Assignment:Earth [Import]

Assignment:Earth [Import]

Track Listings

1. Not Human

2. Alien Attack

3. Out In Space

4. Astrogirl's Dilemma

5. E T Phone Home

6. Spooky

7. Force Of Life

8. Meanwhile

9. Space Seed

10. All The Children Shall Le

Assignment:Earth,S.P.O.C.K.,Tcm,Dance

Average customer rating:

More of the Excellence You've Come To Expect

superb album!

Haunting and Brilliant

Time on Earth-Thoughtful look at mortality, those we love and the changes they make in our lives

Welcome Back Crowdies

Time on Earth
Crowded House
Manufacturer: Ato Records / Red
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Farewell to the World

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ASIN: B000Q9OD7G
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

Nobody Wants To
Don't Stop Now
She Called Up
Say That Again
Pour Le Monde
Even A Child
Heaven That I'm Making
A Sigh
Silent House
English Trees
Walked Her Way Down
Transit Lounge
You Are The One To Make Me Cry
People Are Like Suns

Amazon.com

Fourteen years, a live CD/DVD, some solo albums, and one tragic suicide after Crowded House's last release comes this highly anticipated reunion. Singer/songwriter Neil Finn and bassist Nick Seymour reunited after the 2005 death of drummer Paul Hester, brought in a new member and two producers (Ethan Johns and Steve Lillywhite) to replace longtime cohort Mitchell Froom, and the impressive result is a logical and overdue addition to the band's previous four albums. Finn's knack for a melodic ballad remains firmly in place as Time on Earth coasts on his dreamy voice and introspective, hook-laden pop choruses. However, this is a more reflective collection that requires a few spins to fully reveal its charms. Finn co-writes "Even a Child" with Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and that and the frisky "She Called Up" are the most buoyant tracks on this predominantly pensive disc. Finn has generally shaded towards a darker edge and this hour-long set might have benefited from more of the lighter touch he applies to "Transit Lounge," a song enhanced by Beth Rowley's lovely and startling wordless vocals along with jazzy electric piano and even airport sound effects. Strings, sitar, and intricate production add subtle elements that bolster the timeless musical qualities Finn has always reveled in. The ominous, even brooding "Silent House," a co-write with all three Dixie Chicks, is another highlight that sounds like nothing either has done before as it floats along on fuzz guitar and hurdy-gurdy, both courtesy of Johns. Trimming some weaker cuts would have made this a more focused listen, but Time on Earth is a worthy successor to Crowded House's existing catalog--a high compliment indeed. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

More of the Excellence You've Come To Expect.......2007-07-13

When I heard in 2006 that Neil Finn's planned next solo album was going to be a Crowed House album, I was a little disappointed. Owning CH albums, Split Enz albums, and the two Finn Brothers albums, I ultimately find Neil Finn's solo material (_Try Whistling This_ & _One Nil_) to be his best work. However, since this is Neil Finn we're talking about--easily one of pop music's best songwriters--regardless of what name was going to be on the album, it would likely be up to par with his previous work. However, stacked up against such phenomenal post-CH work, _Time on Earth_ does ultimately dissapoint a little bit.

Lyrically, the suicide of original drummer Paul Hester looms over nearly the entire album. From the beautiful opener "Nobody Wants To" to the Split Enz-like "She Called Up" to the plaintive "Silent House," Neil Finn is clearly mourning within this material. The first half of the album is just as good as anything Crowded House has done, with "Pour Le Monde" being another stunning, melancholy work of songwriting genius that fans have come to expect from Finn ("he imagines the world/as the angel ascending/like the ghost of a man/who is tied up to the chair/and he tries to believe/that his life has a meaning/with his hand on his heart"). About midway through the album, the momentum slows down a bit. "Heaven That I'm Making," co-written with Johnny Marr sounds like something that might've made it onto _One Nil_, but fails to make much of an impression, and is followed by the pretty, but again, slightly lackluster "A Sigh." Along with "Silent House," "A Sigh" sounds like something more from the "Rain" movie score that Finn was involved with a few years ago than a CH or Finn album--very subtle, low-key, lo-fi offerings. "English Trees" continues the pretty, plaintive, reflective mood that dominates the middle of the album before jumping back into the upbeat, mysterious "She Walked Her Way Down" ("and i know what the answer is/but i'm happy to be here tonight/and when you're in the moment/everything you want is right"). "Transit Lounge" sounds like the experimental side of Neil Finn' solo work and is one of the best, freshest sounding songs on the album. Closing out the album are two more low-key and subtle songs--"You Are The One To Make Me Cry" and "People Are Like Suns." Closers on albums that Finn is involved with--"Together Alone," "Addicted," "Into The Sunset," "Gentle Hum"--are usually breathtakingly beautiful. "People Are Like Suns" does not match the heights achieved by those songs, but it comes close, ending the album with the "appreciate every moment" theme that is displayed on this CH album in the wake of Paul Hester's death: "better take all the love that you got in a single hand...." People are like suns..."they come and they go...."

