Mr. & Mrs. Smith [Soundtrack]

mr. & mrs. smith [soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Just as two super-sexy, professional killers are inexorably drawn to each other, so is the Mr. and Mrs. Smith soundtrack inexorably drawn to the obvious. Husband and wife shootouts? This compilation gets into the spirit of things right away with "Love Stinks" (J. Geils Band) and "Tainted Love" (Soft Cell). It follows up with more of the same: "You Give Love a Bad Name" (performed by metal band Atreyu, and "Used to Love Her (But I Had to Kill Her)" from the ska-punk group the Voodoo Glow Skulls.

Fortunately, this disc grows more interesting toward the midway point with Nouvelle Vague's Brazilian-style cover of "I'll Melt with You" and alterna-lounge act Pink Martini's "Let's Never Stop Falling in Love. The latter melts seamlessly into the lovely instrumental, "Assassination Tango." It's on these more exotic tracks that this compilation shines--if only there were a few more. The middle of the disc is romantic--the rest feels like action movie cliché. --Leah Weathersby

Mr. & Mrs. Smith,Original Soundtrack,Lakeshore Records,Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Pop/Rock,Singer/Songwriter,Soundtrack,Soundtracks,Soundtracks & Film Scores

Mr. & Mrs. Smith [Soundtrack]

Average customer rating:

Before Sondheim's COMPANY and after MAN OF LA MANCHA...
Overrated Tony Award Winner
Brilliant, Definitive and Remarkably Accurate!
Saw this on Broadway
Quite a premise

1776 (1969 Original Broadway Cast)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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1776 (Restored Director's Cut)
1776: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1997)
1776: A Musical Play (Penguin Plays)
Shenandoah (1975 Original Broadway Cast)
Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B0000027WJ
Release Date: 1992-05-19

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Sit Down, John
Piddle, Twiddle And Resolve/Till Then
The Lees Of Old Virginia
But, Mr. Adams
Yours, Yours, Yours
He Plays The Violin
Cool, Cool, Considerate Men
Momma Look Sharp
The Egg
Molasses To Rum
Is Anybody There
Finale

Amazon.com

Evidence that one can make a musical about anything, Exhibit A: 1776. As one might expect, the whole concept of making a musical about the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence was greeted in the late 1960s with, well, ridicule. The show debuted on Broadway in 1969, and three years later, when its run finally ended, it was its producers who had the last laugh. In addition, it toured for an additional two years and beat out Hair (in 1969 yet!) for a Tony Award. This recording, with the original Broadway cast, includes many of the same actors who went on to star in the film, the version with which most audiences today are probably familiar. One notable exception is Rex Everhart, who replaced Howard da Silva at some performances and on this recording. But there's still William Daniels as John Adams, though in some cases his performance is more subdued than it was on film. Musically, 1776 is an odd creation, considering when it came into being. As one might expect, there's a lot of fife and drum going on, especially in the opening number and during "The Lees of Old Virginia." For those less than familiar with the plot, it hinges on the idealism of Adams, who's trying his best to back up the American Revolution with some legislative action, and spends much of his time arguing with either the Continental Congress or God, as in "Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve": "A second flood, a simple famine / Plagues of locusts everywhere / Or a cataclysmic earthquake / I'd accept with some despair / But no, you sent us Congress / Good God, sir, was that fair?" (One could argue that he gets further with God.) While not entirely historically accurate, and containing some rather peculiar numbers (Franklin, Jefferson, and Adams sitting around debating what their new country's national bird is going to be ranks among the oddest), there's no questioning 1776's staying power. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

Before Sondheim's COMPANY and after MAN OF LA MANCHA..........2007-04-30

For me, 1776 is a great companion to MAN OF LA MANCHA as one of the most entertaining AND intellectually worthy amalgams of music, lyrics, book, theme, plot, characterizations and dialogue to ever come out of pre-1970's Broadway musical theatre. Each song is like a little gem, and displays the broad range of emotions and ideas with which 1776 brims. Satiric, romantic, hilarious, heartbreaking, disturbing, dark, inspiring, thoughtful, humane, and even a little bawdy, the songs glide and tromp all over the map, as does the show itself. As with LA MANCHA, 1776 broke open the Broadway musical, making it a pitch-perfect example of what can truly make a musical more than a toe-tapping time killer... while never becoming tedious, pompous, windy, or dull. If anything, it crackles with suspense.

And as to the reviewer who was shocked that it would win out over HAIR? Listen to "Mamma Look Sharp" or "Molasses to Rum to Slaves" to hear exactly the play's political and often-unflattering ideological landscape. This was definitely a Vietnam-era play whose content was as disturbingly pertinent, then, as it is, now. And, despite all of this, the score and play never become leaden or preachy. On the contrary, each performance is a gem, and each character is witty and unique. Who knew that history could be a passionate and fun adventure?

Overrated Tony Award Winner.......2006-06-16

How could this musical win the Tony award having as a competitor a play like HAIR which - for many people - stands as an emblematic theatre piece of the 60's? Who remembers a tune out of this musical? On the contrary, "Aquarius", "I Got Life" or "Walking in Space" are still popular and they play all over the world. Even ZORBA and PROMISES PROMISES - both candidates for the award in the same year - have songs that are still remembered. 1776 may wake up patriotic feelings to American listeners which is quite understandable but the music and songs are old-fashioned, overrated and awfully boring.

Brilliant, Definitive and Remarkably Accurate!.......2005-12-18

1776 has become an institution, thanks to the motion picture which was made of this original Broadway show, and which starred most of the cast from the theatrical production. It gets rerun every July 4th week on some movie channel or local station!

William Daniels IS John Adams to many people, and even though the story of the birth of the United States probably wasn't this lyrical and lively, Composer Sherman Edwards was historically accurate in the facts of the tale.

In addition to learning about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this is also love story... in fact two love stories, with John Adams and his wife Abigail, separated by circumstance and interacting only in his mind, and Thomas Jefferson and his wife, Martha, here, played by the big throated (and now legendary) Betty Buckley.

