Simple & Plain [Explicit Lyrics]

Track Listings

1. Autobiography

2. Dub Out a Gee

3. Trouble (Interlude)

4. Guess Who

5. Between Us - Young Bleed

6. Take It Like a Gee

7. Crushed

8. Dirty Game

9. Simple & Plain

10. Catfishing

11. Better Than Tha Last Time II

12. Feared or Loved (Interlude)

13. Dedicated

14. Ghetto Gospel

Simple & Plain,Max Minelli,Crushed Ent.,Dirty South,Hardcore Rap,Pop,Rap,Rap & Hip-Hop,Southern Rap

Simple & Plain [Explicit Lyrics]

Tracks:

I Have Seen
Polaris
Destiny
Give It Away
Simple Things
Red Dust
Distractions
In The Waiting Line
Out Of Town
This World
Likufanele
End Theme
Salt Water Sound
Spinning

Amazon.com

Zero 7's ability to conjure beautiful lullabies with all the romance of 1960s French pop (as found on their debut LP, Simple Things) would have made them the toast of soundtrack composers and chill-out connoisseurs the world over. Unfortunately, two Frenchmen beat Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker to the title of "masters of comedown cool," leaving the London duo to be forever called "the British Air." And this is fair; the similarities between Zero 7's lush cinematic soundscapes and those of Air's Moon Safari and the Virgin Suicides score are so strong as to sound almost intentional. Nonetheless, their debut is a truly gorgeous album. It has all the tried and tested atmospheric tricks--bleeps and whooshes layered over plodding Fender Rhodes chords, swathes of strings and tender trumpet parps--but it's Binns and Hardaker's languid grooves and the soft melancholy of their melodies that make dream-state instrumentals "Give It Away" and "Polaris" utterly enchanting. The real power of Simple Things, however, is in its songs. As beautiful as the ambient strains are, when laid beneath the seductive vocals of Australian diva Sia on the ethereal "Destiny" or the heart-breaking "Distractions," their potency becomes apparent. --Dan Gennoe

Album Description

2001 debut full length for dance act described as, 'the British Air', the follow-up to two limited, critically acclaimed EPs. Highlights include the awesome African influenced instrumental passage 'Likufanele', the velvety 'I Have Seen' feat. Mozez & the quiet storm of 'Destiny' feat. Sia. Quango.

Customer Reviews:

WOW!.......2007-08-04

This is a dynamite CD! Over 72 minutes long with clean tasty production & beautiful singing & melodies. It's universally appealing:I've played this for many people of different backgrounds from Brazilian to American and they all like it. This music takes you to another place. Get this one it's a keeper!

Chill - Out Virtuosos at Work.......2007-08-01

I'm very skeptical of ambient-type releases. However, zero7's "simple things" is a very listenable album. English artists have always been generally comfortable in an electronic environment, and zero7 is no exception. This album will range from excercises in electronic minimalism to tracks weaving funky bass lines laced with sultry vocal tracks and sprinkled with notes of rising string instruments.

The problem with most ambient music is that it is far too passive; produced with the full intention of staying in the background without being intrusive. "simple things" does not fall into that category. There is a soul, a backbone if you will, to the production. This album is just sexy and is a perfect soundtrack to any amorous couple's bedroom.

5 stars? Nah........2007-07-30

I am a big downtempo fan, and finally got around to checking out this album, based on its popularity and reviews. The music is ok, but nothing really stood out for me. The track I liked the most was track 11. Check out Bar Lounge Classics - volumes 1, 2 and 3. Great stuff there.

Mere Words Cannot Explain This Music.......2007-07-24

I've listened to a lot of music in my day, but I can safely say I had not lived musically until I heard this CD. Blowing me away would not be strong enough to describe Simple Thing's effect on me. Don't be deceived by reviews that paint this music as existing only relative to others (Air), or depicting it only as a brand of tricky electronic virtuosity. Rather, this is incredibly ethereal music that demands a careful and intent listening. Listen on the freeway when you can focus on the sounds and not be distracted by the demands of stop and go driving. Go into a meditative state and then listen. Or, use some of a well-known herb and prepare to be sent into the stratosphere. The depths of the musicianship and craftmanship behind this performance are beyond my comprehension. I've listened to thousands of CD's in my day, in all genres, but this one has become my favorite after only several listenings. Nothing at all short of incredible.

Fantastic.......2007-04-05

Suave, Refined -- So Cool. I really enjoy this album.
My favorites in this album are "Destiny", "Distractions" (sublime) and "In the Waiting Line".

Average customer rating:

Classic Music!
Good for 1 song
Something is Missing
Missing Tracks
A very good collection

The Best of Simple Minds
Simple Minds
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Shout: The Very Best of Tears for Fears
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Ultimate Collection

ASIN: B00005QITR
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Don't You (Forget About Me)
Promised You A Miracle
Waterfront
Alive And Kicking
Glittering Prize
All The Things She Said
Sanctify Yourself
Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
Ghostdancing
Up On The Catwalk
Speed Your Love To Me
Theme For Great Cities
Love Song
The American
Sweat In Bullet
Life In A Day
I Travel

Tracks:

Let There Be Love
This Is Your Land
Kick It In
Let It All Come Down
See The Lights
Stand By Love
Real Life
She's A River
Hypnotised
Glitterball
War Babies
Mandela Bay
Biko
Belfast Child
The Real Life (Raven Maize)

Album Description

2 CDs featuring 5 top 40 singles and a total of 32 songs covering the band's A&M and Virgin Records careers. Also includes the bonus track 'The Real Life' (Raven Maize) (sampling Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody). 2001.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered 32 Track Collection from the Longtime Scottish Favorites. Includes the Worldwide Smash "Don't You Forget About Me"(Of Course) and Some of their Hits Prior to the Worldwide Breakthru, Including "Theme from Great Cities", "i Travel", "The American","Promised You a Miracle" and More. A Bonus Treat is the Remix of "Theme from Great Cities" by Raven Maize, a Hit at the 2001 Winter Music Conference.

