Meam [Enhanced]

Meam [Enhanced]

Track Listings

1. [DVD]

Tracks:

Overture/Prologue
Honey, Honey
Money, Money, Money
Thank You For The Music
Mamma Mia
Chiquitita
Dancing Queen
Lay All Your Love On Me
Super Trouper
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
The Name Of The Game
Voulez-Vous
Entr'acte
Under Attack
One Of Us
S.O.S.
Does Your Mother Know
Knowing Me, Knowing You
Our Last Summer
Slipping Through My Fingers
The Winner Takes It All
Take A Chance On Me
I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do
I Have A Dream

Amazon.com

Put together by Abba's own Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Mamma Mia! manages to cram over 20 of the Swedish supergroup's songs into a threadbare plot. It goes a little like this: Young Sophie is getting married and she's trying to identify which of three men is her father. That's about it. Wisely, the musical doesn't mess around with the songs, save for the insertion of some dialogue or for having some of them performed by a man (it works amazingly well). Abba fans will jump on this import of the London production, but traditional fans of musical theater should consider it as well. After all, Andersson and Ulvaeus's songs have always felt as if they were more than isolated pop gems and actually belonged to a longer narrative. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Mamma Mia.......2007-03-22

I have not stopped playing this cd. It is just great! It makes any trip in my car most enjoyable Happy I bought it!

Mamma Mia Musical CD.......2007-03-21

This is a grand list of songs from the original musical when it was first introduced in England. The songs from ABBA are very recognizable even if you haven't seen the show. But, making a trip to NY to see the Broadway production is a plus. ENJOY!

JUST GREAT MUSIC.......2007-03-08

I RECENTLY SAW THE SHOW MAMMA MIA IN LAS VEGAS. ALWAYS LIKES THE MUSIC OF ABBA, AND THOUGH THE PLOT WAS THIN, THE MUSIC WAS WELL PERFORMED. IN THIS PARTICULAR ALBUM, THE ENGLISH ACCENTS WERE A BIT MUCH, BUT THE SONGS WERE GREAT. ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC, ABBA.

Mamma Mia.......2007-01-29

Every time I hear the music and songs it brings back memories of seeing the Broadway Show

Not good at all.......2007-01-09

This is not what we wanted. The British accents throw it was off. We just saw it in NY and this is not what we were looking for.

Average customer rating:

Terrific!
So-So CD
This CD will put you to sleep
Mi piace davvero!
Viva Italia, excellent

Viva Italia! Festive Italian Classics

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Eh, Paisano! 100% Italian-American Classics
Italian Love Songs
Mandolins from Italy: 24 Most Popular Melodies
All The Best From Italy: 40 Italian Favorites [2-CD SET]
Italian Love Songs

ASIN: B000002WXS
Release Date: 1996-07-02

Tracks:

Mattinata - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Mala Femmena - Frankie Fanelli
Canto D'Amore - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Guaglione - Carlo Savina And His Orchestra
Lary Mary(Luna Mezza Mare) - Lou Monte
Anema E Core - Perry Como
Funiculi Funicula - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Soldi, Soldi, Soldi(From 'Boccaccio '70') - Sophia Loren
Santa Lucia - Gino Del Vescovo And His Mandolins
Hey Gumbaree(Bibadee Bobadee Bu) - Lou Monte
Come Back To Sorrento - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Volare(nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu) - Domenico Modugno
A Man Without Love(Quando M'Innamore) - Sergio Franchi
O Sole Mio - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Forget Domani(From 'The Yellow Rolls Royce') - Perry Como
Mama - Lou Monte
O Mio Bambino Caro - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra
Non Dimenticar(Don't Forget) - Lou Monte
Al Di La(From 'Rome Adventure') - Frankie Fanelli
Arrivederci Roma(Goodbye To Rome) - Romano Ledenzio And His Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Terrific!.......2007-05-30

I bought this CD because I missed listening to the music my grandfather played. This CD brought back a flood of memories for me. Wonderful compilation of my favorite italian classics.

So-So CD.......2007-04-06

This is more cafe style but still worth listening to.
Great dinner background music.

This CD will put you to sleep.......2007-02-26

We bought this CD for our daughter's wedding. After reviewing it, we could have saved our money. The version of Funiculi sounded like the Salvation Army band and it was totally lifeless. Lou Monte's Hey Gumbaree (it is actually Eh Cumpare in Italian--that should have given it away) was awful, and he consistently butchers the Italian language in all his other songs (annoying, I mean, couldn't he have learned the right pronunciation?).

While Perry Como and others have melodic voices (and very wisely sing in English because they don't know Italian), these are '50s versions of the songs, for the most part. While you have to appreciate them, they are really old and reflect the '50s type of instrumention and style. Would have loved to have heard all these songs done in a fresh and original way. Soldi Soldi was our favorite by far, and that is why we gave the CD two stars.

Could have gone to the library for this one.

Thanks for letting me voice our opinion. We are a big Italian family and just spent hundreds of dollars buying every CD out there for our daughter's wedding and figured we would share our opinion with others.

