Magnetic

magnetic

Track Listings

1. Don't Worry (Star Song)

2. Half of You

3. Falling Again

4. Burning

5. For Once

6. She Said

7. Let It Go

8. Rain Song

9. To See You Cry

10. Just a Girl

11. Julia Cries

12. Good-Bye

Magnetic,Wakeland,Warner Bros / Wea,Alternative Pop/Rock,American Trad Rock,Popular Music,Rock

Magnetic

Average customer rating:

Half great
Don't Believe the Hype
Something new
2.5 stars to be precise
Your Turn To Be The Cool One

New Magnetic Wonder
The Apples in Stereo
Manufacturer: Simian Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
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ASIN: B000JRYO9C
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

Can You Feel It?
Skyway
Mellotron 1
Energy
Same Old Drag
Joanie Don't U Worry
Sunndal Song
Droplet
Play Tough
Sun Is Out
Non-Pythagorean Composition 1
Hello Lola
7 Stars
Mellotron 2
Sunday Sounds
Open Eyes
Crimson
Pre-Crimson
Vocoder Ba Ba
Radiation
Beautiful Machine Parts 1-2
Beautiful Machine Parts 3-4
My Pretend
Non-Pythagorean Composition 3

Amazon.com

After a five-year absence, Apples in Stereo have returned with a sprawling and lush masterpiece. Their founding principle of the DIY approach to recording has remained in place, but the nearly 15 years of technological progress has made such ways of working yield significantly more robust sounds. Robert Schneider's songs have always harked back to the pop artistry of Brian Wilson and Jeff Lynne, as well as such near contemporaries as Pavement. New Magnetic Wonder offers a more lush sweep of sound. It's varied, dazzling, and full of surprises. There's the keyboard-based pop of "Same Old Drag," the hypnotic muscle of "Sunndal Song" (sung by drummer Hilarie Sidney, who's recently departed to work with her own band), and the sprawling, four-part "Beautiful Machine." Depending on who's listening and what song they're hearing, there are many different ways to describe this band. Ultimately, they gently demand that you take them on their own terms, rewarding handsomely all those who make the glorious plunge. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Half great.......2007-04-21

Half of this CD is outstanding, the other half is just good. There are some songs that so obviously mimic the Beatles and ELO that you think there must be a joke in here you're missing. I don't mean just homages to these two bands...I mean, nearly direct rewrites of material from Magical Mystery Tour and Jeff Lynne's catalogue. I am reminded of XTC's side project (was it called Dukes of Stratosphere or something like that?) which also went out of its way to mimic. Having said that, a lot of it is quite enjoyable. When they're not aping Beatles/ELO, their other songs sound like a slightly poppier version of Pavement, and I like that sound. There's some great guitar work, good production, and catchy tunes throughout. And the reviewers who have complained about the short "interlude" songs seem to be completely missing the point. There's a reason they're called "interludes" and I think they add to the experience. Overall, this one is recommended, with some reservations about outright mimickry at times (sorry I mentioned "mimic" three times in this review, no obvious synonyms are coming to mind!!)

Don't Believe the Hype .......2007-04-17

Many reviews compare this CD to Beach Boys, ELO, XTC, Polyphonic Spree, Phil Spector Splendor...dont' believe the hype. I'm open minded beyond belief. Let's put it this way... I'm an album purchaser. I don't download one song from a cd...i have to have the entire album. The best thing about this CD is the cover. The CD often has good songs or instrumentals that last a minute in a half?! Apples in Stereo will always get good critic reviews but go try Of Montreal or ELO remasters instead. This cd is generic sounding and I really wanted to like it. Just check out the cool song titles and the awesome cover then, go listen to something else.

Something new.......2007-03-31

I was excited to hear something a bit modern and unpredictable. Yet I did not totally vibe on the entire cd. The songs that I do like are awesome! I am happy I bought it.

2.5 stars to be precise.......2007-03-28

The short instrumentals are the best songs on this album, why they didn't turn those into full length songs I'll never know, but they didn't.

Overindulgent and I just didn't get it.

Your Turn To Be The Cool One.......2007-03-15

This album is a pop masterpiece. If you like ELO, the Beach Boys, the Beatles, Oasis, all of them or one of them, then you owe yourself this succulent treat. The number of outstanding songs would make this album a greatest hits collection for other bands. The fabulous first single, "Energy", opens with an acoustic strumming "ala" the Beatles of Rubber Soul and then bounces into a full-band pop smiling gem, replete with gorgeous, shimmering choruses and wah-wah backing vocals. My favorite song, "Same Old Drag," opens with introductory piano chords - and then quickly - a little drum, a little bumping bass a little boogaloo rhythm guitar induce a pop song blessed with heavenly backing "bah, bah, bahs", a delicious mellotron solo, and transportive harmonies that pervade this album. There are too many great songs to describe, though I am particularly fond of the White Album like crunch of "Open Eyes", sung with the swagger of Liam Gallagher of Oasis, and the unbearable perfectness of power pop symphony "Seven Stars", whose self-absorbed object of desire we would love to meet because she seems like a beauty nonetheless (and the protagonist seems pretty damn interesting since he knows every constellation). I would also be remiss not to point out the two great tracks sung by Hilarie Sidney, who is no longer with the Apples. This album is so catchy it clearly would have ruled the airwaves in the 1960's pop-friendly radio. Despite the many influences the Apples are clearly giving props to, this record is entirely their own. It is that first terrific cherry of a Summer that has come early. I love this record. If you have not been turned on to New Magnetic Wonder by an Indy-smart friend, its your turn to be the cool one.

Average customer rating:

The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin
Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces
complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's
Ragtime Marvel
Complete, but poor quality

Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003QWN
Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

The Crush Collision March
Combination March
Harmony Club Waltz
Original Rags
Maple Leaf Rag
Swipesy Cakewalk
Reacherine Rag
Sunflower Slow Drag
The Augustan Club Waltz
The Easy Winners
Cleopha
A Breeze From Alabama
Elite Syncopations

Tracks:

The Entertainer
The Strenouous Life
March Majestic
Something Doing
Weaping Willow
Patr Leaf Rag
The Favorite
The Sycamore
The Cascades
The Chysanthemum
Bethena
Bink's Waltz
The Rosebud March

Tracks:

Leola
Eugenia
Antoinette
The Ragtime Dance
Searchlight Rag
Gladiolus Rag
Lily Queen
Rose Leaf Rag
Heliotrope Bouquet
The Nonpareil
Fig Leaf Rag
Sugarcane
Pineapple Rag

Tracks:

Wall Street Rag (1909)
Solace (1909)
Pleasant Moments (1909)
Country Club (1909)
Euphonic Moments (1909)
Paragon Rag (1909)
Stop-Time Rag (1910)
Felicity Rag (1911)
Scott Joplin's New Rag (1912)
Kismet Rag (1913)
Magnetic Rag (1914)
Reflection Rag (1917)
Silver Swan Rag (1917)

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin.......2007-06-08

John Arpin does a great job with these pieces. The songs carry a consistent sound and are played very close to as-written, which comes and goes with old ragtime pieces. The stamping on Stop-Time Rag doesn't have a consistent sound to it, can be a little distracting. Everything else is great, overall I think that it's a great buy, I'm very happy with it.

