A Better Man [Import]

Product Description
Irish singer Brian Kennedy's second solo album from 1996. He garnered attention around the world by singing backup for Van Morrison. Kennedy's passionate vocal delivery shines here. Features the title track, 'For One Kiss', 'Life, Love & Happiness' and eight more.

A Better Man,Brian Kennedy,Bmg Int'l,Pop,Rock,World Music

Average customer rating: Sweet Charity: Sweet Memories Sammy Davis Jr. is awesome Great Memories (better than current 2005 Broadway Revival) long-overdue reissue of the classic soundtrack Sweet Charity

Sweet Charity (1969 Film Soundtrack) Cy Coleman , Shirley MacLaine , and Sammy Davis Jr. Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Sweet Charity Gypsy (1962 Film Soundtrack) Sweet Charity: A New Musical Comedy (1966 Original Broadway Cast) Sweet Charity (2005 Broadway Revival Cast) Cabaret: Original Soundtrack Recording (1972 Film) ASIN: B0000AYL1W Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. My Personal Property
3. Big Spender
4. The Pompeii Club
5. If My Friends Could See Me Now
6. There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This
7. It's A Nice Face
8. Rhythm Of Life
9. Sweet Charity
10. I'm A Brass Band
11. I Love To Cry At Weddings
12. Where Am I Going?
13. Finale

Customer Reviews:

Sweet Charity: Sweet Memories.......2007-07-13

Listening to this Soundtrack brought back so many sweet memories of a fun time in my life - college. Hearing "Rhythm of Life" done by Sammy Davis Jr. was most memorable. This is such a fun soundtrack to play. I look forward to many years of enjoyment and recommend it to anyone who was in college in the late 60's.

Sammy Davis Jr. is awesome.......2007-01-10

I have been converting my old LP's into CD's then putting them on my Ipod. I am picky about what I put on my Ipod, selecting only certain tracks from each CD. This CD, however, I put all tracks onto my Ipod except the overture. While I find Shirley MacLaine's voice a bit weak, the songs overcome any such problems with their energy. And one of the main reasons I wanted the movie rather than broadway CD was because of Sammy Davis Jr. His contributions to this album are worth every penny.

Great Memories (better than current 2005 Broadway Revival).......2005-08-06

I saw the movie version for the first time a couple of years ago and continue with fond memories. I saw the 2005 Broadway Revival in June. Trust me, stick with the movie cast recording. Paula Kelly, Chita Rivera, and even Shirley MacLaine have a magic and zeal that is lost in the current revival. My main disappointment is that the movie soundtrack's version of The Rich Man's Frug is too short and doesn't have the best parts of the full number from the movie. That aside, who could ever top Sammy Davis' performance in Rythm of Life. Chita and Paula are beyond comparison in Something Better Than This.

This cast recording makes me wish I was old enough to have seen them during the original Broadway run.

Consider buying the DVD to the movie to accompany this DVD. That way, you'll also get to see Ben Vereen at his best. I will warn you that the movie was a bit indulgent with extended scenes whose length is not justified by their contribution to the overall film. It's about 20-30 minutes too long. But the musical and dance numbers are really great. Who doesn't love Fosse?

long-overdue reissue of the classic soundtrack.......2003-10-09

SWEET CHARITY was turned into a not-so-successful film in 1969, starring Shirley MacLaine. Originally appearing on Broadway in 1966 starring Gwen Verdon, the musical is based on the classic Fellini film "Nights of Cabiria".

The score was heavily revised for the move to celluloid. "You Should See Yourself" was replaced by "My Personal Property", "I'm the Bravest Individual" was replaced by "It's a Nice Face". The melody for "Sweet Charity" was re-jigged for a more uptempo feel. Songs cut from the score altogether included "Baby Dream Your Dream", "Too Many Tomorrows" and "Charity's Soliloquy".

Shirley MacLaine was joined by a cast including veteran Broadway talents Paula Kelly and Chita Rivera, John McMartin (recreating the role he originated on Broadway opposite Gwen Verdon) as Oscar Linquist, Sammy Davis Jr. as Daddy Brubeck, Stubby Kaye as Herman and Ricardo Montalban.

