for every collection.

The MF albums made band geeks explode in paroxysms of glee, and it made band geeks out of people who thought big band music was for our grandparents.

Maynard's career went through several stages. This stage began with the explosion of the MF band on the scene, band of absolute awesome power, the band that ended every performance with "Hey Jude", just so loud and powerful and anarchic and raw and, well, loud. This was the band that made Kenton sound rather tame and conservative. MF2 and Chameleon were the two peak album of the periods, and while the studio albums never completely captured the MF band's live awesomeness, it's as good as you can get.

The end of this period saw the sudden emergence of Disco Maynard, when he hit it big with his cover of "Gonna Fly Now." Concerts no longer ended with "Hey Jude," and the anarchy had its hair slicked back and buttoned down, though at times it would still peek through.

4 out of 5 stars Strange pairing, but well worth having.......2007-07-09

Other than the fact that the two albums on this CD were recorded in the same era of Maynard's career (just three years apart), they have nothing in common, so they make a strange pair for this re-issue. Still, they represent two sides of Maynard's playing that all of his fans should be exposed to.
M.F. Horn 2 really turned the corner for Maynard's wider appeal to a younger 1970s-era audience. He used much of this material in concert appearances for years to come. As someone who attended many of those concerts, I can confirm that "Give It One" is an exciting way to open a concert, and the track belongs on every MF playlist. "Country Road," "Theme from Shaft," and "Spinning Wheel" became popular arrangements for high school and college jazz ensembles with high aspirations and a desire to pay homage to MF. Some reviewers have given high praise to the album's version of "Hey Jude," but personally, I never cared much for this tune, even for the Beatles' original version. The real magic of Maynard's rendition can only be duplicated in concert, where the whole trumpet section would move out into the audience and scream the repeated chorus like Maynard clones in the midst of the frenzied crowd.
And now for something completely different: The Ballad Style. Many jazz artists of that era did "easy listening" albums in a attempt to broaden their audience and sell more records. Fortunately, Maynard was among those who could flourish in this setting as well. Some things are a bit over the top (such as the intro to the opening track "Born Free"), but Maynard fans may find this endearing even if the uninitiated find it tasteless. But the man was capable of great beauty as well. Check out "If He Walked Into My Life," "The Impossible Dream," "As Long As He Needs Me," "Somewhere," and "Maria." (Essentially the same arrangement of "Maria," written for big band instead of orchestra, appears on the Two Big Bands CD. I prefer that recording of this tune.) There's even a pretty respectable arrangement of the James Bond theme "You Only Live Twice." I must admit, however, that it seems odd, even humorous, to contemplate Maynard playing tunes with names like "Hushabye Mountain" and "The Sound of Silence." Think about it.
For those who like variety in their Maynard assortment, this CD is a good deal.

5 out of 5 stars MF Horn 2 & The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson.......2007-05-07

M.F.Horn 2 has better sound quality than the orginal album and is still a fantastic big band jazz "gots to have" selection. The Ballad collection is a treat and is great to share with young up and coming band members. An excellent purchase.

5 out of 5 stars Nobody does it better.......2007-03-28

Maynard, you are the best of the best. A true gigster. A man born to play that horn. What a gift! Wow!

3 out of 5 stars MF2 / Ballad Style.......2007-03-16

I have to reluctantly agree with other reviewers that this collection is not the best representation of Ferguson's work. While those of us that grew up listening to MF2 have a sentimental attachment to it, it is firmly a product of its time. Only two of the eight cuts are original compositions and, in my opinion, they have aged better than the other six covers of pop tunes of the day. For those unfamiliar with Ferguson's early 70's work, the first MF Horn album, or the MF 3/4/5 collection would be a better starting point. For those looking for first introduction to Maynard, his 1950's recordings are recommended, such as: "Wow - The Formative Years", "Verve Jazz Masters 52", the Birdland Dreamband CDs or any of the things he did with Kenton.

But unlike some other reviewers, I would suggest that the "Ballad Style" half of the CD is, in some ways, more interesting than MF2. Ferguson rarely recorded with strings and it's nice to hear him in a large ensemble context. While the MF Horn albums stayed in print well into the 80s, the Ballad Style album apparently came and went fairly quickly and may represent previously unheard material even to those who followed Maynard closely. That being said, with the exception of the two fairly good West Side Story cuts (which he also recorded on other albums with different arrangements), the song selection is tepid late-60's pop or show tunes and Maynard does not seem terribly comfortable with the material or the orchestrations. But it can be very interesting and instructive to hear how a performer deals with adversity and those with a deep interest in Maynard should definitely hear these tracks, at least once.

The sound quality of MF2 is pretty good, and although I don't know how it compares with the Wounded Bird CD of the same material, it's on par with the vinyl versions in my closet. On the other hand, the sound quality of the "Ballad Style" cuts is cloudy, although it's hard to know whether that is because of the quality of the original recordings (probable), the condition of the master tapes (that probably sat untouched for 35 years), or the decisions of the mastering engineer (unlikely).