Mi piace davvero!.......2007-02-20

This is a beautiful CD filled with the authentic sounds of Italy! Each track brings be back a little farther to the streets of Italy...Rome...Trevi Fountain...bellissimo!!!!

Viva Italia, excellent.......2006-08-27

The CD was used as part of an Italia Fiesta we organised in Albury NSW, Australia. The music helped in setting the party atmosphere for the evening. The evening was held as fund raiser for the Murray Valley Sactuary Refugee Group. The evening was very successful.

Average customer rating:

Good Song Writing
Ms.Badu Is Back
spectacular
Finally . . .
The Best of Badu

Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu , and Erykah Badu
Manufacturer: Motown
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baduizm
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ASIN: B00004YKUI
Release Date: 2000-11-21

Tracks:

Penitentiary Philosophy
Didn't Cha Know
My Life
... & On
Cleva
Hey Sugah
Booty
Kiss Me On My Neck
A.D. 2000
Orange Moon
In Love With You
Bag Lady
Time's A Wastin
Green Eyes

Amazon.com

A true tour de force, Mama's Gun is that rare sophomore album that shows a maturing artist at her best. Erykah Badu's voice was always her main attraction--its unique sound has been compared to Billie Holiday and Chaka Khan. Here, it's her skill with that voice that shines. Badu shapes her instrument to suit her material (all of it written or cowritten by her). A full range is represented: On faster, danceable tracks like "Penitentiary Philosophy" and "Booty," she sounds gritty and funky. On softer, more introspective tracks, like "A.D. 2000" and the single "Bag Lady," she shows amazing restraint, letting her voice travel lightly over the notes, allowing the songs' emotions to guide her performance. The high point of the disc is Badu's duet with Stephen Marley, "In Love with You," easily the sweetest, truest love song of the year. That alone is reason enough to buy the disc--and you won't regret having done so. --Courtney Kemp

Customer Reviews:

Good Song Writing.......2007-06-26

I had to review by review because the first time I gave 5 stars, but now 4. I now feel that the song writing is very good but the music does not match for all the songs...an example of this is Bag Lady, I have the remix and it makes the song so must better..the good lyrics stand out more...and its more enjoyable....but for most of the songs the lyrics are not so clear and at times, its hard understand without the written lyrics, right infront of you.
But she good...also, most of the songs are for women but, you don't have to relate to appreciate...so check her out.
If you are looking for more good music check out Chrisette Michele's... I Am...Now!!!

Ms.Badu Is Back .......2007-05-13

Erykah Badu comes back after a three year absence with a new style.Erykah
begins to reinvent herself and it works.One of the best c.d.'s of the year
.She still brings beautiful lyrics and harmonies to our ears.A bright standout from the decade's musical darkness.

spectacular.......2007-05-03

im a kid born in the times of crunk overexposure where women are remorselessly abused verbally where every black man is fooled into thinking bling bling and flashy cars will make u a great person. i stumbled upon this after i heard penitentiary philosophy and bought the whole album this is album is a journey in modern black music. it is so musical in the way its executed it takes the listener into the mind of a woman trying to struggle with her lovers and the world at large. the song writing is at times witty and at times very passionate. this is not ciara or any of this girlgroups bubblegum music this is deep this is soulful funky and timeless a must buy

Finally . . ........2007-04-26

I've been listening to this album since it was first released, but I'm just now getting around to reviewing it. "What's with the delay?" you might ask. I have no good reason actually. But as we draw nearer to the ten year anniversary of this masterpiece, I figure now is as good a time as any.

I never like to hype up someone's artistic work too much, for fear of the inevitable "let-down." That being said, I will keep this short. The bottom line is that if you don't own this, you really don't know as much as you think you do about modern music. Rather, you don't know shiggety about music, period. The feelings emoted throughout "Mama's Gun" will seem familiar and relatable. As a matter of fact, every man should own this CD, just to gain a better understanding of how women sometimes think and feel. I promise you this-- there's no way on earth that you won't enjoy the music on this CD. If you don't, then you're crazy.

The Best of Badu.......2007-03-30

I have all of Eryka Badu's albums and, while they are all good, if you're only going to get one, get this one. It is by far the best. Skip the first track, but the rest of the album is as good as it gets.

Average customer rating:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!
It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite
Love it- great for weddings
Stellar album
**Superb**

Appalachia Waltz / Ma, Meyer, O'Connor

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Appalachian Journey
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ASIN: B000002C0Y
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

The Green Groves of Erin - The Flowers Of Red Hill
Appalachia Waltz
Chief Sitting In The Rain
Mama
Butterfly's Day Out
Druid Fluid
First Impressions
Etienne Et Petunia
F.C.'s Jig
College Hornpipe
Pickles
Old Country Fairytale
Schizoozy
Star of the Country Down
Speed The Plow Medley
Fair Dancer Reel

Customer Reviews:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!.......2007-02-19

It's wonderful to hear three such talented musicians put together a collection of non-classical music on revered instruments. This is not "The Yo-yo Ma Show" with two other guys! The music is varied but the performances are great and -- in some cases, e.g. Appalachia Waltz -- fantastic. I was driving the first time I heard the title piece and immediately started sobbing and had to pull over; it was that beautiful! This would be a good CD choice for children to listen to, as it gives a fine exposure to the amazing sounds that the three instruments can make when in the right hands.

