Lady Time
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 October, 1995)
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Reviews (1)

A Lady Swings!
During her later years of recording Norman Granz placed Ella in different settings trying to create new challenges for her, on this cd he did it again! an Organ and Drums and no other instruments?When i first brought this cd i thought this is strange and will be very interesting to listen to! well it's great, Ella, Jackie Davis on Organ and Louie Bellson on Drums make this one swinging CD!!!! Ella is in great voice using different tempos of her voice, 'I'm Walkin' & 'Since i fell for you' are great examples, she uses the deeper range on 'I'm in the Mood for love', 'What will i tell my heart' is tenderly sung,

Lady Time is a great addition to your Ella collection! ... Read more

Asin: B000000Z1L
Sales Rank: 319944
Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Standards    5. Swing    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal Jazz   

Discreet Music [Obscure/Plan 9/EG]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 August, 1990)
list price: $15.98
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Reviews (21)

if you have even a passing interest in Ambient music....
For an artist that has helped shape the musical map since the 70's, and remained a sterling producer, and also has a album workrate to put most musicians to shame, it's truly surprising that Brian Eno, has so many absolutely essential albums to his name.

Here we concentrate on the period where he Created/Produced a series of defining 'Ambient' albums in the mid-late 70's, that although not the first to produce ambient albums, mastered the form to such a degree, that some 20-30 years on, these albums are frequently referenced, when discussing the genre. Although as much an electronic album as it is an ambient album, the mood here is one of detached sounds, restrained instruments and a slightly Eerie, and atmospheric solitude.using a system of two reel-to-reel tape recorders, and making the (relatively) simple process of layering sounds on top of one another, Eno was able to make stark simple sounds, from such instruments as...keyboard, synth, organ, but layer them in such a way that although the music rarely changes direction, it's beauty comes in the form of its simplicity.The first track...the epic "Discreet Music" is really nothing more than a melancholic & slight sounding relaxation drone.But its what Eno does with the sound and the use of spacial sound, that truly makes this impressive. Brief compositions of synth are gradually brought in and out of the mix, and although most listeners won't realise it on the first listen, but the relation of theseelements changes over time, albeit it very gradually, and coupled with the subtle use of noise and resonance, it reveals a sound of soothing 'ambience' that washes over the listener.

The "Three Variations on the Canon in D Major" is more consistent with the stylisation of 'Classical' music, with it less akin to 'Ambient' music, and more in keeping with the compositional elegance and arrangement of piano led orchestration.which has arather melancholy and restless feel to it, and the tone of the strings/piano feels vastly different to the synth-led first track, and its arguably the more immediate track, due to its more noticeable increase in volume/tempo, and although a more rounded sound, still remains very delicate and gentle.In fact imagine these beautifully crafted tracks as works for soundtracksfor films that were never filmed, as it's deeply beguiling and littered with the romanticism that became a trademark in Eno's series of 'Ambient' Albums.As it's all so precisely performed and tremendously realised, that one can't help but fall in love with this incredible album. If you picked up any of Eno's other 'Ambient' albums, I really can't stress enough, how utterly recommended this album comes, It's not only considered one of his finest 'Ambient' albums, but also just a truly exceptional album regardless of the genre. Utterly Essential

Aural sculpture
A beautiful vision of the world around us.

The variations of Pachbel's Cannon show the true genius of Brian Eno.

Not as original as you think!
Many consider this one of the first shots at ambient music but in reality its basicly a johann pachelbel ripoff.The 3 of the four songs on this are pachebel songs and the one original is so close to pachelbels organ works its a little scary that eno was given the credit for inventing ambient.I like eno but i dont give him the major credit others do.Many say if there was no Eno there would be no Bowie ,no Talking Heads.Oh really!How about no Pachelbel,no Eno!Anyway whats really important is if the music is enjoyable and it is, i just dont think its an all out masterpiece. ... Read more

Asin: B000003S2Q
Sales Rank: 98203
Subjects:  1. Ambient    2. Electronic    3. Experimental    4. Pop    5. Rock   

The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 August, 1998)
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Editorial Review

The first solo album by the Fugees' most distinctive voice quickly wipes away the pretensions of so many current hip-hoppers' discs. It does so by both engaging their widescreen ethos--"To Zion," with its martial drums and gospel choir, is as epic a production as has been heard in 1998's pop music--and speaking the plain truth. Miseducation focuses equally on Lauryn Hill's life (especially the birth of her child) and social concerns about the present and future. Its often quiet surface, if anything, lends intensity. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (822)

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
I remember this album when I was in the 6th grade. This album was played constantly by my stepfather. This is Lauryn's deeply personal album. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is confrontational,strong,forthright,and intelligent,while retaining a delicate, sensitive balance. This album also forays into hip-hop territory. Throughout the album,Hill's delicious vocals engage and captivate. Musically, she brings a warmth and sensitivity to the sound of this album and displays her knowledge of the work of the studio as a producer. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is evidence of her self-assured attitude as a well-rounded artist and studio technician. This album has been certified 7x Platinum. Remember,this was 1998-1999.

Lauryn's Miseducation becomes our education.
Lauryn Hill first exploded onto the global music scene as a member of the Fugees. They swept the world because of their unique style and that girl,Lauryn Hill. Lauryn Hill has won a total of 8 Grammy Awards including 2 with the Fugees, 1 for her work on Santana's album "Supernatural" and 5 for her solo masterpiece -The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill-. In 1998 this album was released to mass success and rave reviews. With this album she revolutionized the R&B scene at the time paving the way for more female R&B artists.

On this album she plays with the issues of birth,depression and a failed relationship. This album is great because each song has a special thing to it. There is no doubting how creative Hill is on this album.