A comment was made about a mastering problem with a few seconds cut off the beginning of "Country Road". It's an amorphous improvised electric piano introduction and unless you are intimately familiar with the cut as it was originally released, you probably won't notice the missing seconds.
Violin Favourites & Virtuoso Showpieces
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • beautiful ,beautiful
  • Great Recording
Violin Favourites & Virtuoso Showpieces

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007WQHVW
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

  1. Variations on an original theme, Op.15
  2. Romance, Op.78, No.2
  3. Mazurka, Op.81, No.1
  4. Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor-Transcr. Joseph Joachim
  5. Cantabile, Op.17
  6. Scherzo-Tarantelle, Op.16
  7. Nigun (Improvisation)
  8. Perpetuum mobile
  9. The Prophet Bird
  10. Spanish Dance No.1
  11. Waves at play (Wellenspiel)
  12. Carmen Fantasy, Op.25 - Arr. Waxman

Tracks:

  1. Praeludium and Allegro
  2. Schosmarin
  3. Tambourin chinois
  4. Caprice viennois op.2
  5. La Preuse (in the style of Louis Couperin)
  6. Liebesfreud
  7. Liebesleid
  8. La Gitana
  9. Berceuse Romantique (Caprice)
  10. Polichinelle (Snade)
  11. Rondino on a Theme by Beethoven
  12. Tempo di menuetto (in the style of Pugnani)
  13. Toy Soldiers' March
  14. Allegretto (in the style of Boccherini)
  15. Marche miniature viennoise
  16. Aucassin and Nicolette (canzonetta medievale)
  17. Menuet (in the style of Porpora)
  18. Sicilienne and Rigaudon (in the style of Francois Francoeur)
  19. Syncopation

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars beautiful ,beautiful.......2007-05-27

I am not a music critic nor do I "know" much about music but if you love lovely violin music you will love this.

5 out of 5 stars Great Recording.......2007-01-04

The Kreisler pieces are played exceptionally well. The one disc alone is worth the price of the double disc collection. Great playing.
Family Style
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not Your Typical SRV
  • Brothers Rock the House
  • Duet CD A Sad But Pleasant End to Stevie's Career
  • FAMILY STYLE - VAUGHAN BROTHERS
  • The Brothers At Their Best
Family Style
Vaughan Brothers
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000275B
Release Date: 1990-09-07

Tracks:

  1. Hard To Be
  2. White Boots
  3. D/FW
  4. Good Texan
  5. Hillbillies From Outerspace
  6. Long Way From Home
  7. Tick Tock
  8. Telephone Song
  9. Baboom/Mama Said
  10. Brothers

Amazon.com essential recording

Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, just as the first single from this CD, the beautiful Motown/soul-inspired workout "Tick Tock," was about to climb the charts and make the blues-rock hero an international superstar. Thankfully, he was able to make this delightful and laid-back album with his brother. For Jimmie and Stevie Ray, it was a kind of spiritual reunion. Jimmie had followed Stevie down the path to sobriety. These New York City sessions were a spirited celebration intended to mark the beginning of their musical partnership. While some tunes sound like the result of mere jamming, "Telephone Song" is one of Stevie's best numbers: an elegant blues shout with screaming guitar breaks. And Jimmie's B-3 organ-like textures on steel guitar astound. --Ted Drozdowski

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Not Your Typical SRV .......2007-07-12

As a SRV fan, I was a bit disappointed with this CD, partly because I expected to hear a little more of his incendiary guitar playing and soulful vocals. While it's apparent the Vaughan Brothers are having fun collaborating on songs that range in style from Texas Swing, R&B, Country (and yes, even a little Funk), I can't help but feel that SRV underplayed in this one.

I did love the prophetic and beautiful "Tick-Tock" and the R&B-infused "Telephone Song," two songs that give you a glimpse of what might have been in SRV's musical future. In addition, Jimmie and Stevie's work on the instrumental D/FW (a hometown tribute) is exceptional and is a great "car tune."

While I don't regret purchasing this CD--the aforementioned songs are well worth the price of admission--I was a bit surprised by the corny voiceovers and sound effects sprinkled throughout. Nevertheless, if you love SRV and Jimmie, you will forgive them and add this to your collection.

5 out of 5 stars Brothers Rock the House.......2007-05-26

It doesn't get any better than Jimmie & Stevie Ray Vaughn on the same cd. Both, Austin, Texas legends performing their unique brand of blues, rock music. A fine tribute to the Vaughn brothers. Excellent choice.

5 out of 5 stars Duet CD A Sad But Pleasant End to Stevie's Career.......2007-04-06

It still hurts to listen to some music. Hurts because you know that the person that made it is gone, won't make any more music on this side of the veil, and definitely left too soon.

Stevie Ray Vaughan was just beginning to garner the widespread
acclaim that he so richly deserved before his death in a helicopter crash in 1990. Family Style was his last studio release before his death, and he probably would have been pleased that on his last release that he was joined by his brother Jimmie Ray, at the time lead guitarist for the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

From Hard To Be to Baboom/Mama Said, this is just a fun, whimsical record that allows the brothers to play and have fun without taking too much too seriously, except for Tick Tock, the only serious song on the record and a very good message song.

