Different Worlds [Import]

different worlds [import]

Track Listings

1. Valerie

2. Love Alive

3. Forever Yours

4. One More Night

5. Mary Anne

6. Strong Enough

7. Last Forever

8. Different Worlds

9. Dream Away

10. Love Cries

11. Take The Money And Run

12. Lost In Your Love

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track

Different Worlds,Outland,Avalon,Rock

Different Worlds [Import]

Average customer rating:

Great Songs! But left a lot to be desired for the true Van Halen Fan
POP HALEN
Good collection, decent packaging but cheasy liner notes, great mix up of songs, really the best of both worlds
complete best of
the ultimate ROCK ALBUM!

The Best of Both Worlds
Van Halen
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000286S8S
Release Date: 2004-07-20

Tracks:

Eruption
It's About Time
Up For Breakfast
Learning To See
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
Finish What Ya Started
You Really Got Me
Dreams
Hot For Teacher
Poundcake
And The Cradle Will Rock
Black And Blue
Jump
Top Of The World
(Oh) Pretty Woman
Love Walks In
Beautiful Girls
Can't Stop Loving You
Unchained

Tracks:

Panama
Best Of Both Worlds
Jamie's Cryin'
Runaround
I'll Wait
Why Can't This Be Love
Runnin' With The Devil
When It's Love
Dancing In The Street
Not Enough
Feels So Good
Right Now
Everybody Wants Some
Dance The Night Away
Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love (Live)
Panama (Live)
Jump (Live)

Amazon.com

One shouldn't have too much difficulty imagining a two-disc Van Halen compilation entitled The Best of Both Worlds. The first disc will showcase the David Lee Roth-fronted version of the band that reenergized hard rock with its titanic 1978 debut and peaked commercially with 1984's, uh, 1984. Disc two will take up where David Lee was left off--from 1986 on, when Sammy Hagar (and, briefly, Hagar-sound-alike Gary Cherone) took over the mike. Well, unfortunately, that's not the anthology assembled this time out. Rather than sequence the selections chronologically and, in the process, display the band's evolution (or devolution, depending on where one stands in the great Roth/Hagar debate), the band has opted for a more eccentric sequencing strategy. After the opener "Eruption" confirms the sass and chops of the young VH, three fairly uninspired new tracks featuring a back-in-the-fold (for now?) Hagar interrupt the flow. Unfortunately, the flow never really recovers, as Roth and Hagar tracks leapfrog one another through the next 29 selections. Three live Hagar takes on songs from the Roth era finish things off in confusing fashion. Obviously, there's plenty of powerful music here, but do fans really need a lesson in what happens when worlds collide? And didn't David Lee earn at least one photo in the package? --Steven Stolder

Album Description

Van Halen rocketed to stardom with their raucous, 10X-platinum-plus 1978 self-titled album, one of the greatest debuts ever. Anchored by Eddie Van Halen's guitar wizardry and David Lee Roth's vocal showmanship, the band's dynamic sound reinvented hard rock. A run of multiplatinum Top 10 discs followed, peaking with 1984, another 10X-platinum blockbuster and Roth's swan song. Sammy Hagar replaced the vocalist, a transition that cost the band no momentum. The Red Rocker's VH debut, 1986's 5150 , hit #1 on The Billboard 200, as did 1988's OU812. The Grammy-winning 1991 release, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, reached #5. This new compilation spotlights Van Halen's always-stellar musicianship over the course of 25 years and two world-class frontmen, and continues the story with three brand new Hagar-fronted tracks!

Customer Reviews:

Great Songs! But left a lot to be desired for the true Van Halen Fan.......2007-03-18

I can remember one day in late 1978, hearing Van Halen's (Eruption) and the entire first album scream out of the speakers of my buddies' borrowed record player in our 8th grade locker room during our half hour lunch break. I couldn't believe what I was actually hearing, but ever since that time I was hooked on Van Halen and I have every album they have ever put out. Yes, even the disappointing Van Halen III. Except for a couple songs, Van Halen III was very difficult to listen to, and I wonder what they were thinking when they got rid of Sammy after several great albums with the infamous "Red Rocker". Anyway, back to 1978 and the David Lee Roth era through 1984. They were the hottest rock band around. Unfortunately, I was unable to ever see them perform live with David Lee on vocals but since then, I have seen them a half-a-dozen times with Sammy and they all have been fantastic live shows. I also own both of their live concert videos and love to watch Eddie's solo guitar performances which, in my opinion, are second to none. Yes, there have been other great guitarists before Eddie: Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, just to mention a few, but in my opinion, no one before, and no one since, has been as innovative, creative and just down right the "Best of the Best" as Eddie Van Halen on guitar. He will always be #1 in my book of top Rock guitar players of all-time.

Alas, back to the album at hand. I actually give this album 5 stars for quality of songs, because some of these songs are some of the best Rock-n-Roll songs of all time. But I give whoever put this record together a NEGATIVE 5 stars as for the order in which the songs were compiled and they left out at least another 5 to 10 songs that could have, and should have been included on "Best of Both Worlds". I have listed my ultimate Van Halen song collection below. Therefore, I have to rate this album as an average compilation of Van Halen Songs. First of all, I wish they would have put the songs in chronological order starting with Van Halen I continuing down through the years, and then saved the three newest songs with Sammy for last, (of which shouldn't be on the album in the first place, because they are definitely not the "Best" that Van Halen has to offer) But if they are going to be included in this disc set, they should have been the last three songs of the disc, so that when you got to end you could push stop, or eject if you didn't want to sit through them. This album never gets into a rhythm due to this non-chronological order of songs. Also, I would like to have seen a little more homage paid to David Lee Roth. Even if he is one of the fruitiest "Nuts" you'll ever see, you have to admit he was one heck of a Front man back in his prime, and sang some of Van Halen's greatest songs.

This is the song set that I would have compiled, had I been the producer on this "Best of Both Worlds" project.

Disc 1: (David Lee Roth) Eruption, Runnin' With The Devil, You Really Got Me, Ain't Talkin' Bout Love, Jamie's Crying, Feel Your Love Tonight, Little Dreamer, Ice Cream Man, Dance The Night Away, Beautiful Girls, And The Cradle Will Rock, Everybody Wants Some, In A Simple Rhyme, Mean Street, Unchained, Where Have All The Good Times Gone, Cathedral, Secrets, Pretty Woman, Dancing In The Street, Little Guitars (intro), Little Guitars, 1984, Jump, Panama, Drop Dead Legs, Hot For Teacher, I'll Wait.