"Intro" starts off the album as well an intro as you can possibly get. Set at the beginning of a school day with a teacher calling the roll, it's hard to rate this "track" because nothing much happens musically. However it's a nice setting. This is basically the basis for the rest of the album as the title refers to her "miseducation". At the end of mostly every track on the album a little sort of interlude comes in as part of the track. These interludes are set at the school where Lauryn is supposed to be, but is not. 10/10

"Lost Ones" this is a perfect hip-hop track with a crazed beat that bounces all over the place. Lauryn's rapping is so solid here and definitely not commercial. That's what Ilike about Lauryn, she's a genius and never goes mainstream. 10/10

"Ex-Factor" is one of the best songs on the album. A very emotional song about a failed relationship this track has a very nice arrangement and Lauryn's voice is beautiful and harmonic in the chorus. 10/10

"To Zion" is the song about the birth of her child, featuring Santana on guitar this song is a very powerful song, Lauryn's vocal timbre is so beautiful I think I am listening to an angel serenade to me. 10/10

"Doo Wop (That Thing)" is the most mainstream song on this album but is suprisingly genius. Her biggest hit from her solo masterpiece. This song doesn't use samples and is very feminine in places. 10/10

" Superstar" is not the best song on the album but I like it, the chorus here is very jazzed up and cool. She really is a superstar in her own right. 10/10

"Final Hour" is such a fresh song, Lauryn can do ballads and fresh hip-hop equally as well as each other. On this track she proves herself again. This track in very in-your-face.
10/10

"When It Hurts So Bad" is the perfect Hill ballad that signifies her lyrical and musical strength. Here she does no wrong. 10/10

"I Used To Love Him" features a very strong Mary J. Blige,I've always liked how their harmonies are so strong and this duet flows well. 10/10

"Forgive Them Father" is a reggae hip-hop infusion and works incredibly well. I love this song. 10/10

"Every Ghetto, Every City" is where Hill brings back her childhood memories and shares them with us, lyrically the strongest song on the album this track rocks. 10/10

"Nothing Even Matters" is a slow ballad featuring D'Angelo. Both of their voices gel well and are solid. 10/10

"Everything Is Everything" is possibly the coolest song on the album in the sense that I like everything about it, including the freakin cool video for it. 10/10

"The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill" is the most beautiful piano ballad ever, better than any other track on the album in the emotion catergory. 10/10

Two Bonus Tracks:
"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" is a rockin cover of a classic. 10/10
"Tell Him" is a cute end to a well formed masterpiece. 10/10

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Lauryn Hill has shapedhip-hop and R&B with this masterpiece.
This album breaks all conventions and musical boundarys possible.

Well Done Lauryn!

My Favorite Album All Time
I don't see how anyone could direspect this album...every song is amazing and it would be amazing no matter what the critics said. None of those racist rumors are true...I can't wait for KHULAMI PHASE to be released this year...this is NOT a waste of money! It's amazing...
MY RATINGS:
1. "Intro" (10/10) there's not much to say because it's just and intro but it sets up the premise for the album
2. "Lost Ones" (10/10) my 2nd favorite rap song of all time
3. "Ex-Factor" (10/10) my favorite song ever
4. "To Zion (f/ Carlos Santana)" (10/10) as you probably know, this song's dedicated to her son, Zion, and it's one of the best songs on the album...she puts a lot of emotion into it
5. "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (10/10) the poppiest song on the album and has a really catchy chorus
6. "Superstar" (10/10) this songs a little cliche but every repectable rapper has this kind of song
7. "Final Hour" (10/10) they don't make mainstream rap songs like this anymore
8. "When It Hurts So Bad" (10/10) a powerful song about a relationship with one person not as committed as the other
9. "I Used To Love Him (f/ Mary J. Blige)" (10/10) I've always loved Mary so I knew I'd like this song and I did, their voices sound great together
10. "Forgive Them Father" (10/10) one of my favorite songs on the album
11. "Every Ghetto, Every City" (10/10) this is a really fun song that brings back memories for someone who grew up in a city around the time she's talking about
12. "Nothing Even Matter (f/ D'Angelo)" (10/10) a lot of people said this was the best song they've ever heard in 10 years...well I wouldn't go THAT far but it's a great song. D'Angelo sounds amazing. The only thing i don't like about this song is in the middle theres a chain-saw sound that scares the s**t out of me when I hear it
13. "Everything Is Everything" (10/10) my 3rd favorite song on the album
14. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" (10/10) my 2nd favorite song on this album...it used to be my 1st
BONUS. "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" (10/10)a great cover
BONUS. "Tell Him" (10/10) someone told me that this was live but I don't think it is, but whatever it's a great song
Favorite 3 Songs:
1. Ex-Factor
2. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
3. Everything is Everything ... Read more

Asin: B00000ADG2
Subjects:  1. Contemporary R&B    2. Neo-Soul    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Urban   

The Singular Adventures of the Style Council
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 May, 1989)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Reviews (11)

PAUL WELLER'S FAILURE
Ok, don't get me wrong I'm a major Paul Weller fan, since 1977, but apart from a couple a gems like 'Solid Bond' and 'Shout To The Top' this is Weller at his worst.After the rise and rise of The Jam, he tries to go all soulful and funky and misses by a mile.Don't waste your money on this rubbish, go buy The Jam boxset and listen to Weller at his most powerful and leader of the greatest band EVER!

An Excellent Introduction!
Even if you own all the Style Council's original studio
albums you'll need this for non-album tracks such as "Promised
Land",Have You Ever Had It Blue" and "A Solid Bond In Your Heart"
-the former two being exciting forays into house and jazz-style
pop.Also if you have this and the "Here's Some That Got Away"
album it'll save you from having to buy the "Introducing The
Style Council" 1983 EP-between the two containing all seven cuts.
Highlites from the EP here are the chunky,rebellious Brit-Funk of
"Money-Go-Round",the exquisitly lovely modern soul classic
"Long Hot Summer" and the sumptous "Your The Best Thing".Another
highlite is the radio version of "My Ever-Changing Moods" with it's cascaing horns and upbeat melody,it's deservadly thebands first (and unfortunately only) American Top 40 hit.Even if your a 'Council completist like myself "The Singular Adventures Of" is a necessary,essencial addition.

