Reconstruction

Reconstruction

Track Listings

1. Satellites Are Spinning [Zero DB and Hectic Remix] - Sun Radio Ibiza

2. Henry [Zero DB Remix] - Peace Orchestra

3. Galicia [Zero DB Remix] - Trüby Trio

4. Future Vision [Zero DB Remix] - John Kong, Moonstarr

5. Touch the Sun [Electric Electric Remix] - Mônica Vasconcelos

6. Samba do Gringo [Zero DB Remix] - Suba

7. Xtradition [Zero DB Remix]

8. E Ruím [Zero DB Remix] - Grupo Batuque

9. Hangovers [Electric Electric Remix]

Editorial Reviews
Tamara Palmer, Miami New Times
Those with a love of bass and an appetite for boom should look no further.

Tracks:

Vn Con in E, BWV 1042: I. Allegro
Vn Con in E, BWV 1042: II. Adagio
Vn Con in E, BWV 1042: III. Allegro Assai
Vn Con in g, BWV 1056: I. (Allegro)
Vn Con in g, BWV 1056: II. Largo
Vn Con in g, BWV 1056: III. Presto
Vn Con in a, BWV 1041: I. (Allegro)
Vn Con in a, BWV 1041: II. Andante
Vn Con in a, BWV 1041: III. Allegro Assai
Con in d, BWV 1043: I. Vivace - Pinchas Zukerman
Con in d, BWV 1043: II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Pinchas Zukerman
Con in d, BWV 1043: III. Allegro - Pinchas Zukerman

Customer Reviews:

Perlman's Bach.......2007-07-04

These are good-to-excellent performances on a bargain disc. Probably the best single disc set of these concertos at any price.

Great interpretation.......2007-05-30

I was looking for a recording of Bach's Concerto No. 1 in A minor so that I could hear how to better play the accompaniment (on piano) and my daughter could hear a master play the piece on violin. We listened to 3 different recordings, and this was our favorite by far. The concerto was played at a great tempo with just the right amount of vibrato.

Enjoyable CD at great price.......2007-02-08

Bought this CD to round out a larger order and was happily surprised with both the quality of this CD, the beauty of the music, and the great price. Very nice buy!

The premier rendition of these classics.......2007-02-06

If you love Bach, you must buy this album. The quality of the performance and the recording is superb, and the price is certainly right.

Sounds drunken.......2006-12-16

I know that this recording is very beloved in classical music circles, but I do not like it at all. It is slow, meandering, and sounds drunk. I feel sad to say this, because I know that Perlman is prodigiously talented.

Average customer rating:

so amazing
Essential Bach is OK
Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music
Exquisite Essential Bach
Good

Essential Bach

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

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Essential Mozart: 32 Of His Greatest Masterpieces
Essential Beethoven
Essential Tchaikovsky
25 Bach Favorites
Chopin: Favorite Piano Works

ASIN: B00004SPLF
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue In D Minor: Toccata in D minor
Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major: Air
Prelude in C major
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major: Allegro
Goldberg Variations: Aria
Sleepers Awake: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: I Allegro moderato
Jesu, joy of man's desiring
Keyboard Concerto No.4: Allegro: I Allegro
Cello Suite No.3: Bourees I & II: Bourrees I And II
Concerto for Oboe & Violin In C Minor: Adagio
Mass In B minor: Crucifixus
Cello Suite No.1 in G Major: Praeludium
French Suite No.5 in G major: Gigue
Prelude in D Minor
Brandenburg Concerto No.5 In D Major: III Allegro
Matthaus-Passion: St Matthew Passion

Tracks:

Brandenberg Concerto No.2 In F Major: I Allegro
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II Largo, ma non tanto
Lute Suite In E Major: Prelude
Cantata: Sheep may safely graze
Cello Sonata In G Minor: II Adagio (excerpt)
Italian Concerto In F Major: II Allegro
Weihnachtsoratorium: Pastoral sinfonia
Violin Concerto No.1 In A Minor: II Andante
Partita No.1 In B Flat Major: Gigue
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Menuet
Orchestral Suite No.2 In B Minor: Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In F Major: Siciliano
Brandenberg Concerto No.3 In G Major: I Allegro
Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Allemande
Violin Partita No.2 In D Minor: Gigue
Keyboard Concerto No.2 In E Major: I Allegro (excerpt)
Cantata: Sanctify us by thy goodness
Keyboard Concerto No.5 In F Minor: II Largo
Concerto In A Minor: I Allegro

Amazon.com

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Essential Bach does is present individual movements from across a range of the composer's work. The anthology is clearly aimed at the newcomer, and the absence of booklet notes to put the music in context is disappointing. We are only given titles, performers, and what films the extracts have been featured in, from Rollerball to The English Patient.

