Up Close

up close

Track Listings
1. Kailee Ann
2. Love Is Like...
3. Thinking About You
4. Hopefulness
5. Love So Strong
6. Changes
7. All I Want
8. You Won't See
9. She Dreams
10. Believes Again
11. Is This Love I'm Feeling?
12. Missing You Now
13. Bonus Tracks [#][*]
14. In on Me [#][*]
15. King's Highway [*]
16. You Were the One [#][*]
17. Love Is Like... [Version 2][#][*]
18. That's Alright by Me [*]
19. It's Over [#][*]

Up Close,Michael Carpenter,Laughing Outlaw,Guitar,Indie Pop,Pop Underground,Rock/Pop,Up Close combines the best of Michael Carpenter's first two CDs, Baby and Hopefulness - plus seven bonus tracks.

Up Close
Music for a Darkened Theatre, Vol. 1: Film & Television Music
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great compilation - and that's just the first half.
  • The best of Elfman!!!
  • Great Collection, A LIttle Too Eclectic
  • What Great Music
  • super
 Music for a Darkened Theatre, Vol. 1: Film & Television Music

Manufacturer: Fontana Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Music for a Darkened Theatre, Vol. 2: Film & Television Music
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  5. Beetlejuice: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

ASIN: B000002OEB
Release Date: 1990-10-15

Tracks:

  1. Excerpts From: Pee Wee's Big Adventure
  2. Excerpts From: Batman
  3. Excerpts From: Dick Tracy
  4. Excerpts From: Beetlejuice
  5. Excerpts From: Nightbreed
  6. Excerpts From: Darkman
  7. Excerpts From: Back To School
  8. Excerpts From: Midnight Run
  9. Excerpts From: Wisdom
  10. Excerpts From: Hot To Trot
  11. Excerpts From: Big Top Pee Wee
  12. Excerpts From: The Simpsons
  13. Excerpts From: Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Jar
  14. Excerpts From: Tales From The Crypt
  15. Excerpts From: Face Like A Frog
  16. Excerpts From: Forbidden Zone
  17. Excerpts From: Scrooged

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Great compilation - and that's just the first half........2005-09-14

I first got this on cassette in the summer of '94 and listened to it every day, drawn by its thematic range and compositional depth. And that was just side-one.

Elfman pioneered the sound that drives today's movie adaptations of comic-books and darker-themed children's stories. Side-One kicks things off with a rollicking, hyper-cartoonish theme from the first Pee-Wee movie - the one where Pee-Wee searches for his beloved bike. Elfman's theme contains layers of different rides - on tightropes, highways, in the middle of a NASCAR rally - which rudely yet melodically crash into each other.

The Batman entry actually contains several pieces - the opening credits, the extended sequence in the cathedral and the climax - which show Batman's darkened extreme at its "Frank Miller" best. (Dir. Tim Burton couldn't sustain the mood in the next sequel, and the franchise took a turn towards the camp of the TV series with the next 2 movies.)

The theme for "Dick Tracy" is perhaps the most romantic on this disc, a quality that surpasses the theme's comic-book origins, but ends on an ironic note that's pure Elfman.

"Beetlejuice" (opening & closing credits) gives Elfman's childish ID a chance to stretch its legs, or in this case, slam-dance.

"Nightbreed" is an enigma wrapped in a dark mystery, and that's just Elfman's score. Elfman's work on this movie is as good as the movie wasn't, having a more powerful narrative than the script - easily the best track on the entire disc, one likely to exceed the movie in its dose of chills.

"Darkman" doesn't quite rise to the occasion, though the score may be hobbled by the movie itself, which seldom surpassed one of the many "Batman" clones of the early 1990's. "Darkman" (the movie, I mean) excelled as a parody of many comicbook staples (the wronged hero, the relentless villain, the scientific breakthrough with just one flaw), but not enough to escape being largely anonymous. Within those constraints, it's still a moving if scary piece.

When is Elfman not like Elfman? When he was in the mid-late `80's and scored "Back to School" (A Rodney Dangerfield vehicle) and "Midnight Run". Horns in "School" bring it closer to Elfman's over-the-top style, while "Run" sounds like a love-theme for the run-down, out-of-the-way parts of America that seldom appear in Elfman-movies. "Run" is a fun score for a fun movie - it's nothing like Elfman's previous work but it perfectly captures the on-the-road-without-a-map craziness of the movie.

To this day, I don't know why I never ventured to Side-two, but it's irrelevant. Even half this disc is worth it

5 out of 5 stars The best of Elfman!!!.......2005-09-05

I was obsessed about getting this CD right from when I heard about it. I found it at the library and was so excited about it, and it didn't let me down. In fact, it was a lot better than I expected. It's a fun and creepy (strange mix, but it really works!) collection of Danny Elfman's film and television soundtracks. The first track, Pee Wee's Big Adventure, is probably my favorite. Also, I really like Batman and Wisdom. Batman is creepy and dark, and Wisdom is just weird, in the best possible way.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes film music, or everyone who is even the tiniest bit an Elfman fan. It's amazing!

4 out of 5 stars Great Collection, A LIttle Too Eclectic.......2003-08-19

You should be able to tell from the movies and TV shows listed here whether or not you'd be interested in this collection. It's a little too eclectic for my tastes (hence only 4 stars) but better than volume 2. I think thatthe miscellaneous collected ites here along with the previously unreleased stuff should make this worth buying. Especially if you're a fan of Elfman's movie soundtrack work.

