Miss Kitt to You
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 July, 1992)
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Reviews (3)

Miss Kitt to You!
Eartha Kitt has the type of voice which is unique, sexy and agelessly amusing. When I got this cd, it was by mistake. I recieved "Miss Kitt to You" as a gift. I originally wanted to get one of Miss Kitt's greatest hits compilation cds. Instead, I was taken way back to when she was my age.

I think "Miss Kitt to You" is a remarkable cd with songs which send me to another time and place. The sound of each song, as well as the sound of Eartha's voice are unique. I like "Je cherche un homme" because of the vocal andthe old fashionedukelele background."Just an old fashioned girl" is funny through and through. The unmistakable vibrato in Eartha's voice is amusing and unusual to me, in music like this. It's the first time I ever heard songs like this before, sung by a woman with such a distinct voice.

Tracklist is as goes:
1- Je cherche un homme ( I want a man)
2- Just an oldfashioned girl
3- Lazy Afternoon
4- St. Louis Blues
5- Smoke gets in your eyes
6- My heart belongs to daddy
7- Avril au Portugal ( April in Portugal )
8- C'est si bon
9- Hey Jacque
10- Madamoiselle Kitt
11- Beale street blues
12- Let's do it ( let's fall in love )
13- I'm a funny dame
14- A woman wouldn't be a woman
15- Toujour gai ( happy all the time )
16- Monotonous

Unfortunately, there are no pictures inside the cd, but the cover shot is deadly. If the cover shot was done in another color than red, the effect wouldn't be the same.

"C'est si bon" and "My Heart belongs to Daddy" are two of my favourites. C'est si bon is a "layered" vocal song, with such moving melody. The one song I don't like is "Lazy afternoon". Of course, it's bluesy, but it's just too slow and boring for me. Eartha kind of drags her voice through this one.

Anyway, the collection of tracks found on Miss Kitt to You are purrfect, and I am glad this time for (not getting what I expected). By the way, the cd really brings out the catwoman qualities in Eartha's voice. I think she realized she's got it all and hadn't needed look any farther for great tunes like she's done here.

Hope my review helps you.

Eartha is incredible!
I recommend anything by Eartha.She's got all the soul, sophistication, and sex appeal in the world.Nobody can do a song the way she can.I also recommend the cassette, Eartha Kitt - greatest hits.That's absolutely thebest I've heard and I'm hoping all those tracks will come out on CD.

excellent - a must have!
Incredible cd.I find myself listening to this over and over again.I have always enjoyed Eartha (from her days as catwoman on batman)and only in the past ten years have I truly come to know her music, and it iswonderful.If you want a nice cd to unwind with after a hard day at work,this is the one! ... Read more

Asin: B000002WM8
Sales Rank: 26362
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Pop    3. Traditional Pop    4. Vocal Pop   

Verve Jazz Masters 9
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 March, 1994)
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Reviews (3)

Love Astrud Gilberto, but mediocre reproduction.
I rated this a 4 because this cd needs remastering.

I have 5 of Astrud Gilberto's cd's.I love this singer's delivery, but the production quality of this cd is not the best.I own 4 other Astrud cds, all rated 5 on Amazon.If this is your first Astrud Gilberto experience, try one of the others, first.

I guess I'd buy it, again, in spite of its flaws.

...among the best of an earlier Latin Explosion
The new interest in Latin performers such as Ricky Martin is unlikely to raise interest in bossa nova music. To many, its rhythms and guitar interplay always recall the Swinging Sixties. But the sweet, clear voice ofAstrud Gilberto, heard here collaborating with some of the day's best jazzarrangers and musicians (Gil Evans, Marty Paich and of course, AntonioCarlos Jobim) is always worth hearing.

Stan Getz received most of thecredit (and royalties) for the first big bossa nova hit, "Girl FromIpanema" (heard here in a live version). But Ms. Gilberto became thetrademark voice for the music's sensual sound, which influenced the otherpop-bossa nova star of the time, Sergio Mendes. "Dindi,""Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars," and a lovely version of "TheShadow of Your Smile" (which everyone from Streisand to Sinatrarecorded at the time) are highlights. A great introduction to both Ms.Gilberto and the bossa nova sound, but also check out the FrankSinatra/Antonio Carlos Jobim masterpiece from 1967.

Good Collection of Astrud Gilberto Songs
the songs on this on this album range from festive (felicidad) to somber and fatalistic (Quiet night of Quiet Stars). Its a good collection that showcases Gilberto's unique brazilian voice. One major disapointment for me was the live recording of her major hit, Stan Getz's "Girl from Ipanema". There is a microphone glitch at the beginning of the song that really annoys me. Other than that, the rest of the stuff is pretty good ... Read more

Asin: B0000046RI
Sales Rank: 60876
Subjects:  1. Bossa Nova    2. Brazilian Jazz    3. Jazz    4. Pop   

Brazil: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 February, 1993)
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Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (7)

Dark Song of Brazil
I mostly don't watch the movie anymore because it is altogethertoo dark, too seductive, and too true to sit through. Nonetheless, it is an obvious masterpiece - almost cetainly destined to be forgotten.