On the plus side, most if not all of the music is instantly recognizable, by melody if not by name. Everything from the Brandenburg Concertos to "Air on a G String" to the B Minor Mass and St. Matthew Passion is represented. Performances range from 1960 to 1993, encompassing both early instrument and modern orchestra interpretations by a wide variety of forces, including Sir Neville Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and Raymond Leppard leading the English Chamber Orchestra. Given such diversity the result is unavoidably a patchwork, albeit one made from the finest materials, and as such is perhaps best treated as a sampler to aid exploration of the vast legacy of one of the very greatest composers who ever lived. --Gary S. Dalkin, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

so amazing .......2006-06-14

I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK.......2005-09-29

This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music.......2005-03-18

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set. I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much. My toddler likes it too. I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.

Exquisite Essential Bach.......2005-02-01

Value and exquisite sampler of Bach on two CD's at an affordable price. Recorded by the likes primarily of Academy of the St. Martin-in-the-fields, Chicago Sympony, Boston Symphony, English Chamber Orchestra and with virtuoso performers as William Bennett, Heinz Hollinger, Pepe Romero, and Wolfgang Rubsam, one gets treated to wonderful Bach exerpts of all his fantastic breath and depth of chamber, symphony and choral works.

One will have to go to other places to find background on these marvelous compositions as the liner notes only list perfomer and date recorded.

Good.......2004-07-13

This is a good album but for information on real choral music visit www.freewebs.com/bachster67/

Average customer rating:

Our favorite CD for all occasions
Bach and Roll!
My daughter loves this CD
Soothing
Classical, Jazz and Opera Bach all in one

Bach for Babies

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Beethoven for Babies
Mozart for Mothers-To-Be: Tender Lullabies for Mother and Child
The Mozart Effect - Music for Babies - Playtime to Sleepytime
The Mozart Effect: Music For Babies: Nighty Night
Build Your Baby's Brain

ASIN: B00000IIYV
Release Date: 1999-04-13

Tracks:

Partita No. 1 in B-Flat: Praeludium
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat: Menuets I & II
English Suite No. 3 In G Minor: Gavotte I - Gavotte II Ou La Musette
French Suite No. 6 In E: Allemande
Suite No. 3 In D For Cello: Bourree I & II
Suite No. 6 For Cello: Gavottes I-II
Prelude In D Minor
Orchestral Suite No. 2 In B Minor For Flutes And Strings: Badinerie
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D: Allegro
Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude No. 3
Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Fugue No. 3
(Prelude No. 2 from Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I): Be-Bop Bach
(Fugue No. 2 From Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I): Dixie Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G: Allegro
Suite No. 4 For Cello: Bourree
Partita No. 1 in B-Flat: Giga
'Little' Fugue In G Minor
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: Presto
Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude No. 1 In C
Concerto In D Minor For Oboe And Strings: Sicliano
Suite In E-Flat For Flute And Harp: Gavotte en rondeau
Sonata In E-Flat For Flute And Harp: Sicliano
Minuet In D Minor
Bist Du Bei Mir (When Thou Art Near)

Amazon.com

Programmed similarly to the Beethoven for Babies collection, this set of Bach compositions runs the emotional gamut, from the gently eye opening to the jumpy arm raising, collecting each set of pieces under a thematic header. The first several selections ("Waking Up") feature solo piano works that come directly from Bach's more pedagogic works, compositions intended for students to use as exercises to loosen their touch. Played superbly by pianist Sviatoslav Richter, as well as the Romero brothers (Pepe and Celedonio) on warm guitar, these compositions urge the ear to open. And then you come the pieces gathered under the "Playtime" heading: jazz pianist John Lewis picks up a couple pieces, as do the folks in Canadian Brass. Then the mood shift heads back to the sleepyhead state with "Winding Down" and "And So to Bed," each of which slows the tempo and quiets the passion to a doze. This is a fine set of Bach works. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Our favorite CD for all occasions.......2005-05-15

This is absolutely my favorite CD that we bought for our baby! We've bought quite a few classical-music-for-baby compilations, and this is far and away the best. The music is fun, flirty, stimulating, sweet, and beautifully performed. It's not syrupy, dumbed-down, or played on electronic instruments like some of those other compilations. We listen to it all the time. I now buy this as a baby shower gift for everyone I know!

Bach and Roll!.......2004-04-26

You can't beat Bach. If classical music is the thing you want for your baby, get this CD. If you are single and have no kids, but classical music is your thing, get this CD. This is fantastic reading music, study music (regardless of what you're studying), and just plain relaxing music. I also highly recommend the CD, BUILD YOUR BABY'S BRAIN 1.

My daughter loves this CD.......2003-02-24

She's one-year-old now, and she's been listening to this CD since she was 1 month old. Recommend it for those new parents that can't come up with any other way to lay their little ones to sleep.