Family Style is a great CD and a poignant reminder of talent lost to us much too soon.

5 out of 5 stars FAMILY STYLE - VAUGHAN BROTHERS.......2006-07-06

This is one of the last of Stevie Ray Vaughan's' albums. It is very fitting that he made it a family affair. This album is exceptional and would be a great addition to anyone's collection.

5 out of 5 stars The Brothers At Their Best.......2004-05-09

Family Style is perhaps Stevie Ray Vaughan's last record before his tragic death in 1990. I love Family Style for so many reason's mainly due to Stevie Ray Vaughan who was expanding his guitar vocabulary further than he had the previous year. Jimmie Vaughan was also at the peek of his career both of the brothers were a good mix between texas blues. I think for the most part the musicians were all different it added a new flavor to Stevie Ray's style. My very favorite song is Long Way From Home, and Brothers. Family Style would reach 7 on the charts becoming Stevie Ray Vaughan's most succesful album. I personally think this is a must have album for any die hard fans of the guitar. Buy this!
Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Marvellous!
  • The best violinist ever!
Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004XST2
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Tracks:

  1. Chanson Sans Paroles
  2. Polonaise De Concert No.1, Op.4
  3. It's Peaceful Here, Op.21 No.7
  4. Chanson Russe
  5. Liebesleid
  6. Slavonic Dance In E Minor, Op.46, No.2
  7. Tempo Di Minuetto (In The Style Of Pugnani)
  8. Romanza Andaluza, Op.22
  9. Melodie
  10. Serenade Espagnole
  11. Serenade (Frasquita)
  12. La Capricieuse, Op.17
  13. Sicilienne
  14. Molly On The Shore
  15. Andantino (In The Style Of Martini)
  16. Marguerite (Daisies), Op.38, No.3
  17. Melodie, Op.42 No.3
  18. Estrellita
  19. Spanish Dance No.5
  20. Berceuse Sfaradite
  21. Caprice In A Minor

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Marvellous!.......2005-11-26

I don't play violin, and I can't even read music, but as a classical music amateur I find this CD outstanding. Even an incompetent like myself can easily understand why Perlman is regarded as one of the greates violinists ever. This is a marvellous collection of pieces. The rendition of "Chanson Russe" by itself is, in my opinion, worth more than the price of the CD. If you listen to the audio samples on Amazon's pages and you like violin you will surely understand why I like this CD so much. I am grateful to People like Perlman, who make this world a better place to live in.

5 out of 5 stars The best violinist ever!.......2001-01-26

All I can say to this CD is it's the best I've ever heard. In this CD, Itzhak Perlman truly demonstrates his best performances of the past years. I have always been a great admirer of Perlman, but since I own this CD, it's all I've listened to for the past three months. I myself play the violin and Perlman has become an inspiration to me, almost a musical idol. For any of those violinists out there, especially young musicians, who don't feel any excitement about playing the violin, listen to this CD and I promise you, you will strive to being able to play like this man does. He is truly the best musician I've ever known.
Gabriela Montero plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc. [Includes Bonus CD]
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Gabriela Montero CDs
  • Non-professional Review
  • Absolutely Magnificent!
  • Improvisations Unbelievable!
  • A beautiful breath of fresh air!
Gabriela Montero plays Chopin, Falla, Ginestera, etc. [Includes Bonus CD]

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Bach & Beyond - Gabriela Montero
  2. Gabriela Montero en Concert à Montréal
  3. Bach & Beyond [United Kingdom]
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  5. Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording

ASIN: B0009VK0LO
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

  1. Moment Musical In E Mino Op. 12 No. 4
  2. Prelude In G Op.32 No.5
  3. Etude-Tableau In D Op.39 No.9
  4. Prelude in D Flat Op.17 No.3
  5. Prelude In E Flat Minor Op.16 No.4
  6. Prelude In G Op.13 No.3
  7. Etude in C Sharp Minor Op.42 No.5
  8. La Vida Breve: First Spanish Dance - Manuel De Falla
  9. Goyescas: Quejas O La Maya Y El Ruisenor
  10. Danza Del Viejo Boyero
  11. Danza De La Moza Donosa
  12. Danza Del Gaucho Matrero
  13. Nocturne In D Flat Op.27 No.2
  14. Fantaisie-Impromptu In C Sharp Minor Op.66
  15. Mephisto Waltz No.1

Tracks:

  1. On Rachmaniov: Vocalise
  2. On The Theme From Bach 'Goldberg Variations'
  3. On Chopin: Nocturne In D Flat
  4. On Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2
  5. Inspired By Scriabin
  6. On Duermete Mi Nino
  7. In The Style Of Tango
  8. On Granados: 'Quejas O La Maya El Ruisenor'
  9. In The Style Of Bach
  10. On Chopin: Prelude In A
  11. 'Improvisation in Blue (Gabriela Montero)'
  12. 'Song for Natalia and Isabella (Gabriela Montero)'

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Gabriela Montero CDs.......2007-06-12

Excellent service -- speedy, just as described, well-packaged. I'd definitely buy from this seller again.

