Number One [Import]

Product Description
Reissue of the Original Album. Digitally Remastered.

Number One,Frank Alamo,Universal Int'l,France,French Pop,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: "NUMBER ONES" REALLY ARE! Curse Epic and Tommy M A Superb Collection From The No.1 King Of Pop! Always Number One in My Book! This Collection of Hits Truly Is Number "One"!

Number Ones Michael Jackson Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music New Jack | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: The Ultimate Collection The Very Best of Prince The Immaculate Collection Thriller Off the Wall ASIN: B0000DJE9R Release Date: 2003-11-18

Tracks:

1. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
2. Rock With You
3. Billie Jean
4. Beat It
5. Thriller
6. I Just Can't Stop Loving You
7. Bad
8. Smooth Criminal
9. The Way You Make Me Feel
10. Man in the Mirror
11. Dirty Diana
12. Black or White
13. You Are Not Alone
14. Earth Song
15. You Rock My World
16. Break of Dawn
17. One More Chance
18. Ben

Amazon.com

Like the Beatles and Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson is one of the handful of artists that can release an album of their number one singles. Number Ones includes his solo chart toppers in the UK and abroad from the period beginning with his Off the Wall album right up to the new song "One More Chance", a collaboration with R Kelly. The remaining 17 songs on the album are all classics drawn from the disco-soul Off the Wall, the funky Thriller, the good Bad, the safe Dangerous, the semi-best-of History and the weak Invincible. Regardless of whether the bulk of Number Ones has appeared on other greatest hits albums, this is still an incredible selection of Michael Jackson's best music. --Georgina Collins

Customer Reviews:

"NUMBER ONES" REALLY ARE!.......2004-01-18

Michael Jackson is still #1 to a lot of music lovers, and "NUMBER ONES" quickly shows you why! His vocal versatility and unique creativity cannot be denied. This CD has something for everyone, and "One More Chance" is at the top of the list. Jackson faves like "Billie Jean," "Black or White," "You Are Not Alone," "The Earth Song," and "You Rock My World" are also included for good measure, and this Michael Jackson effort may be one of his very best yet. Buy it; you'll be glad you did!

Curse Epic and Tommy M.......2004-01-18

First, before I rip this album a new one I must say that I am a huge Michael Jackson fan/supporter and IF YOU WANT HIS GREATEST HITS YOU HAVE TO BUY ALL HIS ALBUMS :). Number Ones is a pathetic greatest hits collection. Most of the songs on here are cut short. Example: You Are Not Alone starts out with MJ singing on the first note which he does not do on the album version and it fades out way early. One More Chance (the only new song) is the worst song R. Kelly has written for Michael. It's not a bad song, but R. Kelly should have kept it to himself. Michael should have submitted one of his own songs. R. Kelly can write better songs, just look at Cry or You Are Not Alone. One More Chance has a one line chorus and it sounds like it belongs on an R. Kelly record. Another problem with this record is the name Number Ones. Most of these songs didn't make it to number one, in fact many didn't even crack the top 10. If you own all of the albums and you want the song one more chance, just buy the single. I own both, but most people shouldn't bother unless they care about a complete collection. This collection is a weak display of MJ's amazing talent. It basically contains radio versions of his songs so they can put more on the cd. I love michael and know that he is innocent. I can't wait for his new album. I think MJ released this just to fullfil his record contract. Now he can be free and actually get promoted :).

A Superb Collection From The No.1 King Of Pop!.......2004-01-15

As the first few weeks of 2004 are upon us, and I'm sure Michael Jackson will be hoping that this year will bring him better luck than 2003 did. Despite dominating the tabloids with his appearance, the baby-dangling incident and THAT Martin Bashir interview, Michael Jackson still remains the King of Pop. There's some people who are famous. There are some people who are superstars. There are some people who are icons - and then there's Michael Jackson. Arguably the most famous entertainer alive, Jackson's 30 years reign on the charts is unchallenged.

So that's precisely why Michael's latest release, "Number Ones," is essential for all fans of brilliant music. Since the early 1980's Jackson has captivated the world with his music. We've had fun dancing to his music and cried to his emotional ballads, and that's why he's the greatest male performer ever. His talent is undeniable, and even though he's gone a bit off the rails in recent years, the world and his die-hard fans have never forgotten the music which is what matters the most.

First off, Number Ones is a title that tricks the buyer somewhat. There are eighteen songs on this album, and Jackson has had no where near eighteen US No.1 hits. He's had a total of 13 US No.1 singles, and his last was in 1995. Michael has had 7 UK No.1 hit singles, and his last was in 1997. His first UK No.1 hit was in May 1981 with "One Day In Your Life," which isn't included on here strangely enough. Michael's sixth US No.1 "Say Say Say" is also not included, and I have the UK version which includes "Human Nature" instead of "Man In The Mirror." Silly different regions and record companies! What is the point? Why not just have a complete tracklisting?! Also, "Ben," Michael's first ever US No.1, is included on the US version, but not on the UK version. Instead the UK gets "Blood On The Dancefloor," Michael's last UK No.1 single.

Apart from these minor hiccups, all of Michael's biggest and most popular hits are included here. The album opens with "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You." Both songs are from Michael's debut album Off The Wall and both hit the US top spot. "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and "Thriller" are up next and all from Thriller, Michael's signature album. 50 million copies shifted worldwide, and nothing's going to take over it any time soon! Up next, we have six songs from the follow up to Thriller. Bad was Michael's third album, released in 1987 and sold 25 million copies as well. The songs from Bad on here are "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," "Bad," "Smooth Criminal," "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Man In The Mirror" and "Dirty Diana." All these songs were huge hits and all were US No.1's, apart from Smooth Criminal.

After this we get "Black Or White," which was a huge US and UK No.1 hit. It's the only song on this compilation album from Michael's fourth album - 1991's Dangerous. "You Are Not Alone" was one of Michael's biggest hits ever, and is next on here, followed by Michael's biggest selling UK single, "Earth Song." No.1 for six weeks and shifting more than 1 million copies this masterpiece is a perfect world peace anthem. Michael's 2001 comeback single "You Rock My World" follows. It wasn't a No.1, so by rights it shouldn't be included here, but it's a great track, so why not? "Break Of Dawn" wasn't even released as a single, so it's got no excuse to be here! It's from Michael's trans-atlantic chart topping Invincible album from 2001. "One More Chance" is Michael's latest single, and will not top the charts by my 'expert' predictions. "Ben" closes the album, which goes back to the very beginning of his career.

OVERALL GRADE: 8/10

I think it was a wise move for Michael Jackson to release Number Ones. It provides new fans in their teens a chance to get to know Michael's best music, for those who were too young to be digging it when 1995's "HIStory" was released, because let's face it, even people in their early teens love Michael's music! I think some minor adjustments could have been made to the tracklisting to improve this album, but it's still not a bad collection and definitely worth the money. Upon its release this album didn't even crack the US Top 10 - Britney stormed to No.1 that week, but in the UK, Number Ones did just that, and went straight to the top of the charts! All in all a brilliant record to add to any Michael Jackson collection.