Disc 2: (Sammy Hagar) Why Can't This Be Love, Dreams, Summer Nights, Best of Both Worlds, Love Walks In, 5150, When It's Love, Cabo Wabo, Feels So Good, Finish What Ya Started, Black And Blue, Poundcake, Runaround, Right Now, 316, Top of The World, Can't Stop Lovin' You, Don't Tell Me What Love Can Do, Amsterdam, Not Enough, Take Me Back (Deja Vu), Feelin'.

Van Halen will always be one of my favorite groups, if not my favorite rock-n-roll group of all time. It's too bad the Van Halen brothers can't put their egos aside, get over themselves and get back together with one of, if not both of, two of the greatest front men of all time. And don't forget Michael Anthony, maybe not the greatest bass man of all time, but he sure puts on an excellent live show and bass solo, and you have to love his Jack Daniels bass guitar, (it's a classic, just like Eddie's red, black and white striped guitar) plus he sings great harmony in his own right. And you can't leave out Alex Van Halen on drums. When you bring up Van Halen, everyone immediately talks about Eddie's unbelievable guitar playing, but Alex is one of the top ten drummers of all time as well. Just as Michael Anthony, Alex puts on an excellent live drum solo, it's just that he has been overshadowed by his brother's guitar playing...in any other band Alex would be the star.

Now wouldn't that be an awesome tour. The Van Halen brothers with Michael Anthony together with both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar doing all of their hits respectively in one live show. Now that would definitely be what you could call the "BEST OF BOTH WORLDS"!!!

POP HALEN.......2007-03-09

I cannot believe that I am the only one who gave this pile
of dump 1 star? All these rave reviews for this piece makes
you wonder,does anybody love hard rock anymore? Including
the band themselves. I am writing this review for the hope
that at least one person who reads this and does not know
the true essence of what made VH will find out. Please
whoever you are if your new to VH don't buy this,if you
really want the best of both worlds so to speak then I
recommend VAN HALEN,VAN HALEN 2,WOMAN AND CHILDREN FIRST
and FAIR WARNING,for Hagar I totally suggest the albums
MONTROSE,Sammy Hagar and STANDING HAMPTON. Although if you love broadway musicals and still
blowdry your hair then this is the heavymetal masterpiece
for you with such bone crushing classics like "JUMP" "RIGHT NOW"
and of course the very best for last "WHY CAN'T THIS BE LOVE"(c'mon
people shake your booty's clap your hands and repeat after me "It's
got what it takes") It boggles the mind to think people prefer 5150
over WOMAN AND CHILDREN FIRST??? C'mon everybody snap your fingers
"IT'S GOT WHAT IT TAKES"(P-EE-YUKE)

Good collection, decent packaging but cheasy liner notes, great mix up of songs, really the best of both worlds.......2007-02-07

I picked this collection about a year ago, and I played it again last night, and It really is a great collection. Best of Volume 1 was good, containing most of the radio hits, and the 2 new Diamond Dave songs, but this one gets their greatest radio hits and the radio staple songs such as poundcake, jamie's crying etc. It also features 2 new songs with Sammy as well, nice touch. Finally, it includes a couple of live songs from the sammy days as well of van halen classics, not bad, still not Dave on those songs. Sammy and Dave, I actually like both of the guys catalogs with the band, and in fact kinda prefer sammy. This collection covers them both though. I agree, the package notes were cheesy, mainly used to hype the new tour with sammy, and dave was not to find in the pictures. Finally, I think for completion sake they could have included a Gary Cherone song from van halen 3, at least "without you", But fans backlashed that album bad, so it's been swept under the rug for good. Oh well, this is the best one stop set for Van Halen songs, worth the money. It does lack "Ice Cream Man", I guess well have to wait for another collection to get that song included on it, I'll just have to get that album in the meantime.

complete best of.......2007-02-03

This greatest hits is better and more complete although the new hagar songs are not as good as the new david one on the other best of. Also of not I like the alternate ending on finsh what ya started better too. Awesome best of collection from an awesome band.

the ultimate ROCK ALBUM! .......2007-01-24

I was very young to really appreciate the in-s and outs of this band and the members between SAMMY, Roth and EVH! I honestly can consider myself a newbie to this time-tested rockers. I just downloaded this off of iTunes and i can tell u folks, every track is amazing! its like when Lars (Metallica) said once: "i was always amazed with G&R"...if i may borrow this line, i had always heard of the great EVH vs. Hagar vs Roth but honestly never appreciated this Guitar work before today! EVH is an amazing talent and it will continue to influence i am sure allot of new artists. My brother in Law was debating with us about Slash, Sammy, EVH, and Edge (U2), Clapton and apparently they all chose EVH. I didn't believe it till i heard it! EVH is an inspiration. Anyone interested even remotely in any of these guys in EVH's history, should get this album because it is truly harnesses from almost all the worlds EVH has been to and in!

Average customer rating:

Awesome
Mediocre and Unimaginative
My new favorite band
Blue Stone -- one of the best bands in electronica.
my space

Worlds Apart
Blue Stone
Manufacturer: Neurodisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000L22SWK
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

Set Adrift
Waters Flow
Lost Sun
Dreamcatcher
Voleti
Worlds Apart (Searching For You)
Envy
Take Flight
Far Away
Labyrinth Of Dreams
Tears
Event Horizon
Remember This
On The Wind
Circles
Flood

Amazon.com

Blue Stone are among the dozens of electronica pop groups that emerged in the wake of Enigma and Delerium. Like those projects, Blue Stone manage to be upbeat and moody, lush but chilled, deploying insistent looped grooves, seductive textures, and exotic touches of chant, world music tidbits, and breathy singers. And that's just the opening track of their second album, Worlds Apart. Blue Stone are the brainchild of Robert Smith, who produces a similar project called Bella Sonus, and Bill Walters. Their interlocked sequencers, echoing atmospheres, and rhythms that gurgle and shudder like virtual tribal insect drummers, are fronted by vocalist Sheyenne Rivers. She walks the erotic/ecstatic line like a hooker attaining nirvana, singing heavy-breathing songs of love and vague mysticism. Her helium-pitched Greek chorus on "Far Away" is definitely a new wrinkle in the formula. A couple of other singers, Samantha Sandlin and Maura Hurley, handle the faux operatic arias of tracks like "Envy," "Voleti," and "Take Flight." Some of them recall, perhaps a little too closely, the alien aria from The Fifth Element, and even Yanni's take on the famous Delibes aria. With glitchy effects and an absence of blanketing synth string pads, Blue Stone take a genre that has drifted into the middle of the road and put a bit of edge on it--but just a little bit. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-07-08

I was searching for something new and found Blue Stone. I purchased "World's Apart". Blue Stone's melodies are ethereal and haunting at times (in a wonderful way). Some have compared them to Enigma which implies that they copied Enigma's style... totally wrong! Blue Stone's style is original and imaginative. The vocals and musicianship are beautiful. I am beyond enthralled and have ordered "Breathe" and I'm looking for their new one - "Beauty". I know I won't be disappointed!