Customer Reviews:

Classic Music!.......2007-06-27

I was aware of the existence of Simple Minds in the mid-'80's. I was familiar with "Don't You (Forget About Me)", of course, and I heard them on Saturday Night Live doing that song and "Sanctify Yourself". As a Christian, I loved that title, and I heard one person consider this band in the same category as U2 and ATF, being mainstream bands of Christians.

I am not an expert on the lyrics, but I don't see anything I object to (I may be wrong) by this band. I really love their musical style.

Favorite tracks are "Don't You (Forget About Me)", "Promised You A Miracle", "Alive and Kicking", "Glittering Prize", "Sanctify Yourself", "Ghostdancing", "Speed Your Love To Me", "Life In A Day", "Let There Be Love", "Stand By Love", and "Belfast Child".

Good for 1 song.......2007-05-15

I bought this CD for 1 song and that's the only one on the CD that I like.

Something is Missing.......2007-01-11

I got this complilation for my son. When my son and husband were reading the package they both asked "Where is 'New Gold Dream (81,82,83,84)'"

How can a Simple Minds Compilation NOT have that song ?

Otherwise, it is a decent collection and a very good price for a 2 disc set.

Missing Tracks.......2006-09-20

I'm surprised that this compilation of the Best of Simple Minds omits two of their best recordings: "New Gold Dream" and "Book of Brilliant Things." I suggest buying the "New Gold Dream" and "Sparkle in the Rain" CD's to get those tracks.

A very good collection.......2006-08-19

The majority of the older "prime cuts": for Simple Minds were on this CD. As a 20-yr. fan there are a few I would have added as I much prefer the older material over the newer.

If you are looking for a good collection of Simple Minds, I highly recommend this CD. For those of us who have all the CD's, this is a good way to cruise w/the band w/o changing CD's or shuffling!!

Average customer rating:

pure genius
Another great Yo-Yo Disc
first disc great- second a flop
Encore
The Versatile Yo-Yo Ma

The Essential Yo-Yo Ma

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Appassionato
Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone
Vivaldi's Cello
Classic Yo-Yo
Silk Road Journeys: Beyond the Horizon

ASIN: B000A7Q29G
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

Prde from Suite No. 1 in G Major for Cello, BWV 1007
II. Largo from "Winter", Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 from the Four Seasons
Jesus, bleibet meine Freude (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring), BWV 147
Schafe kn sicher weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze), BWV 208
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers Awake), BWV 645
The Swan from Carnival of the Animals (Chamber Version)
Havanaise, Op. 83
Mtation from Tha
Liebesfreud Instrumental
Allegro ben ritmato e deciso from Three Preludes
Vocalise Vocal
IV. Allegro from Sonata in D minor for Cello and Piano, Op. 40
Andante Cantabile for Cello Solo and String Orchestra, Op. posth.
IV. Rondo alla Zingarese. Presto from Quartet No. 1 in G minor for Piano and Strings, Op. 25
III. Finale. Allegro moderato from Concerto in B minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 104

Tracks:

Cristal
A lenda do caboclo
Chega de Saudade Live
Wapango Live
Libertango
Appalachia Waltz Solo Cello Version
Butterfly's Day Out
1B
Pickin' from Three Pieces for Solo Cello
Simple Gifts
The Mission
Gabriel's Oboe
The Falls Album Version
The Eternal Vow from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Cellist of Sarajevo - A Lament in Rondo Form for Solo 'Cello, Op. 12
Chi passa per'sta strada
Mido Mountain (Chinese Traditional)
Mohini (Enchantment)
Baroque in Rhythm from Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano Trio
Anything Goes Instrumental
I Could Have Danced All Night Extended version

Amazon.com

Here are three dozen pieces of music, all played by Yo-Yo Ma, culled from his extensive discography. Aside from the technical mastery and beautiful tone that are absolutes in all of his playing, one is dazzled by his curiosity and ability to adapt to so many forms and types of music. His Bach and Vivaldi are pellucid and played with non-sentimental crispness, his tango music gritty and rhythmically pungent, his jazz seemingly spontaneous, the "Meditation" from Thais simply ravishing, "Anything Goes" a romp, and the Appalachian music performed with both respect and a great twang, while the traditional Chinese music is fascinating. It's really a matter of how much Ma loves whatever he plays here, how entirely he becomes involved in it, and what a fine partner he invariably is to other musicians. This collection is a doozy--it is truly "essential." --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

pure genius.......2007-05-21

No instrument asks more from the soul of an artist as the cello does.
Yo Yo Ma shows to be master of the instrument and his interpretations en technique are pure genius. Everyone should have this album in his (or hers of course) basic classical collection

Another great Yo-Yo Disc.......2007-05-15

The set-up with the classical pieces on the first disc and the other on the second is excellent.

first disc great- second a flop.......2007-04-12

the first disc is awesome. the second disc is weird and boring.

Encore.......2007-03-31

Incredible. My young cellist (son) loves it. Beautiful music. The album is well organized and each song transitions nicely.

The Versatile Yo-Yo Ma.......2007-03-29

I've found this collection to be extremely delightful! It gives you a sense of the versatility of Yo-Yo Ma like no other, with one disc being dedicated more to his classical side, while the other explores jazz and world music venues. Not your typical "greatest hits" collection.

Average customer rating:

Enjoyed it !
Better than his last.
Can't stop listening to this album!
really simple?
Blues or over produced country rock?

