Champion Sound

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Most rap producers and their Roland keyboard mama's wish they could ply their verbal wares on the mic, while their emcee counterparts often jones to twiddle a knob or two (or 24). So what happens when two of rap's most renegade producers flip rhymes over each other's beats for a full album? For starters, you get a whole heap of possibilities as to where hip hop can go sonically. On the Madlib-laced "The Official," the distorted bass lines and grimy drums are sure to make the jiggy, jaded, and conscious bob their head unremittingly. While Jay Dee (Dilla) rhetorically raps "and who says producers ain't s'posed to rap?" on "The Mission," he doesn't exactly do a great job disproving this theory on "Heavy" or "Mcnasty Filth" alongside his more talented Motown protégés Frank and Dank. Madlib is arguably the better emcee of the two, but not by much, as he's just had more time to practice honing his mic skill with his numerous alter egos like the helium-voiced Quasimoto who appears on "Re act." Beats-wise, the album is borderline first-rate as Madlib and Dilla appear to be digging heavily in the Classical Indian music crates for inspiration. The sounds of Bollywood (Bolly'hood?) weave their way in and out of the title track and "Survival Test." No one wants to hear an album mostly filled with half-baked boasts and largely forgettable tales of female seduction. Thus, conceptually this dream project would have been even dreamier if they had enlisted the talents of Mos Def, Black Thought, or Pharoahe Monch. Yes, the sounds are of a champion, but the rhymes are more like the Los Angeles Clippers. --Dalton Higgins

Champion Sound,Jaylib,Stones Throw,Hip-Hop,Pop,Rap,Rap & Hip-Hop,Underground Rap


Champion Sound

Champion Sound
Champion Sound
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Classic
  • Great Stand-Alone Album
  • Not gonna lie, i love it, but there's a disappointment if u own the orignal... 4.6 stars
  • The Red & No Games situation
  • Near flawless re-release. Why remix perfection?
Champion Sound
Jaylib
Manufacturer: Stones Throw
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
West CoastWest Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
West CoastWest Coast | Vinyl Records | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Ruff Draft
  2. Chrome Children 2
  3. Popular Demand
  4. MM..Food? -special limited edition packaging
  5. The Return of the Magnificent

ASIN: B000OHZJZK
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

  1. L.A. to Detroit
  2. McNasty Filth, feat. Frank-n-Dank
  3. Nowadayz
  4. Champion Sound
  5. The Red
  6. Heavy
  7. Raw Shit, feat. Talib Kweli
  8. The Official
  9. The Heist
  10. The Mission
  11. React, feat. Quasimoto
  12. Strapped, feat. Guilty Simpson
  13. Strip Club
  14. The Exclusive, feat. Percee P
  15. Survival Test
  16. Starz
  17. No Games
  18. Raw Addict - previously unreleased on CD
  19. Pillz - Bonus Track

Tracks:

  1. Da Rawkus (Sir Bang Version) - previously unreleased
  2. The Official (Rap Circle Mix) - previously unreleased
  3. Heavy (Chronic Mix) - previously unreleased
  4. Optimos for Dilla (Interlude) - previously unreleased
  5. Survival Test (Rasta Dub Remix) - previously unreleased
  6. Champion Sound (Remix)- previously unreleased
  7. The Mission (Stringed Out Mix) - previously unreleased
  8. One for Dilla (Interlude) - previously unreleased
  9. Strapped (Four-4 Mix) - previously unreleased
  10. McNasty Filth (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  11. Nowadayz (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  12. Champion Sound (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  13. The Red (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  14. Heavy (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  15. Raw Shit (Instrumental) - previously unreleased on cd
  16. The Official (Instrumental) - previously unreleased on cd
  17. The Heist (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  18. The Mission (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  19. React (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  20. Strapped (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  21. Strip Club (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  22. The Exclusive (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  23. Survival Test (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd
  24. Starz (Instrumental)- previously unreleased on cd

Album Description

Jaylib consists of J Dilla & Madlib. The Detroit - Los Angeles collab that brought two icon hip-hop MC's & producers together. This deluxe 2-CD reissue features 11 previously unheard bonus-tracks & remixes alongside 15 instrumental tracks never before available on CD. The album features special guests Talib Kweli, Quasimoto, Guilty Simpson, & Percee P.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Classic.......2007-07-12

This album is a classic. You can listen to it all through. It has the greatest production hip-hop has ever seen.