There is also a sense of fraternity, with the members of the Continental Congress grappling with the concept of breaking away from a tyranical ruler. And even though you know the outcome, the story is still filled with tension and excitement in the mechanics of it. Just how DID this country get formed?

The disc's liner notes explain the show's libretto and give you some rare behind-the-scenes info about the creation of the musical, the challenges it faced before becoming the standard that it now is, and a bit about the amazing Mr. Edwards, which is a story worthy of being told as well.

It's an Independence Day must!

Saw this on Broadway .......2005-11-12

Saw this show, with original cast, on Broadway in '69 and it has stayed with me ever since then. Every time I listen to these songs, I laugh. The historical figures (done with some tongue-in-cheek) are highly entertaining and even better if you see the movie. I would recommend the dvd for a great, lighthearted evening, and good family entertainment. You can't miss with this one! A winner on all fronts.

Quite a premise.......2005-07-20

Though it seems an odd choice to write a musical about, it works well. The whole thing seems a bit dated now, it still has great songs. Most dimpressive song, definately "Molasses to Rum". I gave it 4 stars for THAT song.

Average customer rating:

He just gets better and better!
Good Music
How did I miss this CD when it first came out. One of the best releases of 2005
Jason and his Mrazda
too cool

Mr. A-Z
Jason Mraz
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Twentythree

ASIN: B0009WJ3HU
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

Life is Wonderful
Wordplay
Geek in the Pink
Did You Get My Message?
Mr. Curiosity
Clockwatching
Bella Luna
Plane
O. Lover
Please Don't Tell Her
Forecast
Song For a Friend

Amazon.com

Jason Mraz's breakthrough 2002 hit, "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" established him as a funnier, funkier version of John Mayer, custom-built for The O.C. set. On Mr. A-Z, the Virginia singer-songwriter continues mixing up folk melodies and hip-hop beats. He also keeps making heroic stabs at humor that would have gone down like a storm in his coffeehouse days but typically backfire on record. Fortunately, producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel) is on hand to clean things up, giving even the most bumbling lyrical experiments, such as "Wordplay" and "Geek in the Pink," at least the illusion of a newfound maturity. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

Jason Mraz presents his latest offering and his second studio album-Mr. A-Z. Produced by the legendary Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, et al) at Allaire Studios near Woodstock, NY, Mr. A-Z is Mraz's most inspired and thoughtful record to date.

Customer Reviews:

He just gets better and better!.......2007-07-05

I didn't think it was possible I would like anything better than "MRAZLIVE" but this one tops it.

Good Music.......2007-05-12

I really enjoy this CD. My favorite song is probably Geek in the Pink, but they're all good. I definitely recommend buying it!

How did I miss this CD when it first came out. One of the best releases of 2005.......2007-04-15

I am a huge fan of singer-songwriters as most are not prepackaged and focus-grouped to death so it allows for originality and their respective personalitites to shine through. The past few years has seen some great releases by James Blunt, James Morrison, Ray LaMontagne, The Fray, Mat Kearkey, Paolo Nutini, and Ben Taylor.

I like them all to different degrees, but I have only enjoyed James Morrison's debut as much. Kearney has some Mraz-like inflections but there is a joy and musical adventure that Mraz brings that simply won me over. I keep playing this release over and over as the lyrics are catchy and the production is as good as anything I've listened to in a long time. It manages to capturte the quirky independent spirit of the music but sounds like a million bucks. I won't go into a song by song break down as I like them all.

If you enjoy the work of any of the artists I've mentioned above, esp. Kearney and even John Meyer (who tends to be crucified or put on a pedestal regarding who is doing the extreme judging that day), this CD may be right up your alley. Just to be more safe, give the samples a listen to see if you can catch what is without a doubt one of the most fun CDs that I have purchased in recent years. I hope that there is more to come. Thanks to all who help me make better buying decisions via their imput. I like to give back, esp. when I really like/dislike something to raise those flags.

Jason and his Mrazda.......2007-03-28

Okay, when Jason Mraz came out with his debut cd, I bought it. I even like some of the songs but it was nothing like this cd. Mr. A-Z contained Jason, I'm not gonna say at his best because I feel he has even more to offer, but Jason was totally awesome. I love every song on this album. I try not to listen to it too much because I can get obsessive with music. Stand out tracks are all of them I can't really choose. Bella Luna and Mr. Curiousity are nice mello songs that you can really chill to. Did You Get My Message, Geek in the Pink, and Wordplay are songs that just stick in your head and tap your toe to. I love this album, do not sleep on it. It took me two years to buy it and I am sorry I did not get it sooner

too cool.......2007-01-16

when I first heard "did you get my message" I thought it was Stevie Wonder and Norah Jones... very cool song... now I like everything on "A-Z"

Average customer rating:

AMAZING!!!
Eclecticism of the finest (dis)order

What's the Time Mr. Wolf?
Noisettes
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Favourite Worst Nightmare
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ASIN: B000O58ZY4
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

Don't Give Up
Scratch Your Name
The Count Of Monte Christo
Sister Rosetta (Capture The Spirit)
Bridge To Canada
IWE
Nothing To Dread
Mind The Gap
Cannot Even (Break Free)
Hieracrchy

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING!!!.......2007-05-02

So I was at my local record store and I was intrigued by the Billie Holliday and Yeah Yeah Yeahs reference. The album was cheap enough to take a chance on and I'm very glad that I did. There are so many musical styles and theories going on in this album but they all equate to a rockin' good time! Imagine a band that can rock like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs but with a front woman who has a great voice to boot. This is a solid album from beginning to end, not one bad song, and I can't say enough good things about it.

Eclecticism of the finest (dis)order.......2007-04-24

The noisettes are a conceptual approach to sound that escapes the confines of pop music. They defy any single paradigm or set of assumptions, instead drawing upon multiple theories, styles, and ideas to gain complementary insights, leading us into a new dimension of sounds and thrills. To put it plainly, which is impossible with this trio - they rock!