An Excellent Introduction!
Even if you own all the Style Council's original studio
albums you'll need this for non-album tracks such as "Promised
Land",Have You Ever Had It Blue" and "A Solid Bond In Your Heart"
-the former two being exciting forays into house and jazz-style
pop.Also if you have this and the "Here's Some That Got Away"
album it'll save you from having to buy the "Introducing The
Style Council" 1983 EP-between the two containing all seven cuts.
Highlites from the EP here are the chunky,rebellious Brit-Funk of
"Money-Go-Round",the exquisitly lovely modern soul classic
"Long Hot Summer" and the sumptous "Your The Best Thing".Another
highlite is the radio version of "My Ever-Changing Moods" with it's cascaing horns and upbeat melody,it's deservadly thebands first (and unfortunately only) American Top 40 hit.Even if your a 'Council completist like myself "The Singular Adventures Of" is a necessary,essencial addition. ... Read more

Asin: B000001FQ3
Sales Rank: 53009
Subjects:  1. New Wave    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Sophisti-Pop   

Gershwin Live!
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Features

• Live

Reviews (7)

Sassy Will Live Forever With This Recording
I couldn't agree more with the other reviewers that this is a pleasure to listen to and I do very very often.Her last recordings seem to have a special something to them (also try Brazilian Romance CD produced by Sergio Mendes) that not only shows that maturity but the insitefullness that someone of her experience has.This is a classic and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

The Incomparable Sarah
It begins like a hot sultry summer night. You can see Catfish Row when Sarah begins "Summertime." Although I love Nina Simone's version of "I Love You, Porgy", it is surely Sarah's that is the more haunting version. Sarah's voice at this time is fabulous. She is fulfilled and matured. There are the nuances of life lived, hard and soft. There is a special moment when Sarah is asking for suggestions for an encore and a fan screams out: "Perdido." "Not tonight, honey laughs Sarah, but bless you anyway, you must be an old fan." Such is the love also inherent in Sarah's rendering of "It Never Entered My Mind."
What a voice, and sadly, what a loss to all music lovers of the world. We miss you Sassy!

Matchless ability and delivery!
Too bad this is one of the last recordings availible of Ms. Vaughan live.I really enjoyed her melodically enchanting interpretation of these Broadway-turned-Jazz-standard tunes.The conductor, thankfully, allowedthe divinely sassy songstress to do what she does best: weave complicatedmelodies into a marvelous composition.I was enamored by the medleys! Good stuff! ... Read more

Asin: B0000025MZ
Sales Rank: 108930
Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Classical    3. Jazz    4. Standards    5. Traditional Pop    6. Vocal Jazz   

Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 November, 1993)
list price: $11.97 -- our price: $11.97
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Editorial Review

Ray Benson's Asleep At The Wheel deserve admiration for keeping alive the sounds of western swing, but with a rhythm section that's usually straight-up-and-down stiff, The Wheel's recordings mainly just leave you craving their inspirations. The 18-song Tribute overcomes this problem by loading up on singers who do their best to swing even when the band doesn't. George Strait, doing "Big Balls In Cowtown," is a natural, of course, as are the offerings from Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett and Dolly Parton. Even Garth Brooks' go at "Deep Water," who mimics Strait to perfection here, is a pleasant surprise. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Well worth itwith a lot more than What Amazon tells You
Ray Benson and various aggregations of Asleep at the Wheel have been making records for almost 30 years now. The truth is that there are a bunch of standards of Western Swing that just have to be done and done again. Recently he has tried to get the variety in by doing live albums, and so-called tribute albums like this one, a tribute to Bob Wills. They are a nice excuse to do covers of Bob Wills Songs that Asleep at the Wheel has already recorded.

This works well because a lot of the people he uses on the record are veterans of the Western Swing revival Merle Haggard and Ray launched in the 1970s from different directions, although you might not know it now.It works because the band sounds looser, a bit wilder, and not as concerned with perfection and style as it does on their studio records, which, by the way I think are terrific.

Of course the Amazon listing here is incorrect.All of these tunes have guests.Red Wing for example has the one the only, the Tyler Rose, the greatest living Western Swing musician, the guy that Bob Wills had play Faded Love rather than himself, Johnnie Gimble on both fiddle and Mandolin.Ray gets by the problem of the racial insensitivity of "Across the Alley from the Alamo" by having Johnny Rodriguez sing it, and Susie Bogus does a great job on the early Wills Tune "Old Fashioned Love."

Marty Stuart has always been a great musician, starting out playing in Lester Flatt's band when he was 15, and being an ace on both guitar and mandolin. Besides some good picking on some of the other tunes, he does a great version of the great tune Misery, a tune from the days of the Wills/Duncan reunion in the late 1950s and early 1960s that should be better known.

Riders in the Sky join in with the band to do a great harmony on one of Cindy Walker's masterpiece "Dusty Sky." This song is so much more powerful about the dust bowl and the farm crisis of the thirties than anything that Woody Guthrie wrote. They say Tommy Duncan who had been destroyed as a farmer by the dust bowl droughts, broke down in tears when they recorded it. On the original recording you can hear Bob Wills trying to keep him going.

Haggard, well Haggard recorded the same tune he sings on this record with Bob Wills.Can't get better than that!

Even Huey Lewis gives us a little taste of where he was in the 1970s with a great version of Will's Hubbin' It!

The only thing I don't like here is Brooks and Dunn's Corrina Corrina. It has nothing to do with Western Swing, just your country rock rendition that sounds like a thousand other top 40 country recordings, although done with flavor and a solid dance beat.

Asleep at the Wheel have never been reconstructionists. They have never tried to sound like the Texas Playboys, even in the early days when they were able to include former Texas Playboys like Johnny Gimble, Tiny Moore, and others on their records. They always have tried to have a hot, jamming sound.So, they are the ideal band for this kind of tribute.
They are really, really jamming and jamming hard drawing in the talents of other pickers and singers and making this a real event.

First of two great tributes to the king of western swing
Ray Benson and the other members of Asleep at the Wheel had never made any secret of the fact that Bob Wills was their biggest influence, but they emphasized the point by recording two tribute albums in the nineties devoted entirely to his music, of which this is the first. Both albums featured a star-studded line-up of guests.

Big names featured here include George Strait (Big ball's in Cowtown), Vince Gill (Yearning just for you), Garth Brooks (Deep water), Dolly Parton (Billy Dale), Merle Haggard (I wonder if you feel the way I do), Huey Lewis (Holding it), Corrine Corrina (Brooks and Dunn) and Willie Nelson (Still waters run the deepest). Huey and Willie also feature on Ida Red. All of their performances are superb, although my favorite track here is Old-fashioned love (Suzy Bogguss).

All the tracks here are brilliant. Your favorites may be different from mine, but if you like real country music that swings, Texas style, this is for you.