Shirley MacLaine sings her numbers with her sweet pixie-esque voice, gliding through showstoppers like "I'm a Brass Band" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now" with great ease.

Another fantastic package from Decca Broadway. Peter Filichia, as always, offers comprehensive liner notes, and sound quality is quite good. In addition to this CD I also recommend the still-superb 1966 original Broadway cast album with Gwen Verdon.

Sweet Charity.......2003-09-14

I've been waiting for this version of Sweet Charity to come out for years. My parents use to listen to the Decca LP many years ago and the tunes grew on me. From hey Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, I'm A Brass Band, etc, etc Great music all around with not one bad track. Before this version I had brought the Broadway Show versions and to me they were all kind of flat. Maybe because I grew up on the film version I couldn't appreciate the show versions as much. The vocals and the scoring are great. Shirley MacClaine doesn't have the greatest voice in the world but she's still great.
My biggest complaint about this CD release is that it is not complete. You think that Decca Records would do a complete Cd release as previous musical soundtracks have done. This is a direct copy of the Lp released so many years ago. There is so much more music in this film that I was disapointed when I found it it was only a Cd of the original album. With Cd's fitting up the 80 minutes of music it is very surprising that this truncated version was released. Maybe because it's not considered a classic. This is am underrated film as far as I am concerned and in my opinion a far better score than Chicago (with all due respect to Bob Fosse who directed this film) This would be a great CD if only it wasn't abbreviated.

Average customer rating: question Hear what u see Perfect soundtrack to a nearly perfect TV show Best TV Soundtrack The Best soundtrack EVER from a TV series!

Alias Michael Giacchino Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Alias - Season Two Alias - The Complete Fourth Season Alias Declassified: The Official Companion Alias - The Complete Fifth Season 24 ASIN: B0000TAZ88 Release Date: 2003-11-18

Tracks:

1. Main Title
2. Dissolved
3. Red Hair Is Better
4. Spanish Heist
5. Double Life
6. Tunisia
7. In the Garden
8. Looking for a Man
9. Anna Shows Up
10. Home Movies
11. On to Paris
12. Page 47
13. The Prophecy
14. Badenweiler
15. Arvin at the Poles
16. Sleeping Beauty
17. Blow'd Up
18. It's Not the C.I.A.
19. Oh My God!!!!
20. The Tooth Doctor
21. It Was Anna
22. Wet Suits
23. Ball Buster
24. The End?
25. Bristow & Bristow
26. SD-6 Dance Party

Amazon.com

Its muscular aura of international intrigue informed by smart characters, sharp writing, and a sleek cinematic sense, the episodes of the hit Alias often seem more like a chapters of a successful movie spy franchise than mere network television series. Key to achieving that masterful illusion is young composer Michael Giacchino, whose soundtracks range across a dizzying range of musical styles and dramatic undercurrents. This anthology of cues from the show's first season incorporates shrewd, techno-savvy club beats, sweeping orchestral sequences of pounding action, brooding suspense worthy of Bond, and inventive indigenous music of indeterminate nationality. Firmly grounded in rich Hollywood traditions, yet hip enough to keep an ear cocked to pulsing, contemporary styles, Giacchino's TV scores often outshine those of the pricier, big budget Hollywood boilerplate he's competing with. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

question.......2006-04-25

ok, as most reviews, said, it is amazing and fits the show perfectly!
but...
does anyone know which episodes/scenes go with each song?
i've tried to watch and listen for them, but i get too into it!

Hear what u see.......2005-08-12

while listenin to this album in every track i feel like i can feel the energy and danger

Perfect soundtrack to a nearly perfect TV show.......2005-03-17

If Henry Mancini and Ferry Corsten collaborated on a TV soundtrack for a spy drama set in the 21st Century, the results couldn't be any better than Michael Giacchino's work on this CD. Giacchino can compose for an orchestra like the best of them, but he's also savvy enough to add a contemporary edge with multiple nods to electronica. Synth pads and drum loops are phased through various low-pass and comb filters on several selections here, resulting in a delicious, chewy-sounding percussive effect. Other reviewers have commented on this being a great exercise CD; I agree and would also add that this is a great CD for driving or browsing through glossy photo magazines.

