Editorial Review

Multitalented Brazilian musician Jobim's talent was revealed to a larger world in 1959 by his and Luis Bonfa's score for the film Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (105)

A remarkable collaboration
Ten songs, ten perfect reasons to love this work. Each gentleman obviously had a fecund career of his own; yet, this effort represents a singular achievement in its own right. Too often when two legends come together they remain too much within their own realms of comfort (or ego) to make the effort genuinely worthwhile. Not so here. Both were willing to make concessions, forfeit a little of his own persona and adopt some of the other's in order to create a unique and extraordinary album. In fact, there are a couple instances it is difficult which one is singing, so seamless is their melding. Sinatra is at his sweetest and most plaintive. Jobim eases into American popular music effortlessly. The gorgeous orchestration by Claus Olgerman pulls together the production superbly. The result is a masterwork that sounds like neither a typical Sinatra album nor a typical Jobim album. The fifth track, "Meditation," summarizes these songs rather well: put on the CD, relax and lose yourself in this one.

Sinatra at his best
This is great music sung by a great voice in his prime. It is soft,yet very sensual music. Sinatra and Jobim are quite a pairing!

Simply marvelous
With all the booze and the broads ,mr tough guy comes out and throws everybody for a loop(well, maybe not everybody) with a quiet, sensitive masterpiece."Once I Loved" is absolutely spellbinding and along with a fabulous Jobim,here we have one of ole blue eyes best.To all you tough guys out there,you`re not so tough. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bossa Nova    2. Brazilian Jazz    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Popular Music    6. Traditional Pop    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

While Sinatra,Martin, and the Rat Pack were busy sacrificing a good measure of their vocal talents in the sordid business of fame and fortune,Tony Bennett was quietly, stubbornly, burnishing his vocal gifts into High, if seemingly effortless, Art. How good is Bennett? Just ask the Chairman of the Board and Head Rat: "The best goddamned pop singer I've ever heard." While a single disc can't offer much more than a sketchy outline of Bennett's rich, seven-decade career, this one offers the commercial peaks--and some telling hints at the restless artistic instinct that produced them. From the pure, nearly operatic power and perfect vibrato he displays on early hits such as "Rags to Riches," "Stranger in Paradise" and the overly theatrical, borderline kitsch of "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" through his signature "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" to his gratifying if unlikely '90s resurgence, you can literally hear Bennett's voice tempering like the wood of a Stradivarius, his phrasing taking on a deceptively loose, jazz-fueled languor that tells you where his musical heart really lies. The singer, not the song; damn straight advice--take it from a master. Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (16)

Just a start for lots more to discover
In my opinion, Tony Bennett made a lot of "definite" versions of standards. A truly high accomplishment.
Great CD
Really enjoy this CD.I'm on chemotherapy and take a CD player to treatment and this is one of the ones I take with me.As I'm "older", I truly enjoy listening to songs I loved as a much younger person.Anyone who likes Tony Bennett should enjoy the Ultimate Tony Bennett.

Great Singer & Great Music
A friend of mine introduced me to the music of Tony Bennett.I was not alive when these tunes were first recorded.Now I listen to Tony Bennett all the time and this is my favorite CD.His music is great.I have over 11,000 songs and I can honestly say I like this CD the best! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Popular Music    6. Traditional Pop    7. United States of America    8. Vocal    9. Vocal Jazz    10. Vocal Pop    11. Vocal/Standards   

Editorial Review

For anyone who suspects that record companies will soon be releasing EvaCassidy's voice mail messages, it's extraordinarily pleasing to note thatRead more

Reviews (76)

Majestic
Ms. Cassidy's death at such a young age left a large gap in American Music.Gifted with a pure, clear voice (which she could dirty up when the song called for it), perfect intonation, and a feel for lyrics, she was a singer's singer.She rarely fails to disappoint.On this album, check out her version of Danny Boy.Danny Boy is one of the most beautiful ballads in the Western canon.Of course, Danny Boy has been sung umpteen times, some excellent, some not so excellent, but I think Ms. Cassidy's version is one of the most touching I have ever heard. She stays very close to the melody, her guitar playing is simple yet effective, and her tone is suitably plaintive and mournful.If you don't have a tear in your eye at the end of the song, Irish or not, you must have a heart of stone.
Imagine What Could Have Been
My second foray into the remarkable world of Eva Cassidy was as good as my first, "Live at Blues Alley."This young lady had an incredible vocal talent, both in terms of ability and interpretation.Where a woman this young obtained all the vocal talent contained in this CD is a mystery only God can answer, but at least we get to hear her legacy.
You Can't Imagine
I love music - have been playing all my life and have a collection of CDs that number in the thousands. I listen to everything from Patti Austin to Frank Zappa. Eva Cassidy is on a very short list of absolute favorites. Eva's voice simply has to be heard. Eva blends the sweet sincerity of a folk singer with the power and bluesy feel of an R & B or Jazz singer. The songs on Imagine are a collection that showcases her folksier side. Just beautiful! If you don't have any Eva, you should. Once you do, you'll want everything. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    3. Folk    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Features