Bob Wills is still the King!
I picked this disc up in a Wal- Mart in Chester,S.C. on the name recognition of Bob & A@TW. I was blown a then,now and every time I spin cd! I didn't notice the big country stars,except Willie Nelson. I quit listening to radio in the early 80's as that wasn't REAL COUNTRY MUSIC! This tribute explodes with the real deal. I love every song on it, especially the intro, Rolly Polly&Sad Party. Friends will ask if I've heard the latest NEW THING? To which I reply,"Bob Wills has over 60 songs and I've only heard about twenty of 'em! Who cares about the weak new stuff with these classics around! Shawn ... Read more

Asin: B000002URC
Subjects:  1. Neo-Traditionalist Country    2. Western Swing Revival   

Heat Wave
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (8)

Nice surprise
This was cd was quite a surprise.I wasn't expecting a lot but wound up liking the Mcrae-Tjader-Sanchez treatment of all the songs.
I especially liked Carmen's funky staccato phrasing on Besame Mucho.Who would have thought that such phrasing would have worked but a confident stylist.I can imagine Carmen saying to herself, "Okay, it's time to take this where others have dared to go."
Such artistry separates the divas from the common balladeers. This is one jazz cd that deserves to be placed on my replay list.

Awesome Latin jazz
Let me start by saying that if your idea of jazz does not include "outside" influences, then forget it, if you think that there can be a "pure" form of jazz, then go somewhere else. This recording is one of the earlier truly equal marriages of jazz and Latin music, where both parts work together, and the playing is fantastic! The whole band works as one unit, no small feat when there are two (beautifully understated when that is what's required) trombones and one singer.

With this recording, Carmen McRae continues the well established tradition (see Billie Holiday, Cassandra Wilson, Christian McBride etc etc etc) of taking pop songs and giving them a new workout. She takes Evil Ways, originally by Tjader's former band member Willie Bobo, and gives it the sultriest rendition I have ever heard, and her versions of Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing, All is Fair and Heat Wave have real personality and warmth. (Possibly the only downside for me is McRae's vocals on Besame Mucho, but I only noticed the problem since I began learning Spanish!)

Cal Tjader executes one of the best solos of his recorded career on Evil Ways, and plays with great sensitivity on Upside Down and Besame Mucho. This was the last album Tjader made before he died, and when conguero Poncho Sanchez then struck out on his own, he took part of the band with him. Who could blame him? These guys can really play!

The repertoire swings from jazz to Latin, deliacte (Upside Down, All is Fair), to powerful (Love, Evil Ways) and everybody handles everything easily, including the merengue interpretation of Love with the drum kit playing a modification of a standard jazz patterns, as well as all the Latin-izing. And what a wonderful change it is to hear Latin jazz album that is not purely Cuban or Brazilian influenced, but takes ideas and rhythms from a few places. The recording quality is smooth and clear, everthing you could possibly want is right here.

Jazz? No. Latin jazz? You bet, and awesome Latin jazz at that!

doesn't work
A botched effort. What Cal Tjader and Poncho Sanchez try to do here just does not go well with the great lady's singing. This is a mess. I bought this album mainly to hear her sing the fine Besame Mucho--and I'm sorry to say her phrasing too often does not work (in that she overdoes it). Too bad, really. I'm still a Carmen fan and will buy other albums by her--but this one is a major disappointment. Maybe they ought to re-do the music side of this CD and have musicians back her who are used to supporting singers. Tjader and Sanchez play as if inexperienced at backing a singer as talented as Carmen Mcrae. Sorry to have to give it one star. I'll be looking for a refund or to exchange it for some other record. ... Read more

Asin: B0000006E3
Sales Rank: 66950
Subjects:  1. Afro-Cuban Jazz    2. Cool    3. Jazz    4. Latin Jazz    5. Pop    6. Post-Bop   

Al Green - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 August, 1995)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.49
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Editorial Review

One of the must-own soul albums, Greatest Hits is fattened with five extra tracks in this reissue. Al Green brought the Memphis Sound into the '70s by slightly softening it, melding smooth funkiness with his miraculous voice and innate sensitivity: his love songs, while perfect for the bedroom, are as conversational as they are blatantly seductive. By adding the likes of "Belle," a 1977 single that's a near-goodbye to the pop life, to the original lineup of "Let's Stay Together," "Look What You Done for Me," "Call Me," and the others, this edition of Greatest Hits also intriguingly fills out the story. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (98)

high water mark of R&B music
Al Green is so good its not even funny.i recently got this cd and was really impressed by the extremely good arrangements in songs that only mr. Green could have dreamed up.I wish "take me to the river" was on here, but its on volume two, which you should also get.I don't even want to talk about it anymore, you just need to go get this cd.You'll think its the best.

Beautilful Music
Upon its original release in 1975, Al Green's Greatest Hits pretty much summed up everything about Green, containing his ten biggest hits up to that point. A few years later, it was followed by a second volume, which contained hit singles that had charted since the release of the first collection. In 1995, the Right Stuff reissued Al Green's Greatest Hits, adding five of the highlights from the second volume of greatest hits as bonus tracks. The result was a definitive single-disc compilation, featuring 15 of Green's absolute best songs, including "Tired of Being Alone," "Let's Stay Together," "I'm Still in Love With You," "Call Me," "Here I Am," "Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)," and "L-O-V-E (Love)." The original version of Greatest Hits was great, but the revision made it nearly perfect.

overpriced classic
Great music and worth any price you can afford.Too bad I can't afford this price and can't order it from amazon.com where it's only $9.99 US.C'mon amazon canada; why does it cost so much here? ... Read more

Asin: B000002TTP
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Gospel    2. Memphis Soul    3. Pop    4. Pop-Soul    5. R&B    6. Rock    7. Smooth Soul    8. Soul    9. United States of America   

Now That I've Found You: Collection
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 February, 1995)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

A poll-winning fiddler since her teens, Alison Krauss was an established bluegrass star when her label persuaded her to step out from her usual projects with Union Station, her crack band, and sanction this compilation of various band and solo guest performances. The ploy worked, yielding a wonderful, odds-beating crossover hit with Krauss's cover of "Baby, Now That I've Found You," a carousing late-'60s pop chant transformed into a delicate, vulnerable declaration of love. Focusing on Krauss's lovely, yearning soprano, the track elevated the musician above her resolutely democratic role in her quintet, catapulting Krauss to the biggest bluegrass success story in over 30 years. Krauss has stayed true to her bluegrass roots, as well as to Union Station, but this cross-section of contemporary bluegrass songs, joyous gospel, and canny rock covers testifies to the young artist's luminous appeal. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (102)