Soothing.......2002-07-29

Very soothing. Calms my baby everytime I play it! And yes, they actually do listen to music and enjoy it! I recommend this as an essential item for any new baby!

Classical, Jazz and Opera Bach all in one.......2001-05-30

This is a versatile collection in terms of composition, performance and layout. Comparing to most of CD with classical selections for baby, this edition is more nutritious and rich on musical experience. Genre wise, the piano solo, concerti, chamber and opera are all included. Performance wise, it is absolute a feast -- Sir Neville Marrier conducting Academy of St. Martin-in-the fields, Jazz Pianist John Lewis delivering the charming and uplifting variation, and Kiri Te Kanawa's heavenly creamy voice. The combination of these musicians and recordings is a decision with great artistic sensibility. The layout is perfectly arranged -- from the waking up, playtime and to the bed. This is not just another CD juggles some pieces together from a brandy composer. For a more serious editing of baby music, this shall be something as a guideline.

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away

Average customer rating:

PLEASE BE AWARE
Bubble Bath Baroque
Cleansing Sounds To Wash Away Tensions
Great Classical Music Series Gorgeous Music
A relaxing serenade

Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Bach for Breakfast
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ASIN: B0000041DS
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Guitar Concerto in D: Largo
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Siciliano
The Four Seasons ( Winter): Largo
Flute Concerto No. 3 In D: Cantabile
Guitar Concerto in A minor: Largo
Oboe d'Amore Concerto In G: Adagio
Flute Concerto In G: Arioso
Concerto No 1 In B Flat For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Adagio
Oboe Concerto No 1 In B Flat: Largo
Concerto In A: Sicilienne
Concerto In G For Two Guitars: Andante
Concerto In D For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Grazioso
Concerto In C For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Introduzione (Larghetto)
Oboe Concerto In C: Siciliana
Water Music (Suite No 1 In F): Air
Oboe Concerto No 2 In B Flat: Andante
Suite No 1: Andante
Concerto In F: Preludio
Canon In D

Customer Reviews:

PLEASE BE AWARE.......2007-02-25

The audio samples given here are from the Vivaldi for Valentines CD in this same Philips series. NOT Bach.

The Vivaldi was great, though.

Bubble Bath Baroque.......2005-09-27

Light some candles, run a bubble bath, put in bath beads, pop this CD into your stereo and indulge in a bath that would mean you've pampered yourself in extremis. This particular recording from the popular Set Your Life To Classical series is a real treat for Bathtime, or in my opinion, anytime. It is indeed, as the title suggests, a relaxing serenade to wash your cares away. It is therapy, a perfect companion to a massage, reading a book, drinking tea, anything you can do alone to pamper yourself and to relax. Iona Brown, a female conductor, takes Sir Neville Marriner's place and conducts the Academy of St Martin In The Fields performing such works as the opening track - the Lute Concerto by Vivaldi as well as Track 4's Largo from the Winter movement in The Four Seasons, track 12's Concerto For Two Guitars by Corelli and the Oboe Concerto in D by Telemann. Also featured on here Oboe Concerti by Handel and Water Music Suite, and other conductors featured on here are Raymond Leppard and his English Chamber Orchestra. The Canon in D has never sounded more radiant than on here as it is conducted by Sir Neville Marriner and closes the CD nicely. A more relaxing way to take a bath you'll be hard-pressed to find. This music is gorgeous, it's affordable (on the Used Item section and the regular price) and is as always, a great intro to classical music and a fun, innovative way to enjoy it.

Cleansing Sounds To Wash Away Tensions.......2003-01-09

This is pleasing, pastoral music picked to relieve that which tenses up our bodies and souls.

Turn on this excellent baroque collection from the likes of Vivaldi, Telemann, Handel and Pachelbel (among others) superbly played by such virtuosos as Rampal, Holliger et al.

Sweeping instrumental arias are so relaxing! This one will soothe the savage beast as well as those tired bods.

Great Classical Music Series Gorgeous Music.......2002-12-22

The cd series "Set Your Life To Classical Music", composes a variety of baroque, classical and romantic instrumental music that serves the purpose of leisure and background while you engage in the day or evening's activities. The purpose is therapeutic. There are other titles in the series, such as "Bach For Breakfast", "Beethoven For Book Lovers" "Chopin And Champagne", "Baroque For Bedtime", "Puccini and Pasta", "Mozart For The Morning Commute", the series goes on and on. It is a great way to soothe your tensions and provides stress-free, nearly New Age style music that you'd more than likely hear at a masseur's place of business. One can also make the argument that this is the music you'd hear at an elevator. What I like about all these series is that they are also a great introduction to instrumental/classical music. The ensembles performing the classical works are virtuosic and well known in world of classical performance, such as Sir Neville Marriner and St. Martin In The Fields, I Musici and the New Age, Yani-style musician, Zamfir, who specializes in rare instruments such as pan pipes.

