Songs from the Rain
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (1993)
list price: $11.97
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Editorial Review

Hothouse Flowers were still busking on the streets of Dublin when Bono saw them on Irish TV in 1986. He arranged for the young band to release its first single on U2's custom label, Mother Records, and the band's first two albums, 1988's People and 1990's Home, were successes in Europe and Australia even if they didn't make much headway in North America. After three years of global touring and songwriting, Hothouse Flowers released Songs from the Rain. They fall short again. Lead singer Liam O'Maonlai has an attractive tenor but it lacks Bono's siren edge, and O'Maonlai's delivery is too bland and ordinary to compensate. O'Maonlai's bandmates write Celtic-rock anthems with the requisite soaring melodies and galloping rhythms and hymns with the expected mystic imagery and lush harmonies, but it's all a bit too formulaic and humdrum to make much of an impression. Worst of all are the band's lyrics, whose soft-headed solipsism is obvious in lines like, "If you take the time to listen, there's a chance you will meet your soul" or "Let doubt be the furthest from our minds, so we can continue to be and know that we should be here." On this new album, Hothouse Flowers sound very little like the U2 of 1993 and too much like Firefall, Colorado's mellow-rockers of 1976. -- Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (5)

#1 feel good CD
I couldn't believe what was coming out of my speakers when I first purchased this cd.I originally heard "Thing of Beauty" on the radio and thought it was a great song.I was surprised that the rest ofthe album was even better.I listened to "This is it" 4 times ina row the morning after I bought the cd.It made me late for work, but Icould not get enough of the song.This is an amazing piece of work by verytalented songwriters and musicians.There is not a weak spot on the disc. I love "People" and "Home", but they don't quite liveup to this release.If you need to lift your spirits, put this cd in yourplayer and get a natural high. Tell the lads we need a follow up...

A desert island selection
If I had to be on a desert island for the rest of my life this would be one of the first CDs I'd rescue from my sinking ship. Hothouse Flowers brought it to a new level on this release. While People and Home are greatthey both have weak spots. Songs from the Rain is solid from start tofinish and has both outstanding up-tempo celtic rock and the slowerthoughtful ballads. HH Flowers are one of the most underrated bands in theworld. Silly people are always wanting to compare them to U2 but there isno comparison. HH Flowers focus on the joy and possibilities of music whilefocusing on entertaining their FANS (what a concept!) They lack the ego andpretentiousness of today's "big acts". Here's hoping that theycontinue for many years.

Very satisfying.
Recommended.I was very pleased ... Read more

Asin: B000001FH9
Subjects:  1. Celtic Rock    2. College Rock    3. Pop/Rock   

Tunnel of Love
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

After several years at the top of the rock world, Springsteen pulled back the reins on Tunnel of Love--a lot, not just a little. Members of the E Street Band played on the album but seldom in full-band arrangements. Then, too, there are the deeply conflicted songs--"Brilliant Disguise," "Two Faces," "Tunnel of Love," "One Step Up"--that may have been written in response to the imminent failure of his first marriage. There's more to the album than divorce-court play-by-play, however. There's also the raw rocker "Spare Parts," the sprightly "All That Heaven Will Allow," and the bold declaration "Tougher Than the Rest." Overall, these are some of his most thoughtful songs and most intimate performances. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Reviews (64)

NEW TITLES- AIN'T GOT OSAMA, TOUGHER THAN THE US!!!!!!!!!!!!
Springsteen notoriously embodies the degeneracy of the humble-born American dilapidating into a self-hating, excuses-making, America-blaming turncoat, a cancerous illness that afflicts most "artists" irretrievably and tends to befall "artists" because of their unpardonably stubborn character flaw of perpetrating extremely amoral tolerance and open-mindedness which perilously leads to the worst, traitorous wrongdoings imaginable. Making this unprincipled betrayal of core American values all the more stinging is, by his own confession, his respectably working-class roots, where he grew up next to a gas station in a small New Jersey town. His modestly humble, unpretentious parents even admitted to the room-for-improvement in their lives when they moved to a bigger house from Randolph Street to Institute Street.

P.S

The e stands for expert!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tunnel of Love
The reason I bought this CD was "Tunnel of Love".It's a beautiful song.It reminds one of why they are involved with the person in the first place.There are other good songs but "Tunnel of Love" takes the cake.

Loneliness, heartache, and pain
Often overlooked, this album is simply brilliant.Lyrics and words like these come from pain, and you can feel the pain in his voice on some of these songs.I don't think I've ever heard an album that expresses the feelings of deception, doubt, loneliness in love and out of love and the heartache of losing love that comes across in these songs.Besides the "hits" of Tunnel of Love and One Step up, there are the overlooked heartbreaking songs of Brilliant Disguise, When You're Alone, and Cautious Man...
"One night Billy awoke from a terrible dream callin' his wife's name
She lay breathing beside him in a peaceful sleep, a thousand miles away
He got dressed in the moonlight and down to the highway he strode
When he got there he didn't find nothing but road" ... Read more

Asin: B0000026E5
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Heartland Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock & Roll    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Wizard a True Star
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Reviews (42)

some kids had raffi but i had a wizard a true star.
Any normal parent might think to start out their childrens' early formative years with quaint, simple traditional kiddie songs, happy and merry. But thankfully mine never underestimated me enough to put me through all that. This was my first ever record i listened to consistently over and over and over again. Even at 4 years old, i knew that this wasn't music. It wasn't anything that existed on MY plane of existence. later i learned that these sounds were made by a man that may or may not have been but definately was at some point on a considerable amount of acid. But imagine the purity i had, before i knew of drugs, before i knew of the record industry, before i even knew that Todd was a real man, staying up to listen after bedtime, in the darkness of childhood, the sonic lush of zen archer repeating over and over through my tape deck head phones, pulsing through the space between my pre-adolescent ears. echoing down the long corridor of my brain long after i'd fallen asleep, and long long after i'd grown up. Perhaps some people can look at photos or have certain memories that lead them back to their earlier years, I'm just proud to have such a album as mine. a truly great record indeed(at any age ;)

Todd trips out
A year after releasing "Something/Anything?", Todd Rundgren's double LP, magnum opus of pop perfection, he followed it up with this..

