Love Philtre Magick [Import]

Love Philtre Magick [Import]

Track Listings

1. 21st Century Boy

2. Rays Song

3. Al Kamiri

4. Mugwamp Mondo

5. Interlude

6. Love Philtre Magick

7. Duke

8. Wicca Woman

9. Requiem [the Blues Pt 2]

Editorial Reviews
From URB Magazine
Five years on from their excellent debut album Cinematique, Damian Hand and Charlie Casey return with more of the global sonics that first wowed us in 1998. Sure, they play with the dynamics that Lemon Jelly, Kinobi and the Cinematic Orchestra use so well — soft-core funk, lush strings, splashes of alt-rock and deliriously spaced-out electronic music. But they mix it up well, fashioning a soundtrack that owes more to the exotic stylings of world music than the studied urban cool of contemporary chill-out. On "Al Kamiri," the cellos and violins are ruthlessly shafted by Bhangra beats and snake-charmer vibes before the track makes a hard right into a dub reggae dirt track. "Mugwamp Mondo" manages to be full of ‘60s spy guitars and nutty-boy ska at the same time, like Alabama 3 (tunesmiths to "The Sopranos") jamming with Madness. It shouldn't make sense, but it does, which is all part of the Akasha charm, really.

Kieran Wyatt

Product Description
The Smartest Musicans from the Original Wall of Sound 1995 Bratpack, Akasha Appeared on One of the Best Compilations of the Mid-nineties, "Give Em Enough Dope V.2" As Well as Giving Us their Excellent Remix of "Maracana Madness" and of Course their 1998 Debut Album "Cinematique".

Tracks:

Yumeji's Theme - Umebayshi Shigeru
Mo-wan's Dialogue - In The Mood For Love ST
Angkor Wat Theme I - Michael Galasso
ITMFL I - Michael Galasso
Aquellos Ojos Verdes - Nat King Cole
Shuang Shuang Yan - Deng Bai Ying
ITMFL II - Michael Galasso
Radio Zhou Xuan Announcement/Hua Yang De Nian Hua - Zhou Xuan
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - Nat King Cole
Bengawan Solo - REBECCA PAN
ITMFL III - Michael Galasso
Si Lang Tan Mu - Tan Xin Pei
Shuang Ma Hui - Zhang Yun Xian/Hou Li Jun
Blue - Michael Galasso
Hong Niang Hui Zhang Sheng - Zheng Jun Mian/Li Hang
Li-zhen's Dialogue/Te Quiero Dijiste (Magic Is The Moonlight) - Nat King Cole
Angkor Wat Theme II - Michael Galasso
Yue Er Wan Wan Zhao Jiu Zhou - Chiu Wai Ping
Casanova's Flute - Michael Galasso
Yumeji's Theme/Li-zhen's Dialogue - Umebayasi Shigeru
Angkor Wat Theme Finale - Michael Galasso

Amazon.com

Soundtracks are a mixed bag at best. Some are little more than an assortment of pieces, but others hang together effectively on their own, like this one. The idea of Chinese music--both popular and operatic--juxtaposed with the sounds of Nat King Cole performing Latin music might seem bizarre, but it works beautifully, sustaining a lush, romantic mood created both by the strings and the '40s Chinese music, itself a tinkling Hollywood pastiche. But as atmospheric as all this is, one track stands out above the others: "Blue," actually a version of the classic "St. James' Infirmary," takes on another dimension in Chinese hands. While familiar but completely alien at the same time, the slithering Asian sonorities mesh perfectly with the African-American form to create something evocative but with a sadness that goes beyond blues. The movie is of a time and place; the soundtrack is of a mood and yearning. Listen at night, with someone you love close by. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

Awsome Instrumental Music.......2007-03-09

The soundtrack is really good; I didn't like some of the songs (the Chinese ones) but there are only 3 in the whole CD. The instrumental music is awesome making the soundtrack an average good.

The Bing Crosby songs are very good but...........2006-07-17

In my opinion it`s the Bing Crosby-songs that makes this album worth buying, but these songs can be bought on compilations. The rest of the music is for people with special interest for backgroundmusic in films.

AMAZING! Hauntingly beautiful..........2006-05-09

So beautiful and emotional, it makes you want to cry! The score for the film and the collection of music together is absolutely breathtaking....

A great soundtrack for a lover of WKW films.......2006-03-22

I loved the film, so I love the soundtrack, which brings back memories of the film. WKW uses period music to evoke the emotions and feel of the time period of the film.

as gorgeous as the film!.......2006-02-11

Film soundtracks are often disappointing---there are songs from the movie that are not on the CD, songs on the CD that were not in the film, different versions of songs on the CD than in the film, etc.

Happily, this soundtrack is absolutely faithful to the film, and it is masterfully interwoven with dialogue excerpts from the film which complement and build on the music instead of being obtrusive. I don't understand a word of Chinese but still enjoyed listening to the actors' voices, and also liked the bits of traditional Chinese music as well. There are some tracks that I don't remember from the film but they are not throw-away filler in any way, just beautiful extras in the same vein.

Average customer rating:

awsome CD
Versatile Singer
il divo ancora music
Amazing...
His wrost CD

Encore
Russell Watson , and Leonard Bernstein
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

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Amazon.com

Following up on the release of his debut CD, The Voice, Russell Watson is back with Encore, another mix of opera favorites and popular songs. By now Watson has become virtually a household name--he sells out large concert venues and remains on the top-seller charts. On Encore, we find Puccini and Verdi sharing the billing with Lulu and Lionel Ritchie on the CD's 16 tracks, which range from the much-loved Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria" to "Where My Heart Will Take Me," the theme for Enterprise (the latest Star Trek TV series). Indeed, a more fitting title might have been The Voices, since Watson explores opera, sacred works, film, television themes, and pop songs. The orchestral arrangements on tracks such as "Va, Pensiero" may not win him any fans from the opera contingency, but Watson reveals a captivating sound on pop ballads, including "You Are So Beautiful" and "Somewhere." If you enjoyed The Voice, you're certain to want an encore. --Rebecca Agnew

Customer Reviews:

awsome CD.......2007-06-09

This CD is overall a wonderful sellection of music. I bought it for the one song and have enjoyed all of the songs on the CD.