• Deluxe Edition

Reviews (42)

Jamie Rocks the House!
Jamie is an incredible artist! I first heard about him promoting "Twentysomething" on NPR and am now hooked. After seeing him live at Chastain Park in Atlanta, there's no other word for him than BRILLIANT! The album is fantastic and definitely worth the $$$.

Pop and Chet Baker mixed.. Nah, it's Jaime just trying to be...
cool, seductive, and bring a fresh vibe to jazz.It's caught on, and he knows it.Dance music, with a smooth classic beat.I can get into that. I have to admit, I love getting My way, even if that's not the game we're playing, but the tone of this one album, just makes me say YES!

He should be prohibited -by law- from singing.
This guy stinks in a serious way. His voice is absolutely horrible, he cannot sing at all. He's twenty something years old and tries to sing some old classics, it is pathetic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Ballads    3. Contemporary Jazz    4. Crossover Jazz    5. Jazz    6. Jazz Vocals    7. Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Though now known mainly for his middle-of-the-road balladry, Neil Diamond started his career in the '60s as a Tin Pan Alley pro who turned out a string of ballsy, folk-rock-styled classic Top 40 singles that may come as a surprise to anyone who's grown up with the image of Diamond as a sensitive crooner and Vegas showman. This 2 CD set contains all of his hits, but it isn't quite the definitive package that its title suggests. His early Bang singles ("Cherry, Cherry," "Kentucky Woman," "Solitary Man") and his later Columbia material ("You Don't Bring Me Flowers," "America," "Heartlight") appear in their original versions. But his mid-period MCA/UNI hits ("Sweet Caroline," "Song Sung Blue," "I Am ... I Said") are represented by live re-recordings from 1989 and 1992. Read more

Reviews (88)

Good only for filling in the blanks
This CD is a total misrepresentation.MANY of the songs are VERY poorly done concert versions of songs.They even use the exact same audience cheering track on several songs.Buy it only if you are a fan looking to fill in missing songs in your collection.Don't buy it thinking you are getting all the original hits.14 songs are live.One appears to be re-recorded.The rest are the originals.Also, on CD #2 many of the media tags are incorrect.When you play "All I Really Need Is You" (Live) the title "Heartbreak Hotel" shows.When you play "Headed for the Future" the song title "All I Really Need Is You" shows.When you play "Heartbreak Hotel" the song title "Headed for the Future" shows.Overall, a VERY sloppy project they obviously just rushed to market not caring about quality.

Early Mono hits only redeeming quality for two stars ...
The Mono hits on the first disc were the only ones of any good on this CD with exception of "America" on the 2nd disc. I am very, very disappointed with Columbia for picking out live tracks for the other earlier songs such as "Sweet Caroline" and the tracks they picked - barf! Of all the live performances the man has done, why these? I go with others who have reviewed this as a poor production - buythe 20th Century one, it's a helluva lot better than this double set.

Good Listening Music
A real good selection by Neil Diamond, his music is always very enjoyable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Pop/Rock    5. Popular Music    6. Soft Rock    7. Vocal   

Reviews (15)

Dean Martin's 'ITALIAN LOVE SONGS'
Was in Italy getting married and discovered we were missing our two "Best of..." albums. No 'Volare' after flying all that way? And how can you visit Napoli (where love is king) without a copy of "That's Amore"? Well this album arrived on our wedding day - a godsend! Highly recommended.

fun great slightly cheesy music
I totally enjoy this album. Martin's voice goes perfectly in these arrangements.This music makes you feel good.