The soundtrack is sensual and lyrical, but (particularly for those who have seen the movie) not for the faint of heart.

By the way, I'm a little surprised to see someone attributing the song's influence to Richard Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel. The song bears an overt resemblence to Rimsky-Korsakovs's "Song of India", regardless of what Michael Kamen might have say (in fact, in today's world, he'd probably be paying Rimsky-Korsakov royalties). Nonetheless, a beautiful sound track - both sublime and perilous.

Kamen loves Strauss
It's obvious that Michael Kamen had Richard Strauss's Till Eulenspiegel in mind for this work, and Sam Lawry couldn't have had a more sympathetic and pathetic likeness to the Till of "Merry Pranks" fame. In interviews he said he was pleased with the way the ineffectual heroics of the solo violinist pretended to triumph over the powerful machine of the orchestra. I wonder if he'll be doing something similar for Gilliam's long awaited film on Don Quixote.

Like seeing the movie again
It was the year 1986 when I first saw the movie and I loved the soundtrack so much that I have been looking for it ever since. Now I own the video and the cd soundtrack.Excellent. ... Read more

Asin: B0000015G8
Sales Rank: 58098
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Dizzy's Diamonds: The Best Of Verve Years
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 September, 1992)
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Features

• Box set

Reviews (2)

Not a review, just FYI.
The recordings in this box set are from the late 50's and early 60's.Disc 1 is Big Band, Disc 2 is Small Groups, and Disc 3 is Afro-Cuban music. People looking for the bop era might be disappointed, but I loved it.

I like this box set, but it's a little bit structured
It's nice to have this box set and while I had alot of these songs on other albums, the recordings are all different.They are a little bit too structured for my preference in comparing them to other Diz albums, butit's still well worth having particularly if you're as big a Diz fan as I. ... Read more

Asin: B0000046LW
Sales Rank: 173265
Subjects:  1. Afro-Cuban Jazz    2. Bop    3. Box Sets (Audio Only)    4. Jazz    5. Pop   

Verve Jazz Masters 11
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 April, 1994)
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Reviews (3)

Great music!
This is the kind of music that brings a smile to your face every time you hear it! If you want to buy just one Grappelli CD, I think this would probably be the one to start with. Highly recommended.

How sweet it is!
I first discovered Stephane Grappelli in a jazz compilation.I was sotaken with the cut that I bought this album the same day, and I wasdefinitely not disappointed."Someone to Watch Over Me" is sweetas can be."A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" is smooth andbeautiful.

For those who have not encountered Grappelli's music before,you are in for a real treat.He pioneered the use of the violin in jazz,and his fiddling will have you tapping your toes before you know it!

Great mix of recent recordings
This was my first Grappelli album, and is still one of my big favorites.The tunes are classic, recorded from 1966-1992.There's a combination ofDjango-influenced tracks (violin, guitars and bass only), as well as somewith the standard piano-bass-drums rhythm section.The album has adifferent flavor from the Pre-War recordings; beefier in terms of sound andharmony, but the swing is unbeatable.Perfect for a "petit gout"of Grappelli. ... Read more

Asin: B0000046O7
Sales Rank: 134147
Subjects:  1. Continental Jazz    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Swing   

Comic Strip
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 February, 1997)
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Reviews (22)

A Chapter from the Uneven Career of Serge Gainsbourg

Pop music in France in the mid-60's was in the pits, but it was exploding over in England, so Gainsbourg decided to do this album in London with English studio musicians.I'd say that about half the songs are good. It was the beginning of the "Shocking Serge" phase of his career; he started out as a Left Bank singer-songwriter who developed a nicely ironic approach--e.g. the "Javanese" album.Then he started going for high-publicity stunts, like "Je t'aime".If you can find a version with Brigitte Barbot instead of Jane Birkin, it's better: Brigitte really knew how to moan and breathe heavy.Anyway, while always denying he was out for publicity, Gainsbourg kept manufacturing one scandal after another into the '70's, like the reggae version of "La Marseillaise", or the song "Lemon Incest" which he sang as a duet with his daughter Charlotte, or into the '80's with his songs about S&M, until he became a self-parody.He even created a persona for this self-parody, i.e. a character named "Gainsbarre".

Anyway, back to "Comic Strip".Gainsbourg was always experimenting with new styles and when he picked a style, he always got legitimate musicians of that style to accompany him.When he dabbled in Brazilian music, he got Brazilian musicians; when he did reggae, he got musicians from Kingston; when he did Mod Pop, like on this album, he got English Mods to do it.A lot of it sounds dated and the lyrics sometimes aren't all that clever, but I guess that's part of the reason there is Gainsbourg mania in the U.S.; good lounge music has to be at least somewhat stylistically passe.