Average customer rating:

AWESOME!!
MacRae and Jones soar in this tragic R&H musical
Great Music
Response to David Pabian's review below
Gummed up an Original

Carousel (1956 Film Soundtrack)
Shirley Jones , Claramae Turner , Robert Rounseville , Cameron Mitchell , Barbara Ruick , Robert Rounseville , Richard Rodgers , Oscar Hammerstein II , and Gordon MacRae
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack)
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ASIN: B00005A7XD
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

Introduction - Gordon MacRae/William Le Massena
Main Title: The Carousel Waltz - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
You're A Queer One, Julie Jordan - Barbara Ruick/Shirley Jones
When I Marry Mr. Snow - Barbara Ruick
If I Loved You - Shirley Jones/Gordon MacRae
June Is Bustin' Out All Over - Claramae Turner/Barbara Ruick
June Is Bustin' Out All Over Ballet - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
Soliloquy - Gordon MacRae
Blow High, Blow Low - Cameron Mitchell
When The Children Are Asleep - Robert Rounseville/Barbara Ruick
A Real Nice Clambake - Barbara Ruick/Claramae Turner/Robert Rounseville/Cameron Mitchell
Stonecutters Cut In On Stone - Cameron Mitchell
What's The Use Of Wond'rin - Shirley Jones
You'll Never Walk Alone - Shirley Jones/Claramae Turner
Ballet - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
If I Loved You (Reprise) - Gordon MacRae
You'll Never Walk Alone (Finale) - Shirley Jones
Carousel Waltz (LP Version) - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman

Amazon.com

Richard Rodgers always considered Carousel his favorite score, even though it didn't generate the number of popular hits of some of the other shows he produced with lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Their adaptation of the Ferenc Molnar play Liliom is marked by three especially sublime moments. "The Carousel Waltz," Rodgers's alternative to the traditional Broadway overture, serves as an orchestral backdrop to the opening scene and is one of the best miniatures ever written for the theater. "If I Loved You," which establishes the romance of carnival barker Billy Bigelow (Gordon MacRae, a late replacement for Frank Sinatra) and nice girl Julie Jordan (Shirley Jones), is a musical minidrama in which the pair's discussion of how they are not in love reveals just how much they are in love. "Soliloquy" is Billy's powerful solo that foreshadows the action to come in Act II. Add the inspirational anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone," and you have Rodgers and Hammerstein's most extraordinary, near-operatic score. On the soundtrack for the 1956 film, MacRae and Jones are in exceptional voice (following their success in 1955's Oklahoma) and the orchestra sounds glorious, but unfortunately some of the numbers were shortened, most notably "If I Loved You." Extensive production notes, an interview with Jones, and a synopsis are included. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

AWESOME!!.......2007-05-12

LOVE SOUND TRACTS FROM OLD MOVIES - SING ALONGS AND THE BEST ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE TRAVELING AND CAN SING LOUD. IT IS A KEEPER

MacRae and Jones soar in this tragic R&H musical.......2007-02-11

This film adaptation of Carousel came shortly after the Oklahoma! film and reunited Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. Although the film was not well-received at the box office, the soundtrack shows MacRae, Jones and the superb cast performing their roles to their heart's content. Their performance helps bring out the pathos in this tragic R&H musical, which Rodgers himself considered his favourite of all his works.

MacRae shines vocally as Billy Bigelow, bringing an open-hearted musicality and sincerity to his stout-hearted portrayal. MacRae stands out in Billy's pivotal Soliloquy, which some reviewers have considered one of the finest vocal performances of the 20th century. He is well-partnered by Shirley Jones, who lends her tender voice and personality to her portrayal as Julie. Listen to the chemistry they exude during the pivotal If I Loved You duet, as if they're overcoming their shyness and drawing sustenance from each other with their love. The supporting cast also gives its all in performing their roles. Claramae Turner's hearty Nettie brims with sincerity, warmth and tenderness, and she leads a rousing rendition of June is Bustin' Out All Over and renders You'll Never Walk Alone touchingly. Barbara Ruick and Robert Rounseville are superb as Carrie and Mr. Snow, although I admit I would have liked a little more humour. I also admit I would have liked Cameron Mitchell as Jigger to sound more sinister, like Fisher Stevens did in the 1994 Broadway revival recording. But even as it is, everyone sings gloriously and is given sumptuous backing from Alfred Newman's superb arrangements and the 20th-Century Fox Orchestra, when it shines out in the ballets.

If I'm adding to the praise of these critic-proof performance, you'll wonder, why am I giving only 4 stars? Well, it's because the extra sound effects from the unreleased sequences tend to jar after a while. I know some of you are complaining that the dance sequences are plagued by extraneous sound effects and noise. I share the same feelings too and also wish that the producers had utilised the original studio pre-recordings for a sumptuous listening experience. However, let us at least be grateful that Didier Deutsch and his production team have made these unreleased sequences available on a soundtrack CD reissue. At least it's a step in the right direction before the entire canon of R&H film soundtracks (yes, including South Pacific and The Sound of Music) gets its due as deluxe 2-CD sets, complete with underscore.

However, don't let this gripe dissuade you from buying this soundtrack. It offers a complete musical experience that one could only dream of in the previous CD reissues of the soundtrack. And it demonstrates the element that Rodgers & Hammerstein were discovering in their musicals.

Great Music.......2007-01-04

Rogers and Hammerstein were in a different league when it came to writing musicals. Their music, lyrics and story are never alike. These two partners were exceptional and their music shows it. Carousel is a tragic story but also shows that human nature can rise above adversity. The music is wonderful and the characters believable. A great movie.

Response to David Pabian's review below.......2004-06-30

Response to David Pabian's review:

My review was not in error, as Mr. Pabian expects. The review was for the original CD release, not this expanded version. Amazon lifted it out of that spot and dropped it here, which of course makes it anachronistic. Why they did it without reading it is certainly an inept decision.