Versatile Singer.......2007-03-30

Russell Watson has an incredible voice range & a very versatile singer. He even made me appreciate opera!

il divo ancora music.......2006-11-10

The book is wonderful. I love playing their music, its so great. Worth the money, no doubt.

Amazing..........2006-05-05

Russell Watson is amazing. It is truly a delight to hear him sing both the pop and the arias, for he performs both equally well. His rendition of Volare is very fun, and when he sings Somewhere, it's simply breathtaking. His duet with Lionel Richie was also splendid. They really did sound fantastic together. The two low points for me were The Prayer, because I couldn't stand Russell's duet partner, Lulu, and Don't Know How I Got By, because the song just didn't seem to suit Russell's voice. However, the other tracks more than make up for those few inferior selections. Russell Watson truly is a talented man, and I highly recommend this album.

His wrost CD.......2005-01-12

I have all 4 of Russell's Cd's and this is by far his wrose.
The Classical stuff is great but The pop stuff is some of the wrose pop stuff he has even done.

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

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ASIN: B00012QLTQ
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Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating:

You 're The One That I Want
Prepare to be transported to Summer Nights
Great Soundtrack & Fun Extras from an Enduring Musical.
If You Love Grease, You'll Love This - Only 1 Major Flaw
Grease CD Reveiw

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Olivia Newton-John , John Travolta , and Stockard Channing
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ASIN: B0000C16OQ
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

Grease - Fankie Valli
Summer Nights - Olivia Newton-John
Hopelessly Devoted To You - Olivia Newton-John
You're The One That I Want - Olivia Newton-John
Sandy - John Travolta
Beauty School Drop-Out - Frankie Avalon
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There Are Worse Things I Could - Stockard Channing
Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise) - Olivia Newton-John
We Go Together - Olivia Newton-John
Love Is A Many Splendored Thing (Instrumental) - Sammy Fain
Grease (Reprise) - Frankie Valli

Tracks:

Grease (Instrumental Version) - Gary Brown
Summer Nights (Sing-A-Long Version) - Jim Jacobs
Hopelessly Devoted To You (Sing-A-Long Version) - John Farrar
You're The One That I Want (Sing-A-Long Version) - John Farrar
Sandy (Sing-A-Long Version) - Louis St. Louis
Greased Lightnin' (Single Version) - John Travolta
Rydell Fight Song (Instrumental) - Jim Jacobs
Greased Up And Ready To Go (Instrumental) - Jim Jacobs
Grease Megamix: You're The One That I Want/Greased Lightnin'/Summer Nights - Olivia Newton-John
Grease Dream Mix: Grease/Sandy/Hopelessly Devoted To You - Olivia Newton-John
Summer Nights (Martian Remix) - Olivia Newton-John
You're The One That I Want (Martian Remix) - Olivia Newton-John

Amazon.com

There's no better example of American pop culture's hall-of-mirrors ethos than producer Alan Carr's relentlessly buoyant 1978 film adaptation of the stage musical Grease. Inspired by that decade's rampant 50's nostalgia, it now paradoxically evokes the campy 70's excesses that spawned it. That sense of recycled decades in collision is underscored repeatedly on this deluxe, double-disc Grease-fest, especially on the set's second disc of bonus materials that spans vintage singles of the title track (its instrumental B-side) and "Greased Lightnin'," some sing-along karaoke tracks, and a handful of alternately slick/techo-savvy remixes (originally produced for the film's 20th anniversary) that are testament to its enduring, era-defying appeal. The original soundtrack itself has been treated to a stellar digital remastering that fills disc one, and remains a joyous monument to camp, sheer ambition, and exuberant nostalgic illusions. Includes a slip-cased, double-fold-out case and new booklet with complete song lyrics. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

You 're The One That I Want.......2007-04-03

The complete Grease experience. This cd is a two disc-set with disc one being the complete soundtrack, while disc two is all bonus material including the popular Grease Megamix. Fans of the movie would want to make this cd an essential part of their music collection.

Prepare to be transported to Summer Nights.......2006-03-26

Well here we are with a great piece of history.

This album has not only captured the spirit of the movie but the essence of a 1970's version of the 1950's. I have seen this play live and yes some things are different. Yet I grew up on the movie. I even find myself singing some of the songs now and then. Of course you will never see me singing "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee." However I do keep this in my car as great driving music. This album is not you can pick apart and say things like missing songs, in the wrong order etc. It sounds and feels just right. There will be many versions yet this one is the Grease - Deluxe Edition [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [SOUNDTRACK] gives you more information about each of the tracks allowing you to feel that you have inside information and to feel that you know more of what went into the making of each song.

Great Soundtrack & Fun Extras from an Enduring Musical........2004-07-06

I'm enjoying listening to this great soundtrack that I loved as a child after a long hiatus. I had it on 8-track 25 years ago. So it's fitting that I should get the 25th Anniversary Edition on CD. The 24 songs from the movie are just as everyone remembers them, so I'll talk about the Bonus Disc, which contains 10 alternative versions of the songs plus 2 previously unreleased instrumentals from the film.

Track 1 on the Bonus Disc is an instrumental version of the film's theme, "Grease", written and produced by Barry Gibb. Frankie Valli's voice has been replaced by a saxophone. The chorus is vocal, but the voices are not those in the original song. You could use this as a sing-along version, as it would be easy to sing over the sax. Tracks 2-5 are officially sing-along versions. "Summer Nights" includes the chorus vocals from the film and sounds good. "You're the One That I Want" has new chorus vocals of questionable merit. "Sandy" is a new arrangement. It's not as good as the film version, but you can sing along. Track 6 is the single version of "Greased Lightning" that you may have heard on the radio back in the day. It's differs from the original in that the bad words have been replaced for radio airplay. Tracks 7-8 are previously unreleased instrumentals from the film. "Greased Up and Ready to Go" is lively. Tracks 9-10 are mixes that I occasionally hear on the radio. The "Grease Megamix" and the "Grease Dream Mix" are fun, if awkward. Tracks 11-12 are Martian Remixes of "Summer Nights" and "You're the One That I Want". They retain the original vocals, but set them to a Latin rhythm. They make pretty good dance tracks.