Dino Singing ItalianNow That's Amore
I can no longer eat spaghetti without having Dino `s Italian Love Songs spinning nearby. You will say Return To Me many times over to the CD ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Popular Music    4. Traditional Pop    5. Vocal    6. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

The mysteriously monickered Read more

Reviews (25)

Amazing
There seems to be one consistency among all the bad reviews.
This CD is so [title of show]!
I saw [title of show] this past Wednesday in Union Square, and it was one of the best theatre experiences of my life. Sidesplittingly funny, self-referential and raunchy, yes, but also a bold and moving statement on and tribute to theatre and art, and the struggles one must go through in pursuit of artistic success in order to stay true to one's vision. The music and lyrics are clever and catchy, and some of the songs are absolutely beautiful. The cast (two of whom are the authors of the show) is top-notch, and the script is hilarious and, in the end, poignant. A truly wonderful piece of theatre, and a great cast album. The only caveat I would add is that, if you are not already a musical theatre fan, this show will completely go over your head.

[title of review]
I have listened to this CD twice now and will gladly put it away in the back of my CD cabinet.I found the performances to be fairly good, but the material was dreadful. The music was mediocore at best and the lyrics were uninspiring. I'm not against using foul language if there's a good reason for it, but in this show it didn't seem necessary or very meaningful to the plot or character development. Most of what they are trying to accomplish here has been done better in other shows, like Forbidden Broadway. I would take a pass on this one and spend your money on something else! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Pop    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

The original Broadway cast recording of Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (42)

Its Annie
If you havent heard "Annie" but the CD. Its worth it. I can't say its the best show out there, but its a classic and rightfully so. This soundtrack also comes with bonous tracks which are such a treat, so this is the version of annie to get. Also all the voices on this CD are great, not so in all versions. My Favorite song is "Something Was Missing."

Don't Buy This Cd!
This cd sucks! Nobody can sing! Andrea McCardle is a horrible annie. Reid Shelton is the worst Daddy Warbucks Ever. Bert Healy sucks too. I Hate This Cd. Please Don't buy this, I'ts Horrible! It's A Humiliation To The Musical Annie! I'm 16, and I Grew Up with Aileen Quinn as Annie. Alicia Morton is The Best Annie. If you want a good Annie Cd, Buy The Television soundtrack to Annie. Everybody on this cd Sucks!

Nice Score, Bad Recording
"Annie" has a nice score, with several memorable numbers.Unfortunately, this recording is only so-so and needs improvement.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Musicals    6. Original Cast Recordings    7. Show Tunes    8. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Just as irony is being pronounced dead, along comes this boozy holiday compilation to suggest that rumors of its demise may be premature. Given the culture's simmering lounge mania, this collection (with its cheesy homage/rip-off Read more

Reviews (37)

Barely 5 stars
This was a tough one to rate as you have 3 legendary entertainers here who sang similiar songs but yet in completely different styles - if they all would have been the same, that'd be boring now....rite?.
warm up any season
the rat pack...what else do y'all need to know?Clasic, Classic, Classic.especially love Dean Martin's voice at Christmas time, he even sounds warm and cozy.

The best, romantic, greatest ever Christmas CD
I am very picky with my Christmas music! This is the best Christmas CD I own. It is classic and romantic. You feel like you are in a 1940's Christmas movie or sitting in a trendy coffee house in the falling snow. Buy this CD! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Popular Song    2. Ballads    3. Big Band    4. Christmas    5. Christmas / Chanukkah    6. Christmas Music    7. Holiday    8. Pop    9. Traditional Pop    10. V/a Compilations    11. Vocal Jazz    12. Vocal Pop    13. Xmas Vocal Collections   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (103)

Fabulous CD and Fabulous Movie!!
This is by far my favorite movie and the soundtrack is a 10+++++!!BUT..you have to watch the movie first to appreciate this cd.Enjoy!

Perfect for parties
This CD is perfect for background music during parties.Whenever I entertain, I play this CD and it never fails...someone always asks what it is.It's the perfect mood setter and puts everyone in a relaxed state of contentment.Good on rainy Sunday afternoons too.