Gummed up an Original.......2003-06-10

This overblown "completeitis" has got to stop. The original soundtrack album Carousel Waltz is now relegated to Appendix status, and terrible sonics accompany dancers' footstomping in the "new" expanded musical sequences, taken directly from the soundtrack rather than from still-existing musical tracks. There was a reason soundtrack recordings were studio performances. The proportions were right, the timings were correct for an overall BALANCED listening experience. These gawdawful expanded editions, often with dialogue thrown in, completely throw off those balances. An argument might be made for expanded sequences appropriate to a CDs longer playing time than the standard L.P. 45min., but possibly only if those sequences are from their original studio-recorded, pre release-print mix -- which could have easily been done in this case. A quick word on one of the above reviews: This is not the first time the complete Carousel Waltz is heard in stereo. There were two previous CD remasterings of the original soundtrack whereon it was included. And the reprise of "If I loved You" was part of every soundtrack release, mono and stereo.

Urinetown (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

An Amazing Find
Urinetown the Musical
Not for Everyone
"DON'T BE THE BUNNY!"
Now my favorite CD, EVER!

Urinetown (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
John Cullum , Mark Hollmann , Danny Marcus , and Hunter Foster
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
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Urinetown: The Musical
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ASIN: B00005LZR8
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

Overture
Too Much Exposition
Urinetown
It's A Privilege To Pee
Mr. Cladwell
Cop Song
Follow Your Heart
Look At The Sky
Don't Be The Bunny
Act One Finale
What Is Urinetown?
Snuff That Girl
Run, Freedom, Run!
Why Did I Listen To That Man?
Tell Her I Love Her
We're Not Sorry
We're Not Sorry (reprise)
I See A River

Amazon.com

"How about a bad title?" wonders Spencer Kayden's Little Sally in "Too Much Exposition." "That could kill a show pretty good." It's a tribute to the skill deployed by the Urinetown creative team (Mark Hollman, music and lyrics; Greg Kotis, book and lyrics) that its title doesn't kill the show. Set in a near-future in which water depletion has led to a ban on private toilets, this may be the only musical in history in which one of the leads makes a fortune on pee. But the show (which originated Off-Broadway before graduating to the big league) limits its subversive intent to subject matter and is refreshingly classic in approach and structure--think Weill-meets-Lewis Carroll. Backed by a small ensemble, the cast (with John Cullum in a turn nothing short of brilliant as the evil urinal magnate) has a field day with Kotis and Hollman's frequently hilarious score. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

An Amazing Find.......2007-04-03

I just recently discovered this gem of a musical. It's a stand out show with a unique touch. If heard a few outside musicals (The Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch...) but this one stands out from them. The music is amazing, the lyrics are creative, and the humor is ripe.

With a chamber music-esque overture, the tone is set. 'Too Much Exposition' is a great introduction to Urinetown (the musical). Officer Lockstock addresses the audience about what they should expect from the show. Little Sally wants to let the audience in on the water shortage but Lockstock stops her. ("You're too young to understand it now, but nothing can kill a show like too much exposition." "How 'bout bad subject matter? Or a bad title, even? That could kill a show pretty good.")

I've read what others have written: you don't get the whole humor of the show unless you've seen it. I haven't seen it, but this recording is enough to get me see it. (That is, if a production nearby, even a high school production, is put on.)

The songs that I find myself listening to over and over are:

Too Much Exposition (not really a song, but still...)
Urinetown
It's A Privilage to Pee
Mr. Cladwell (a wonderfully sweet villain song)
Cop Song (a wonderfully fun villain song)
Follow Your Heart
Don't Be the Bunny
Act 1 Finale
What Is Urinetown?
Run, Freedome, Run!
Why Did I Listen to That Man?
We're Not Sorry (a great 20's sound, reminds me of 'Chicago')
I See A River (I really love this song... the feeling gotten across, before Lockstock comes out to comment, is 'Oh, everything is going to be okay', but Lockstock informs us that all is NOT well)

With a cry of "Hail Mathus!" the show ends. I just have to listen again, after making a trip to the bathroom.

Urinetown the Musical.......2007-03-10

This CD has all the songs from the show. The show is great and this rendition is about the best.

Not for Everyone.......2006-12-28

This musical is a great piece for the 21st century no doubt, that being said it takes some getting used to. The musical cannot be taken at face value, there are lots of things happening under the surface and it takes some bites at things musical theater doesn't usually take, like itself. On the surface it is strange, and not really something people would listen to over and over. However, once you figure it out, it's fun to listen to it again to find all the things that are really going on. It is very funny, and says some good things about the current state of the world. For musical theater fans this is questionable, if you just like the toe-tapping happy go lucky feel, this isn't it. But if you like the social commentary that goes along with that toe tapping, this is a must. NOT FOR FIRST TIME BROADWAY LISTNERS. Favorite Song: "Look at the Sky"

"DON'T BE THE BUNNY!".......2006-12-04

My son, a high school senior, told me his first show of this year's theatrical season was going to be "Urinetown". My response was something like ... No, really, what shows are you doing this year? Then he brought home a recording of it, and I was hooked right away by the lyrics. Over the years my son has been involved in many performances, but he and the rest of the cast had a real blast preparing for, and performing, this show! He wanted Lockstock, but was cast as Cladwell ... Owned it ... Loved it!
I am no Broadway expert by any stretch of the definition, but this show is wonderfully entertaining! You will see (and hear) snippets from other shows, you will pick up on some of even the more subtle stabs at musicals as a whole, you will groan, you will laugh and you will enjoy ... But only if you try not to take it too seriously.
Get past the title (in this case I certainly think it did not "...kill a show pretty good"), relax, and be entertained. And for goodness sake, if you have a chance to see it performed live, do so! A musical that pokes fun at itself? Yes, a refreshing departure from the norm, and worth the price of admission.

Now my favorite CD, EVER!.......2006-10-03

After reading Urinetown (never having seen it), I wondered what on earth it sounded like. Most of the book is just lyrics, and I had no idea what they sounded like. When I finally listened to the music, I found an incredibly complex, catchy, and moving CD.

The music isn't so much complex as it is creative and works with the lyrics. Keep in mind this is a comedy, but this comedy does have soaring melodies and very great simulataneous singing moments (I can't remember what that is specifically called, but think of "Tonight Reprise" from West Side Story). These songs not only entertained me, it moved the story along.

My favorite song is "Why Did I Listen to that Man?" as it is the song where everything comes together and reaches the climax (both in story-line and musically). However, I have a soft spot for every Cladwell song (and I haven't found a person yet who doesn't love "Don't Be the Bunny) as well as every song. What's best about this musical is the range of genres (but not so much as one would find in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat).