5 out of 5 stars Non-professional Review.......2007-03-27

Okay, I listen almost exclusively to classical music, but I do so simply for the pleasure and nothing more. I cannot tell you about Gabriela Montero's technique, and, when she improvises, I have no ability to judge the music's intrinsic value, authenticity, or whatever. I can only tell you this: while I own many dozens of albums, running the full spectrum of the classical genre, I value none of them above Montero's Bach and Beyond and her Piano Recital. Pure listening joy!

5 out of 5 stars Absolutely Magnificent!.......2007-03-09

I first saw Gabriela Montero on 60 Minutes a few months ago and was taken by her playing ability as well as her ability to improvise on the classics. Ms. Montero's fingers fly over the keyboard, playing Rachmaninoff more dramatically and key-perfect than I've heard in a long time. I decided to purchase this CD and have not been disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars Improvisations Unbelievable!.......2007-01-26

Gabriela Montero is a tremendous talent, both in standard classical repertoire, and improvisation. I have know her since she was a young girl, and she was by far the best pianist around, even then. She is an undersung pianist of our age, and should rise to the top very soon!

5 out of 5 stars A beautiful breath of fresh air!.......2007-01-20

What a sheer delight hearing her play. I've never heard anyone quite like her. A phenomenally gifted player, and it's a rare treat to hear someone who defies pigeonholing. I had heard her on the radio, and knew I was onto something when her improvisation on a very simple theme gave me the chills. I love both CD's in this collection.

It's interesting hearing the negative response coming from some classical musicians and fans. At times it can seem to roughly follow the stages of grief as proposed by Kubler-Ross. I'm a professional guitarist, and it's funny because it's almost identical to how guitarists react to hearing another guitarist, but with an big class-conscious overlay (all very civilized, of course). Think of the "guitarist screwing in a lightbulb" joke. To paraphrase and extrapolate on what someone might say upon hearing her improvisation:

1. Shock: Wow, he's good. Oh, and it's a woman!? And you say it's improvisation??

2. Denial: That can't possibly be improvisation. Classical musicians don't engage in that untidy process. What she's playing must be written out, and I can tell! Don't ask, I just know it.

3. Anger: This stuff is no good. Only permanent music is of value through the ages, and that's why classical music (and only the European kind) is better than any other music. Besides, I can't improvise, so I reject it - and only THOSE people engage in improvisation.

4. Depression: She can play all the classical music, and seemingly can improvise, or at least pass her stuff off as such. Not only that, she's getting attention and money, and we're not. Why is the world unfair?

5. Acceptance: (sort of) Well, I guess she's selling CD's, and is becoming successful. She is, I hate to admit it, a great player. Even if she is a faker. Of course, they're begging my Muffy to become artist-in-residence in Spoleto....

The other reviewer has a point when he says that she may be viewed as a curiosity. Because she's crossing genres, people may not know what to make of it, and this often causes reflexive hostility. As an improvisor, I would agree that it's hard to say that something is 100% improvised - players tend to have pet phrases and favorite general ideas they return to. But to me, Gabriela's playing is at the highest level of skill, beauty, and feeling, whether improvising or playing written pieces.
Love, Niecy Style
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Love listening to the oldies...Neicy style!
  • You'll Love Niecy's Style!
  • A come back!
  • Welcome Back To Soul Music Niecy!
  • You Go Girl!!!!!!!
Love, Niecy Style
Deniece Williams
Manufacturer: Shanachie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Distant Lover
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ASIN: B000N3TZBY
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

  1. That's How Heartaches Are Made
  2. Love's Holiday
  3. This Time I'll Be Sweeter
  4. If You Really Love Me
  5. Someday We'll All Be Free
  6. Cherish
  7. Lady Love Me
  8. The Only Thing Missing
  9. Never Too Much
  10. Cause You Love Me Baby

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Love listening to the oldies...Neicy style!.......2007-07-06

This CD is very easy to listen to, I missed listening to Deniece Williams and this album is a great way to reacquaint herself with her fans.

4 out of 5 stars You'll Love Niecy's Style!.......2007-06-26

The songstress that brought you smash hits like "Silly" and "Let's Hear It For The Boy" resurfaces into the R&B world after having a number of years devoted to gospel music. Deniece Williams' new album Love, Niecy Style is a collection of reworked classics and an entirely new track to prove she's still got what it takes to belt out a jammin' track. She starts off with her rendition of Baby Washington's "That's How Heartaches Are Made" with help from Stevie Wonder on harmonica to bring it all together. Philip Bailey lends an assist by doing his signature background ad-libs for her interpretation of the Earth Wind and Fire classic "Love's Holiday." Deniece shines on "This Time I'll Be Sweeter," her tribute to the late Gwen Guthrie who originally wrote the song. She then sings her heart out on the Stevie Wonder tune "If You Really Love Me" and Donny Hathaway's "Someday We'll All Be Free" before doing a knockout performance of "Cherish" by Kool And The Gang. George Benson joins her for her version of his song "Lady Love Me (One More Time)." She closes out the album strong with the brand new ballad "The Only Thing Missing Is You," a stellar rendition of Luther Vandross' "Never Too Much," and a re-recorded version of her own song "Cause You Love Me, Baby." Fans will enjoy the mix of songs as well as the arrangement of the tracks on this album. After listening to Love, Niecy Style, there will be no doubt in anyone's mind that Deniece Williams can still throw down when it comes to singing R&B

3 out of 5 stars A come back!.......2007-06-01

It's nice to have Deniece Williams back on the R&B scene again. I think she should have done new material. She still has that golden voice of hers for sure! This album could have been a little longer, but maybe this is a warm up for her. It's been over 30 years since the release of her "This Is Niecy" album (1976), and she's trying to get back in sync. You go girl!!!!!