On this recording, specifically designed to accompany your bubble bath, there are beautiful, slower-paced movements from Baroque flute, violin and oboe concertos. There are the Sicilian style movements of such composers as Vivaldi, Bach and Telemann. The largo from the Winter movement is a richly melodic and dreamy piece for strings, and the concluding work, Canon In D Major, is an elegant, graceful and heartfelt chamber piece that has become iconic in Baroque music. It was used in the film, Ordinary People and is very popular in classical music for weddings. I strongly recommend all the cds in the series. They are a perfect way to get you into some of the most beautiful classical music ever written, and are a great way to involve music as the wordless, instrumental soundtrack in your life.

A relaxing serenade.......2000-12-28

This is a wonderful collection of Baroque pieces that will truly relax and wash away stress and tension. I especially like the oboe and classical guitar pieces. If you are a fan of the pan flute, this is also a good CD for you, but the pan flute actually is the down side of the CD for me. All the songs are first rate!

Average customer rating:

A fun live performance
A Good Musician and the Secret Legacy of Male Depression
RECONSTRUCT THE MIX
No Asylum For Traitors Or Cowards

Reconstruction
Scott Miller & the Commonwealth
Manufacturer: Sugarhill [Country]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Citation
Peace, Love and Anarchy
Live With the Devil You Know-Grimey's 10-20-06
West
Thus Always to Tyrants

ASIN: B000NA2316
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

I Made A Mess Of This Town
Amtrak Cresent
Angels Dwell
Jody
Eight Miles Per Gallon
Arianne
It Didn't Take Too Long
Only Everything
Dear Sarah
Freedom's A Stranger
Still People Are Moving
On A Roll
Wild Things
Intro
For Jack Tymon
Drunk All Around This Town
Spike
Hawks And Doves
Goddamn The Sun
Is There Room On The Cross?

Amazon.com

Live albums don't get much livelier than this, as Scott Miller and the Commonwealth do what great bar bands have always done. They tear up the joint with propulsive interplay, powerhouse riffing, catchy chorus hooks that practically demand a singalong, and even the occasional heartfelt ballad. The former leader of Tennessee's V-Roys leads his quartet through road-warrior anthems ("Eight Miles per Gallon"), gambling songs ("On a Roll"), and drinking songs ("Drunk All Around This Town"). He channels the inspiration of Chuck Berry ("It Didn't Take Too Long") and Bruce Springsteen ("Freedom's a Stranger") and dips into the songbooks of Tom Petty ("Spike") and Neil Young ("Hawks and Doves"). The crowd never wants to let the band go. Miller may not be the equal of Springsteen, Petty, and Young, but you can no longer hear those guys play bars. The colder the beer and the freer it flows, the better this music sounds. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

A fun live performance.......2007-04-30

Guess I'm partial since I was at one of the shows at the Down Home (and have heard Scott several other times), but this is a fun to listen to CD that captures the essence of Scott Miller and the Commonwealth's live music. Great selection and large number of tracks that hits all the varied styles of Scott's music. Fun to listen to the studio versions and live versions of his songs - for example, one of my favorites is "Amtrak Crescent" and I've got the studio version, an older acoustic version, and now this live one with the band. Put in this CD, turn it up loud, grab a cold beer and let it take you Down Home.

A Good Musician and the Secret Legacy of Male Depression .......2007-04-24

A good musician which deceptively deludes the realities of an emotionally blocked writer in self-denial.
(references: 'I don't want to talk about it' Terrence Real and 'The Untouched Key' by world renouned psychologist--Alice Miller)

I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression
The Untouched Key: Tracing Childhood Trauma in Creativity and Destructiveness

This CD is NOT recommended.

RECONSTRUCT THE MIX.......2007-04-17

You can't fault the band for a great perfomance, songs from all 3 of their cd's. It really could be a great cd too...the thing that wrecks this up is the audience singing along audibly on a few too many songs. Sure this may be great if you were at the show, but nobody else wants to hear it. WHIPPING POST !! ok... crowd karaoke , no thanks.

No Asylum For Traitors Or Cowards.......2007-04-16

I was at the Down Home for all 3 nights of the recording of this album & could not be happier with the result. Producer R.S. Field did a wonderful job of cleaning up any rough spots but leaving it alone enough to where it still feels like a live album. It's a great mix of the Commonwealth in mid-season form plus an appreciative & responsive crowd of loyal fans. The album not only weaves through most of Scott's best loved songs but also features a couple of covers by two of his favorite artists (Tom Petty & Neil Young), plus two previously unreleased songs that you could only hear by seeing Scott live. While Reconstruction is no substitute for seeing the band in person, it'll definitely hold you over until they come back through your town. Buy two copies & then tell a friend!!