Another Performer Rewrites Joplin's Masterpieces.......2007-05-31

Once again, another performer feels the need to rewrite the music of the King of Ragtime. Scott Joplin spins in his grave each and every time this recording is played.

Again, to those who believe that concert music is meant to be rewritten by each and every performer I ask, is the same treatment also acceptable for Chopin's and Rachmaninoff's music? Would "Moonlight Sonata" sound better if played at twice the tempo and with a reprise of the first Adagio movement thrown in at the end? Obviously, the answer to these questions is a resounding NO!, so why does one of America's greatest composers get such disrespect?

Interpretation is an integral part of every performance. Adding one's own notes, phrases and chords where none should be is not. Randomly changing the structure of the piece is not. Playing a piece at twice the indicated tempo is not.

One the plus side, the depth of this collection is outstanding. Joplin's lesser known pieces like "Harmony Club Waltz" really shine. The recording is decent in quality, although a bit bassy in places.

While its been stated before, I feel its worth repeating: Buy Joshua Rifkin's performances of Joplin in order to hear how the Master intended his pieces to sound.

complete piano music of Scott Joplin on 4 CD's.......2007-02-14

Although all of the music is terrific it is rather a lot of a similar sound. I think I would have preferred 2 CD's of selected piano works of Scott Joplin. But I did get the music at a good price.

Ragtime Marvel.......2005-10-09

This collection of Scott Joplin's piano music is outstanding. As a lover of ragtime which was a prelude to jazz, I am thoroughly enjoying this collection. If you are not a lover of jazz, you may be a lover of ragtime. Jazz can sometimes be grating on the nerves, whereas ragtime lifts the spirit.

Complete, but poor quality.......2005-09-25

I have been learning some ragtime and wanted to hear more to find other selections to learn. Listened to Maple Leaf Rag, my favorite, first and was disappointed. Listened to others and was more disappointed. Maple flies - much faster than anyone would play it, you can't make out some of the phrases. And talk about ad libs - Tempo, dynamics, embelishments, nuances - I really think he plays some wrong notes too because he's going so fast. It's really a poor recording - and that's just on Maple Leaf. Others with "intros" start quick and then there's a grand pause, not a rest, but nearly a five second break. It's hard to argue how Joplin would have played it, but this is hardly anything I want to try to imitate. The only qualitating factor is the number of songs for the price. A lot of variety of a poor interpretation is only worth 3 stars. if that. Look for Rifkin or a copy that is as written to listen to first, then go for the ad libs and "artistic interpretations"

Average customer rating:

worth buying but not the best...
Genius
Don't fall in love with me yet
Battle Cry of a Generation
Ingenious

69 Love Songs
Magnetic Fields
Manufacturer: Merge Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Wasps' Nests
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ASIN: B00000JY1X
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

Absolutely Cuckoo
I Don't Believe In The Sun
All My Little Words
A Chicken WIth Its Head Cut Off
Reno Dakota
I Don't Want To Get Over You
Come Back From San Francisco
The Luckiest Guy On The Lower East Side
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My Sentimental Melody
Nothing Matters When We're Dancing
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Roses
Love Is Like Jazz
When My Boy Walks Down The Street
Time Enough For Rocking When We're Old
Very Funny
Grand Canyon
No One Will Ever Love You
If You Don't Cry
You're My Only Home
(Crazy For You But) Not That Crazy
My Only Friend
Promises Of Eternity
World Love
Washington, D.C.
Long-Forgotten Fairytale
Kiss Me Like You Mean It
Papa Was A Rodeo
Epitaph For My Heart
Asleep And Dreaming
The Sun Goes Down And The World Goes Dancing
The Way You Say Good-Night
Abigail, Belle Of Kilronan
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Tracks:

Underwear
It's A Crime
Busby Berkeley Dreams
I'm Sorry I Love You
Acoustic Guitar
The Death Of Ferdinad De Saussure
Love In The Shadows
Bitter Tears
Wi' Nae Wee Bairn Ye'll Me Beget
Yeah! Oh, Yeah!
Experimental Music Love
Meaningless
Love Is Like A Bottle Of Gin
Queen Of The Savages
Blue You
I Can't Touch You Anymore
Two Kinds Of People
How To Say Goodbye
The Night You Can't Remember
For We Are The King Of The Boudoir
Strange Eyes
Xylophone Track
Zebra

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

Singer-songwriter Stephen Merritt's ironically morose lyrics, Tin Pan Alley stylings, sugary melodies, and idiosyncratic sound have earned his band the Magnetic Fields cult status and the adulation of grad students everywhere. The ambitious, genre-hopping, and intensely heart-tugging three-disc set 69 Love Songs probably won't gain Merritt the wider recognition he deserves, but the clever misanthrope likely wouldn't have it any other way. --Mike McGonigal

Amazon.com

Initially conceived as 100 love songs arranged in alphabetical order for theatrical revue performance, Stephin Merritt--indie-pop songsmith and Magnetic Fields spearhead--downsized his ambitious concept project to 69 Love Songs, his first recording under this moniker in four years. Parleyed into three volumes, Merritt, as on other outings, is joined by a rotating cast of musicians including manager Claudia Gonson. These players take on the role of orchestra and cast to Merritt's madcap composer, librettist, and performer, augmenting his lo-fi electronic-based rock with sparkling instrumental touches and narrative vocals for a portion of his absurdly wondrous ditties. Endlessly intriguing, the Fields revisit not only earlier themes of love both shunned and requited, but continue to forge a seemingly impossible synthesis of country-tinged Euro-pop and old-school musical theater. No stranger to melancholy, Merritt's twinkly music-box world, in shades of resplendent violet, is beautifully peopled with incurable romantics who drop pop-culture references and shed gender identity as often as most folks change their underpants. Not surprisingly, 69 Love Songs is delicious defeat on the romance front while pulling ahead as Merritt's most coherently engaging listen. --Paige La Grone

Album Description

1999 and first new material in four years by Stephin Merrit 's main band (his side projects include Future Bible Heroes, Gothic Archies and The 6ths). Limited three disc set f eaturing more wonderful, yet cynically skewed, pop songs as only Merritt (and a midi) can do 'em! Features all three volumes of '69 Love Songs' (also sold separately), as well as a76 page booklet only available in this box! Each disc comes in a separate standard jewel case & together they come in a colorful CD-sized slipcase box. 69 tracks.