It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite.......2007-02-12

Yo-yo Ma has never been content to stick with the standard cello classics. Of course he has recorded the classics - the magnificent Bach Cello Suites (incredible and the visual DVD only enhances the effect), Vivaldi, Beethoven, Faure, Dvorak, etc. His evolution as an artist is an on-going process, thus there's Yo-Yo playing Tango (Astor Piazzolla), Yo-Yo playing Jazz (Claude Boling), Yo-yo playing Brazilian music or John Williams. And now we have the Apalachia Waltz, a beautiful, virtuoso and haunting piece.
I, too, found many of the sounds unique. For a real experience, listen in a darkened room with a pair of superior earphones - the things you pick up will shock. I literally turned my head several times, convinced that the artist was in the room.

As one reviewer noted, this is not supposed to be the rustic sound one might imagine or (the reverse) simply an intellectual exercise. The artist (with able assistance) seems to draw on some kind of inner reserve and literally pour his soul into his newest project. I, for one, applaud this widening of the boundaries between genres and hope that it continues.
Let's not forget the other artists, particularly Meyer. Many times the celebrity saps all the attention leaving a wake of sore feeling in their wake. Ma has always been one to give credit where credit is due and in this case it is due to those who ably assisted him. My grade - A

Love it- great for weddings.......2007-01-24

I used this and Appalachian Journey for my wedding music. I used Track 2 (Appalachian Waltz) as my entry music. The rest I just had playing on a cd player as background music while my guests were waiting on me. It was perfect for our outdoor Fall wedding. Hearing track 2 always brings the memory of our beautiful day flooding back.

Stellar album.......2006-11-10

This disc is top-notch in all respects. The playing is great by Ma and O'Conner for sure, but the bass work is awesome. Meyer is as good a player as there is in the world at the present time in my opinion. I am a cellist and bassist and find it difficult to believe that some of the things he does are possible. If you like top quality string playing, order this album today.

**Superb**.......2006-07-19

I absolutely love this album -- the music resonates with one's soul. Even if you don't have a cello fetish as I, you can't go wrong with this album. It offers a wonderful range from adagio to allegro.....A true musical feast. I especially enjoy Butterfly's Day Out and First Impressions. Dolce...

Average customer rating:

Classic Janis
Kozmic Blues Away
It grows on you...
Great!
Damn Good Music

I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again, Mama
Janis Joplin
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cheap Thrills
Pearl
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ASIN: B00000K2VW
Release Date: 1999-08-31

Tracks:

Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)
Maybe
One Good Man
As Good As You've Been To This World
To Love Somebody
Kozmic Blues
Little Girl Blue
Work Me Lord
Dear Landlord (Session Outtake)
Summertime (Live At Woodstock)
Piece Of My Heart (Live At Woodstock)

Amazon.com

This underrated 1969 recording was Janis Joplin's first solo studio album after she left Big Brother & the Holding Company. One objection at the time of its release centered on the horn section, which Big Brother loyalists were determined to hate to death. Moreover, the aggregate of musicians backing Joplin--she named the band Kozmic Blues--never solidified as a group, even after earning a warm response on a European tour that spring. There was considerable turnover among the players pulled in for the sessions and considerable discontent as well. Producer Gabriel Mekler would have gladly dumped the band entirely. The best tracks on the album resulted from a single session in June 1969: a supremely delivered rendition of "One Good Man" (with the great Mike Bloomfield on guitar), and, above all, "Little Girl Blue." The Rodgers and Hart estates, however, absolutely loathed Joplin's version of the song, as did a gaggle of older musicians. Joplin changed the words somewhat and made a magnificent tearjerker out of a song that was first performed by Doris Day. This reissue fleshes out the original eight-song collection with a studio outtake of Bob Dylan's "Dear Landlord" and live versions of "Summertime" and "Piece of My Heart" from Joplin's Woodstock appearance. --Myra Friedman

Customer Reviews:

Classic Janis.......2007-05-19

This is one of the best, full Janis recordings. Blues, rock, soul, and her demented energy make this a great edition to anyone's collection.

Kozmic Blues Away.......2006-06-06

This is probably my all-time favorite album. To me this sounds like Janis Joplin, even if for various reasons she seemed to be most happy with her last album, Pearl. She wanted the horns for the album and she got them. The horns add a beautiful powerful melancholic feel to the album. There are artists, like Melissa Etheridge and Janis Joplin, who seem to be at their peak dealing with heart break and sorrows. I feel this album gets to the core of feelings better than any other album Janis worked on. My personal all-time favorite song can be found on this album. It's called Work Me Lord and it's written by the brilliant Nick Gravenites.

It grows on you..........2006-02-22

I had been warned before I purchased I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama! that it was a poor, unfocused album. But, as Janis recorded so little for us to remember her by, I couldn't justify not checking it out for myself - I figured if there were just one or two songs that were as good as those on Pearl, it was worth buying. I got home, popped Kozmic Blues into my CD player and listened to the whole thing, bonus tracks and all. And you know what? It isn't bad at all.