_Time On Earth_ is another great album to add to your Crowded House collection. It's a far more subtle offering than _Woodface_ or _Together Alone_, but it rewards the listener more and more with repeated listenings. Fans of Finn's prior work will not be disappointed.

superb album!.......2007-07-12

I am in complete agreement with Vinzo: this is a masterpiece. Finn is only getting better, each song is perfectly constructed and a joy to listen to. i've listened through it 3 times in 24 hours and can't wait to hear it again. been a long time since any recording felt like "somethin so right" to me, so to speak. i like a lot of new records, and love some, but getting through them in their entirety more than once the first day - i can't remember the last time that happened.

the band sound great and the production is cleaner, less thick, than the very fine finn brothers album. sure sounds like a crowded house album to me!

where I disagree with other reviewers is in how accessable this is. i found it immediately so - I was on it from the 1st measure and found every song very straight ahead and perfectly neil finn/crowded house-ish. a few choice surprise sonic nuggets here and there, but hard to get used to? no way.

I agree Vinzo, it really is THAT good. a perfect ten!!!

Haunting and Brilliant.......2007-07-10

Time on Earth is a masterpiece. Not as immediately accessible as the earlier Crowded House ablums, this one has so many very special moments. There is so much "home" to the new Crowded House. I continue to be amazed at what a great songwriter Neil Finn is. He allows his beautiful voice to show the pain he has suffered with the loss of Paul Hester. Listen to the gorgeous "Pour Le Monde" and "People are Like Suns", they are stunning and haunting lyrically, musically and vocally. Also, the background vocals throughout this album are remarkable and beautifully realized.

This is one of those albums which will be recognized as a classic many years from now. It is the Abbey Road for Crowded House (the Beatle reference is intentional). Great songs, gorgeous vocals, beautiful production, great band. Time on Earth is the album of the year and may be Neil Finn's masterpiece. Yes, it is that good.

Time on Earth-Thoughtful look at mortality, those we love and the changes they make in our lives.......2007-07-10

First up, I'd suggest listening to the samples provided here to see if this terrific Crowded House album is going to be for you. It doesn't sound like anything Neil's done with the band before (although it does recall "Temple of Low Men" and "Together Alone" in terms of its mood). Fans will love this album which builds subtly, over many listens. It is worming its way into my list top albums for this year. Neil is reflective on the changes in his life. Some of the tunes on here are some of the most catchy of his career. He also co-writes a tune with former Smith Johnny Marr (the chiming "Even a Child")and one with The Dixie Chicks. Neil continues to be one of the finest songwriters of his generation and he won't let down fans with this release either.

One thing that Neil Finn never does is make the same album twice. Crowded House fans will find that "Time on Earth" grows on you and isn't as instantly memorable as "Woodface" but is equally as powerful and memorable. In fact, this album reminds me more of the follow up to the band's popular "Woodface" album, "Together Alone"; the melodies are touched with melancholy. You can't help but feel that the death of Paul Hester (the band's original drummer, occasional songwriter and friend of Neil's since the end of Split Enz), middle age and changes in Neil's personal life informed this terrific album. As always, Neil demonstrates a knack for writing memorable melodies and thoughtful, deeply felt lyrics that rank among the best out there. Neil's more experimental solo albums have also impacted this album as well (they departed from the "formula" of Crowded House)and since this was, initially, going to be a solo album it's not a surprise that this album's low key charm and musically adventurous touches are in line with what was on Neil's most recent pair of solo recordings.