Customer Reviews:

worth buying but not the best..........2007-02-09

many people i know consider this to be the best magnetic fields, i disagree. while i enjoy this album(s) quite a bit, i still feel there's something missing. it seems that master-mind stephin merritt seemed to focus more on the concept (writing and recording 69 songs) than on any sort of consistency (lyrical or musical). this is not necessarily a bad thing, as most of life lacks a lot of consistency. in that respect, the album is very honest. still in many moods, i find it a difficult listen. i believe this album is an essential for any fan of magnetic fields, or fan of intelligent indie-pop in general, but if you're a new listener, i suggest 'holiday' or 'i' before '69 love songs'. i think you should have previous appreciation and understanding for stephin merrit as a musician/songwriter.

-- i suggest this mainly because i do have friends who listened to this album first and were completely turned-off to magnetic fields.

Genius .......2007-01-10

Not since Cole Porter has music of such high caliber been written for the masses...i look forward to future works by Mr. Stephen Merritt.

Don't fall in love with me yet.......2007-01-04

69 Love Songs is the best trip you can take and still keep it legal.

Battle Cry of a Generation.......2006-09-15

The lyrics are incredibly clever and persuasive, with some of the lilt and good humor of Ogden Nash, the poetaster of the 30s, 40s and 50s who wrote ONE TOUCH OF VENUS with Kurt Weill. And Merritt's tunes, though some are rudimentary, occasionally reach for and pull down the high branches of Weillian angst and poisoned romance. To listen to the whole of 69 LONE SONGS you'd have to have a big appetite for irony, and another whole set of immunity to purposely "corny" music, and if you didn't get your fill of banjo, Hawaiian, lounge and Americana music from the last couple of Van Dyke Parks LPs you listened to, you might be hungry all over again for the nutty richness of this compilation.

It hasn't left my turntable in four years, for by the time I finish one of the three LPs, it's always time for the less familiar second one, and to gear up anticipation for the already forgotten third.

One thing I don't like is the booklet that comes with the box set. It marks a platinum standard in self-aggrandization. Remember the Rolling Stone Interviews that used to glorify even the most unlikely interview subject (say, Axl Rose or whoever). Imagine then if Axl Rose re-packaged the interview some flunky did with him, and tried to sell it to you with his LP, except a hugely expanded edition which tried to say that he was the best songwriter and in fact genius of all time. That gives you a taste of the booklet's effrontery. It's kind of not cool, but what do I know. I've seen it on the nightstands of a dozen young hipsters who have memorized all of the questions and all of the answers and whose mouths lipsync the whole 28,000 words in their sleep.

Ingenious.......2006-08-07

It would be tough to name another indie album that features a more expansive array of musical styles or more ingenious, heartbreaking and funny songs about love.

Stephen Merritt is the sort of lyricist -- like Leonard Cohen -- who is a poet first and musician second, though it would be possible to tag 20-some songs here that are wonderfully listenable as pure music.

The Magnetic Fields have captured every nuance of courtship and every facet of romantic absurdity as in, eg. "The Night You Couldn't Remember (is the Night I'll Never Forget."

On the other hand, are many songs that will bring tears to your eyes without warning because they are so tender and empathetic. Stephen Merrit is like an alternative, lo-fi therapist who, in 69 totally varied songs, appears to understand anyone -- male or female -- who has ever loved, or tried and failed.

It's also rare to find an album with a playlist so complex that you never tire of it. I've had my copy for over two years and still discover new material to love with each listing: a riff, an arrangement, a phrase, even a title.

In a country where people of all ages are more isolated, I can't think of another album that gives us the courage to connect with other people. These quirky songs honor our tenacious efforts to reach out -- and the rewards and consequences of trying.

While some listeners might be a bit disappointed in the fair dynamic range of the production, that quality is a choice the group made with intent. Love is ultimately rough around the edges, even when it is deep. It is occasionally a complete bore. It embraces routine even as it rebels against it. It is impossible to perfect because we can't change other people.

At it's core, that's what so many of these wonderful songs address and it is a balm to the ear, the mind and the heart that the Magnetic Fields invested so much in this terrific, well-loved album (now available in three separate releases as well as the boxed set.) For my money, Volume 1 is the best of the bunch musically, while the lyrics of Volume three are laugh-out-loud hysterical.

Warts and all -- five strong stars, and a great deal at this price.

Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin

Average customer rating:

What the heck???
More Than Excellent

Rags to Riches: The Essential Hits of Scott Joplin

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009J4OAO
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

Original Rags
Maple Leaf Rag
Easy Winners
Elite Syncopations
The Entertainer
The Cascades
Bethena
Leola
Gladiolas
Searchlight
Fig Leaf Rag
Sugar Cane
Euphonic Sounds
Paragon Rag
Solace
Wall Street Rag
Treemonisha
Magnetic Rag

Album Description

Celebrate the diversity of American music with RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN, a comprehensive collection of 18 pieces by one of ragtime's greatest composers. From his signature hit "Maple Leaf Rag" to classics such as "The Entertainer" and "Wall Street Rag", RAGS TO RICHES: THE ESSENTIAL SCOTT JOPLIN contains some of the most revered tunes in musical history and will be treasured by music fans for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

What the heck???.......2007-03-20

Music is great, as is the playing. However, the last song is not Magnetic Rag but rather the same version of Maple Leaf Rag heard earlier on the album.

What is with that?

More Than Excellent.......2006-08-16

I had previously purchased a Scott Joplin CD and was disappointed by the dull quality and dispirited playing by the artist. This CD more than makes up for it. The music was beautifully performed and the recording was very clear. Every piece was perfect!