Everyone should own this! Well maybe....
not everyone... This was the CD that started my lengthy obsession with 60's french pop! Serge Gainsbourg is a master at writing sleazy catchy pop songs! This is the stuff alot of bands I listen to were influenced by! If you want a CD that overviews his whole career, you should get the album "Initials S.G."..although, I think this is the best cd that shows off his songwriting skills, mainly songs from mid to late 60's.
If you already own this, you should pick up the Divine BB DVD! It showcases TV specials that Brigitte Bardot made in the 60's. There are Music Videos for Comic Strip and Bonnie and Clyde on there! It's cool to see footage of Serge and Brigitte at their peak!

Dirty Old Man Of Popular Music
Great collection of Serge Gainsbourg songs recorded from 1966-1969. I became intrested in Serge when I bought Mick Harvey's first album Intoxicated Man. This collection is 100% French pop. 20 fabulous songs.
Here you can find a fabulous erotic number "Je t'aime...moi non plus", some collaborations with Brigitte Bardot (Bonnie and Clyde, Comic Strip) or Jane Birkin (69 anee erotique, Je'taime...moi non plus) and one of my favourites "Les succettes". Very listenable and enjoyable compilation. ... Read more

Asin: B000001EIC
Sales Rank: 8058
Subjects:  1. Baroque Pop    2. Cabaret    3. Foreign Language Rock    4. France    5. French Pop    6. French Rock    7. Int'l & World Music    8. Pop   

More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 October, 1995)
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Reviews (5)

I think this is his best
If you are thinking about trying Esquivel, this is the one to get.It is a CD that really grows on you, regardless of your music taste or background.A classic

The lone Reprise Esquivel is a WINNER
Frank Sinatra really dug Esquivel (no, I am not kidding).So when Juan and RCA were at loggerheads regarding his controversial and subsequently unreleased SEE IT IN SOUND, he jumped ship and recorded an LP for Frank's Reprise label.The recording technique, using 35mm film instead of magnetic tape, yielded a terrific soundstage and unparalleled dynamic range for the time.The full orchestra is on board for this outing and they play really well.Don't buy this one thinking buzzimba and wild stereo effects.This is straight ahead arranging but with the pow pows and usual Esquivellian orchestral flairs.The sound alone is a real marvel (Mercury records employed this recording method very successfully in their classical music department and Command Records literally made a living with 35mm film recording).You gotta get this one.

melt
Like the TV era it evokes, this album projects perfection in life and living. Nothing can harm you when Esquivel is your background music, and the more martinis and pipe smoking the better. Unlike some of his more frenetic efforts, this Esquivel album is absolutely majestic and soothing. It will counter all but the worst of moods. ... Read more

Asin: B000002MWF
Sales Rank: 45557
Subjects:  1. Easy Listening    2. Exotica    3. Latin Continuum    4. Lounge    5. Pop    6. Space Age Pop   

Five Leaves Left
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 May, 1992)
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Editorial Review

There's not a single dud in the trilogy of albums that singer/songwriter Nick Drake released during his all-too-short career. And 1968's Five Leaves Left--his first album--is certainly no exception. Drake's sensitive guitar work and sensitive vocals are backed by the baroque sounds of a chamber string group, and the platter's lyrics show maturity well beyond the age of their 20-year-old creator. Sparser than its follow-up, the jazzy Bryter Layter, but less tortured than Drake's dark final chapter, Pink Moon, Five Leaves Left is a classic British folk disc. Songs like "River Man," "The Thoughts of Mary Jane," and "Day Is Done" are among Drake's finest moments. Newcomers be forewarned: this music is as infectious as it is bleak, and a purchase of Drake's boxed set Fruit Tree might be a wise investment. --Jason Verlinde ... Read more

Reviews (67)

A troubled cure for a troubled mind
When my good friend Phil recommended this CD to me, he helpfully provided a product advisory. "I'm warning you," Phil emailed. "It's really melancholy stuff, so make sure you don't have any sharp objects lying around when you listen to it."

Like any good Irishman, I love mournful music, and I have a particular weakness for suicidal musicians, especially the ones that died too early to suck. So Phil's words of warning were like catnip to me. Move over Joy Division, Nirvana, and Elliott Smith; make room in the Case Logic for some Nick Drake.

I soon found that Phil was right--and wrong.

On one hand, "Five Leaves Left" feels like the saddest CD ever recorded. You can't fake these emotions; every poignant lyric, every aching guitar chord, and every weeping cello proclaim that this is the voice of a troubled and self-critical soul. Nick Drake died of an overdose at the age of 26; oddly enough, of his three albums, this first one sounds most like a suicide note.

Granted, there's some debate among his fans as to whether his death was indeed a suicide, whether the overdose was accidental or deliberate. On one hand, he OD'd on antidepressants, even though barbituates were available, and he didn't leave a note. On the other hand, he'd already written "Fruit Tree."