5 out of 5 stars Great Stand-Alone Album.......2007-07-09

Now like most other reviewers of this re-release, I bought this album cause I loved the original & this release seemed packed with extras. Now naturally I think the whole feel of the album has been drastically changed due to the 2 already mentioned tracks and if you liked letting the original just ride, then this might mess up your listening experience, but without thinking of the beautiful beats of the original cuts, I have to say Madlib does an incredible job of producing something, although not what we were hoping for, beautiful just the same. The remixes are great as well, to be honest I wouldn't have any complaints other then the fact "The Red" is one of my favorite beats of all time in it's original form, In my honest opinion it's a must have.

5 out of 5 stars Not gonna lie, i love it, but there's a disappointment if u own the orignal... 4.6 stars.......2007-06-30

bought for the instrumentals and B-Sides. then i heard they produced a new beat for No Games. I also had heard something about the beat changing on the song "The Red". One of my favorite beats of alll time. one the reasons i got the deluxe edition instrumentals, to hear The Red in it's original glory. now there's a new beat. not even considered a remix. not a bad beat but not at all like the original "Red". but if u don't own the original, this 1 is still good, u'll only b missing the original "No Games" (which is dilla over the "One Beer" (by MF DOOM) beat. this new 1 is one is better in my opinion), and "The Red"(download it off itunes or any P2P software). these b-sides are nasty too!

5 out of 5 stars The Red & No Games situation.......2007-06-25

Stones Throw was served papers over the samples used for "The Red" and "No Games." That is what caused this release to be pushed back once, from May 8th, to June 19th, and the new instrumentals for "The Red" and "No Games." The versions you hear of "The Red" and "No Games" are the new instrumentals. All Jaylib releases except for this one are being recalled, and may be repressed with the new versions.

4 out of 5 stars Near flawless re-release. Why remix perfection?.......2007-06-20

I love most everything that comes out of Stones Throw, but this album is a breakaway standout classic. Two top performers at the height of their game collaborating like Monk and Trane, only you don't need to wait almost fifty years to hear them together (Discovery! doesn't count anymore since the Carnegie Hall concert; I digress). It's great to see this album get much-deserved respect in an extended package, complete with instrumentals and all new remixes from Madlib; at this price you can't afford not to pick this up.

Now the bad news: "The Red" is different - radically different - from the beat to the incredible vocal chorus by Cris Williamson (from "Shine On Straight Arrow"). This new track isn't bad, but it's not the one I loved from the original release. "No Games" also has a new backing track, and this time I might call it an improvement. These differences are also reflected in the instrumentals on the second disc. The initial pressing had a minor track called "Ice" featuring Medaphoar which is not featured here in the original version or the extended (by one verse) version from the 12-inch vinyl of "Ice" b/w "Raw Addict," which thankfully was included. I hate to diss such a great collection, but most anyone picking this version up would want to know what they're missing.

Still, don't let that stop you from getting this incredible album from Jay Dee and Madlib. If you don't have it already, you're sleeping on a hall of fame release from the underground. Pick up the original "The Red" from the Stones Throw Ten Years compilation (also must-have), and "No Games" from P2P (after you BUY this album), and you're all caught up.

UPDATE: I just found the Stones Throw website lists these two tracks ("The Red," "No Games") as "Remix (Prev. Unreleased)" but this info isn't in the liner notes or here on Amazon. They should have moved these two remixes onto the bonus disc (it's only 66 minutes long), included "Ice" and left the original album intact. Much respect to PB Wolf, but there are enough missed opportunities here to call for a do-over. Oh, and I want a pony.
Champion Sound
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • "Try Again"
  • Ugh
  • The album title says it all
  • R.I.P. Dilla, If you want ill Beats, and dope rhymes cop it!!!
  • Piggy Back
Champion Sound
Jaylib
Manufacturer: Stones Throw
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Donuts
  2. Beat Konducta, Vols. 1-2
  3. The Shining
  4. Welcome 2 Detroit
  5. Shades of Blue