Great CD
I may not understand the words to some of the songs, but they were powerful and compelling. With Louis Armstrong kicking it off you can't miss. A jazz lover's buy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brazilian Pop    2. Pop    3. Soundtrack    4. Soundtracks    5. Soundtracks & Film Scores    6. Standards    7. Traditional Pop   

Editorial Review

Four years after her return to recording after a much-publicized battle with drug addiction, Natalie Cole found herself unexpectedly experiencing a virtual reinvention as a bestselling artist and performer, thanks to a project she had longed to do for many years. Read more

Reviews (44)

Heart & Soulful
Natalie Cole put a lot of heartfelt warmth into this collection of songs.Recording this collection must have brought back a lot of wonderful memories of her father, Nat King Cole.
MUSIC 101 FOR YOUNG "MAROONS"

Natalie Cole
I love this CD.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Popular Music    4. Quiet Storm    5. R&B    6. Soul/R & B    7. Urban   

Editorial Review

The first of many artistic milestones in the long and illustriouscollaboration of Frank Sinatra and arranger Nelson Riddle that began at CapitolRecords, Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (68)

"That's when you miss her most of all"
A concept album inspired by Frank's crumbling relationship with Ava Gardner, In the Wee Small Hours is the musical equivilant of pacing your darkened house at three in the morning, unable to sleep because you can't get your mind off of that special someone, a love that you may have just lost for good. The album consists of a series of ballads, many of which are standards from the Great American Songbook, whose lyrics deal with lost love, obsession, biterness, and denial. Sinatra's voice fits these songs like a glove; throughout the album, he sounds like a lonely, broken man, and it's hard not to believe that he's lived every last word of these songs. Just listen to the heartbreakingly optimistic quiver in his phrasing during "Deep in a Dream," which recreates a scene that anyone going through a personal crisis will be framiliar with: Dreaming that everything's alright, only to wake up, dissapointed. Elsewhere, there's the self-deprecating "Glad To Be Unhappy," and a deeply soulful take on "Mood Indigo." Even the most hopeful tracks take on a dark tint here; "I'll Be Around" explores the vain, nervy hope that someday, your love will realize their mistake and take you back. "Last Night When We Were Young" and "It Never Entered My Mind" regret the foolish optimism of the past.
A CD all music lovers should own
I have known of this album for many years, but only purchased it recently. It immediately became a desert island classic for me.It, along with Sintra Sings for Only the Lonely, definitively prove that Sinatra was the real deal--he was more than the swagger and the Rat Pack.He was the greatest pop singer of the 20th century.He was a true musician who understood the songs he was singing.This is a music-have CD.

Wee Small Hours
These classic Sinatra recordings were partly responsible for Sinatra's "comeback" after his stint with Columbia.The recordings are the definitive Sinatra styling with Nelson Riddle arrangements.The quality of this CD is top rate and should be included in any Sinatra collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Popular Music    5. Torch Songs    6. Traditional Pop    7. United States of America    8. Vocal    9. Vocal Jazz    10. Vocal Pop   

Editorial Review

When was the last time you heard a musical with a truly hilarious book? Rachel Sheinkin has concocted such a thing for Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (42)

great music
I love a good Broadway musical & this was one of those .I love to listen to the music & tap my feet or whistle a tune as I work on my computer this allows me to do all that & more.

So orignal, hilarious, and enjoyable just to listen to.
"Spelling bee," although I have yet to see it on broadway (sadly), is easily one of the best shows currently running on Broadway). It is extremly comical and yet still touches your heart with numbers such as the phenominal "I love you song" that Olive (the best charactor) sings. The best songs are:
Realistcly Bizare... Finn!
If there was a 3.5 on the stars I would give this that. The show is not by any means bad. The lyrics are phenominal! William Finn is a master of words. However the whole thing just doesnt give me chills. So I would recomend this to anyone who likes Broadway or Finn. As a show full of ballad... this is not it. It is a show of characters, so if your looking for some character study this might be a winner. My favorite songs are "My Unfortunate Erection (Chip's Lament)" and "Pandemonium." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Showtunes / B'way   

Reviews (23)

The Best Singer in the world!!!!
This woman is the Best singer I've ever heard.I'm only 20 years old and I just looooove her music so much.

The Best.
Ella is without question the greatest American singer of all time. Buy this one, buy any of them, buy them all. She never made a bad album. She opens her mouth and heaven flows. I would also suggest any of the biographies, including some on dvd with performances. This diva was, IS, the real thing - with a heart to match the voice.