My favorite pieces on the CD are "SD-6 Dance Party," "Red Hair is Better," and "Spanish Heist." I've no idea who the guitarist is on the latter two cuts, but he's quite good!

I recommend this first and foremost to anyone who fears that soundtracks are a dead medium; Giacchino's a challenging composer and takes some real risks. Alias fans will snatch this up (although it doesn't include any soundbites from the TV series), as will anyone willing to play both techno and retro lounge on their CD players. Completists may not be happy with this CD as none of the popular music heard in the show is reproduced here, nor is the torch song Jennifer Garner sang in one episode. But that's what future installments of Alias soundtrack CDs are for!

Best TV Soundtrack.......2005-01-09

This is well worth your money for any Alias fan, and it's better than most movie scores.

The Best soundtrack EVER from a TV series!.......2004-08-23

I think the title says it all, but it's true. I bought this CD knowing and loving the show and realizing just what the music adds to all of the highly enjoyable adrenaline rush scenes. This CD does not disappoint. I now exercise/kick box to it and if your pumped up by just watching the series, you'll really enjoy playing this CD in your car while driving....just try not to get a speeding ticket because the impulse to floor it will definately be there!!

Average customer rating:

Broadway: America's Music 1935-2005 Manufacturer: Decca Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Morton Gould | Gould, Morton | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Letters from Iwo Jima (Two-Disc Special Edition) ASIN: B000B8I93Q Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

1. Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'
2. Summertime
3. I Could Write a Book
4. It Never Entered My Mind
5. I Can Cook Too
6. Make It Another Old Fashioned, Please
7. If I Loved You
8. My Heart Belongs to Daddy
9. Thou Swell
10. I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen
11. There's No Business Like Show Business
12. South American Way

Tracks:

1. Shall We Dance
2. Ohio
3. Luck Be a Lady
4. Mack the Knife
5. There's a Small Hotel
6. Once in Love with Amy
7. Yodel Blues
8. Lazy Afternoon
9. There Must Be Somethin' Better Than Love
10. You're Just in Love
11. Now Is the Time

Tracks:

1. Impossible Dream
2. Love Makes the World Go 'Round
3. Try to Remember
4. Put on a Happy Face
5. I Say Hello
6. Happiness
7. She Loves Me
8. What Kind of Fool Am I?
9. Shy
10. Consider Yourself
11. Poor Little Person

Tracks:

1. Magic to Do
2. They're Playing My Song
3. I Don't Know How to Love Him
4. I Won't Send Roses
5. Good Morning Starshine
6. Don't Cry for Me, Argentina
7. Hard Candy Christmas
8. Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
9. Won't You Charleston with Me?
10. Applause

Tracks:

1. Phantom of the Opera
2. Memory
3. On My Own
4. Muddy Water
5. How Could I Ever Know
6. American Dream
7. I Know Him So Well
8. Dr. Jazz
9. Me and My Girl
10. Suddenly Seymour

Tracks:

1. Mamma Mia!
2. Popular
3. Seasons of Love
4. Oh, the Thinks You Can Think
5. Whatever Lola Wants
6. Crazy
7. How Deep Is Your Love
8. Stars
9. People Like Us
10. I Go to Rio

Average customer rating: GREAT CD Good, but not their best

Rumors & Headlines One Man Army Manufacturer: Better Youth Org. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Last Word Spoken Dead End Stories Cuban Ballerina Remains The World ASIN: B00006OA2G Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

1. Victoria
2. It's Empty
3. S.O.S.
4. All Night Long
5. Have Nots & Heartbreak
6. Leave Me Alone
7. Casualty
8. Next Generation
9. She Wants Me Dead
10. Here We Are
11. Rotting In The Doldrums
12. Sleeper

Customer Reviews:

GREAT CD.......2003-11-29

THIS CD IS GREAT < I LEARNED ABOUT THE BAND WHEN THEY CAME TO MY TOWN AND PLAYED WITH THE ALKALINE TRIO AND THE START> THERE WAS MUCH MORE ENERGY ON STAGE THAN ON THE CD> SOME SONGS NEED TO BE POLISHED < BUT OTHER SONGS LIKE "VICTORIA" AND "SOS" ARE TRULY ONE MAN ARMY SOUND> I RECOMMEND THIS CD IF YOU LIKE BANDS SUCH AS THE ALKALINE TRIO (CHECK THEM OUT) PENNYWISE RANCID AND OFFSPRING>>>

Good, but not their best.......2002-12-19

If you liked the first 2 cd's, you'll like this one. 1 Man Army is great. However, it seems that they have lost a bit of their street punk edge. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. They've matured as musicians and writers and this new album reflects that. New drummer, Chip Hanna (of US Bombs) brings a solid punk rhythm to all the songs, which is a nice compliment to Heiko's bass playing. He's also talked the boys into making the songs more anthemic. Now, you can sing along with the cd with 10 of your drunkest friends. Definitely recommended, but you won't be shouting "oi!" too often.

Average customer rating:

Volume XI: A Better Place Super XX Man Manufacturer: Hush Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Volume IV Volume V X Fiendish Freaky Love ASIN: B000J3Q0KM Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

1. Out For Kicks
2. Lions Heads (Tribute To The Metronome)
3. Rain Keeps Fallin'
4. Please God
5. River River River
6. Baby Song
7. Accounting Phobias
8. Skipped A Rock
9. September/November
10. Blood Pumpin' Through
11. With You
12. Wedding Song

Album Description

"Rather than baring the entirety of his soul and forcing us to experience his pain along with them, Garred chooses to take those innermost thoughts and wrap them in pleasant, quiet folk songs." - POPMATTERS

Having entered double-digit territory with his recording legacy (numbered by volumes) we find Scott Garred's musical alter ego Super XX Man singing Volume XI from A Better Place. No one word will describe this better place, but without question the song cycle conjures up themes of nesting, family values, domestic life, companionship, and lost youth, all from a refreshing, non-didactic point of view. This is universally charming music. Super XX Man is Scott Garred, Michelle Garred, and Alison Wesley. Like family, they belong together. Wesley lands the drums, flute, and harmony vocals that reflect Garred's delicate yet rich tenor voice. Look out Willie Nelson--Super XX Man and family are on the way!

Average customer rating: One Man Army own this More fun than a barrel of dead monkeys. An Impressive Return an improvement but not their best work the change is quick

BYO Split Series, Vol. 5 Alkaline Trio , and One Man Army Manufacturer: Better Youth Org. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Goddamnit! Maybe I'll Catch Fire Alkaline Trio From Here to Infirmary Good Mourning ASIN: B0001XLVV8 Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

1. Fine Without YOu
2. Hating Every Minute
3. Dead And Broken
4. Sadie
5. If You Had A Bad Time
6. Blackout
7. TV Song
8. Nothing To Worry About
9. All The Way
10. Some Kind Of Lobotomy
11. One Love
12. Epidemic

Customer Reviews:

One Man Army own this.......2004-10-30

The alkaline trio have been suffereing from release way too many tracks aside from their regular albums i mean even if they guys are awesome they can't alawys release fantastic songs. and this album finally proves it. they released a few mediocre ones. the best tracks from their songs are: "fine without you" and hating every minute" also "sadie" is ok and so is the Damned cover "wait in the blackout" usually all their songs are perfect but i knew it couldnt go on forever. One man Army surprised me after their lackluster "Rumors and headlines" album. Every song is amazing they are coming into their own and am eagerly anticipating their new album.

More fun than a barrel of dead monkeys........2004-09-09

In the usual Matt Skiba/Dan Andriano goth Cure meets punk rock style, this is an excellent release. Featuring new songs from both bands as well as an excellent Damned cover by Alkaline Trio of 'Wait for the Blackout".

Alkaline Trio is an excellent band with a very unique sound that I find highly addictive (I only bought this album because I have everything else they have released) mainly because no one else sounds like Alkaline Trio. A quick surmise of their sound would have to be a punked up version of the Cure with dark and disturbing lyrics that are mostly tongue-in-cheek...