Mediocre and Unimaginative.......2007-06-26

Very boring. Bland new age techno without any redeeming qualities. An appropriate place for this to be played would be in an elevator or perhaps convalescence home.

My new favorite band.......2007-06-07

I was looking for music similar to delerium and enigma on Amazon and stumbled across this album. The sample songs intrigued me, so I gambled and bought the album. Wow! I am so gald I did! This album has grabbed me from the first play. It haunts me with songs in my mind, at night, during the day, making me hunger to hear them all over again. I just can't get tired of it. There is a lovely mix between instrumentals and vocals. Lyrics are haunting and suggestive of much deeper meaning. A real pleasure to listen to with the headphones!

Blue Stone -- one of the best bands in electronica........2007-05-24

I love their first album, "breathe". I bought this one without thinking and I am very happy with it. Just as I expected, Blue Stone did another wonderful job here.

my space.......2007-05-13

i found this cd to be perfect for chilling in my own space, and good to listen to on the way to work.

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds

Average customer rating:

War of the Worlds
Jeff Waynes War of the Worlds
One of a kind!
Good stuff never fades away
Did I say RECORD PLAYER?

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds
Jeff Wayne
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The War of the Worlds (Special Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B0009MAPUO
Release Date: 2005-07-05

Tracks:

The Eve Of War
Horsell Common And The Heat Ray
The Artilleryman And The Fighting Machine
Forever Autumn
Thunder Child

Tracks:

The Red Weed (Part 1)
The Spirit Of Man
The Red Weed (Part 2)
Artilleryman (Part 2)
Brave New World
Dead London
Epilogue (Part 1)
Epilogue (Part 2) (Nasa)

Amazon.com

In hindsight, it seems almost incredible: 27 years ago, a young musician named Jeff Wayne (who at the time primarily wrote music for commercials) fell in love with H.G. Wells' much-loved book The War of the Worlds, and decided to make a musical version of it. Star Wars had just put people's minds into outer space, musical theatre was hugely successful, and long, anthemic orchestral prog-rock was all the rage. Wayne was inspired by all these elements and decided to gather together his peers and make a musical-mixed-with-spoken-word album, with the script taken directly from the famous book. This was by no means a soundtrack to a movie; in fact, all of the visuals were to come straight from the listener's minds (hard to imagine in today's video-oriented world.) The two-LP set featured Sir Richard Burton as frontman, along with some of the leaders of the progressive rock world who joined in on the fun. Moody Blues' Justin Hayward, "Rock On" vocalist David Essex and Thin Lizzy lead Philip Lynott each did more than sing on the record, they took a part in the musical play, performing key roles alongside the aforementioned dramatist Burton.

Amazingly, the eccentric project was a massive success, selling over 13 million copies and staying on the U.K. charts for over 260 weeks straight. DJs and bands--including the Orbital and Todd Terry--still use WOTW samples to inspire their own works. Unquestionably, the genesis of electronica can (in part) be mapped back to the War of the Worlds' use of sound experimentation and synthesized grooves.

The re-released double CD got a revamping both on an auditory and visual front: on the sonic side, the collection is now a remastered disc, mixed both in stereo and 5.1 surround sound. On the cosmetic side, the collection is now a six-panel digipack, with 48 pages of lyrics, biographies, and a handful of paintings from the original artwork. The music comes as a pair of Super Audio CDs (SACDs), a technology that will play both in standard and SACD players, the latter receiving up to four more times the sonic information for superior sound quality. --Denise Sheppard

Album Description

Original double album re-packaged into deluxe 6 panel digi-pak. Includes:
* 2 Hybrid SACDs - The original double album remixed in stereo and multi-channel 5.1 surround sound from the original 48 track master tapes by Jeff Wayne.
* Expanded 48 page full color booklet with new artwork, sleeve notes and content

Customer Reviews:

War of the Worlds.......2007-02-17

My father used to listen to this a lot when I was a kid. I final found this and it is as great as I remember...

Jeff Waynes War of the Worlds.......2007-01-04

I am trying to replace my 80's cassettes with dvd's. This s a very inexpensive way of doing this. You guys got a ton more titles that=n the local music store chains. Keep up the good work. My older brother purchased this musical on a 2 record album. It sounded great on a record player, but it sounds even better in this format. Thanx again

One of a kind!.......2006-12-31

Jeff Wayne's "The War of the Worlds" is truly a unique undertaking (a two-hour rock album based on an H.G. Wells novel? who would think of such a thing?)--and a remarkably successful one. Steering almost entirely clear of special effects, Wayne uses recurring musical elements to tell his story--the ominous chords of the main theme; the driving bass rhythm which we first hear at the start of "The Heat Ray"; the eerie Martian whistle which makes a final, unexpected appearance in the Epilogue--with great effectiveness. Sure, this is a 1976 recording, and the wokka-wokka disco sound of the era makes occasional appearances--but overall, this recording has aged remarkably well. Wayne clearly has mastery of all musical genres. My only complaint would be that the second disc isn't quite as inspired as the first--too much atmosphere and not enough action for my taste. Nonetheless, a 5-star album.

Good stuff never fades away.......2006-12-21

I bought the 2 LP set of this back when it first came out, after hearing a snippet of it on the radio. Simply put, it stands on its own against ANYTHING written, or recorded since, in any popular/rock music arena. I just found out how popular it has become, which is very cool. I was right 25 years ago........ ;-)

Did I say RECORD PLAYER?.......2006-08-06

I have the original LP records (remember those?) of this production. I loved it then but had tired of having to drag out an antique record player to enjoy Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds.