The cast is truly talented and can perform these songs. It's a very strong recording for what I feel (after finally getting to see it) is the best contemporary musical to date. Not only will your sides split, but you'll learn something too. Best of all, it's a musical for everyone. Unlike other equally hilarious comedies (*cough*The Producers*cough*), Urinetown never relies on "unappropriate" and "adult" material to deliver laughs, although you will have to get over the "really awful title."

Average customer rating:

cha cha slide
Just what I expected
Great for parties
What Comes After The Cha-Cha Slide?
Great Dance Steps

The Cha-Cha Slide
Mr. C The Slide Man
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

30 Greatest Party Songs Ever
Electric Slide (Shall We Dance)
Ultimate Party Survival Kit
Mississippi Cha Cha Slide Stomp 2007
Carousel

ASIN: B00004YNI5
Release Date: 2000-09-19

Tracks:

Cha-Cha Slide (Radio) - Casper
Cha-Cha Slide (Club) - Casper
Bus Stop/Electric Slide (Radio) - Hudson Beaudy/Charles Green
Casper Cha-Cha Slide - Casper/The Live Platinum Band
Step To This (Vocal) - Col'ta
Unworthy (House Vocal) - Col'ta
Unworthy (Instrumental) - Col'ta
Bus Stop/Electric Slide (Original) - Hudson Beaudy/Charles Green
DJ Eric-B Slide - DJ Eric B
Step To This (Instrumental) - Col'ta
R-U-Here - Col'ta

Customer Reviews:

cha cha slide.......2007-05-07

i love this cd and so does my daughter its a great work out cd

Just what I expected.......2007-02-17

I ordered this CD for my daycare kids and my own kid's party times. They love it, thanks!

Great for parties.......2007-01-05

I used this at my kids' Halloween party and it was a hit.

What Comes After The Cha-Cha Slide?.......2006-11-01

I purchased this CD because I wanted a copy of "The Cha-Cha Slide." I listened to a preview of each of the additional cuts prior to ordering the CD, so I knew exactly what I was getting. If you love "The Cha-Cha Slide," you'll love the first two cuts on this CD. But unfortunately, that's all that this CD has to offer. For me, it was still worth buying.

Great Dance Steps.......2006-07-22

I work in a child care facility and my staff were looking for the words and music for the cha cha slide. They were teaching the children so they could perform it at their preschool graduation. Well let me tell you it was a hit and the parents even joined in.

Ever since that night, the other preschool classrooms wanted to have some fun too and I let the other classrooms listen and dance. My only concern is that I don't get to use it too much because it is always on loan. I wish I had more copies! Thank you for helping my staff keep their children learning fun ways to listen,exercise, share and socialize with others.

Average customer rating:

We love it!
Great children's music
Great CD!
One of my daughters favorite CDs
Can't rave enough about the Imagination Movers!!!!!!

Good Ideas
Various Artists
Manufacturer: REC Room Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Educational | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Calling All Movers
Imagination Movers - Stir it Up
Eight Feet
Welcome To Ralph's World [CD/DVD Combo] [Amazon Exclusive Bonus Content]
Welcome to Ralph's World

ASIN: B00009V3L2
Release Date: 2003-05-17

Tracks:

Imagination Movers Theme Song
My Favorite Snack
I Want My Mommy (Time for Bed)
The Medicine Song
Brainstorming
Good Ideas
The Wah-Wah Song
Time Out
Shakeable Fruit
Snackin' ABCs
I'd Eat it Anyway
Everybody's Game
Toothache
One More Book
IMHFT

Album Description

Want My Mommy (Time for Bed)" is the No.1 song XM Kids national satellite radio! In addition, The Movers' debut disc, "Good Ideas," has been named a 2003 Parents' Choice Recommended CD and was named Best Recording for Younger Children by Children's Music Web. Also, "Toothache," a tune about dental hygiene set to an old-school rap beat, garnered a 2003 Great American Song Honor Award and the Caribbean inspired "The Medicine Song" was recently named a finalist in the USA Songwriting Contest. Imagination Movers combine pop, hip-hop, rock and world music with educational themes for kids and their parents. The Movers sing about healthy eating, separation anxiety, sibling rivalry and other topics that relate to being a little kid, but the group's musical style has a decidedly grownup groove. Think Mr.. Rogers meets the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Regardless of how you describe it, Movers music is catchy stuff that parents and children will want to listen to over and over again!

Customer Reviews:

We love it!.......2007-02-19

We love the Imagination Movers! After seeing them on the disney channel, we decided to purchase the cd for our car rides. We all love them, even my husband and I sing the songs! My personal favorite is the song about going to bed.
Great Music!

Great children's music.......2007-01-18

If you are only going to buy one children's music CD, buy this one. My three year old listens to it all the time. It is fun for adults and children alike. It still sounds good even after the 1000th time of hearing it (and you will hear it a 1000 times). The music is very hip, but the lyrics are written from a toddlers point of view. I especially like "The wah wah song", "one more book" and "Shakeable Fruit". Its obviously written by guys with a sense of humor and young children. Pity I can't give it more than five stars - highly recommended.

Great CD!.......2007-01-10

Imagination Movers are great performers and singers. My kids, 2 1/2 and 20 mos, just love their music. Highly recommend it.

One of my daughters favorite CDs.......2004-11-20

My daughter LOVES this album. Take your medicine and Good Ideas are her favorites. Calms her down in the car everytime. BUY this and every other album they make. They are all great!

Can't rave enough about the Imagination Movers!!!!!!.......2004-09-12

Five stars are not enough to express how much we love the Imagagination Movers (known in our home as the "IM's"). My five-year-old son listens to their music over and over and over, knows all the lyrics, and has memorized which song is which number on the CD. Meanwhile, my 2-year-old daughter is rapidly catching up and sings and dances around the house, in the car, and anytime in between ("Mommy, 'Magination Movahs" she announce when we heard "I Want my Mommy" playing in a children's store recently). As others may have mentioned, the real magic in this CD is ultimately that the musical style of the Imagination Movers appeals to the Mommy and Daddy generation as well, and not only will you be willing to listen again and again with your enthusiastic youngster, but you may find yourself listening on your own one day! Finally, I must also add that my son has decided that instead of being a doctor like Daddy, his life goal now is to become an Imagination Mover. Buy this CD for yourself and many for gifts -- the music is contagious and bound to be a big hit!!!