Average customer rating:

Dark and underrated R.E.M. early effort
Very Underrated
Fabled Journey
Excellent Buy
My kingdom for a remastered release

Fables of the Reconstruction
R.E.M.
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Lifes Rich Pageant
Reckoning
Murmur
Document
Dead Letter Office

ASIN: B000002UW0
Release Date: 1998-01-27

Tracks:

Feeling Gravity's Pull
Maps and Legends
Driver 8
Life and How to Live It
Old Man Kensey
Can't Get There From Here
Green Grow the Rushes
Kohoutek
Auctioneer (Another Engine)
Good Advices
Wendell Gee

Amazon.com

R.E.M.'s third full-length recording, Fables of the Reconstruction delivers the purest distillation of the band's early sound. With the exception of the horn-laden, radio-friendly "Can't Get There from Here," the songs form a connected soundscape. Nearly transparent production highlights the glittering guitar arpeggios, active bass, and the disciplined, patterned drum lines, with organ and spare string arrangements adding texture to several pieces. And then there are the vocals: dense harmonies of voices calling out to each other, a rich humming and howling around Michael Stipe's central mumble. A careful listener can discern most of the lyrics, though what exactly they signify remains unclear. The album is best contemplated in its entirety, and the songs reward careful, repeated listening. This is a seminal alternative album, its material evocative, its ultimate meanings elusive. If your CD collection has room for only a few R.E.M. albums, Fables should be one of them. --Albert Massa

Amazon.com

R.E.M. Photos

More from R.E.M.

Lifes Rich Pageant
The Best of the I.R.S. Years: Collector's Edition
Document

Customer Reviews:

Dark and underrated R.E.M. early effort.......2007-07-06

The third album by R.E.M. was recorded during a difficult phase where the band was fighting (and the future looked bleak). The music reflects this turmoil: it's often spare, moody, dark, troubled; a stark contrast to the more upbeat and harder rocking music in the near future. Like the last two albums, it begins strongly with a mostly great first half, but a few instantly skippable tracks later on spoil the broth ("Old Man Kensey," "Kohoutek"). As expected from early R.E.M., the best song comes right out the gate, and "Feeling Gravity's Pull" is reminiscent of the Cure and Joy Division, two groups that rarely get compared to this one. Truly, tensions have affected Stipe and company.

After that and "Auctioneer," though, the best tracks rarely stand with the upper echelon of R.E.M.'s catalog. The good news is that at least the sound is more consistent here than it will be during their peak commercial years. Just barely misses out on being one of their essential albums, but those weened on their major label material should still check it out.

Best cuts: "Feeling Gravity's Pull," "Auctioneer (Another Engine)," "Maps and Legends," "Driver 8," "Life and How to Live It," "Good Advices," "Green Grow the Rushes," "Can't Get There From Here"

Very Underrated.......2006-11-02

This is that rarest of things: an underrated R.E.M. album. The sound is like nothing R.E.M. did before or since. "Maps and Legends" and "Green Grow The Rushes" are personal favorites, but almost everything here is solid. Much better than "Murmur" or "Reckoning," but seldom mentioned in the same sentence-until now!

Fabled Journey.......2006-09-17

'Reconstruction of the Fables' showcases the uncompromising dedication R.E.M. has to reinvent their sound wheel on every outing. Every album is consistently great quality with the moxy even the Beatles lacked. (For them superstardom garnered nearly limitless resources at their disposal.) '...Fables' is a brilliant album that is only slightly tarnished by a production that reminds one of the sixties. The folk-rock sensibility is certainly updated, however, and the concept presented is consistent in a lyrically and musically varied fashion.