Keep It Simple
Keb' Mo'
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Slow Down
Just Like You
Peace...Back By Popular Demand
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ASIN: B00015V59Y
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

France
Let Your Light Shine
One Friend
Shave Yo' Legs
Prosperity Blues
Closer
Keep It Simple
Riley B. King
House In California
Walk Back In
I'm Amazing
Proving You Wrong

Amazon.com

"I can't even crack a frown since the blues slipped out of town," sings Keb' Mo' on "Prosperity Blues," with a patented big wide grin you can practically hear. It's a witty and accurate assessment of his approach to the often lowdown genre. Even on the album's title track, where Mo's tough National steel slide playing is most prominent, he's concerned with the daunting amount of coffee choices at his local java emporium. Call it the middle-class blues then, as Mo' wraps his grits-and-honey voice around another set of gently rolling, melodic, and warm compositions. Similar to, say, James Taylor, he spins beautifully crafted, meticulously produced, uncluttered roots-influenced music that is no less satisfying because of its smooth qualities. Traces of gospel, folk, and even bluegrass sprinkle these pop-oriented tunes, and while most of the edges here are sanded off--nobody will mistake him for Howlin' Wolf--Mo's cushy voice and charm create another winning entry in his catalog. Sophisticated and burnished, Keep It Simple goes down easy thanks to alluring songs that beckon you back like the memories of an old flame. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyed it !.......2006-10-14

Every song tells a story...and every instrument comes through beautifully in each song! Such clarity..the voices! This is now my mellow out CD. It encourages me (and will encourage you too) makes you smile and will humble you. Keep It Simple is a wonderful addition to any collector who likes down home classic blues music or just introduced to it like me! I must ask: KEB'MO PLEASE DO A INSTRUMENTAL VERSION OF THIS CD..I would love to have it in my collection too!
Thanks. A new fan...T.

Better than his last........2006-06-05

Keb Mo is all blues, just acoustic blues. Won many awards for his work. Saw him at the Monterey Blues Festival and in New Orleans as well. This album is has, like all albums, some material that I like, some I don't, but am very glad to have it in my collection and listen to it often.

Can't stop listening to this album!.......2006-05-15

This is one of the best albums Ive heard yet from this man. What a great talent and what a great guy. You know he's comfortable in his skin if one of his lyrics is "You don't have to shave your legs for me." There isn't a song on this album I don't like. I listen to is almost every day,

really simple?.......2005-06-21

Remarkable for accuracy, arrangements and quality of the sound, it is not a "pure blues" record, but a (winning) combination of blues and ballads (fifty-fifty). Refined and sophisticated, always pleasant, it shows a nice list of tracks all deeply rooted in American popular music, linked by the unmistakable Keb's touch, with his acoustic/dobro guitar work. Keb' Mo' is probably the best "complete" bluesman at the moment, respectful of blues tradition and nice to modern listeners. High class. High quality.

Riccardo Frau - Italy

Blues or over produced country rock?.......2005-03-17

Simple over produced country rock.
The blues? No way not even close.
A better title for this cd would be something like "keep it mediocre". Thumbs down - blues lovers you've been warned!!!

Average customer rating:

Trouble - Simple Mind Condition
Not the TROUBLE it should be
A surprise from an old fave!
Right where they left off
not a bad effort but falls short "of psalm9" or "the skull".

Simple Mind Condition
Trouble
Manufacturer: Escapi - Germany
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000MGBTCK
Release Date: 2007-07-02

Tracks:

Goin' Home
Mindbender
Seven
Pictures Of Life
After The Rain
Trouble Maker
Arthur Brown's Whiskey Bar
Simple Mind Condition
Ride The Sky
If I Only Had A Reason
Beginning Of Sorrows

Album Description

International pressing of the 2007 release from Metal miscreants Trouble features one additional track: 'Ride The Sky'. Trouble keep the spirit of Black Sabbath-style Rock alive while remaining true to their spiritual roots (i.e.: they are often called a 'White Metal' band!). Escape.

Album Details

2007 Release of the Seventh Album from the Veteran American Death Metal Band that Finally Saw the Light of Disc after at Least a Two Year Delay. Includes a Cover of a Classic Lucifer's Friend Song "Ride the Sky".

Customer Reviews:

Trouble - Simple Mind Condition.......2007-08-07

The kings of doomy stoner rock are back!!!! I was a little afraid, that this new album from Chicago's Trouble, couldn't live up to my exceptations, but boy was I wrong:-). The style on this album, is a mix of the last 3 albums they made, Plastic Green Head, Manic Frustration, and the self-titled (and godly) Trouble. I have been a fan of Trouble since 1990, and they haven't (in my opinion) made a bad album yet, and I don't think they will.

Not the TROUBLE it should be.......2007-08-05

Having been a huge Trouble fan from the get go, I must admit I am disappointed with this release. I was anticipating this disc for a very long time as it seemed that it would never be released with perpetual delays. Other than Bruce Franklin and Rick Wartell's trademark guitar tones/solos, this disc is lacking. It's just not the doom and gloom I expected to hear from these legends. The opener, "Going Home" was originally released on a small independently released disc by the band called "One for the Road". The version on that disc is far and above better then the newly recorded version. In general "Simple Mind Condition" leaves me wanting and expecting much more when I think back on all the classic killer tunes that were written by these guys before. Quite simply, none of these songs stand out and really make you want to hit "repeat". The "mix" isn't all that hot either. I would rate this disc on the same level as "Run to the Light" - ok music, but nothing exciting - and to be honest, rather boring. Stick to the prior albums like "Psalm 9", "Manic Frustration" and the self titled "Trouble" disc for a true education in TROUBLE.

A surprise from an old fave!.......2007-08-03

After being disappointed with most "rock" albums this year (or the past three years, for that matter), most particularly the latest from Velvet Revolver and Audioslave, I decided to check out the latest from one of my old favorites, Trouble. I haven't gone back and listened to them for quite a few years (having most of their stuff on vinyl!) but I gotta say, this is one of the best hard albums of the year, and definitely one of the band's best. Even after ten years between albums, they not only haven't missed a step, but have rather come up with an album where there is something to grab onto in every song, whether it's a great, catchy riff, a solid slow doom progession, or a nice melodic, psychedelic ballad tune - all with some great vocals and killer lead work. If you like Sabbath-style rock, but without the overkill down-tuned stuff inherent in a lot of similar bands ("old style", as I prefer to call it!), then check out this excellent new album!