I was not as familiar with One Man Army (aside from a few compilations) and am very impressed with the content they serve up for this release. Highlights include: "Hemophiliac", "The TV Song", "Lets Call It an Evening", all of them basically. One Man Army can best be described as a cockney replicant band that is actually quite original in todays punk and indie circles. The guitar work is more muted and more emphasis is placed on the bass and the drums. Think of them as a modern version of early Clash, The Damned, Stiff Little Fingers... only from California.

All in all, a highly recommended release for new and old fans of Alkaline Trio and what is called One Man Army's best work to date.

An Impressive Return.......2004-05-01

Alkaline Trio are back with six new songs, and they're all great. Fine Without You is a great slower song, definitely sounding like Skiba has been listening to the Cure lately, probably the album Head on the Door. All of the songs are great, standout, and memorable to be completely honest. There wasn't a song on here that I didn't remember after listening to this CD twice. Track six, Wait For the Blackout is a nice suprise too. The Damned are a great band, and the song Alk3 chose to cover is probably one of their best off what is probably their best album. I own everything Alk3 has released and I can safely say that these are some of my favorite songs.

The OMA songs are good too. I hadn't heard them before I got this CD and I was impressed. They definitely bring a good Clash feel (my OTHER favorite band besides Alk3), with plenty of loud guitars and an influence of reggae. The vocals definitely sound extremely similar to the Dickies, which might turn some people off from the, but if you like an unusual sounding voice being backed up by some pretty original old school punk with reggae overtones, you'll like this too.

an improvement but not their best work.......2004-04-28

the first thing i noticed about this album is it is definatly not good mourning, however the second thing i noticed is it is not comparable to past trio works.this album lacks the incredible lyrics past trio cds have owned but is still an improvement on the so so good mourning if a new fan buy such albums as from here to infirmary or goddamnit before buying this if a long time fan go ahead and buy it its not their best work but ok alkaline trio is better than 90 porcent of bands out there.

the change is quick.......2004-04-26

the first thing i noticed on this album is that there is a differance between the sound on this and the sound on good mourning. normally this is a bad thing, but with tracks like "hating every minute" and "sadie," it's hard to knock it. the alkaline trio is the reason i listen to punk rock.

Average customer rating: one of the best man's ruin releases

Sad Songs... Better Days Suplecs Manufacturer: Man's Ruin ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Powtin' on the Outside, Pawty on the Inside ASIN: B00005K9KM Release Date: 2001-07-03

Tracks:

1. White Devil
2. Rock Bottom
3. Control
4. Training Wheels
5. Blue Runner
6. Unstable
7. Lightning Lady
8. Out Of Town
9. Unexpected Trauma

Customer Reviews:

one of the best man's ruin releases.......2004-03-11

I can't express how awsome this record is. Man's ruin ruled, but occasionally put out some bad stuff. It was still a record label I could rely on though. This is one of the strongest releases that mr put out. Also one of the last. Obviosuly there are the kyuss comparisms, but this record is pretty damn original. Some tracks like "control" are superfast, while others are blues heavy.
If you can find this record used, get it. And go straight to "unstable". this track could make queens of the stoneage jealous.

Average customer rating: a fascinating recording A crucial oddity Not essential but useful

Call Me Madam Manufacturer: Flare UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000056NME Release Date: 2001-01-30

Tracks:

1. Overture - The Orchestra
2. Mrs. Sally Adams - Chorus
3. Hostess With the Mostes' on the Ball - Dinah Shore
4. Washington Square Dance - Dinah Shore
5. Welcome to Lichtenburg - Paul Lukas
6. Can You Use Any Money Today? - Dinah Shore
7. Marrying for Love - Paul Lukas, Dinah Shore
8. Ocarina
9. It's a Lovely Day Today
10. Best Thing for You - Dinah Shore
11. Something to Dance About - Dinah Shore, Chorus
12. Once Upon a Time Today
13. They Like Ike - Pat Harrington, Jay Velie
14. You're Just in Love (I Wonder Why) - Dinah Shore

Customer Reviews:

a fascinating recording.......2003-10-06

Irving Berlin's CALL ME MADAM appeared on Broadway in 1950. His previous musical, 1949's MISS LIBERTY, was an unqualified flop. MISS LIBERTY was his follow-up to 1947's mega hit ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, starring Ethel Merman.