Average customer rating:

If you are into melodic alternative rock, the likes of defones/glassjaw, you owe it to yourself to check this out.
Please enter a title for your review
A bitter, old-school fan who actually loves this album
Magnetic North will grow on you...
no longer hopesfall

Magnetic North
Hopesfall
Manufacturer: Trustkill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Southern Weather
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ASIN: B000OMD4AW
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

Rx Contender The Pretender
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Cubic Zirkonias Are Forever
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Secondhand Surgery
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Magnetic North
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Customer Reviews:

If you are into melodic alternative rock, the likes of defones/glassjaw, you owe it to yourself to check this out........2007-07-05

If you are unexperienced with Hopesfall, and are into alternative melodic rock you should definitely check this release out. While it might not strike you as a masterpiece upon first listen, it will eventually grab you and drag you down into a universe of depth which many bands in this genre only can hope to achieve. Even though songs are somewhat traditional structurally in terms of verse and chorus, there is so much variation within each song that everytime you listen to the album you will discover something new. The song variation itself is quite amazing, with plenty heavy tracks, and more calm indie - sounding tracks. While some listeners might critize this as a loss of focus and direction, it aslo adds more depth and longvity to album as a whole. Lastly, the vocal performance on this album is simply to good to go unmention. The vocalist might not be the best singer, but the effort and emotion he puts in into each track will amaze you.

Please enter a title for your review.......2007-07-01

In terms of studio production this album is the most elborate the band has made. In terms of composition it's the most basic. Too much designated lead guitar which is rarely melodic. Too much reliance on echo effect pedal to generate atmosphere as though it's often used instead of harmonies. Secondhand Surgery, Vacation/Add/Vacation and Bird Flu are as good as anything they've ever written, but the rest of the album seems lazy, artificial and at points more blatantly Deftones influenced than they've ever sounded before. Going on what others are saying, if you're a vocally oriented listener you'll prefer this album to A Types, but as a guitarist I find this to be a less intricate, thought-out cohesive record, and their first to contain parts that I've found objectionably trendy, namely the muted lead guitar picking.

A bitter, old-school fan who actually loves this album.......2007-06-26

I've been a fan of Hopesfall since their first album, 'Frailty of Words'. I hated their previous 'A Types' and am still uncomfortable with this band calling themselves Hopesfall with only 1 original member (Jay Forrest is not a founding member, by the way). Now, with all that having been said...

'Magnetic North' vastly improves all the things I disliked about the last album. The guitars don't settle for just being ambiguously, lazily spacey, but instead creatively combine both space-rock beauty and brutality. The different riffs/parts of the songs compliment and build upon one another to make the whole song more interesting and effective, the ideas follow through. Jay Forrest's vocals sound like he knows where he's going, actually leading the songs instead of flopping around for a tune like a fish out of water. The drums are more varied and dynamic, and help give this record a strong, propulsive backbone that 'A Types' so sorely lacked (in my opinion). All of the elements involved are more dynamically. Finally, the individual elements together as songs, and the songs together as an album have a stronger focus, and this new focus helps the band articulate their musical statement successfully. Above all else: I just enjoy this stuff.

This will probably get lumped into the emo genre, but I think it's head-and-shoulders above the derivative crap that's being crammed down our throats these days.

Magnetic North will grow on you..........2007-06-23

I didn't even know these guys were back on the scene until earlier this week so I went to best buy and picked this record up. First and foremost, I've always loved the art direction and packaging(booklet pictures,etc) these guys use to convey their imagery; be it on the satellite years, A types, or even this album. To me, it gives off a sort of spacy, sci-fi surrealism that only adds to their overall style when the music is intertwined within these themes. With that being said.....

This is a good album to put in and just "chill" with. With moody progressive guitars, thought provoking lyrics, and ambient sounds throughout-as well as Jay's soothing melodies- I can't help but be intrigued. There are still a few heavy passages(riff wise) and screamed vocals sprinkled throughout but ultimately this album is more closely related to A-Types than The Satellite Years(yeah I know some of you will be disappointed). But if you can just take this record at face value you'll find a well put together experience that grows on you with each listen. I can't help but be drawn to it. Overall, an interesting album which holds it's own compared to their past work IMO.

Standout tracks include: Rx Contender the Pretender,Swamp Kittens, and the final track on the ablum Paisley- which is amazingly simple yet haunting and heartfelt.

no longer hopesfall .......2007-06-13

There are only two remaining members in Hopesfall, Jay Forrest and Joshua Brigham. The Hopesfall I know and adore has diminished with the new line up that came with A-types. Magnetic North is better than A-types(not hard to do), and not too bad if the band didn't have to follow up No Wings and Satellite Years. I honestly believe that they would have done a lot better if they would have changed the name of the band. At least then they wouldn't constantly be compared to "old hopesfall". It's an alright album. Although, I miss the epic breakdowns. :(

Average customer rating:

'I' like it: Nice followup to 69
Amazing Album with Too True Songwriting and Composition
A couple of great highlights; average elsewhere
Brilliant, but too much filler
No harmonica, but if you like glockenspiel...

i
Magnetic Fields
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Wasps' Nests
Memories of Love
Eternal Youth
Pieces of April
Showtunes

ASIN: B0001NNL8O
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

I Die
I Don't Believe You
I Don't Really Love You Anymore
I Looked All Over Town
I Thought You Were My Boyfriend
I Was Born
I Wish I Had An Evil Twin
If There's Such A Thing As Love
I'm Tongue-Tied
In An Operetta
Infinitely Late At Night
Irma
Is This What They Used To Call Love
It's Only Time

Album Description

The long-awaited follow-up to the acclaimed 1999 release 69 Love Songs, i finds singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt in full possession of his acerbic wit. Featuring lyrics ripe with melancholy and bittersweet imagery, the record's fourteen tracks are possibly the most personal Merritt has created to date -- a departure from the many voices on 69 Love Songs.

Customer Reviews:

'I' like it: Nice followup to 69.......2006-09-30

Stephen Merrit, the mastermind behind Magnetic Fields, concocted this group of songs beginning with "I" to followup the critically beloved 69 LOVE SONGS. While it's not possessed of the scope and range musically and lyrically of that work, it's still far above the pack of ordinary pop songs. That's right, I said "pop": Despite the orchestral adornments and Merrit's non-commercial dry baritone, at the heart most of these tunes are 'silly love songs' as McCartney penned. Not that that's a bad thing. Merrit writes a snappy pop tune when he's of the mind and that mindset dominates here with his usual dollop of showtunes alongside. It's usually when he attempts something "substantial" that he missteps ("I Was Born").