Right where they left off.......2007-07-28

I agree with the last review - in the sense they started right where they left off. I have also been a Trouble fan for 20+ years. I think the production value is killer in Eric's vocal's...but I dont' hear the harmonizing that is legendary between Rick and Bruce. But still I am very pleased with the release. Any Trouble is good Trouble. My faves are: Going Home, After The Rain, Trouble Maker, If I Had A Reason and The Beginning of Sorrows (much kudo's to Oly for writing it). I also give kudo's to Ride the Sky. Everything else is mild to me.....but dont get me wrong - if you like TROUBLE - you will like the album

not a bad effort but falls short "of psalm9" or "the skull"........2007-07-23

i think this is troubles best offering since the self titled "trouble" cd.still i find it a very far cry from "psalm9"&"the skull".theres not a whole lot of doom & gloom which is what put trouble on the map in the first place.i find S.M.C. to be very 70's in song writing & tones.i personally find this quite nice.almost like listening to an old sabbath recording.theres even some tony iommi influenced lead guitar tones.as a drummer i dont find jeff olson's drumming to be top rate on this recording.R.I.P. barry.as trouble has changed their sound & style over the years i still dig them just for being trouble.if you feel the same about trouble then by all means buy "simple mind condition".

Average customer rating:

The Good Linda Ronstadt
Linda and her boys capture the landscape of Southern California
A HUGE Album Back In The 1970's!!!
Cool album!
My favorite of Linda's pop rock albums

Simple Dreams
Linda Ronstadt
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Prisoner in Disguise
Hasten Down the Wind
Living In The USA
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Don't Cry Now

ASIN: B000002GVQ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

It's So Easy
Carmelita
Simple Man, Simple Dream
Sorrow Lives Here
I Will Never Marry
Blue Bayou
Poor Poor Pitiful Me
Maybe I'm Right
Tumbling Dice
Old Paint

Amazon.com essential recording

On its face, Simple Dreams seems a crazy quilt of styles, from the friendly country-rock remake of Buddy Holly's "It's So Easy," the brooding covers of Roy Orbison's "Blue Bayou," and Dolly Parton's "I Never Will Marry" to dissolute tales of rock & roll madness like the Rolling Stones' "Tumbling Dice" and Warren Zevon's "Carmelita" and "Poor Poor Pitiful Me." Yet Ronstadt is able to keep it all together, proving her interpretive depth and stylistic breadth all at once. Simple Dreams is perhaps Ronstadt's most adventurous rock-oriented album, and, with the exception of the drum sounds, which indelibly identify this as a product of the '70s, it still works. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

The Good Linda Ronstadt.......2007-01-14

The best she has to offer. Nothing since has compared to this fine work. I think they could have left "Old Paint" off of it though.

Linda and her boys capture the landscape of Southern California.......2006-02-25

Simple Dreams to this day remains my Linda Ronstadt desert island disc if, Heaven forbid, I could only choose one. Let others genuflect on Heart Like a Wheel or those three ridiculous, effete Nelson Riddle albums. Ronstadt was always a more convincing interpreter of Eric Kaz than Gershwin or Ellington, which is nowhere more evident than on Sorrow Lives where -- acccompanied by only the late Don Grolnick's piano, mind you -- brave soul Ronstadt takes us on more harrowing curves and hairpin turns than a drunken Diana Ross driving down Topanga Canyon on her way to return some videos to Blockbuster. Indeed, Simple Dreams marked the last time Ronstadt was ever willing to get this down and this dirty, before she sent her chops off for vocal training in preparation for Gilbert & Sullivan. Before she became an artiste. Before she began over-enunciating her t's. Disco be damned, the album spawned four hits that were everywhere during the time, with Blue Bayou enduring to become her own New York, New York. Never mattered much to me that Ronstadt didn't seem to know what she was singing about on Warren Zevon's Poor Poor Pitiful Me or the Stones' Tumbling Dice; Linda was just keeping up with her boys. And there are lots of them, including Eagle Don Henley, Stone Poney crony Kenny Edwards, and the always welcome J.D. Souther. (I can see why she would do him.) Even Andrew Gold, who'd left her stable and was riding the charts in his own right with Lonely Boy, returned to mama in a cameo billed under the alias Larry Hagler. Only Dolly Parton's shimmering guest vocal on I Never Will Marry keeps Simple Dreams from being an all-male affair. Ronstadt would evolve as an artist over the next three decades and build an enviable catalogue that would have seemed unimagineable in 1977, but she would never again make an album as cohesive as Simple Dreams. (Although Cry Like A Rainstorm... comes close, except for those over-enunciated t's - "something's noT quiTe righT..." ) It's a shame to hear her disparage her 70's period as being not very musically interesting for a singer, dissing her hit records as (to paraphrase her) kinda sucking. If that's true, then Simple Dreams sucks. But in a GOOD way. In fact, ALL records should suck like this.

SERVING SUGGESTION: The Main Refrain by Wendy Waldman

A HUGE Album Back In The 1970's!!!.......2005-06-08

This album was HUGE when it was released back in 1977. It almost seemed compulsory to own a copy. And now it is 2005 and the tracks on it sound as fresh today as they did way back then. Linda has a unique voice and singing style which is demonstratedin the track " I Never Will Marry" which is a duet with Dolly Parton.Rock guitarist extraodinaire Waddy Wachtel plays on this album which is an added bonus!!!Whenever I play this album it takes me back to a simpler time in my youth when Saturday night meant a HOT DATE and a Drive In Movie!!!

Cool album!.......2005-03-07

This album spawned more hits than its predecessor,HASTEN DOWN THE WIND. Memorable tunes include a cover of the Everly Brothers' hit IT'S SO EASY,a cover of the late Warren Zevon's personally penned POOR POOR PITIFUL ME,a cover of BLUE BAYOU,first recorded by the late Roy Orbison and the Jagger-Richards classic TUMBLING DICE. Linda Ronstadt must be a fan of the Everly Brothers since she previously covered WHEN WILL I BE LOVED which was first recorded by the EB. The follow-up album,LIVING IN THE USA would become a hit.