ASIN: B0000CC87O
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

  1. L.A. To Detroit
  2. McNasty Filth
  3. Nowadayz
  4. Champion Sound
  5. The Red
  6. Heavy
  7. Raw Shit
  8. The Official
  9. The Heist
  10. The Mission
  11. React
  12. Strapped
  13. Strip Club
  14. The Exclusive
  15. Survival Test
  16. Starz
  17. No Games

Amazon.com

Most rap producers and their Roland keyboard mama's wish they could ply their verbal wares on the mic, while their emcee counterparts often jones to twiddle a knob or two (or 24). So what happens when two of rap's most renegade producers flip rhymes over each other's beats for a full album? For starters, you get a whole heap of possibilities as to where hip hop can go sonically. On the Madlib-laced "The Official," the distorted bass lines and grimy drums are sure to make the jiggy, jaded, and conscious bob their head unremittingly. While Jay Dee (Dilla) rhetorically raps "and who says producers ain't s'posed to rap?" on "The Mission," he doesn't exactly do a great job disproving this theory on "Heavy" or "Mcnasty Filth" alongside his more talented Motown protégés Frank and Dank. Madlib is arguably the better emcee of the two, but not by much, as he's just had more time to practice honing his mic skill with his numerous alter egos like the helium-voiced Quasimoto who appears on "Re act." Beats-wise, the album is borderline first-rate as Madlib and Dilla appear to be digging heavily in the Classical Indian music crates for inspiration. The sounds of Bollywood (Bolly'hood?) weave their way in and out of the title track and "Survival Test." No one wants to hear an album mostly filled with half-baked boasts and largely forgettable tales of female seduction. Thus, conceptually this dream project would have been even dreamier if they had enlisted the talents of Mos Def, Black Thought, or Pharoahe Monch. Yes, the sounds are of a champion, but the rhymes are more like the Los Angeles Clippers. --Dalton Higgins

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars "Try Again".......2007-01-21

Hey, Red Ant-I dont know what hood UR from but you better check your ears for excess wax-kid. I agree this album aint that great and I agree on your selections but YO! how did you not like "Nasty Mcfilth"? Ya'll betta do your homework and dig deep cause that shhhh right there is fire. The beat is sick and J.Ds flow is crazy on this joint. My opion, "Nasty Mcfilth" is the illest track on the album. You betta listen again. R.I.P J-Dilla, your a god with the beats, definitely up there with Primo,Pete Rock and the rest. OUT!

2 out of 5 stars Ugh.......2006-05-11

Wow, I was really disappointed with this album.
Unfortunately, Dilla (R.I.P.) can't rap. Production, hell yeah, he can really bring the noise, but he can't rap well at all. Madlib is a decent rapper, but again, not that good. The production sounds like mainstream gangsta rap on 75% of the tracks, and that is NEVER good. Just not a good album overall, but there are a couple songs worth listening to. I would pass on this one if I were you.

5 out of 5 stars The album title says it all.......2006-04-01

I'm gonna get right to the point, This CD is amazing. It is a CD put together by two producers, so everyone saying how bad the lyrics are, its not really about the lyrics. The Beats are sick, nuff said. This CD, production wise, blows anything away. No matter what kind of Rap/Hiphop fan you are, I'm sure you will like this CD. But I do have to say this CD has grown on me, if you are a first time listener, be aware. It could give you a weird vibe at first. Check it out.

5 out of 5 stars R.I.P. Dilla, If you want ill Beats, and dope rhymes cop it!!!.......2006-02-22

First off iv'e been seeing lots of negative vibes twords this album.Real "reconize" real. And Dilla and Lib Are definatly real. These beats are so good you can really hear Lib hittin those drums hard. This is true hip hop not that lolipop garbage that you hear on Hot97. I usually pick out the best tracks but for "Champion Sound" you really don't need to. The whole album is dope!