And wow, what a change. The two sides are a play on the title itself. Side A being the "Wizard" side, Side B being the "True Star". What does this all mean? Well, Side A is the equivalent of a 25 minute acid trip. I honestly don't know if Todd used substances or not, but after listening to this, it seems likely.

The spacey-pop opener, "International Feel" is the beginning of a 12 song cycle that culminates in a reprise of that tune (renamed "La Feel Internationale"). There's no pauses in the music..everything runs together, whether it be punkish guitar assaults ("You Need Your Head"), trippy instrumentals ("Tic Tic Tic It Wears Off", "Flamingo"), lavish ballads ("Zen Archer"), vaudeville ("Da Da Dali"), a sound collage of giggling dogs ("Dogfight Giggle"), hard rock/psychedelia ("Sunset Blvd"), showtunes (an alien-like cover of the Peter Pan classic, "Never Neverland"), and anything in between.

Everything is drenched in a thick, synthesizer syrup. Melodies and hooks are deeply buried in it. The aforementioned "International Feel", for example, will probably sound rather disposable at first. Then, you listen to it a few more times and discover, "Whoa, that's a pretty damn catchy hook!"

Likewise for other songs such as "Sunset Blvd", "Just Another Onionhead", and "Zen Archer". The latter in particular is a mind blowingly good song that combines lush layers of psychedelia with soaring falsetto vocals and jazzy flourishes (the saxophone laden outro is truly memorable). It's really a gorgeous song. (Perhaps my all time favorite Todd song, in fact)

The instrumentals like "Tic Tic.." and rapid-fire freakouts ("Rock & Roll Pussy", "You Need Your Head") aren't classic songs, but what they do is enhance the turbelent, trippy, unpredictable feel of this particular side. And they're cooler than hell.

Now, onto the flip side. If you loved "Something/Anything?", and hate Side A of this record, there's still hope. The synthesizer-laden psychdelia of Side A is all but gone this time around. Now, Todd is back in pop/blue eyed soul mode.

The heartfelt soul ballad "Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel" has a distinct Motown feel to it. One of Todd's most memorable compositions.

Another great moment is the 10 minute medley of soul classics ("I'm So Proud", "La La Means I Love You", "Ooh Baby Baby"..oh, and a rousing version of "Cool Jerk". I guess that last one isn't really a soul classic.)

"Does Anybody Love You?" is a cute little pop song..emphasis on little, only about a minute thirty. But its short length leaves you wanting more.

With the exception of "I Don't Want To Tie You Down" (another soulful ballad), Todd closes things on a more rockin' note. "Hungry For Love" is a goofy song that predates Weird Al by about 10 years. Damned if it isn't catchy, though.

"Is It My Name?" is a hard rocker, full of blistering guitars. Crank this one up loud.

Finally, "Just One Victory", a favorite among diehard Todd fans. There's really nothing NOT to like. Not quite a rocker, not quite a ballad..but anthematic as heck. In a perfect world, this would've been a huge hit..for god's sake, there's about 5 hooks in this song. Oh well. At any rate, a terrific, uplifting closer. Love it love it love it.

This is a tough album to review, because..how does one describe it? Hopefully I did an okay job. At any rate, "A Wizard, a True Star" is a classic. It's the first of Todd's 'druggy/weird' period, which lasted a few albums until he went back to writing pop songs with 1978's "The Hermit of Mink Hollow".

If you're new to Todd, don't start here. Stick with "Something/Anything?"..that's the obvious starting point. That's where I started, and now I own all of his studio albums. And this one ranks at the top. What more can I say?

Highly Recommended.

Best Songs: Zen Archer, Just One Victory, Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel, When the **** Hits The Fan/Sunset Blvd., Is It My Name?

Inspirational Music
Todd Rundgren's A WIZARD A TRUE STAR is not only an album its an experience.A.W.A.T.S is truly the work of genius, its pure magic from start to end.One thing that struck me was the way its sounds different with every listen.A Friend of mine told me it was the strangest thing he ever herd, I guess thats a good thing, right?After listening to this album i realized Todd had done something beautiful,he threw away the music rule book and made something totaly him.Ive had friends who hated it the first time they herd it, now they are Todd fans for life.I have yet to hear anything as brilliant as A.W.A.T.S and i probably never will.If you make your own music this album will inspire you and push your music even further.Is this the greatest album ever made? A+ ... Read more

Asin: B0000032OY
Sales Rank: 6874
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Shepherd Moons
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 November, 1991)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

The success of her first international hit, Watermark, confirmedEnya as less a singer or songwriter than a sonic architect: working withproducer Nicky Ryan and his wife, lyricist Roma Ryan, the classically-trainedpianist built vaulting cathedrals of sound, framed by luminous piano, shimmeringsynthesizer orchestrations, and, above all, the seemingly infinite layers ofvocal harmonies she plied on every song. The deeply romantic Celtic pop on its1991 successor, Shepherd Moons, sustains the same spectrum of hushedreverie and surging, rhapsodic releases, as well as its mix of ballads, floatingmidtempo pieces, and forays into Celtic and Latin--and it's every bit asseductive.The terminally hip will sneer, but it's no accident that"Caribbean Blue," the best known song here, managed to sneak ontomodern rock, top 40, "adult alternative" and public radio playlists.--Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (131)

I Feel Like I'm in Heaven!
This is yet another great Enya CD!Her music is so soothing & angelic that it can actually make you feel as if you're in Heaven!

Enya's music has the ability to touch the soul - something I wish more artists could do.

This CD is perfect to relax and unwind with.Also, for those who enjoy meditating, I found this CD to be very helpful in achieving that extremely relaxed state we all try to achieve.