Always Number One in My Book!.......2004-01-14

This album is absolutely fablous. It showcases the best of Michael's work in the eighties, nineties, and 21st century. Every single song is great and expresses the true genius of this extremely talented and intelligent man. Furthermore, the songs "Man in the Mirror" and "Earth Song" show the humanitarian side of this wonderful human being that those of us that have been his devoted fans for years have known about for a long time. Also, for all you eighties kids out there these songs just might remind you of a simpler time (I know it does for me). Now, there has been some confusion about the track listing because only the first 13 songs were number one hits in the U.S., however "Earth Song" was number one in the U.K., "You Rock My World" was number one in France, and "Break of Dawn" was number one somewhere, I think it was Australia. For some reason Americans seem to think that their charts (and perhaps the charts of Britain) are the only ones that matter. Whether these songs are number one or not is irrelevant though (except for the title) because these are his absolute best songs musically and lyrically. Furthermore, the new song "One More Chance" is wonderful and I truly believe that it could have been yet another number one if people would not let the recent media circus cloud their judgement. This is a genius, megastar at his very best and I highly recommend it to any music fan or music collector. This is definitely a must have for any collector. Here's to hoping there is going to be much more amazing music from this fabulous musician! Long Live Michael Jackson!!!!

This Collection of Hits Truly Is Number "One"!.......2003-12-24

Despite the recent controversy surrounding his personal life, Michael Jackson has long been known as the King Of Pop, and with good reason. For most pop stars, their time in the spotlight lasts maybe 2-3 years before they are reduced to guest appearances on weekly sit-coms or the occassional "info-mercial". This is not true of Jackson, whos reign at the top has carried him through the past 2+ decades since the onset of his solo career after leaving the Jackson Five.

This collection of Number One hits is therefore a must have for any fan of the pop genre. Since the 1980's, Jacksons eclectic, diverse style has seen many landmarks in the music industry, setting new standards, breaking new ground and re-inventing a style that was in its infancy when Jackson came into his own. His pioneering sound created a whole new generation of music and for that he was rewarded the title "King of Pop".

The album features 18 of Jackson most beloved songs, featured in the order which they originally made it to number one. Included on the album are some of his largest breakout hits like "Billy Jean" and Beat It" which both became such huge hits that they are immediately recognizable by audiences today.

The song "Thriller", which also emerged early in Jackson's solo career, firmly planted the superstars reputation as a serious talent in the industry. Not only was Jackson re-inventing the style of music, he was setting a new standard unprecedented in the industry at that time. Music television was only a few years old when the video for "Thriller", a 10+ minute short film, was released for the first time. The video, which was so well produced that it rose immediately to the head of the video industry, set a new level of quality in the genre that artists have been struggling to match since.

The album also features a number of other large hits for Michael, including the songs which added to the early controversy in Jackson's professional career. "Black or White", a song about racial equality again put Jackson in the spotlight for his controversal portrayal of violence against authority. "Bad", "Smooth Criminal", and "Dirty Diana" also feature Jackson's hard driving rythems and smooth, sometimes aggressive lyrics covering a range of topics that has often lead to speculation and ridicule by the press, while at the same time leaving his world-wide hordes of fans clammoring for more.

Some of the more poignant pieces in this collection include songs like "Man In the Mirror", a song where Michael points the finger at himself while pondering the choices in his life.

In all, the album is a great collection of all his number one hits, and is a great look back at the man who created a genre that has grown since he stepped to the front of the class, but never outgrown his talent. With the onset of this generations pop superstars like Justin Timberlake, Brittany Spears and Chrsitina Aguilera, it is a further testimony to his talent and sheer ability that Michael Jackson has remained such a huge part of not only the genre, but the music industry as a whole. Love him or hate him, his talent is unmistakable and unquestionable.

This compilation of hits is a great addition to any music collection, and is a must have for any Jackson fan. For anyone who isn't already familiar with his music, this collection is a great introduction into the mind and soul of a man who reshaped the music industry. Jackson truly is the King of Pop, and through this album, you can enter the gates to his kingdom. Give this album a listen, you won't be disappointed.

Scott Kolecki

Average customer rating: A Must Have Broad Spectrum Virtuosity Cool Pairing for Meyer/Fleck Fans Bela Fleck + Edgar Meyer = strange mixture Virtuosity Knows No Musical Boundaries

Music for Two (Bonus DVD) Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Eccles, Henry | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sinfonia | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Bluegrass Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Jam Bands | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Bluegrass | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Perpetual Motion Uncommon Ritual The Telluride Sessions The Bluegrass Sessions: Tales From The Acoustic Planet, Vol. 2 Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suites: Performed on Double Bass ASIN: B0001XAMS6 Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

1. Bug Tussle
2. Invention 10, BWV 796
3. Pile Up
4. Prelude No.24, BWV 869
5. Solar
6. Blue Spruce
7. Canon
8. The One I Left Behind
9. V. Menuet I - II, BWV 825
10. Prelude No.2, BWV 847
11. Palmyra
12. The Lake Effect
13. Largo/Allegro Vivace
14. Allegro Vivace
15. Wrong Number
16. Woolly Mammoth
17. Wishful Thinking

Amazon.com

On Music for Two, banjo wizard Béla Fleck and stand-up bass maestro Edgar Meyer effortlessly sail through a challenging program that includes compositions by Bach, a sonata by Henry Eccles, a Miles Davis tune, and a number of self-composed finger twisters. The amazing thing about this varied selection is not its eclecticism--which is only to be expected with these two--but that it all blends together so seamlessly. Fleck's jazz-tinged compositions (like "The Lake Effect") and Meyer's bluegrass-inspired tunes (like "Wishful Thinking") sit so comfortably next to Bach's baroque jewels and Davis's cool jazz that it makes you question the entire of concept of musical classification. (In fact, the Bach preludes, inventions, and partitas translate so well to the banjo/bass arrangements, you have to wonder if old JSB might not have had a bit of bluegrass in his soul.) Music for Two was recorded live at a series of 2001 concerts, where Fleck and Meyer proved conclusively that the banjo and the bass were capable of remarkable subtlety and not just twang and boom. --Michael John Simmons

Customer Reviews:

A Must Have.......2007-04-25

These two really sound good together. If you're not so impressed with the music when you first hear it (I don't know if that's possible), check out the DVD that comes with it. You will gain such an appreciation for the music that's being played. Watch out for the guy making the banjo jokes. This CD is really an incredible work, I can't say it enough. Very relaxing music.

Broad Spectrum Virtuosity.......2007-04-23

This album runs the gamut of styles and genre. It is hard to get bored when a musical turn is but a few notes away. The two musicians integrate their instruments with incredible skill. I hate to give it a four star rating. The music is worth the 5. The loooooong, live applause tracks detract from the album. The asides by the musicians are sometimes hard to hear. Minor aggravations aside,this album plays frequently, very frequently, in our home,car, iPods, etc.

Cool Pairing for Meyer/Fleck Fans.......2007-01-02

I've seen both Edgar Meyer and Bela Fleck live (unfortunately not together) and I really think this album just captures the magic of their live shows: I can almost see them in my living room together! For those not so familiar with the music of one or both the inclusion of classical tunes with those composed by Meyer/Fleck and other contemporary songwriters is a cool drink of water. Music for Two is a good intro to the world of cozy bluegrass.