4 out of 5 stars Piggy Back.......2005-12-08

First of all I dont really do the review thing but maybe it need to start. Im so late on this because i was just surfin around and saw people, who seem to be down with the BBE/ST movement, dissin this album. WTF!!! Are u that ignorant that u cant see that these are two of the best producers in the " real Game " havin some fun. These cats got together and was like yo, u hot, im hot, lets make it hot. Mcnasty filth was one of the hottest songs performed live at the shows ive been to. And the official is beyond hot. Yall who dissin this album need to stop tryin to get a job with the SOURCE and come back to the real hip hop. its LOVE. and my man who said to pick up that j-88. "U know what love is" so start spreadin some.
Champion Sound, Vol. 1
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Champion Sound, Vol. 1
    Stone Love All-Stars
    Manufacturer: Reggae Lounge
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    Dance HallDance Hall | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Reggae | Compilations | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ReggaeReggae | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000066HGO
    Release Date: 2002-06-25

    Tracks:

    1. Play On Intro - Luciano
    2. Lord Give Me Strength - Luciano
    3. Guide Over Us - Sizzla
    4. Live Up - Morgan Heritage
    5. Rocky Road - Capelton
    6. One Away - Sizzla
    7. Ulterior Motive - Luciano
    8. Order - Terror Fabulous
    9. Praise Ya Jah - Sizzla
    10. Psalm (Accapella) - Morgan Heritage
    11. Praise Him - Sanchez
    12. Gunzales - Luciano
    13. The Messenger - Luciano
    14. Good Morning, Soundboy - Nitty Gritty
    15. Thankful - Garnet Silk
    16. Send One A Hell - Bounty Killa
    17. Rock Bottom - Sanchez
    18. Over Hills & Valley's - Luciano
    19. Lend Me The Chopper - Johnny Osbourne
    20. Warriors - Ky-Mani Marley
    21. Wickest Time - Ronny Thwaites
    22. Hypocrites - Ky-Mani Marley
    23. Ice Cream Sound - Johnny Osbourne
    24. Jah Jah City - Capelton
    25. Unity - Dennis Brown
    26. Stone Love Forever - Wayne Wonder
    27. Sound Fi Dead - Buju Banton
    28. Jah Standing By Our Side - Tony Rebel
    29. Stone Love Sound - Everton Blender
    30. Are You Satisfied - Ras Shiloh
    31. Stone Love Is - Thriller
    32. Rainy Days - Luciano
    33. Eighteen & Over - Cocoa
    34. Saddest Day - Wayne Wonder
    35. The Stone Love Allstars Party In Session - Mr. Vegas
    36. Perfect Combination - Brian & Tony Gold
    37. Love Of My Life - 14K
    38. Long Time - Innocent Crew
    39. Hotter - Capelton
    40. Can't Get No Sleep - Tonto Metro & Devonte
    41. You Ain't Shit - Beenieman
    42. Once Of Herb - 14K2
    43. Funny Man - Elephant Man
    44. More Prophet - Capelton
    45. Bar Glass - Merciless
    46. Gal Ya Never More - Elephant Man
    47. Mad Rock - Spragga Benz
    48. Free Willy - 14K
    49. Sargent Wallace - Frisco Kid
    50. Magnet - Bounty Killa
    51. Hot Gal We Shoppen - Baby Cham
    52. Heights Of Stone Love - Beenieman
    53. Dutty Life - Capelton
    54. Ghetto You This - Buju Banton
    55. Lucky - Capelton
    56. Boasy & Friend - General B.
    57. Everything Is Everything - Beenieman
    58. Deadly Zone - Bounty Killa
    59. Outro - Gee-fus Of Stone Love

    Album Description

    The worlds #1 Reggae Sound-system brings you this special mix of 59 tracks featuring successful reggae artists Luciano, Sizzla, Sanchez, Garnet Silk, Bounty Killa, Dennis Brown, Buju Banton, Beenie Man and many more.
    Heavyweight Champion of the World
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Heavyweight Champion of the World
      Reverend & the Makers
      Manufacturer: Wall of Sound
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
      ASIN: B000PC6Y7Q
      Release Date: 2007-06-25

      Tracks:

      1. Heavyweight Champion Of The World
      2. 18-30 (Extended)
      3. Heavyweight Champion Of The World (Club)

      Album Details

      It's Been a Long Time Coming but Finally the Debut Single from Sheffield Legends Reverend and the Makers, Fronted by Enigmatic Punk/Poet/Frontman Jon Mcclure and his Six Piece Band is Here.
      Arthur Sullivan: Ivanhoe
      Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
      • Wonderfully fine performance
      • Not ideal, but all there is
      Arthur Sullivan: Ivanhoe

      Manufacturer: Pearl
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by SullivanAll Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Arthur Sullivan: The Contrabandista, The Foresters
      2. Sullivan: The Rose of Persia
      3. Arthur Sullivan: The Prodigal Son; Boer War Te Deum

      ASIN: B000000WWK
      Release Date: 1993-01-21

      Tracks:

      1. Ivanhoe: Act One, First Scene: The Hall Of Rotherwood - Introduction; Each Day This Realm Of England Faints
      2. Ivanhoe: Act One, First Scene: The Hall Of Rotherwood - Good Thane, Most Noble Thane
      3. Ivanhoe: Act One, First Scene: The Hall Of Rotherwood - I See But One Thing Wanting To Our Fare
      4. Ivanhoe: Act One, First Scene: The Hall Of Rotherwood - Drink, Drink Ye All... Then Fill The Cup, Fill High
      5. Ivanhoe: Act One, First Scene: The Hall Of Rotherwood - The Palmer! The Holy Palmer!
      6. Ivanhoe: Act One, Second Scene: An Ante-Chamber In Rotherwood - O Moon, Art Thou Clad
      7. Ivanhoe: Act One, Second Scene: An Ante-Chamber In Rotherwood - Good Palmer, Thou Dids't Speak Of One
      8. Ivanhoe: Act One, Second Scene: An Ante-Chamber In Rotherwood - Like Mountain Lark
      9. Ivanhoe: Act One, Third Scene: The Lists At Ashby-de-la-Zouch - Will There Be No More Fighting?
      10. Ivanhoe: Act One, Third Scene: The Lists At Ashby-de-la-Zouch - Plantagenesta!
      11. Ivanhoe: Act One, Third Scene: The Lists At Ashby-de-la-Zouch - Isaac, My Jew, My Purse Of Gold
      12. Ivanhoe: Act One, Third Scene: The Lists At Ashby-de-la-Zouch - What Means His Motto?

      Tracks:

      1. Ivanhoe: Act Two, First Scene: Friar Tuck's Hut At Copmanhurst - Strange Lodging This For England's King
      2. Ivanhoe: Act Two, First Scene: Friar Tuck's Hut At Copmanhurst - There Is A Custom...I Ask Not Wealth
      3. Ivanhoe: Act Two, First Scene: Friar Tuck's Hut At Copmanhurst - Not Bad, Say I...The Wind Blows Cold ('Ho, Jolly Jenkin!')
      4. Ivanhoe: Act Two, First Scene: Friar Tuck's Hut At Copmanhurst - And Now For Combat!
      5. Ivanhoe: Act Two, Second Scene: Castle Torquilstone - Will Not Our Captor Dare To Show His Face?
      6. Ivanhoe: Act Two, Second Scene: Castle Torquilstone - Welcome, Sir Templar!...Woo Thou Thy Snowflake
      7. Ivanhoe: Act Two, Third Scene: A Turret Chamber In Torquilstone - Whet The Keen Axes
      8. Ivanhoe: Act Two, Third Scene: A Turret Chamber In Torquilstone - O Awful Depth...Lord Of Our Chosen Race
      9. Ivanhoe: Act Two, Third Scene: A Turret Chamber In Torquilstone - Take Thou These Jewels
      10. Ivanhoe: Act Two, Third Scene: A Turret Chamber In Torquilstone - What Sound Is That?