A masterpiece or a fraud?
New Age music has always left me cold with the possible exception of Kitaro. Enya's contribution to the New Age genre is unremarkable to say the least. She is pretentious, which her loyal following would never admit to. She tries too hard at putting forth an image of a grand mystic. Her vocals make an aborted attempt at trying to reinforce that image, but it is her vocals that are the most pretentious of all. They are lazy, hazy and are buried beneath a foggy mix. I truly believe she thinks too highly of her own talent. Her voice glides along the surface of the music without making any attempt to get at the very heart of the song. Her voice is merely a special effect. The songs are ambitious and nicely arranged, but once the vocals start you forget about the music. In New Age music the vocals should never over-shadow the music, but Enya's vocals invade the music like an unwanted thief. I would not recommend this album because Enya the singer is more important than Enya the musician and that should never be the case with New Age music.

"...this way could be my Book of Days..."
Enya made it again! After Watermark she created another wonderful album - Shepherd Moons. I like every track, though Caribbean Blue and especially Book Of Days are my two favourites. Besides, Book Of Days was a no. 1 hit on the Swedish track chart back in 1992 when the song became a worldwide hit since it was included - with English lyric - on the soundtrack to the film Far And Away. The original Book Of Days (which was only in Gaelic) was replaced by the re-recorded hit on later pressings. I like them both though I think it's pretty sad to replace an original song. Other songs which I really like are Ebudæ, Lothlórien and Afer Ventus. I suppose this is my favourite Enya album, even though I like everything from her. By the way; have you ever seen such a beautiful CD cover???

Here comes a short description of the tracks on Shepherd Moons:

1. Shepherd Moons - Instrumental; very relaxing
2. Caribbean Blue - English & Latin; great, wonderful, special*
3. How Can I Keep From Singing - English; beautiful
4. Ebudæ - Gaelic; pretty powerful, special*
5. Angeles - English; beautiful, relaxing, special*
6. No Holly For Miss Quinn - Instrumental; relaxing
7. Book Of Days - Gaelic / English & Gaelic; great, wonderful,
very dynamic and powerful, special*
8. Evacuee - English; beautiful, pretty calm
9. Lothlórien - Instrumental; extremely beautiful
10. Marble Halls - English; relaxing, pretty calm
11. Afer Ventus - Latin; very beatuiful, special*
12. Smaointe - Gaelic; calm and relaxing

* Hard to say why these songs are special, but perhaps because they don't sound like any other musical stuff. There's only one person that's able to create songs like these and her name is - Enya. You must hear them, but don't forget to try her other albums such as Watermark and The Memory Of Trees.

... Read more

Asin: B000002LRT
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Celtic New Age    4. Celtic Pop    5. Contemporary Celtic    6. Contemporary Instrumental    7. Ethnic Fusion    8. Ireland    9. New Age / Meditation    10. Pop   

Especially for You
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 April, 1992)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Reviews (13)

The first and best of the Smithereens
I looooove this album. It's just pure catchy rock. Saw them on Panama City Beach in 1991 and it was a fun show.
I have to say the "Behind the Wall of Sleep" is one of my all time favorite songs. I have covered that song in five bands I have been in. I even do it with my traditional Irish folk band, complete with pennywhistle solo.
You can't go wrong with buying this album, there's not a bad song on here.

Tueday's Groovy (Wednesday's not too shabby either)
If bubble gum isn't your preferred flavor of pop music, The Smithereens offer popcorn.Yeah, that's a good way of putting it; take the band's crunchy guitars, add Pat Dinizio's appropriately salty lyrics, and you're in for an album's worth of good munching.Songs like "Strangers When We Meet", "Groovy Tuesday", "Behind The Wall Of Sleep" and (need I mention?) "Blood And Roses" exemplify the classic Smithereens recipe.They even slather on the butter when the situation calls for it ("Cigarette", "In A Lonely Place" and "Alone At Midnight").

Especially For You is the perfect album for fans of the three-minute pop song.Sixties aficionados will have fun playing "spot the influence" while listening to this record (The ending of "I Don't Want To Lose You" has a guitar line almost identical to the one that closes The Byrds' "Feel A Whole Lot Better"), but it never comes across as overly derivative.It's simply a band playing music their fans of themselves.

Granted, this isn't exactly "health food", but you deserve to treat yourself, right?Especially For You stands out among the great albums of the eighties, and is definitely worth searching out.I need only mention "White Castle Blue", a live favorite that appears on the CD version (cheesy corn anyone?)

A Power Pop Milestone
I dont think Power Pop was ever the same after "Especally For You" hit the shelves in 1986 - it changed the rules about howPower Poppin' LOUD guitars could be recorded with killer melodies and great songwriting. The Who, Early Kinks and Raspberries created the form - but these Jersey Guys had the heart, talent and guts to really CRANK the guitars into hard rock/metal/punk territory and while doing this - they totally updated and refreshened the genre which was abandoned in the early 80's.

Without this album I dont think The Posies or Matthew Sweet (and glup - Nirvana) would have had any ideas for thier 90's landmark albums. This album's influence is stong into the 2000's with bands like The Shazam and The Lolas. The CD is great all the way through and still sounds "fresh" in 2002 - with no throwaway songs, (including Jim's funny "White Castle Blues:) many are longtime Smithereens favorites. Go Get it! ... Read more

Asin: B00000DRD5
Sales Rank: 47556
Subjects:  1. Bar Band    2. College Rock    3. Drums    4. Guitar    5. Hard Rock    6. Pop    7. Power Pop    8. Rock    9. Rock & Roll    10. Vocals   

What's Going On
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 April, 1998)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

Sly & The Family Stone might have psychedelicized soul music, but Marvin Gaye personalized it. Although the powers-that-were Motown didn't even want to release the record, the unexpected success of What's Going On, issued in 1971, inspired Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, and just about every other black artist on the planet to take greater responsibility for their music and its meaning. Gaye co-wrote the songs and produced the album, flavoring it with layer upon layer of his own multi-tracked vocals, oceans of hand percussion, strings, flutes, and jazzy horn solos. Spacey and loose as a spliff-fueled Sunday afternoon jam in the park, the nine songs all played like a hit single. The title track--inspired by his brother's return from the Vietnam War--and the obvious social commentary of "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" and "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" actually were hit singles. Two other tracks ("Wholly Holy" and "Save the Children") would inspire hit covers by Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross, respectively. Nevertheless, What's Going On sounds as fresh today as it did the week that it came out. Recommended reading: Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye by David Ritz (McGraw-Hill, 1985). --Don Waller ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (133)

Marvin "the prophet"
"What's Going On" is revealing in it's nature, very haunting and true...with this masterpiece Marvin did something that was never before done in the history of pop music culture; following in the footsteps of one of his idols Ray Charles, he mixed his musical roots and sang a sermon that to this day is fresh and powerful.Marvin is the greatest.