5 out of 5 stars What Great Music.......2003-05-11

I fell in love with the music of Danny Elfman when Beetlejuice came out. There was something different about the music that he made. When Edward Scissorhands, and then Nightmare Before Christmas - I knew this man was a musical master. Its the verbal form of surrealism.

5 out of 5 stars super.......2003-04-17

What a great CD. Danny's music is so original and inventive. this CD contains his pre 90's quirky, gothic music. it's all very well written and beautifully orchestrated. batman and darkman contain some really excellent long, dark, gothic cues that really take u away from reality. in my opinion no one, apart from howard shore, is as inventive and original as danny in the world of filmmusic. he far surpasses the repetitive works of williams or horner. buy this, and volume two, and keep supporting one of the greatest film composers of all time.ohh...and buy fellowship of the ring and two towers by howard shore....amazing work!
Coming up Close: A Retrospective
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A look at Aimee Mann's early years ...
  • Aimee Mann at her best
  • Should have been five stars...
  • Close but not quite
  • Great Pipes
 Coming up Close: A Retrospective
'Til Tuesday
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Everything's Different Now
  2. Welcome Home
  3. Voices Carry
  4. I'm With Stupid
  5. Whatever

ASIN: B000002AE0
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

  1. Love In A Vacuum
  2. Voices Carry (Single Mix)
  3. You Know The Rest
  4. No One Is Watching You Now
  5. On Sunday
  6. Coming Up Close
  7. Will She Just Fall Down
  8. David Denies
  9. What About Love
  10. Why Must I
  11. The Other End (Of The Telescope)
  12. J For Jules
  13. (Believed You Were) Lucky
  14. Limits To Love
  15. Long Gone Buddy
  16. Do It Again

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A look at Aimee Mann's early years ..........2005-04-26

Yes, a good chunk of the material here is very '80s, but it's all excellent. Despite the somewhat dated recordings, the songs pulse with Mann's thoughtfulness, intrigue and a touch of seething anger. Two of 'til tuesday's three hits are on this CD, which is great, but I am scratching my head at why "Looking Over My Shoulder" was left out. What a GREAT song! And it was a hit! Its omission baffles me. With that song, this would have been a five-star CD, but it's still pretty darn fabulous. If you are an Aimee Mann fan, this CD is definitely up your alley, my friend.

5 out of 5 stars Aimee Mann at her best.......2004-05-02

Vaguely remembering a few songs from the band, I bought this as a curiousity, sort of liked it upon listening, and then it grew on me. This collection of songs from 'Til Tuesday's first 3 cd's is an excellent compilation of thoroughly listenable music, featuring Aimee Mann's beautiful voice and knowing lyrics in melodic compositions of synthesized musical sounds. There is something that just works about the flow of tracks in this compilation (which is a rare phenomenon of greatest hits records). Standouts are the resounding "No One Is Watching You Now", the upbeat syncopations of "On Sunday," and the sentimental favorite "Coming Up Close", though this entire cd has a wealth of original vintage 1980's pop sounds, that haven't lost their touch or appeal, suggesting a certain timelessness in the songwriting and production. It's good road trip music, or even for studying. Simply a great cd.

4 out of 5 stars Should have been five stars..........2003-08-29

Simply put...it is an awesome CD and a must for any Aimee Mann/Til Tuesday fan. The only reason I did not give it five stars is because the record company masterminds who put it together failed to include "Looking Over My Shoulder" (from the "Voices Carry" CD). I would love to know who decides what tracks to put on these "greatest hits" collections because they ALWAYS seem to forget an obvious choice or two!!!

4 out of 5 stars Close but not quite.......2003-07-02

Exactly who is it that decides what songs to put on this kind of complilation? I think that there is a deliberate effort made not to put all of the really good songs on any complilation. If they did then there would be no need to pick up the individual CD's.

I was aware that there were at least two songs I would have loved to have on this CD. There are a bunch of other songs that I've never heard of, some of which are okay and some of which are skippers. There is one song I could do without, "Love in a Vacumn" but since it is the first song it is easily skipped.

Bottom line is that if I had it to do over again I'd pick up the individual CD's and make my own best of CD.

5 out of 5 stars Great Pipes.......2003-06-27

Aimee Mann has great pipes and this album shows it. Crank it up and play the first three songs. The song "Voices Carry" really made the band famous, leading to much airplay on beaches. The last half of the album is not up to the same level (although I would have chosen other songs), which is to be expected for most greatest-hits albums. This does a nice job of portraying typical songs during the 80s-90s era.
Two Classic Album from The Kingston Trio: Close-Up/College Concert
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Trio rocks!
  • Albums That Continued The KT Legend
  • Extremely well done folk albums, they're surprisingly funny! This is great entertainment!
  • A pair of Classics
  • Trio Terrific
 Two Classic Album from The Kingston Trio: Close-Up/College Concert
The Kingston Trio
Manufacturer: Collector's Choice
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. The Kingston Trio at Large/Here We Go Again!
  2. The Kingston Trio/...From the "Hungry i"
  3. Sold Out/String Along
  4. Make Way/Goin' Places
  5. New Frontier/Time to Think

ASIN: B00003W0XE
Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

  1. Coming From The Mountains
  2. Oh, Sail Away
  3. Take Her Out Of Pity
  4. Don't You Weep, Mary
  5. Whistling Gypsy
  6. O Ken Karanga
  7. Jesse James
  8. Glorious Kingdom
  9. When My Love Was Here
  10. Karu
  11. Weeping Willow
  12. Reuben James
  13. This Little Light
  14. Coplas Revisited
  15. Chilly Winds
  16. Oh, Miss Mary
  17. Laredo?
  18. O Ken Karanga
  19. Young Roddey M'Corley
  20. M.T.A.
  21. 500 Miles
  22. The Ballad Of The Shape Of Things
  23. Where Have All The Flowers Gone?
  24. Goin' Away For To Leave You