Nevertheless, this IS a Crowded House album and brims with all the wit, songwriting skill and hooks that Neil and his band are known for. In fact one of the most interesting aspects of this album is the collison between the "style" that Neil established on his solo albums, the pair he made with his brother Tim and the Crowded House sound. It reinvigorates the album making it a unique and enjoyable follow up to "Together Alone" (the band's last full studio album. I'm not counting "Afterglow" since it was made up of b-sides and tracks that weren't used for the original version of "Woodface").

For those interested there is an import with a DVD of live performances. Also, the first single has two songs not included here plus some live tracks as well. Unfortunately the deluxe edition with the DVD hasn't been released in the United States as of this date.

Worth picking up.

Time on Earth
Don't Stop Now
Together Alone
Woodface
Try Whistling This
One Nil

Welcome Back Crowdies.......2007-07-10

This new Crowded House effort is simply wonderful. But, if you're after instant gratification, then this album is not for you. It is impossible to comment on this CD before at least half a dozen listens. It is darker and heavier than previous Crowded House sets and Paul Hester's presence is everywhere. While it may not have the same level of energy as you'd expect from typical Crowded House fare, it nevertheless has moments of pure Neil Finn genius. She Called Up is the closest thing to the boppy Crowded House of yesterday, reminiscent of Something So Strong. In part, Time On Earth does resemble one of Neil Finn's solo projects, but this is only logical because this CD began as Finn's next solo work until the suggestion of reforming Crowded House was raised. There are aspects of every part of Finn's career on this CD, with hints of Split Enz, reminders of the Crowded House we used to love (and now love again) and both his own work and that with brother Tim, as well. On first listen, you'll probably only like two or three tracks, but after half a dozen listens you won't be able to put it down. There's something to enjoy about nearly every track on this CD. The uptempo pop of the Crowded House of the 80s and 90s still exists on Time on Earth, the gorgeous ballads are haunting, the brooding rock of Silent House (co-written with The Dixie Chicks) fantastic, and the melodies, just beautiful. To all those doubters out there, you didn't really think one of the greatest songwriters of our generation would let us down, did you?

Average customer rating:

Planet Earth
Prince
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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3121

ASIN: B000RMC7H0
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Tracks:

Planet Earth
Guitar
Somewhere Here On Earth
The One U Wanna C
Future Baby Mama
Mr. Goodnight
All The Midnights In The World
Chelsea Rodgers
Lion Of Judah
Resolution

Album Description

Simply put, Planet Earth is the album longtime Prince fans have been waiting for. Several cuts on this album revisit some of the classic Prince sound the captured fans all over the world and helped deem him an incomparable music icon. Superstar and legendary musician prince kicked off 2007 with a show stopping Super Bowls Half-time performance. Prince pulled out all the stops during the second most-watched super bowl broadcast ever. With an estimated 93.2 million viewers to entertain, Prince wasted no time showing off his stages powers and irrefutable guitar skills. He masterfully captured the attention and respect of music fans in general, while sending a message to long time Prince fans that he was ready to once again reign supreme.

Average customer rating:

Great CD
(4.5 stars) Probably their best comp, but STILL missing key songs
That Boogie Woogie Beat!
Greatest Hits
Old School

Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits
Wind & Fire Earth
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000FC5H
Release Date: 1998-11-17

Tracks:

Shining Star
That's The Way Of The World
September
Can't Hide Love
Got To Get You Into My Life
Sing A Song
Gratitude
Serpentine Fire
Fantasy
Kalimba Story
Mighty Mighty
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Amazon.com essential recording

It's the most complete single-disc collection of EWF chart rockers, and Greatest Hits' splendid remastering makes one of the major exponents of '70s funk positivity sound sparkling. From the driving "Shining Star" to the syncopated mastery of "September" and "Boogie Wonderland" to the slow-jam heaven of "After the Love Is Gone," this is a reminder of what made the group so special. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-05-25

If you're an EWF devotee, you have to purchase this CD. It is fabulous! I'm buying a second one for my husband for father's day.