Okay, the horns do take a little getting used to, but "Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)" is the perfect tune to lead the listener into the album. Other great tracks are present as well, especially "One Good Man," "Kozmic Blues," "Little Girl Blue," and "Work Me, Lord." That leaves three songs that drag a little - "Maybe" and "As Good as You've Been to This World" are okay, but the latter's intro sucks the momentum from the album, and "To Love Somebody" does not redeem it. The other songs from the original eight song album are good Janis - the final sequence, in particular, from "Kozmic Blues" to "Work Me, Lord" is excellent.

As for the bonus tracks...well, they're pretty rocky. "Dear Landlord" is a complete horn-laden revamp of the Dylan tune, but the brass just seem very out of place. The two Woodstock tracks are nice to have, but both "Summertime" and "Piece of My Heart" (especially the latter) don't match the Big Brother and the Holding Company versions Janis and the band unleashed with Cheap Thrills. The reed and horn opening to "Summertime" is the worst part on the entire album, though the rest of the song is okay. "Piece of My Heart" is unfortunately also drenched in horns, and the Kozmic Blues Band just isn't right for the song. However, Janis' little speech before "Piece of My Heart" is definitely worth hearing.

Had Janis Joplin recorded more music, it might be easier to dismiss I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again Mama!, but only Pearl gives us a glimpse of what could've been. Admittedly, Pearl is the better album, and definitely the place to start listening to her. But after listening to that masterpiece and Big Brother and the Holding Company's Cheap Thrills, this album is definitely worth a listen.

Great!.......2005-12-21

This is one of my favorite albums of all-time, and I would like to say my favorite Janis Joplin album, but I can't choose between the others.
There are so many good songs on this album. Janis Joplin had a certain way of getting a song out. She was unlike anybody before her, and no matter how hard people try-they can't be her! She was one of a kind, and this album-like her others-is fantastic!

Damn Good Music.......2005-03-01

Wow. This is the type of music that takes you to another place, an amazing place. Janis's voice is incredible, the band is amazing. This is true blues, this is the definition of music. Talk about soul, she belts it out to a ridiculously amazing level.. I'm not a corporate executive music reviewer. I'm just a person, who likes what they heard. If you want to feel something, something real and undeniable, then listen to this album. Janis sings from her gut, from a place few artists today dare to go. Challenge yourself to go to a place that is unfamiliar, a place that will enhance you as a person. Thanks Janis...

Average customer rating:

SHE LEFT US TOO SOON..DAMN!
Gotta Love It!
MAMA'S BIG ONES: Merle Haggard Says, "Buy `Em."
LOST brought her back into the spotlight
Too bad Mama could not have lived on

Mama's Big Ones: The Best of Mama Cass
Mama Cass
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002PCH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

It's Getting Better
Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Make Your Own Kind Of Music
Words Of Love
New World Coming
Move In A Little Closer, Baby
One Way Ticket
The Good Times Are Coming (From The Motion Picture 'Monte Walsh')
Easy Come, Easy Go
Don't Let The Good Life Pass You By
Ain't Nobody Else Like You
A Song That Never Comes

Amazon.com

She wasn't the cute one, but, damn, she certainly could sing her ample rear off. Featuring only one track with the Mamas & the Papas--the hit "Words of Love"--this unfortunately titled collection spotlights Elliot's solo career, from the ancient Tin Pan Alley gem "Dream a Little Dream of Me" through Top 40 treats like "New World Comin'" and "Make Your Own Kind of Music" (recently covered by Paul Westerberg). Actually, only 5 of the 12 tracks can be considered big ones--but that voice was simply perfect pop and pure ear candy. Pity she left when she did. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

SHE LEFT US TOO SOON..DAMN!.......2007-05-07

Cass Elliot, alongside Karen Carpenter, Janis Joplin and Florence Ballard, are some of my favorite female singers who left us too damn soon.
Her voice is amazing, she had it all, but for god's sake, why did she had to die so young? Maybe God needed another angel? Simply beautiful!

Gotta Love It!.......2007-02-18

Mama Cass has always been a favorite of mine and I believe that I had this LP in the 80's. It is just as good as I remember and my (relatively) untrained ear thinks the recording is just fine. Enjoy!

MAMA'S BIG ONES: Merle Haggard Says, "Buy `Em.".......2006-10-06

Despite this collection's title, MAMA'S BIG ONES, which is obviously a double entendre and an invitation for every low class reviewer to crack a bunch of cheap MAmMAry gland jokes, I refuse to stoop that low. I will not succumb to the temptation because the music found here deserves better; it should not be subjected to rude remarks from some plebeian guttersnipe. I'm going to address it with civility and good taste because I'm a high-minded individual who never sacrifices a million dollar opportunity for a ten cent laugh. It's not like I'm a dog which is governed by instinct; I'm a man and I have self-control and the power to make choices. And I choose to keep this review principled. It's as simple as that!