Product Description

1. Coming From The Mountains
2. Oh, Sail Away
3. Take Her Out of Pity
4. Don't You Weep, Mary
5. Whistling Gypsy
6. O Ken Karanga
7. Jesse James
8. Glorious Kingdom
9. When My Love Was Here
10. Karu
11. Weeping Willow
12. Reuben James
13. This Little Light
14. Coplas Revisited
15. Chilly Winds
16. Oh, Miss Mary
17. Laredo
18. O Ken Karanga
19. Young Roddy McCarley
20. M.T.A.
21. 500 Miles
22. Ballad Of The Shape Of Things, The
23. Where Have All The Flowers Gone
24. Goin' Away For To Leave You


Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Trio rocks! .......2006-11-24

This is another great 2fer from Collector's Choice. I like both of them very much, with a special nod going to College Concert. Recorded in 1962, it shows the Trio sounded pretty much the same as they did in the studio. Their energy is incredible, and the sincerity is unsurpassed. They could kick Green Day's butt anyday. The version of MTA is better than the studio cut, Little Light is wonderful, and I really like The Ballad of the Shape of Things. It's a really funny, unique song, with some very subtle comedy. There's a ton of really genuine, funny dialogue between the boys that doesn't seem forced. Close Up is pretty damn good, too. It was John Stewart's first album with the Trio (you can see him nowadays on The Daily Show on Comedy Central), and it is filled with great songs. Coming from the Mountain, Don't You Weep Mary, Reuben James, Karu, ah, hell, they're all fantastic! Every song is magnificent. Buy this one along with New Frontier/Time to Think, and everything else by the Trio.

4 out of 5 stars Albums That Continued The KT Legend .......2006-07-29

KT fans will immediately recognize these two albums released following the departure of Dave Guard and his replacement by John Stewart in 1961. Close-Up (1961) departed from previous KT albums with only one novelty cut and introduced John as a writer of more reflective songs for the Trio. It produced no singles that charted, but it is underrated in the quality of these studio performances, and its release certainly kept KT fans happy. College Concert (1963) is true classic KT. Recorded live at UCLA, the concert includes a haunting version of Pete Seeger's "Where Have All The Flowers Gone," as well as a mix of songs and repartee that demonstrates why this group was so popular during the contemporary folk era. This CD is faithful to the original vinyl recordings and in stereo as well; remember monaural? The liner reproduces the back covers of both albums, but nothing more.

Not a KT fan already? If you're over 50, these albums should bring back some pleasant memories even if you didn't follow the group. However, you might be more familiar with some of the earlier KT albums with Dave Guard available as double CDs through Collector's Choice, particularly At Large/Here We Go Again!, or Capitol's Collectors Series CD - The Kingston Trio with all 17 KT singles that charted. If you're under 50, these guys reflect a more innocent time in popular music, and they could really sing and play. These two albums could make you a KT fan!


5 out of 5 stars Extremely well done folk albums, they're surprisingly funny! This is great entertainment!.......2006-01-08

Like most of you, if you've even heard of The Kingston Trio, you've probably only heard their most famous songs "Tom Dooley" or "M.T.A." (that was the case for me too). I bought these albums because my dad LOVED The Kingston Trio when he was a young boy (he still has most of their vinyl records), and boy was I in for a surprise when I heard this! There are three great things about this group: the singers (Nick Reynolds, Bob Shane & John Stewart) are great, every song is catchy and interesting, and the albums are very funny! This last thing especially caught me by surprise. I always thought that the Trio was a serious folk group, but, especially on College Concert, they crack several jokes which are definitely not dated at all (this album came out a long time ago). If you're looking for a good folk album with a lot of heart, you can't go wrong with The Kingston Trio (or at least this collection). Having two albums in one makes it twice as better! Highly recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album!

4 out of 5 stars A pair of Classics.......2005-10-23

Two classic recordings from the golden age of folk music.The Version of MTA in the consert section is a gem , and my personal fav.

5 out of 5 stars Trio Terrific.......2005-08-26

If you loved the Trio in the late 50's & 60's you'll love em again.
Up Close and Alone
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • For Burton Cummings fans, a must-have .....
  • Just couldn't listen to it....
  • the voice, the player, the setting
 Up Close and Alone
Burton Cummings
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Dream of a Child
  2. Burton Cummings
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ASIN: B000006XXR
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

  1. Albert Flasher
  2. Timeless Love
  3. Stand Tall
  4. Sour Suite
  5. Break It To Them Gently
  6. Laughing
  7. Undun
  8. Clap For The Wolfman
  9. I Will Play A Rhapsody
  10. Share The Land
  11. Gordon Lightfoot Does Maggie May
  12. You Saved My Soul
  13. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature
  14. Ferry Cross The Mersey
  15. Take One Away
  16. I'm Scared
  17. Dream Of A Child
  18. These Eyes/Goodnight Everybody

Album Description

1996 MCA release, a live solo album from the veteran Guess Who keyboardist recorded in December, 1995 at the Glenn Gould Theater in Toronto. 18 tracks, including many of his hits with the Guess Who, like 'Laughing', 'Undun', 'Clap ForThe Wolfman', 'Share The Land', 'No Sugar Tonight/ New Mother Nature' and 'These Eyes/ Goodnight Everybody'.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars For Burton Cummings fans, a must-have ............2007-05-22

This CD is the next best thing to taking in a live show of Burton and his piano. Yeah, the sound is a little distant, but it's still wonderful to own and enjoy this "up close and personal" side of Burton Cummings in the 90s. The pictures in the booklet are worth the price of admission for any true BC fan.