Has any musician penned a more convincing suicide note? I doubt it. "Safe in your place deep in the earth/That's when they'll know what you were truly worth." I'm sorry, Ian Curtis--"Closer" may come close, but nothing's more depressing than that. And unlike, say, Elliott Smith, whose pop sensibilities often contrasted his morbid lyrics, every note of this song amplifies its mournfulness.

Still, this album is comforting in its melancholia--it doesn't leave you feeling suicidal, because you listen to it and know there's someone out there who has felt your feelings and given voice to your thoughts. In fact, it's perfect music to listen to at sunset on a Sunday night, when the day and the weekend are over and you haven't accomplished anything and you're facing another 40 hour week of work-related drudgery. If you're thinking of picking up a guitar and hiring a string arranger and writing a song about those emotions, don't bother--you won't do any better than "Day is Done," a 2-and-a-half-minute gem that perfectly encapsulates those feelings.

So cheer up, all you sad people--there's a man out there who understood you, even though he never met you. I wish he'd found a way out of the depression, found a way to stick around, write new songs, and keep his old songs from being used in Volkswagon commercials; they say dying young's a great career move, but you miss out on a lot, and when you're dead you can't stop people from doing silly things with your back catalog. Also, even though people romanticize depression and drug overdoses, they really aren't all that fun, especially for those left behind. But Nick left us with some great music, and we can at least be thankful for that. "Don't you worry," he sang, to us, and to himself. "They'll stand and stare when you're gone." Amen, brother.

Unbelievably, this only sold 2000 copies on first release
Considering that Nick Drake's music is utterly breathtaking, emotionally connecting & life-affirming as it is.It seems truly remarkable that his music was virtually ignored on its initial release.A chronically shy person how expressed himself via his music, his breathy vocals, and gorgeous acoustic guitar arrangements, were (without me understating this) Exceptional....yet his songs of mortality, introspection, dark nights of the soul and mysterious haunting melodies didn't connect with the record buying public some 30 years ago, and this album, his debut....only sold a minuscule 2000 copies (??!!!) on release.Nick would go on to record a further 2 albums of melancholic beauty, with still none of the sales to sustain his career.What followed was a man who plunged further and further into depression, and would eventually overdose on anti-depressants (aged 26), and only over the last few years have the plaudits and celebrity musicians expressed their admiration and love for Nick's work, (even so far as to having a Documentary about his life, persented by 'Brad Pitt').

Nick was one of the few English musicians at the time, taking Folk music and moving into the new wave of 'Progressive Folk' (introspective, intricate music that added new layers of musical and lyrical complexity), from the first song "Time Has told me", Nick intones in a world weary vocal over a lovely understated acoustic section "Time has told me, You're a rare rare find, A troubled cure....For a troubled mind", beautifully captures Nick'sgift for combining pastoral imagery with piercing self revelation.A lush cacophony of string arrangements mark out "River Man", with Nick displaying a bittersweet level of melody unlike anyone else at the time of this albums release, and with Nick musing "Going to see the river man, Going to tell him all i can, About the ban...On feeling free", not even the beautiful strings and gentle guitar can disguise the achingly sad tone of the song."Way to Blue" is arguably one of the best known tracks on this album, and rightly so, its a song that highlights many of Nick Drakes attributes: remarkable instrumentation, anguished poignant vocals, subtle emotion, accessibility & an unsettling level of intimaticy, and lyricism far beyond his years: "Have you seen the land, Living by the breeze...Can you understand a light among the trees, Tell me all that you may know.....Show me what you have to show, Tell us all today....If you know the way to blue?" it feels like such a deeply personal song, that you almost feel like your intruding on someones personal memoirs, yet incapable of ignoring it's captivation content.

This album has a fuller arrangement than later albums (especially over the largely acoustic guitar driven "Pink Moon") This album was to feature prominent names in the growing English folk scene with: Dave Pegg (bass) Dave Mattacks (drums) both of Fairport Convention, Richard Thompson (ld gtr) ex-Fairport, John Cale (celeste, piano and organ) ex-Velvet Underground, Ray Warleigh (alto sax), Chris McGregor (piano) and Pat Arnold and Doris Troy (backing vocals), all contributing to the album with performances virtually equal to Drakes own insular beautiful performance.But nothing detracts from the sheer beauty of this album.

For those that don't have any Nick Drake Albums, this truly is a absolute must-buy, I can't think on any reason that anyone that considers themselves to like Folk (progressive or otherwise), or feels that they have a wide variety of music that they listen to, should not own this album!!!Is this Nick Drakes best album???...I find that question impossible to personally answer.Critics point this album as his best...."Bryter Layter" was his most popular album, and "Pink Moon" is my personal favourite (go Figure??).The fact that this man only sold 2000 copies of this album when it was released kills me everytime it hear it mentioned.And the fact that even with the re-evaluation of his career, and a world-wide new found love for his work, this album has still only sold 250,000 copies, and highlights that even music as stunningly timeless as this, doesn't always find an audience.All three of his albums deserve to be owned, because no one album feels weaker than another, and they complement each other beautifully.Put it this way.....every single friend that I've convinced (hassled??) to buy a Nick Drake album, owns all three of them.This is timeless music, that might have been ignored first time around, but now is truly worth of the Renaissance, and I impore you to not pass on this, like the listeners did some 30 years ago.Utterly breathtaking music....!!!

