My Favorite Things [Deluxe Edition]
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 March, 1998)
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Reviews (46)

The greatest song ever recorded
I agree generally that this is not Coltrane's best record (that honor would go to either "Giant Steps" or "Love Supreme". But the 13:41 song here "My Favorite Things" is the closest to a religious experience I have ever had listening to music. The first time I ever listened to it I was 12 years old and I couldn't sleep, it was around 1 in the morning and I threw on my headphones and grabbed something that looked "relaxing". I listened to the song about 3 times in a row and was astounded. Never before has an artist reached into the depths of his soul and his life in such a beautiful and perfect way. The last 4 minutes of this song feel like they are musical waves reaching through your body and elevating your spirit. Trust me folks, I never talk in such florid language but there is no other way I can describe it. Close your eyes, turn the volume all the way up

Same Name Different Album
This "Jazz Hour" edition of "My Favorite Things", recorded in Holland, contains a different version of the title track and all the other tracks are different from those on the same-name album the above reviewers discuss.Amazon has mistakenly assigned these reviews to the wrong CD, and deprives buyers of the other CD of their opinions about it.

As for this album, the nearly 18 minute version of "My Favorite Things" is one of my favorite things.The other cuts are virtuoso work in a wilder fusion mode - also at length, a full jazz hour indeed - I won't go on at length since the album is apparently not available.

My version contains only three tracks.
The track listing for the version I purchased is:
1. My Favorite Things 17:52
2. Mr. P.C.8:10
3. Tranening In 11:40

The first song should be familiar to those of you who
know Julie Andrews and The Sound of Music. It's basically
three jazzy instrumentals heavily influenced with saxophones,
piano and drums. I would recommend buying it if you're not
sure and are curious about Coltrane. This is supposed to
be one of his essential albums. I didn't realize when I
purchased this album that this was a condensed version
of the original album.
... Read more

Asin: B00000348A
Sales Rank: 47289
Subjects:  1. Avant-Garde Jazz    2. Cool    3. Hard Bop    4. Jazz    5. Modal Music    6. Pop    7. Post-Bop    8. Standards    9. United States of America   

Amore: Romantic Italian Love Songs
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 September, 1992)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

From Calaf's "Nessun dorma" from Turandot, in which the singer exclaims his love for the ice princess and the victory he will have over her, through Lionel's realization that he will have a new life and be happy with Lady Harriet in Martha ("M'appari"), and on to Rodolfo's falling in love with Mimi in La Bohème when he touches her hand ("Che gelida manina"): here we have some of opera's most beautiful love songs, sung by Pavarotti when he was in his golden-voiced prime. His "Una furtiva lagrima" is touching and gentle, while his rendition of the Neapolitan song "Core 'ngrato"--a diatribe against his lover's rejection of him--is heartbreaking.Radames's hymn to Aida ("Celeste Aida") in which he sees Aida as "the splendor of [his] life," is glorious, and all of the other selections are equally fine. For lovers and others, this is a handsome collection. --Robert Levine ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One of Pavarotti's best CDs
This is one of the best Pavarotti CDs I have listened to.It contains a great selection of 17 arias and Italian lyric songs.However, if you can afford it, "Pavarotti Greatest Hits: The Ultimate Collection" will offer more in a 2-CD set (a total of 41 arias and Italian lyric songs).

Luciano's greatest compilation CD
For over three decades Maestro Luciano Pavarotti has brought joy to human ears all around the world.Sure, the critics may scoff at the big arena concerts and at the later years' natural darkening of his voice.But wethe fans just know that listening to him lifts our spirits and opens ourhearts to the glory of human voice.