2 out of 5 stars Just couldn't listen to it...........2007-03-20

I was excited when this album first came out, but didn't keep it for long. For some reason, the iconic Canadian singer/songwriter/pianist was going through a phase with so many annoying vocal ticks -- throwing in ya ya's on songs, etc. -- that it ruined the experience, especially as there is no music besides his piano work to distract you.
Indeed, when "Runnin' Back Thru Canada", the double CD live reunion album by Burton's band The Guess Who, came out a few years ago I hesitated to buy it for this very reason. But relax; the strange vocal mannerisms were gone and that package is brilliant. I'd buy it over Up Close and Alone.

5 out of 5 stars the voice, the player, the setting.......2002-08-10

Here's a good idea, invite one of rocks most interesting and polished singers/pianists and have him perform in a wonderful hall for a small crowd and record the show as if everybody was over at Burton's house for a cookout. Bring your own Yukon Gold and you're all set. The recording is warm and EQed so all of BC's voice inflections and "soul" comes through and you can here how good a singer and player Burton still is. Being a long time fan and a professional musician myself it was refreshing hearing the music in a way that reflects how these songs sounded as Burton first wrote them or learned them. I love the "record", The Rod stewert Maggie Mae tune is almost worth the price of the disc by itself.
Elvis: Close Up
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A box set too far
  • Few Surprises in Latest Elvis Collection
  • It's Hit and Miss
  • "I LOVE ELVIS PRESLEY"!
  • Elvis 101: Intermediate
 Elvis: Close Up
Elvis Presley
Manufacturer: Bmg / Elvis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Today, Tomorrow & Forever
  2. Live in Las Vegas
  3. Platinum: A Life in Music
  4. That's the Way It Is
  5. From Nashville To Memphis: The Essential 60's Masters

ASIN: B00009V93Z
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

  1. (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me)
  2. I Beg of You
  3. That's When Your Heartaches Begin
  4. It's No Secret
  5. Blueberry Hill
  6. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
  7. Is It So Strange
  8. Loving You (fast version - take 5)
  9. Loving You (fast version - take 15)
  10. Jailhouse Rock
  11. Treat Me Nice (first movie version)
  12. Young and Beautiful (record master)
  13. Young and Beautiful (solo master)
  14. Young and Beautiful (nightclub master)
  15. I Want to Be Free (movie version)
  16. I Want to Be Free (record master)
  17. Treat Me Nice (second movie version)
  18. Don't Leave Me Now (Elvis piano version)
  19. Don't Leave Me Now (movie version)
  20. (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care

Tracks:

  1. G.I. Blues
  2. Doin' the Best I Can
  3. Wooden Heart
  4. Pocketful of Rainbows
  5. Shoppin' Around
  6. Frankfort Special
  7. Big Boots (fast version)
  8. Tonight's All Right for Love
  9. Summer Kisses, Winter Tears
  10. Flaming Star
  11. Lonely Man (solo version)
  12. In My Way
  13. Forget Me Never
  14. Wild in the Country
  15. Lonely Man
  16. I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell
  17. Aloha Oe
  18. Hawaiian Sunset
  19. Ku-U-I-Po
  20. No More
  21. Slicin' Sand
  22. Steppin' Out of Line
  23. Almost Always True
  24. Moonlight Swim
  25. Can't Help Falling in Love

Tracks:

  1. Make Me Know It
  2. Soldier Boy
  3. It Feels So Right
  4. The Girl of My Best Friend
  5. Surrender
  6. Working on the Building
  7. Starting Today
  8. Kiss Me Quick
  9. That's Someone You Never Forget
  10. (Marie's The Name) His Latest Flame
  11. I Met Her Today
  12. Night Rider
  13. Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello
  14. Echoes of Love
  15. Ask Me
  16. Stand by Me
  17. Somebody Bigger Than You and I
  18. Without Him
  19. Mine
  20. Singing Tree
  21. U.S. Male

Tracks:

  1. Also Sprach Zarathustra
  2. See See Rider
  3. Proud Mary
  4. Never Been to Spain
  5. You Gave Me a Mountain
  6. Until It's Time for You to Go
  7. Polk Salad Annie
  8. Love Me
  9. All Shook Up
  10. (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel
  11. Heartbreak Hotel
  12. Hound Dog
  13. How Great Thou Art
  14. I Can't Stop Loving You
  15. Love Me Tender
  16. Suspicious Minds
  17. Introductions
  18. For the Good Times
  19. Burning Love
  20. An American Trilogy
  21. Funny How Time Slips Away
  22. Can't Help Falling in Love
  23. Closing Vamp

Amazon.com

Critics compared the 2002 four-disc Today, Tomorrow & Forever to the Beatles Anthology series of evolving outtakes. That formula is repeated with less success this time around. Little here is preferable to the original Elvis-approved releases, bearing in mind that this was someone who recorded dozens of takes live in the studio until he got it right. Interestingly, the movie and Nashville discs actually trump the '50s disc of unreleased stereo masters from '57. "G.I. Blues," (a better version), "Flaming Star," stuff from Wild In the Country, and even selections from Blue Hawaii sound darn good all these years later, including a version of "Can't Help Falling in Love" that bridges the hit and film renditions. The Nashville disc starts with Elvis Is Back! outtakes, all at least listenable; "Soldier Boy" may be better than the official release. The gospel "Working on the Building" is a killer. "U.S. Male" pales mightily next to the single. And so on. Rounded out with a pretty standard 1972 live show, this provides some interesting tidbits for Elvis fanatics. Novices will be much better served elsewhere. --Bill Holdship