This 2-disc set isn't in a jewel case. The case is paperboard with 4 panels that fold out. This is inside of a clear vinyl slip case on which the tracks are written. This isn't convenient packaging. On the bright side, the case won't crack in the mail. Tucked inside one of the panels is a booklet that contains lyrics and credits.

The "Grease: 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition" is a terrifically fun soundtrack to one of the all-time great movie musicals. And for all those preteen girls who go wild over the movie with each new generation, the bonus material is perfect for parties and horsing around.

If You Love Grease, You'll Love This - Only 1 Major Flaw.......2004-05-15

Disc 1 is like the original album, which I also own. 1 major flaw is that "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" cuts off at the very end of it! I was upset by this, hence the 3 stars instead of 4. Disc 2 is a lot of fun w/some remixes and sing-a-longs, all in all, I'm pretty happy with it being that I'm a HUGE Grease fan. If you like Grease, you'll love this, it's fun. Too bad when they "remastered" it, they didn't catch there 1 mistake. Oh well, at least I have it on another album.

Grease CD Reveiw.......2004-04-26

This Grease CD is the best! I listen to it every week. I just love Your The One That I Want.:) Amazon.com has everything!Olivia Newton-John and the boy singer have the best voices. Now thatnks to Amazon.com I can listen to it! The Grease CD is the best!:)

Average customer rating:

Great Cover
Szell's Magical And Terrific Wagner Album
Fabulous Wagner!
Szell has not fallen!
Precise, clinical performances in dated sound

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Customer Reviews:

Great Cover.......2007-06-06

This same album has had at least 2 identical incarnations except for the cover art. So if you have bought some of his Wagner orchestral suites before, beware and be aware! You just may be making a redundant purchase. This version has by far the best cover artwork.

I have several of Wagner's Orchestral suites lps (Szell, Stokowski, Klemperer, Ormandy, Karajan) They all sound just peachy, so do not ask me to choose based on the music. I like the Stokowski best merely because it is on the great sounding Phase 4 label plus it has art work similar to this Szell cd and it has substantial liner notes. But as far as the music goes, a pair of Klemperers/Szells will just about beat any hand.

If you are new to Wagner, this is a wonderful intro. Then you can rent some of his music drama operas thru Netflix and take advantage of the best thing since sliced bread, English subtitles.

If you are looking for the Wagner symphony section at Amazon, there aint any! These orchestral suites are as close as you will get. Look instead to his disciples, Bruckner for symphonies and Richard Strauss for symphonic poems.

Szell's Magical And Terrific Wagner Album.......2007-05-21

This was Cleveland's most prominent condutor, the late George Szell's only Wagner album. True, he was at home conducting the music of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Dvorak and all the brand-name, top classical music, but he was, at the same time, a gifted interpreter of Wagner. While Szell's name is not mentioned in the same sentence as Herbert Von Karajan nor was he a conductor of opera, this album showcases the skill and artistry he achieved while conducting the score to Wagner's most important operas - The Ring of the Nibelungen and Tristan and Isolde. The Cleveland Orchestra is at the height of its powers and the music you will hear on this album overflows with passion, dignity, grandeur and beauty, all the elements that Wagner's larger-than-life operas are made of. The first track is the Entrance Of The Gods Into Valhalla, the final scene in Das Rhinegold, the first of the four Ring operas. Pity this album does not begin with the beautifully mysterious and spiritual Rhinegold Overture, which would have been more appropriate, as the music segues into the Entrance of the Gods. But even as it is, it's wonderful. The music describes the vainglorious Odin, his wife Freya and the other Norse gods ascending into the glittering golden palace of Valhalla, pride and downfall of the gods. The music is bombastic and grand, just like one hears it at the opera, a melage of trumpets and brass. But the music is also composed of melancholy strings (violins) describing the lament of the Rhinemaidens, bemoaning the loss of the Ring and foreshadowing the coming tragedy. Track 2: Ride Of The Valkyries: This famous war march has been heard in films (such as Apocalypse Now) and occurs toward the end of "Die Walkure". It's a militaristic, noisy, ebullient battle cry. In the opera, Brunhilde, Odin's immortal daughter, has rebelled against him and takes to the air on winged horses with her fellow Valkyries. This interpretation is quite different than others you'll hear because Szell discovered an additional bit of music that Wagner intended to be played but for the most part is not heard. If you're quick, you'll catch it. It's a repetition of the battle cry "Hojo-to-ho" on the trumpet, occuring toward the last portion of the piece. 3: Magic Fire Music: This "magical" music, mostly for strings, serves as the score to the final scene in "Die Walkure" in which Odin has cast a sleeping spell on Brunhilde and puts her in the middle of a ring of fire, where she will await the kiss of the hero Siegfried. The tristesse of the piece represents a father's grief for the loss of his most belove daughter. Track 4 and 5 Forest Murmurs and Siegfried's Journey: This music is taken from various moments in the opera "Siegfried" which relates the hero's adventures. He awakens the sleeping Brunhilde who has become mortal, slays the fearsome dragon Fafnir and wields as magical sword. The Forest Murmurs takes place in the immense forest where Brunhilde lies sleeping. Endowed with the gift of communicatin with nature, a bird tells Siegfried where he can find Brunhilde. If one does not overanalyze the music, merely strings and flutes, one can clearly feel the word-painting and characterization in the piece. The flute is the bird or birds and the forest itself, the more powerful chords represent Siegfried and the brief "Valkyrie" motif stands for Brunhilde. In "Rhine Journey" we hear the strings become the flowing river and we can see Siegfried journeying to a dangerous adventure, one which costs the hero's life. In "Siegfried's Funeral March" Siegfried has been betrayed and is slain by the Giants. The funeral music is dark, primal and powerful in its depiction of nobility and downfall. As it ends, we hear Brunhilde's love theme which then appropriately takes us to the Immolation Scene. Brunhilde, distraught over the death of her beloved, summons her horse and leaps over Siegfrie'ds burning funeral pyre, a grand act of love and sacrifice, the first hint of humanity and compassion in otherwise dark drama filled with greedy and wicked characters. This leads to Valhalla's demise by fire and water and the world ends. Only the Rhinemaidens remain, taking back the ring which had long been stolen from them. Though these are only portions of music from the supremely lengthy score, it is enough to entice the listener to seeing the Ring, the biggest feast of opera one can ever undertake. The Overture to Tristan and Isolde summarizes the work itself. It's a high romantic tragedy concerning the knight Tristan, the King he serves and Isolde the Queen, whom he falls in love with. Their love is doomed but the magic and transient bliss is perfectly captured in the luminescent Overture, which begins softly and mysteriously with the "Tristan Chord" and culminates with a ravishing rush of strings. The Liebestod, the Love Death, is Isolde's swan song, as she dies of love for the fallen knight. Szell does not play this too fast or too slow. It's done right, and it's heartbreaking, ethereal and magnificent, perhaps even at the level of Karajan's famous interpretations of it. The final track is the grand overture to Die Mastersanger Von Nuremberg, a lengthy paean to Mediveal chivalry, all grandeur and pomp.