4 out of 5 stars Welcome Back To Soul Music Niecy!.......2007-05-28

Initially, I was hesitant about getting YET ANOTHER 'Remake/Covers' CD, but Deniece WIlliams hasn't recorded SOUL MUSIC in so long, it was worth a shot. After she scored many R&B hits, Niecy released 'Let's Hear It For The Boy' in 1984, and it went to the top of the Pop charts! Needless to say, CBS wanted her to record MORE & MORE of that Pop trash (songs produced by Brad Westering!), and her original R&B fanbase was left out. CBS dropped Niecy during 1989, and she soon returned to her Gospel roots. Fast forward almost 20 years, and Deniece Williams has returned to US...lovers of Soul/R&B Music, and this is cause for celebration, even for a remake CD.
'Love, Niecy Style' gave Ms.Williams a chance to record some of her favorite soul tracks, and put her spin on the classics. This works well for Niecy because her voice hasn't really diminished, and some of her A-list friends were enlisted to spice up things (unlike other Shanachie CDs which mainly employed a tired house band of unknowns!). Niecy couldn't lose with friends like Stevie Wonder, Philip Bailey, and George Duke on board. Here's a few words about each of the 10 tracks...
1. That's How Heartaches Are Made - Nice way to start the CD with Stevie Wonder's distinctive harmonica! The midtempo arrangement works quite well, and Niecy sounds very good on this remake.
2. Love's Holiday - Great! Niecy remakes a classic Earth Wind & Fire track with Philip Bailey providing smooth background vocals (just like he did 30 years ago on the original!). I knew Niecy would cover an EWF track, and she does the song much justice.
3. This Time I'll Be Sweeter - Wow, Niecy did a great job on her version of the Gwen Guthrie/Angela Bofill classic. It's a different feel this time with Niecy's strong Soprano on display as opposed to Bofill's trademark vocal. Niecy does the original some justice.
4. If You Really Love Me - Niecy remakes a Stevie Wonder classic and it sounds like she went back to her old 'Wonderlove' days.
5. Someday We'll All Be Free - Wow, I understand why Niecy cried while recording this track. Donny Hathaway's classic is an emotional song, and Niecy has the vocal chops to interpret the timeless lyrics. Donny would be proud.
6. Cherish - Look, I NEVER LIKED the original version (by Kool & The Gang), and this is my least favorite song on the CD. Sappy SUGARY Pop songs like this have no soul, but Niecy made it a lil' easier to stomach.
7. Lady Love Me - VERY Interesting remake of Gerge Benson's hit. First the title, while perfect for a male singer, isn't good for a woman unless....At any rate, Niecy sounds very engaged here, and I'm happy to say the lyrics are CHANGED to 'Baby Love Me (One More Time)'.
8. The Only Thing Missing - The only original recording on this CD sounds great, and Niecy should've done this type of music a decade ago. It takes me back to her soulful slow jam 'Waiting' (1981), and hopefully this is a sign of things to come for Niecy.
9. Never Too Much - A Luther remake...wow! This is good stuff and I applaud Niecy for covering this classic from 1981. Overall, the arrangement hasn't been changed, but Niecy breathes fresh air into the jam. Luther is smiling down on her!
10. Cause You Love Me Baby - Niecy Sings Niecy!! Yes, our girl flips the script on all these OTHER remake CDs, and decides to cover one of HER CLASSICS from her 1976 debut. Hearing this version illustrates how GREAT of a job Maurice White & Charles Stepney did producing Niecy 31 years ago. Deniece sounds 'very good' here, but the musicians can't touch the job that EWF did back in the day. Nice remake though.

With all things considered, I'm rating 'Love, Niecy Style' 4 stars!!
The CD loses a star because it's ONLY 10 tracks long, failure to include more pictures of Niecy, and including that pop song 'Cherish'.
I recommend 'Love, Niecy Style' to the many fans of Deniece Williams, and let's pray that she returns with a full CD in the near future.
Peace, Sean D
(of 'Chakasworld')

5 out of 5 stars You Go Girl!!!!!!!.......2007-05-28

I really love this new C.D. by Deniece Williams and I can agree with you guys when you say she took the songs and made them her own. She did a remarkable job! I'm sure that the original artist who are still with us are proud of her and those that are not, would be proud.

I highly recommend "ALL" Deniece Williams fans to pick up this C.D. You will not be disappointed.