Enter CD's! This is a great experience for those of us who own the original. The ease of CD's makes this production enjoyable again! I also recommend it for everyone else who has never heard it before.

Average customer rating:

Austerity and beauty all mesh on "The Nine Worlds".
Ambience Spectacular!
Pretty nice music, a little bit short of Enigma.
If you liked Enigma's "Cross of Changes"...
Austere Ethereal Beauty

The Nine Worlds
Achillea
Manufacturer: Sequoia Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009XT87Y
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Tracks:

Achillea - Prelude
Ragnarok - Twilight of the Gods
Odins Hill
The Monks of Lindisfarne
Cape Porcupine
The Seeress Prophecy (Daydreaming)
Land of the Elves
Shears from Scar
The Nine Worlds
Staraja Ladoga
Othila - The Rune Masters
Achillea - Exodus

Album Description

From the co-creator of ENIGMA !

Highly acclaimed co-producer and guitarist of the multi-platinum group Enigma, Jens Gad brings you a spellbinding downtempo musical odyssey into the ancient mythology of his Scandinavian homeland. He is joined by the entrancing classical vocals of Helene Horlyck, to co-create a sophisticated and hypnotic chill-out journey through "The Nine Worlds" of archaic legend. At once stirring and calming, entertaining yet relaxing, Achillea achieves a vibrantly new and hauntingly beautiful musical vision that artfully blends evocative ambient New Age atmospheres with European dance club electronica. Achillea elegantly weaves the mystery of ancient myth - a world of seers, elves, and rune masters, into a lush, richly layered sonic landscape with velvety melodies of delicately bluesy guitar playing, slow sensuous grooves and silky smooth vocals sung in Latin and ancient Swedish. Both intimate and cinematic, this uniquely transcendent masterpiece is full of deep beauty and mysterious wonder that will nourish your soul.

"Achillea is the new project for producer/guitarist Jens Gad, co-producer, co-writer and one of the central creative forces behind popular group Enigma (alongside Michael Cretu). For his first solo project, Gad presents an atmospheric album of tunes themed after Danish myth. Enigma fans should definitely take note, as there are many common denominators between both groups: the same laid-back "Enigma-style" beats, Gregorian chant, whispery vocals and Gad's signature electric guitar. Achillea differs by offering an album steeped in dreamy ambience. This album slower paced and more ethereal, making it better suited for the mind than the dance floor. Adding to the appeal is the wispy, sensual vocals of singer Helene Horlyck, who sings on many of the tracks. Serene, slightly trippy and sure to bring on a bout of Enigma nostalgia, this is a must for worldbeat/chill music fans." - Music Design In Review

Customer Reviews:

Austerity and beauty all mesh on "The Nine Worlds"........2007-02-11

I was entranced by the debut release by artist Achillea. To my peasant surprise, I leanred that it is also a side project of Enigma's guitarist and in terms of side-projects, Achillea is almost as good as Enigma.

The debut album has a similar trademark to Enigma's album but the tracks stand out altogether with beauties like "Odin's Hill", "The Garden if Lisfaraine" and "Seeres Prophecy". Overall, "The Nine Worlds" is almost like a sequel to Enigma's third album from more than a decade ago.

This is highly recommended.

Ambience Spectacular!.......2006-11-27

I am a big fan of early Enigma and having found a first solo release by co-producer of Enigma's Jens Gad, I decided to purchase this release from Amazon.com. Jens is a superb handler of the guitar and it was a pleasure to hear his contributions on Enigma especially on 'Cross Of Changes' and the song 'Turn Around'. But it is good and fitting to see his first solo album be released, and whilst there is alot of similarity with Enigma, he brings to his album a more reflective, softer ambient driven sound that is both spiritual and refreshing. It is a nice chill-out album.

'Achilles' provides sweet and sensual beats with gregorian chants, soft guitar rifts, and a ethno-flavoured landscape. It should be noted that both Jens and his singer Helene are danish and this album is fashioned after numerous Danish folklore. Therefore you expect Danish lyrics and you do get a mixture of Latin and Danish with some English mixed in. All in all the mix is beautifully orchestrated and well-done.

The 12 tracks on this albums offers the listener pure music bliss, and it will take you on a journey that is much needed and is soul nourishing. There is no need to go through each track. This album will mean different things to all people who listen to it. Open your mind, have a open opinion and enjoy. I have and still do.

Pretty nice music, a little bit short of Enigma........2006-11-22

It's quite nice, althought definitely not an Enigma, the female voice is beautiful, but quite monotonous all across most of the songs. Still a good addition to one's New Age sound collection.

If you liked Enigma's "Cross of Changes"..........2006-11-14

Only now that I've heard The Nine Worlds do I appreciate how significant Jens Gad's influence was on the sound of Cross of Changes-era Enigma. The guitar style from that album's "I Love You, I'll Kill You" permeates, but never dominates this album, and I love it. The synth-based writing and arrangement styles are familiar as well. The title track, "The Nine Worlds," is something of a sonic "missing link" between the two albums, with a touch of chant, tablas, and a guitar sound one step closer to "I Love You, I'll Kill You" than the rest of this album.

The first Achillea song I heard was "Cape Porcupine". It remains my favorite song from the album, and is representative of what you'll hear throughout The Nine Worlds. Helene Horlyck's vocal stylings are featured on over half of the album's tracks, and she shares writing credits on those. Her high end is somewhat breathy, and has a piercing edge that frustrates my appreciation of her contributions, but the lower end of her range is beautifully smooth. "Othila - The Rune Masters" is a welcome exception, which I can only attribute to its guest writer/producer, John Tonks.

The Nine Worlds is a great listen for a bit, but there isn't enough variety to make it a really great album. I'm perfectly happy to listen to the whole thing passively, but when I'm listening actively, I typically only get through the first five or six songs ("Odin's Hill" is a highlight I never skip) before changing CDs. I would expect your affinity for The Cross of Changes to be a good indicator of how much you'll like The Nine Worlds.

Austere Ethereal Beauty.......2006-08-30

This album needs a few listens to allow its true beauty to unfold.
If you are after the lush percussive sensory smorgasboard of Enigma , you will be disappointed.