My favorite of Linda's pop rock albums.......2004-02-10

Linda has recorded many different styles of music including folk, country and old standards from the Great American Songbook. She has proved her brilliance at all of them but, ultimately, her place in music history is assured by her pop-rock albums of the seventies. Of those albums, this is my favorite although Prisoner in disguise is a close second.

By the time Linda recorded this album, she had decided who her favorite songwriters were and what type of songs she was happy with. So here you get a Buddy Holly cover (It's so easy), two Warren Zevon songs (Carmelita, Poor poor pitiful me), a J D Souther song (Simple man simple dream) and an Eric Kaz song (Sorrow lives here) - all brilliant songs from sources that Linda had used before. Maybe I'm right, written by Robert Wachtel, is another excellent song. The album also includes outstanding covers of Blue bayou (Roy Orbison) and Tumbling dice (Rolling stones).

In amongst all those pop-rock songs, Linda went back to her roots and included two traditional songs that would seem to be out of place, except that Linda found a way to record them so that they blended in with the rest of the album without destroying them. The first is I never will marry, on which her friend, Dolly Parton, can clearly be heard on harmony vocals. The second, Old paint, is an even more unlikely inclusion, but it works superbly.

Tracks:

Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major
Prelude
Fear Tango
Butterfly's Day Out
Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan
Slavonic Dance No. 2 in E minor, Op.72
Three Preludes
Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
American Collection Theme
Sonata for Cello and Piano in F Major, Op. 99
IV. Allegro molto
The Eternal Vow from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Erbarme dich (Matthdus-Passion)
Quartet for Piano & Strings No. 2 in G minor, Op. 45
IV. Allegro molto
Vocalise
Libertango
Simple Gifts
Appalachia Waltz

Amazon.com

Except for one "previously unreleased" recording and two new ones, this is a compilation of segments taken from older Yo-Yo Ma CDs, perhaps to whet listeners' appetite to hear the entire records. The disc represents a triumph of performance over material. The program consists of short pieces and single movements of long ones and serves to display Yo-Yo Ma's extraordinary versatility, his spectacular instrumental and musical gifts, and his remarkable ability to invest everything he plays with the same commitment and emotional concentration. There is no logic to the sequence, except that it begins and ends with solo cello. Bach, whom Ma plays tuned normally when unaccompanied and tuned low with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, may justify the CD's title but seems out of place. Moreover, juxtaposing him with O'Connor and Piazzolla is jarring, though the Tangos are beautiful. The transcription of Dvorák's lovely E-minor Slavonic Dance, despite the participation of violinist Itzhak Perlman and his golden tone, sounds like a movie soundtrack: all bravura and cheap effects. The playing's the thing, and it is stunning, not only Yo-Yo Ma's, but that of all his collaborators, from vocalists Bobby McFerrin and Alison Krauss to pianist Emanuel Ax, Ma's duo partner of 25 years. Ax joins Ma for the Finale of Brahms's second cello sonata; that is what you may find yourself humming at the end. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

New Yo-Yo Fan.......2006-07-09

I had never listened to Yo-Yo Ma before (that I knew of) and then I was at a dance recital a few months ago. Two little ballerinas danced to "Simple Gifts" with Alison Kraus, and I had to have that song. I really enjoy playing this album when my family is just hanging out reading or playing with the baby in the living room. Each piece is unique and beautiful in its own way. Simple Gifts is still my favorite piece on the album, I only wish it were longer!

Simply wonderful!.......2006-06-04

I recently got this CD as a birthday gift. I've been wanting this CD for a while. The first track is a wonderful song in all reality the entire CD is a wonderful experience. The prelude by Gershwin is unique sounding with the cello. The jazz quality is still there and has a bit of classical influence intertwined among it. Yo-Yo Ma's recording of Simple Gifts is a good song and when they had the lyrics sung by Alison Krauss it was a wonderful choice. Her vocals matched the cello incredibly well. Track 8 is a wonderful song that I love to hear being played on the cello. For any person who loves classical music or cello music this CD is a good choice to buy. It will be well worth your money.

Awesome.......2004-08-20

While most people on this site see the "classic" in the title of the album as referring to classical music only, they are mistaken. Classic Yo-Yo refers to his style, not the genre into which his music choices fall. The list of tracks alone should have been a big enough clue that the music isn't all classical. Judging this album, or any album for that matter, on just its title is simply foolish. And while this is technically a solo album, the way Yo-Yo brings in guest artists to perform with him shows his flexibility as an artist. His version of Simple Gifts is so much more than a school chorus; it is an amazing cellist playing the accompaniment on a song that is meant to be sung.

On a more positive note, I found every track beautiful, from the elegant solo cello in the Bach cello suite to the haunting vocal line in the Bobby McFerrin piece. Yo-Yo Ma gathered a wide range of intriguing pieces to make this fantastic album.

What is this?.......2004-02-10

This is a compilation of many different styles; look Yo-Yo can play bluegrass! Not really "Classic" Yo-Yo.

Great if you're not familiar with Yo-Yo Ma.......2002-12-27

This CD is a good sample of what yo-yo ma has acheived in his musical career, if you want a more in depth listening of his talents than I suggest getting the simply baroque CD. The only thing that I didn't like about this cd was that the compositions were to mixed up in the genres. There was a bit of classical, some movie works, a great song by John Williams, and some of The Tango series music. If you would rather listen to one genre, get a CD that just has Classical or Contemerary, don't get a jack of all trades cd.