Deniece has a lot of respect in all she do, think, speak and sing.
She has an incredible voice, Style, beauty, and, intellect with little to just about no limit to what she can do and no matter what genre she sing from, God's light still shines through her. So "Niecy" if you read this review, All your true fans want you to "Keep Up The Good Work" don't listen to the HATERS because they don't know good music when they hear it.

Thank you for the Mother's Day gifts.
Górecki: Symphony No. 3 ("Symphony of Sorrowful Songs"); Three Olden Style Pieces
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Beautiful music!
  • Among the greatest Classical compositions
  • Dark poetry; tragic exuberance!
  • Sorrow wrapped in radiance
  • When sorrow becomes exquisite beauty...
Górecki: Symphony No. 3 ("Symphony of Sorrowful Songs"); Three Olden Style Pieces

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  4. Henryk Gorecki: Symphony 3 "Sorrowful Songs"
  5. Arvo Pärt Sanctuary

ASIN: B0000013YW
Release Date: 1994-06-28

Tracks:

  1. Symphony No. 3, Op. 36 (Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs): Lento - Sostenuto tranquillo ma cantabile
  2. Symphony No. 3, Op. 36 (Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs): Lento e largo - Tranquillisimo
  3. Symphony No. 3, Op. 36 (Symphony Of Sorrowful Songs): Lento - Cantabile semplice
  4. 3 Olden Style Pieces: I
  5. 3 Olden Style Pieces: II
  6. 3 Olden Style Pieces: III

Amazon.com

The current Schwann catalog lists nine versions of Górecki's phenomenally popular Symphony 3 (Sorrowful Songs) composed in 1976. During his early career, Górecki embraced serialism and concentrated on instrumental sonorities in the vein of Messiaen. But in Symphony 3, his atonality disappears into a strategy of gently mounting thematic pitches, taking the strings through all possible registers. All three movements are marked lento, rare for any symphony. The Elektra Nonesuch recording has tended to be the bestseller, but give this Naxos release a try--it's just as good. The sound is excellent and the performances are above reproach. --Paul Cook

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful music!.......2007-05-19

"Symphony of Sorrowful Songs" is one of the most beautiful music pieces ever composed! If you can listen carefully, and let yourself be swept up by the piece, you will be very effected! While listening to the music, my heart started racing at one point, and I felt flushed from the reaction to the music! Beautiful!

5 out of 5 stars Among the greatest Classical compositions.......2006-12-07

It is rare when a composition has consistent appeal from beginning to end and one with such quality makes Gorecki's Symphony #3 a very rare find.
The beginning is unusually understated. For those with home theaters or a bass speaker, it will heighten the beauty of the string instruments. At a moderate volume, the introduction can vibrate the house. The first movement has a slow crescendo that cumulates to a very profound point. The second and third movements have such emotional beauty that I can justifiably claim that the vocal soloist is seraphic and sublime and it is as close to angelic singing that mortals can achieve. As one who does not care for opera, I want to stress that this music is not like opera in any way . For those who enjoy Beethoven's 9th, Ode to Joy, or In Trutina from Carmina Burana, this symphony can't disappoint.

5 out of 5 stars Dark poetry; tragic exuberance!.......2005-12-20

Poland has been always a land of courageous and untamed spirit; stubborn to any single bit of domination. This territory has given sublime artists. Gorecki is one of the last exponents; even he was born just in the final of the WW2.

His famous Third Symphony is widely known all around the world and constituted definitively a mass phenomena, its consecration and full acceptation. Gorecki employed an admirable sense of the musical texture inviting us to imagine an enormous birch's forest with astonishing austerity of means economy in what orchestration concerns. This music suggests me the kaleidoscopic awakening of slept centuries under the history 's carpet. Ancestral sorrows, delirious visions with that contemplative gaze in the mirror 's memory. In this Christmas, it is a magnificent chance to listen it once more.

This is possibly the most idiomatic version recorded until this date. Wit made no concessions of any kind. The reading is marvelous and heartfelt; emotion and epic have been magnificently blended and besides, supported by an inspired ensemble. Zofia Kilanowicz is simply bewitching as Soprano. The Second Movement is perfect.

Go for this spelling recording.

5 out of 5 stars Sorrow wrapped in radiance.......2005-11-26

I can't waste time comparing versions, as I have only heard the other bargain version with the same soprano, which lacks the lusciousness of this CD in my humble opinion. I see no reason to look beyond this version anyway, which is a sublime offering from artists clearly steeped in the emotional heartland it surveys.

Others have said it all, this is music (and indeed a performance) that elicits tears on almost every listen. To a Buddhist as myself, who can see unresolved suffering and sorrow even on the faces of those encountering temporal happiness, this music is a vivid portrayal through sound of our human birthright of disquiet and dissatisfaction, which can be transformed only through connection with our divine nature. Compassion, which can only be generated through our encounters with suffering - how can we hope to wish others to be free of it if we have never met it face-to-face? - radiates from this CD from opening note to close.