(4.5 stars) Probably their best comp, but STILL missing key songs.......2007-03-29

I'm gonna complain a bit here - the live Devotion (off Gratitude, killer studio version made furtherly killer live) and Keep Your Head to the Sky are still missing. Why? Is this one of those stupid cross-label things? Because those are really annoying. And this contains Boogie Wonderland, most likely their worst hit, either that or Let's Groove. Both are disco. Not a coincidence. And they drop All About Love, as well as I'll Write a Song for You. Give me a break! Four of their greatest songs, dropped off a cliff. Splat. Why? Saturday Night's an OK song, but I don't see it as the Best of Earth Wind and Fire. But if you swap those three off, put the four I mentioned on, and keep the rest, you've got the real best of Earth, Wind and Fire. Unlike the 1978 Greatest Hits release, this DOES contain Mighty Mighty, Kalimba Story AND Serpentine Fire, three essentials. Plus it adds After the Love is Gone, a worthy addition to any self-respecting EWF hits collection (or at least any one released after 1978), and their greatest song ever maybe. I'd bet on it. Plus nine of the ten tracks on the '78 release, not coincidentially the nine classics (Got to Get You Into My Life, Fantasy, Can't Hide Love, Getaway, That's the Way of the World, Shining Star, September, Reasons, Sing a Song) - note how they dropped Love Music, which is cool by me because it's just an average song and average songs don't belong on best-ofs, even if they were huge hits (*cough cough Saturday Nite*).
Yes, this is a great intro, but don't stop here. Why? All in All, Spirit, Gratitude, That's the Way of the World and Open Our Eyes are all good picks, that's why. But this is the compilation the band deserved.

That Boogie Woogie Beat!.......2007-03-14

This album is soooo hot! Makes you wanna just jump up on a table and start dancing. (I tried it at work, but they yelled at me!). I am LOUSY at remembering song names, but I recognized a bunch of them. "September" is so hot! and one of my favorites. So is "Boogie Wonderland" (Dance, Ooo ooo oo, Dance, ooo ooo ooo!) (STOP ME! QUICK!) Like I said, most of the album is hot dance-to-me music. There are a few slow songs, like "After the Love Has Gone". 17 tracks at a total running time of a hair over 1 hour 7 minutes.

Don't put this on in the car and get behind a school bus! Torture!

Greatest Hits.......2007-01-04

My sister is a very hard person to buy gifts at Christmas, but last September she mentioned she would like a CD by Earth Wind & Fire. She opened the CD on Christmas eve and insisted we listen to "September" for the next 15 minutes. She was very happy and so was I. I have to admit the CD is a good one and I am ordering a copy for myself.

Old School.......2007-01-04

Bring back the old school music with soul. Great songs and good memories.

Average customer rating:

Very cool return
IE Shouldn't Look Back
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
This really didn't need to be done. But it's still pretty cool.
Fantastic single, but the redone material loses something in translation

Overture of the Wicked
Iced Earth
Manufacturer: Steamhammer/SPV
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000PA9PME
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Ten Thousand Strong 3:53
Something Wicked Trilogy: Prophecy / Birth Of The Wicked / The Coming Curse 18:31

Album Description

America's most successful pure Heavy Metal band has returned with the kickoff for their most ambitious project to date! Iced Earth have long been known as the champions of American Metal and have consistently delivered absolute quality for their legions of fans. Overture Of The Wicked is the opening salvo in their forthcoming two-part series that continues their famed Something Wicked This Way Comes series. The Overture Of The Wicked CDS contains a brand new song along with a re-recording of some of the Something Wicked... material. The first shot has been fired and Iced Earth is back!

Customer Reviews:

Very cool return.......2007-07-13

First off, I've been a fan of this band since I took a chance in the metal-dead environment of the late 90's and bought the wonderful 'Alive in Athens' CD (one of the greatest live albums of all time) in 1999. Like many, I felt very sorry about Matt Barlow leaving some years ago, the disintegration that followed and the multitude ill-turns suffered by leader Jon Schaffer.

So that's why I'm happy as hell for the return of the band and in this metal-happy musical climate of today I wholeheartedly wish Schaffer has finally his revenge and gathers the recognition that always eluded the band through 15 years of hard work and excellent music.

So what we have here is a taster of the forthcoming new album and a reworking of the classic "Something Wicked" trilogy from 1998's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes'.

Well, the new song "Ten Thousand Strong" is the first Iced Earth song we've heard written specifically for new singer Tim 'Ripper' Owens (since the 'Glorious Burden' album was written with Barlow in tow and only later was resung by Owens), and it shows; the guy is a monster singer. The song is pretty much 'Glorious Burden' fare, except perhaps a bit better. This is killer, even if simple, stuff.