Five Stars Well Deserved. Make this your first intro to Wagner. The music will seduce you into watching Wagner operas. Dreamy, romantic, grand, sad, larger than life, Szell has captured the essence of Wagner in a single album. Buy it now. It's cheap and affordable. It's highly recommended. Enjoy.

Fabulous Wagner!.......2006-10-07

This is certainly very good music-making, falling just a little short in the colors department - for which the Berlin under Karajan or the Philadelphia under Ormandy are the ticket. But that aside it's difficult to accept all this Szell bashing. People still listen to the Cleveland recording of the Dvorak Slavonic Dances and will for years to come. And unless you have to have original instruments it's tough to beat Szell and the Cleveland orchestra's brio and attention to detail in Mozart and Haydn.
Of course some of this carping may be the result of a little bit too much self-esteem and not enough appreciation for just what it takes to lead an orchestra at such a level. I remember in college I happened to be at a small gathering of literary people including a few novelists and poets and one critic,the august Edmund Wilson. Not knowing any better I walked right up to a stern-looking older man looking every bit the serious 'Dean of American Critics' and blurted out how much fun I had reading his story "The Man who Shot Snapping Turtles." Apparently this gushing adolescent accolade softened him a bit, and he talked with me for a couple of minutes. The last question I asked him was what did he consider the most important thing in writing criticism. Mr. Wilson blurted out bluntly, "Get it right!"
Over the years I have always thought there was a world of truth in that rather journalistic maxim. The reviews here are a perfect example. One could write and gush about this and that, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter how many names you drop, or airs you put on, if you cannot recognize quality you're no better than the crook in Gatsby whose idea of a small town where one could safely pass counterfeit bonds over the counter was Detroit.
In the Great Gatsby the crook passing false currency for real is picked up by the police. Unfortunately Amazon readers are easily mislead by glowing praise or, in the case of some of the reviews of the Wagner here, cold dislike. People react to harsh words, and especially when they are well written and sound based on experience. Let me assure you - no one is always right, and there are some people who, for whatever reason, have skewered taste.
The Szell Cleveland Wagner CD here is a series of showpieces, played very very well by the Cleveland orchestra. What sets this apart from many Wagner collections is the astonishing orchestra playing. Szell's orchestra, supreme in Dvorak, brings to Wagner's music a clarity rarely achieved by other orchestras. Superbly balanced, the virtousity of the players is on full display. It's a joy to actually hear all the myriad instrumental sounds in Wagner's score - Wagner played in tune, what a shocking concept. And particularly Wagner devoid of bathos! Tovey used to cite Wagner as perhaps the best of all orchestrators; here we have the Cleveland at the pinnacle of their glory days, a wonderful momento. Writing nasty dismissive words about performances of this caliber says more about the reviewers than it does about the recording.
This has been remastered for SACD and if you have a machine that will play SACDs then that is the one to purchase.

Szell has not fallen!.......2006-01-14

I quote from a previous review: "Perhaps no eminent conductor has fallen so far after his death as George Szell". To this comment, I say "Baloney". One great thing about Amazon is their sale of deleted CDs by independent sellers. When George Szell/Cleveland Orchestra CDs suddenly disappear, their price by the independent sellers skyrockets. As for the present CD, I have bought it on LP, cassette and CD and cherished it for years. The playing is sensational, the performances have plenty of passion and the sound is great. The Die Meistersinger and Tristan excerpts were recorded earlier than the Ring and have a little more spontanaiety but the Ring excerpts are also outstanding.

Precise, clinical performances in dated sound.......2005-10-29

Perhaps no eminent conductor has fallen so far after his death as George Szell. He was treated with enormous respect during his long tenure with the Cleveland Orchestra, and he couldn't appear in Carnegie Hall without getting raves from the New York critics (his reviews were much better than Bernstein's). On the evidence of this cold, unfeeling CD of Wagner excerpts, mostly from the Ring, one wonders why. Every excerpt is treated to the same strict, unyielding approach; there is no rubato or romanticism. In addition the sound is thin and full of hiss (Szell's LPs on Epic were infamous for their bad sound, and Sony hasn't bothered to improve things on their digitual reissue.)

I will remember Szell fondly from my formative years in the Sixties, but he has become a dead letter in the intervening decades.

Average customer rating:

One of my best soundtracks...ever
Rating
Ragtime (1981 Film Soundtrack)
A beautiful achievement
Absolutely brilliant.

Ragtime (1981 Film Soundtrack)

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000065DV8
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

Main Title
Newsreel
I Could Love a Million Girls
Train Ride
Tateh's Picture Book
Lower East Side
Delmonico Polka
Coalhouse and Sarah
Waltz for Evelyn
One More Hour
Sarah's Responsibility
Change Your Way
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Ragtime
Ragtime Theme (Demo)

Album Description

Available for the first time on CD! From 2002 Academy Award Winner Randy Newman-the complete 1981 soundtrack restored in digital sound and featuring the bonus track 'Ragtime Theme' (Demo).