Bela Fleck + Edgar Meyer = strange mixture .......2006-11-10

Bela Fleck is one of the my jazz favorites... And hi with combination called Edgar Meyer are... great music!!!

Virtuosity Knows No Musical Boundaries.......2006-10-22

Béla Fleck & Edgar Meyer are both extraordinarily accomplished musicians who spend much of their time in very different worlds: Fleck in his newgrass space and Meyer in a more classical mode. But each has travelled in the other's territory before, and on this CD they connect around more genres than you can shake a stick at. In addition to their own compositions they tackle many of their joint favorites. The affection shows in the passion of the playing and the obvious camaraderie. And the accompanying DVD is a treat. Don't miss this one.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Soundtrack DOLLY WILL NEVER GO AWAY The excitement is there, but..... Goodbye, Dolly! Toxically Corny!!!!

Hello, Dolly! (1964 Original Broadway Cast) (Deluxe Edition) Jerry Herman , and Carol Channing Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mame (1966 Original Broadway Cast) Fiddler on the Roof (1964 Original Broadway Cast) My Fair Lady (1956 Original Broadway Cast) Gypsy - A Musical Fable (1959 Original Broadway Cast) Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000099SZ0 Release Date: 2003-06-03

Tracks:

1. Prologue
2. I Put My Hand In
3. It Takes a Woman
4. Put on Your Sunday Clothes
5. Ribbons Down My Back
6. Motherhood
7. Dancing
8. Before the Parade Passes By
9. Elegance
10. Hello, Dolly!
11. It Only Takes a Moment
12. So Long Dearie
13. Finale
14. I Put My Hand In [*] - Mary Martin
15. Before the Parade Passes By [*] - Pearl Bailey
16. Hello, Dolly! [*] - Pearl Bailey
17. So Long Dearie [*] - Mary Martin
18. Love, Look in My Window [*] - Ethel Merman
19. World, Take Me Back [*] - Ethel Merman
20. On Recording Hello, Dolly! [*] - Carol Channing
21. When Did You Sense That Hello, Dolly! Would Be a Hit? [*] - Carol Channing
22. On the Title Number [*] - Carol Channing
23. "Dolly Changed Me..."; the Book [*] - Carol Channing
24. Plot [*] - Carol Channing
25. Optimism, And Finding One's Character [*] - Carol Channing
26. Prime of Life [*] - Carol Channing

Amazon.com

Sitting in the balcony at the final preview of this 1964 Jerry Herman show, still very much in school and long before my career as a critic began, I knew somehow that I was witnessing theatrical history. Even as that callow youth, I was certain that Carol Channing had been born to play the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi, the meddling turn-of-the century New York widow who had been adapted from Thornton Wilder's straight play The Matchmaker. Channing has proved me right by playing the role ever since, of course, miraculously only improving with age. Beyond Dolly herself, however, the musical emitted a synergistic exuberance (at least five years before we used the word "synergy"). The supporting cast, including David Burns, Eileen Brennan, and Charles Nelson Reilly, were terrific. Herman's tunes and lyrics were sublimely crafted both to create their characters and stand alone. (The title song took on a life of its own.) The show's designers, librettist Michael Stewart and director Gower Champion, combined to transport the audience to 60 years earlier in little old New York. This wasn't all just my opinion: Hello, Dolly! won a record 10 Tonys. The original cast recording can still take you to that other time and place, even if you didn't see the original show. But, at the risk of offending my inner adolescent, the 1994 revival, naturally starring Channing, was even better--both on stage and on disc. --Robert Windeler

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Soundtrack.......2007-06-27

This is the original recording, with all of the best names included. Wonderful, wonderful music.

DOLLY WILL NEVER GO AWAY.......2007-05-17

Great re-mastering of original BWay cast album with wonderful other Dollys, particularly Pearl Baily who makesHello, Dolly! (1964 Original Broadway Cast) (Deluxe Edition) the title tune her own. It is still a great score and a delight to own.

The excitement is there, but............2007-01-24

Hello Dolly is one of my favorite shows. When you listen to the cast album, you really do--as others have said--feel the excitement of being there on opening night when Broadway history was being made. The wonderful RCA cast album has been a best seller for 43 years. But while I do feel it is necessary for any musical fan to have this cast recording in their collection, this is not personally my "Dolly" album of choice. I have three of the 5 major DOLLY recordings in my collection; this Original Cast, the Barbra Streisand movie soundtrack, and the Mary Martin London cast on LP (the others I do not have are the Pearl Bailey cast album and the Carol Channing revival). My preferred recording is a tie between the movie soundtrack and the Mary Martin album, with this one trailing (not far) behind. As far as the supporting cast are concerned, the original cast wins hand down. But HELLO DOLLY is really about the star, and in my opinion, Carol Channing can't sing...err, croak...her way out of a cardboard box. I realize that that is Channing's trademark, but it just doesn't work for me. As I said, this album is required equipment in any serious musical lover's collection, but I think that I too will "stick with Streisand." And for God's sake, I wish RCA would get off their rump and get the Mary Martin cast album out on CD, and reissue the Pearl Bailey cast album too while they're at it!

Goodbye, Dolly!.......2005-10-30

This Deluxe Edition of the orginal "Hello, Dolly!" has three distinct problems.

For starters, this is not the classic musical that afficianados would have you believe, nor is it Jerry Herman at his best (that honor goes to "Mame"). Rather, this is a fair to middling score with three socko numbers (title tune not included), three rather fine songs (title song included) and the rest either average or inadequate. "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" and "Before the Parade Passes By" are two of the most galvanizing songs ever written for the Broadway stage and no singer can detract from their euphoric energy (though Carol Channing tries -- more on that later). "So Long, Dearie", though slower in tempo than Barbra Streisand's definitve rendition, is a showstopping character song that's both clever and compelling. These three numbers are what gives "Dolly" it's class and they are three of the best things Herman ever wrote. Then we have "Dancing", "Elegance" and (gulp!) the by now overly familiar title song, each an accomplished tune that propels the plot with, well, elegance. The song "Hello, Dolly!" may now annoy as a Broadway warhorse, but it was as fresh as daffodils when it first premiered. The rest of the score, sadly, isn't up to these standards. "It Takes a Woman" and "It Only Takes a Moment" are indistinguished at best, and "Ribbons Down My Back" is downright annoying. Worse still, "I Put My Hand In" is a lackluster opener that pales in comparison to "Just Leave Everything to Me", its replacement in the movie and a bonifide Jerry Herman rouser. And "Motherhood" sounds like exactly what it was, a stage wait for the scenery to move in. Totally expendable.