About The Title
I'm not going to wax poetic about the album, it's great and others have said it all better before. I just want to state my take on the mysterious title.

"Five Leaves Left" is a reference to cigarette rolling papers. They come in a little box, folded into each other very much like tissues, so when you pull one out, part of the next one appears. Well, sometimes there is a piece of paper between the sixth-and fifth-to-last that says "five leaves left" - a sort of courtesy reminder to get more before you run out. I won't lie, I don't remember which brand still does this, but I would imagine more of them used to. I stumbled onto it by utter accident. Nick used to roll his own, I guess. ... Read more

Asin: B00000064E
Subjects:  1. Baroque Pop    2. British Folk    3. British Folk-Rock    4. Celtic/British Isles    5. Contemporary Folk    6. England    7. Folk & Traditional    8. Folk-Rock    9. Folk/Country Rock    10. Pop    11. Progressive Folk    12. Singer/Songwriter   

The Best of the Song Books
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 September, 1993)
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Editorial Review

Trying to cull a single-CD "Best of" from the 16-CD set of The Complete Ella Fitzgerald Song Books may seem like a daunting task, but it's also foolproof. The complete set is a monument to the century's greatest songs and, arguably, its greatest singer, and this selection is a series of gems programmed to simulate a Fitzgerald performance, carefully sequencing joyous uptempo swingers and moving ballads. Recorded between 1956 and 1964, Fitzgerald's finest years, the CD includes arrangements by Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Buddy Bregman, as well as a superb rendering of "I've Got It Bad" with the Ellington orchestra and Johnny Hodges. Balancing the orchestral settings are some intimate small-group performances, including a witty rendition of Cole Porter's "Miss Otis Regrets" and Rodgers and Hart's "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered." This is an ideal introduction to the "Song Books," a selection so good it will appeal to owners of the box sets. --Stuart Broomer ... Read more

Reviews (28)

The Great Songbird of the Great American Songbooks
Is there any song in the Songbooks that she did not record?

She was the First Lady of Jazz, she was a multi-Grammy awardee, she was a terrific and versatile singer who has worked with almost all of the jazz giants, the Count, the Duke, the King, the Goodman, the Gillespie, the Ol' Blue Eyes, and the list goes on and on, she has recorded thousands of songs, she was a melody's best friend...the legendary Ms. Ella Fitzgerald.

This is one of the best compilations of the Songbooks series. It features a repertoire of 16 classics.The Top Five tracks for me are: Gershwin Brothers' "Love Is Here To Stay," "'S Wonderful" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me"; Irving Berlin's "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm"; Rodgers and Hart's "Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered." My second choices are: Arlen's "Hooray For Love" and "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea"; Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye" and The Duke's "I've Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)." Not to mention two Johnny Mercer-penned lyrics, "Midnight Sun" and Something's Gotta Give." These two tracks were beautifully arranged and conducted by the great Nelson Riddle.

This CD is a gem. I highly recommend it. It's a great addition to Great American Songbook collection.

Ella at her best
It seems unfair to give this masterful collection four rather than five stars for what can only be termed religious reasons, but there you go.An outstanding CD, capturing Fitzgerald in all her perfection.If you love her, it's all here, but I find myself wishing she put more personality, more emotion, more soul into her music.In that spirit, I take one star and give it to Sarah Vaughan, my favorite jazz vocalist of them all.

The Best of the Best of the Best
It has been awhile since I have read all of the wonderful reviews for this CD. As the man who chose the songs, sequenced them and wrote the album notes, it is one of the high points of my career that so many of you love listening to this CD as much as I did making it. It was indeed a difficult assignment, narrowing down all the songs from Ella's songbook series to just these, but I hope I put in something for everybody. I agree that as a collection, there is no better representation of the best of singing, songwriting and musical arranging available.

Before I sound egotistical about it, remember that the reason the collection is so good is because Ella Fitzgerald is singing; Gershwin, Porter, Rodgers, Hart, Berlin, Ellington, Arlen, Kern and Mercer did the writing; and Bregman, Riddle, May, Strayhorn and Weston did the arranging.