HIGHLIGHTS:
"I Don't Believe You" is what happens when you realize your beloved's charming veneer is really just flirtatiousness. ("You may set your charm on stun/And say I'm delightful and fun/But you say that to everyone") A sitar is used to the best effect since "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" Bouncy single "I Thought You Were my Boyfriend" is explicitly gay and as such probably won't find an audience in the mainstream but it's a catchy slice of retro new wave. "I'm Tongue-tied" utilizes a catchy stop-start lope to convey its classic theme of losing your faculties in the proximity of your infatuation. ("I mumble a jumble/You kiss me/I'm history/I'm tongue-tied and useless again") "It's Only time" is possessed of a desperate romanticism ("What could stop this beating heart/once it's made a vow?") that means it's waiting to be discovered as a dark horse wedding standard. The lightly tinkling piano near the coda is a nice allusion to the relentess tick of the second hand of the clock. While it's probably intended as a gay marriage anthem, it's vague enough lyrically that straights can easily embrace the sentiment.

LOWS:
"I Was Born" is possessed of a level of maudlin rivalled only by Morrissey ("One more floor/Down the elevator/To oblivion/what fun") that's unrelieved by its tinkling musicbox arrangement. "Irma", a tale of a protagonist whose sight-impaired father crashes through the wall of her room to deliver chocolates is quirky but inconsequential.

BOTTOM LINE:
Another winner.

Amazing Album with Too True Songwriting and Composition.......2006-01-11

Stephen Merritt, I'm sure if you haven't heard of him by now is stupendous. He makes solo records, and with other bands, (Future Bible Heroes, Gothic Archies, The 6ths) everything this guy does is gold. This is coming from someone who hasn't listened to 69 Love Songs yet, for the simple reason of not being able to stop listening in one sitting.

This is too good for words. It's so low key and perfect. I feel like Merritt continues again and again to leave me breathless at how he can really do anything. I saw them on this tour at an opera house and it killed me that I went alone. But it's so true, not everyone gets it, it's sad really cause when I picked up this record, I must've bought that ticket within a week.
If you're really into this, you should really check out Future Bible Heores if you haven't already and I should probably get to listening to 69 Love Songs.

A couple of great highlights; average elsewhere.......2005-12-29

I's main problem is its repetitiveness. The vast majority of the album carries the same basic style: very acoustic (almost toy-like), simple and organic arrangements of songs that sound like they could have come from musicals. Accordingly, its range, compared to, say, 69 Love Songs, is minute. The notable exception to the pattern is 'I Thought You Were My Boyfriend', which employs synths and sounds like it belongs in the 80s - but even here somehow the production is similar. Anyhow, it's a good track, angsty yet playful, a bit like a pastiche of its genre - in fact, it sounds like the obligatory dramatic, negative, edgiest moment of - yet again - a musical! The best track by a mile is 'I Looked All Over Town', which is the best distillation of the aforementioned genre that abounds elsewhere, graced with a gorgeous melody that is offset by the toybox arrangement perfectly. Other tracks, whether faster, like 'I Don't Believe You' and 'I Don't Really Love You Anymore' or slow and smoky like the self-explanatory
'Infinitely Late At Night' and the slightly cheesy closer 'It's Only Time', while being reasonably well executed, do repeat the same formula somewhat endlessly, and it's a shame. Definitely start with 69 Love Songs if you're new.

Brilliant, but too much filler.......2005-07-15

This is an unusual CD, with a lot of things to recommend it. Stephin Merritt has the ability to write catchy tunes in many different styles, always showcasing his smoky baritone voice. "I Don't Believe You" is a witty and up-tempo quasi-love song. "I Wish I Had An Evil Twin" reminds one of They Might Be Giants, while "I'm Tongue-Tied" is a honky-tonk lament in the style of "Crazy."

I don't even want to talk about the "I" theme, but it does not seem forced, and does not detract from the album.

My main criticism of the album is that tracks 10-14 are fairly un-memorable. They are pleasant and hum-able, but to me they seem like filler.

This is definitely a must-have CD for anyone with a particular interest in great song-writing, but it is not a masterpiece.

No harmonica, but if you like glockenspiel..........2005-06-12

Now, upon the good advice of my new online-friend (grumpyhonky on livejournal.com), I went out this weekend and picked up the album. Boy, am I glad. Grumpy used good words like "combination of multi-instrumental indie rock...combined with a Broadway musical". How could I resist?

Upon the first skim of the cd, my impression was that it was a bit slow. I was almost prepaired to hear anti-radio/hypothermia-rock. It's not quite there. The lead vocal sounds manly, but as if he's working up a cold. Now, as I listened to the album again I came upon the song "I wish I had an evil twin". I don't know how I missed this on my first listening. This song is genius. I have finaly found a song that defines Howard Tuttleman (me) as a person. The rest of the songs were ok, being mostly very sarcastic love songs. At least I hope they were supposed to be sarcastic, or else this guy is very angry and sad. As I don't allow romance in my life (I just don't have time for it with my reviews and stuff), I can't relate to most of the album.. and "I Thought You Were My Boyfriend".

Do you ever have that time of the day when you're doing something SOMEONE is about to get mad at. It's like you're watching a movie of yourself doing stuff and there's NOTHING you can do to stop it. Yeah, if I can, I usualy blame Morris (my dog). He understands me and usualy takes one for the team because he knows everyone thinks "oh, he's just a dog" and he can't get grounded due to his diplomatic immunity in the house. This works when no one is around to witness things, and there are no other surviellence devices around. BUT, sometimes there ARE people around. This is where a duplicate Tuttleman would be very handy. I'm fascinating myself with the thought as we speak. In the song, the "evil twin" can do ANYTHING to ANYONE and no one EVER blames the singer. Yeah, it's kind of like that.