The second problem here is that this may be the worst sung original cast recording in Broadway history. Charles Neslon Reilly's wobbly tenor struggles to maintain pitch, Eileen Brennan's stilted soprano sounds more like light operetta than musical comedy, and David Burns makes his movie counterpart, Walter Matthau, sound like Mario Lanza in comparision. Then there is Dolly, the incomprehensibly overrated Carol Channing. From her first froggy notes in "I Put My Hand In" you know it's going to be rough sledding and, sure enough, she croaks and screeches her way through one song after another, rendering most of what she sings unlistenable. Channing's voice is thin, harsh and completely unequalized throughout its range and she effectively saps all of the charm out of "...Sunday Clothes" and "Parade". By the time the recording has ended, you want to banish this CD to a deserted island. But wait, there's more! An almost unrecognizable Mary Martin starts the "extras" on this disc with a shock. Some of her last recordings, these "Dolly" numbers unfortunately display how Martin's once lovely instrument had deepened and thickened over the years. A full throttle but somewhat tremulous Ethel Merman fairs little better on some poorly recorded songs added to the show when she took over. These two giants actually make the songs Pearl Bailey does on this disc seem all the more astonishing. While arguably not as talented as Martin or Merman (although, in reconsidering this recording and her career, I think I'm entirely wrong in that observation), Bailey hits a home run on each of her renditions and her recording of the title song is absolutely definitive. Someone should quickly get the cast recording of her "Dolly" back in circulation. "She" and "we" deserve it.

The final problen here is a lengthy recent interview with Ms. Channing that has to be heard to be believed. Does she actually think we're buying the idea that she was doing high kicks in the studio while recording her songs? Please! She barely catches her breath between phrases. And her comparing her premonition that the show would be a hit to a passage in the bible is as laughable as it is sacriligious. Yes, she may have done the show over 5000 times, but she lucked into a classic without earning her own classic status. No wonder all she could do was repeat herself for the rest of her career. Stick with Streisand.

And I guess from the reviews of THIS review, disliking Channing is sacriligous. I better watch my back.

Toxically Corny!!!!.......2005-01-22

A lot of my friends wonder why I violently detest Broadway Musicals so much. Well, this particular recording is at least one reason why. Exposed to this piece of Toxic Schlock at a very young age (about 4 I reckon), and ever since, for me it has epitomized EVERYTHING I detest about musicals, the thin corny plots, even cornier songs, people breaking out into song at the most ridiculous times and so much glitz that my system nearly went into toxic shock. The worst part of it all, CAROL CHANNING!!!! This woman CANNOT SING TO SAVE HER LIFE, PERIOD!!!

I've even asked people who DO like B'way what is the deal with her? I hear it's that she has charisma. OK, since when does charisma equal talent (I honestly believe they are NOT the same thing).

And I have even tried to listen to other musicals over the years, and I just CANNOT get the appeal of it on ANY level! I guess this is well-done as these things go (there is work involved), but I just CANNOT understand what the fuss is all about.

Signed,

One perplexed Owl.

Average customer rating: Ring introduction critique FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE Welcome back to a classic analysis Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle Very Functional

An Introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen Deryck Cooke , Georg Solti , Wiener Philharmoniker , Anita Valkki , Berit Lindholm , Birgit Nilsson , Brigitte Fassbaender , Christa Ludwig , Claire Watson , Claudia Hellmann , Dame Gwyneth Jones , Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau , Eberhard Wächter , George London , Gerhard Stolze , Gottlob Frick , Grace Hoffmann , Gustav Neidlinger , Hans Hotter , Helen Watts , Helga Dernesch , Hetty Plumacher , Ira Malaniuk , James King , Jean Madeira , Joan Sutherland , Kirsten Flagstad , Kurt Böhme , Lucia Popp , Marga Höffgen , Marilyn Tyler , Maureen Guy , Oda Balsborg , Paul Kuen , Régine Crespin , Set Svanholm , Vera Little , Vera Schlosser , Waldemar Kmentt , Walter Kreppel , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baritones | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Wagner's Ring: Turning the Sky Round Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen (Ring Cycle) / Sir Georg Solti Decoding Wagner: An Invitation to His World of Music Drama (includes 2 CDs) Wagner - Der Ring des Nibelungen / Levine, Metropolitan Opera (Complete Ring Cycle) Ring of the Nibelung ASIN: B00000424H Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Of All Great Musical Compositions... (Examples 1-4)
2. The Fundamental Symbol... (Examples 5-11)
3. Returning Now To The Nature Motive... (Examples 6, 12-16)
4. A Number Of Further Motives... (Examples 5, 17-21)
5. A Second, Much Smaller Family... (Examples 22-25)
6. So Much For Nature. (Examples 26-38)
7. The Cause Of The Deterioration... (Examples 39-44)
8. The Other Transformation... (Examples 45-48)
9. Several Other Motives... (Examples 49-52)
10. Two Further Motives... (Examples 41, 53-61)
11. The Basic Motive Associated With The Spear... (Examples 62-68)
12. Along Another, More Complex Line... (Examples 69-72)
13. In Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 69, 73-75)
14. Returning Now To Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 76-79)
15. Love Is Another Of The Central Symbols... (Examples 80-83)
16. Later In The Same Scene... (Examples 84-87)
17. Freia's Motive Has Two Independent Segments... (Examples 88-91)
18. The Label 'Flight'... (Example 92)
19. When Fasolt, In Scene Two Of Rhinegold... (Examples 93-98)
20. A Little Later In The Interlude... (Examples 99-103)

Tracks:

1. The Other New Motive... (Examples 104-109)
2. There Are Several Independent Love-Motives... (Examples 110-114)
3. The Characters In Whose Lives... (Examples 115-120)
4. One Further Motive Belongs... (Example 121)
5. The Sword Motive Recurs... (Examples 122-130)
6. Ironically, This Phrase... (Examples 131-135)
7. Closely Associated With Gutrune's Motive... (Examples 136-140)
8. Here We Come To The End... (Examples 141-146)
9. Complemtary To This Symbol... (Examples 147-149)
10. One Last Central Symbol... (Examples 150-157)
11. One Further Motive Connected... (Examples 158-161)
12. There Are One Or Two Motives... (Examples 162-168)
13. These Motives Of Alberich And Mime... (Examples 169-171)
14. Quite A Number Of The Subsidiary Motives... (Examples 172-176)
15. Besides This Family Of Motives... (Examples 177-180)
16. Our Final Example... (Examples 10, 181, 182)
17. In The Final Scene Of Gotterdammerung... (Examples 181-183)
18. Even More Masterly... (Examples 184-188)
19. Now If We Return... (Examples 189-191)
20. This Masterly Way... (Examples 192, 193)

Amazon.com

When Wagner set the Ring to music, he intended the orchestra to act in the fashion of a chorus from a classic Greek tragedy--setting the mood and commenting on the action. In order to allow a nonverbal musical line to reflect on the plot, Wagner developed a psychologically and musically complex symbology to communicate his thoughts to the listener. From the beginning the Ring has spawned numerous written commentaries on the relationships of the motif structure, but by using examples from the Decca Ring recording, Deryck Cooke's thoughtful spoken commentary is by far the most accessible guide for either the fledgling Ring enthusiast or the seasoned veteran. --Christian C. Rix

Customer Reviews:

Ring introduction critique.......2006-11-04

This is very worthwhile, at the same time it requires time, patience and attention, but it does provide some keys to better enjoyment of a sensational piece of music.

FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE.......2006-08-16

This may look an intimidating, daunting and dull prospect - a 2+ hour lecture on the motifs in the Ring. Don't be put off. Whether you're a relative novice to the Ring and want to find out what it's all about, more experienced with a desire to understand the composer's methods better or an afficionado who thinks he knows it all inside out, there is great pleasure as well as elucidation to be had from this set. Originally made to accompany the Decca Solti Ring, it contains a multitude of musical illustrations taken from those recordings as well as some specially recorded by Solti just for this Introduction.

It wasn't the first time this has been tried. The famous HMV sets from the late 20's also included recorded examples of over 100 motifs. (These, by the way, are available as part of the Pearl reissue of those wonderful HMV recordings). What that set lacked was the wonderful insights as well as the approachability of the talk by Deryck Cooke. Cooke was a great and much missed musicologist - a Mahler expert responsible for the performing edition of the Tenth Symphony still most played today, a fascinating explorer into the nature of music's basic building-blocks in his excellent book, The Language of Music, and an inspiring and elucidating critic of Wagner's work as shown by the fascinating book he left unfinished at his death, I Saw the World End.

On these CDs he does much more than list the leitmotifs and identify them as calling-cards. He shows the amazingly integrated and organic growth of the musical material that Wagner uses throughout his vast work. He demonstrates how motifs can change their sense and meaning as they evolve through the drama. And he shows how the complex combinations of motifs can radically advance both the musical and the dramatic narrative of the piece. There are even places where he corrects the misinterpretation of some of the motifs that had become ingrained from early commentators' false labels.

This set should engage and enlighten anyone with an interest in Wagner's huge and inexhaustible tetralogy. Do give it a try - no matter how far down the road to Wagnerianism you are.

Welcome back to a classic analysis.......2006-05-28

Deryck Cooke's lecture series upon THE RING is almost as much a classic by now as the Solti RING cycle, with which it was originally issued on LP, and from which it derives its musical examples. The difference is that whereas the Solti RING has been continuously in print ever since it was completed, and was among the first opera sets to benefit from the CD revolution, the Cooke analysis was for long almost totally unobtainable. Now we have it back. It should be welcomed: it is a classic. Cooke's mellow, deep voice with the hint of a Celtic burr - which made him ideal on BBC radio - patiently explains Wagner's melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic metamorphoses to such good effect that if you own this recording, you really require no other RING analysis. (A pity about the abrupt beginnings and endings of too many vocal and orchestral illustrations, though.) Musicology lost a fine, sensitive thinker with Cooke's premature death in 1976.

If all you want is dilettantish baby food, there are plenty of dumbed-down Wagner commentaries on the market, stretching from Anna Russell's famous monologue (which doesn't pretend to be anything other than a parody aimed at morons) to the latest standard-issue "Wagner-was-a-Nazi-boo-hiss" feuilleton (which, unfortunately, does). Without reasonable score-reading skill you will find Cooke useless, however diligently you have ploughed through Marx, Jung, Freud, or other gurus purportedly relevant to THE RING. Cooke expects you to use your brains and your musical sense. Quelle horreur. At today's BBC his "elitism" would render him unemployable.

Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle.......2006-05-15

I originally bought this set on vinyl in the early 70s when I discovered the Ring in college. I studied the records and booklet assiduously, and after about three run-throughs I finally started getting it. Wow! Thirty-five years later, I still remember Mr. Cooke's analyses of various motive families, and I don't know how I could have mastered and loved the Ring without him. I now own this set on CD and listen again on the rare occasion of attending a Ring performance. My wife calls me a "Ring nut," but of course I'm nuts about many other things as well.

Bottom line, buy this set and study it if the Ring has captivated you as it has countless others. The presentation is dry, but sticking with it brings measureless and longlasting rewards.

Very Functional.......2006-03-19

This CD set is excellent for what it sets out to do: present the leitmotives of the Ring according to their relationship to one another and their role in developing both characters and plotlines. Deryck Cooke's lectures on each motive are very insightful, very helpful at cueing the listener into the semantic aspect of Wagner's orchestral writing. The one drawback is that the musical examples are a bit jarring. Without fade-ins or -outs, the engineering is quite barbaric. And though the orchestra was, I believe, conducted by Solti, and is beautifully done, the vocal performances can be quite unpleasant. Point being: this is not background music, but in accomplishing what it sets out to do, it is very successful, and I don't know of anything else like it.

Average customer rating: Judds not duds Judge the Judd's ... Most of the essentials a great CD Incredible

Number One Hits The Judds Manufacturer: Curb Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Collection The Greatest Hits Love Can Build a Bridge Heartland ASIN: B00004ST2K Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

1. Why Not Me
2. Rockin' With The Rhythm Of The Rain
3. Mama He's Crazy
4. Turn It Loose
5. Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)
6. A Girl's Night Out
7. Love Is Alive
8. Change Of Heart
9. Have Mercy
10. Let Me Tell You About Love
11. Young Love (Strong Love)
12. I Know Where I'm Going

Customer Reviews:

Judds not duds.......2007-07-10

This is a great compilation of the Judds' hits. They were a great mother/daugther duos. Theire voices harmonize well but are sufficiently different so that there is nice variation in the mix of pitches. The music on here is definitely country. There's a good mix of uptempo, energetic stuff and soulful songs. Particularly good songs:

Why Not Me
Rocking with the Rhythm of the Rain
Turn it Loose - excellent, great attitude and spunk
Girls Night Out
Have Mercy
I Know Where I'm Going

Judge the Judd's ..........2007-01-03

I have always liked the Judd's and own several of their CD's. In my opinion, this one ranks up there near the top of my Judd's list.

Most of the essentials.......2003-10-06

The Judds, with their great acoustic songs, were the heroines of traditional country fans in the eighties, and this compilation contains most of the essentials. As the title suggests, all these songs were number one hits in the country charts.

Of the songs here, I particularly like Mama he's crazy (in which a girl asks her mother's advice about a boy), Girls night out (a good time song), Why not me and Grandpa tell me about the good old days - just a few of the Judds classics included here.

One of many great songs that are not included here is Love can build a bridge, which is probably the song they are best known for in Britain. Perhaps it didn't make number one or perhaps the Judds had more number one hits than the record company were willing to include.

While this collection is far from complete, the sheer quality of the music here is undeniable. As such, it is a great introduction to their music, but note that full length CD's have previously been available in both Britain (Judds collection) and America (Essential Judds) so if you can obtain either of those, you won't need this.

a great CD.......2003-04-18

This is a great cd. Every song it is good and has that quality to it that makes you want to listen to it over and over again. Also it's a great CD to drive w/ as it's upbeat but mellow and has great instrumentals too. Not one song on this CD is bad. I really love Wynonna's voice in Have Mercy and Turn it Lose and the instrumentals in Turn it Lose are really good too. I would recommend this CD to anyone as it's a very good all-around CD and is one of the best #1 hits cds/tapes I've ever heard.

Incredible.......2002-08-15

Its very rarely that I find a CD where I like every song equally. This album is one of the chosen few. Naomi & Wynonna put their soul into every song. From the rocking heartbreak songs to the soulful ballads this CD will captivate your intrest and get ya off of your feet. I recomend this CD to anyone who likes true country music.