What could possibly be better? ... Read more

Asin: B0000046R2
Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Big Band    3. Cool    4. Jazz    5. Pop    6. Standards    7. Swing    8. Traditional Pop    9. Vocal Jazz   

Come from Heaven
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (30 September, 1997)
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Editorial Review

Alpha--Corin Dingley and Andy Jenks--are among the best of the trip-hop generation. Signed to Massive Attack's Melankolic label, their debut owes debts to Scott Walker, Burt Bacharach, and John Martyn, weaving shreds and swatches into something new. Yes, it is downbeat, the kind of music for long, lonely nights, but it is absolutely perfect for those nights. Guest vocalists help out as Dingley and Jenks manipulate the sounds and the strings, fill it all out beautifully. Crafted and inspired, one of '97's standouts. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Looking for the song from "My Life Without Me?"
FYI - My Life Without Me has no soundtrack available. But imdb.com gave me enough info to at least pin down this song. "Sometime later" from this album is what's playing at the end credits of My Life Without Me. (And the song playing in the car when Lee and Ann kiss is "Senza Fine", I forget the artist.)

Looking for the song at the end of "My life without me?"
FYI - My Life Without Me has no soundtrack available. But imdb.com gave me enough info to at least pin down this song. "Sometime later" from this album is what's playing at the end credits of My Life Without Me.

WOW
You know, I purchased this CD in 1997, and I listened to it all the time because I just loved it.Well, I went about a year without listening to this CD, and then I picked it up yesterday, and it just kicked me in the stomach all over again.A review just doesn't do this CD justice, you have to listen to it to experience it.That's what this CD is, an EXPERIENCE. ... Read more

Asin: B000003MK6
Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance Music    4. Electronica    5. Pop    6. Trip-Hop   

Billie's Best
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (22 September, 1992)
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Editorial Review

This selection is drawn from Billie Holiday's Verve recordings of the mid-1950s. It was a time when her voice was already showing some wear and tear, but the same experiences that tattered the voice brought it an unmatched expressiveness. Her voice possessed a unique presence, a sound that seems lit up by a resilient vitality. Producer Norman Granz set Holiday among the small jazz combos that suited her talents best, groups that included some of the finest soloists of her generation, such as trumpeter Harry "Sweets" Edison and saxophonists Benny Carter and Ben Webster. Granz also supplied ideal rhythm sections, with pianist Jimmy Rowles and guitarists Kenny Burrell and Barney Kessel making appearances here. There's more room to stretch out than was available on the early Columbia and Commodore recordings, and the results are relaxed and profound treatments of some great songs. --Stuart Broomer ... Read more

Reviews (8)

What A Little Billie Holiday Can Do
I'll give it to you straight--I know very little of Billie Holiday, other than what I saw of her played by Diana Ross in "Lady Sings the Blues". And I certainly don't know enough of her music to decide whether this is indeed Billie's best or not. In fact, as far as this genre goes, I am less than a novice.

But I can say this--for other jazz wannabes and Billie Holiday newbies, this is a truly fantastic CD to start off with (and even end with). "What a Little Moonlight Can Do", "Come Rain or Come Shine", "Foggy Day", "Stars Fell On Alabama", "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Speak Low" are all stellar recordings. The remaining tracks are equally as great. What an incredible woman, and it really comes through on each track.

If you're an expert on this stuff, I'll be the first to tell you to disregard this review. But if you are just looking for some Billie Holiday to add to an otherwise lacking collection, "Billie's Best" is a great choice.

Not her Best
This is a compilation of Billie's last years, and it only includes tracks recorded from Verve. Unfortunately, these are not even her best tracks from that period! Absolute classics, like 'Autumm in New York' and 'Baby Ant I good to you' are missing. Get Billie's work from Columbia, Decca and Commodore before getting into Verve.

What a Beautiful Voice!
This lady could sing the blues like no one else. What a beautiful voice! And I love her jazz style and the bands on this compilation of great hits of the 50's. The sound quality is excellent on this single remastered CD which "contains selections from the complete Billie Holiday on Verve 1945-1959," a box set of 10 CDs. This one is definitely a good buy. Some of my favorite songs on the album are "Comes Love", "Stars Fell On Alabama", "East Of The Sun", and "Speak Low". But this is only a small sample of some of Billie's Best, a box of gems from a treasure trove of talent. ... Read more

Asin: B0000046M1
Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Classic Female Blues    3. Jazz    4. Pop    5. Swing    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal Jazz   

Duality
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 April, 1998)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $13.99
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Editorial Review