Ethel Merman headlined his original cast of CALL ME MADAM, a bouncy musical which told the story of ebullient Sally Adams, who is dispatched as ambassador to the fictional European province of Lichtenburg. The supporting cast included Paul Lukas, Russell Nype (GOLDILOCKS), and Galina Talva as Princess Maria.

Due to a contractual snafu however, there are two very different recordings of CALL ME MADAM. Ethel Merman was under contract to the Decca label (which had recorded her ANNIE GET YOUR GUN cast album), but the recording of MADAM was to be produced by cast album heavyweight RCA Victor. Decca wouldn't release Merman from her contract, as it was planning it's own CALL ME MADAM release.

Popular vocalist Dinah Shore stepped in and played Sally Adams on the RCA Victor album of CALL ME MADAM, which featured the entire original cast. Decca released a "studio cast" album of MADAM headed by Ethel Merman, aided and abetted by popular crooner Dick Haymes (STATE FAIR) and a backup chorus. Of these two albums, the Dinah Shore version is the more delightful. She wisely doesn't try to emulate Miss Merman but sails through the songs in her own charming style. Russell Nype and Galina Talva are wonderfully-winning in their performances and Paul Lukas is superb.

I strongly suggest that you also purchase the Ethel Merman recording as well as the 1995 Encores! cast starring Tyne Daly. CALL ME MADAM is one of the most delightful of classic Broadway musicals.

A crucial oddity.......2001-02-22

I'm not sure whether it's stranger that this album has languished in the vaults for so long or that it was recorded in the first place. But we should be grateful that it's here, as it's an important recording, a fun score, and a fascinating piece of theatre recording history.

Dinah Shore is by no means an ideal substitute for Ethel Merman (who was under contract to Decca Records and not permitted to appear on the official cast album), make no mistake. But Merman made her own album with her own takes on the big songs, so it's perhaps a good thing that RCA went for a dramatically different take here. Shore sings very attractively here -- she's not a tough broad, but a sweet charmer, but the album still works. The show was, of course, a big hit that had plenty of strengths even though it might be too dated to rework today.

The Merman album was already released on CD once, and will be issued again within the year, but this is still worthwhile for Shore's performance, for the niceties of the show like the other original players, orchestrations and songs that Merman didn't preserve, and for a lengthy appendix of Shore's versions of classic Irving Berlin songs.

No one will ever claim that Call Me Madam changed their life. Shows didn't used to need to elicit that reaction to be considered successful.

Not essential but useful.......2001-02-03

RCA Victor had backed the 1950 musical CALL ME MADAM hoping to get the cast album rights. The star, however, was Ethel Merman and she was under exclusive contract to Decca who planned their own MADAM album. Decca launched the first attack by releasing a 10" Lp with Merman, Dick Haymes and the Gordon Jenkens orchestra and Chorus called "Songs from CALL ME MADAM." RCA responded by recording the full original cast album but signing Dinah Shore to sing the role of Sally Adams. They also re-orchestrated many of the songs and, in a curious move, had Paul Lukas record narration linking the songs. Strangely, they semed to had given up on this approach mid-way as the narration disappears after the first side of the record. Decca's response was to withdraw their 10" Lp and reissue the album on 12" with 5 additional songs (dropping an orchstral medley by the Jenkins orchestra) and placing them in show sequence. Although RCA's album has a more theatrical feel to it, Decca had Merman and therefore created the better selling album. RCA's disc was deleted rather quickly, although briefly reissued in 1977 and now (finally) available on CD... except this isn't an RCA release (!!!!) Is this even released with RCA's permission? I highly doubt it since RCA eventually plans to reissue the remaininder of their show catalogue on CD. Decca's album was reissued on Cd but that disc is now out-of-print. IF you can get both albums and do some creative programming you can combine trcaks and create your own composite original cast album.