Average customer rating: the boys from Logo finally get a single release

Number One in Heaven: The Extended Mixes Nemesis Rising Manufacturer: Omega Records (Red) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Late Nite VIP Dante's Cove - The Complete Second Season Out From Under Spirit Pop Space Under Sun ASIN: B000O75F6S Release Date: 2007-03-13

Customer Reviews:

the boys from Logo finally get a single release.......2007-06-29

The gay twin brothers who made it big on Logo with their own reality show about coming out while pursuing a recording career have finally released their first single. And no, it is not a cover version of the classic Sparks new wave synth track. It's an original, and it is produced by none other than writer/producer Desmond Child, an openly gay man who was responsible for a whole lot of songs on Cher's 1980s come back rock albums. Here, though, it's ALL about the dance music. The blend of mixes goes from disco house to tribal to my favorite, the electro pop house Dave Aude mix. Tracks are:



1. soul seekers mix (7:16)

2. dave aude mixshow (5:58)

3. bronleewe & bose mix (5:53)

4. tracy young extended club mix (6:49)

5. tracy young extended video mix (6:51)

6. almighty mix (6:41)

Average customer rating: All original artists! Some hard to find tracks in the US!!!

Number One Hits of the 80's Various Artists Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hard to Find 45s on CD, Volume 8: 70's Pop Classics Best One Hit Wonders in the World Ever Super Hits Of The '70s: Have A Nice Day, Vol. 3 Super Hits of the '70s: Have a Nice Day, Vol. 24 Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Hits of the '80s, Vol. 14 ASIN: B00006JR4I Release Date: 2003-04-07

Tracks:

1. Funky Town - Lipps, Inc.
2. 9 to 5
3. Respectable - Toni Basil
4. Good Heart
5. Mickey - Rocky Burnette
6. Reckless - Culture Club
7. Tired of Toein' the Line
8. Do You Really Want to Hurt Me
9. I Wanna Wake Up with You
10. Classic
11. Please Don't Go - KC & the Sunshine Band
12. Turning Japanese - The Vapors
13. Moscow
14. Shaddup You Face - Dolly Parton

Album Details

Excellent Collection of 1980's Hits from Lipps Inc, Dolly Parton, Toni Basil, Rocky Burnette, Culture Club, the Vapors and Many More.

Customer Reviews:

All original artists! Some hard to find tracks in the US!!!.......2005-04-16

Yep, all originals here. I took a chance and ordered it, and here's what I got:

1. Funkytown-Pseudo Echo
2. 9 to 5-Sheena Easton
3. Respectable-Mel and Kim
4. A Good Heart-Feargal Sharkey (YES! his tracks are completely unavailable in the US!!!)
5. Mickey-toni basil
6. reckless-australian crawl
7. tired of toein the line-rocky burnette
8. do you really want to hurt me-culture club
9. i wanna wake up with you-boris gardiner
10. classic-adrian gurvitz
11. please don't go-kc and sunshine band
12. turning japanese-vapors
13. moscow-genghis khan
14. shaddup you face-joe dolce (only time I've ever seen this on CD!!!)

Average customer rating: Alright.... Terrible movie, but good soundtrack! good cd Eh One of my favourite soundtracks!

Mulan II Manufacturer: Disney ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Disney Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mulan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack Mulan II Aladdin: Special Edition Soundtrack Tarzan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack Anastasia: Music From The Motion Picture (1997 Version) ASIN: B00076YP6M Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

1. Lesson Number One - Lea Salonga
2. Main Title (Score)
3. Like Other Girls - Judy Kuhn
4. A Girl Worth Fighting For (Redux) - Randy Crenshaw
5. Here Beside Me - Hayley Westenra
6. (I Wanna Be) Like Other Girls - Atomic Kitten
7. The Journey Begins (Score)
8. In Love And In Trouble (Score)
9. The Attack (Score)
10. Shang Lives! (Score)
11. Here Beside Me (Instrumental)

Amazon.com

Disney management has often been accused of sacrificing the long-term quality of its animated features for the short-term pay-off of direct-to-video sequels to its middling modern successes. But as this soundtrack-sequel to the studio's 1998 quasi-feminist Chinese folk-tale proves, the music of such ventures can often compare favorably with that of the original. This new collection's buoyant "(I Wanna Be) Like Other Girls" is offered up in two versions: A more traditional stage musical take and an antic cover by Atomic Kitten that's pure teeny-bopping Disney Channel fodder. That's Harvey Fierstein lending his gravelly pipes to the equally spry redux of "A Girl Worth Fighting For," while the decidedly more angelic pipes of Kiwi teen soprano phenom Hayley Westenra grace the elegant "Here Beside Me" by Joel McNeely and Kate Light. Selections from McNeely's deft, emotionally understated orchestral score flesh out the collection. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Alright...........2005-11-30

The music in this sequal is nothing compared to the first movie, but the tunes are catchy, and for a child that just enjoyed the movie, I could see how this would be a CD they'd want to hear over and over. It could get a bit annoying to their parents however. I would suggest seeing the movie before purchasing this soundtrack, for the songs are out of order from the movie, and it's always better to have a visual of what's going on before listening to the music alone.
I wasn't impressed, but I did enjoy it.

Terrible movie, but good soundtrack!.......2005-11-03

As a Chinese, I think this movie was terrible, because it made the tale of Mulan very confuse and strange. I don't want to see this movie again. But I bought this soundtrack, because the music was very good. Being fond of Lea Salonga's voice was one of the reasons.
The first song in this movie was "Lesson Number One", and it was my favourite. I love the choirs of children, it was perfect! It made me recognize the children's choirs in the church. Lea Salonga's voice was so sweet, and it's my favourite style! "A girl worth fighting for" came up in this soundtrak but it was remixed, and most of the lyrics were changed. Although it was very different from the original one, I love it. Because it gave me a good feeling, and I felt that it was more humorous than the original one. Another song named "Like other girls" is one of my favourites. Mei's voice was a little strange but very cute. The three princesses seemed to be crazy, but I could feel their emotion that they were eager of freedom and very unsetisfied with the arranged marrige. I felt very happy that they found their love and happiness by the end.
This was a movie which was so terrible but with perfect songs I have ever seen!

good cd.......2005-07-14

i saw the mulan II and loved the music in it, so i went out and bought the cd. here are my comments on each song-

1. lesson number one- 5/5. cute song
2. main title (score)- 5/5. i thought this was so pretty!
3. like other girls- 5/5. i absolutely love this song! it has a great beat, and just makes you want to sing along.
4. girl worth fighting for (redux)- 5/5. i love this song too, its funny
5. here beside me- 5/5. the first time i listened to it, i thought it was "ok", but now i think its great!
6. (i wanna be) like other girls (atomic kitten)- 5/5. i thought it was a great version of the original.

the next five songs, which are scores, are also very good!

overall, this cd was well worth my money, and the movie was even better!

Eh.......2005-07-04

The 'other girls' song is cute, but this reminds me of the follows up to pocahontas and cinderella and the little mermaid. Aladin's did well enough to make more, but...I think it really does have to do with the music. Mulan had that strong "reflection" by christina aguilera when she was first coming out, that established her as THE best voice, and that song, in spanish or english works well on it's own also. These sequals keep failing to have a strong song. The strengths here lie with the new score, new themes. It's easier to create a better classical piece for Disney it seems. And they have so many talented singers at their disposal...