And that's exactly what thiscollection is all about.To compile it, the Decca producers used materialfrom three albums: "Arias" (his earliest), "FavoriteNeapolitan Songs" and "Passione," as well as some completeopera recordings such as "La Boheme" and "Rigoletto." The song "La Danza," Rossini's engaging tarantella is from a rarealbum "Pavarotti in Concert in Bologna" with Richard Bonynge. Most of these selections, therefore, are from 60s and 70s, in other words,Pavarotti's prime years.As he was establishing himself as one of theall-time greatest tenors on stage, he gave an all-out effort on recordings. And it shows.Listen to the vocal line in "Che gelida manina";the breath control on "la speranza" is truly unbelievable.Thereis his signature aria "Nessun Dorma" and, of course, a song oftenmistaken for Italian National Anthem - Di Capua's "O SoleMio!"

In addition to magnificent vocal pyrotechnics, Pavarotti'sconsiderable acting-with-voice skills are represented on such demandingarias as "Celeste Aida" and "Vesti la Giubba".Andit's a real treat to hear his Duca singing sparkling "La donna emobile."

This is an excellent introduction to opera as well as adelightful morsel for seasoned fans.I found that it also makes a greatgift idea; after all, no one can resist Pavarotti after the final"Vincero!" ... Read more

Asin: B000004218
Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Vocal   

Mozart: Piano Concertos nos. 271, 453, and 466 / Davies, Jarrett
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 October, 1999)
list price: $35.98 -- our price: $35.98
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Editorial Review

For many, Keith Jarrett is still best known for his jazz forays: extended yet gorgeous improvisations at the keyboard that literally hypnotize listeners (and helped fund ECM, still the artist's label of choice). So, it would be easy to expect Jarrett to deliver a seat-of-your-pants, highly improvised interpretation of these three Mozart piano concertos. You'd be wrong, however. Jarrett's performance on these works is deft and delicate. Meanwhile, Dennis Russell Davies and the Stuttgarter Kammerorchester can be heard loud and clear (and in fine form, it should be noted), never overpowered by the pianist; instead, a perfect balance is struck between orchestra and soloist. More than anything, what surfaces from this double-CD is Mozart's great music: the finale of No. 17 is delightful; throughout the D-minor concerto, we hear the role of the woodwinds in astounding detail. The added bonus of Mozart's solemn Adagio and Fugue in C Minor makes for a gorgeous, though slightly restrained, finale. Yes, Jarrett is the star here, but the real kudos go out to ECM, for capturing such a well-balanced, beautiful recording of these works. --Jason Verlinde ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Amazing, as always
Keith Jarrett is a tremendously impressive artist. He switches gears between jazz and classical, between solo and orchestral work, in a seemingly effortless manner. One would never assume that the pianist on this recording is a renowned jazzman, but so he is. This recording features some of my favorite Mozart concertos and it will NOT disappoint.

FANTASTIC!
I have finally found the Mozart piano concerto recordings I have been looking for.After trying out some of the most popular and best reviewed interpretations (Brendel, Uchida, etc.), I decided to take a chance on this one.What a pleasant surprise!Perfectly played by the soloist and orchestra, brilliantly recorded as well.Some of the older versions of Mozart's concertos are still my favorites (Casadesus, Serkin), but if you are looking for the best versions in modern sound, you can't go wrong with Keith Jarrett.He also recorded a previous cd, with concertos #21, 23 and 27.Although you can't find it in the U.S., it is available through mail order from Europe.I highly recommend that one as well.For those of you on a tight budget, Jeno Jando made an excellent recording of all the piano concertos in the late 80's on Naxos.At a budget price, it is a good introduction for those who haven't experience the joys of listening to W. A. Mozart.

Breathtaking
This recording is positively sublime. I believe W.A. Mozart would have been proud to hear Keith Jarrett play his compositions.The first time I heard it I almost wept. Truly brilliant! Highly, highly recommended.A feast for the ears. ... Read more

Asin: B00000K2WP
Subjects:  1. Chamber    2. Chamber Music & Recitals    3. Classical    4. Concerto   

Breach
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 October, 2000)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