Top Notch, an excellent first purchase.
How can one be critical of such perfection seemingly sent direct from his holly bosom. OK!, I know? That isn't exactly helpful to those new to the AKUS phenomenon. I'll try to be level headed about this. If you are reading this, you are looking for guidance, so for those who have resisted buying any AKUS until NOW... Shame on you! But OK, if that be the case, you're best bet for a high saturation of OUTSTANDING ballads is "New Favorite" which has some good B-grass also, or "Forget About It" But this is void of any B-grass whatsoever, (how'd that happen?). For the most balanced album with STRONG Ballads AND B-grass, "So Long So Wrong" is your good first choice. If you prefer the older works of AKUS (lots of B-grass) but can't decide which to buy, your best bet is "Now That I've Found You" without question. Unless you have a specific song title in mind, "Lonely Runs Both Ways" may not be your best first purchase. Stellar performances on ALL titles are to be found without question. Myself? I heard AKUS the first time in 1992. I was awe-struck, and remain so with each release from Alison or AKUS. When god shines, HE SHINES. One day I hope a CD of all of Alisons singles from movie sound-tracks etc... will be released. I own every Alison "album" released so far, other than the occasional wayward single. I can say the same for Dan & Rons works also. Jerry!... lol, Dude, nobody has enough money or time to buy everything YOU've put your personal touch too. However, I can nearly always detect your sound & style, sight unseen whenever I hear it, ". Alison & the group are beyond mere descriptive phrases. Certainly they are perfection, in humility, talent, taste, execution, communion and musicianship. Yet, these words are only glimpses of the greater power one can sense from every utterance AKUS make. Thank You Alison, Dan, Ron, Jerry, Barry et all...I appreciate your music sooooo very much.

What's not to like????
What a great album. Alison Krauss's voice is so pleasing to the ear, and Union Station is obviously an outstanding band. Not a dud on the entire album, and a GREAT version of the Beatle's 'I Will'. Even if you think you're not into bluegrass, check out Alison Krauss . I've yet to come across one of her albums that wasn't excellent.

Krauss is a winner
I'll rarely write an review (and rarely buy an album) made by an artist who falls in the Country genre.However, Krauss is lovely.She definitely earns the accolades and awards.Terrific pitch, great sound, a group in perfect harmnony. ... Read more

Asin: B0000002ME
Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Say Amen, Somebody: Original Soundtrack
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $16.98
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• Soundtrack

Reviews (4)

"Highway Up To Heaven"
After years of trying to obtain this CD, I finally have it in my possession. And I must say that I haven't stopped listening to it yet. The movie was great, but it's so NICE to hear the songs in it's entirety (for the most part). My personal favorites on this CD are: "Highway To Heaven," "I'm His Child," "It's Gonna Rain," and "Canaan."

If you love TRUE Gospel, or if you're interested in exploring, this is a good start! I wish I could could give this CD 5 more stars...

Don't think twice- C'mon and get it! : )
If you love gospel music- I mean real gospel music, then this is the cd for you.
If you ready for some a foot stompin' hand clapping- soulful shoutin' arm waving good time. Get this album.
The Barrett Sisters sign the classic album with their devine harmony and beutiful outbursts of the holy spirit-
While Sis. Ford sings as the Lord has directed, sending you into a heavenly peace, and a joyous time. Zela gives us a soul stirring song wrapped with emotion and excitement. Soon The O'neal twins give us their best, as they get waaaaaaayy down in your soul- and then gives you a boost of understanding in God.
The album is even giftwrapped with the tender warm songs of Thomas A. Dorsey, singin himself! The buck doesn't stop there wither- so get the album to find out more!
There is never a moment on this album that is not worth every penny!-
So buy it, and get ready for a move of the holy spirit in your life- so that you can be ready for Cannon Land-
God Bless
Bro. LaMarr

Joy
Joy is all you can feel after listening and experiencing this soundtrack.Please view the film of the same name--it is beautiful. ... Read more

Asin: B000000PGX
Sales Rank: 124763
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

The Ramones
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 May, 2001)
list price: $18.99
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• Import

Reviews (13)

Top Ten Rock Album
This is one of the top ten rock albums of the last 25 years.It's a raw, influential masterpiece.This is the punk rock that started it all.Make sure you get the recently remastered version with the bonus tracks.Then do the same with Ramones Leave Home, and Rocket To Russia.After that, you're on your own.

Ramones rule....
Firstly, this album is great and you should buy it. That's pretty much common knowledge.

Secondly: "An unprecedentedly perfect musical expression of punk attitude, effectively conveyed without cuss words. The experience of listening to this album gets increasingly rich with each successive listen.

BTW, listen with care because this can fire you up for fighting.&quot....

Ramones rule....
Firstly, this album is great and you should buy it. That's pretty much common knowledge.

Secondly: "An unprecedentedly perfect musical expression of punk attitude, effectively conveyed without cuss words. The experience of listening to this album gets increasingly rich with each successive listen.

BTW, listen with care because this can fire you up for fighting." ... Read more

Asin: B00002DESX
Sales Rank: 191270
Subjects:  1. American Punk    2. New York Punk    3. Pop    4. Punk    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Nigerian Marketplace
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (4)

Amazing!
Oscar Peterson is simply amazing, blowing other jazz pianists out of the water with his lightning fast fingers, sensitive touch, and excellent feel and taste in jazz music.Between Peterson and his very solid rhythm section, this is one of the best jazz piano albums I have ever bought with great songs such as "Nancy With the Laughing Face," and his original song "Nigerian Marketplace" which continues to give me goosebumps every time I still hear it.There isn't a single bad track on the cd and maintains great sound quality for being a live performance.This is a must-buy!