The review below that gave this album 5 stars, but only because of the performance, rather than the music itself, is one of the most pathetic offerings I have seen among Amazon reviews. How can any performance be divorced from the piece itself? To compare this glorious piece of music with a relaxation tape merely highlights the ignorance of the reviewer. Did you actually LISTEN to this album? I doubt it!

THERE ARE FEW 'CLASSICAL' OFFERINGS THAT OFFER THE EMOTIONAL RANGE OF THIS CD. IT STANDS AS A LANDMARK OF BOTH 20TH CENTURY COMPOSITION AND PERFORMANCE - A MUST BUY!

5 out of 5 stars When sorrow becomes exquisite beauty..........2005-11-18

I own several other recordings of the haunting "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs", a masterpiece which doesn't need the explanatory "modern" in front of it. Górecki's works have aroused intense criticism from some music critics who feel that modern music must eschew lyricism, cease to be enslaved to the major/minor tonality of the "past", and tread bravely into the waters of atonality, arhythmicality, and a-beauty.

But music is primarily audio rather than intellectual. It is there to be listened to, which means that AT LEAST one of the criteria for music ought to be how it sounds. It's all very well creating an incredibly clever tone row and patting oneself on the back for writing a concerto for a gravedigger's spade, an electric blender and a toilet being flushed, but who is going to listen to such a work, over and over? A hundred years from now, it will probably be rightly regarded as a curiosity rather than anything else.

Górecki has composed some works which are so extraordinary that the listener is spellbound, mesmerised by the almost elegaic quality of it. Is it non-intellectual? By no means! It is a strange point of view which considers intellectual quality to be discerned only as the inverse of listenability.

There are, of course, several recordings of this remarkable work currently available. All of them are good. But this one... well, it's beyond good, because the singer, soprano Zofia Kilanowicz, is so immersed in the words, and immerses the listener so completely into the words, that the heartbreak becomes our own. We feel as never before the terrible pity of it - Mary in front of the cross; the words of the young girl written on the wall; the woman looking for the body of her son fallen in battle. It is no shame to weep in listening to this recording, because the sorrow transcends the personal, although it never becomes LESS than personal. But it reaches out to touch the core of human understanding. This is a lament for all loss, all death, all grief, all injustice. It is simply... heartbreaking... and very, very beautiful.

That a listener is able to come away with a sense of hope as well as intense grief is due to the music, which shimmers and shines in the dark places of the heart.

Other versions of this work, while lovely, do not have the same plangent quality as this. I was surprised that I did not feel more intensely when listening to the Susan Gritton recording of this, as I consider her a superb singer with a wonderfully expressive quality, but strangely she did not quite achieve the colour of tears that the work requires. The Yvonne Kenny recording is lovely, but it's more about sound than meaning. I can feel Yvonne Kenny being careful about making the right sounds - I DON'T feel her twisting my heart with the meaning. The Dawn Upshaw recording is lovely but bland in comparison, as well.

In every respect - the incredibly cheap price, the exquisite orchestral playing, the wonderful singing - this is the version to have.
In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Never ever to find more graceful play!
  • Grunting and moaning explained
  • Great Introduction to Classical Guitar
  • Excellent collection
  • Parkening in top form
In the Spanish Style / Christopher Parkening

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tarrega, FranciscoTarrega, Francisco | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Villa-Lobos, HeitorVilla-Lobos, Heitor | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Parkening, ChristopherParkening, Christopher | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000002RNK
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Suite espanola: Leyenda
  2. Capricho arabe (Serenata)
  3. Rumores de la Caleta (Malaguena)
  4. Prelude No. 1
  5. Prelude No. 2
  6. Prelude No. 3
  7. Estudio brillante
  8. Recuerdos de la Alhambra
  9. Fantasia: Fantasia No. 10
  10. Estudio No. 17 In E Minor
  11. Estudio No. 19 In B Flat
  12. Twelve Etudes: Etude No. 1 in E Minor
  13. Twelve Etudes: Etude No. 11 In E Minor
  14. Vals venezolano No. 3
  15. Four Preludes
  16. Catalonian Song
  17. Romance

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Never ever to find more graceful play!.......2007-03-09

The incredible representation and sound Parkening created by the guitar is
sublimity itself. Though I have listened to many a world-famous guitarist,
I have never been so fascinated as by his play. I couldn't but make intimate friends of mine a present of Parkening's CDs like "In the Spanish Style", through which I felt I could show them what real music is like. I never ever imagine I could find more graceful play than that of Christopher Parkening at least in the world of the guitar.

5 out of 5 stars Grunting and moaning explained.......2006-01-03

I met Parkening in 1972, a few years after this album was first released. I asked him about the "groans" that could be heard. He explained that at the time he let his thoughts wander and thought about the future, when some Swiss moron named Peter Gilman would complain about the recording. Absentmindedly, he groaned at the thought of it all. He told me if ever I should meet Peter that I was to apologize.

Peter, sorry about that.

5 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to Classical Guitar.......2005-04-07

My parents had this on vinyl when I was kid. I listened to it a lot in high school when I was listening to a lot of musical styles. This and Parkening's Bach CD are probably my two favorite classical guitar discs.