Spongebob Squarepants: The Best Day Ever

Average customer rating:

Music Fan
The Best Album Ever!
cd
The Best Album Ever!!!
Better than the Beatles White album.

Spongebob Squarepants: The Best Day Ever
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Nick Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Spongebob Squarepants: The Yellow Album
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie: Music from the Movie and More...
SpongeBob SquarePants: Original Theme Highlights
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SpongeBob SquarePants - Season 4, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000H7JD8G
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

WH20 Radio Show Open
The Best Day Ever
SpongeBob & The Hi-Seas In Concert
Employee Of The Month
Patrick! Turn Your Radio Down!
Under My Rock
Mrs. Puff's Boating School Ad
Where's Gary?
The Tuneful Tuna's Advice
Barnacles!
Pearl Krabs Aka Caller #5!
My Tighty Whiteys
Dover Sole With Bikini Bottom Weather
Ridin' The Hook
Squidward's Request
Superior
Krusty Krab Radio Spot
Doin' The Krabby Patty
Plankton James The Signal
You Will Obey!
That Was Weird
Who Wants To Race Me?
The Spotlight Continues...
Fishin' For Money
SpongeBob & The Hi-Seas Drop By WH20
Bikini Bottom/Rock Bottom

Amazon.com

It was only a matter of time before SpongeBob Squarepants became a star big enough to pull off a concept album. Where so many other megawatt celebrities, be they living and land-based or fictional and sea-dwelling, can get all high-minded and grand when cobbling together a theme for their music, though, our man Sponge proves he's as humble and porous as ever on The Best Day Ever, a 26-track bonanza that delivers us into WH2O studios for a "live broadcast" from Bikini Bottom. Under the phony programmatic direction of snazzy DJ Al Bacore (get it?), SpongeBob & the Hi-Seas--a motley assemblage of characters including Plankton, Squidward, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Pearl, and Sandy--trot out 13 songs between often gut-busting station-based interstitials (in one, hapless caller Patrick can't figure out he's supposed to turn down his radio to hear). The music and lyrics, if not the intentionally doofusy vocals, are inspired: Brian Wilson (how did they get him to agree to this?) sings backup on "Doin' the Krabby Patty," Flaco Jimenez lends Latin flair squeezebox-style on "Barnacles!," and Tommy Ramone of the Ramones hammers out a punkish percussive number on "Ridin' the Hook." Through it all, even when he's baring his soul in a heartwarming serenade to his tighty whiteys, SpongeBob's nice-guy persona sets a friendly, happy tone: the mood, loud and clear as a seal's bark, is pure best-day-ever celebration; the master of ceremonies works his yellowness, squareness and general dim-wittedness to masterful effect. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

SpongeBob SquarePants has his Best Day Ever! All new original music- created and written by Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob and producer Andy Paley, who are accompanied by a crew of legendary musicians - including Brian Wilson, Tommy Ramone and Flaco Jimenez.

The album presents the work of the soon-to-be-legendary animated band - SpongeBob & The Hi-Seas - whose debut record is being previewed on Bikini Bottom's WH2O. With cleverly crafted interstitials that play like a retro-modern rock and roll radio show, mixed with soon-to-be classic modern songs, the album comprises a fun-filled 26 tracks!

Customer Reviews:

Music Fan.......2007-06-19

I dont have enough time to write something about each of these songs, but this cd is great!!! My favorite songs are: The Best Day Ever, Employee of the Month, Barnacles, Doing the Krabby Patty and Bikini Bottom/Rock Bottom. I reccomend this cd to Spongebob lovers.SpongeBob SquarePants - Season 4, Vol. 1SpongeBob SquarePants - Season 4, Vol. 2

The Best Album Ever!.......2007-05-27

Get ready for an amazing experience that will change your listening habits....then put on this album. The first song is a mind-blower! "The Best Day Ever" seems like a cute little summer fun song but after you get into it you realize that musically it's really heavy! This is like a Beach Boys song that sucks you in with it's cute little beat and lyric and then knocks you out with it's musical sophistication.
The next song is "Employee Of The Month". This is pure power-pop. The Who circa 1966 meets The Turtles.WOW!!!
"Under My Rock" is sung by Patrick. This is classic garage-rock. Rave-up at the end reminds me of The Count Five.
"My Tighty Whiteys" is simply the best song and best production that has been released since the hey day of the Brill Building. Again...this seems simple but it's super sophisticated! My vote for best bridge since "Wouldn't It Be Nice?". Andy Paley and Tom Kenny are a great writing team! This is what's missing from pop music!
There is something for every pop music fan on this album. Guest stars include...Brian Wilson , Mandy Barnett, Nino Tempo , Tommy Ramone, Flaco Jimenez, James Burton , N.R.B.Q., Tommy Morgan , Jerry "The Geator" Blavett
etc..
I never get tired of this record. It's on in my car all the time. I've given it to all my hip friends and they all love it , as do their young kids and their stoner , college-age kids!
It's a HIT!!!!

cd.......2007-05-23

my granddaughter truly enjoyed this we often listen to it while doing chores and sing along

The Best Album Ever!!!.......2007-04-03

We went to a live performance by Tom Kenny, Mr. Lawrence and the guys who made this record down at Amoeba Records in Hollywood. It was fabulous!! The songs are WONDERFUL!!! If you want to get into a good mood, buy this album! The songs are like 60's beach music, which is a perfect fit for Spongebob. My favorite song is Employee of the month, but I also love Plankton's "You Will Obey!!" with it's explosion at the end. The whole album is done like a radio show. My daughter loves to say AAAAL Bacore!!! Who is the Tuneful Tuna, a dj. This CD is great for the entire family and I give it my highest recommendation.