Average customer rating: Mad world tribute is very nice - With A Song Called "Flannel Rain" How Could You Go Wrong? Poor Choices, Poor Performance 4 & 1/2 stars This Tribute [stinks]

The String Quartet Tribute to Pearl Jam Various Artists Manufacturer: Vitamin Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Strung Out on Pearl Jam: Mad World - A String Quartet Tribute Live at Easy Street The String Quartet Tribute to the Eagles ASIN: B00008V60L Release Date: 2003-04-29

Tracks:

1. Alive
2. Betterman
3. Daughter
4. Dissident
5. Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
6. Even Flow
7. Jeremy
8. Last Exit
9. Once
10. Release
11. Flannel Rain

Product Description

1. Alive
2. Better Man
3. Daughter
4. Dissident
5. Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town
6. Even Flow
7. Jeremy
8. Last Exit
9. Once
10. Release
11. Flannel Rain (Original Composition)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Mad world tribute is very nice -.......2006-12-08

I haven't heard this one, but I see bad reviews... so I wanted to recommend the Mad World string tribute to Pearl Jam. :) Have a nice day.

With A Song Called "Flannel Rain" How Could You Go Wrong?.......2004-05-04

I remember watching Touring Band 2000 and thinking how cool it was that the band entered the stage to a string version of Baba by The Who... I thought, "I'd love to hear that kind of thing with PJ's music"... I bought this album despite what I thought was a really weak selection of songs... (nothing past Vitalogy and really odd choices)... and I'm seriously listening to it as I write... and it's comically bad...

If you've ever stopped and wondered why Stone doesn't flex his power and replace everyone in the band with a less than six stringed instrument... buy this record... it will make very clear that Pearl Jam is best heard with guitars and vocals and LOUD...

Poor Choices, Poor Performance.......2003-06-30

I, for one, have always been open to hearing PJ's songs in a different light. This effort, however, falls just short of mediocre. The record company that made this must be udner the impression that PJ stopped making recrds after 1994's Vitalogy. Consequently, much of the band's best work, including songs that would be suited to adaptation as string pieces like Parting Ways, Off He Goes and Present Tense. The performances are satisfactory, but definitely not worth the money. Please, if you want PJ music w/ strings, get Binaural or one of the Seattle bootlegs (strings on parting ways).

4 & 1/2 stars.......2003-06-07

I've been listening to this every so often (when I'm in the mood for something light and easy). When I ordered this, I new what to expect. As a PJ fan, I didn't expect it to be this huge orchestral rendition, or expect it to be like a Metallica tribute. It works perfectly.

Standouts on this album include Alive, Ederly Woman, Last Exit and Once. There isn't anything mind blowing here, but just a different take on Pearl Jam's music. For all the True PJ fans, I recommend this album.

Oh by the way, Flannel Rain is why it gets 4 & 1/2 stars. They could have done without this track.

This Tribute [stinks].......2003-05-22

Well I bought this tribute CD because I am a big Pearl Jam fan and I wanted to hear what this was going to sound like. I was expecting it to be as good as the Metallica tribute by Apocalyptica (which was badass) but I was disapointed, I mean it just [stinks]. It sounds like a lot of noise with a violin imitating Vedder's vocal parts. Also, it turns out that this String Quartet recorded a whole bunch of tributes at the same time (REM, Rush, Alanis, Led Zeppelin) I guess they're just trying to jump on the "String Tribute" bandwagon that Apocalyptica created to earn some cash. If you are a big time Pearl Jam fan, do yourself a favor and DON'T buy this CD, I promise you will feel bad by hearing "The Section" (what the quartet calls itself) mutilate some very good songs.

Average customer rating: More, more, more...... please, please This performer needs more than 5 stars for his work Soaring Vocalist If you like this one

A Better Man Brian Kennedy Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Won't You Take Me Home Get on With Your Short Life Homebird Great War of Words ASIN: B000006TK7 Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

1. A Better Man
2. For One Kiss
3. Won't You Take Me Home
4. No Other Words
5. And So I Will Wait For You
6. Life Love & Happiness
7. The Oldest Dream In The World
8. Put The Message In The Box
9. By The Mountain Road
10. Ghost Music
11. Wish Me Well

Album Details

Irish singer Brian Kennedy's second solo album from 1996. He garnered attention around the world by singing backup for Van Morrison. Kennedy's passionate vocal delivery shines here. Features the title track, 'For One Kiss', 'Life, Love & Happiness' and eight more.