Put aside your preconceptions and open your mind to the pure spare instrumental arrangements accompanied beautifully by Helene Horlyks sublime ethereal vocals . Everything is pared back to a delightful minimalism that sometimes sounds so spacious that the songs seem otherworldly.

Definitely a match to the other great works of Delerium, Enigma , Amethystium etc

Average customer rating:

THIS is the correct version!
Great Music, But The Running Order Should Have Been Left Alone
What Europe Knew....
My Favorite
Thier best selling cd ever

Worlds Apart
Saga
Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Behaviour

ASIN: B00006RYCE
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Tracks:

On The Loose
Times Up
Wind Him Up
Amnesia
Framed
The Interview
No Regrets (Chapter 5)
Conversations
No Stranger (Chapter 8)
Wind Him Up (Video Track) (Bonus)

Album Description

Saga's breakthrough album in North America from 1981 produced by Rupert Hine. Featuring Jim Gilmour on keyboards. Remastered 2003 version includes the video bonus track 'Wind Him Up'. Steamhammer.

Customer Reviews:

THIS is the correct version!.......2006-02-27

[...] This newly remastered version preserves the ORIGINAL 1981 song order (as well as the original cover art). I remember when this album was released in the U.S. in 1982. The American record company screwed it up big time by putting the stupid "lady's face" cover on it and changing the position of "Times Up". I was SO happy when I found out that the new CD was going to be released the right way, NOT like the crappy '82 U.S. version! Hooray for Saga and hooray for this GENUINE, CORRECT version of Worlds Apart!!!

Great Music, But The Running Order Should Have Been Left Alone.......2006-02-13

The remastered version of WORLDS APART, Saga's debut album, is great, but people who say that it improves on the original should be seen and not heard. That's because the running order has been tampered with- "Time's Up" being placed BEFORE "Wind Him Up", "Amnesia", and "Framed"- thus diluting the storyline and making it harder to understand the original album's cautionary message that led to me hanging up pictures of alluring actresses as a deterrent to self-indulgent behavior. On the original, "Time's Up" was the fifth song, which was a more effective placement as far as telling the story the album was trying to relate, whereas here, it's the second song, which is a much less effective position as far as the flow of the storyline is concerned. Steamhammer has done their usual sterling job of remastering the music, but, unfortunately, they toyed with the running order, which should have been left alone. The version whose cautionary message helped me look good enough to get flirted with at the mall last year was the original 1981 Epic release, which is still available, not this bastardized version. That situation proves the old saying is true that if it isn't broken, don't fix it.

What Europe Knew...........2005-03-22

Few casual fans of Saga knew that they were actually a Canadian based band. While this keyboard dominated high-energy rock outfit played to thousands at the Olympic Stadium in Munich, they were more of an afterthought in North America. "Worlds Apart" was the peak of the bands popularity in the United States, with "On The Loose" reaching the top 40 and gaining regular rotation on MTV. The followup single "Wind Him Up", did not fare as well, although classic rockers in Canada such as CHEZ 106 (Ottawa) and CHOM 97.7 (Montreal) still occasionally play it.
The band sound is heavily dominated by syntheziers, as lead singer Michael Sadler, Jim Gilmour, and bassist Jim Crichton all take turns on the keyboards. Very gifted musically, the bands signature sound is the guitar-keyboard synchopated solos. Always on the cutting edge of technology, the recording was done in digital format, and features a heavy dose of PPGs and Moogs. "Worlds Apart" is no doubt their finest hour, and is perhaps their only substantial mark on North American audiences.

My Favorite.......2003-07-21

Bought Worlds Apart initially in the cassette format. I wore the darn thing out I played it so much. So in the mid to late eighies when I got my first cd player Worlds Apart was one of the first three cds I bought. It to this day is my favorite musical recording by any artist.

Purchased the remaster version a couple months back and the sound quality is superb.

You probably remember On The Loose and Wind Him Up if you are reading this review. And if you have not yet bought this cd SHAME ON YOU.

If you don't own any other Saga recordings this is the one to get you started. It was there fourth release, and they are still doing it to this day. Lost track of how many cds they actually have.

My favorite tracks are about all of them. No weak ones. But I would say after On The Loose and Wind Him Up I probably like Amnesia best. It was the third single off the LP. If you haven't seen the video you must get Saga's dvd. All videos are included (minus Only Time Will Tell of Wildest Dreams) and that will definitely give you a great overview of all of Saga's music.

But while we are on this cd, go out and get it. Also included on the remastered cd is the video for Wind Him Up - a very nice bonus. Enjoy!

Thier best selling cd ever.......2003-05-23

This was Saga's big splash. Here it is remastered. It has the two songs played most on the USA radio on it On the Loose and Wind Him Up. The track order is slightly different from the other version I have of it. Time's Up is in the second slot insteade of Wind Him Up. The remastering allows it to be cranked a little louder than previous versions. The weakest song on it is Amensia but it still is a pretty good song. All in an excellent effort. The video for Wind Him Up was shot live in Montreal in 1984. I still think Silent Knight is their best cd.

Average customer rating:

unexpected fun
Pablo at their best
Awesome.
pablo cruise worlds away.
The Pablo Peak

Worlds Away
Pablo Cruise
Manufacturer: A&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Place in the Sun
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ASIN: B000002GAS
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Worlds Away
Love Will Find A Way
Family Man
Runnin'
Don't Want To Live Without It
You're Out To Lose
Always Be Together
Sailing To Paradise
I Go to Rio

Customer Reviews:

unexpected fun.......2007-06-21

After doing what I thought was a very good job searching for every rock artist from the 70's, I somehow completely missed Pablo Cruise. I thought I'd never heard of them until "Love Will Find a Way" came on. A VERY popular song that one was. You will recognize it.

Anyway, Worlds Away gives me mixed feelings. Well, for the most part I have nothing but good things to say about it. The title song rules. A fast-paced emotional rocker. You've heard similar songs from the 70's from many artists. Good way to open things. "Family Man" is more or less written the same way. I love it. "Runnin" features GREAT guitar and piano playing.

The second side is not so great, though. The first two songs ("Don't Want to Live Without It" and "You're Out to Lose") sound like attempts for commercial hits. "Always Together" is a respectable ballad. I think the highlight of the entire album is a song called "Sailing to Paradise" which reminds me of Jefferson Starship, and the lead singer sounds like David Bowie too, strangely enough. "I Go to Rio" is just a good song. I can't explain it any better.