Gaye's finest. A REAL soul classic
The reviewer who thinks that the Lighthouse Family (of whom the lead singer marked Gaye as an influnce)is better than this doesn't know what he's talking about.He should stick to his Shakin Stevens and other rubbish like that.Back to this which has been a favorite of mine since 1987 and to say that they don't make music like this anymore is becoming an understatment.This is solid gold soul music worth anything than the likes of 50 Cent.I won't go to detail of this as the other 5 star reviews have done so.Except to say that many of the tracks have been covered by many artists over the years.It's one of the last great Motown recordings to come out of Detriot through their golden years (1963-1971).It's a still an all time classic 34 years on that brings out the best of Gaye,the Funk Brothers and especially one of the worlds greatest bass players, the late great James Jamerson.

An All-Time Classic
Any barebones Marvin Gaye collection should include a good compilation of his 60's hits as well as Let's Get It On and this one.What's Going On found Gaye breaking free from the Motown hit-making apparatus to produce an artistic statement that has since become a cornerstone of R&B and one of the all time great records.It's instructive that only an artist of Gaye's stature was allowed to get away with something like this at the time on Motown.

The title track is one of his greatest and has rightfully become an R&B standard.Gaye's gritty, streetwise lyrics set the tone for what's to come."What's Happening Brother" concerns a dazed and confused returning Vietnam War vet while "Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)" is about the dangers of drugs.Considering his own habit and circumstances of his sad demise, it's eerie to hear him sing lines like "I go crazy when I can't get it...the pain, oh the pain."

"Mercy Mercy Me" is another of Gaye's best songs and for me is the high point of the album as Gaye welds a classic and hypnotic beat to ecology-minded lyrics.Another classic hit, "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" closes out the set.Despite it's fair share of hits, this record was sequenced so that each song flows into each other, with a singular purpose of music and lyrics that makes it best heard from beginning to end in one sitting.

What's Going On not only pushed the boundries wide open on R&B subject matter, but experimented musically as well.Starting with background "party" sounds and adding bongos, congas and other percussion, full horn and string sections and lush backing vocals make this an almost symphonic form of R&B.

A truly remarkable recording, and quite possibly the best R&B album ever.A must for any comprehensive collection. ... Read more

Asin: B0000060NF
Subjects:  1. Motown    2. Pop    3. Pop-Soul    4. R&B    5. Smooth Soul    6. Soul    7. United States of America    8. Urban    9. Vocals   

Eponymous
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 January, 1998)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Much as the outtake and B-side collection Dead Letter Office anthologizes the many oddities of R.E.M., 1988's Eponymous is a document testifying to the astounding strength of their formative I.R.S. years. Eponymous reinforces the notion that the inchoate R.E.M. was a rare and brilliant gem of a group. While a somewhat brief CD, it provides quality listening from start to finish with hits such as "The One I Love," "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville," and "Driver 8" tucked amid the likes of an alternate take of "Finest Worksong" and the wonderfully mysterious "Gardening at Night." Especially noteworthy is the inclusion of the original seven-inch version of "Radio Free Europe," the band's 1981 release. --Lorry Fleming ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Essentially a 'Best of' collection of REM
This CD is basically a compilation of the first 6 years of REM forming and producing records. So infact this is REM's early songs bundled in one friendly CD. Still enjoyable to listen too and yet a waste to get for all these songs can be found on other REM releases.

Made me a convert
Eponymous was the first R.E.M. album I purchased and it turned me into a loyal fan.I soon snatched up their entire back catalog and they were a significant part of my music listening life for years to come.That is about as good a tribute to an album I can give.

Of course, being a greatest hits compilation, all the songs here are great, but there are some alternative mixes here for fans who already have these songs on the studio releases.There is a different version of "Radio Free Europe" here although I like the one on Murmur better.The bass stands out more on the Murmur mix whereas the bass on this album's version is less prominent and seems to be covered up as well as some of the other sound details.I do prefer the different vocal mix to "Gardening at Night" than the one on Chronic Town.The Chronic Town version has very weak sounding vocals which had a negative effect on the song.The vocals here are a lot clearer so the song sounds much better.I disagree with the note on the record sleeve that the Eponymous version of "Finest Worksong" (the 12" and 7" version) is better than the original off Document.This mix has a horn section that I do not care for.A track that some R.E.M. fans may not have is "Romance."It is a very early track that surfaced on the "Made in Heaven" soundtrack (a film I have never heard of but it briefly plays this track).It turns out to be one of my favorite R.E.M. songs.The intense bass really drives the song and makes it unique.Eponymous is worth picking up for that track alone.Eponymous also includes interesting comments about each track.

Eponymous means
Eponymous means self titled.
So why didn't they just call it "REM"?
Then it would have been eponymous.
go figure.
It's an awesome Cd and you should get it.
Eponymous.Get it? ... Read more

Asin: B000002UVY
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Amadeus: Original Soundtrack Recording
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 December, 1992)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (17)

An excellent soundtrack and an excellent film!!
Eventhough many kids in school listen to rap and all, I listen to classical. After watching Amadeus, I was moved by the pieces selected to be played in the film. I especially liked Symphony No. 29 1st Movement. Also, when Salieri is at the Archbishop of Salzburg's palace and reads Mozart's piece, Serenade for Winds, is among my favorites. In Serenade for Winds, Mozart creates a very emotional and almost night music feel to it. I was surprised that the director/conductor did not put in a few more famous pieces into the album . . . ex. Symphony No. 40, The Magic Flute, etc. This is an excellent album and anyone who wants to enjoy the genius of Mozart should purchase this. Take it from me, you will enjoy this album immesensely.