As a rock/blues/pop guitarist, I've been learning some classical over the last few years. And this disc has been my reference. Parkening's playing is confident and enjoyable. Capricho Arabe stands out as does the Sor studies that he covers.

My only complaint is Leyenda, his performance is less than passionate and the recording doesn't sound EQ'd correctly in a few spots. Other artists have better recordings of this song (John Williams comes to mind).

If you are looking for a great classical guitar CD, this is a great place to start.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent collection.......2004-05-06

This is the album that made me want to take up classical guitar. Great selection of songs, played with incredible feeling and tone. Brilliant performances of Capricho Arabe, Recuerdos and the Villa-Lobos and Ponce Preludes. His rendition of Romance is what every student should strive for. The student (Parkening) has most definitely learned all of his master's (Segovia) lessons and went even further. Still fresh after 25 years of regular listening.

5 out of 5 stars Parkening in top form.......2004-02-28

Christopher Parkening's technical prowess is in full effect here, showing he's truly the ultimate successor to the great Andres Segovia.

I don't know about grunting, but if you listen closely, there is some noticeable sighing from Parkening on a few of the tracks, especially the third. Presumably, he was getting weary from all the work his fingers were getting in playing those immensely complex arrangements. But to go as for as to say it ruins the recording is ludicrous. In fact, the sighing adds to the intimacy and accessibility of the recording. I had always felt distant while listening to a Parkening album because he sounded TOO polished. He plays great here, but to hear his voice, even in its slightest audible sound, adds to the album's charm.

If you're a classical guitar enthusiast, this album is essential.
Roman Candle
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • the "point a" of Elliot.
  • Great Album
  • beautiful
  • A glimpse inside the audio diary of Elliot Smith
  • Three Cheers
Roman Candle
Elliott Smith
Manufacturer: Cavity Search
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Figure 8
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ASIN: B000003D90
Release Date: 1995-07-14

Tracks:

  1. Roman Candle
  2. Condor Ave.
  3. No Name #1
  4. No Name #2
  5. No Name #3
  6. Drive All Over Town
  7. No Name #4
  8. Last Call
  9. Kiwi Maddog 20/20

Amazon.com

A member of the band Heatmiser, Elliot Smith recorded home demos on any equipment he could get his hands on. His first "solo" album is a cheap four-track home recording that hints at the melodic possibilities Smith would explore in greater detail on subsequent releases. The title track is remarkable but with four songs referred to in sequential order as "No Name #1," "No Name #2," etc. ... the inspiration isn't always fully firing. Blessed with a quiet angelic voice and a lyrical mind that easily transforms the squalid details of everyday life into something worth hearing about twice, Smith stood on the verge of getting it on. With his next, self-titled release, he did.--Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars the "point a" of Elliot........2007-07-24

4.46 stars.

for anybody who even half-way enjoys the one-man-and-a-guitar stylings of pre-"figure 8" Elliot Smith, go ahead and make that collection complete by snapping up a copy of "roman candle". i bought this album for that reason alone and wound-up very much enjoying it.

the opener, from whence the album takes its title, is enough to justify the purchase price, but that's not to say that the rest of the album is anything to simply gloss over. Elliot fans who, like myself, became such because of the "good will hunting" soundtrack will be happy to have a familiar friend along the way in the form of "no name no. 3". also, the sinister swell that "last call" delves into as it comes to a close is pretty ded-gum neat, so be sure to check that out as well.

i only rate this album a 4 instead of a 5 because i DO NOT wish to give the impression that i find it to be on par with "Elliot Smith", so if you are trying to decide between the two of them, hit that other one first. however, if after injesting that one you like it as much as the rest of the Elliot-lovin' free world does, be sure to get ye back out into thine music-gettin' landscape to procure a copy of "roman candle" for yo'self as well. enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars Great Album.......2007-04-17

This maybe my favorite Elliott Smith album next to Either/Or. I would purchase this album with Either/Or if I were just getting into Elliott Smith. It is a very chill album to listen to while driving at night, doing homework, or going to sleep. Elliott's acoustic guitar playing and lyrics are very well arranged. Give it a glance.

5 out of 5 stars beautiful.......2007-03-13

i bought this cd completely on a whim at a local cd store. it took a few listens for certain songs to really sink in, but now i absolutely love it. No Name #3 and Condor Avenue are worth the price tag alone

4 out of 5 stars A glimpse inside the audio diary of Elliot Smith.......2007-03-05

This unpretentious cd is sparse and mysterious as was the late recording artist himself, who died under mysterious circumstances shortly after receiving critical acclaim. I think it is the best representation of Smith, who has other more polished cd's that seem to have somehow missed his essence. This one seems to have been recorded early on, low-fi in a basement or bedroom, and lets you get up close to him without studio intervention. There are many tracks that don't even have bass or drums, just guitars and voice. The tunes are haunting and insecure, but will soon get right under your skin. This is no high-gloss commercial venture, but more like a glimpse inside somebody's audio diary.

5 out of 5 stars Three Cheers.......2006-07-16

Roman Candle has a very endearing adolescence to it much softer than Elliott's later work. An innocent recording of someone's youth.

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