Overall, these guys are good songwriters, but even better at jamming on the piano and electric guitar.

Pablo at their best.......2007-06-11

As far as any single album of this band goes, this album blew them all away.It's as other folks have said , not a bad cut on the CD. Bruce Days vocals with David Jenkins make Family man a Beatles bonanza. World's Away has the drive and groove that make you want to jump up and say WOW!!! Plus I Go To Rio makes the last song on the Cd a perfect place to start again on the first song. It's their complete album and after this one they sunk to the lure of disco , this is the album to buy for a perfect package !!

Awesome........2007-02-23

I bought this CD for my dad as a late birthday present. I've listened to it several times and the music is great! I listen to it over and over! There aren't many songs but the CD is worth it!

pablo cruise worlds away........2007-01-05

this cd as far as i am concerned has the most underrated love ballard of all times. always be together is to myself, by far, the best love ballard of all times. listen to the words and music you will understand what i mean. along with worlds away a nice rock tune along with the hits,love will find a way, don't want to live without it,i go to rio this cd has great music. i have always enjoyed pablo cruise, and this cd especially. on nights, when you want to spend time relaxing to good music with your better half, this cd is a nice one to listen to play always be together at the right moment and enjoy .

The Pablo Peak.......2003-05-21

It's always nice to hear a good band when they hit their peak. For Pablo Cruise, this was it. Several other LPs, before and since, had a few nice moments. "Worlds Away," however, is worlds above their other efforts.

The theme of Pablo was always island/beach related, and their music found its niche within the pop/rock genre. They were able to take the Beach Boys motif into a late '70s/early '80s sensibility, much like Jimmy Buffett had done a few years earlier. There is a blend of upbeat happy sounds ("Worlds Away," "Love Will Find a Way," "Don't Want to Live Without It," "I Go to Rio"), more intense riffs ("Runnin'"), and pleasant mellow sounds ("Always Be Together," "Sailing to Paradise").

Tracks:

The Breeze And I (Andalucia)
Chant To The Night
Canadian Sunset
Street Scene
I Get A Kick Out Of You
Primavera
Street Of Dreams
La Mantilla
One For My Baby (And More For The Road)
Dancing In The Dark
Snowfall
Travelin'

Customer Reviews:

I get a kick out of you........2006-01-19

This was Esquivel's "sequel" to Other Worlds, Other Sounds. After his breakup with RCA Records, he recorded this album for Reprise Records. It opens with the bombastic "The Breeze and I", which is one of the best things he ever recorded. The rest of the album features typical Esquivel. Eccentric arrangements, "zoo zoo zoo" singing chorus, weird instrumentation. You know, all that cool stuff. This is an essential album for Esquivel fans.

I think this is his best.......2004-05-27

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.......2002-01-18

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.......2001-10-05

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.

Esquivel Genuis.......2001-10-04

After four years of recording for RCA, Esquivel's popularity was still high, and yet, his contract was not renewed. So, he signed on to the Sinatra owned label, Reprise. This album has many cuts that have been used on commercials, news specials and television shows. His arrangement of "I Get A Kick Out Of You" is so original, that you'll be playing it over and over again and attempt to analyze his method of orchestration. The only other piano version that can top Esquivel in this song is Nat King Cole. Cole's version is available on the album "The Piano Style of Nat King Cole." Another great album, worthy of owning. Although the playing time on this album is short, every tune is a model of unique arranging and stunning orchestral arranging. If you are new to Esquivel, this is a great album in which to get started This one is intended as a sequel to his RCA release, Other Worlds, Other Sounds, but the fact that is not as eccentric as some of his other releases, make this an easy album to new comers to the great Esquivel. A great album.

Average customer rating:

The most underrated album in the Allmans' catalog...
Great Comeback Album
One of their Best
***3/4 - good but a little unvaried
Their best '90s album

Shades of Two Worlds
The Allman Brothers Band
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Seven Turns
Where It All Begins
Enlightened Rogues
Win, Lose or Draw
Instant Live: Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek

ASIN: B0000027RT
Release Date: 1991-07-02

Tracks:

End Of The Line
Bad Rain
Nobody Knows
Desert Blues
Get On With Your Life
Midnight Man
Kind Of Bird
Come On In My Kitchen

Customer Reviews:

The most underrated album in the Allmans' catalog..........2007-06-19

In talking with my amazon friends Finulanu and Ol' nuff n' den sum we are amazed that this album, The Allman Brothers Band's follow up to Seven Turns, is out of print. It's just as good as Seven Turns, and in many ways better, as the playing on it is much more intense. Here, Gregg Allman really shines, not only vocally, but as a songwriter (co-writing the great End of the Line and sole writer on Get On With Your Life). His keyboard work is very good, too. Johnny Neel played keyboards on Seven Turns, while Gregg stayed on organ. Here, he does all the keyboard work for the first time since Duane was in the band. The song Nobody Knows is one of the Allman's greatest songs, a killer epic track (running nearly 11 minutes) with great vocals by Gregg, amazing guitar work by Dickey Betts and Warren Hayes, and some amazing percussion by Jaimoe and Butch Trucks. Despite the lengthy running time on many of these songs, they are remarkably tight, and show that the Allmans know how to jam and jam intensely. They never wander around like the Dead (at least in concert) and Phish would do.

This album needs to be back in print, now! If Seven Turns and Where It All Begins are in print, why not this?

Great Comeback Album.......2007-01-25

I don't have any of the Allmans late 70's or 80's output. The band broke up for a time, but found themselves back in 1991 with a revamped lineup that included Warren Haynes sharing the guitar duties with Dickey Bets and Allen Woody appearing on bass. This is a very strong album. Lyrically I think it is one of the band's best. The first two tracks "End Of The Line" and "Bad Rain" are both great tunes. The third track "Nobody Knows" ranks right up with the Allman's best with great lyrics and a killer jam that clocks in at over 10 minutes. Warren Haynes makes his presence known on this track. "Desert Blues" comes next and is another great song. The rest of the album is also good with the instrumental "Kind Of A Bird" standing out and the closer a cover of Robert Johnson's "Come In My Kitchen" sounding as good if not better than the original. I can't remember if this was the Allmans first comeback album after the breakup or not, but it was certainly a return to form after some of the band's mediocre late 70's and 80's efforts.