      Tracks:

      1. Ivanhoe: Act Three, First Scene: Room In Torquilstone; Assault; Burning Of The Castle - Happy With Winged Feet
      2. Ivanhoe: Act Three, First Scene: Room In Torquilstone; Assault; Burning Of The Castle - Tend Thou The Knight Thou Lovest
      3. Ivanhoe: Act Three, First Scene: Room In Torquilstone; Assault; Burning Of The Castle - How Cans't Thou Know?
      4. Ivanhoe: Act Three, Second Scene: The Forest - Light Foot Upon The Dancing Green
      5. Ivanhoe: Act Three, Second Scene: The Forest - Look, Where Thy Moody Father Walks Apart...Forgive Thy Son
      6. Ivanhoe: Act Three, Second Scene: The Forest - How Oft Beneath The Far-Off Syrian Skies
      7. Ivanhoe: Act Three, Third Scene: The Preceptory Of The Templars, Templestowe - Fremuere Principles
      8. Ivanhoe: Act Three, Third Scene: The Preceptory Of The Templars, Templestowe - Thou Jewish Girl, Who Art Condemned
      9. Ivanhoe: Act Three, Third Scene: The Preceptory Of The Templars, Templestowe - A Champion! A Champion!
      10. Ivanhoe: Act Three, Third Scene: The Preceptory Of The Templars, Templestowe - Dead! He Is Dead!
      11. Ivanhoe: Act Three, Third Scene: The Preceptory Of The Templars, Templestowe - See Where The Banner Of England

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars Wonderfully fine performance.......2004-10-10

      This is one opera I have been searching for for a very long time. I read about it in a book about Sullivan. Of course, when they wrote of the opera, they showed the scene, in drawing, where Rebecca informs Ivanhoe of the battle with the Black Knight. The drawing (based on the actual performance when it premiered) grabbed my attention completely. I just wondered what this composer could do with real opera (I loved his operettas completely, and they showed quite often Sullivan was quite capable of deep emotional pathose, even if in the end he was spoofing it more than reflecting it).

      Well, all the years of searching and waiting to know were not a waste. Firstly, I have never been able to locate a score of this work (as I have done with many ancient operas or forgotten ones), so I was just as in the dark as anyone else as to what to expect. I was incredibly surprised, not to mention, thrilled with the results. No, Sullivan is no Wagner, nor is he even Verdi, but he is wonderfully beautiful in his own right. Why this work has not entered into the opera houses, I have no clue, excepting maybe because it is English opera, which never does well. Speaking of "ENGLISH OPERA", here we have a recording where for the most part we CAN understand the words (a thing I never seem to find in professional recordings of English opera, or American opera; they may as well sing in gibberish, for that is exactly what it sounds like -- perhaps the composers have no clue what works in their own language?). The performers, as we know, are not professionals, but rather semi-professionals. There are some uneven performances, and sometimes the characters are not quite as developed as one would like, there are even times the orchestra sounds like it lost the beat (but this is EXTREMELY RARE), the sound quality of the recording is OK, but nothing stellar, however, it is not bad either. Yet, in spite of these drawbacks, we CAN and DO understand the words, and for once a rather strange sounding English libretto sounds natural and unforced with stupid poetry that really leaves you laughing. These wonderfully dedicated performers, no matter their individual difficulties, give us a wonderfully vivid performance where we can finally understand the opera (like all our Italian friends do when Italian opera is sung for them). That was such a treat for me, to finally actually understand the words of opera sung in my own language.

      What makes this opera such a thrill, at least for me, is the natural fall of the words and the music, especially in the recitatives. Unlike most English opera where the musical line sounds completely foreign to the natural lilt of the words, Sullivan has an uncanny way of writing lines, melodies, and recitatives that flow naturally from the language itself. That was a really exciting experience to endure. For once, I didn't wish that someone would teach the composers to listen to the flow of English to gain an insight into melody. Maybe it was all those operettas that he wrote prior to this "serios opera" that taught him what he knew, or maybe, he just had a good ear for his own language and enough sense to know that trying to graft Italian or German musical idioms onto things just wasn't the correct choice.

      Is it a great work? Well, no, it will never get into the record books as a perfect opera, nor will it shove Mozart or Wagner off the stage, but it is really quite good just the same. Even with all the flaws this recording has, I am so glad it is out there so I could at last hear what music fleshed out that old drawing I saw in a book all those years ago. Though Sullivan's music is not anywhere near as dramatic as one may imagine it should be, it fits well with the scene and the over all concept of the work.