"MAMA" CASS ELLIOT was, of course, a member of that fine Pop choral group of the late `60s and early `70s, The Mamas And The Papas. She was a part of team Mama, if memory serves me well. Mama Cass had limited vocal range but a "sweet" voice and she really knew how to put a song over, how to caress a melody. Ah yes, remember when music had melody? Several of the twelve songs on this compilation are culled from The Mamas And The Papas archives. How good were The Mamas And The Papas?...

From 1972 to 1986, I had a real good friend named Andy - as loyal a friend as I ever knew - but Andy was something of a character. He listened to NOTHING but Country-Western (unusual in L.A.) and I don't mean stuff like Dwight Yoakam and Garth Brooks - not THAT kind of Country! Heck, Andy couldn't stand those "longhaired hippies" Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson! No, I'm talkin' REAL hard-core Country-Western like The Sons Of The Pioneers and Hank Williams (the dead one!) Andy was certain that Merle "Okie From Muskogee" Haggard was god. His most famous saying was: "You know what Merle Haggard says...%#&! `em!"

Through the years I'd try to turn Andy onto some more contemporary music - try to get him into the 20th Century a little bit - but he was having none of it: "Check it out, Andy, these guys are good. They're called Thin Lizzy."

"You know what Merle Haggard says...%#&! `em!"

One night while we were cruisin' Mulholland Drive in his 1954 Chevy truck (Andy rebuilt the engine himself), I quietly slipped a Mamas And Papas Greatest Hits cassette into his player, afraid that Smith And Wesson's greatest hits would be playing next (Andy was usually armed and dangerous), but.....nothing. No gun, no "Merle Haggard says"...nothing. I left the tape in the truck when he dropped me off that night and faster than you can say, "I'm proud to be an Okie from Muskogee", Andy was a dyed-in-the-wool Mamas And Papas fan. Merle was still god, of course, but the Mamas and Papas were angels.

It was The Mamas And The Papas that finally brought Andy up-to-date: From there he discovered the very, very early, pre-disco Bee Gees, and then Loggins And Messina. One day in 1983, while quaffing Lone Star beer (you know what Merle Haggard says about the makers of Budweiser) and watching MTV, Andy showed no small amount of enthusiasm for a Journey song. That's when I knew that things had gone too far and I threatened to play him Samuel Colt's greatest hits next. But hey, if MAMA (and her band mates) could reform a lost cause like Andy, just think what she'll do for you!

There's not a song on MAMA'S BIG ONES that I don't like. And despte the comments from a couple of other reviewers, the sound quality on my copy is perfectly fine. (Maybe they got discs from a bad batch?) Aside from Mama's lovely voice and memorable melodies, there's some real sweet lyrics found here, too; words to live by. And none sweeter than those from DON'T LET THE GOOD LIFE PASS YOU BY:

Did you ever lie and listen to the rain fall?
Did you ever own a homemade apple pie?
Did you ever watch a child while he was praying?
Just don't let the good life pass you by
Did you ever hold a hand to stop its trembling?
Did you ever watch the sun desert the sky?
Did you ever hold a woman while she's sleeping?
Friend don't let the good life pass you by
Man was made for loving not for buying
Gold can't give the things we really need
Just look my friend there's happiness in living
Somewhere between broke and being free
Did you ever see the funny side of losin'?
Did you ever sit right down and have a cry?
Did you ever take the time to help your neighbor?
Just don't let the good life pass you by

In closing, let me just say that I have been enjoying this Mama Cass compilation for fourteen years and I'm sure that you too will find MAMA'S BIG ONES to be hugely entertaining. How huge?
Thirty-eight, Double D. Dang it! I almost made it. I got SO close!

LOST brought her back into the spotlight.......2006-09-14

After her song "Make Your Own Kind of Music" was featured on the second season of LOST I couldn't get it out of my head. VERY talented woman. I'm only 25 but I already knew her from her dominant presence in Mamas and Papas but she continues to amaze me...

Too bad Mama could not have lived on.......2005-11-27

This is great and time to feel upbeat CD by the one and only Mama Cass. These songs give you the kind of feeling that you just can't find in much of today's music. Like so many songs of the era, there is a kind of hope and happiness for the future even though things were not necessarily that great during that time with the Vietnam War and the social unrest. I have never felt that Mama Cass has received the recognition that she deserved, but obviously she does live in history or we would not have this compilation of her best. Of course, there is an obvious lack of the rest of the Mamas and Papas, but ole Mama did very well on her own. The obvious stand out of the CD is "Dream A Little Dream of Me" which definitely should be always listed as a classic song. This song shows the ability that she had and could have developed if only she would have had more time. Other notables are "Make You Own Kind Of Music", "The Good Times Are Coming", and "Ain't Nobody Else like You." So, you are probably asking why I am only giving this CD three stars. Well, it is good, but I am a hard reviewer and I cannot put this into the five star categories. That category only exists for what I consider the very best. This is a good CD, but obviously not the best. However, I am very glad I have it in my collection and you will too if you enjoy the upbeat and positive music of this golden era and the magic voice of Cass.