This Fella Loves Ella
Ella is an extraordinary and refreshing exception to most Jazz vocalists.Many Jazz singers have a very bad technique, producing their sound from their throats in an unhealthy manner.Ella, however, has the technique and stamina of a classical singer.This why her career peaked in her 40's and was able to sing until very late in her life.Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Jazz Vocals    5. Pop    6. Standards    7. Swing    8. Traditional Pop    9. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Don't have the time (or the props) to watch the whole movie?Just puton the soundtrack--it's got all the best parts without the dialog in-between! Well, isn't that what an Original Soundtrack Recording like this isRead more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (52)

Hot Patootie!! This this sweeter than an old Steve Reeves movie!
As a seven-year-old I can remember going to my Nana's house on Saturday nights. It seems that my parents were caught in the craze of 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Ahhhhh a cult classic to DVD
This is a great movie to have on DVD. It has some extra features like being able to see what they do in the live show on certain parts. It is wonderful! Highly recommend!

bless my soul
Wow, this is incredible music - for an incredible movie. The songs will grow on you so much, they are truly original. My favorites are sweet transvestite, I can make you a man, and saturday night. But all of the songs are brilliant, and this is the only soundtrack you will ever need, buy it now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film Music    2. Musicals    3. Pop    4. Soundtrack    5. Soundtracks    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

From the second the majestic overture of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1949 show starts, you know you're in for a treat: In this age of diminished Broadway pits, hearing the 45-piece Orchestra of St. Luke's firing on all cylinders is just thrilling. And that's only the beginning of the fun in this most traditional, most delightful musical, recorded live at Carnegie Hall in June 2005. As Nellie Forbush, Reba McEntire deploys a homespun Southern charm that works marvels against the urbane Emile de Becque, i.e., Brian Stokes Mitchell and his impossibly buttery baritone (check out his rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening"). Of course we shouldn't be surprised, since country star Reba had turned out to be musical-theater star Reba when she replaced Bernadette Peters in Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (33)

THERE IS NOTHIN' LIKE REBA
With music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammersteins' "South Pacific" in Concert features a jubilant Reba McEntire in a kicky, knock 'em dead in the aisles performance as Nellie Forbush is a "died and gone to heaven" listening experience. With her homey Southern twang she fits the bill perfectly as,(Nellies self-description)"I am just a hick". Her Emile DeBecque on the recording Brian Stokes Mitchell confirms his justified status as one of Broadways best leading men with his rich and powerful voice. Jason Danieley gives a fine and sweet-voiced rendition of "Younger Than Springtime" that would be fine in any season.
Great Job of Patching It Together
I saw this concert and was amazed that the CD and DVD turned out so well. Reba read many of her lines and song lyrics directly from her script at the concert, so much of the material must be from the dress rehearsal.
A wonderful blend of voices
I have been a Reba McEntire fan for many years. I had the good fortune to see her on Broadway in "Annie Get Your Gun". Her performance was amazing, and it was hard to believe that she was not trained in the musical theater, she held the audience in the palm of her hand.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Pop    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Winner of five Oscars (including two for Richard and Robert Sherman's memorable slate of songs), Disney's 1964 adaptation of British author P.L. Travers' belovedchildren's tales melded live action, animation and music more successfully than any film before or since. Containing the most complete version of the ShermanBrothers' score and a wealth of previously unavailable behind-the-scenes treasures, this double-disc, 40th anniversary soundtrack edition becomes the ultimatemusical tribute to the beloved family masterpiece. The Sherman's memorable songs are showcased here in a more comprehensive musical context than ever before;indeed, a number of the expanded or previously unreleased pieces of the Irwin Kostal-arranged underscore now included were truncated in editing the film itself. Thegenerous bonus disc contains the set's greatest historical treasure: a 40+ minute pre-production story meeting between the Shermans, gag writer Don DaGradi andauthor Travers herself. Also included is a lengthy 1964 audio documentary featuring the Shermans and stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, an audio montage of the songwriting team reminiscing and playing their original demos for the project and an illustrated 40-page companion booklet containing a history of the project as well as complete song lyrics.Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack
• Special Edition

Reviews (11)

Silly and without message? Quite the opposite!
From Wikipedia:
a classic
Julie Andrews was incredible in this. This musical came out brilliantly on film. The music is wonderful and the imagination is great for both children and adults.
The Songs I Still Hum
I was given "Mary Poppins" when I was four, in 1970. Then, it was in LP 33 rpm form. I still hum most of the songs. You will too. Though it was released several decades before, it is a classic, entertaining and completely delightful CD.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Keyboard    2. Keyboard Music    3. Miscellaneous    4. Miscellaneous Music    5. Musicals    6. Orchestral    7. Orchestral Music    8. Original Score    9. Pop    10. Show Tunes    11. Soundtrack    12. Soundtracks    13. Soundtracks & Film Scores