The Wallflowers' third album isn't so much a breach birth as it is past-due. But Jakob Dylan claimed he needed the four years off to come to terms with whether or not he could plumb his own life for material. It appears he can, because here the songwriter tears the veil off his complicated relationship with his famous father and uses it as a vehicle to express some of the same moments of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy that we all experience, even if we aren't related to Bob Dylan. This newfoundcandor in the formerly abstruse singer makes for a much more authentic, emotionally affective record, whether he's wearing his neuroses on his sleeve or reinventing old slave spirituals in "Mourning Train." And even if you don't believe that the Dylan paterfamilias ever castigated his son like "Hand Me Down" infers ("Now look at you / With your worn out shoes / Living proof evolution is through"), it makes for compelling listening, made even more persuasive by the Wallflowers' sparse, muscular playing, which evokes the specter of those titans of classic rock: Jackson Browne, the Eagles, and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (118)

More mature Dylan
This record is more mature than Bringing Down the Horse, and there are some some wonderful songs on it, but I dont think it measures up to Red Letter Days or Rebel, Sweetheart. A few slow and depressing songs, but otherwise a very good effort. Favorite songs are I've Been Delivered, Some Flowers Bloom Dead, Letters From the Wasteland, and Sleepwalker.

Not your usual popular fluff
The first four tunes are very catchy and immediately pulled me in, but I was surprised at how much more there was to explore. This CD is not just a collection of good rock songs that work well together. It has depth that comes from struggle, has a lot of contrasts, has a lot of variation in expression - sometimes using a bitter irony to express the pain of rejection. "Hand me Down" and "Murder 101" are obvious examples of that irony. It tends toward negativity, but it's nota world-weary or twisted kind of negativity; it's more about an awakening to disppointment and facing it. "Some Flowers Never Bloom"is a sad song about a broken relationship, but it has an upbeat kind of tempo and a catchy refrain.

The strongest song on the CD in my opinion is "I've been Delivered". The lyrics are about a struggle against conformity: "I would move swift when the sounds of a trumpet would blow/I've been the puppet/I've been the strings/I know the vacant face it brings". Another song about deliverance is the hidden track "BabyBird".

This is a CD that wears well with many good songs tightly put together.

Best Of Wallflowers
When people first hear about The Wallflowers, straight away the immediate thought to their mind would be Jakob Dylan, son of the legendary musician Bob Dylan. Nevertheless, i would like to say that The Wallflowers have shown tremendous maturity in "Breach" and I think had done better than "Bringing Down The Horse", the album that most people would be familiar of. Certain songs like "Hand me down" and "Some Flowers Bloom Dead" contain catchy hooks but with a straightforward approach and they are just so effective in that. But Wallflowers are more than just mainstream rock with energy-pumping songs like "Letters from the wasteland" and "Murder 101". "Birdcage", the finale sounds so much like a lullaby that will send me applauding "Breach" with ease. ... Read more

Asin: B00004YACO
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Warning
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 October, 2000)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
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Editorial Review

After two years off following the release of the genre-expanding Nimrod, the usually insouciant trio Green Day are open to some weighty self-analysis. Gone are the raging rants, cartoonish antics, and anthropological musings about the punk scene, replaced by an introspection that brings to mind Michael Stipe and Bono. Like the U2 frontman, Billie Joe Armstrong still hasn't found what he's looking for, but he knows where he's been and is eager to move past the days when Green Day were considered the clown princes of rock. Witness "Jackass," which cautions, "Everybody loves a joke, but no one likes a fool." Proving that they aren't fools, Green Day take a substantial step forward, exploring new rhythms, sonics, and subjects. While many of the tracks are still cheeky and infectious, the deceptively simple melodies belie a quest for meaning, faith, and fulfillment. There's a tentative optimism here that's tempered by irony and flashes of self-loathing. Still, Warning transcends the darkness that clouded 1995's Insomniac. No longer so under the sway of the Buzzcocks and the Ramones, this time Armstrong and company dip into the early rock canon--the Beatles and Bob Dylan, among them. As a result, their first self-produced album is more "Nowhere Man" than "Blitzkrieg Bop." --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (457)

Smartest reviewer
The CD is great Green Day is one of the best Punk bands around. Don't listen to smartest reviewer he has nothing to do with his time and listens to the music like the rest he is some what in the closet and has to keep an image.