Sojourn is the keyword here. They start this adventure with the shivery instrumentation of "Feel Gravity's Pull." With Peter Buck's sharp guitar patterns, Michael Stipe sings of an inward journey, presented with a landscape of "...a man-grey kind of sky...". The invocation of "Step up..., step up...the light is mine" sets up a Dante-esque journey, as in the 'Purgatorio,' to a higher spiritual realm. Then, if the destination is decided, "Maps and Legends" gives the listener a guide. Instrumentally, it is a sweeping and addictive tune at that. Every destination deserves stops along the way, so "Driver 8," with its fast-forward folk-rock appeal, encourages us weary pilgrims with refreshment. One of the best pair of songs from the album are "Life and How to Live It" and "I Can't Get There from Here". Both remind one of riveting punk-rock, not unlike the pace of the Ramones. Still, the first one is punchy; the latter is jazzy. Both have some sage thoughts in the mix. And, they don't stop their advice there, either. "Green Grow the Rushes" illustrates that the splendour of the earth make the journey worthy like its destinations. It contains not only more intricate folk-rock but more textured harmonies as well. (It also shows R.E.M.'s environmental proclivities.) However, not all the stops along the way are pleasant. "Old Man Kensey" is a shivery and startling portrait of a murderer or mobster (or both). The concise images of "wanting to be a goalie..." and "going far" are chillingly provided for a creepy character who seems to slip through the safety net for someone to find--like on a highway. The ending "Wendell Gee" provides a sad portrait of someone who has developmentally not reached his destination. The Southern accents and Stipe's lamenting refrain create a portrait of an innocent youth whose perpetrator of abuse will suffer the consequences. Before the C.D. ends, there is still good will provided. "Good Advices" is langorous, but not an overtime appeal to use gentility with heart in relationships. "Kahoutek" lingers even longer, but it illustrates well that there are key, but fleeting moments when brief relationships and discoveries make life exceptional. "The Auctioneer" provides a new twist thematically and musically to the train songs. More progressive, its admonition is to improve on time, talent, and relationships, but the sound simulates a train to good effect.

'Reconstruction of the Fables' is a thoroughly consistent outing by R.E.M. It may seem like a slight update of sixties' folkie albums, but it delivers a solid set of songs that seldom stray from its theme and without losing the sojourners' interest.

Excellent Buy.......2006-03-13

Excellent CD by REM. Had this CD many years ago, but haven't seen it in almost as many. Seller sent me one brand new, and I have been enjoying it ever since!!!
Thanks!

My kingdom for a remastered release.......2006-01-13

I have this on vinyl, original IRS. The CD does not do the vinyl justice but even the vinyl can stand to be remastered. They have done this with all their early albums, why not one of their best? Vinyl or CD, I will take either. This album has to be considered the last of the "we don't care if we are big pop stars" REM. Next it was Green, that is, "the color of money." Their most southern album, the title says it all. Live the south in all its glory and mainly it inglorious reality -- dirt poor, hard and backwards.

Average customer rating:

Reconstructed to Perfection

Reconstruction Time
iio
Manufacturer: Made Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Kiss You
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A State of Trance 2007

ASIN: B000NJM6M8
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Rapture
Is It Love
Kiss You
Chastity
Tantric
Be It
At the End
Megamix
Bonus Track 1
Bonus Track 2

Customer Reviews:

Reconstructed to Perfection.......2007-06-15

Reconstructed, remixed and now released. Reconstruction Time is full of the A-Grade remixes of iiO. With the band now more or less defunct following the departure of Nadia Ali, this is the superb completion of their catalogue.

We all remember the first time we heard 'Rapture' back in 2001. The melodious sounds of Nadia's vocals with the club sensibility of Marcus Moser's beats. They then swept through with the following singles 'At The End', 'Smooth', 'Runaway', 'Kiss You' and finally 'Is It Love'. The songs infectious and the sounds like no other.

Take all of the things you love of their previous work and add everything you wanted for the songs and blend them together. The reconstruction works and is, as the title says, The Best of iiO Remixed.

I won't give away what the bonus tracks are but they are not new tracks. They are still absolutely fantastic though. The megamix is dynamic like nothing other. It is all of the best songs that iiO have in one.

Have regretted buying CDs in the past... this is NOT one of them.

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

Mill. Classical review
classical music for the unitiated
Some little gems there that I had forgotten!
A very helpful collection
Excellent!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00000K1C9
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Average customer rating:

awesome cd
One great band
Sophisticated and Smart
Just plain beatiful music/lyrics...
Music that makes you feel good

Reconstruction Site
The Weakerthans
Manufacturer: Epitaph / Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B0000AGWJG
Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

(Manifest)
The Reasons
Reconstruction Site
Psalm For The Elks Lodge Last Call
Plea From A Cat Named Virtute
Our Retired Explorer (Dines With Michel Foucault In Paris, 1961)
Time's Arrows
Hospital Vespers
Uncorrected Proofs
New Name For Everything
One Great City!
Benediction
Prescience Of Dawn
(Past-Due)

Amazon.com

John Sampson continues to sharpen the contrast between the noisy agitprop of his former band Propagandhi and the low-key melodicism of his current one on this, the Winnipeg-based Weakerthans third full album. Forcefully literate (Sampson spent time between his two musical projects writing and launching a small publishing business) yet wed to a coolly urgent alt-pop musical sense that nicely underplays his self-conscious musings on personal obsessions that variously take in the title track's introspective impressionism, the poisonous nature of nostalgic, ritual cronyism on "Psalm For the Elks Lodge Last Call," and the acoustic poison-pen letter to his native Winnipeg, "One Great City." Propelled by a straightforward, occasionally jangly electric guitar assault, yet lightly seasoned with deft horn touches, pedal steel and simple harmonies, it's an album that's smart at every level. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Sonically located in the finest tradition of Punk, The Weakerthans walk an archipelago of influences from rock to folk to alt-country and beyond, led by lyrics tutored in the best of contemporary literature and progressive politics. 14 tracks packaged in a digipak. Includes the music video for the track 'Our Retired Explorer' & other bonus CD-ROM content. Epitaph. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

awesome cd.......2007-01-26

great cd. i love the lyrics and music. very creative, a change from propagandi but still awesome