Duality is at once sacred and playful. It is both dark and light, organic and refined, masculine and feminine. Dead Can Dance's Lisa Gerrard partners with Pieter Bourke, formerly of Aussie band Eden, to create this compositional dance of partnership that is classical, ancient, and thoroughly modern. Gerrard's voice is multitracked at times, conjuring a cathedral choir and the droning chants of monks. Drums and synth snake from desert to brilliant stormy sky to shaking earth and the bodies that inhabit those spaces. There are lush multiple layers of strings, bagpipe drone, and, quite literally, the laughter of children. The vocals sans "real" words and multicultural instrumentation will be familiar to Dead Can Dance listeners. Yet there is something more exclusive, more womblike about the music of Bourke and Gerrard; rather than two distinct bodies making music, like mother and in utero child sharing blood and breath, they are mutually dependent. --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Lisa Gerrard at her finest
No, this is not `Dead can dance', this is Lisa Gerrard at her finest. There is still the essence of `Dead can dance' in this album (the Middle Eastern influenced sound), yet Lisa puts a more classical spin on the songs. The first few tracks on the album sound very much like `Dead can Dance'; they have a lot of drums, flutes, and very tribal sounding. `Unfolding' and `Sacrifice' stand out as my favorite two songs. Lisa has a wonderful talent for layering her own voice in a way that just sounds haunting a breathtaking. `Human Game' is the only track that doesn't really fit with the album though I think; however, I still think it's a great song. This song almost sounds like it was intended to be used for a sound track for James Bond or something LOL. Overall, the album is just amazing and great to listen to if you want relaxing, dreamy music.

Haunting
I first heard Lisa Gerrard on the soundtrack for the film "The Insider" so I'm a relative newcomer to her music, as well as that of Dead Can Dance. I was struck by her unusual and amazing voice and, after a little searching, I came up with this CD. This album is really an experience in itself. The music evokes so many moods and emotions. It is playful, contemplative, and mournful all in the span of an hour or so. "Nadir (Synchronicity)" is perhaps the most upbeat song and is a great end to a beautiful work. But the most affecting songs come earlier in the form of "Tempest" which is fast-paced and dramatic with a Middle-Eastern sound. "Sacrifice" is low and mournful and Lisa's voice is perfectly suited to this type of song. It might just bring tears to your eyes. "Unfolding" and and "Comforter" make you feel as if you are in a dark medieval cathedral. "Pilgrimage of the Lost Children" is one of the gems of the album, giving the listener a picture of a journey under the hot desert sun. This album is amazing so, if you are a DCD fan or just someone looking for some beautiful music, you can't go wrong here.

a dissenting opinion
Well, unlike most people writing reviews here, I never really cared for Dead Can Dance. I guess I just didn't get it. But I really do like this album. The music is great for relaxing, cooling down after a stressful day in the modern world, taking a break, thinking deeply, reading, or winding down at the end of the day. But it's not shallow or sentimental; it's deep, haunting, and spiritual in the old-fashioned, strong sense of that word. If you enjoy new age music, this is a good CD for you.

Even if you're not a Dead Can Dance fan! ... Read more

Asin: B0000062VG
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Vocals    6. World Fusion   

Low Symphony
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (16 February, 1993)
list price: $16.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Glass finds inspiration for his music in the strangest places. Here, hehas taken his themes for the Low Symphony from the music of David Bowieand Brian Eno, specifically from their album entitled Low. You needn't befamiliar with (or like) the work of Bowie or Eno to appreciate this piece, whichis in three movements: Subterrraneans, Some Are, and Warszawa. Glass doesn'tquote the borrowed themes directly, but lets them generate their own variations- -which he's very good at. This is an unexpected success and a grand delight.--Paul Cook ... Read more

Reviews (6)

intoxicating
This is one of his best works overall.Something everyone who worked on it should be proud of.Sound quality is great.A good one for long trips in the morning.

The Highs of Low
This is one of the very rare adaptations of rock themes to not be an embarrassment to its source or to its appropriator. I say this as someone who frequently finds himself choking on symphonic "tributes" and the like that have cluttered record bins. You know the sort of CD I am talking about. Symphonic tributes to Pink Floyd, Queen, Alan Parsons, The Moody Blues...all sounding saccharine and cloying, all disposable after about two days.

Not so with Philip Glass and "The Low Symphony." While Glass took a few of the main themes from Bowie/Eno's album and then building them with themes of his own, Glass structured the three movements of his first-ever symphony with hypnotic grace. You'll recognize the subtle points of Bowie's work (especially in "Warszawa"), but you'll also find yourself being mesmerized by the way Glass captured them in his own inimitable fashion.

Back in 1983, while I was writing for a broadcasting trade paper, I rated "The Low Symphony" as one of my Top Ten Records of 1983. It sat in the list alongside of Sting's "Ten Summoner's Tales," Elvis Costello's "The Juliet Letters," John Hiatt's "Perfectly Good Guitar" and "Spilt Milk" by Jellyfish. I still find myself reaching for this CD in the moments when I need calm. It remains that influential for me.