Customer Reviews:

One of my best soundtracks...ever.......2007-03-30

Newman's music is both rousing and plaintive. "One More Day" is worth the price of admission alone. Quite simply, beautiful.

Rating.......2007-03-08

Since this stuff is sold out in Europe, it was good to find it at your place. Shipment etc. was all OK and meanwhile we enjoy the music.
Thanks a lot.

Ragtime (1981 Film Soundtrack).......2007-02-20

Beautiful music. It sets a mood throughout that is rather sad no matter what the words say.

A beautiful achievement .......2006-02-25

The excelent Milos Forman timepiece on the 20's based on the Doctorow novel has a marvelous musical translation in this soundtrack close to perfection. It gets the time and mood of the movie, and reflects its main dramatic moments. I would dare to say that this soundtrack is one of the finest coming out from a movie of the 80's. Besides, it sounds great in this digitally remastered version. Do not hesitate to get it. It's a real beauty.

Absolutely brilliant........2005-12-28

I first came across this soundtrack when looking for Donald O'Connor songs - I'm a big fan of his, and I'm trying to track down all the songs he's ever recorded. It just so happens he has one of the most delightful songs on this soundtrack, "I could love a Million Girls". Apparently it's from a Disney film called Summer Magic, but I don't think Disney would approve of how dirty this song is if you think about it! Donald O'Connor was around 55 or so when he recorded this song, so his voice isn't as great as it was once, but he still does a fantastic job.

Now, onto the other songs. "Ragtime" (the song listed on the soundtrack) is hauntingly beautiful - it really captures the feeling and mood of the time, and puts you right back there. Same with most of the other "score" tracks. This is definately one of the best scores out there, and it's a pity it didn't do better. I guess it's almost ahead of it's time a little, considering this was the time period that gave us films like The Blues Brothers and other such early SNL comedies which didn't require scores like Ragtime needed. It really should've done better, but for now enjoy the soundtrack because I doubt you'll get another release of it!

Average customer rating:

Great sound and great song!
Along with the Good Vibrations are my favorites
My dad loves it
Great Album!
Beautiful singing; clever arrangements

The Kings Singers - New Day
John David , Peter Christie , Cy Coleman , Warren Casey , Bob Barratt , John Lennon , Lionel Richie , Don Schlitz , Hal David , George Harrison , Jim Jacobs , Benny Andersson , Paul McCartney , Michel Legrand , Barry Manilow , Ed Welch , Harry Robinson , Daryl Runswick , The King's Singers , Gordon Langford Quartet , and Cliff Hall
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RQO
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

You Are The New Day
Nouveau Poor
Three Times A Lady
What's In A Tune?
You'd Have To Be A Rosie
Can't Buy Me Love
Singapore Girl
'Sweet Charity': The Rhythm Of Life
The Gambler
It Was Almost Like A Song
Here Comes The Sun
Hush Little Baby, Don't Say A Word
'Grease': Money, Money, Money-Summer Nights
The Summer Knows
Could It Be Magic

Customer Reviews:

Great sound and great song!.......2007-05-19

I loved the song "A New Day" after hearing it on the radio. I tracked it down and ordered the CD. All the songs are terrific.

Along with the Good Vibrations are my favorites.......2007-05-15

Own it! It's all worth it!
"You are the new day" is my personal favorite song.

My dad loves it.......2007-02-13

If he likes it then I am happy. Not my cup of tea. I like the idea that there where some Beatles tunes. Dad is 57 I am 36 might be the difference in age. NOt sure. Just not my cup of tea

Great Album!.......2006-04-22

I was very amazed when I first heard this album. Their sound is like no other. They are so unique that you can't compare them to other acapella groups.

I can say that their sound is better than a mixed choir because even though the King's Singers is only composed of 6 members. Their sound volume can beat a 30 member choir due to the quality of their voice.

My favorite is "It Was Almost Like A Song" because of the countertenor's very light voice. The baritone part was also awesome as he dominated the scene when he took the melody.

Overall, great album. This has to be one of the King's Singers best albums released. All songs are great that you can't resist missing a moment on listening it.

Beautiful singing; clever arrangements.......2002-06-14

I have been a fan of The King's Singers since their debut recording thirty years ago. New Day is one of my favourite albums. It has the terrific optimistic song "New Day," but many other wonderful tracks.

"Can't Buy Me Love" is sung as if it had been written by one of the Renaissance madrigal writers when he was in a very good mood. There are other up tempo tracks like this one, including Abba's "Money, Money, Money" and "The Rhythm of Life," but the CD also includes some romantic, lush singing in songs such as "Three Times A Lady," "The Summer Knows" and "It Was Almost Like A Song."

The clever arrangement of Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic?" begins with an extract from a sombre Chopin Prelude in C minor.

Tracks:

Attila: Santo Di Patria... Allor Che I Forti Corrono - Joan Sutherland
Lakme: Viens, Mallika... Dome Epais Le Jasmin - Joan Sutherland/Jane Berbie
Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Les Oiseaux Dans La Charmille - Joan Sutherland
Die Zauberflote: O Zittre Nicht, Mein Lieber Sohn... Zum Leiden Bin Ich Auserkoren - Joan Sutherland
Linda Di Chamounix: Ah! Tardai Troppo... O Luce Di Quest'anima - Joan Sutherland
Semiramide: Serbami Ognor Si Fido - Joan Sutherland/Marilyn Horne
Beatrice Di Tenda Bellini: Eccomi Pronta... Deh, Se Un'urna - Joan Sutherland/Ambrosian Singers
La Fille Du Regiment Donizetti: Pour Ce Contrat Fatal... Ah! Salut A La France - Joan Sutherland/Chor Of The ROHCG
La Traviata: Un Di Felice - Joan Sutherland/Carlo Bergonzi
The Bohemian Girl: I Dreamt I Dwelt In Marble Halls - Joan Sutherland
Home Sweet Home - Joan Sutherland
Casanova: Nuns' Chorus - Joan Sutherland/Ambrosian Light Opr Chor
Lucia Di Lammermoor: (O Giusto Cielo!)... Il Dolce Suono Mi Colpi Di Sua Voce!... Ardon Gl'incensi.. - Joan Sutherland/Chor De L'Opera De Paris/Rene Duclos