Album Description

Close up & real personal, 4-CD set-consisting of 89 tracks, all of 'em previously unreleased - zeroes in on several critical periods in The King's life & career. The first CD is pure gold, an unbelievable 19 unreleased stereo masters from Elvis' rise to fame in the '50s, including takes of 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Loving You', That's When Your Heartaches Begin', 'Treat Me Nice', 'Young & Beautiful', 'Don't Leave Me Now', 'Baby I Don't Care', 'Blueberry Hill', & more. CD two, meanwhile, examines the period when he took Hollywood by storm, featuring 25 unreleased alternate takes from the first four movies of his career, G.I. Blues, Blue Hawaii, Flaming Star & Wild in the Country. CD three takes us to the famous '60s Nashville sessions at Studio B, with outtakes from virtually every session, beginning with his first post-Army song, 'Make Me Know It', & ending with the last song recorded with the infamous Nashville A-Team, U.S.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars A box set too far.......2007-02-19

This set is along the same lines as the "Today, Tomorrow, and Forever" box set; collect a bunch of previously unreleased studio outtakes and live performances and put them out. While I thought "Today, Tomorrow, and Forever" was a worthwhile project, this one borders on being superfluous. I enjoyed the alternate takes of "I Beg of You" and "Treat Me Nice". I thought the most entertaining CD was the second one with the alternate takes from the GI Blues movie soundtrack, but I found the number of false starts in this set annoying. The live performance on the last CD is good, but not remarkable (otherwise it would have been released before).

There are a few tracks in this set that are interesting, but I am not sure it is enough to justify a box set. This is for hardcore Elvis fans only, even then if you have "Today, Tomorrow, and Forever" I'm not sure that this set really adds anything to your collection.

3 out of 5 stars Few Surprises in Latest Elvis Collection.......2006-11-02

Elvis Presley fans will find diminishing returns in yet another RCA box set. "Close Up" offers more outtakes from the 1950s and '60, but nothing revelatory except for the gospel classics. However, the previously unreleased 1972 concert is worth a listen, with memorable versions of "Burning Love" and "How Great Thou Art." Though a relatively good investment for under $20, it's not an essential purchase.

3 out of 5 stars It's Hit and Miss.......2005-06-30

I'm glad I only paid $27 for this box set at BMG Music Service,that's about all it's worth.The 1st 3 discs are just alternate versions of 50's and 60's songs.The 4th CD is a complete San Antonio concert from 1972 but the sound quality isn't up to par.I can see why RCA never released it on a album.TCB.

5 out of 5 stars "I LOVE ELVIS PRESLEY"!.......2003-10-08

I LOVE THE WAY ELVIS DID EACH & EVERYONE OF HIS MOVIES,RECORDINGS.HE WAS A WONDERFUL SINGER,& MUSICIAN,WRITER.I FEEL HE WAS A VERY SPIRITUAL SINGER,MAN,SON & HUSBAND,DAD.IT'S SO SAD HOW HE CHOSE TO DIE.HE'LL BE LOVED,REMEMBERED FOREVER BY ALL OF US WHO WERE RAISED ON HIS SONGS,MOVIES &,LISTENING TO ALL OF HIS SONGS.I WISH THOSE ELVIS FANS WHO CLAIM TO SEE HIM WOULD STOP & ALLOW HIM TO REST IN PEACE.LYING IS LYING,FANTASIZING IS CRAZY WHEN ONE GETS SO CARRIED AWAY THAT THEY ACTUALLY BELIEVE HE'S ALIVE.HE IS ALIVE IN HIS MUSIC,MOVIES,IN OUR HEARTS,& IN OUR MINDS.MY FAVORITES ARE "BLUE HAWAII","DADDY,PLEASE DON'T CRY",& HIS "G.I.BLUES" HITS,ALONG WITH HIS GOSPEL SONGS.BEING ABLE TO LISTEN TO HIS HITS ON THE COMPUTER IS WONDERFUL.HE WAS A MARVELOUS MAN,& SINGER.I'M SURE HE'S SINGING FOR OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,& HIS SON-JESUS,& ALL OF THEIR ANGELS.
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO EXPRESS MY OPINION OF THESE ELVIS HITS.TO BE AN ELVIS PRESLEY FAN,ADMIRER IS ONE GOOD THING TO BE,BUT NOT GO OVER BOARD.
LESLIE