      I really recommend this recording, for it, at least for now, is the only one we have (and if they make a professional one, I really hope they screen the singers well, no big names if they can't sing English so we can understand it; Sullivan, as with Wagner, you MUST understand the words or the meaning is completely lost). The entire recording is really quite enjoyable, and it doesn't disappoint.

      3 out of 5 stars Not ideal, but all there is.......2000-08-05

      If you are interested in Arthur Sullivan's Music without Gilbert, this is one of the works you should have in your collection. Unfortunately the quality of the performance is inconsistent. The orchestra is at times good, at others sloppy. The soloists are also of varying quality. This is, after all, a recording by a semi-professional group. That said, if you are willing to accept the flaws, this is currently the only version on disc. Perhaps someday the BBC will record a version, as they did with Sullivan's "Rose of Persia". In the current recording, the most pleasing selections are: The Act 3 Scene 2 ensemble "Look where thy moody father walks apart", Friar Tuck's rollicking "Ho, Jolly Jenkin", The Templar's passionate scene "Woo thou thy snowflake", and Rebecca's evocative aria "Lord of our chosen race". Not all it could be, but it's all we've got.
      Champion Sound, Pt. 2
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Champion Sound, Pt. 2
        Fatboy Slim
        Manufacturer: Skint Records UK
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
        Big BeatBig Beat | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
        Trip-HopTrip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
        BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000JJRWLM
        Release Date: 2006-11-13

        Tracks:

        1. Champion Sound [Radio Edit]
        2. Champion Sound [Switch Mix]
        3. Champion Sound [Krafty Kuts Mix]
        4. Champion Sound [M Factor Remix]
        5. Champion Sound [Digital Dog Remix]
        6. Champion Sound [Acappella]

        Album Description

        Part Two of Two. Second of two 'new' tracks pulled from his Why Try Harder? hits collection. Features six versions of 'Champion Sound': Switch Remix, Krafty Kuts Remix, M Factor Remix, Digital Dog Remix and A Cappella . Skint. 2006.

        Album Details

        The Second Single Released from the Massive Selling Collection "Why Try Harder: The Greatest Hits" from the Former Housemartin-turned-dj/Sound Shaper/Producer. Includes Four Different Remixes Along with Both Album and Acappella Versions.
        Postcards
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Anointed and simply one of the best christian CDs in my collection!
        • Absolutely the BEST CD I've listened to this year
        Postcards
        Beth Champion Mason
        Manufacturer: More Real Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
        Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B000BTK52I
        Release Date: 2006-01-03

        Tracks:

        1. Lavish Love
        2. Postcard
        3. More Real than reality
        4. Save Me
        5. Tapestry
        6. Hallowed be thy name
        7. Holy
        8. Talk
        9. Not Afraid
        10. Can't love you enough

        Product Description

        Beth Champion Mason is an artist that seems tireless. Between commuting back and forth between home in Suffolk, Virginia and Nashville while producing her latest CD, Postcards, and traveling to youth camps all over the east coast, and spending a couple of weeks ministering in some of the poorest parts of the Bahamas, Beth has logged more than her fair share of miles and stories.01. Lavish Love 02. Postcards 03. More Real Than Reality 04. Save Me 05. Tapestry 06. Hallowed Be Thy Name 07. Holy 08. Talk 09. Not Afraid 10. Can't Love You Enough

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Anointed and simply one of the best christian CDs in my collection!.......2007-02-17

        This is an extraordinary CD. Beth has a very special voice, ingenious lyrics and a captivating sound. One of the best CDs around. Can't recommend it highly enough. Period.

        5 out of 5 stars Absolutely the BEST CD I've listened to this year.......2006-08-20

        Beth Champion Mason is well on her way to making a huge impact in Christian Music. She is currently Independent; let me reiterate "currently" as this CD is as good as anything you will hear on the contemporary charts. This is her sophomore CD project which follows up her extremely well done debut album, "All I Have". The concept for Postcards is far above the norm and the sound levels sound good whether you are in your car, on your computer or playing it on your iPod.