No doubt the eyeopener here is the remake of the old trilogy, and so Ripper is *again* cast to repeat a Barlow performance, and one much loved by fans no less. And again, he falls short; clearly he is no match for Matt's tone and emotional delivery and comes across a bit forced and shrill sounding. The re-recording itself (I mean the music) is cool, even if I still prefere the original.

One very cool feature of this record is the return of 'Alive in Athens's excellent skinsman Brent Smedley, and if you fear after 8 years out of the band he may have lost his touch, well rest assured it's not the case because he is an absolute monster, even more than on the old days. If someone said it's Richard Christy playing, no one would doubt it, it's that good, stunning machine gun precision all the way. Another thing to mention are new axeman Tim Mills' lead guitar breaks, which are probably the best lead guitar ever featured in the band.

Finally a special mention to the excellent cover art, depicting the return of the Set Abominae character.

So all in all a very nice taster for what I hope is a killer CD to come in September, and one to finally put this great band where it has always deserved: at the top of the metal world :)

Let's just hope Schaffer manages to keep a lineup together long enough to see it happen.

IE Shouldn't Look Back.......2007-07-05

If the new single is an indication of what to expect from the new album, then this will probably be the best since 'Wicked'. The problem with this disk lies in the re-recorded material. When judged on his own merits, Ripper has a great voice, and he shows it off on the first track. However, the 'Something Wicked' trilogy can't be listened to without comparing it directly to Barlow's version, and in this context, the Ripper just can't win. The original was nothing short of amazing, and could hardly be improved upon, Barlow's voice thick and powerful. In comparison, Ripper sounds hollow and weak. It's not a fair comparison to make, because the two singers have completely different styles, but it's a comparison that's impossible not to make when Ripper sings Matt's songs.
If Iced Earth and its fans can manage to look forward to the future instead of looking back at what was, then there is reason to be optimistic. This single will serve as a good primer for the full-length.

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!.......2007-07-03

I don't hate Tim Owens. I loved "The Glorious Burden", almost as a different Iced Earth than the ones previously. I love Tim Owens' voice for Iced Earth. I loved Matt Barlow's voice for Iced Earth.

This is only four songs on a single, and only one of them is new. The new song "Ten Thousand Strong" is great. It bears traces of old Iced Earth without being the same old crap or repetitive.

Why do I scream "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" for the title then? The other three tracks.

The other three tracks are not re-recordings, but new versions of the "Something Wicked..." trilogy at the end of "Something Wicked This Way Comes", "Prophecy", "Birth of the Wicked", and "The Coming Curse"

I don't mind having Tim Owens sing over songs that were originally done by Matt Barlow. But they completely RE-DID these songs! They sound very little, if anything like the originals. I am sort of a music traditionalist by nature. Cover songs don't appeal to me as much as originals, re-recorded albums are never better than originals unless it's an unchanged remastering.

It's not just the lack of Barlow's deeper, more husky voice in these songs, it's a completely new guitar, bass, and drum lines used. The rhythms are done at different speeds, the moods are changed. Where once "Prophecy" was a darkly moody, brooding song, it's now something resembling generic "demonic" metal.

I look forward to the new Iced Earth album. I love Iced Earth, and if Schaffer continues to get better with age like his previous albums, I will love it. What I do NOT like is the "rewriting of history" so to speak, the re-writing of these three classic songs of the "Wicked" trilogy. Please... if you don't want Barlow's voice on them, just record Owens over the song as it was! Don't totally rewrite the rhthyms, tempos, moods, etc! It ruins it for traditionalists who have stuck with IE through the ages.

This really didn't need to be done. But it's still pretty cool........2007-07-02

I am going to be brief. "Something Wicked" was my first Iced Earth album, and the original trilogy sent chills down my spine when I listened to it. Iced Earth have changed the trilogy.

First off, the trilogy sounds more produced than ever. Some parts sound really cool and dark, but in general the song just sounds more computerized and polished than the original's. One good thing, however, is the ethnic addition. The song sounds very middle eastern now, which it sort of lacked before. Anyway, I'll take the original version any day. But this version is still pretty good. Makes for a good recap before the new album comes out, but like I said it just sounds too computerized and polished. Also, I like Owens, but he can't match this song which was written with Barlow in mind.

"10,000 Strong" is unremarkable. It's just a single, so I can't complain to much, but it doesn't feel as heavy as it should be. I blame this on the mix and the production.