4 out of 5 stars Elvis 101: Intermediate.......2003-09-11

Wow - how many takes did Elvis do? Hey, I dig most of what I've heard of these latecomers. On this package the must-hears on CD #1, "Stereo Masters From the '50s", are the long version of "Jailhouse Rock" (the original single version presented in binaural - terrible on headphones, with the unnatural separation); and the completely unissued "(You're So Sqare) Baby, I Don't Care", a much different vocal from the well-known classic, displaying his incredible vocal flexibility and imagination. With almost complete vocal isolation we hear Presley in the most intimate way possible on these "stereo" tracks - "Young And Beautiful" becomes the ultimate Elvis valentine.
From "Unreleased Movie Gems", all four of the ballads from "Wild In The Country", particularly the originally unused "Forget Me Never", are stunning. The new softer ballad style, developped by Elvis and Charlie Hodge in Europe, works perfectly here. "Moonlight Swim" from "Blue Hawaii" is another work of art - the Dean Martin feel is a little more to the fore.
CD# 3, "The Magic Of Nashville", highlights the gospel "Working On The Building" - although Elvis defers to his august complement, the effect is mesmerizing, from the beautiful lone guitar introduction to the conclusion. "That's Someone You Never Forget" is magical alright: this impressive personal statement should be heard by all Music Appreciation students. First heard as a '62 album cut, then a '67 flipside, it got kind of lost. It seems that Grammy Awards at the time related only to full albums or A-sides. (Maybe in '03/'04 a new category can apply to this miraculous performance). The '66 gospel song "Somebody Bigger Than You And I" is splendidly mixed - the blend of Elvis' solemn low voice with the singers and musicians is an example for all engineers. The heart ballad "Mine" has a classical touch and Elvis does a fine job, but the middle-section lacks somethings and the song never reaches an emotional peak. This take is close to the first released take. It's one of many from the movie period which I feel warranted later reworking.
"Live In Texas 1972", apparently from the "Elvis On Tour" movie shows, has just two standouts - a "Burning Love" that *burns* and an astonishing "American Trilogy". It appears that this is the same effort also filmed which captures devastated patrons expressing their excitement and interest. Presley was so powerful on stage that a non-romantic theme could also provoke sustained screams.
A bold offer such as "Close Up" can also reveal certain artistic dilemmas. On the previously mentioned title tune from "Wild In The County" Elvis attempts the middle-eight a la Mario Lanza and he nails it...but then his breath gives out. Or he and others in attendance realize that this approach would be problematic on this soft statement. The recorded result is the less satsifying gentle falsetto which does not really support the song title with the word "wild". Big El went for many big notes in his career and it's too bad he didn't go back and try again. There's a few more items which make us wonder why he didn't apply his full voice to the number. The Adult Contemporary/Beat Ballad if-you-will "Just Tell Her Jim Said Hello" is certainly melodious but another case-in-point: the vocal bridge would have been more effective with dramatic fortisimo. Perhaps the leap from quiet in the verse to loud in the vocal bridge would have been awkward but if you refer to several takes of "Surrender" (a very strong rendition found here) you wonder why he chose to croon so often during this period. Ofcourse it still is a notable B-side.
Terrific notes and rare photos are included. "Elvis: Close Up". In the words of his buddy Tom Jones..."Get 'Closer'": RCA/BMG, keep 'em comin'!
Up Close & Personal
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Up Close & Personal
    vicki genfan
    Manufacturer: harrmonic touch records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD
    ASIN: B000OEBC7M

    Product Description

    new factory sealed. incl. 2 bonus video plus the making of up close & pe3rsonal
    BeBe Live and Up Close
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Mind blowing!!!!!!!!
    • I Love It.
    • If I could give it 6 stars I would...
    • Listen or watch this almost everyday
    • BEBE AT HIS BEST!!!
    		 BeBe Live and Up Close
    BeBe Winans
    Manufacturer: Motown
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    Live RecordingsLive Recordings | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Dream
    2. Love & Freedom
    3. BeBe Winans
    4. Relationships
    5. My Christmas Prayer

    ASIN: B000062X8Z
    Release Date: 2002-03-05

    Tracks:

    1. Do You Know Him
    2. Amazing Grace
    3. Love & Freedom
    4. I Believe
    5. Love Thing
    6. I Fell In Love With God/This Song
    7. I Wanna Be (with Margaret Bell Byars)
    8. Heaven/Meantime/Celebrate New Life/Lost Without You (with Debra Winans
    9. Thank You For Being You
    10. It All Comes Down To Love
    11. Humpty Dumpty
    12. Lay Them Down
    13. Born For This - Stephanie Mills

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Mind blowing!!!!!!!!.......2003-10-12

    I saw bebe live in Bermuda it was an awesome performance
    and this cd captures the essence of the show
    truly amazing he steals the show here like he did in Bermuda

    5 out of 5 stars I Love It........2003-03-05

    The rythym, the beat... This is a great CD. His choice of words and what to add to this CD were incredible. He is a great song-writer. I like the Medly he sang with Debbie, and "I Wanna Be". Those are great songs.

    5 out of 5 stars If I could give it 6 stars I would..........2003-02-24

    WOW, really, WOW, Bebe has really outdone himself this time with this, his third solo album, a live concert featuring old and new hits with amazing studio tracks. The live portion of the album, recorded Monday, November 19th, 2001 for a taping at the BET Studios in Washington, DC that originally aired in February of 2002 is amazing, pure, unadulterated BeBe at his best, soulfully singing and working the crowd. The live performance features "Love Thing", a song about the miraculous birth of his daughter, Miya Destiny Winans born in August of '95, this song was omitted from his debut solo album. A few songs omitted from the album though shown on the program and quite possibly the DVD are the hits "In Harm's Way", "Thank You", "Jesus, Children Of America" with Byron Cage, and "Coming Back Home" with Juan Winans. Eventhough, I miss these songs, he more than makes up for them with the new content.
    The album starts of in the studio with "Do You Know Him" a hot new midtempo joint, produced by Warryn Campbell. Then, the live portion of the album starts off with the basically traditional version of the hymn "Amazing Grace", then a rousing performance of title track from his last album "Love & Freedom". Then "I Believe" a beautiful and exciting song, then the aforementioned, "Love Thing" and the new "I Fell In Love With God" with a little bit of my jam "This Song" at the end. Margaret Bell Byars joins BeBe at the mic with the international hit "I Wanna Be The Only One", taking the recording a bit higher. Then there's the absolutely amazing "Medley" which features the old Bebe & CeCe hits "Heaven", "Meantime", "Celebrate New Life", and "Lost Without You", a song which many naysayers back in '89 said was an R&B song, BeBe puts death to that rumor by saying that the love of Jesus is what the song is talking about, he also "gospelled" the song up at the end. Eventhough CeCe couldn't make it to the recording [she was on tour at the time] he called on one of the Winans "spare children", their baby sister, Debra Winans Lowe, to sing all of CeCe's parts. She did a wonderful job!
    The concert continues with the praise song"Thank You For Being You", a really good, happy song and then the phenomenal "It All Comes Down To Love", a look at the church as well as the secular world that talks about everything from drag queens to televangelists. It offers the true message of it's title. Then to end the concert is the beautiful "Humpty Dumpty", a beautiful spiritual spin to the nursery rhyme as well as others, a profound song. The the smooth, "Lay Them Down", takes us back to studio with another joint produed by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell. To end the whole album is the rousing and beautiful solo, "Born For This" performed entirely by Stephanie Mills. Like I said, this album is amazing, the best I've heard so far this year. A classic.