One of their Best.......2006-07-19

This is one of the ABs best albums of all time and it is a crime that it is out of print. Many of the songs are covered on live albums, but some are not including the great instrumental "Kind of Bird". Great songs from beginning to end and an excellent recording.

***3/4 - good but a little unvaried.......2004-08-04

I had heard (well, read) nothing but good things about this hard-to-find 1991 album, the follow-up to the band's excellent 1990 comeback "Seven Turns".
So I expected a lot, but I was a little disappointed at first. "Shades Of Two Worlds" opens with a good, tough rocker, "End Of The Line", and ends with an excellent rendition of Robert Johnson's acoustic country blues "Come On In My Kitchen", but most of what is in between is a little bit unvaried. Almost all of these songs come from the same mold, and "Shades of Two Worlds" doesn't quite have the character of "Seven Turns" or 2003's "Hittin' The Note". And besides, almost all the best songs are on 1992's live "An Evening With The Allman Brothers Band"!

But "Shades" has grown on me. The truly memorable riffs, hooks, and solos are few and far between, but second-rate Allman Brothers is still better than most bands' best efforts. And there is a lot of good stuff here...the slow burner "Get On With Your Life" and the muscular blues-rock of "Desert Blues", "Bad Rain" and "Nobody Knows" is certainly worth a listen, and while "Shades" isn't the most extraordinary thing the Allmans have ever put out, it will grow on you too if you give it some time. Fans will certainly find it well worth their time - if they can get their hands on a copy, that is.

Their best '90s album.......2003-08-01

Shades of Two Worlds is the best album the Allman Brothers Band would release in the '90s and is among their best work. Their previous album Seven Turns was their comeback album and is very good. But Shades of Two Worlds has a stronger set of songs and is a more diverse collection.

Dickey Betts writes most of the tracks on this album, contributing his strongest set of songs since the Brothers and Sisters album. Tracks such as "Bad Rain", "Desert Blues", and the epic "Nobody Knows" are all strong tracks. "Nobody Knows" may be their best track of the '90s, featuring some of Gregg Allman's best vocals and Butch Trucks' and Jaimoe's best drumming ever on a studio track. Dickey Betts and Warren Haynes' guitar playing on this track is also very impressive. The instrumental "Kind Of Bird" is also very strong, more owed to jazz since any instrumental they've recorded since "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed."

Gregg Allman only co-writes two tracks here, but they're both very strong. "Get On With Your Life" is an excellent slow blues that the band has always excelled at. The introspective "End Of The Line" is the album's most well-known track and is among their best recent work. The band also do a cover of Robert Johnson's "Come On In My Kitchen" which is a pleasant surprise. Allman's vocal over Haynes' steel guitar intro and the gospel tinged background vocals help make this song all their own. The only misstep on the album is the track "Midnight Man", which while decent, pales in comparison to the rest of the album. I'd give this album 4 1/2 stars if available. This is a great album which will appeal to all Allman Brothers Band fans. Inexplicably, this album is now out of print. This should be remastered and released once again as this is one of the band's 5 best studio albums.

Best of Both Worlds; Yoga Chant Kirtan Music

Average customer rating:

Chant to Travel
Best of Both Worlds truly is a fine blend of traditional Indian chants and modern recording
Amazingly beautiful. Nice change of pace from other kirtan
GREAT CD!!!
Exquisitely Beautiful

Best of Both Worlds; Yoga Chant Kirtan Music
Ragani
Manufacturer: Prosperity Matters, LLC
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dakshina
All One

ASIN: B00022W3XI
Release Date: 2003-05-01

Tracks:

Akhanda Prayer
Ganapati
Om Mata
Shiva Hara
Sita Ram
Rama Rama

Album Description

A classic kirtan (yoga chant) music CD, featuring world instruments in rhythm and sound and a large chorus from Milwaukee's ongoing Kirtan with Ragani event. Based upon the sacred kirtan (yoga chant) music of India, this CD was released as a tribute to Sri Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Proceeds from CD sales will support the charitable hospital in the foothills of northern India and nonprofit organizations established by Swami Rama.

Customer Reviews:

Chant to Travel.......2007-03-09

I first heard this CD when my friend Wendy brought it during a visit to Oregon. We chanted the whole way to the Bonneville Spa and Hotsprings. I liked it so much I borrowed it for a week and finally got my own. Ragani has the most lovely voice and the instrumentals are fulland luscious.
Thank you Ragani!

Best of Both Worlds truly is a fine blend of traditional Indian chants and modern recording .......2006-06-25

What immediately strikes me about this recording is Ragani's sincere devotion to her guru and to the divine. This is evidenced in the opening mantra, the Akhanda Prayer, a beautiful prayer to the Guru. Though I am not a musician, each chant on this CD seems to me to be well recorded and more importantly these chants are infused with Ragani's sincerity as a bhakta. I feel as though I am listening to a seasoned yogini when I listen to this fine collection of chants.
Especially appealing to me about these chants is the shift from a slow repetition of the Name to an accelerated and ecstatic repetition. The gradual acceleration has the effect of locking my mind's attention onto the mantra so that by the time the chant ends, my mind is subdued and I experience the peace brought about by the chant. In other words, when the chant is moving very quickly, there is less room for thoughts (other than the Name) to creep in. By the time the chant speeds up the Name takes hold and my mind begins to settle down. My particular favorites are Sita Ram and Shiva Hara. Whereas Sita Ram is intense, by contrast Shiva Hara is light and uplifting. In addition, the chants on this CD are all in call in response style which makes participation in the chants very easy.

Amazingly beautiful. Nice change of pace from other kirtan .......2005-02-01

I thought no other kirtan style music could even compare to Krishna Das (whom I love dearly), but Ragani's voice is so beautiful. This CD is enchanting so much so that I cannot seem to tire of listening.

GREAT CD!!!.......2005-01-10

Great CD!!! I play it everyday commute to work. Would highly recommend it to anyone looking for Kirtan music.

Exquisitely Beautiful.......2004-11-28

This is one of the best New Age/Kirtan CDs of recent years. The final track, "Rama Rama" is one of the most achingly beautiful songs I've ever heard. It's as if you're listening to Sita, the legendary heroine of the epic Ramayana, actually calling for her husband Rama, who's half a world away. Ragani is one of the most inspired artists in the new genre of Western kirtan music. I play this CD often.