Average customer rating:

I hate to be rude, but . . .
Outstanding
Sacred Songs
My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far
Inspiring and beautiful

Sacred Songs

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000AM6OXK
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Ave Maria
Jesu bleibet meine Freude
Dank sei dir, Herr
Ave Maria, D839
Laudamus te
Panis Angelicus
Air: "He shall feed his Flock"
Simple Song
Pie Jesu
Domine Deus
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
Air: Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion
Abends will ich schlafen gehn
L'Adieu des bergers
Mariiegenlied, Op.76/52
Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

This lovely CD features Renée Fleming singing religious music in an unaffected, lovely manner. Many favorites are here: both the Bach/Gounod and Schubert versions of "Ave Maria," each offered with long breaths and soft tone; "Rejoice Greatly" from Messiah, delivered with virtuosity and gleaming sound, and "He Shall Feed His Flock," also from Messiah, sung in a smooth, laid-back manner. Bits of the Fauré Requiem and Poulenc Gloria are welcome, as is the gorgeous "L'Adieu des Bergers" from L'Enfance du Christ. In the prayer from Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel, Fleming is joined by the splendid Susan Graham, and a version of "Amazing Grace" features Mark O'Connor on violin. Two excerpts from Mozart's Mass in C Minor, pieces by Reger and Franck, and a few surprises round out this devotional CD. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

I hate to be rude, but . . ........2007-05-06

As stated earlier, I hate to be rude. However, Renee Fleming is not one of the greatest singers that I have heard. At many times, it sounds as if she is drunk, sliding into her notes at times. She also has a habit of hitting a note, and then quickly moving up or down for "dramatic effect". I'm sorry, but I just cannot listen to this. I know that everyone has their own opinions, and this is mine.
She is still a beautiful woman, and always will be. I have seen her concerts online, and she ISN'T bad, it's just that she doesn't have what I'm looking for in an opera singer!

Outstanding.......2007-03-07

I had seen this program on PBS and wanted the CD. Wonderful selection
of music and Renee Fleming's outstanding voice.

Sacred Songs.......2007-01-21

I always look for new presentations of Christmas songs. Rene Flemming did an excellent job in this recording. She has a super voice but sometimes the words of the song get lost in her singing style

My favorite of Fleming's CDs so far.......2006-12-07

There are only two cuts on this CD I tend to flip past (Amazing Grace and the Leonard Bernstein cut), but other than them, I totally love the rest! The cuts in German are divine! I could listen to this CD over and over again.

Inspiring and beautiful.......2006-07-20

I've always loved Renee Fleming's singing and this most recent album is just beautiful in every way. A rich voice, beautiful singing and a devout and magnificent artist. She makes even the most notorious evergreens come to life anew. I enjoyed it very much.

Average customer rating:

Music without compromise
Zero Stars Suckers!
Enough is Enough!
please note all the five-star reviews by kids
An awesome CD

No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls
Simple Plan
Manufacturer: Lava
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000060P79
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Tracks:

I'd Do Anything
The Worst Day Ever
You Don't Mean Anything
I'm Just A Kid
When I'm With You
Meet You There
Addicted
My Alien
God Must Hate Me
I Won't Be There
One Day
Perfect
Grow Up

Amazon.com

You can tell a lot about a band by the company it keeps. Simple Plan's close chums include Good Charlotte and Blink 182, giving one a fair hint of the sound the group's debut, though, judging by song titles like "I'm Just a Kid," "The Worst Day Ever," and "God Must Hate Me," it's clear these Canadian pop-punkers are aiming for a younger demographic still. Ignore the bikini-clad babes that festoon the sleeve--there's none of Blink 182's smutty double-entendres here. Frontman Pierre Bouvier writes about skipping school, crashing dad's car, and lusting after girls that don't know he exists. "Every day," he sob, "is the worst day ever." The music itself is far from glum. "I'd Do Anything" is a beaming Green Day-style chugger, while "When I'm With You" is a tale of obsession and heartbreak that owes more to the Go-Go's than Rancid. Seasoned punk fans will be put off by the excessive juvenilia, but the new wave should lap this up. --Louis Pattison

Customer Reviews:

Music without compromise.......2007-05-02

If the radio hits "I'm Just A Kid" and "Perfect" don't instantly thrash you in the face with the entire theme of this album when they first reach your ears, it seems nothing could. Both albums from Simple Plan, the Canadian quartet who have slammed their way into the hearts of thousands of young listeners, have a very adolescent feel, even more so than bands like Good Charlotte or Linkin Park. As countless commentators have pointed out, they're by no means emo or hardcore--but they must be accepted for what they are, not run over for what they aren't.

From budding crushes gone wrong ("When I'm With You", "I'd Do Anything", "Addicted") to parental conflicts ("One Day" and "Perfect") and everything in between, Simple Plan definitely appeal to the youngest audience possible--or at least the youngest listeners can be when they start developing individual tastes in music. One look at the CD's cover seems to tell you what fantasies were swirling in these pop-punkers' minds, but one listen to the actual songs proves that not even early Blink 182's slapstick act can stand up to these guys. You simply can't tell them to act their ages.

But does this blueprint work when put into action? Past a few mediocre songs and vocals that can get annoying, ultimately, it does. Surprisingly, the track that best shows what these rockers are capable of isn't one that voices any tween frustrations, but rather a catchy one praising the singer's one-of-a-kind girlfriend: "My Alien", in which frontman Pierre Bouvier claims that "she has two arms to hold me / And four legs two wrap around me" over a catchy, munching guitar beat.

As a start their debut proves that they can not only produce memorable riffs and tunes that are perfect to sing along with, but its apt title proves that they can deliver energetic music without compromise, despite a theme that isn't nearly as perfected or as universally approved of as that of their peers.

Zero Stars Suckers!.......2006-12-30

College Kid (20 yrs old)
Sorry, don't have password

Will somebody tell me why this band is still in existence? I mean c'mon is this what people call music? This crap isn't even close, all it is is a bunch of whiny men (I use that term very losely) complaining about how much their lives sucked in high school. Let me tell you somethin' a**holes, there are a lot of kids today who've had to go through more pain than you could ever dream of going through. I had a very happy childhood, so this isn't about my personal life. I know kids that have dealt with horrible things, yet have come out stronger and better and still don't complain. It makes me sick to think that people actually feel sorry for these gutless losers. I wonder if Pierre's parents forgot to circumcise him, maybe that's why he sounds sexually frustrated.