Nigerian Marketplace
This is my favorite Oscar Peterson CD.It's so very upbeat andcomplicated.The electric guitar groove is amazing.Buy once, buy itagain and again....

but the bass! the bass!
By standards of piano playing, this is a good cd. The title composition is in fact quite remarkable. But what makes this a spectacular cd are some of Niels Henning's solos, and especially his comping on Nigerian Marketplace.This track is an encyclopedia of funk bass playing. Completely amazing. ... Read more

Asin: B000000XID
Sales Rank: 65298
Subjects:  1. Bop    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Swing   

Best of the Vanguard Years
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 January, 2001)
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Reviews (3)

Many famous songs by a famous quartet...
The Almanac Singers of 1941-42 came first, and if you are reading this you ought to purchase the CD by them called "Songs of Protest." Pete Seeger and Lee Hays, who became half of "The Weavers" in 1949, were Almanacs. By the time they got into the later group, their voices and talents had matured and were in their prime. Add Ronnie Gilbert's lovely voice and Fred Hellerman's all-around musical gifts, and you had just about the only folkie supergroup of their era. The anti-Communist hysteria took The Weavers off the charts and off the mainstream Decca label after '52, which crippled the members financially. In the artistic sense, however, they only got better when they resurfaced in 1955 on Vanguard, mostly with live shows. This disc purports to be the "best" from a half-dozen Vanguard LP's from the late '50's and early 60's. Maybe it is. I think too many of the 24 are bland instead of bold, but that's just my personal preference. On this item, not much social protest is to be found---just "Sixteen Tons" and "Brother Can You Spare a Dime?" and "If I Had a Hammer". I would have liked the inclusion of "Banks of Marble" among others. But that's really a small flaw. The Lee Hays bass vocals are here, and the Pete Seeger tenor, and Ronnie's alto. Good banjo and guitar, and as another reviewer noted, many live recordings, so they are not mucked up with strings and other unneeded orchestral flourishes. The Weavers kept the folk tradition alive and proved there was an audience, and in the late '50's we got The Kingston Trio and The Highwaymen and eventually Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs and so many other acts into the limelight because the Weavers were there first. This is a great introduction to American commercial folk performing: it won't scare anyone, but it might inspire a deeper search into other singers and songwriters, or even other Weavers' records, which have more political and social bite.

An excellent introduction to the music of The Weavers
I am rather embarrassed that it took me as long to discover the Weavers as it did.After all, in the Sixties I was listening to the Smothers Brothers do their versions of "Tzena Tzena," "Michael Row the Boat Ashore," and "Marching to Pretoria."Even those who missed out on the folk music revival have heard "Wimoweh" (a.k.a. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"), "Wreck of the 'John B.,'" and "The House of the Rising Sun," but you can certainly do that without having heard about the Weavers.Certainly you mention "If I Had A Hammer" and you are going to have most people say Peter, Paul & Mary rather than the Weavers.But get them to sit down and listen to "The Weavers: Best of the Vanguard Years," and it is not just their ears but also their eyes that are going to be opened.

They will discover those songs that remain uniquely songs of The Weavers, such as "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" and "Goodnight Irene," but they will also learn about another major piece in the history of American folk music going way back before Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.Of course, that road back eventually leads to Woody Guthrie, America's troubadour.

The Weavers are Pete Seeger, tenor and banjo; Ronnie Gilbert, alto; Lee Hays, baritone and bass; and Fred Hellerman, baritone and guitar.These 24 tracks are collected from the 1950s and 1960s, taken from the albums "The Weavers at Carnegie Hall," "The Weavers on Tour," "The Weavers Reunion at Carnegie Hall," "The Weavers At Home," "Traveling On with The Weavers," and "The Weavers Almanac," along with two previously unreleased live tracks from performances at the Newport Folk Festival in 1960.I have to think it is pretty hard to stop at one Weaver's album once you have heard them sing, but this collection is an excellent starting point in learning more about the glorious history of American Folk Music.

PURE WEAVERS
Freed of the godawful string-laden arrangements of their studio recordings, this mostly live anthology showcases the Weavers at their very best. These people could flat-out sing, and in front of an enthusiastic audience the experience is complete. Gorgeous stuff. ... Read more

Asin: B000055ZE2
Sales Rank: 123233
Subjects:  1. Folk    2. Folk & Traditional    3. Folk Revival    4. Folksongs    5. Political Folk    6. Pop    7. Traditional Folk    8. United States of America   

Baby Beluga
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 October, 1996)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Baby Beluga is a fun-filled collection of favorite children's songs and Raffi originals, all performed in the singer's folksy, expressive style. Beluga begins with the sounds of whales communicating in their high-pitch squeaks (which presented here come across as cute and sweet) and features melodic lines that evoke vivid pictures of gentle waves and a frolicking whale. An illustrated sing-along book that is published separately is a nice companion to this first track, giving young listeners visual images of the song's narrative. The rest of this varied album blends traditional songs like "Oats and Beans and Barley" and "This Old Man" with four original pieces by Raffi, including the instrumental "Water Dance." Liner notes have the complete lyrics, a description and history of beluga whales, and explanations of Raffi's inspiration and ties to each song.This is an excellent album with catchy tunes that's sure to become a household favorite. --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (45)

This Album is the Cat's Meeeow!
I am a big fan of Raffi, and I have been since birth. I was even a fan of his while inside of my mother.My dad did a show of his in Tampa Florida and I began kicking my mom's stomach when I heard his voice. He is the best! I am sure I will listen to him for the rest of my life, until I die.

Thanks For The Intro To Mehdi
I've always enjoyed great christmas music and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this site I discovered "Christmas Treasures" by Mehdi (pronounced meddie). After searching online I found his site (SoothingMusic.Com) and listened to the samples...
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to this CD several times I really must say that Christmas Treasures is a great find. Everyone from my kids to my Mother loves this CD.
I have them both in my multi-disc CD player and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.

A lifesaver!
Well, sure...the songs became a wee bit tedious after hearing them for the one millionth time, but during my little boy's colicky first 5 months, Raffi's pleasant voice and relaxing songs were the practically the only thing that would sooth him (not to mention his parents!). Now that he is a little older, we still play Raffi...and I still get a big smile whenever he hears ... Read more

Asin: B0000003HD
Subjects:  1. Children's    2. Children's Folk    3. Childrens    4. Pop   

Sail Away
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

Odd man out in California's early '70s panoply of singer-songwriters, Randy Newman didn't play guitar, refused to confess specific personal dreams and sins, and sidestepped the counter-cultural trinity of sex, rebellion, and self. Newman dared to be a neo-classical pop survivor, narrative guerilla, and prankster, and no album summarizes these gifts better than this 1973 classic, which found the singer, songwriter, pianist, and arranger spreading his wings to fuse the economy of his songwriting with his lush gifts as a composer. The classic title song mingles its elegiac orchestral bloom with the devastating, deadpanned sales pitch of its slave trader protagonist, while elsewhere Newman wraps his whiskey drawl and laconic piano around acerbic meditations on God ("He Gives Us All His Love," "God's Song"), celebrity ("Lonely at the Top"), nuclear Armageddon ("Political Science"), and sex ("You Can Leave Your Hat On"). Funny, tragic, moving American pop at its zenith. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Strong Lyrics, Musically Limited
I have great respect for Randy Newman and I have absorbed many of the raves for this album and his other early work, but I have to say this is music that I don't completely love.Newman is a great lyricist, but let's be honest: he is not a great singer-songwriter.He has neither the voice nor the knack for melody to make these songs truly take off.