Fantastic single, but the redone material loses something in translation.......2007-06-28

Something Wicked was the first IE album I had bought. The trilogy in that album is the best thing the band has done next to Dante's Inferno. About the time I had gotten into the band, John Schaffer had mentioned his intent do make a whole album in the theme of Set, the subject of the trilogy. Five or so years later we finally have a taste... I do have some mixed feelings.

Ten Thousand Strong: This first track is the new single, fresh material from the upcoming album, and I have to say that I love it. The riffing is a little similar, perhaps reminiscent of Declaration Day or Attila from Glorious Burden, but this song in my opinion is better than anything from that album. The harmonizing between Ripper and the backround vocals is just amazing and Ripper himself is at the top of his game here. I admit that I'm not the biggest fan of Ripper as the IE vocalist (mostly because I'm still missing Barlow) but here I think he really works. The Glorious Burden felt like an album meant for Barlow but with Ripper filling the void. This track was meant for Ripper, and I can only hope the rest of the album sounds like this. Bravo to Schaffer! 9/10

Prophecy: Here I was not so pleased. As I said, I really love the original trilogy, perhaps a little too much to deal with the changes they've made to it. This song starts out interesting, almost on a more ominous tone, but the great part about the original track is the mellow tone in the first few minutes. Here the mellow tone is replaced with heavier slow tempo guitars, so when the actual main riff starts, it doesn't pack the same punch. And the main riff itself seems palm muted to the point of not even being the same riff anymore. Instead of the loud open chords we used to have, it sounds restrained and totally misses the same feel. Ripper's vocals are pretty good here, though of course he doesn't quite capture Barlowe's haunting tone. This is a fairly dissapointing take on this track. 5/10

Birth of the Wicked: The second track is more of a success. Not much is lost in the rerecording. The guitairs, while not as chunky as in the original, aren't as badly muted as in Prophecy. There are some interesting solos in here too, really impressive ones that I dig. Ripper's vocals work pretty well here as well. It is weird to hear the clocks after the song ends and not before however, but this change is fairly insignificant. Overall, while still not as good as the original, this is a good track. 7/10

The Coming Curse: Like Prophecy, this remake severely dissapoints. I loved the piano intro in the original and they decided to omit that here. It really provided a great buildup to this epic track and jumping right into the main riff doesn't have the same affect. And once again, the main riff is greatly muted and severely loses it's punch. The drums sound way too prominent over the guitars and I keep waiting for the riff to sound more meaty, but this really never happens. Another one of my favorite parts about the original was the backing vocals, the haunting choruses that were put in about halfway through. The vocals are similar, and still fairly haunting, but here it's not as prominent and not as affective. You can really tell it's just a couple of people instead of the overwhelming presense they gave before. This once has some interesting guitar work in the middle, and Ripper's vocals still work on some level, but overall I'm dissapointed. 5/10

The new material is great, and I hope the new album stays that way. The remade trilogy is interesting as an experiment, but by no means should it be a replacement. Perhaps it will work better incorporated into the album, I don't know. Overall, I'm still greatly anticipating this album. While the trilogy does lose something, musically it is still technical and harmonic just as we expect from Schaffer. I would still recommend getting this, just take into consideration what I said about the rerecordings and you might enjoy them. This is still one of my favorite metal bands and recommend them to any fan of old school metal.

Average customer rating:

BUY! BUY! BUY!
Great game - great music
Hug your pillows girls
best video game soundtrack ever.
classical music listeners stop complaining

Halo 2, Vol. 1
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sumthing Else
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00067RF6E
Release Date: 2004-11-09

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Blow Me Away - Breaking Benjamin
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Never Surrender - Nile Rodgers
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Connected - Hoobastank

Amazon.com

Further proof that the 15-year-old male is the nexus of contemporary popular entertainment, this anthology of music from and "inspired by" the sequel to the earth-conquering Halo saga also showcases how capably the video game industry can trump even Hollywood's vaunted production values. The original synth-heavy underscore by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori is filled with enough brooding, mock-Goth atmospherics, and pulsing exotica of indeterminate ethnicity to give the Hans Zimmer stable a run for their money, while a slate of (mostly) worthy rock star guest turns give it a welcome edge. Legendary axe-slinger Steve Vai's sinewy riffing punches up the reworked main theme and "Never Surrender," while alt.metal contenders Breaking Benjamin serve up the suitably dramatic inspired-by cut "Blow Me Away." But it's Incubus' four-part "Odyssey" suite that's the centerpiece, bridging 1970s prog and modern rock with its moody aura and evocative musical dramatics. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

BUY! BUY! BUY!.......2007-03-05

This CD stayed in my truck's CD player for months before getting tired of it. Enough said.