    5 out of 5 stars Listen or watch this almost everyday.......2002-11-30

    I bought this DVD and album many months ago. Probably listen to it a couple of times a week. It literally helped me out of that "midnight hour" that BeBe speaks of. It's beautiful, Debbie Winans is amazing and the musicians look and sound like they have a wonderful "thing" going on.

    5 out of 5 stars BEBE AT HIS BEST!!!.......2002-06-30

    I was very impressed with this album, contrary to some opinions , it has a great blend of new material and some of BeBe's classic songs performed with CeCe all of which are wonderfully arranged and produced. From the opening studio track "Do you know him" (pay special attention to the background vocals by Kayla Parker) the jazzy live rendition of the classic "Amazing Grace" to the wonderful duet with baby sister Debbie on the "Medley" which showcases Debbie's wonderful vocal talents (hope to see a solo album from Debbie in the very near future). The album also includes new material like the upbeat "Thank you for being you" and "I Believe". The live portion is performed at the BET Studios in Washington DC, the setting is nice and relaxed and the band and vocalists backing up BeBe are very talented.
    BeBe is one of gospel music's greatest singers and songwriters and this album once again shows why he is one of the most recognized and sought after artists in the music industry today. He continues to inspire and break new ground in Gospel music and music period, which is refreshing as well as much needed.

    ...
    Up Close & Personal: Original Score Album
    Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    • Newman captures what's important.
    • Just a few sound cues
    • Up close and personal-score soundtrack review
    		 Up Close & Personal: Original Score Album
    Thomas Newman
    Manufacturer: Hollywood Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    1990s1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Erin Brockovich: Motion Picture Soundtrack
    2. The War
    3. Up Close & Personal
    4. Pay It Forward
    5. In the Bedroom

    ASIN: B000000OFJ
    Release Date: 1996-02-27

    Tracks:

    1. Miss Sierra Logger
    2. A Week Eight Days
    3. Uprise
    4. Vulgar Innuendo
    5. Hong Kong Mambo - Tito Puente
    6. Up Close
    7. Moral High Ground
    8. So Much Cherry Piecrust
    9. Cafe - Eddie Palmieri
    10. Sun & Moon
    11. Los Locos
    12. Upwind
    13. Cellblock C
    14. Philly Rebound
    15. No Justice
    16. Bonefish
    17. She Knows Now

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Newman captures what's important........2001-06-07

    Thomas Newman's score for "Up Close and Personal" captures everything that is needed for such a romantic movie: the emotion. To call the movie a romantic comedy is to shortchange it: it's so much more than that, and the music plays a large part in bringing out that heartfelt emotion and feeling that the story breathes. With sweeping moments of score that practically scream tears, Newman gets everything in place, every emotion down, every feeling within each new chord and flow. This, along with his work on "The Green Mile," is definitely worth a listen.

    2 out of 5 stars Just a few sound cues.......2000-10-22

    I love Thomas Newman's work. This music may have worked in the movie, but not as a soundtrack CD. The cues are short, and once you've listened to three tracks on the CD you've heard them all. If you have his Welcome Home Roxy Carmichael CD and the American Beauty ST you don't really need this one. Only for the most diehard soundtrack collectors.

    3 out of 5 stars Up close and personal-score soundtrack review.......2000-01-13

    This was an easy listening cd, with some very stimulating music. It is one that leaves you thinking where in the film the music was, as the titles of each piece do not lead to the place in the film. It is not one that contains songs, so do not buy it thinking it does. Overall, it is an enjoyable cd for anyone, wether thay have seen the film or not. Buy it, you will grow to love it!
    Up Close and Alone
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Just couldn't listen to it
    • Burton Cummings is Great
    • Exactly what I ordered
    • a master at work
    • Strained
    		 Up Close and Alone
    Burton Cummings
    Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Burton Cummings
    2. Collection
    3. Live at the Paramount
    4. My Own Way to Rock
    5. Dream of a Child

    ASIN: B000005KPR
    Release Date: 1997-08-26

    Tracks:

    1. Albert Flasher
    2. Timeless Love
    3. Stand Tall
    4. Sour Suite
    5. Break It To Them Gently
    6. Laughing
    7. Undun
    8. Clap For The Wolfman
    9. I Will Play A Rhapsody
    10. Share The Land
    11. Gordon Lightfoot Does Maggie May
    12. You Saved My Soul
    13. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature
    14. Ferry Cross The Mersey
    15. Take One Away
    16. I'm Scared
    17. Dream Of A Child
    18. These Eyes/Goodnight Everybody