Tracks:

Norma: Sediziose Voci... Casta Diva - Joan Sutherland/Chor Of The ROHCG/Douglas Robinson
Alcina: Tornami A Vagheggiar - Joan Sutherland
Con For Coloratura Soprano, Op.82: Andante - Joan Sutherland
Con For Coloratura Soprano, Op.82: Allegro - Joan Sutherland
Lucia Di Lammermoor: Sulla Tomba... Ah! Verranno A Te Sull'aure - Joan Sutherland/Luciano Pavarotti
Rigoletto: Gualtier Malde... Caro Nome - Joan Sutherland/Riccardo Cassinelli/Christian Du Plessis/John Gibbs/Ambrosian Opr Chor
Esclarmonde Massenet: Esprits De L'air! Esprits De L'onde! ... Roland! Roland! Roland! - Joan Sutherland/Huguette Tourangeau/John Alldis Chor
Operette: Where Are The Songs We Sung? - Joan Sutherland
The Boys From Syracuse: Falling In Love With Love - Joan Sutherland/Ambrosian Light Opr Chor
I Puritani: Son Vergin Vezzosa - Joan Sutherland/Margreta Elkins/Pierre Duval/Ezio Flagello
Turandot: In Questa Reggia - Joan Sutherland/Luciano Pavarotti/John Alldis Choir/Wandsworth School Boys' Choir/Russell Burgess
Tristan Und Isolde: Mild Und Leise Wie Er Lachelt - Joan Sutherland
Adriana Lecouvreur: Poveri Fiori - Joan Sutherland
La Sonnambula: Ah! Non Giunge Uman Pensiero - Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards

Customer Reviews:

La Stupenda at her best.......2007-05-06

This 2 CD set is entitled "La Stupenda," which creates extremely high expectations. Joan Sutherland meets those expectations on this CD; she is, indeed, "La Stupenda." One of the interesting aspects of this set is Dame Joan's singing some non operatic works (such as "Home Sweet Home" or "Where Are the Songs We Sung?" or "Falling in Love with Love"). In the end, this is a wonderful compilation of the art of Joan Sutherland.

First, let's consider a sampling of the cuts on these CDs.

"O Zittre Nicht" is from Mozart's "Magic Flute" and it is a challenge to sopranos, with its series of staccato high notes. Sutherland essays this well. There are some nice trills; she hits the high notes well. The series of (treacherous) high notes toward the end is handled very nicely by Sutherland. In short, she scintillates, with a closing high note well hit.

From Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix," she sings "O luce di questi'anima." Her voice and technique are well suited for Donizetti (and Bellini). The cantabile is smoothly sung. The cabaletta is rollicking. Her coloratura technique is on target; the ornamentation is compelling. There are trills, runs, high notes and other ornamentation well done. The close is nice (although there may be a bit of a scoop on the final high note).

From "Beatrice di Tenda" (by Bellini), we hear ""Eccomi pronta. . .Deh, se un'urna." The cantabile is sung well. She hits notes clearly. The spirited cabaletta follows. Sutherland exhibits somewhat less ornamentation than usual, but trills are well done and, overall, the piece is nicely sung. The close features clean high notes.

"Home Sweet Home." This kind of illustrates Joan Sutherland's work nicely. I can hardly make out the words (and it is sung in English). But it is an interesting version. She sings the song straight, without overpowering the song with operatic technique (an occasional trill actually works out well).

Elsewhere, I have commented on her 1959 version of the "Mad Scene" from "Lucia di Lammermoor" (from her album "The Greatest Hits").

"Falling in Love with Love" is an interesting cut. This is a classic Rodgers and Hart song. Sutherland sings it pretty well, and one can pick up the words cleanly. However, one might compare this with Anna Moffo's version, which is more musical. Sutherland's version is a bit too operatic for what the song is about.

Finally, "Ah non giunge" from Bellini's "La Sonnambula," a great coloratura tune! This is taken at a sprightly pace. Sutherland exhibits good coloratura technique. There is nice ornamentation. She precisely nails high notes. In the repeat, the florid singing ramps up. This is a compelling version, with series of staccato high notes to close the work out.

Thus, this 2 CD set is a welcome entrée to the body of work of Dame Joan Sutherland. Sometimes (as with "Home Sweet Home") one has a hard time picking out the words. But with Sutherland, the skills and techniques create a compelling oeuvre that is well worth attending to.

this is the one to buy.......2007-04-18

I'm not an opera expert I just enjoy it. La Stupenda has the best of Joan Sutherland in a two CD set and it's amazing. She looked like a nice, quiet housewife but an indescribalbe voice. Her aria from Norma gave me chills and her version of "I Dreamed I Dwelt in Marble Halls" is flat out one of the prettiest things I've ever heard.

La Stupenda lives up to her name.......2006-11-12

Joan Sutherland was undeniably one of the greatest operatic sopranos of the 20th century. This comprehensive two-CD retrospective of her long career will delight her many fans, and serve as a fitting introduction for those unfamiliar with her artistry. The two CDs span a period of nearly thirty years, from 1959 to 1988, with the majority of the 27 tracks recorded during the 1960s and 1970s, when her voice was at its' astounding best. Sutherland was renowned first and foremost as a dramatic coloratura, and her supple technique is brilliantly illustrated in selections such as the Mad Scene from Lucia di Lammermoor; Doll Song from The Tales of Hoffmann; Queen of the Night aria from The Magic Flute; and the seldom-performed Concerto for Coloratura Soprano by Gliere. As her career progressed, her voice became larger and more powerful, as demonstrated by the Liebestod from Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, and In Questa Reggia from Puccini's Turandot. Lastly, Sutherland was a diva who was not afraid to let her hair down once in a while, and we are treated to lighter selections such as Where are the songs we sung? by Noel Coward, and Falling in love with love, by Rogers and Hart. Highly recommended for all lovers of great singing.