One of my favourite soundtracks!.......2005-06-23

How wonderful! It's my favourite soundtrack. And the song named "Lesson Number One" is my favourite! Mulan's voice is great, and the children's voices are lovely too! I'll buy this album immediately!!!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating: Great vintage prog-rock Extraordinary Glass Hammer - Epic Symphonic Progressive Rock Glass Hammer is a well guarded secret. Things to know when buying this recording

The Inconsolable Secret Glass Hammer Manufacturer: Sound Resources / Arion Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shadowlands ? Lex Rex Second Life Syndrome A Place in the Queue ASIN: B000A0W684 Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

1. A Maker Of Crowns
2. The Knight Of The North

Tracks:

1. Long And Long Ago
2. The Morning She Woke
3. Lirazel
4. The High Place
5. Morrigan's Song
6. Walking Toward Doom
7. Mog Ruith
8. Through A Glass Darkly
9. The Lady Waits
10. The Mirror Cracks
11. Having Caught A Glimpse

Product Description

America’s greatest progressive rock band is back with a jaw-dropping Double Album of epic proportions. A package that literally redefines the entire concept of “epic.” GH is back with the beautiful pipe organs, the melodic Moogs and Mellotrons. Back with a huge, fantastically intriguing story that even tops the one told on their masterpiece album, Lex Rex. Back with a full orchestra and amazing choir. Back with the classic GH line-up, including Matt Mendians on drums, Susie Bogdanowicz and Walter Moore on vocals, and prog-rock icons Steve Babb and Fred Schendel on … well, practically everything else! This double-album digipak set contains 13 stunning new pieces of Glass Hammer music. In addition, Disc One is an enhanced CD containing a behind-the-scenes video of the band recording the new album, as well as The Inconsolable Secret lyrics in beautifully designed high-resolution PDF format, and a high-quality digital version of Roger Dean's gorgeous cover art painting. The enhanced CD also features The Lay of Lirazel, and epic poem by Steve Babb upon which The Inconsolable Secret is based. Fans of Glass Hammer’s Lex Rex and Shadowlands will not be disappointed.

Customer Reviews:

Great vintage prog-rock.......2007-05-24

This CD is uncompromizingly progressive to boot. Very well done, with all the anachronisms you'd expect from a prog album, yet fresh and original nonetheless. These guys are just out to make great music, they have no worry in the world about sounding commercial, and that kind of attitude deserves applause. Having said that, the music itself is as rich and complex as anything Yes and Genesis has ever done, with production that just shines. Beautiful melodies and chord progressions abound, mind-boggling solos and time-defying meters elevate this work to progressive Olympus.

Extraordinary.......2007-05-22

Glass Hammer's "The Inconsolable Secret" is an amazing work. I finally picked this up a couple of weeks ago and am very excited about this music.
The pieces are filled with beautiful melodies around wonderful arrangements. The orchestration in each song is perfect. The production superb. The Roger Dean artwork is just an added bonus that adds to your overall experience. Over 90 minutes of music on 2 CD's and I never tire of it. With that much music there is bound to be something you might skip over. Not so with this album. It is all excellent.

To those not familiar with this band: If you enjoy the likes of YES, ELP, Kansas, and a touch or two of old school Genesis, then I highly recommend Glass Hammer. Check out "Chronometree", "Lex Rex", and "Live at NEARFest" as well. You'll be in for a treat!

Glass Hammer - Epic Symphonic Progressive Rock.......2007-04-20

Glass Hammer come back with a double album chock full of grandiose music. This album is all knights, ladies, sword and sorcery stuff. For some this will be way too cheesy, for others it will be a great epic tale. For me it is somewhere in the middle. Fans of symphonic progressive rock should eat this two disc set up. It is divided into two sections with disc one entitled "The Knights" and disc two "The Lady". Disc two is probably the most symphonic work the band has done to date, shifting through many moods and sections. Some of it is loud and bombastic, but much of the disc is quiet and almost ambient in spots. As usual with Glass Hammer the whole thing is very keyboard heavy. Fred Schendel is a monster, propelling the music in sweeping keyboard textures. The vocals on disc one are mostly from Walter Moore, which for me is a good thing. Disc two features the female lead vocals of Susie Bogdanowicz. At times the music and vocals almost remind me of Renaissance on the second disc. Overall I think this is one of Glass Hammer's best releases and is sure to please fans of symphonic retro progressive rock.

Glass Hammer is a well guarded secret........2007-01-11

I first heard them 3 months ago. I asked the keyboard guy where they'd been.
He said right here in Chattanooga. I am impressed with this band. They have
great moments. They do have flavors, of Yes, Kansas, and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.
Great keyboard work. They bass man and keyboard man flow well together. BUt
they should, they've been together since the beginning of the band's formation.
THis is the only album of their's that I own. I will buy some of their other
ones periodically. This album has great moments, some brilliant melodic lines,
great keyboard work. THe vocals are good but lack the power of a Kansas, or
Yes. I first heard them live, and thought the mix was mediocre. But they
deserive a buy and a listen.

Things to know when buying this recording.......2006-10-03

If it's symphonic prog you are after, The Inconsolable Secret is a positively phenomenal album, a top contender for Best Prog Album of the Year (2005), in my opinion. It is, quite simply, the most beautifully immersive, most creative, phenomenal work of artistic brilliance that I've ever experienced. It also exhibits new Roger Dean artwork, a bluish formation of shaped boulders amidst a starry-night landscape.

Here's what comes with the CD: First off, it's a 2-disc set. Disc 1, titled "The Knight", has two songs on it, totalling about 39 minutes. The second disc, titled "The Lady", is a collection of songs that all run together. Disc 1 is also an Enhanced CD, which contains a few different goodies: a very-high-resolution jpeg image of Roger Dean's painting on the cover, a .pdf document containing all the lyrics in a four-color layout using a fancy Roger-Dean-ish font for all the titles and a very long .pdf document that contains Steve Babb's epic-length poem, "The Lay Of Lirazel", which is actually misspelled in the filename as "Lizarel". There's always some last-minute edits that escape the naked eye.

The other thing one should know is that this item comes as a DIGIPAK. That's when the outer cover and folds are made of cardboard and the artwork is printed directly onto it. This wasn't going to stop me from buying it, but I just thought you should know, just in case you hate digipaks.

I hope this review was informative for you in your decision to buy/not buy.

Average customer rating: A Rare Gem Unabashedly Biased Review of the Band. This Band Is On To Something review from the Synthesis Number One Gun Makes Good on its Promises!

Promises for the Imperfect Number One Gun Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: How the Lonely Keep Albatross This Is Who We Are Hey, I'm a Ghost Never Take Friendship Personal ASIN: B0009VNC5U Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

1. Pretend
2. Regrets Of Photographs
3. We Are
4. Fireside Wing
5. There Is Hope
6. Who You Are
7. All You Have
8. Golden Smile
9. The Time Is Now
10. Life Is What You Make It

Customer Reviews:

A Rare Gem.......2006-04-09

Number One Gun's latest is a polished, smart, catchy masterpiece in the rock/punk/emo genre. While "Promises for the Imperfect" has many familiar elements from the emo and punk genres, the band has carved their own, refreshing niche that avoids conforming to a specific sound. Jeff's vocals sound amazing, especially on the verses of "Fireside Wing" where he really lets loose. Aaron Sprinkle's production job is flawless. Whereas "Celebrate Mistakes" took me a few listens to sink in, these songs make a powerful impression on first listen, and only get better with repeated listens.