In conclusion, the album on a whole (lyrics and vocals)is alright, but the musical instruments and "I wish I had an evil twin" upgrades the entire cd to a whole new status. They do use a wide variety of instruments, but with SUCH a variety I expected to hear a little harmonica in there. I might have just missed it, so if I'm wrong please let me know. It's still better than your average motorcycle-rock. I must note, if you like glockenspiel, the Magnetic Fields offer it on whole-wheat bread with a variety of jellies. Later.

howardtuttleman.com

Average customer rating:

most accessible and coolest of the Magnetics...
Cross Between Joy Division and New Order
One of my all-time favourite songs
Helped me though a painful time
Best of Magnetic Fields...pure Brilliance

Holiday
Magnetic Fields
Manufacturer: Merge Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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i
Wasps' Nests
Memories of Love
Eternal Youth
The Tragic Treasury: Songs from a Series of Unfortunate Events

ASIN: B00000G1IW
Release Date: 1999-01-12

Tracks:

BBC Radioponic Worship
Desert Island
Deep Sea Diving Suit
Strange Powers
Torn Green Velvet Eyes
The Flowers She Sent & The Flowers She Said She Sent
Swinging London
In My Secret Place
Sad Little Moon
The Trouble I've Been Looking For
Sugar World
All You Ever Do Is Walk Away
In My Car
Take Ecstasy With Me

Customer Reviews:

most accessible and coolest of the Magnetics..........2007-02-28

one of those peices of art I feel priveleged know of. About half the songs are instant classics and leave me in a sea of bliss. (see "Flowers..", "Stranger Powers","In my secret place", "Sugar World", "All you ever..", "Take Ecstasy..") The rest are quality too though. Don't know if I've ever heard the synthesizer put to such good use or if there's a voice (or mind for that matter) I'm more jealous of than Stephen Merritt's. Start here, then "Get Lost" ...

Cross Between Joy Division and New Order.......2007-02-08

I know what I just said so don't bother correcting me. Just listen because it's a fantastic album, especially if you're fans of the Joy Division boys. Standout tracks include Desert Island and Strange Powers.

One of my all-time favourite songs.......2006-06-27

I haven't actually got this album - or listened to it. What a cheek then to muscle in with a glowing review!!

I love to listen to VH1 internet radio's Pop for Sale station, which regularly plays "Desert Island". The song has become one of my all-time favourites. Listening to it, I am instantly transported in my mind to a heavenly beach where time is meaningless and the sunny days present endless relaxation, fun and frolics. It doesn't matter what kind of a day I might be having - as soon as "Desert Island" comes on, I have the biggest, most wistful grin on my face. Sometimes I need a daily dose to keep going!!

I have decided I'm going to buy this record simply to ensure that I always have a copy of this song. It should be mandatory listening for anyone with the blues.

Helped me though a painful time.......2006-03-23

I always wanted to be a writer - but my dreams were dashed when I had abuse heaped on me by everyone I ever came across - teachers, ministers, friends, parents, lovers - one day I found myself looking out the window and saying whre did my beautiful life go - I went to the store on foot - my then-husband had taken the car keys away - I was an abuser of alcohol and oxycontin - and I bought a book that helped me and on an impulse buy, this album - the songs made me tap my toes nd reminded me of the happiness i felt dressed up in my Sunday best and tap shoes - my mother let me wear them to church - before we stopped going - trouble with the priest - but oh how I loved to dance - and this record made me feel that way again - I would love to buy more - but I am on public assistance - but thank you for the happiness in your tunes

Best of Magnetic Fields...pure Brilliance.......2006-03-01

This is probably my favorite album. This title along with 'Get Lost' is Magnetic Fields at it's peak. The title Holiday is a play on words because the album is both elating and depressing at the same time.

The lyrics are sad, brilliant...

i can show you sadder poetry
than you ever dreamed there could be
i know all the saddest people
most of them are dead now

...and are interesting play off the sometimes upbeat hooks. But, usually, the hooks also play off upbeat/downer off each other. Easy to say, hard to do.

There is so much texture and richness in this CD, I still hear new aspects in it after dozens and dozens of plays.

Also worthy of mention is the work with Susan Anway as vocalist on The Wayward Bus/Distant Plastic Trees albums. But, I recommend starting with this one.

Personally, I was less excited by Stephen's recent 'i' CD.

If you don't own Holiday...buy it.

-Pete

Average customer rating:

Happy Happy Joy Joy
Stephen Merritt's best - popsmithery at its finest.
If you only buy one disc of 69 LS,
Music for the soul
I usually hate "songwriters"

69 Love Songs, Pt. 1
Magnetic Fields
Manufacturer: Merge Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Wasps' Nests
i
The Crane Wife
Magnetic Fields' 69 Love Songs: A Field Guide (33 1/3)
Pieces of April

ASIN: B00000JY74
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

Absolutely Cuckoo
I Don't Believe In The Sun
All My Little Words
A Chicken WIth Its Head Cut Off
Reno Dakota
I Don't Want To Get Over You
Come Back From San Francisco
The Luckiest Guy On The Lower East Side
Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits
The Cactus Where Your Heart Should Be
I Think I Need A New Heart
The Book Of Love
Fido, Your Leash Is Too Long
How Fucking Romantic
The One You Really Love
Punk Love
Parades Go By
Boa Constrictor
A Pretty Girl Is Like...
My Sentimental Melody
Nothing Matters When We're Dancing
Sweet-Lovin' Man
The Things We Did

Amazon.com

From Stephin Merrit's Gay and Loud publishing comes the first volume of the Magnetic Fields' 69 Love Songs, a misleadingly quiet epic of a thing. From the layered feedback of "Don't Fall in Love with Me," followed by the plinky strum of his uke through to a Merrittian 23rd psalm, "The Things We Did," this volume, more than the others, hearkens back to the gloriously distorted acoustic agitation visited on The Charm of the Highway Strip. Ever the sad sack, Merritt's characters "don't believe in the sun" and drolly proclaim themselves "ugly" and the stars so "fucking romantic." Dishing up clichés like ice cream cones at a Baskin-Robbins, Merritt's lyrics take on self-involved weightiness in the context of his over-the-top conventions. Marrying electronic elements with banjo, cello, mandolin, piano, accordian, and percussion, these little numbers--sung by a revolving cast of Merritt and cohorts--riff on everything from punk rock to madrigals to Jim Reeves and Johnny Cash-style balladry, coming across as preposterously vaudevillian and Brechtian, rather than vacuous. --Paige La Grone

Album Description

1999 and first new material in four years by Stephin Merrit 's main band (his side projects include Future Bible Heroes, Gothic Archies and The 6ths). Disc one of a three CD set featuring more wonderful, yet cynically skewed, pop songs as only Merritt (and a midi) can do 'em! 23 tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Happy Happy Joy Joy.......2007-06-06

Wow. How did I ever miss this album. These guys are just the best. Sardonic, romantic, beautiful music, can't be bagged. This stuff is just not normal. It is very very American, very carolina, very beatnik cafe, very outdoor picnic, very replay in your room with the door shut. Real musicians, real instruments, real voices, adorable lyrics that are not predictable, I can't believe they are not famous. I guess I'm glad they're not. I want to keep them as a secret.