Average customer rating:

Kool & The Gang Get The Funk Out
Light of Worlds...
Finally found the haunting Summer Madness
Ultra Funky
Kool & The Gang On A Higher Plane!

Light of Worlds
Kool & the Gang
Manufacturer: Island / Mercury
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Wild and Peaceful
Hollywood Swinging
Look out for #1
The Best of Kool & the Gang 1969-1976
Right on Time

ASIN: B000001EKE
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

Street Corner Symphony
Fruitman
Rhyme Tyme People
Light Of Worlds
Whiting H. & G.
You Don't Have To Change
Higher Plane
Summer Madness
Here After

Customer Reviews:

Kool & The Gang Get The Funk Out.......2007-02-28

A good five years or so before Kool & The Gang brought onboard singer James "JT" Taylor and became a non-stop hit-making machine for most of the 80's, they were still very much a jammin', funk & R&B collective who leaned more on their instrumental prowess than on their vocal abilities. What's more, they weren't afraid to go into experimental jams that could even be categorized as "art rock," thanks to their use of that good 'ol art-rock instrument, the mellotron, the keyboard that could simulate a full string orchestra at the press of a key. Kool & The Gang's 1974 album "Light Of Worlds" is definitely an R&B masterpiece. The undeniable high point of the album is the timeless, classic instrumental "Summer Madness," a mesmerizing soundscape that sees the band jamming for four glorious minutes, spearheaded by that signature synthesizer passage that goes higher and higher and higher still into the heavens. It's also been widely sampled or covered over the years (most notably by Will Smith, aka the Fresh Prince, for his hit song "Summertime"), so you know this track is an undisputed classic. But there's more to "Light Of Worlds" than just "Summer Madness." "Fruitman" is a fun song about eating right, the title song is uplifting & spiritual, and the group also get the funk out on such winners as "Street Corner Symphony" "Higher Plane," and the sparkling instrumental "Whiting H & G," which has it's own share of heavenly sounds & textures. Granted, I dig the later "Celebration" Kool & The Gang just fine. They made a lot of catchy, groovy tunes during the 80's, and the skillful, soulful voice of JT Taylor was a very welcome addition to the band. But the original Kool & The Gang made awesome, jammin' music too, and I want to hear more. "Light Of Worlds" is a brilliant album, with some of the best funk & R&B that I've ever heard, and it's a great place to start your K&G collection with. I guarantee you will be amazed by this early treasure from Kool & The Gang, "Summer Madness" and all.

Light of Worlds..........2006-10-14

It was the fall of 1974, I was a junior in high school, and I owned no music at that time. My mother frowned upon me listening to that type of "sound" at the time.

Well, I gotta tell ya, I heard "Light of Worlds/Rhyme Time People" on AM radio and my mind was blown away by the sound I heard.

I didn't buy it.

Next, I heard "Light of Worlds/Summer Madness" on AM radio and flipped out, but still,

I didn't buy it.

Finally, I heard "Light of Worlds/Higher Plane" on AM radio.

Right then and there, I decided that my mom was just going to have to "kick my behind." I marched down to VIP Records on Crenshaw Blvd. (between Adams Blvd. and 28th Street - for the curious), paid my $3.88 and proudly took the wax home.

I walked through the door, and guess who was waiting for me? Yep, my mother. I stood there and waited for the fireworks to start, but to my surprise and relief - she said absolutely nothing. But, she gave me that "look" that all moms (and dads) can give kids when they are sorely displeased.

I sat the LP in front of the Family Stereo. It was the first album that I ever owned, and I was in heaven everytime I played it. 32 years later, whenever I hear any of the music from the album (or "Summertime" by Will Smith, who sampled and up-tempoed it for his rhymes), I think of that day when I brought "Light of Worlds" home. Kool & the Gang, thank you for the memories (and the music). I'd give you 10 stars if I could, but I'll settle for the five that Amazon offers!!

Five stars!!

P.S., The second album I ever owned was "That's the Way of the World" by Earth, Wind and Fire!!

Finally found the haunting Summer Madness.......2006-08-11

For many years I heard this beautiful instrumental song, but couldn't find the name of it. I heard it in the beginning of the original Rocky and thought maybe it was on the soundtrack.

When I ended up purchasing Will Smith's Greatest Hits, I knew the song Summertime borrowed a rift from this song. I finally found out it was called Summer Madness by Kool & the Gang, which led me to the Light of Worlds CD.

To my delight, the entire CD was fantastic. But finally being able to find the song Summer Madness was the icing on the cake. It's just as beautiful now as when I first heard it. It's great to have on the car CD player when the sun is setting after a hot Summer day.

I highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves sophisticated jazz.

Ultra Funky.......2006-04-17

If you are true funk fan then you must have this album in your collection. This is Kool & the Gang at their best. I think Summer Madness was hot, but other cuts on that album are sizzling hot. If you know anything about black lights, and velvet panther posters and other's (you know what I mean), you know the cuts we listened to under the lights. Pick it up if you don't own this piece of funk history I know you are going to love it.
Keep Funk Alive

Kool & The Gang On A Higher Plane!.......2004-09-09

Musically this has to be one of Kool & The Gang's strongest
overall peformances as a band!On "Street Corner Symphony","Rhyme
Tyme People" and "Higher Plane" the band stretch out into some
kind of unreachably funky place-blasting horns and all!On
"Fruitman" and "Whiting H & G" they look to a more vintage soul
direction saddled with meaningful lyrics (the former nodding to vegetarianism) while "Summer Madness" is simply unbelievable,as
is the brilliant title song-building to a climax of funky spirituality.This is a deep record-not only in terms of the music
but the lyrical content and maintains a strong connection to the
person on the street-speaking to K&TG's ever evolving ability to
communicate with it's audiance.
If this album has one minor flaw it's that of every
single pre JT Taylor Kool set released-the band members are very
weak as vocal soloists and only seem to work well in ensamble
situations,which is what they often do.But that little gaffe aside 'Light Of Worlds' is an essencial part of what writer
Ricky Vincent refers to as the 'united funk era',when bands could
both produce popular songs that had alot of meaning.And I don't
think the genre of funk,fusion or soul in general has had as much
bubbling under the surface since these times.Hard to believe it's
true-this is a gold nugget of an era showerd with them!

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