Customer Reviews:

More, more, more.............2003-01-07

This man just can't do enough CD's. There's not enough of him out there. His voice would stop traffic. His looks would stun a population. His lyrics are food for thought (check out Get On With Your Short Life - listen up). I bought A Better Man about 3 years ago and it is still one of my favorites. I saw him in concert in Ireland last week and picked up his new one "Get On With Your Short Life" (title of CD and song # 2). The guy was fab. I was used to being blown away by his voice on CD but live was just incredible. The guy is a performer and loves what he does. He stuck around afterwards so the fans could chat with him and take photos. I told him that "Captured" was my favourite song for the past 10 years and he genuinely responded that if he'd known that, he would have sung it during the concert (it was the only one they missed). He's got class, style, great looks, a voice that would raise the roof of the world, gifted writer... the list is truly endless.

I just wish more people knew of this wonder.

please, please.......2002-09-12

brian, keep the arrangements simple. haven't you heard your own recording of 'Queen of the Slipsteam' what a masterpiece! it's you VOICE we want to hear.

This performer needs more than 5 stars for his work.......2002-04-14

I first discovered Brian Kennedy when I purchased the Riverdance on Broadway CD and was totally smitten with his voice(thank goodness Riverdance introduced many of us in the States to this awesome performer and, oh, what I would have given to see him perform live in that show--Tsidii Le Loka who performed with him was great also and their duet at the end was awesome. I've yet to find anything by her.). I purchased 'A Better Man' recently and have been playing it non-stop since I received it (I'm playing it right now). I also searched his very nice website for other albums he has out and there are several. Wish Amazon would carry more of them since they're out there--hint, hint. From the 'Great War of Words' that came out in 1990 to 'A Better Man' which came out in 1996 (before he did Riverdance if I'm not mistaken), this man with the angelic, emotive voice has evolved in a wonderful way. It doesn't mean his earlier works aren't worth having. They are. I agree with another reviewer that at first the techno-pop sound of some of the instrumentation on 'A Better Man' was a little disappointing but it grows on you when you listen carefully. But this man doesn't need any instrumentation.....just his wonderful voice is all you need. A clear high tenor with the caliber of style that Brian has is a rare thing, a thing to be cherished. And it needs to be said that he was a performer in his own right before he ever did Riverdance. His voice just gets better as he gains experience. (His latest recording 'Get On With Your Short Life' promises to be a continuation of this man's love affair with music--another hint to Amazon.) I still can't say enough about his voice. It's amazing and I have been singing choral music all of my life so I know that any tenor is a rare thing but one with Brian's capability is a truly wonderful thing. And he writes pretty good lyrics too (actually they're great....lyrics are important) and I can't wait to see what direction he takes next. If you haven't already done so, buy this album now..after listening to it a couple of weeks straight I had to buy another one and send it to my mom.....mine never comes out of the CD player. Buy this album now. It is amazing.

Soaring Vocalist.......2002-01-20

After first hearing Brian Kennedy's outstanding soaring vocals backing up Van Morrison on "The Healing Game", I decided to buy this cd. I was not disappointed. This Irish tenor has a magnificent voice and style, rather unique and easily identifiable. It was a joy to see what he can do with his pure voice, especially on "Won't you Take me Home" and "Life, Love and Happiness"
My complaint about this cd is that on some songs the arrangement, some of it too techno, simply gets in the way of his marvelous voice. I wish there has been more simple arrangements, with a guitar, some simple instrument, so that it would be easier to hear him interpret lyrics...
and soar with his voice

If you like this one.......2001-08-04

I am a great fan of Brian Kennedy, his voice, his music. This C.D. is a triumph of relaxing and uplifting music. But I urge fans and converts alike to seek out "Brian Kennedy, A Better Man". A 2 C.D. set with a sublime version of "Carrickfergus" (beautiful traditional irish air). Go get it and enjoy.

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