    Customer Reviews:

    2 out of 5 stars Just couldn't listen to it.......2007-03-11

    I was excited when this album first came out, but didn't keep it for long. For some reason, the iconic Canadian singer/songwriter/pianist was going through a phase with so many annoying vocal ticks -- throwing in ya ya's on songs, etc. -- that it ruined the experience, especially as there is no music besides his piano work to distract you.
    Indeed, when "Runnin' Back Thru Canada", the double CD live reunion album by Burton's band The Guess Who, came out a few years ago I hesitated to buy it for this very reason. But relax; the strange vocal mannerisms were gone and that package is brilliant. I'd buy it over Up Close and Alone.

    5 out of 5 stars Burton Cummings is Great.......2006-02-24

    Listening to Burton Cummings Up Close and Alone is awesome!! His wonderful voice has matured over the years and it just keeps getting better. Every song he did with just his piano was almost better than with the band. Any Burton Cummings fan should be very pleased with this CD.

    5 out of 5 stars Exactly what I ordered.......2005-09-30

    What more can I say? It was exactly as described, and arrived in a timely manner. Thank you.

    5 out of 5 stars a master at work.......2001-03-28

    Burton proves in this compilation that he truly is one of the best at the craft. The man has not had the stateside recognition that he deserves, and I hope he is still writing and willing to record. "Sour Suite" is alone worth the price of admission, a classic which most people have never had the pleasure of hearing. His body of work has "worn the years rather well," as he puts it himself, and his enduring songs contrast with much of the junk which passes for music today. The CD is not flawless; the sound is annoyingly "soft," as others have noted, and "Wolfman" could have been omitted (terrible song), but this is great entertainment. "These Eyes" brings me back to 1968 seeing the Guess Who perform live in North Dakota down the road from Winnipeg, just before they hit the big time. This is a "must-have" for the discriminating rock fan, a most pleasurable listen.

    3 out of 5 stars Strained.......2001-02-26

    Look, I love Burton as much as anyone, but here his voice just sounds strained. He struggles to hit the high notes. I know, I know, his voice was the best. Ever. Bar none. Unfortunately, here it seems it has diminished.
    Hurry Up This Way Again/Closer Than Close/1982
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Off the chain!
    • The Stylistics' three inexplicably underexposed PIR albums.
    • Overlooked philly-gems
    		 Hurry Up This Way Again/Closer Than Close/1982
    The Stylistics
    Manufacturer: Philadelphia
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
    Philly SoulPhilly Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
    Quiet StormQuiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music
    R&BR&B | Imports | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Fabulous
    2. Love Talk
    3. Rockin' Roll Baby
    4. Round 2
    5. Collection: A Matter of Style

    ASIN: B00081MVRQ
    Release Date: 1979-01-01

    Tracks:

    1. Driving Me Wild
    2. And I'll See You No More
    3. Found a Love You Couldn't Handle
    4. Maybe It's Love This Time
    5. Hurry Up This Way Again
    6. It Started Out
    7. I Have You, You Have Me
    8. Is There Something on Your Mind?
    9. What's Your Name?
    10. I've Got This Feeling
    11. Mine All Mine
    12. Habit

    Tracks:

    1. Searchin'
    2. It's Only Love
    3. Closer Than Close
    4. Almost There
    5. We Could Be Lovers
    6. United
    7. Call on You
    8. My Heart
    9. Always Something There to Remind Me
    10. You're Leaving
    11. Don't Come Telling Me Lies
    12. Lighten Up

    Album Description

    3-on-2 reissue from the UK label Edsel combines the group's 1980, 1981 & 1982 albums, recorded for Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff's Philadelphia International label. All the releases feature packaging containing expert annotation and photos. 2005.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Off the chain!.......2007-03-08

    This CD took me back to the good ole days. . .Man. . .I put it on and just smiled. . . .People Make the world go round! They just dont make songs like this anymore. Guys if ya read this. . . .Thank you so much for this music!
    You'll never get to heaven If you Break my heart. . . .I just loved it. . .
    I downloaded it right into my Ipod!

    5 out of 5 stars The Stylistics' three inexplicably underexposed PIR albums........2007-01-29

    This 2-CD set includes three albums which The Stylistics recorded for Philadelphia International Records from 1980-83. The group was desperately in need of a career revival back then and such PIR stalwarts as Thom Bell, Dexter Wansel, Cynthia Biggs, Sherman Marshall and even Gamble & Huff themselves gave the group some great songs--but commercial success was (sadly) not in the cards. This IS, however, great music which is eminently enjoyable and highly recommended to all Soul fans.

    4 out of 5 stars Overlooked philly-gems.......2006-07-24

    As it says in the booklet of this three(!)-disc compilation these three late 70 / early 80 records from The Stylistics are some of the most overlooked releases in all of the philly-soul catalogue.

    The sound found here is your typical late 70:ies slick and groovy soul (at times flirting with disco). What makes this record so interesting is that the material is not at all as cliché as other albums from this period can be, the songwriting comes of as fresh and creative and contain a lot of tracks that really have a unique feeling to them.

    If you're a fan of phillysoul or just late 70:ies soul than this compilation should not make you dissapointed. Personal favourites include "Call on you" and "It started out".

    Music:

    1. Verona Ep [CD-single] [Import]
    2. Very Best of David Hasselhoff
    3. We Are the Octagonists [Import]
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    Music

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