If You've Seen The Movie....
Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart's nervy youthfullness went far beyond his personal life.His choice of music very much reflects
his own spirit.He chose to set to music Le Nozze Di Figaro (a
play largely blamed for starting the French Revolution) put him
somewhat at odds with Emperor Joseph.His tendency (very much in
attendance here) to compose opera's in German at a time when
Italian opera was at it's post popular also made him a bit of a musical rebel of his day.I don't listen to alot of classical music (but certainly I have favorites,notably by Eric Satie) but Mozart's many concereto's,acts of his opera's and so
on demonstrate the youthful composers gift for melody and yes,
even hints at improvisation that set 18'th century Vienna (and
later the world) on fire!And Peter Shaffer was sure to include
acts from Mozarts errie unfinished reqeuim mass towards the end
of this CD.So to fans of the movie with more then a passing interest in classical music will enjoy this!And I think Mozart's
spirit will always be alive in those who choose to challange themselfs to innovate within music and get the public's ear to
stretch!

Genius
Neville Mariner does an excellent job in his orchestra's performance of Mozart's compositions. This soundtrack is superb. The only reason why I rate it four stars and not five, is because it's not the complete soundtrack. It's better to have the complete original soundtrack recording in your archive. But there's no doubt that Mozart's music is the best. He's a genius. ... Read more

Asin: B000000XBT
Sales Rank: 2701
Subjects:  1. Bop    2. Chamber    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Concerto    6. Miscellaneous    7. Opera    8. Soundtracks & Film Scores    9. Symphonic    10. Vocal   

John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (27 June, 1995)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

This is one of the three all-ballad albums that John Coltrane recorded in late 1962 and early 1963. Johnny Hartman was apparently Coltrane's suggestion, and his deep, dark voice meshes perfectly here with Coltrane's tenor. The material is well-chosen, including definitive readings of "My One and Only Love" and "Lush Life." McCoy Tyner fills out the chords, augmenting the harmonies and keeping the tone of these ballads respectful but not overly sentimental. All the players get to the deep structure of the songs and are not afraid to play in the most essential and elegant manner. This is beautiful jazz. --Michael Monhart ... Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (111)

Throw the rest away
No serious lover of music should feel qualified unless they have this piece in thier collection.It is the performance that eclipses and stands as the bench-mark for all others to live up to.I think it is time for me to shut up.In closing, I only wish Hartman had done other recordings with a couple of the "Other Masters".I am a young 48 years old and only wish that I could have seen him perform.Check out Kurt Elling.I have seen him

Most Romantic Album I Own
I disagree with other reviewers who hail this as the greatest jazz album ever.That is a bold statement, and an untrue one at that.The most significant element in jazz is improvisation, and this album is lacking it, although it is still worthy of five stars.

Here we have the classic Coltrane quartet with Johnny Hartman on vocals.It is by far the most romantic album I own, and it's a shame there are only six tracks.I'm glad Trane chose Hartman for this recording - I find that the addition of a crooner like Hartman does wonders for the feeling put into these tunes.His voclas are soft and sad at times, but extremely relaxing as well.

My favorite track is 'My One and Only Love' - countless musicians have performed this song including Sting, Ella, and Satchmo, however, this version stands out.The first half of the song is just Coltrane and his bandmates playing the melody, and then around half way through, Hartman enters.They complement each other in amazing ways, and it's too bad this is their only work together.Another highpoint is the Billy Strayhorn classic, 'Lush Life'.McCoy Tyner really stands out on this piece - his playing is reminiscent of a nice spring breeze.Other highlights are 'You Are Too Beautiful' and the upbeat 'Autumn Serenade'.

Like I said - it's not the greatest jazz album, but still belongs in any jazz collection.Even if you end up hating it, it should prove to be useful the next time you are with your wife or girlfriend.They will love it if you don't!

slow jams.
before 92q even knew what slow jams were, hartman was croonin' and coltrane was doing stuff too.what a baritone the man sings in, oh my word.isso bootyful. ... Read more

Asin: B000003N7K
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop   

Sacred Treasures: Choral Masterworks From Russia
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 February, 1998)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Although this collection intends to transport the soul, it has a tremendously potent low-end depth to it that earns high marks indeed in the worlds of vocal and liturgical music. Dmitri Bortniansky's "Hymn of the Cherubim" is performed with a gracefulness that gets a warming fatness from the production, as does Alexander Gretchaninov's "I Have Chosen the Blissful," which travels with a ringing resonance. In a year of fine choral works--check out Sequentia's Hildegard cycle box, 900 Years or Arvo Pärt's Kanon Pokajanen for a "something old, something new" mix--this collection is highly valued for its sonic integrity and its excellent anthological mix. --Andrew Bartlett ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Great Effort That Fails to Satisfy
This selection includes several composers of 19th Century Russian Cathedral Music, when the Orthodox Church in Russia was at its creative height.

Yet this album fails to convey what the Orthodox Liturgy is about, and the intentions of the composers.

Listening to this album, one would believe that all Orthodox music is written at an adagio tempo, beginning in the piano range, swelling to a great climax at forte volume at some midpoint of the text, and then diminishing again to a piano.This is false: an American New Age selection of Mystical Music, not a representation of the liturgical tradition.This CD fails to capture the moments of jubilance, of loud, even shouted alleluias, of allegro tempos, of dissonant chords resolving into glorious harmonies.