Stephen Merritt's best - popsmithery at its finest........2006-05-05

Oh, man, can this guy write a pop song. My "this guy," I'm referring to Merritt himself, because, let's be honest -- he is the heart and soul of this band, which is the best of his several musical projects.

I like Magnetic Fields a lot, and chose to review this album because, out of all his work, this one is his finest achievement. There are about a dozen tracks in this collection that I've been listening to for years that have never grown tedious, which would seem to contradict the notion that it is mere bubble gum pop (a la the Gothic Archies). There is more emotional and musical complexity than meets the eye (or ear) upon the first few listens, when you'll find yourself humming along and tapping your toes (or steering wheel).

The only problem with this 3-album set is that it includes about 20 songs too many. Maybe even 25 or 30. The moments of pop brilliance are interspersed with gimmicks and throw-aways, and this is unfortunate.

But really, who can write 69 pop masterpieces? I don't expect that from anyone. I just think the collection would be even more memorable if Merritt hadn't insisted on including 69 songs (yeah, yeah, we get it -- 69. heh heh.) and had instead made this a two album set.

But this still deserves 5 stars, without a doubt.

If you only buy one disc of 69 LS,.......2003-08-04

then disc one is probably the one to get. The ratio of brilliant to merely good songs is higher, perhaps, than on any other Magnetic Fields CD; favorites include "I Think I Need a New Heart," "Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side," and "All My Little Words," an irresistably hooky psuedo-bluegrass lament about the futility of clever songwriting (penned, of course, by pop music's supreme ironist). Come to think of it, if you buy disc one and you have any taste at all, you'll end up getting the others as well -- you might as well get the box set.

Music for the soul.......2003-07-17

Today, when most pop songs are simple to the point of vapidity, both musically and lyrically, it is refreshing to find something like this album. Merritt blends perfectly the beautiful melodies with clever, witty lyrics as he explores all forms of love from the disguised lament of the ugly teenager and the hopelessness of the spurned lover to the joyous proclamations of those that have found true love. He matches musical genre to the message of the song and makes effortless transitions between each. The voices of the songs have true emotion in them and successfully vary in tone so as to augment the lyrics. Claudia Gonson's voice is beautiful and brilliant, constrasting nicely with Merritt's deep bass. My only complaint is that Claudia ought to sing more. To summarise as best I can, this music is poetry, philosophy and melody. It is dark and insightful, naive in places, cynical in others, but never depressing. A true masterpiece.

I usually hate "songwriters".......2003-01-02

But this is great stuff. The lyrics are clear, funny and poignant. The melodies are smart and beautiful. You can't help but get a kick out of it, which is surprising for something so stark, minimalist, dark, and sad underneath. Your kids would probably love it, if you don't mind the occasional bleep word. I keep this one in the cd player in my kitchen so I can sing along while chopping up potatoes.

Average customer rating:

Hear the genius form
real raw
Bittersweet and lovely
I Know Your Secret Code
Susan's Vocals

The Wayward Bus/Distant Plastic Trees
Magnetic Fields
Manufacturer: Merge Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Wasps' Nests
Memories of Love
i
Eternal Youth
Pieces of April

ASIN: B0000019NK
Release Date: 1995-01-23

Tracks:

When You Were My Baby
The Saddest Story Ever Told
Lovers From The Moon
Candy
Tokyo A Go-Go
Summer Lies
Old Orchard Beach
Jeremy
Dancing In Your Eyes
Suddenly There Is A Tidal Wave
(Untitled)
Railroad Boy
Smoke Signals
You Love To Fail
Kings
Babies Falling
Living In An Abandoned Firehouse With You
Tar-Heel Boy
Falling In Love With The Wolfboy
Josephine
100,000 Fireflies

Customer Reviews:

Hear the genius form.......2005-10-23

This is probably The Magnetic Fields most uneven release, but this is, of course, due to the fact that these are Merritt's first records. Most people seem to complain about the track order more than anything, but I can see why The Wayward Bus was put first. If Distant Plastic Trees were up first, most people probably would not be able to sit through the whole thing.

Distant Plastic Trees feels very different from all other Magnetic Fields releases and comes across sounding more like Enya singing folk songs. Even worse, the synthesizers sound especially fake with some really annoying sound effects. That said, the songwriting here is still pretty good. To echo a similar theme other reviewers have noted, some of these songs would have been better if Merritt had just sung them himself, but Susan Anway is able to do things Stephin couldn't have. For example, listen to the clips for "Josephine" and "Tar-Heel Boy."

The biggest annoyance here is the fact they left off "Plant White Roses" which was the best song on the album. Merge's compilation Six Rows of Teeth has a Merritt-sung version which is very good, but the Anway version is better. That was on the Harriet Records "Long Secret" compilation, which is (trust me) unavailable.

The Wayward Bus is exponentially better than Plastic Trees. It is a brilliant tribute to Phil Spector. The synthesizers are reverberated, combined with real instruments, and put through filters, so they sound much more natural than Plastic Trees. It still sounds quite muddy though, but that's how it is supposed to sound. The songs are irresistibly catchy and the lyrics are less pretentious. There isn't a bad song in the ten as far as I am concerned.

If you were wondering how Merritt's music got so good, this is an interesting start. This will help you understand just where this guy came from. Buy this for The Wayward Bus, but lower your expectations when you get to Plastic Trees.

real raw.......2005-10-01

I can't even get into a lengthly explanation - listening to all of the magnetic fields songs make me happy to be alive.
simple.

Bittersweet and lovely.......2004-10-11

I usually detest indie pop like this: low fi, precious, sentimentally gloopy songs with detached singing and little or no guts to the music. But damn if this doesn't work in an odd, magical way. The songs don't rock for sure, but the melodies and lyrics pack a delicate punch that can be either soothing, cathartic or just bittersweet. Songs for after the breakup with the love of your life.

I Know Your Secret Code.......2004-08-26

This album snuck up on me. At first I thought it was terrible, for the reasons other reviewers have mentioned (blandish vocals, messy arrangements and noise) but I listened to it a little more and got to know the songs and appreciate all of them. The quirky poetry and the entire mood the album creates has come to mean so much to me, and it has truly become one of my favorite albums- odd, imperfect, and endearing.

Susan's Vocals.......2004-04-13

Susan was hired for these two albums to sing in the manner which Stephin wanted her to sing. It's no accident that she sang on some of the tracks, in what has been termed "bland" "monotone" etc.This is the effect Stephin wanted so this is exactly how Susan sang the songs, under Stephin's explicit direction. Susan has an amazing vocal range. If you doubt this just listen to some of her early art/punk "V;" work. As I said, her vocal range is amazing.