One great band.......2006-12-14

They're my favorite band and I'm 50. They're my daughter's favorite band and she's 14. I'm not sure what that means but I'll bet it means something. Every Saturday we have to drive to another city ninety minutes away, and we listen to The Weakerthans both going and coming. Like just about every other reviewer here, I'm amazed by the wit and beauty of the lyrics. Many songwriters who are particularly gifted lyricists - Springsteen comes to mind - give the impression of writing the lyrics first and then jamming them into a melody as best they can. But in these songs everything fits; the words and music carry each other along perfectly, no matter how long or complex the sentences may be (e.g., "I don't want a second chance to turn my stuttering reluctance into romance, with these documents and kindergarten anthems, with my drunken liturgies"). There's lots about this album I have yet to understand, like why three of the songs, the ones in parentheses, share the same melody. Obviously they're connected, but how? I guess I'll have to keep listening to find out. Not the worst fate I can imagine.

Sophisticated and Smart.......2006-11-09

the Weakerthans' 3rd album is simply a joy to listen to. The music is not too hard and almost poppy, but in a sophisticated way. The lyrics are again superb. Not the stupid love songs but songs with actual ideas and smart language tricks.
My favorite song is 'One Great City!' about their hometown of Winnipeg. I guess a city you love to hate.

Just plain beatiful music/lyrics..........2005-12-21

I totally disagree with the previous reviewer that said the Weakerthans used to be "edgier" or more rough. From Fallow to this album their music has been just plain great and frankly has never been rough. Edgy? No, that's not the Weakerthans style.

My wife and I recently saw them in L.A. at a small venue and I have to say that John Samson and the rest of the band are amazing to watch. They just purely enjoy playing their music and yes, John always had a smile on stage and seemed like one of those people who found that thing they were always meant to do. His music is a reflection of how he plays. His unpretentious lyrics and child-like freedom are a breath of fresh air in an era of watered-down talent. When you listen to these songs it's like riding an emotion.

I saw Tom Petty play recently and the Weakerthans seem to have that same love and passion for what they're doing.

I HIGHLY recommend this album and both of the other two albums. The Weakerthans have progressed their music into something magical. Addicting and never tiresome. Weakerthans are the best band no one has ever heard of.

Music that makes you feel good.......2005-10-11

I have been a fan of the Weakerthans since their first release and this is definitely my favourite album they have put out. It is the type of album that you can play on repeat (without skipping a track, of course) over and over and over and enjoy it just as much everytime.

I would also like to add that they are one of the best live acts I have ever seen. I enjoy the fact that they are totally mellow while completely rocking out at the same time. My favourite part about watching them is that John has this huge smile on his face the ENTIRE time. He radiates happiness and not a trace of pretentiousness/cockiness. Their music makes me feel good, and I never want it to end.

Average customer rating:

Coffee ? Eggs ? Bacon ? Bach ?
Gentle background music with lots of harp
Excellent Compilation of Brilliant Music for Home Listening
Bach for any meal!
Lovely!!!

Bach for Breakfast

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Mozart for Morning Coffee: Freshly Brewed to Perk Up Your Day
Baroque at Bathtime: A Relaxing Serenade to Wash Your Cares Away
Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading
Mozart for Meditation

ASIN: B0000041D9
Release Date: 1995-06-13

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D
Concerto In D Minor For Oboe, Strings & Continuo: Siciliano
Suite in D: Bourree I - II
Sonata In E-Flat For Flute & Harp: Sicilliano
Sonata In E-Flat For Flute & Harp: Allegro Moderato
Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 In B-Flat: Adagio ma non tanto
Sonata In G minor For Flute, Harp & Cello: Allegro
Sonata In G minor For Flute, Harp & Cello: Adagio
Sinfonia: Christmas Oratorio
Orchestral Suite No. 1 In C: Forlane
Sonata In C For Flute & Harp: Andante-Presto
Sonata In C For Flute & Harp: Menuetto I - II
English Suite No. 3 In G Minor: Allemande
Brandenberg Concerto No. 2 In F: Andante
Suite In E-Flat For Harp: Gavotte en rondeau
Concerto In D Minor For Violin & Panpipes: Adagio
Concerto In A For Oboe d'amore, Strings & Continuo: Allegro moderato