Great game - great music.......2007-01-10

My son wanted this Cd. I had never sat long enough to listen to the music when he played Halo, so I didn't have a clue what I was buying. He let me listen to some of the tracks once it arrived and I had to "borrow" it from him so I could download the cd onto my pc. Needless to say I bought volume 2 and the original Halo soundtrack cd as well. They may belong to my son, but I love these cds too!

Hug your pillows girls.......2006-08-06

THe only reason I am writing anything about this album is because it contains the Odyssey by Incubus, and its probably some of their best work and will go down as their most unnoticed. While the rest of your nerds are huggin your pillows at night thinking about your video games and the "gnarly instrumentals" on this album you sit there and bash Incubus' work. The first track by them, Follow, is not all that great however it was re-released on an additional cd with their Alive at Red Rocks DVD and it sounds sooooooo much better on that cd (with some real lyrics) But after listening to the Odyssey I was really hoping this to be a new direction for Incubus, a more proggressive/conceptual sound. Whether this is the direction they go on with their new album is yet to be heard. Its a shame that this work will go unnoticed, and the only reason it will be that way because a bunch of losers decide to try and impress people with (what they think) is a sense of music just because its of a classical nature. Yes, the rest of the music on the album is amazing, and I give big ups to its composition, but come on people, show some love to good music when its presented to your faces.

best video game soundtrack ever........2006-08-03

i understand that many people are a bit angry with breaking benjamin and hoobastank being in here. i'm not particularly happy myself with the last track, but i think contemporary music is appropriate here, albeit lyrics may not be the greatest form of expressing the mysterious feeling behind everything. i think o'donnel and salvatori have what it takes to compose a score of music, but it's not a score, it's a soundtrack. i found that if you don't like them you can just skip them. the second to last track is a great way to end the soundtrack.

classical music listeners stop complaining.......2006-05-10

The worst part of this album was songs with lyrics (breaking benjamin, techno, hoobastank)...i dont understand then why people are upset with the incubus - follow has one word the whole song (two if you count "yeah") and their instrumental songs are brilliant, floyd-esque at times. for those of you reading others criticizing this album, ignore them, ignore the three bad songs on this album, and purchase it and enjoy it.

Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth Wind & Fire

Average customer rating:

Essential
A beautiful tribute to the Elements
Shining Star
It's Rated 3.5 stars in my book
mistake

Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth Wind & Fire
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Stax
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Collaborations
Forever, for Always, for Luther II (Dig)
Feel the Fire
Stay with Me
Distant Lover

ASIN: B000N0U2U0
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

Shining Star - Chaka kahn
Be Ever Wonderful - Angie Stone
September - Kirk Franklin
Devotion - Ledisi
Can't Hide Love - The Randy Watson Experience
Love's Holiday - Lalah Hathaway
That's The Way Of The World - Dwele
After The Love Is Gone - Mint Condition
Reasons - Musiq Soulchild
Fantasy - Meshell Ndegeocello

Customer Reviews:

Essential.......2007-06-15

Earth, Wind and Fire simply made some of the best music in the world. It's a joy to hear their pieces reinterpreted by other artists.

Chaka Khan yanks "Shining Star" off the chain.

But it's Me'shell Ndegeocello's take on "Fantasy" that makes the album worth the price of admission. By going further afield than any other artist on the album, Ndegeocello brilliantly twists "Fantasy" into something much darker and dangerous -- and compelling -- than perhaps was ever intended by the original E,W & F crew.

Anybody who loves R&B, this is an essential one to own.

A beautiful tribute to the Elements.......2007-06-09

oh my did the new generation do a great job covering the songs we all know and love. A nice twist on the classics. This one is a keeper

Shining Star.......2007-05-22

I wasn't sure what to expect. Sometimes when artists cover other gifted artists, the results can be disappointing. Whoever the cover artists singing Earth Wind & Fire, you know they have big shoes to fill. I read the names of the artists covering EW&F and decided to give it a chance: Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Musiq, Lalah Hathaway. Overall, the artists gave faithful renderings of each song. Kirk Franklin kept it funky on "September," and Musiq was impressive hitting those high notes on "Reasons." But most artists played it safe. Except for Meshell Ndegeocello whose re-interpretation of "Fantasy" sounded more outer space than any thing I've ever heard on Earth Wind & Fire. This album is worth the investment. When I really love an artist and an album, I share it with friends. I've already passed it on to at least four friends.