For example, this CD contains several versions of the Cherubic Hymn, one of the high points of the Orthodox Eucharistic Liturgy.In Orthodox liturgy, this hymn begins with the choir singing about the choir of angels preparing for the incarnation of Christ in the Bread & Wine of the Eucharist, sung while the clergy do the preparatory prayers and incense the church & congregation.The second portion is an ecstatic welcome to that incarnation, full of alleluias, ebullient joy, rapture.This CD contains only excerpts, the first portion of the hymn: none of that exultant joy is captured here.The settings are incomplete, artificially truncated. They contain neither the complete intention of the composer nor the integrity of the liturgical text.

For students of either the composers or of Orthodox Liturgy, this CD will ineluctably fail to satisfy.Which is tragic:the choir attains a dazzing level of performance, a balance of voices, an astonishing breath-control, phenomenal intonation.The reverb is enough to indicate a vast, worshipful space, without creating so much echo as to be distracting or annoying (as some recordings of Orthodox liturgical music can be).For persons seeking a comparatively shallow, new-Age "mystical experience by media," the CD retains merit.

The Most Beautiful Sacred Choral Music I have ever heard
This is simply the most beautiful sacred choral music I have ever heard.The long, sustained, exquisite harmonies transport me to another place and time -- a welcome relief from our hurried and noisy world.It soothes, it lifts, it calms, and renews the mind, body, and soul. It is a frequently played favorite at our house.

Some slow-paced choral music bogs down and drags.Although slow and soothing, this never drags, but imparts a lovely energy even in its calm.My Catholic childhood probably allows me to feel particularly at home with this music, but this is not a prerequisite to loving this CD.We have aethiest friends who also count it among their favorites.It was their first choice for calming their infant daughter.

Please don't stay away from this CD because it is sacred music.Since it is not in English, you won't be distracted by the words.It is simply a sublime listening experience for anyone.

Music from the other quarter of Christianity
I love this CD.If the criticisms of the Russian Orthodox believer on this site is to be believed, then we are all missing out on the immense grandeur of sacred Slavic music.Evenso, this is a gorgeous CD. I can only imagine these voices rising up in the onion domes of the Orthodox churches.Furthermore, the basses are astounding as are the tenors.And that is why I have given only 4 stars to this CD.The acoustical recording is poor.The treble and the bass knobs need to be negatedwhen these choirs hit the high notes or the low notes.There two other gorgeous works of sacred music that I recommend: 1.Ennio Moriccone's The Mission; 2. Rachmaninov's Vespers.Beautiful in their own right. Yes, that Ennio Morriccone. ... Read more

Asin: B000000X8J
Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Classical    4. Miscellaneous    5. Russia   

Leon Russell And the Shelter People [Bonus Tracks]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 July, 1995)
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Reviews (16)

Still over the top
My older brother turned me onto this album when it first came out. I got home and caught it at the end of the first song and asked him to restart it which he did. Whoa man. Out of the speakers came the music of the gods. It is my opinion that this may be the greatest, soul-filled, rock n roll album ever made. I burned a hole through 2 vinyl copies so it was great to see this CD issue with the extra tracks. The extras are not needed but are a nice plus. I amin heaven with this terrific sounding disc. I keep searching for a new vinyl edition though. Long live vinyl and Leon.

Russell Rocks
Leon shares the spot with a few friends and lets it all hang out!
This was the first of my collection...almost as good as a live concert!!

Leon Russell, You Just Can't Go Wrong!
Leon Russell has endured in the toughest forum of music and continues today. I was so pleased to see that many of his vinyl records finally got released (and remastered) onto CD. Leon's life has been music and more music. He's been playing professionally since he was 14! He was a "session" player for years.

Leon eventually produced and played on sessions with Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Ike and Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, The Byrds, The Ventures, Bobby Darin, Wayne Newton, Sam Cooke, Johnny Mathis and many records with Herb Albert and Tijuana Brass.

Leon can be heard playing piano on Jan and Dean's "Surf City," Bobby Boris Pickett's "Monster Mash LP," and The Beach Boys "California Girls" and "Pet Sounds" among others. Leon played on most of Phil Spector's landmark records. According to Jack Nitzsche, noted producer, writer and arranger, "Leon was there for the solos and the fancy stuff," Jack was the band leader for those sessions. You name it, he can play it.

This CD was his second release "on his own" and The Shelter People were, in my opinion, the best group of backing artists he ever played and traveled with. Buy it, you'll enjoy it!

... Read more

Asin: B000002TYO
Sales Rank: 11598
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Singer/Songwriter   

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 June, 1995)
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Editorial Review

This is the album on which Aretha finds her voice. She'd previously recorded for another label, but this Atlantic debut created the sound that has come to define her. The tracks read like a greatest hits collection: "Respect," "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man," "Dr. Feelgood," "Baby, Baby, Baby," "A Change Is Gonna Come," and the title track. She's alternately pumped full of soul or scraping her inner being to find more. A classic. --Robert Gordon ... Read more

Reviews (23)

the Queen, indeed
So much has been written about this album that it's really tough to add anything new. And the term "classic" is thrown around so much these days that it's hard to put it into any useful perspective. But the bottom line is this: any serious fan of music should have a copy of this; it trascends all labels, all boundaries. It is a must have. And there is a reason Rolling Stone Magazine gives this 5 stars and calls this "the Best Soul Album Ever Recorded" ( it says so right on the cd package.) From the instantly recognizable sass and strut of "Respect", to the blues belter "Dr Feelgood", through the Bossa Nova-flavoured"Don't Let Me Lose This Dream", every song is a winner.Miss Franklin even had a hand in writing severalof the tracks on this album, showing she is much more than just "the world's greatest soul singer." There are more classic songs on this album than you can shake a stick at. Just read the tracklisting and see for yourself. Franklin is backed by the Muscle Shoals house band on this album, although only one song ( the incredible title track ) was recorded entirely in the famous Alabama studio, and they really deliver the goods. As good as some of her mostly overlooked Columbia Records material was ( and a lot of it was very good, although it was more "adult" in that it was more jazz oriented ) her Atlantic debut has a passion -grit and soul- that had never before been captured on tape. And Franklin has a gift of interpretation ( only hinted at during her 5 years with Columbia Records, where she mostly sang big band, jazz, blues, soul and pop covers, as well as a small handfull of self-penned originals ) that is unequaled in the world of popular music. Her covers ofOtis Redding's "Respect, of "Drown In My Own Tears" ( previously recorded by both Dinah Washington and by Ray Charles ) and of Sam Cooke's beautiful ballad "A Change Is Gonna Come" make you forget the orginals. The Reign Begins Here.