Customer Reviews:

Coffee ? Eggs ? Bacon ? Bach ?.......2005-10-04

This recording is a delightful morning brew of Bach's most beautiful and atmospheric instrumental music, even making use of an instrument that most music scholars forget he even wrote music for - the harp, as in the SLonatas for Flute, Harp and Cello, which on this recording, sound positively radiant coming from the likes of Sir Neville Marriner's Academy of St Martin In The Fields or the English Chamber Orchestra. The opening track is the ever popular Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, mostly a featured piece in Wedding Ceremonies. The Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D, which I believe is marked "Overture" is regal and elegant. The English Suite No. 3 in G Minor is a lovely piece, as is the intimately slow andane of the Brandenbur Concerto No. 2. The Concerto for Violin and Panpies in D is a fresh new rendition. All in all, this is a very intimate CD, full of Baroque charm and romance. It is a fine way to start your day.

Gentle background music with lots of harp.......2005-06-26

In general, the Philips series "Set Your Life to Music" is one of the better, high-quality compilation series of classical music. This CD is a collection of Bach's Baroque-era music that is ideal for those unfamiliar to the often-intimidating world of classical music who mainly are looking for some pleasant and inspiring background music while learning a little about classical music. This Bach collection contains music that is rich in the soothing sounds of flute, harp, guitar and oboe along with a sampling of Bach's mild-mannered, songful orchestral music. Overall, the selections are all gentle and lyrical with a good sound quality. The concerto, oboe and orchestral works are some of Bach's finest compositions of sheer beauty and elegance and are performed by some of classical music's finest musicians. Some selections most everyone who has been ever been to a few weddings will recognize (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire). And no piece is as haughtingly lovely as the flute sonata slow movement (Siciliano) on track 5 - a highlight of the disc.

While 'classical purists' may raise their brow because of the many flute/harp selections (citing that Bach never composed any music for the harp), the person buying this CD for inspiring and relaxing mood music should be be delighted just fine with these "transcriptions" from piano to harp. The harp has a special niche for creating the most serene of atmospheres which it does not fail to do here. The solo Suite in E-flat was originally composed for solo violin but sounds much more smooth and dreamy on the harp - a piece very well done. However, some pieces are so serene that you might fall asleep at the breakfast table - hence, the sub-title "A leisurely way to start your day." Actually, it could easily be titled, "Bach for Bedtime" as the selections are all pretty relaxed and on the quiet side. So, if the hyper-energy of Mozart symphonies is too much for your mornings or if the sharp surges of Beethoven's music unsettle you, then these calmer Bach selections should be a better way to ease into the day.

If you like the flavor of Baroque music, "Bach for Book Lovers" in the same series is a good choice and has more solo piano selections for the piano lover. "Bach for Bedtime" is also a wonderful (non-duplicating) collection of some of Bach's most serene music and is also recommended. Perhaps the most calming and sedating music in this Philip's series is "Baroque for Bathtime" which can easily put you to sleep - in a good way - with or without the bath. All are high quality with well-selected pieces from the treasures of classical music's most influential composer of the Baroque era - Johann Sebastian Bach.

Excellent Compilation of Brilliant Music for Home Listening.......2004-01-26

You will love this CD! Like many of the CD's from this series, the music was carefully chosen for home listening. I just love playing this CD at home.

The "songs" on this CD and from the series were chosen from the vast and excellent Phillips classical music catalog. The sound, performances, and song selections are world-class.

A lot of great classical music is great for an evening at the concert hall but not very good for listening at home. The crescendos can be loud and the themes too intense. I would rather listen to a breathtaking Mozart piano sonata (solo piano) at home than a grand Mozart symphony (large orchestra) at home. The music on this CD was chosen for home listening, such as when reading a book.

This music appeals to everyone. Classic musicians may snub this music because it's not grand like a full-blown opera. They ignore the fact that the great composers, like Bach recognized different musical genres such as chamber music for at home or the kings court, and grand symphonies for an evening at the concert hall.

The music on this CD is EXCELLENT for listening at home. It's both brilliant and mellow. When I listen to this music I marvel at the brilliance of Bach. I am very grateful for this music and other CD's in this series.

A fantastic CD!

Bach for any meal!.......2004-01-22

By far, one of the best "collection" CDs of Bach's music. On a couple of tracks, some liberties are taken, but overall, this is a must-have. It includes 6 tracks from the Flute Sonatas, and features a soloist with whom I was not familiar - Irena Grafenauer gives THE MOST EXQUISITE performances I have ever heard - Galway and Rampal, step aside!

Lovely!!!.......2002-04-06

Worth every penny! A must have in the car if you commute on busy highway daily to and from work -- help to ease road rage! It's great for relaxing after a long day of programming too!

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