        Beth wrote or co-wrote every song on this album. What I enjoy about her songwriting most is she bases every single song on Scripture ensuring our Father is the focal point. This is pop with an edge, not an easy thing to pull off well because you have to take a close look at instrumentation levels, lead vocals, bgv's etc, but Joe Mazza and crew did the trick showing that he is no doubt a terrific producer. Postcards is well worth the price of postage!

        Eight Legs Up - A Perfect Ten! See the full review at Sockspider.
        Champion Sound
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Champion Sound
          Fatboy Slim
          Manufacturer: Skint
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
          Dance & DJDance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B000JJRWLC
          Release Date: 2006-11-07

          Tracks:

          1. Champion Sound (Fatboy Slim Remix)
          2. Rockafeller Skank (The Automatic Remix)

          Album Description

          Part One of Two. Second of two 'new' tracks pulled from his Why Try Harder? hits collection. Features 'Champion Sound': (Fatboy Slim Remix) plus 'Rockafeller Skank' (The Automatic Remix). Skint. 2006.

          Album Details

          The Second Single Lifted from the Massive Selling "Why Try Harder: The Greatest Hits" Includes a Self Remix Version of the Title Track and Another of "The Rockafeller Skank".
          Champion Sound
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • CHAMPION SOUND INDEED
          Champion Sound
          Various Artists
          Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
          RockRock | Imports | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B000056B7Q
          Release Date: 2004-04-27

          Album Details

          From the People who Brought You Shaolin Soul, a Vintage Collection of Vintage and Today's Reggae Hits.

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars CHAMPION SOUND INDEED.......2002-02-14

          A very good sleeve, very good packaging and a clever track listing combining roots (Peter Tosh, Al Brown,ect.) and today's (Capleton, Sizzla, etc.) reggae in various styles (even reggae hip hop from New York). The idea didn't sound good on paper for reggae afficionados but the result is really stunning. Can't wait for Volume 2...
          All I Have
          Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
          • Beth opens her heart with her voice.
          All I Have

          Manufacturer: Beth Champion Mason
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Christian RockChristian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
          Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
          Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B00007KQM3
          Release Date: 2002-11-30

          Tracks:

          1. I Am Your Child
          2. All I Have
          3. Psalm 107
          4. Ruler of the Universe
          5. Good Enough
          6. Carry Me
          7. Beauty from the Ashes
          8. What Have I to Offer?
          9. I'll Come Running
          10. Just Beyond

          Album Description

          Debut album from Beth Champion Mason. Contemporary Christian.

          Customer Reviews:

          4 out of 5 stars Beth opens her heart with her voice........2006-07-02

          "A little Sarah McLachlan and Jewel, mix in some Jennifer Knapp and Alanis Morisette, and you'll have a pretty good idea of Beth Champion Mason's sound."
          What a perfect discription of BCM's sound!
          I meet Beth last weekend when she sang at our church and was impressed from the minute she walked in the door. Beth sang from her heart and delivered. Her voice is amazing and her song writting is just as top notch as her vocals. Highly recommend both of her albums.

          Soul Music:

          1. Coming of Age
          2. Common Sense
          3. Conspiracy Theory [Explicit Lyrics]
          4. Conversation [Explicit Lyrics]
          5. Curb Servin' [Explicit Lyrics]
          6. Day Hell Broke Loose, Vol. 2 [Explicit Lyrics]
          7. Duck Season, Vol. 1
          8. Enquiring Minds
          9. Eyes on This
          10. Future Profits

          Soul Music

          soul music

          Recommended Music:

          Bad Vibes

          Jean Sibelius: Symphony No.2 In D major, Op.43/Finlandia Op.26

          Joyful Noise

          Solo Trombone Album

          Girlie Years

          Hope

          I'm a Woman/Norma Deloris Egstrom from Jamestown, North Dakota [Import]

          Liebesfreud, Liebesleid

          Jamul [Import]

          Handel: Messiah (Highlights) / Solti, Chicago Symphony (Penguin Music Classics Series)

          House & Dance [Import]

          Enrique [Import]

          Grandes Conjuntos [Import]

          Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2/Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini/Vocalise

          Cabaret Noir