Average customer rating:

Great item
GREAT SKILLETS
Buy this CD if you like swing!
The greatest recording of swing vocals from the cd era!!!
Exellent jazz vocals with a top notch swing combo

One Hour Mama
Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
Manufacturer: Fat Note
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Everybody's Talkin' 'Bout Miss Thing
Insect Ball
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Come Out Swingin'
Mugzy's Move

ASIN: B000005F55
Release Date: 1996-11-07

Tracks:

Oo Poppa Do
Blue Skies
New Blowtop Blues
What's The Matter With You
Squeeze Me
And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine
Going to Chicago Blues
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
Downhearted Blues
Walk Right In, Walk Right Out ('The Walking Blues')
One Hour Mama

Customer Reviews:

Great item.......2007-01-09

Great item, great band and a great singer. A must for music lovers.

GREAT SKILLETS.......2005-10-07

I have to say I have one other of Miss Lavays CD - and its just as good as this one...

I was happy with the service- fast quick and efficient and the price was reasonable to!

Buy this CD if you like swing!.......2005-03-24

This is an excellent CD from the sweet sax on Blue Skies to Chris Siebert's boogie woogie piano and arrangements. I highly recommend this CD for parties, exercise, and of course listening. I bought this CD almost a year ago after a friend recommended it, and I still listen to it often.

I would like to hear them live. When are they coming to Wisconsin?

The greatest recording of swing vocals from the cd era!!!.......2005-02-19

There were many talented singers from the lp & 78rpm eras, such as Helen Humes, Billie Holiday(early Lady Day), and Ruth Brown. And there are a sleuth of new "jazz" singers of the cd era, however many of them sound "kitchy" and dated, however Lavay Smith is the Helen Humes of the new millenium!!! Smith is not a imitator, she is fresh and unique, but has a 1940's torchy, sassy quality, she sounds 110% WOMAN!!! Great singer, awesome band that can sound like Louis Jordan's band or Dizzy Gillespie's!!! Tjey play combo swing and jump blues, and Smith covers everyone from 1920's Ida Cox(One Hour Mama) to Little Ester! A great singer and the greatest vintage sounding singer of the cd era!!!(only Kim Nalley comes close to sounding in the smae class as Smith). Essential swing and vocal album.

Exellent jazz vocals with a top notch swing combo.......2004-01-03

Top jaz zplayers and hot arrangements, are what make Lavay's band standout. Chris Seiberts' boogie woogie piano playing is great and the horn section in tight and has room to solo. Lavay's vocals are original, and at the same time sound right out of the Dinah Washington, and Anita O'Day eras. The greatest cd to coem out of the neo swing era. Even touhh jazz critic Scott Yanow thinks this is one of the best swing cd's to come from the "swing revival" of the late 90's!!!

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions

Average customer rating:

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions
Lord Have Mercy
A wonderful, varied soul record
What a re-issue should be!
Blistering, bluesy R&B

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions
Etta James
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classic Female Vocal Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005B7GT
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

Tell Mama
I'd Rather Go Blind
Watch Dog
The Love Of My Man
I'm Gonna Take What He's Got
The Same Rope
Security
Steal Away
My Mother In Law
Don't Lose Your Good Thing
It Hurts Me So Much
Just A Little Bit
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
You Took It
I Worship The Ground You Walk On
I Got You Babe
You Got It
I've Gone Too Far (Previously Unreleased)
Misty (Previously Unreleased)
Almost Persuaded
Fire
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (Alternate)

Customer Reviews:

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions.......2006-11-10

Not my favorite piece, but Etta always pleases.

Lord Have Mercy.......2006-03-16

Tell me mamma... I love this CD. I think it should come with a warning label. "Caution: You will wake up the neighbors". Buy it. I can't play it quiet... I can't not sing along with it... I can't stop dancing when it is on.

A wonderful, varied soul record.......2005-06-11

More soul than blues, Etta James' "Tell Mama" originally came out in 1968 as a twelve-track LP. And here it is in its remastered 2001 incarnation, bolstered by no fewer than ten bonus tracks which earns the reissue the subtitle "The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions".
The sound is terrific, clear and realistic, as is the production by Rick Hall. And those who feel that Etta James' Chess recordings featured too many violins and not enough power need to pick up "Tell Mama" right away!

The original album was top-notch in its own right, featuring the all-time classic soul ballad "I'd Rather Go Blind", excellent covers of Ed Townsend's "I'm Gonna Take What He's Got", Otis Redding's "Security" and Jimmy Hughes' "Don't Lose Your Good Thing", and a couple of driving up-tempo numbers, most notably Don Covay's "Watch Dog" and the magnificent title track.
Etta James never sounded better than during these four 1967-1968 sessions, and the various musicians never set a foot (or a finger) wrong.

There really isn't a single weak track among the twelve songs originally issued. Even practically unknown songs like the swaggering soul stomper "My Mother In Law" and the slow "It Hurts Me So Much", which have never been covered by anyone and don't appear on any of Etta James' compilation albums, are highly enjoyable, and Etta's rendition of "Just A Little Bit" (AKA "I Just Want A Little Bit") is a supremely funky slice of soul-blues.