You Are Not A Critic Unless You Praise This Album!
I don't really know how to put this amazing classic into aspect,all I can say is it is amazing,and I'm actually kind of sure that's all that needs to be said.Aretha's voice,the catchy songs,the meaningful tracks,and,most importantly,the soul.This album is just breathtaking,the most breathtaking tracks being the singles,which is almost every single track on the album.This album contains classics such as the mega-hit "Respect",the vocal-filled title track,"Do Right Woman,Do Right Man"...and everything else,for that matter.I don't have a verdict for this album,but I clearly don't need one.Just buy it while you are still alive!

A Chiseled-In-Stone Masterpiece
Like `nevermind' below, I too worry about my command of English in assigning this album its propers. Released March 10, 1967 (as Atlantic LP No. 8139), less than three months before the Beatles magnum opus, "I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You," is the equivalent in the soul music realm as "Sgt. Pepper" is in rock and roll. It's as simple as that.Hard to believe now, isn't it, that "Respect" waited in the album for single release (as Atlantic 2403) until April 16th?!

I confess that as a 13-year-old in 1967,I somehow missed the chart run of the title song, which came first. But "Respect" was simply a song NO ONE could ignore or dislike. It crossed all cultural, racial, gender and age barriers as a song urging one to confident self-assertion, and still does.The company's honchos must have been thrilled that early summer of 67 when "Respect," along with the Young Rascals "Groovin'," kept Atlantic releases owning the top of the pop chart for six consecutive weeks.

A startlingly brilliant artist had arrived and minted me as one more fan that spring as the trees blossomed. Aretha is going to be 62 this year and I'll be 50, but she can still count on my money. This is the album that started it all, and if it's possible that you have no Franklin material in your collection, this is the place you MUST start. ... Read more

Asin: B0000033IS
Subjects:  1. Deep Soul    2. Memphis Soul    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Soul    6. Southern Soul    7. United States of America   

Come on Come On
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 June, 1992)
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Editorial Review

Skeptics might say that Carpenter's smash version of Lucinda Williams's "Passionate Kisses" pales beside the tougher original, or that Mary Chapin is but a folkie in poor-fitting country clothes. They're not exactly wrong, but her million-selling third album finds its charm in a spare Americana sound and smart, imaginative material. Carpenter bridges country and folk audiences, much as Emmylou Harris has done, and as few others have managed. And she's a better singer than generally recognized. Originals such as "I Am a Town" and the title cut are genuinely evocative, and "Walking Through Fire" and "I Take My Chances" have an emotional edge that is as raw as it has been rare on country radio in the '90s. --Roy Francis Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Carpenter's a square peg in the round hole of Nashville
Mary Chapin-Carpenter built her career largely on public radio airplay for her folky acoustic guitar-based songcraft. This album exploded her into the country mainstream, thanks to the huge hits "Passionate Kisses", "I Feel Lucky" and lesser hits "I Take my Chances" and "He Thinks He'll Keep Her". But while country radio may have loved her for awhile, it quickly forgot about her and the reason why is between the hit tracks: Carpenter has more in common with classic country singers than with the current batch of forgettable pop-country heard on the radio these days.

Carpenter is all about songs: Writing the sentiments of an educated, mature woman who's not afraid to make political statements that buck Nashville's (i.e. she's a feminist and a bit to the left) conservatism. All but two of the songs here were written or co-written by her.

HIGHLIGHTS:
The hits deserved to be. Carpenter finds the catchy heart of Lucinda Williams' "Passionate Kisses" and makes it the mainstream smash it was always meant to be. "I Feel Lucky" and "I Take my Chances" both find Carpenter playing it sassy and devil-may-care. "He Thinks He'll Keep Her" reveals Carpenter's feminist streak, in the tale of a woman who leaves her uncaring husband after 15 years ("For 15 years she had a job and not one raise in pay/Now she's in the typing pool at minimum wage..") "The Bug" is the lost album track that should have been a hit. The blue-collar philosophy of life ("Sometimes you're the windshield/Sometimes you're the bug..") is terribly catchy and a nice retool of a Dire Straits album track. The album cuts are what make Carpenter stand a bit above the pack: "I Am a Town" is pure southern Americana ("I'm the last gas for an hour, if you're going 25, I am Texaco and tobacco, I am dust you leave behind"), the tender duet with Joe Diffie on "Not Too Much to Ask",and "Only a Dream"'s taste of the deep bonds of sisters and the hurt that comes when the older one leaves home ("I turned on the light and all that I saw/Was a bed and a desk and a couple of tacks/No sign of someone who expects to be back/It must've been one h*ll of a suitcase you packed")

LOWS:
"Walking Through Fire" and "Rhythm of the Blues" are rather mediocre in the end. They just don't stick with you that well.

BOTTOM LINE:
If you're a Shania or Faith Hill fan, you'll probably HATE this. If you enjoy singer-songwriters (even if you THINK you hate country), give this a listen. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised. If you're a diehard folkie, you'll probably find this "overproduced" (which seems to be code for "any song with more than just a voice and an acoustic guitar").

3 1/2 stars

A classic album
Mary's music has always been hard to classify as, over her career, it has included elements of folk, pop, rock and country music. This album, recorded in 1992, appeared at a time when country was the dominant influence, but this is a long way from being a stereotypical country album. As such, it appeals to many fans who wouldn't normally listen to country music. With its strong-woman theme (especially on tracks such as He thinks he'll keep her), the album particularly appeals to women. Even as a man, I think that song is one of the highlights of the album - it reminds men not to take anything for granted where women are concerned (not that men should need reminding).