I tend to listen to a CD for about two weeks before giving it a fairly lenghty rest, but "Promises for the Imperfect" stayed in my CD player all Summer and beyond. I'm truly surprised that this band has not received more mainstream success with this release. They deserve it, and it's only a matter of people taking notice.

Unabashedly Biased Review of the Band........2005-09-02

I was first introduced to Number One Gun when I attended a local concert of theirs (along with some comparable bands.) I was initially impressed by their clear vocals, riveting performance, and overall professionalism for a band who, at the time, didn't have much of a name. (This was previous to the release of the album which is now up for review.)

However, after their show, I simply bought a t-shirt and politely (and not gushingly) asked their lead to sign it. He did, but not without a blatant air of superiority. I cannot remember our exact conversation, but this said...their lead was a complete snob without reason. That is, I basically was appreciative about his music in a non-flirtatious way, and he returned the praise with indifference. I consider myself somewhat good-looking and not a geek or groupie in any shape or form. I'm sure his close friends don't concur, (and his wife was nice) but I happened to have a friend who went to a different show of theirs in a different town, and mentioned he and his sister felt the same way, (and he said this before I even opened my mouth.)

**Kudos to Mourning September, who, at the same venue, was so warm, friendly, personal, and even offered me free merch. I hope to meet them again some day.**

Personal experience aside, No. One Gun's music, accordingly, is immaculate, well-produced without being over-the-top, and will satisfy any emo child or emo adult who so wishes to stave off some more of that emo hunger. I say "some more" because No. 1 Gun doesn't break any new ground with their talent, but they're ahead of the game that they do play. Hence the 4 stars instead of 5.

This Band Is On To Something.......2005-09-01

Review by Dan Alcinii:

The much talked about debut full length, Promises For The Imperfect, from Number One Gun has finally been released legally to the public and much like the people over at Tooth And Nail were excited about this release, so were a number of fans across America.

NOG kick things off the right way with "Pretend", an up-tempo, overly catchy song, with slick guitars and bass lines that will make your cheeks hurt every time you hear it. "There Is Hope" showcases the vocal talents of Jeff Schneeweis and also features guest vocals courtesy of Devin Shelton of Emery. Although the song may not be as fast paced as songs like "Pretend" and "All You Have" or as upbeat as "Who You Are", it may be one of the better songs on the album. While the lyrics are predictable like most pop/emo albums before it, NOG seem to add some flair and style to the writing process. Not only do they stick to the themes of heartbreak and lust, but they also expand as far as writing about life altering decisions. At first listen, you notice that Promises For The Imperfect seems to sound somewhat like Anberlin's latest release of Never Take Friendship Perosnal, and what ties this thought together is the production by Aaron Sprinkle. Although Anberlin's album was filled with an energetic, almost live feel to it, Aaron Sprinkle did just the opposite with Number One Gun's debut. He over polished the album and, in turn, hurt the band. Sure, you won't find any of the songs pushing the barriers of any specific genre, but Promises For The Imperfect will have you humming its tunes in your sleep.

There's nothing ground breaking and unique about the sound that Number One Gun puts out there, but there's something about the way they execute that just draws you in more and more after each listen. Promises For The Imperfect may be the newest summer anthem.

review from the Synthesis.......2005-08-11

In the two years since the release of Number One Gun's debut full length, Celebrate Mistakes, the band has gone through a lot: three drummers (thankfully ending up back where they started with Jordan Mallory), two guitarists and countless miles logged on tour with some of the biggest names in the melodic rock scene, in the process inking a deal with one of said scene's most seminal labels, Tooth and Nail. The resulting album, Promises for the Imperfect, showcases a road-tightened, newly focused Number One Gun.
What the first record sometimes lacked in continuity, Promises makes up for in spades. Even as the band vacillates between the driving ("Pretend") and the anthemic (the first single "We Are"), Number One Gun succeeds where many bands fail; maintaining a distinct, unique and unmistakable sound. All-star producer Aaron Sprinkle (Acceptance, Anberlin) lends a bit of his personal touch to the record, but you could record Number One Gun on a boom box and there would still be frontman Jeff Schneeweis' amazing voice, the band's unabashedly melodic songcraft and the technical tightness born from thousands of hours spent on stage and in practice. However, Number One Gun certainly takes full advantage of the studio on Promises for the Imperfect, layering on tasteful keyboard lines, lush vocal harmonies and an otherwise full palette of drum, guitar and bass sounds, all the while letting the songs speak for themselves. Promises for the Imperfect is about as perfect an album as this genre of music has yet to produce. For fans of Relient K, Acceptance, Mae or just good, old fashioned, unpretentious melodic rock music, check out Number One Gun. You'll dig it, I promise.

- Daniel Taylor
Synthesis.net

Number One Gun Makes Good on its Promises!.......2005-07-24

Promises for the Imperfect improves on their bid to become the next Relient K. Killer Hooks, Crunchy Guitars, Great Melodies, blended harmony vocals, and deep meaningful lyrics set this album apart from their equally great debut. Number One Gun has produced yet another outstanding set of songs in the realm of the so called "Punk-Pop" Genre. "We Are" is an amazing tune that will have you humming the chorus for days, and wears their allegience to the source of their strength right on their sleeves. For those who seem "lost," this album is full many uplifting powerful songs of hope. If you're searching for answers, these songs will give you the strength and courage to change your circumstances.

Tooth and Nail Records has added another major star band in the making to their already considerable stable of similar sounding bands. Check out all the bands on their label to add some meaningful music to your life and cd collection.

Fans of Relient K should immediately run out and pick this one up fast. You won't be disappointed! Alternative Fans of Long Since Forgotten, The Starting Line, and even "old school" fans of the now reformed Posies should give this a listen. The crisp production values on this disc make this a treasure to own.

Catch the band on their upcoming tour to feel the real power of their music in a live setting as well. I was blown away by their set on 7/21/05 in Anaheim, California. An awesome and amazing live act as well!

World Music:

1. O Melhor Dos Choros [Import]
2. Participação Especial [Import]
3. Passagem [Import]
4. Passion [Import]
5. Perfil Serie [Import]
6. Piano Music of Azerbaijan
7. Pick A Hit Hawaii
8. Pino Daniele Live: Concerto Medina Tour 2001 [Live] [Import]
9. Raga Marwa
10. Rakish Paddy

World Music

world music

World Music

Spoonface [Import]

Reflexions de France

Saint-Saëns: Symphony 3

Christmas in New Orleans - R&B, Jazz, & Gospel

The Beauty of Silence [Import]

Sing The Hits Of The Best Of Pop Songs (Karaoke)

Singles [Import]

The Dirty South

Take a Ride

Singles Collection [Import]

The Land of Rape and Honey

So Near, So Far

Tarantula [Clean]

Haydn: The Piano Sonatas

Rest Stop