La Stupenda, Amore, amore, amore.......2006-01-28

I adore this woman's voice. And I love this cd. I was really happy to find an aria of "Esclarmonde" which is virtually impossible to find as well as some of the more lesser known works of hers such as Mozart's Queen of Night, although I wish she had done a recording of the revenge aria (Der Holle Roche) The whole cd was wonderful to hear but if I had to make on complaint it's that I didn't buy her Isolde's Liebestod but the woman can sing Lucia better than just about anyone so I'll forgive her for not sticking with the Wagner. In fact I am thrilled that she chose Lucia over Isolde because frankly acting and interperation was never her strong suit, it was the pure beauty of her voice. It's always a grand pleasure to listen to Joan kick butt in any coloratura arias but of course she set the bar so high that there is yet a coloratura since her that can do those arias half as well. She has spoiled me for life and that's why she is La Stupenda.

La Stupenda - well deserved title for Joan.......2006-01-12

I am not an opera expert by any stretch of the imagination - but I love opera. I love the expertise and beautiful voices of these hardworking singers. When I first heard Joan sing, it was from a recording she made late in her career and I honestly thought, what's the big deal about her? So, I decided to get The Art of Prima Donna album, and all I have to say is WOW! In her prime, this woman was a fantastic singer! While she wasn't the dramatist like Callas was (I also love Callas), her range and the way she hit each note so precisely was amazing! So, I bought La Stupenda. I loved the piece she did from Handel's Alcia and the fantastic Rossini duet she did with Marilyn Horn. The entire album is wonderful. I particularly like how Joan's high notes are never screechy - she makes those high notes sound so effortless. I also appreciate how she had such control over her vibrato - not too trilly (I like trilly - especially by Beverly Sills - however, not every song should be all trill). Finally, I think that Joan was one of the few sopranos that didn't try to drown everyone out. When she sang a duet, she blended with the other singer - how rare! Not all singers seem to be able to accomplish that - duets shouldn't be a competition. This album is worth every penny. Joan was one of the great singers of the 20th century and she deserves her title of La Stupenda!

Most Relaxing Guitar Music in the Universe

Average customer rating:

Don't buy it
Certainly NOT Relaxing
On the mark
NIce Collection!
the most annoying guitar cd in the universe

Most Relaxing Guitar Music in the Universe

Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007M220C
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

Folk Song: Romance
Barros: La Catedral
Albeniz: Mallorca
Tarrega: Recuerdos al Alhambra
Chopin: Waltz in E Minor
Schubert: The Fisherwoman
Sanz: Canarios
Sor: Variations on a Theme of Mozart
Moreno-Torroba: Nocturno
Sor: Introductions and Variations on the "Malbroug" Air
Schubert: Aufenthalt
Moreno-Torroba: Arada
Sor: Fantasie Elegiaque

Tracks:

Rodrigo: Romance de Durandarte
Turina: Sonata, Andante
Yoshimatsu: Atom Hearts Club Duo, Andante
Albeniz: Evocacion from Suite "Iberia"
Schubert: Standchen
Sor: Menuett, Op. 11 No. 4
Abt: Agathe
Mudarra: Fantasia X
Schubert: Lob der Thranen
Coste: Grande Serenade
Mertz: Liebeslied from "Bardenklange"
Turina: Homenaje a Tarrega
Chopin: Nocturne in E Major
Bach: Paritta No. 2, Chaconne

Album Description

Relaxing, romantic music for solo guitar perfect for daydreaming your stress away!

Customer Reviews:

Don't buy it.......2007-02-11

Ok. The guitar players are good. But there is so much extra noise such as heavy breathing, the guitarist moving around etc. in many of the pieces. I am only somewhat being humerous when I say I am suprised you don't hear the guitarist belching or passing gas! It is a very, very irritating recording of good guitarists.

Certainly NOT Relaxing.......2006-08-04

This CD would get an average rating if it was merely titled "The World's greatest guitar music". However, this CD is supposed to be "relaxing". Well, it most certainly is NOT. Some of the pieces literally sound like soundtracks to a movie thriller.

Very misleading title to an otherwise pretty good collection of Spanish guitar ballads. If you are looking for something to relax or sleep to, look elsewhere.

On the mark.......2006-02-25

From the time I first attended a John Williams concert 40 years ago, I have been a collector of Spanish / Classical guitar music. I often play, on a Ramirez, some of the tunes on these two disks. The selections are wonderful examples of the world's greatest guitar music. I actually take naps while listening to these cd's. The guitarists are excellent; I only wish Denon had listed their artists.

NIce Collection!.......2005-11-12

I listen to a lot of classical guitar (and other stringed instrument) music, and I like this collection. It draws on an unusually wide range of guitar compositions, which is a plus, and it's well produced, with good sound and balance - I think it's a better than average collection.

the most annoying guitar cd in the universe.......2005-06-26

makes me want to stick needles into my eyeballs for relief.....i would recommend buying this for a mother-in-law you don't like...otherwise, save your money

Average customer rating:

Serendipity
Simply Magical
Definitely Worth Having (If You Don't Have It Already)
Just great
Excellent outtakes/rarities collection

Made to Love Magic
Nick Drake
Manufacturer: Fontana Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0001XLVMW
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Tracks:

Rider On The Wheel
Magic
River Man
Joey
Thoughts Of Mary Jane
Mayfair
Hanging On A Star
Three Hours
Clothes Of Sand
Voices
Time Of No Reply
Black Eyed Dog
Tow The Line