Better than the Beatles White album........2007-03-31

One of the best CD's we ever listened to. Sponge Bob and Crew are at thier best. Pleasant harmonies and nice structure of music. Very pleasing arrangements.

Average customer rating:

ahh, memories...
Grew up with this.....
Such An Impact!
Love it!!!
Outstanding for Early Elementary School Kids. Highly Awarded

Mr. Bach Comes To Call
Martin Lavut Karen/ Lavut , Walter Babiak , and Toronto Boys' Choir
Manufacturer: Children's Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven Lives Upstairs
Mozart's Magnificent Voyage
Tchaikovsky Discovers America
Mozart's Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through 'The Magic Flute'
Vivaldi's Ring Of Mystery

ASIN: B00000212K
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

Medley: Orchestral Suite #3: Movement 1/Minuet In G/Gigue In G (French Suite #5)
Medley: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring/Chromatic Fantasy/Prelude In B Minor
Medley: Introducing The Orchestra/Organ Chorale Prelude: 'Allein Gott'
Brandenberg Concerto #5: Movement 3
Medley: Flute Sonata In C: Movement 2/'Es Ist Das Heil'/Orchestral Suite #2: Movement 6/Violin...
Medley: Prelude In C (Book 1 Of WTC)/Orchestral Suite #2: Movement 2
Bist Du Bei Mir
Orchestral Suite #2: Badinerie
Orchestral Suite #3: Air For G String
Orchestral Suite #3: Gigue
'Adventure In Music'
Medley: Goldberg Variations/Art Of Fugue
Medley: 'Liebster Jesu'/Flute Sonata In C: Movement 4
Cantata #78: 'We Hasten'

Product Description

THE STORY: After the dramatic send off of his music into space aboard Voyager II, Mr. Bach drops in on a little girl at the piano -- along with his magic orchestra and choir. THE MUSIC: Over two dozen excerpts, including Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Brandenburg Concerto #5, Flute Sonatas and Badinerie, Air for the G-string, Goldberg Variations, paino minuets and preludes, organ music and choral Cantata #78.

Customer Reviews:

ahh, memories..........2006-03-26

I had this as a kid, along with Mozart's Journey through the Magic Flute, and I listened to them all the time. I remember once on my birthday, I had to go see my dad give a lecture before we went out to eat, so I brought along my tape player and this cassette. When i hear it now, I think of that night. Also, I just purchased the CD, and when I got it I was so happy, so exaulted, so thrilled. I was smiling the whole time I was listening during math class. I highly recommend this to any child, Bach has become my favorite composer and I am writing a term paper on him all because of this wonderful recording.

Grew up with this............2005-12-05

I was just listening to some classical music and a piece by Bach came on and i was reminded of this CD (tape when i was a kid) and I really remember loving this recording and listening to it over and over as a kid. It really gave me an appreciation for this kind of music! Maybe from an adult perspective it's simple or inaccurate - but it really brought Bach to life for me as a child.

Such An Impact!.......2004-03-30

As a college student who still remembers and loves her "Mr. Bach Comes To Call", "Beethoven Lives Upstairs", and "Mozart's Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through 'The Magic Flute'", I would recommend these CDs without a doubt. Over a decade later I still remember these tapes (as they were when I first got them) and still remember classical songs that many of my friends can't even name composers to. A wonderful educational investment for your children!

Love it!!!.......2003-08-16

I love this CD, and I'm almost 15!!! I love to listen to it with my brothers (7 and 12) while we're going the dishes.

Outstanding for Early Elementary School Kids. Highly Awarded.......2003-01-13

This is an excellent CD for any early elementary school age child. The story is interesting, and the music snippets are outstanding.

My second grade daughter especially loves this CD (and Bach) because she takes piano lessons.

Mr. Bach Comes To Call received a Parents Choice Award, among others, and was recommended by the much praised "What Your Second Grader Needs to Know." This is a quality CD.

Tracks:

When You Got A Good Friend
Little Queen Of Spades
They're Red Hot
Me And The Devil Blues
Traveling Riverside Blues
Last Fair Deal Gone Down
Stop Breakin' Down Blues
Milkcow's Calf Blues
Kind Hearted Woman Blues
Come On In My Kitchen
If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day
Love In Vain
32-20 Blues
Hell Hound On My Trail

Amazon.com

It's impossible to overemphasize the importance of singer-guitarist-songwriter Robert Johnson's contribution to blues music. The same can be said of Eric Clapton, one of Mr. Johnson's most dedicated interpreters. From his work with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers to Cream and beyond, Clapton has arguably attracted more widespread attention to Johnson's music than any other living musician. A decade after his all-blues From the Cradle (which included no Johnson material), Clapton jumps into the icon's catalog with both feet by covering 14 Johnson tunes. With a stripped-down veteran band that includes such longtime associates as drummer Steve Gadd, keyboardist Billy Preston, and harmonica ace Jerry Portnoy, the guitarist attacks these songs with passion, intelligence, and a refreshing lack of blues-rock pretense. From the upbeat jump of "32-20 Blues" and "They're Red Hot" to the slower, grinding "Little Queen of Spades" and "Milkcow's Calf Blues," Clapton acquits himself well, eschewing his slicker inclinations with arrangements that underscore Johnson's rawest tendencies--although perhaps he doesn't seem sufficiently terrified when walking with Lucifer on "Me and the Devil Blues." Still, this is a successful and admirable return to his roots, one that will hopefully introduce an even larger audience to Johnson's seminal work. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

On Me And Mr.Johnson, Eric Clapton covers 14 of the 29 songs Robert Johnson, the most mythic figure of the blues, wrote and recorded in his lifetime. For fans of deep blues,it doesn 't get any better than this. After the success of Clapton 's first two traditional blues albums —1994 's Gram- my-winning triple-platinum, #1 pop From The Cradle, and 2000 's Grammy-winning, double-platinum,#3-charting Riding With The King collaboration with B.B.King —Me And Mr.Johnson finds Clapton once more at the crossroads of blues and rock.

The cover illustration by Peter Blake includes both published photographs of Robert Johnson: a rendering of the Robert Johnson Studio Portrait / Hooks Bros., Memphis c. 1935 / © 1989 Delta Haze Corporation / the Robert Johnson photo booth self-portrait, early 1930s / © 1986 Delta Haze Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.