The throwback Tin Pan Alley-ish pop sound guarantees that the usefulness of this CD will be limited:its neither driving/party music nor effective relaxing/headphone music.The problem with Newman's voice isn't exactly its lack of musicality.There have been many great singer songwriters with subpar voices in the classic sense, including the greatest of all time, Bob Dylan.To me, Newman sounds like he has a constant smirk on his face.It's either him saying "I know how witty my lyrics are" or him demonstrating that most of his songs are simply artificial constructions meant to entertain others and are not deep and heartfelt in the way the best songs are.

I'm sure many people will read this and say I am missing the point about Randy Newman -- that the pre-rock pop sound and wry lyrics/delivery are exactly what makes him great.I guess I can accept that, but for me it means he is an artist I admire but won't often listen to.And I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Genius & Heart
I heard Randy Newman state during an interview that his songs should not be taken as autobiographical or expressing "his" opinions, that they are like separate characters and stories.I believe that this album is his best, and shows that he pours more of himself into his work than he may admit.The "Sail Away" album shows the full range of his thinking and emotions.Newman tends to see two sides to every situation, what we aspire to and what we actually are, but with a core of hope.There is wry but sympathetic political commentary on American history in "Sail Away", and biting political satire in "Political Science," which was written in 1969 that applies perfectly to the Bush administration. ("We give them money, but are they grateful? No they're spiteful and they're hateful.They don't respect us, so let's surprise them, We'll drop the big one and pulverize them.")There is the expression of sincere, simple, bedrock faith in God in "He Gives Us All His Love" and complex despair in watching the works of a seemingly sadistic supreme being in "God's Song (That's Why I Love Mankind)."In between there are wonderfully crafted songs about dancing bears, rivers that burn at night, and women that give us reason to live.I listen to this album again and again and enjoy and marvel at Newman's talent every time.

And NOW...
...for something completely different. Randy Newman is a musician that I have always had a fondess for(predating my "Metal" days by a couple of years). I really like his soundtrack work(and still do). However, Randy Newman's masterpiece is truly Sail Away(which I bought at a Borders Books and Music for 10 bucks).

What Randy Newman lacks in voice(honestly, he is not the most vocally talented musician), he makes up for in lyrical creativity and song composition. His piano playing is amazing, but his arrangements with his backing instruments are what really help make this record so great. Sometimes entering the realm of classical, the majority has lounge jazz feel to it. What makes for the real twist is the lyrical potency. Filled to the brim with satire(see; Political Science) and sincerity, his lyrics are what defines him and makes who he is: a great musician. I highly recommend this to any music fans, especially those who want a peak into the mind of a great American songwriter. ... Read more

Asin: B000002KBX
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop/Rock    3. Rock    4. Singer/Songwriter    5. United States of America   

The Natural (1984 Film)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Editorial Review

Randy Newman's score for director Barry Levinson's 1984 adaptation of writer Bernard Malamud's baseball fable remains, like star Robert Redford's turn as the film's Roy Hobbs, somewhat mystic and decidedly larger than life. Newman's music flawlessly fuses overwrought Wagnerian grandeur with the more plaintive strains of Aaron Copland, arguably forming one of the film's most crucial narrative elements in the bargain. Perhaps because it's a score with a scale so broad and bold--the antithesis of Newman-the-songwriter's often terse, internalized musical monologues--the composer himself has since expressed reservations about the potent cues he's since dubbed "heromusik." Nonetheless, The Natural remains an impressive tribute to Newman's musical professionalism, even if his masterful craftsmanship produced something he's always seemed a bit wary of: a bona fide crowd pleaser. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Features

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Reviews (5)

Absolutely the best film score never to win an Academy Award
Randy Newman finally won an Oscar this year for his song written for "Monsters, Inc.," but he should have won at least one Oscar long ago."The Natural" is, for my money, the best film score NOT to win an Academy Award.This is a score on a level with those Maurice Jarre wrote for "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Dr. Zhivago," where the music and the images on the screen create a film's emotional depth.The best proof I can offer for this is your own memory.Consider the following tracks from this film score: "Prologue 1915-1923," "The Whammer Strikes Out," "'Knock the Cover Off The Ball,'" "Wrigley Field," "The Final Game," and "The End Title."I bet that reading each of those titles immediately conjurs up both the music and the moment.Newman sets the emotional tone from the very beginning and underscores the film's best moments, which is textbook writing for the movies.His score for "Ragtime" is pretty good too, but "The Natural" is his supreme achievement.Newman might be better known for his quirky songs, like "Short People" and "I Love L.A.," but these film scores prove that when it comes to judging his talent Newman's music outstrips his lyrics big time.

By far one of the best movie soundtracks ever composed
Randy Newman is known to the non-cinematically-obsessed public as the sourpuss composer and gravelly-voiced singer of the tart novelty hit "Short People," but here is the work for which he should have won his well-deserved Oscar (instead of for the trifle he composed for 2001's "Monsters, Inc.").

With "The Natural," which he not only composed but conducted, Newman manages the pretty neat trick of stepping into the enormous shoes left by Aaron Copland.Newman takes the perfectly American pasttime of baseball and melds it perfectly with the American penchant for youth, sunshine, nostalgia, and happy endings--all without a single instance of treacle or falsity.He sounds Coplandian here without sounding slavish.He soars on wings of his own making and utterly enriches the film "The Natural" with his music.

"Prologue 1915 - 1923" opens the soundtrack and deftly sketches the career Robert Redford's Roy Hobbs character had in the minors and then briefly in the majors, limning the energetic youth of the new baseball player followed by the slower, more minor-key weariness Hobbs experiences as he seems to lose his touch.With "Knock the Cover Off the Ball," Newman somehow captures a sparkly, sunstruck afternoon out in the middle of a baseball field, the fierce concentration needed to do the deed demanded in the title, and the gathering speed of the ball itself.In "Winning," the big band, swinging tune says it all.You need brass balls to survive this ball game, son, and the music handily underscores that rule without the aid of a single lyric.