And the bonus tracks aren't rejects by any means. They include "Almost Persuaded", "Misty", the rocking "You Took It", a very good interpretation of Sonny Bono's "I Got You Babe", and two soulful takes on "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man", a song which has been interpreted by everybody from Aretha Franklin to the Flying Burrito Brothers.
I'm no big Etta James fan, actually, but this album is something special. I completely fell for it the first time I put it on, and to me "Tell Mama" is the best record Etta James has ever made, one of the finest, most cohesive soul and R&B records of the late 60s.
You really ought to give it a listen.

What a re-issue should be!.......2005-02-23

In addition to the 12 re-mastered original tracks, there are 10 more (including 2 versions of "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man"). There are some good songs here that are not included on either "Her Best" or "The Chess Box", including "Watch Dog", "My Mother In Law", "It Hurts Me So Much", "I've Gone Too Far", and her funked-out Soulful rendition of "I Got You Babe". This is a must-have for Etta fans.

Blistering, bluesy R&B.......2003-01-15

The ever-vivacious Etta James is one of R&B's true greats, an artist whose work will always stand the test of time and this album, originally released in 1968, is one of her best-known and most powerful. More dynamic than expressive, James was a gal who clearly knew how to rock, capable of the same sort of expansiveness as Jimmy Rushing or even jump blues shouters such as Wynonie Harris, but also with a touch of the sleekness seen in Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald. The "Tell Mama" album is a flawless, timeless crowd pleaser, packed with upbeat, compact material, a tailormade showcase for James' mousy snarl. Backed by the best of the Muscle Shoals crew, this is music that can't easily be faulted; with ten bonus tracks added on for good measure, this CD edition is pretty hard to resist.

Average customer rating:

No Ball & Chain Draggin' Down This Lady
Best of Traditional Blues
How blue can she get?
The classic 1960's Arhoolie sessions!
Exellent rockin' blues and rollicking r&b and jump blues

Ball N' Chain
Big Mama Thornton
Manufacturer: Arhoolie Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hound Dog: The Peacock Recordings
With the Muddy Waters Blues Band 1966
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ASIN: B0000001FF
Release Date: 1993-11-30

Tracks:

Sweet Little Angel
Unlucky Girl
Swing It On Home
Little Red Rooster
Hound Dog
Your Love Is Where It Ought To Be
School Boy
My Heavy Load
I'm Feeling Alright
Sometimes I Have A Heartache
Black Rat
Life Goes On
Bumble Bee
Gimme A Penny
Wade In The Water
Ball N' Chain

Customer Reviews:

No Ball & Chain Draggin' Down This Lady.......2007-05-31

When Janis Joplin electrified the folk/blues scene with her incredibly propelled version of Big Mama Thorton's "Ball & Chain," I really wanted to hear more from the source. Unfortunately it wasn't until recently that I listened to this CD that features "Ball & Chain." I was surprised at the high quality of the entire CD--and also a little surprised how "modern" Willie Mae "Big Mama" sounded on the CD. I don't know, I guess I was expecting more in the line of an anthology, archival performance in the way of Bessie Smith recordings (and I am serious Bessie Smith fan too.)

Willie Mae originated "Hound Dog" that was later such a hit for Elvis. Elvis' version is great, but I prefer the original.

Legendary Muddy Waters accompanies on five tunes.

As for "Ball & Chain," you can really hear the influence the original had on Janis Joplin--and how Janis also made it her own.

This is CD is hardcore blues delivered in Big Mama's light, almost delicate style.

No, there's nothing "almost" about it. Big Mama Thorton's blues phraseology is both strong & unequivocally delicate.

Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thorton is one of the blues Greats, sharing the galaxy with other blues/jazz devas like Billie Holiday & Etta James.

Jail
Big Mama Thornton in Europe
The Complete Vanguard Recordings
Hound Dog: The Peacock Recordings
All the Way
Let's Roll
The Essential Bessie Smith
Greatest Hits
Bessie Smith: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 1
Cheap Thrills
Pearl
I Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again, Mama

Best of Traditional Blues .......2007-01-11

Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was much more than the originator of "Hound Dog" - she was one of the greatest Blues singers. She could be fun and sassy, and could also be plaintive and emotional. After Bessie Smith and before Koko Taylor, there was Big Mama Thornton.

BALL `N' CHAIN consists of 16 songs recorded 1965-1968 (tracks 1-8 in 1965; 9-14 in 1966; 15 & 16 in 1968). Disc packaged in black jewel case; total running time: 61:50. Booklet includes an essay by Chris Strachwitz, several black & white photos, and track information (songwriter credits, musician personnel, recording dates). Sound quality is good.

These are re-recordings of songs Thornton had previously recorded, including "Ball N' Chain", a song that was notably recorded by Janis Joplin. Tracks 1-8 feature Buddy Guy on Guitar. Tracks 9-14 recorded with Muddy Waters Blues Band (and also issued on Arhoolie's 2004 release "Big Mama Thornton with the Muddy Waters Blues Band - 1966"). Noteworthy are Thornton's complaints on "Unlucky Girl" about being followed by the FBI everywhere she goes.

This may be the Blues, but it is a joy to listen to. Thornton sings Blues ballads and fun up-tempo songs. I hesitate to call it "country Blues" because it just seems too sophisticated to be called that. Whatever it is, it's beautiful.