Perhaps the most famous song here is I feel like, a fun song in which Mary dreams about Dwight Yoakam and Lyle Lovett (two contemporary singers) fighting over her. It provides a lovely contrast from the normally serious songs that Mary is so good at. Another highlight is Passionate kisses, a song written and first recorded by Lucinda Williams. Mary's cover of the song was a huge country hit and helped to raise Lucinda's profile - remember that this was six years before Car wheels on a gravel road.

From the opening track (The hard way) to the closing title track, this album is packed full of outstanding songs including The bug (written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits), Not too much to ask (a tender ballad - this is a superb duet with Joe Diffie, an almost forgotten country singer) and Only a dream (one of many excellent songs that Mary wrote for the album.

This album remains the best of Mary's career. Look up the track listing for the compilation, Essential, for which half the tracks are lifted from this album. That is a great compliment to the quality of this album but it makes it hard for anybody to buy it if they've already bought Essential. That's a shame because every track here is brilliant.

Forget the Essential compilation - this is the place to begin a collection of Mary's music. If you also want a compilation, choose one that doesn't draw so heavily on this album, such as Party doll and other favorites.

Lots of Great Songs
It's difficult for me to classify Mary Chapin Carpenter's (MCC) work.It seems to include a bit of country, a bit of folk, a bit of rock, etc.But she does it flawlessly.After all such designations are really arbitrary -- just models or conventions.The reality is in the music.The beauty is in the ear of the beholder.Many albums contain only one or two great songs (so CDs work better for me than cassettes), even hers.But not this one.This album is filled with fine "cuts."I bought it just for "Passionate Kisses," but "I Feel Lucky," "The Bug," "Walking Through Fire," and the wonderful "I Take My Chances" are IMHO great as well.Many of the other songs are enjoyable too.Strangely, the title song is not as good as most of the others IMHO.In any case, this album is one of my very favorites.Enjoy! ... Read more

Asin: B000002879
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Folk    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Music from the Motion Picture "Purple Rain"
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $8.99
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Editorial Review

Maybe this music by Prince & the Revolution will never quite sound as,well, revolutionary as it did in 1984 (and nothing else has ever sounded like the extraordinary cooing and fluttering of "When DovesCry"), but it's a pop landmark in Prince's Artist-ic career. The hit moviewas really just a big-screen showcase for Prince to perform these songs (some ofthem in tear-the-roof-off "live" versions set in a Minneapolis club). I don't know why that warped sermonette introduces "Let's Go Crazy"(one thing you've got to love about Prince: he's always been weird), but somehowI'm glad it's there. Other highlights include the sexual scorcher "DarlingNikki" (with its crazy backwards coda) and that anthemic title tune. Don'tyou miss Wendy and Lisa, too? --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (133)

Pure sh**!
I hate Prince and his music! This is pure sc''*! Please don't listen to it!

Regarding the previous reviewer
I would like to point out that MC Hammer's "Pray" came out several years after Prince released "When Doves Cry."Hammer actually borrowed Prince's beat to create his song.Also, Prince may have been a show-off, but come on, he was a rock star.Without the stage show he wouldn't have been nearly as exciting.

1st ever LP i bought, and still #1
I also fell in love with this album.I bought it the day after seeing the film, and becoming a non virgin!! at the same time - mainly due to the emotions bought about by watching it.I was 15 at the time and had never felt it worth bying a LP with my £4 weekly pocket money at the time, but I did this time.

Now in my mid 30's I can honestly say it is still my favourite album, but I've only recently managed to work out what the lyrics are at the end of Darling Nikki (despite trying many times on my record player before getting a bolloking from my dad for abusing the player. ... Read more

Asin: B000002L68
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. R&B   

Wondermints
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 October, 2000)
list price: $16.49 -- our price: $16.49
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Features

• Import

Reviews (4)

quite frankily, the myth is better than the album...
i bought this album after hearing about them from a fellow beach boys fan.i'm a huge pet sounds fan, but i love all kinds of orchestrated rock from "the left banke" to "beulah."this album is not that good, people.it's not even "okay."there are way better takes on the "brian wilson" (read: phil spector) sound.whether it's "the ladybug transistor" or "the apples in stereo."heck, check out a great vancouver band called "ashley park" as well. the production on this is so rooted in the eighties/nineties that it's almost unlistenable.they may be good road musicians but it doesn't show on this album, especially since some of tracks use lamo drum loops "a la stone roses."you would be better off going through the elephant 6 label's recordings or even merge stuff.to be honest, i didn't even find the compositions that scintillating, regardless of the production.chord and change-wise, they're interesting....but that doesn't make the songs good.

The Wondermints Should Be Superstars
Brian Wilson was once quoted as saying if he had known the Wondermints while working on the aborted "Smile" project in 1967, he would've taken them out on the road to promote his famous unfinished masterpiece. Well, whaddya know? When Brian hit the road in 1999--2001, he brought this super talented L.A. quartet with him. But, don't mistakenly think these guys are merely a backing band. The 'Mints are the real deal. Tunes like "Proto-Pretty" and "Libbyland" display a knack for song craft rarely seen these days. Jangly guitars, McCartney-esque basslines and layered harmonies fill out spacious arrangements. Infectious melodies stick like glue, ensuring repeated playbacks. Listen to "Fleur-de-Lis" and "Tracy Hide" then just try to get the melodies out of your head. You can't. These guys are super-cool retro musicians who deserve a large audience. Unfortuneatly, they can't get arrested in America. The reality is that the Wondermints are simply too clever and too good to fit into uptight radio formats. What a shame. In a perfect world they'd be superstars. And hey, how 'bout giving 'em some bonus points for their contributions to the "Austin Powers" soundtrack! Check 'em out.

Wondermints Rock
I found out about this band from an English friend who's been listening to them for a while.I went out and got Bali and really dug it. I had to go out and get Wonderful World Of and Wondermints right away. I find this one to be the lesser album of the three, lacking the cohesion in the songlist found in Bali and the funky beats of Wonderful World Of.This is still a great album though. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YU4B
Sales Rank: 45058
Subjects:  1. Rock/Pop