Average customer rating:

Available at retailers for about $18
A classic compilation
A dis-service to Joplin
Unique
Great set

Scott Joplin: His Complete Works

Manufacturer: Bescol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin
King of the Ragtime Writers
Entertainer: Classic Ragtime from Rare Piano Rolls
Joplin: Treemonisha
Joplin: Piano Rags

ASIN: B000001RR2
Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

Please Say You Will - Richard Zimmerman
A Picture Of Her Face - Richard Zimmerman
The Great Crush Collision March - Richard Zimmerman
Harmony Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
Combination March - Richard Zimmerman
Original Rags - Richard Zimmerman
Maple Leaf Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Swipesy - Cake Walk - Richard Zimmerman
Sunflower Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
Peacherine Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Augustan Club Waltz - Richard Zimmerman
The Easy Winners - Richard Zimmerman
Cleopha - Richard Zimmerman
The Strenuous Life - Richard Zimmerman
I Am Thinking Of My Pickanniny Days - Richard Zimmerman
The Ragtime Dance - Richard Zimmerman
A Breeze From Alabama - Richard Zimmerman
Elite Syncopations - Richard Zimmerman

Tracks:

March Majestic - S. Joplin
The Entertainer - S. Joplin
Something Doing - S. Joplin
Weeping Willow - S. Joplin
Little Black Baby - S. Joplin
Palm Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
The Favorite - S. Joplin
The Sycamore - S. Joplin
The Cascades - S. Joplin
The Chrysanthemum - S. Joplin
Rosebud March - S. Joplin
Bethena - S. Joplin
Leola - S. Joplin
Sarah Dear - S. Joplin
Binks Waltz - S. Joplin
Eugenia - S. Joplin
Antoinette - S. Joplin
Snoring Sampson - S. Joplin

Tracks:

Gladiolus Rag - S. Joplin
Searchlight Rag - S. Joplin
The Nonpareil (None to Equal) - S. Joplin
When Your Hair Is Like The Snow - S. Joplin
Rose Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
Heliotrope Bouquet - S. Joplin
School Of Ragtime - S. Joplin
Fig Leaf Rag - S. Joplin
Sugar Cane - S. Joplin
Pine Apple Rag - S. Joplin
Wall Street Rag - S. Joplin
Solace - S. Joplin
Pleasant Moments - S. Joplin
Country Club - S. Joplin
Paragon Rag - S. Joplin
Euphonic Sounds - S. Joplin
Stoptime Rag - S. Joplin
Felicity Rag - S. Joplin

Tracks:

Highlights From Treemonisha - Richard Zimmerman
A Real Slow Drag - Richard Zimmerman
Prelude To Act 3 - Richard Zimmerman
Frolic Of The Bears - Richard Zimmerman
Lovin' Babe - Richard Zimmerman
Scott Joplin's New Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Kismet Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Magnetic Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Reflection Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Silver Swan Rag - Richard Zimmerman
Lily Queen - Richard Zimmerman
Sensation - Richard Zimmerman

Customer Reviews:

Available at retailers for about $18.......2006-12-21

Excellent collection - but there are re-sellers listed here that are selling this for as much $50 or $60. Yikes, most major retailers are selling this complete set for $18 - so beware.

A classic compilation.......2006-10-07

This collection is one of my most treasured possessions. (My father gave me the original 5-album set in the 70's when it was originally released on vinyl.)

This is the definitive collection of Scott Joplin's work. Richard Zimmerman provides wonderful performances that accurately reflect Joplin's intentions. (As evidence beyond my personal opinion, I submit the recent releases of digital recordings made from Joplin's piano rolls.)

A few points to consider regarding negative comments you may encounter in other reviews:
* This is a digital recording from an analog master. Lack of quality in the recording does not imply a lackluster performance.
* This is a complete collection. Some similarity is due to Joplin re-exploring melodic themes. But some is due to the fact that these are "rags". One might as well complain that all 50's doo-wop (or all 70's disco) sounds the same.
* Many pieces of the period exhibit formal musical structures, such as the marches of John Phillips Sousa. (Both Sousa and Joplin performed at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.) Actually, Joplin is responsible for extending the formal boundaries of ragtime to concert waltzes (Bethena) and opera (A Guest of Honor, Treemonisha)
* This is probably one of the few collections which will include selections from "Treemonisha". It is my understanding that after the initial release, one of Joplin's descendants made a copyright claim that was upheld in court. (I presume the issue was that Joplin had to finance "Treemonisha" himself, and therefore the customary performance clearances did not cover those selections.)

For ragtime students and enthusiasts, this is a "must-have" collection at a very affordable price.

A dis-service to Joplin.......2006-02-01

Sadly, the only virtue this set possesses is completeness.

The pianist does not play Joplin's pieces "as written", the piano is of poor quality, and not properly in tune.

This is emphatically NOT the set to buy. A far better set, beautifully annotated and well played on a good concert grand piano, is the complete works played by Guido Nielsen on the Basta Label.

This set is a dis-service to Joplin and his music. He deserves better, and gets it elsewhere.

Unique .......2004-10-19

I have several cd sets of Joplin's music: Rifkin, Arpo, Nielsen, and Zimmerman. All have their excellent qualities. What sets Zimmerman's set apart is the inclusion of excerpts from Joplin's opera, Treemonisha---especially "A Real Slow Drag." Why the other sets do not include excerpts from Treemonisha, I don't know---because they are some of his most beautiful and joyful pieces of music. Of course, you can hear the orchestrated version of Treemonisha in the Houston Grand Opera recording, and it is spectacular. But Zimmerman's piano version, especially of "A Real Slow Drag," is not to be missed.

Great set.......2001-10-16

I guess this will be a rather one sided review. I have been a fan of Scott Joplin since I first learned to play a piano.

I was shocked to see that one reviewer thought it all sounded the same. How silly. All of Frank Sinatra's music sounds like Frank Sinatra. All of Led Zeppelin sounds like Led Zeppelin. So, if the songs were drastically different, I would question if the same author composed them. As it is, though, each song on this set is fantastic!!

I don't know that I have heard of Richard Zimmerman, and I was a little leary as to what I would be getting, I certainly was impressed. Without a doubt the best renditions of "Weeping Willow" and "Bethena" I have heard, and at least a dozen songs I didn't know Joplin wrote.

Without a doubt, this album is fantastic. A very good price, as well.

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