Had Randy Newman never written another film score beyond 1984's "The Natural," he could easily and justly have rested on these fine laurels.We are lucky that he didn't.

A home run soundtrack! And I don't even like baseball.
This the most magical soundtrack I have every purchased!I personally think it is Randy Newman's best work and as far as soundtracks go I put it up there with anything by Nino Rota.The way Newman uses the strings andpaces the songs one would swear he was the prodigal son of Aaron Copeland.Of course he isn't but like Copeland's operas he definitely knows how tocompose music which feels Americana. You can almost see wheat fieldsblowing and you'll certainly want t a piece of Apple Pie after hearing thetitle song, "The Natural."A must for any lover of soundtracks. ... Read more

Asin: B000002L6A
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtrack    3. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

The Specials
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

The beat that got a generation dancing and brought ska back into the public eye. Produced by Elvis Costello, then still a boy wonder himself, the album built on the sound of the Specials' first two singles, and gave the world its first extended look at Two Tone. Inspired writing and arranging (much of it down to founder Jerry Dammers) with Terry Hall as the laconic front man made for a perfect combination, the riddim of ska and the speed of punk. As a testament to its power, two decades haven't lessened its impact. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Brilliant
This album was phenomenal. Definitely influenced many people not just musically, but in perspectives on races. Massive Attack, Tricky and many more all owe a debt of gratitude to these lads. I bought this in 1979 at Korvettes in Paramus, the same day I bought Pretenders 1st, and Wreckless Eric/Whole Wide World. A triple play, but out of the three (which I still play to this day 5.6.05) The Specials is closest to my heart. Blank Expression a perfect winter time twilight song, You're Wondering Now fantastic closer. I could go on. I wish Terry and Jerry and the lads would be friends again but then, time has passed and we must move on. But a landmark album nonetheless. Out of all the 2 Tone bands, The Specials rule ok.

Still the Heavyweight Champions of the Ska Revival
The Specials are still the heavyweight champions of both waves ofska revivals (in the UK and later in the USA). I saw the Specials just before this album wasreleased in 1979 at a Rock Against Racism concert in London's Hyde Park. I was warned by my two British hosts that the Specials would "blow my mind."... but nothing could have prepared me for the inspired anarchy of this young racially mixed Brits playing music that sounded like reggae on steroids.The two manic singers Terry Hall and Neville Staples bounced around the stage and banged their heads together in time to the music. The entire band had buzz cut hairdos and dressed like thrift shop refugees complete with Sinatra type fedoras, skinny ties and ill fitting suits. By the end of the show the entire stage was filled with frantically pogoing audience members and the Specials played on, as if the audience and the band were the same thing. Everything I learned about ska music started with that Specials concert in 1979.

The reason why the Specials were so...errr...special was that they were first rate musicians who not dilletantes when it came to knowledge of the early Jamaican ska and rocksteady music. Jerry Dammers was raised on the music of Prince Buster, the Skatalites,Desmond Dekker, Byron Lee and the stable of ska musicians that were part of Duke Reid's venerable British label, Trojan Records. In the UK, Trojan Records had a steady stream of bestselling ska records in the UK in the mid-Sixties. Even the godfather of punk, John Lydon, who was notorious for ridiculing any kind of popular music once professed that reggae and ska were the only music he cared about. Meanwhile,in the USA, our only knowledge of ska was 1965's infectious hit by Millie Small, "My Boy Lollipop." In the Sixties, there was little room on Americanradio playlists for obscure Jamaican musicians playing gimmicky West Indian pop. If anyone raised the profile of ska music in America, it was the Specials.

The songs of this album represent a fusion the anarchy of punk with the frenetic riddims of ska. It is a snapshot of a near-perfect moment in music. Elvis Costello's "ragged but right" production style resembled that of his own producer, Nick Lowe who earned the nickname "Basher" for his rough-hewn sound. "Doesn't Make It Alright" is the Special's anti-racism anthem that was a response to the National Front's campaign to bash forgien nationals from the West Indies and Pakistan who were new immigrants to London during that period. Terry Hall as the prosecuter and Neville Staples as "Judge Dread" engage in a hilarious satire of a kangaroo court in the song "Stupid Marriage." The ribald humor of "Stupid Marriage" was actually a Jamican ska reworking of Shorty Long's late Sixties R&B hit "Here Comes the Judge." "Blank Expression" was a cry against apathy and ignorance. The covers of ska classics like "A Message To Rudy" and Prince Buster's classic "Too Hot"showcase the muscular playing of the band. The cover of the Maytal's classic "Monkey Man" fires a hilarious shot from the hip at the Thatcher enthusiasts in the pompous chambers of the House of Lords, comparing the Britian's nobility to inbred baboons. The addition of trombonist Rico Rodriquez, who was a transplanted Jamaican with an involvment in the ska's early Sixties roots lent the Specials an authenticity that few of their peers could claim. Drummer John Bradbury and bassist Horace Gentleman punched up the ska sound with a heavy drum n' bass sound that appealed to the younger generation accustomed to the hard charging punk rock sound.

By the mid-Eighties the ska music revival had ebbed all too early in the UK. I always felt that the 2 Tone Records bands like thedubwise Beat (aka the English Beat), the hyper-manic Madness and the ultra-cool stylists, the Selector were among the best things about the post-punk movement. There was a second wave revival of ska music in the United States in the Nineties, but none of the stateside ska bands posessed the talent, imagination or authenticity of their UK counterparts. The Specials were the flagship of the ska revival and their magnificent but short lived career brought the joy of ska music to a lot of people who otherwise would have never heard it. I don't deejay much these days, but in the early Eighties no party or dance was complete until the floor was filled with estatic dancers slamming to the riddims of "Concrete Jungle."Those were the days, my friend.

THE best Specials album
This is definitely the best Specials CD. I don't own any other ones, but i have listened to all the songs on "More Specials", "Guilty til Proven Innocent" ,"Blue Plate Specials", "In the Stuido"... quite a bit, and i'd still have to say there is nothing like this CD.
My favorites are probably "Do the Dog", "Dawning of a new Era" ,and "Messege to you Rudy" just beacuse theyre fun songs. I also realy like " Doesn't make it Alright" for its lyrics.
This CD is excellent! ... Read more

Asin: B000003JAH
Subjects:  1. England    2. New Wave    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Ska    6. Ska Revival