Amazon.com

All the world's a stage and folk legend Nick Drake--a frail, reclusive romantic whose music was sad but beautifully emancipating and who died young in 1974 in mysterious circumstances--was one of life's reluctant players. As epithets go, the lyrics to Made to Love Magic ("I was born to sail away into a land of never, not to be tied to an old stone grave") aptly convey how Nick Drake's legend continues to gather no moss, even some three decades after his lonely tranquilized farewell. Enthusiastic newcomers should start with any of Drake's three studio albums (Five Leaves Left, Bryter Layter, Pink Moon) and Patrick Humphries' definitive biography but Made to Love Magic is, nevertheless, essential. Consisting of rare and unheard tracks (many of which have even avoided the mucky paws of the keenest bootlegger) and compiled by those closest to him (sister Gabrielle, engineer John Wood, and fellow Cambridge University student and string-arranger Robert Kirby) the album is a labor of love. Lost amateur recordings of Nick Drake at University in Cambridge, outtakes from the Five Leaves Left album, Robert Kirby's unused string arrangements for "Magic" and "Time of No Reply" finally restored, an early rendition of "Three Hours" featuring Rebop Kwaku Baah (Traffic, Can) on percussion and remixed versions of those despairing final songs from July 1974, including the newly discovered "Tow the Line." This is surely the final word on Nick Drake; unless, of course, those Aix-en-Provences tapes and that mythical lost Peel session from August 1969 ever make themselves known. --Kevin Maidment

Customer Reviews:

Serendipity.......2007-06-11

I first discovered Nick Drakes music while watching the movie Serendipity. I fell in love with "The Northern Sky" and they also use the beginning of the song "Black Eyed Dog" here and there about the movie. His music Haunted me, I downloaded them and listened to them and continue to this day to listen to his words.
I never read anything on him until today, I didnt even know he passed. His music formed new meaning as I discovered more and more about his life.

Simply Magical.......2007-05-27

I stumbled across this CD a week or so after visiting Tanworth in Arden and Nicks grave..a coincidence I am sure but still !!!

This does Nick justice, and everyone involved in putting this compilation together should be proud of their achievements.

The fact that many of the tracks on this CD did not make an 'official' appearance when nick was alive does NOT diminish them

If you have never heard Nick Drake before then this is as good a place to start...then go and buy Five Leaves Left

Definitely Worth Having (If You Don't Have It Already).......2006-12-16

Nick Drake's body of work is getting a bit cannabilized at this point, having been packaged and repackaged several times over. This is yet another collection of tracks that did not make his three studio albums (or did, but this provides alternate takes). Drake was such a wonderful guitarist and had such a unique voice that anything he did is worth grabbing up, but for his diehard fans a lot of this is going to be duplication. The new listener might want to check out highlights such as "Mayfair," "Hanging On A Star," or "Black Eyed Dog." A better starting point, though, would be his actual albums: "Five Leaves Left," "Bryter Layter," and the haunting "Pink Moon."

Just great.......2006-03-20

In a nutshell - all Nick Drakes tracks are fine also all
this cd's tracks.

Excellent outtakes/rarities collection.......2005-06-03

Nick Drake was woefully overlooked during his lifetime, so much that the American music press virtually forgot him for many years ("Rolling Stone Album Guide" even dropped his name from their second edition in 1982). Fortunately, he had a small but devoted set of fans, and his admirers continued to grow, so much that his music found its way into TV commercials and critically acclaimed films. His three original albums are wonderful, but they're an unfortunately small legacy, making MADE TO LOVE MAGIC essential to anyone who's grown to love Nick Drake's music.

If you're new to Nick Drake, I'd suggest getting PINK MOON, FIVE LEAVES LEFT, and BRYTER LAYTER first. They're the only three albums fully realized by Drake before his early death. Outside of those three albums, you have your choice between this CD or an earlier CD called TIME OF NO REPLY (now out-of-print). Though they are very similar, both discs have distinct differences, and this one, MADE TO LOVE MAGIC, is the superior collection. The sequencing is better, and the song selection is a bit stronger.

So what are the differences? First of all, two songs, "Time Of No Reply" and "Magic" (titled "I Was Made To Love Magic" on the TIME OF NO REPLY disc) have been overdubbed with orchestrations on this newer CD, MADE TO LOVE MAGIC. Posthumous work on any artist's recordings is often dubious, but there are rare cases where it works. According to the liner notes, Drake knew Robert Kirby since his days at Cambridge University, and he had Kirby arrange orchestrations for "Time Of No Reply" and "Magic." Both songs were intended for his first album, FIVE LEAVES LEFT, but before Drake could record these orchestrations, he already had a surplus of songs, so Kirby's orchestrations remained on manuscript only and both songs were shelved indefinitely. Raw tracks for both songs were issued on TIME OF NO REPLY, but for this CD, the producers went back to Kirby's arrangements, recorded them, and overdubbed them on Drake's raw tracks. The results are excellent.

As for the other tracks, "Tow The Line" is a newly discovered song, and it's heard for the first time on MADE TO LOVE MAGIC. "Clothes Of Sand," "Black-Eyed Dog," "Rider On The Wheel," "Voices (aka 'Voice From The Mountain')," "Joey" and "The Thoughts Of Mary Jane" are heard in crisp, well-balanced mixes (the versions on MADE TO LOVE MAGIC had some echo and some more pronounced flanging). "The Thoughts Of Mary Jane" fades out a few seconds earlier on MADE TO LOVE MAGIC, cutting out a dissonant guitar note that ended the performance, but it's a very minor difference.

"Hanging On A Star" is presented here in a different take that is preferable for the stronger vocal (Drake actually recorded his voice and guitar separately for the first time on this recording). "Mayfair" is presented here in an earlier version - it sounds like a rough demo, and some say it's better than the 'proper' version on MADE TO LOVE MAGIC, but I actually think it's inferior. "River Man" is presented here in a pleasant solo acoustic version, and there's a nice alternate take of "Three Hours"; neither of these two are on TIME OF NO REPLY.

Several outtakes and alternate takes, including "Man In A Shed," "Fly," "Been Smoking Too Long," and "Strange Meeting II," cannot be found on MADE TO LOVE MAGIC, but are available on TIME OF NO REPLY. They're interesting, but not essential, so unless you're a completist, MADE TO LOVE MAGIC will suffice.

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