Seriously, how can anybody like these losers. Here's the lyrics to one of their songs:
I'm just a kid
my life is a nightmare
nobody cares tonight (AW, poor baby, do you want your mommy now, jackass)
And I don't give a s**t if these lyrics aren't correct to all you adolescent peabrains who reviewed before. I am fed up with babies like these imbeciles getting attention for their "traumatic childhoods" when there are kids constantly being abused, thrown around from home to home, and treated like animals every day. You think because a pretty girl didn't want to go out with you was so traumatic, you're entitled to everyone's sympathy. Here's my advice: F**K OFF! Btw, at least your parents halfway cared about you, you ungrateful, spineless bastards.

P.S. By the way, for all you SP lovin' morons who think you're so cool because they are "heavy" or "rock hard": you're not. My Pantera CD's can and always will blast this band right off the planet. Think I'm playin', see for yourself, idiots. SP wouldn't know what heavy is to save their lives. It is time for good music like Pantera, Metallica, Stone Sour, Black Sabbath, Demon Hunter, Breaking Benjamin, Tool, AIC, etc. and individuals with talent to make headway again. HAve a nice life, babies.

Enough is Enough!.......2006-11-27

I respect people's own opinions of what they like and don't like. But seriously, folks, stop comparing this to blink 182. I am so sick of blink being categorized with simple plan, good charlotte, and sum 41. Blink 182 had to work through a lot of crap for 7 years before they finally got to make it this big. All these new bands did was cash in on other band's success.

I know that blink is not the most punk band out there, but they never reached this kind of a poppy mess. Every single song sounds the same. It sounds to me like they took All The Small Things (probably blink's crappiest, poppiest song ever), made it more poppy, and repeated that for 12 tracks.

And I wouldn't be as mad if they would just be labelled differently. Even though blink's 1999-2003 albums were mislabelled, they EARNED the punk label early in their career, back when they produced good NOFX and descendents style albums. Even then, they had a distinctive sound that set them apart from other bands of the time. That's another thing that bothers me. All of these "pop-punk" bands now sound the same.

If you want some good punk or pop-punk music, try blink's stuff from 1992-1997. Even better, get into the real punk bands like The Sex Pistols, The Descendents, Anti-Flag, and NOFX.

please note all the five-star reviews by kids.......2006-09-06

Remember the style of music that came out in the late 70's called Punk?

The pioneers of this type of music were bands such a Clash, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones and the Talking Heads. The style becamse somewhat funk-influenced to the gut-wrentching hardcore metal influenced sounds of The Dead Kennedies and Ministry. Even Social Distortion had their own little sound to offer. This is how it went through the 80's.

Yet, after the who Nirvana-mania that saved music from Whitesnake and Warrent, Punk, as well as many other sounds, seemed lost until...

Green Day comes around with "Dookie." This continued the punk sound into what we know today.

So in the words of Oasis: "Where did it all go wrong."

It's not that this sounds on it's own is bad. When Blink 182 first came out, they had a lot of fun to offer. But gawd, where do we draw the line? After that, we had ( in no particular order) Sum 41, New Found Glory, My Chemical Romance, Showoff, and jeez, I could go on forever. They all sound so much alike. Still they were once tolerable. But with simple plan, (sigh), enough is enough. I can't even tell the difference sometimes between these guys and Bowling For Soup. And I don't easily confuse bands.

Really, though, these guy call themselves Punk. But last time I checked, Punk was about rebellion, Anarchy, disatisfaction with where humanity is going, all that stuff. Ex Sex Pistols "Anarchy In The UK" or Ramones "I'm Against It." Now Listen to some of the titles off this: "I'm Just A Kid," "God Must Hate Me," "I'd Do Anything." Difference? You'd have to be blind not to see one. These guys have jumped on the "poser" bandwagon that every other "punk" band on a major label has jumped on, and thus, mainstream punk is doing the same thing heavy Metal is.

An awesome CD.......2006-09-01

This is one of the best albums I have ever heard. There's no songs on here that I don't like. All of them are great. Especially I'm Just a Kid, I'd Do Anything, and Perfect. I reccomend this to anyone who likes bands such as Yellowcard, The All-American Rejects, and blink-182 or anyone who is looking for some good music to listen too.

Kiss Me, Kate (1948 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Wish I had seen the actual Show!!!!
The best and maybe the last CD of this great musical.
Beautiful remastering of historic original cast recording
the peerless original cast
Who Put The Shake In Shakespeare?

Kiss Me, Kate (1948 Original Broadway Cast)
Cole Porter , Alfred Drake , and Patricia Morison
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000007OHT
Release Date: 1998-06-02

Tracks:

Act I: Overture
Act I: Another Op'nin', Another Show
Act I: Why Can't You Behave?
Act I: Wunderbar
Act I: So In Love
Act I: We Open In Venice
Act I: Tom, Dick Or Harry
Act I: I've Come To Wive It Wealthily In Padua
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Act I: Were Thine That Special Face
Act II: Too Darn Hot
Act II: Where Is The Life That Late I Led?
Act II: Always True To You (In My Fashion)
Act II: Bianca
Act II: So In Love (Reprise)
Act II: Brush Up Your Shakespeare
Act II: I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple
Act II: Finale: Kiss Me, Kate
Kiss Me, Kate Overture

Amazon.com

Opening at the tail end of 1948, Kiss Me, Kate became an instant classic--and amazingly didn't receive a full-scale revival until 1999. All the more reason to revel in its original version. With its cunning play-within-a-play premise (a musical update of The Taming of the Shrew reverberates in backstage feuds), brilliant mix of high and low comedy, and of course some of Cole Porter's better-known songs--"So in Love," "I Hate Men," Too Darn Hot," "Always True to You (In My Fashion)"--Kiss Me, Kate remains a funny, zesty hall of mirrors. Hard as you may try to find a fly in the ointment, there's no fault with the cast either--Patricia Morison, for instance, is a perfectly petulant Lilli Vanessi. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Wish I had seen the actual Show!!!!.......2007-08-01

I wish I was about 20 when Kiss Me Kate opened so I could have witnessed this body shaking, gut bursting work of Cole Porter. This is the first time I've heard it. I can still feel the voices and music pumping through my blood stream with pleasure. You have to get it to get it so get it. You'll be more than greatful you did. Pardon me, I'm going to listen to it again!