Nice arrangement, pleasant listening
I have to say from the beginning that this is probably thebest symphonic adaptation of some rock music. The secret is, I would say, in the development of the original music. Glass takes the themes of the instumental pieces form Bowie's'Low' album and develops themes in three full symphonic pieces, not in the usual way, by simply arranging them for orchestrabut also by adding more themes and musical ideas, basicallyrewriting them.The music is a little bit unusual for Glass, more developed, also the listening is not very demanding.The second piece seems to a better rhythm and I think is thebest of the three. However, all three of them stand togetherand create a unified, nice piece of work. ... Read more

Asin: B0000040US
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Minimalism    3. Symphonic   

Complete Recordings
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 August, 1990)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $22.99
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Editorial Review

This two-CD box contains all 41 recordings Johnson made, including 12 alternate takes, and each cut remains a classic. This set's release in 1990 caused quite a stir, selling more than 500,000 copies, and, on the basis of endorsements from Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, introduced a great number of rock fans to Delta blues. Amazingly, Johnson built his enormous legacy on the strength of just two recording sessions: the first session, in November of 1936, produced among others "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom," "Sweet Home Chicago," "Cross Road Blues," and "Walkin' Blues," making it perhaps the most influential single session in blues history.--Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (89)

This release has been superseded.
The 'King of the Delta Blues Singers' CDs (Volumes 1 and 2), as re-released in 1998 and 2004, respectively, effectively render this release obsolete. On the newer CDs, the digital cleaning is much more apparent and makes a huge difference to sound quality.

However, the 'alternate' takes contained on this edition have yet to be released elsewhere. But to complicate things, the 'King of the Delta Blues Singers' CDs contain a mixture of 1st and 2nd takes, so it's a hit and miss affair. Personally, I prefer the 1st takes of 'Crossroad Blues', 'Me and the Devil Blues' and 'Love in Vain' - and the newer CDs contain the second takes (which is how they appeared on the original releases in the 1960s).

So, for completists (at this point in time), the best bet is to own this set and the newer CDs - which I am sure you do already. Then you'll have everything (until they turn up another alternate take!), but for beginners, check out 'King of the Delta Blues Singers' Vol. 1 and 2.

Raw and unique
MOst of the criticism of this album comes from two angles: either it is not accessible material (read boring acoustic blues) or overated and not as worthy as others.The first is perfectly understanding if your preference is lively electric blues (ala BB King or Buddy Guy).The second misses the point; even if the material is not original or the best craftmanship from its era (and musical playing skill does not necessarily equate to greatness, hence the greatness of Bob Dylan).That's just academic snobbery; no one can deny the profound effect it had on the giants of modern rock.

On its own merits the album is by no means an easy listen, and I only listen to it sporadically now (after my initial fascination) and for short periods before it gets too repetitive.Nonetheless, I give it 5 stars for the unique sound of his guitar playing, which is very intriguing (often haunting and mesmerizing) and often turns suddenly in unexpected directions.While most blues is straight ahead and builds on a rythm, Johnson's songs are very sporadic and lurching, with very interesting note choices.In the blues medium I would compare him to Thelonious Monk's playing in Jazz: disjointed but extremely compelling.

I like the blues, acoustic I really like Lonnie Johnson, Lightning Hopkins and Sonny Boy Williamson.While the academics might sneer at the "soul" of modern rock or purity of electric blues, count me among those who loves fast paced rock or blues (especially in blues Albert King and Albert Collins).While I'm not a big Clapton fan, there is lot of his stuff I do like (his Robert Johnson tribute is too milk toast for me).

Robert Johnson's Complete Recordings is powerful stuff.

Most tribute albums are second rate and overally derivative.However, if I was to compile a Robert Johnson cover album that kicks tail, here's how I'd put it together (song, artist, album):
1. Stop Breaking Down, Rolling Stones, Exile on Main Street
2. Steady Rolling Man, Eric Clapton, 461 Ocean Blvd
3. Drunken Hearted Boy, Allman Bros. (live), Fillmore Concerts
4. Traveling Riverside Blues, Led Zeppelin, Box Set
5. Walking Blues, Grateful Dead (live), Without a Net
6. Love in Vain, Rolling Stones (live), Get Yer Ya Ya's Out
7. Crossroads, Derek and Dominoes (live), Crossroads Box Set
8. Come on in my Kitchen, Allman Bros., Shades of Two Worlds
9. They're Red Hot, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blood Sugar Majik

From Robinsonville to San Antonio
Old 78`s.....black and with an odd shine,contain no more than 6 or 7 minutes of music - counting both sides.Some of the best music thats ever been recorded sits inside of those records.Robert Johnson was one of the best blues singers and guitarists ever....hands down.Followed in chronologic order the music gets more serious over time...maybe more desperate.He knew this was it,his chance....he gave his all and it shows.He learned and watched and listened and felt everything that was going on around him.
And his teachers were the true greats of the delta blues - Son House,Charley Patton,Sonny Boy Williamson,Willie Brown,ect. - he was the student and he took in everything and then went away to come back with an impressive talent honed into a scary,even technically perfect playing style.That and a really fine voice and some great lyrics.But the brightest stars burn the fastest,Robert Johnson died at the age of 27...poisoned by a jealous husband for the relationship Robert had been having with his wife.This collection of songs and two pictures are all thats left but he did exist and was trully great - find out for yourself.
... Read more

Asin: B000002757
Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Box Sets (Audio Only)    3. Pop