my fav band, honey
imagine me playing 2 or 3 chords over and over kicking a tree with out rhythm and screaming in an annoying voice,

(...)

there you have it. that's about as much talent as the actual green day has. i'm glad to sum it up for. you could probably consider me the evil version of green day. what makes my one man band even more evil is i don't have that much more skill than green day, which as you can imagine i have none just like the actual green day. yeah, that's your typical pop punk band. one thing punk and pop punk bands have in common is the zero skill/talent factor. look mtv, i can make crappy music too, where's my video and music award? there's something there for the real, true punkers too. i write lyrics more intelligent than the political statements their beloved dirty bands have. when i say dirty, i mean the band members don't shower (probably for the political statement). i mean the true punkers hate green day so they must love my 23 second song about how green day sucks and the 2 chords and hitting something chaotically, oops, i meant drumming. i forgot drummers don't need to be good anymore like what you find in almost any other genre of music.

(...)

NOT MY FAVORITE BUT STILL GREAT
THIS ALBUM HAS MANY AWESOME SONGS BUT NOT MY FAVORITE GREEN DAY ALBUM. DOOKIE OR AMERICAN IDIOT IS THE WAY TO GO IF YOUR JUST GETTING STARTED WITH GREEN DAY'S MUSIC. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XQP4
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Black Market Gardening
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 May, 1997)
list price: $19.98
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Features

• Import

Reviews (7)

Outstanding, if a touch too repetitive
Monkey Radio, the online music radio station, first introduced me to Fila Brazillia, Kruder & Dorfmeister, and a lot of other great acid/downtempo/groovyfunkyshagedelic groups.I knew one song on this album - Wigs, Bifocals, and Sustenance - and that's all that I wanted the album for.The song is that funky to me.

As someone else said, The Big Dipper was one of their favorite songs.I think most people into this type of music will find one of the tracks on here to be practically essential.Personally, I feel a couple of the tunes are a little too repetitive, namely (sorry to the previous reviewer) Blubber Plinth and Obrigado.

However, as a whole, this is still awesome background music for a party, for yourself, or for a night of a little romance.I'd give it 4.5 stars, but because Wigs, Bifocals is on it, it has to be rounded up!

Excellent for "any" venue
This album cuts through every element of what we constantly hear music today being termed as either Funktronic, Electronica, Acid Jazz, Future Jazz, Core-Lounge, Acid Lounge, Ambient Groove, etc. The best way to describe this band? Imagine Steely Dan, Curtis Mayfield, Shuggy Otis, and George Clinton, abducted and transplanted into the land of H.R. Puff'nStuff, and forced to perform concerts with transbiomorphic equipment only available in that warped fairy tale of a place.

This music is great for parties, lovemaking, babysitting, studying, driving and dining. After playing Fila's music in many of my DJ sets at parties and social gatherings the consistent reaction is a flutter of turning heads and the question, "Who is This"? Enough said...

If you like musical artists who create their own sound aesthetics based on their own creativity, you will love Fila Brazillia, and you love Black Market Gardening. However, if you're limited to musical genres from Biteme Rears, Blistine Coagulaira, and InShrnC I suggest you hunt elswhere.

Good Introduction to Fila Brzillia
I just recently discovered Fila Brazillia, and I was pleasantly surprised.After hearing a track from Om Lounge 2 I went searching for more of their music.Unfortunately, their albums are VERY hard to find. It took me about a week to find any Fila records, and this was the only one the record shop had.This is a great album.It is very mellow and atmospheric.It's hard to belive that Fila Brazillia is not a household name like K&D or Theivery Corporation.The songs flow so smoothly you'll never know when one song ends and another begins.If you are into stoney chill music, get this one. ... Read more

Asin: B000003S78
Sales Rank: 178280
Subjects:  1. Ambient Breakbeat    2. Dance Music    3. Electronica    4. Pop    5. Techno    6. Trip-Hop