How blue can she get?.......2006-11-27

Brilliant!
Big Mama's powerful vocal is accompanied by some really, REALLY, strong musical groups; including Muddy Waters' band on several classical interpretations ("I'm Feeling Alfight", "Sometimes I have a Heartache", "Black Rat"...).
My other favorites on this CD are, probably, "Unlucky girl" and "Little Red Rooster" (with Buddy Guy, Walter Horton and others) and, even more probably, the best of them all, erotically highly charged "School Boy" (with only instrument being the sugestive and even eerie guitar of Fred McDowell)...
Some songs ("Swing it on home"...) unfortunately cross the line of R/B and approach rock 'n' roll, but it is only minor problem on this brilliant CD... Every unce of blues this lady carries is worth hearing!

Great songwriter ("Sweet Little Angel"...) and great interpreter, Big Mama Thornton is one of the best blues musicians I've encountered so far...
Oh yes, what was the name of that movie star hip-shaking white boy who also tried to sing Leiber and Stoller's "Hound Dog"?

The classic 1960's Arhoolie sessions!.......2004-05-09

Although these are not as powerful as her Peacock recordings of teh 50's, one should not overlook her Arhoolie sides fro mthe mid 60's(to late 60's). Ball b' Chail is a classic, as well as the Gospel tinged Wade In The Water and Sweet Little Angel(covered fro meveryone from BB King to Etta James). This is a powerfu lset of rockin' blues, and a couple of slower ones too ,but for the most part this is great jump blues and the msuic swings, stomps, and jumps, as well as rocks! Even the slower stuff rocks! Big Mama dodn't recrd too much that wasn't worth listening to ,and aside from her Peacock recordingd. these are her msot essential sides, and are a major highlight of a long lustrious career as a blues diva! Also Mama Thornton has influenced everyone from rock singer Janis Joplin to new blues diva Candye Kane. Thornton was a powerful singer, and this cd should not be overlooked, and should be essential to blues fans. Even myself, strictly a fan of rockabilly music, love all of Thornton's work from the 50's and 60s'.

Exellent rockin' blues and rollicking r&b and jump blues.......2004-04-13

This cd features Mig mama Thornton hollerin' her way thru a versitile set of jump blues, slow drags, and rockin' blues. Although if you want to make a 1st purchase of Mama thornton start with Hound Dog-The Peackock Recording, as a 2nd purchase you can't go wrong with these somewhat later sessions. Lot's of fun, rough and roudy blues.

Mama Africa: The Very Best of Miriam Makeba

Average customer rating:

DISAPPOINTING
You Can't Beat Mama? Join Her!
Good choice for new audience
Very nice

Mama Africa: The Very Best of Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
Manufacturer: Manteca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

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South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music

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Africa
Grazing in the Grass: The Best of Hugh Masekela
Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony
Sangoma
Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000501LX
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

Tula Ndivile
Laku Tshoni 'Ilanga
Ntyilo Ntyilo
Holilili
Irlando
Intandane
Live Humble
Sindiza Ngecadillacs
Phansi Kwalomhlaba
Hush
Sophiatown Is Gone
Miriam and Spokes' Phatha Phatha
Umqokozo
Pata Pata
Kilimanjaro
Thanayi [A.K.A. Nomalungelo]
Can't Cross Over
Carnival
Chicken [A.K.A. Sekusile]
African Convention
I Shall Sing
Malaika
Jolinkomo
West Wind
Click Song [A.K.A. Qongqothwane]

Album Description

25 track compilation from South Africa's most important female vocalist. Includes early songs she recorded as a member of the Manhattan Brothers and The Skylarks through to her classic worldwide hits, 'Pata Pata' and 'The Click Song'. Sleevenotes include a detailed history of Makeba and track by track commentary. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

DISAPPOINTING.......2006-07-05

I was expecting to hear some of the old songs with the same arrangements and backup bands. I was surprised to find not one single piece the same as I remembered. If you have no comparison, you would probably enjoy this gifted songstress. I found the quality overall to be disappointing.

You Can't Beat Mama? Join Her!.......2004-10-22

Mama Africa! What a proper name for the Queen of African Song. This collection has all the great songs from Miriam. It plays choronoligically from her earliest recording up to her most recent records. The melodies are infectious and Miriam makes you want to know more about the plight of the people of Africa she describes in her songs. This is a must-have for lovers of South African music.

Good choice for new audience.......2004-03-17

As the previous review says, this is a good collection. However, as I was trying to replace songs from two albums which apparently haven't been released on CD (1960's "Miriam Makeba" RCA album and the early '60's Kapp Records album "The Many Voices of Miriam Makeba"), this CD wasn't what I was looking for. Most of the songs sound nothing like the arrangements I loved on those albums. They would be great for a new audience, but for those who are looking to replace those early '60's records, don't expect this to be the same. If your intention isn't to replace 40-year-old albums, though, I would definitely recommend this CD.

Very nice.......2002-11-23

Buy this just for tracks 1,4,15 and so on. To hear the early version of this voice is a pleasure in it self. But to hear the growth and development of an artist of this caliber is a rare treat indeed. Oh go ahead you know you want it.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review