The best and maybe the last CD of this great musical........2006-02-20

Now is the perfect time to buy the CD of this.

Sony's transfer engineers used state-of-the-art restoration software to remove the roughness and surface noise from the originals, but (thankfully) they resisted the urge to tart-up the sound with artificial reverb, faux stereo, and thundering bass. This is by far the best-sounding CD of this ever released, and it may be the last.

The age of music ownership in America could be drawing to a close. Five years from now, this music may only be available by download, you might only be "borrowing" it, and it probably won't come with the the authentic cover art or the 26-page booklet.

(See also the original broadway CD of Out of This World.)

Beautiful remastering of historic original cast recording.......2004-05-24

Recorded in January 1949, this album of KISS ME KATE has remained in print adn a steady best-seller for over 50 years now.

The sound on this newly remastered CD is crisp and clear and easily surpasses all previous issues. Sony even uses the original artwork from the very first LP release.

The performances remain as fresh as ever. Alfred Drake was Broadway's top leading man and sounds just glorious. Pat Morrison had less of a career but sounds just perfect as Lilli. Lisa Kirk is wonderful as Lois, and Harold Lang makes the most of his few moments on the record as her boyfriend, Bill. In an unusual move these peopel reunited 10 years later to re-record the score for Capitol in true stereo. They still sound great on that recording (on CD as part of the Broadway Angel series) but the performances are fresher on this recording made just 2 weeks after KIS ME KATE had opened on Broadway to rave reviews.

The CD booklet has good info about the show, though curiously, no synopsis. There are, however, a half dozen pictures of the original production. This edition featureds longer takes of "We Open in Venice", "I Hate Men" and "Too Darn Hot" though the total extra music adds but a minute to the album's running time. A bonus track of the Overture dates from a 1958 stereo recording by Lehman Engle.

KISS ME KATE was the first Tony Award winner for Best Musical (1949). The 1999 revival won a Tony for Best Revival.

the peerless original cast.......2004-03-04

KISS ME KATE is still regarded as Cole Porter's greatest musical; a charming backstage story detailing feuding ex-spouses Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham as they star in a musical version of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew".

Very rarely has the score been bettered than the original 1949 cast album, reissued here on the Columbia Broadway Masterworks label. Patricia Morison plays Lilli, with Alfred Drake (OKLAHOMA!, KISMET, GIGI) as Fred, the feuding, ego-ridden leads. Lisa Kirk (ALLEGRO, MACK AND MABEL) is the sexy young starlet Lois, with Harold Lang (PAL JOEY) as her caddish boyfriend Bill.

KISS ME KATE opened at the New Century Theatre on Broadway in 1949, making history in its run of over 1000 performances. Patricia Morison is perfectly-suited to the role of Lilli. She offers a glowing rendition of "So in Love", whilst her duet with Alfred Drake in the tongue-in-cheek "Wunderbar" is sublime. Lisa Kirk gets three of the big showstoppers ("Why Can't You Behave?", "Tom Dick or Harry" and "Always True to You in My Fashion"), and nails each and every one. Harold Lang was a better dancer than he ever was as a singer, but is quite good on this disc.

A must-own.

Who Put The Shake In Shakespeare?.......2001-04-11

Who put the 'shake' in 'Shakespeare'? Cole Porter, of course! Kiss Me Kate is the best of his musicals, and this recording is the best of the recordings! The original Broadway cast performs with much old-style, vaudeville jazz!

The story is set in a Baltimore theatre where a divorced couple, Fred Graham and Lilli Vannessi, are in the two leading roles of a musical version of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. Fred currently dates a colorful light-heart named Lois Lane, while Lilli is about to head off to get maried in the south. Lois, by the way, will 'always be true' to her boyfriend, the gambling player Bill Calhoun. The story takes off from there!

The show originaly opened on Broadway in 1948. It's timelessness has still not worn off after so many years. The classic script by Bela and Sam Spewack, and the best music of Cole Porter, we cannot fail! The show has been performed since then in many many countries, and has been performed in many languages! It has only recently been revived on Broadway.

Kiss Me Kate has become a staple of classic Broadway, and this is the cast that will not be outdone. Patricia Morrison is a perfect, operatic, Lilli Vanesi. She is strong, yet thoughtful. Her voice fills the CD with a lively 'Wunderbar' and the raging 'I Hate Men.' Alfred Drake is a manly and appealing Fred Graham who will have you laughing out loud! His 'Where Is the Live...?' is yet to be surpassed. Harold Lang is a sexy, and hypnotic Bill Calhoun. He takes the role for himself, and his 'Bianca' is done to the point of perfection! His voice is misty and self-confident, and has the qualities all Bill Calhoun's should. And of course, there will be no one as good as Lisa Kirk for the role of Lois Lane! Her tongue-in-cheek performance on this CD is flawless! She is teasing, sympathetic, funny, and has the right voice to win her part! I can't imagine anyone who can do what she has done with 'Alway True to You' and 'Why Can't You Behave.' The classic character songs are very nice! The balladic, and melodic 'So In Love' will ring in your head. 'We Open In Venice' will make you dance! And 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare'(performed with much humor by Jack Diamond and Harry Clark) will give you a laugh the next time you read 'Romeo.' You won't be disapointed!

The nostalgic quality of the 40's is alive and well in this recording. Columbia has done a great job restoring the work, and the scratching that were a part of the original releases. The sound quality is crisp and clear, and the music sounds wonderful! The magic hasn't worn out yet!

There have been a few more recordings of the work, including a complete London recording, and the new Broadway revival cast. None can do as well as the original recording, however. In the revival recordng, however, they come close. Brian Stokes Mitchell has the voice for Fred, but runs through his lines a bit fast, and without much enthusiasm. And the orchestrations for the new recording are a bit overdone, and they sound more like PBS's Jazz, than Broadway.

Altogether, this is great recording. I was very pleased with my buy, and hope that you will add it to your collection right away! It's time to Brush Up Your Shakespeare!

Soul Music:

Soul Music

soul music

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