Customer Reviews:

batcall.......2007-06-28

He finally gets to do what he loved best, the "blues". A great musician for the modern age.

Karaoke Blues.......2007-05-25

There is little doubt that Clapton is a living legend having made considerable contributions to blues-based popular music. Unfortunately, "Me and Mr. Johnson" is not that considerable. With an all star cast of musicians (Andy Fairweather-Low, Billy Preston, Nathan East, and Steve Gadd) this disc offers the listener tweaked and polished interpretations of almost half of the legendary blues man's existing repertoire. However, what the album offers in terms of production it certainly lacks in feeling. Some other reviews have used the term "elevator music" to describe the recording, but "karaoke" would be a better term. There is little to convince you that this is distinctly Clapton playing a heartfelt blues classic rather than an average Joe reading the lyrics off a television monitor in a smoky bar somewhere. Upbeat numbers such as "They're Red Hot" fare much better than tortured tracks such as "Hell Hound On My Trail," which comes across more like an angry weenie dog snapping at his heels.

While the album may serve as an introduction to early blues music for new listeners, Clapton's "From The Cradle," "Riding With The King," and even his "MTV Unplugged" are much more representative of his talent as an interpreter of the blues. Both Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly gave this record a good review, but just because he is already a legend doesn't warrant the rubber stamp of approval from even the most die hard of fans in my opinion. I would suggest checking out the albums mentioned above if you are interested in Clapton and/or a bridge to the blues genre.

On a last note, beware that this CD is copy protected, which may cause some problems if you would like to convert the songs to a digital device such as an I-Pod or mp3 player. Just another way of making it more difficult for the honest consumer rather than serving as a true deterrent of piracy.

The Blues on Prozac........2007-05-24

One of the things that first turned me on to Eric Clapton was an early live rendition of "Crossroads" which (I believe) came from a Cream concert. It was so good and so incendiary that it actually seemed to transcend the intentions and vision of the original songwriter. It was truly a defining moment for both Clapton as an individual artist and for rock music in general. Unfortunately, Eric set a very high standard for himself with that recording, and he has had a tough time matching its passion and intensity through the years. He came very close with "From the Cradle", which has a great live-from-the-club feel to it, great guitar playing and above-average singing.

On balance, "Riding With the King" is arguably a better record than either "Me and Mr. Johnson" or "From the Cradle", but it isn't an Eric Clapton record per se (the presence of B.B. King, and some exceptional songs, make the difference). So, if you're looking for a good straight blues record which mainly features EC, I would start with "From the Cradle" and go from there. If you just want the best blues/rock record that he was involved with in recent times, I would start with "Riding With the King".

I've read that the tracks for "Me and Mr. Johnson" were recorded in between takes during the "Back Home" sessions in order to keep the band on point. When listening to the "M&MJ" record I got the distinct impression that the songs weren't really sweated over or necessarily intended for release at the time. It appears that this project was more or less an afterthought, albeit a pretty good one. Eric's debt to Robert Johnson is without question, so officially paying homage to the master makes total sense. And it's a true testament to Eric's talent that a collection of his outtakes turned out better than many artists' finished work.

At the end of the day though, EC was in a very contented state of mind during these sessions-happily married and enjoying his children. Domestic tranquility doesn't usually lend itself to brilliant blues playing unless you're a tremendous actor in addition to being a great musician. On top of that, even when Eric does have the blues (after the death of his son Conor, for example), his vocals have never been able to measure up to the unbridled emotion evident in his best guitar playing.

One of the highlights of this record is "They're Red Hot", which conjurs up a mental image of Eric vamping in his living room for the children's amusement. It's fun and it's loose. Whereas Eric's treatment of the darker pieces just seems flippant and uninspired at times. I would much rather recommend the Rolling Stones' version of "Love In Vain" and Led Zeppelin's version of "Travelling Riverside Blues".

So, with all due respect to Eric Clapton (who I admire greatly), I would say that this recording is good rather than great.

Clapton pays tribute Robert Johnson..What great story!.......2007-03-21

Eric Clapton lit a huge fire when he recorded Crossroads live at Royal Albert Hall, London, UK with Cream in the late 60's. That recording kicked ECs career into overdrive as every guitar player since has heard it if not copied licks from that stellar performance. Through-out his career Clapton has shown to be significantly influenced by Robert Johnson's music. He has gone as far as to pay royalties to Johnson's decendents for the use of his music. This new CD was recorded in the very same room of the now abandon Houston Tx, building where Robert Johnson himself recorded this music in (2 sessions)1936-37. Johnson's guitar technique was such that Clapton himself admitted to not be able to do it justice (all while singing and playing in one take) and therefore employed Doyle Bramhall to cover some of the guitar work. This effort is the sincerest form of tribute I can imagine. This is not music that Clapton recorded because of it's comercial value. This is a true labor of love. This is intrinsicly blues therefore blues fans and musicologists alike will dig it.

Ah, okay..........2007-02-17

As Steve Vai once said, You can't say "my noise is better than your noise." If people like this album and Saddam Hussein doesn't, that's okay. Music is a vibration; you either respond or you don't and either way is not "wrong." Amen.

When Stevie Ray Vaughan first hit the airwaves, I felt as though someone was finally playing the music I'd always waited for from Clapton. Truth is, Eric moved in a singer/songwriter direction, and SRV stayed committed to the blues. EC's early days were exceptional on that count, from Crossroads to Hideaway, Have You Heard, etc. But I realized somewhere along the way that though he started with the blues, EC had demonstrated that he was versatile and pleasantly complex and probably wouldn't end there. He moved into the singer/songwriter spectrum, especially as other electric blues players came up and laid fire in new ways to the old tunes (Joe Bonamassa). This album is okay and I'm glad he resurrected the tunes. Lots of discipline and restraint, hard-earned maturity. But it isn't a show stopper and he seems increasingly less inclined to savage his axe. His voice is the highlight here, not his playing. That moved offstage a long time ago. And so did I.

Music:

Music

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