It's Rated 3.5 stars in my book.......2007-05-21

I think that this CD should have more artists included to do more of EWF's songs. Overall it's just alright. Don't get me wrong, there are some songs that are great such as Angie Stone's Be Ever Wonderful (why was it cut so short?), Kirk Franklin (one of the best cuts on the CD), Bilal (a great twist to Can't Hide Love), Lalah Hathaway (very good), Dwele (nice mid-tempo spin from the original That's The Way Of the World), Mint Condition's After The Love Is Gone (good, but I like Norman Brown's jazz version better) and Musiq's Reasons (he is not a Phillip Bailey but it's a good rendition). The other artists I did not mention somewhat spoiled it. I did not like Chaka Khan's Shining Star as I thought she was trying too hard and the very last cut Fantasy as that to me was just plain awful. Devotion was ok but not nothing to brag about. I applaud everyone's effort but if you are a big EWF fan it's worth to collect...but after a few times of playing the CD, it will collect dust after a while.

mistake.......2007-05-14

I made a mistake in buying this CD. There is no doubt that all performing artists did the best they could, but i can't help but comparing every song to the orginal songs and they still stand out. Furthermore i find it hard to regonize actual interpretations, but find carbon copy's of the original songs, except for the last song; fantasy, but I can hardly imagine anyone preferring this (mis)interpretation over the orginal.

A disappointed EWF fan.

Average customer rating:

A Personal Favorite---BUT...
Okay.
"Mother Earth"
Remarkable Discovery
what is this junk?

Mother Earth
Within Temptation
Manufacturer: Sony / Bmg Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Silent Force
The Heart of Everything
Enter
The Silent Force
Heart of Everything

ASIN: B000092RAC
Release Date: 2003-04-14

Tracks:

Mother Earth
Ice Queen
Our Farewell
Caged
Promise
Never-Ending Story
Deceiver of Fools
Intro
Dark Wings
In Perfect Harmony
Restless [#]
Bittersweet [#]
Enter [Live][#]
Dance [Live][#]

Album Description

2003 reissue of 2001 album includes four bonus tracks, 'Restless', 'The Dance' (Live at Utrecht 1998), 'Enter' (live at Utrecht 1998) & 'Bittersweet'. A landmark release that set new standards for creativity, musicianship, & taste. BMG.

Album Details

Asian Version featuring Four Bonus Tracks: "Restless", "Bittersweet", "Enter (Live at Utrecht 1998)", and "The Dance (Live at Utrecht 1998)".

Customer Reviews:

A Personal Favorite---BUT..........2007-05-05

...THIS SEMI IS COPY PROTECTED. To get around the copy protection don't install the utility program. It won't play in Media Player, but you can use other programs to do everything. This is very similar to Nightwish's Century Child. The band weaves numerous classical chord structures throughout the disc. The band is very talented and they really do push the limits here. The selections range from Ice Queen to In Perfect Harmony which almost sounds like Kenny Loggins' Return To Pooh Corner. Personally, I don't care for the last 2 bonus cuts, but otherwise this is a very compelling release.

Okay........2007-03-02

Not WT's best by any means, but at least this album has personality unlike "The Silent Force". Theres a few good songs such as "Our Farewell", "Ice Queen", "Mother Earth" and "Caged". But the rest of the CD does not follow. "Perfect Harmony" sounds like a pre-school, sing-along song, and "Never-Ending Story" sounds like a folk song gone horribly wrong. All in all, the album isn't terrible...but it isnt the best.

"Mother Earth".......2007-01-31

This is an excellent album. If you are a fan of "metal only" this is probably not for you. It is fully orchistrated and highly theatrical. The musical quality is fabulous. This is a theme album that will strongly appeal to affectations other than Christian. It's hard to put this group into a catagory. Theatrical Goth Metal is the closest I can come to a description. I personally love this CD and feel it is a very strong addition to my collection of Heavy Metal that I've been buying since 1964.

Remarkable Discovery.......2007-01-04

My wife has been after me to buy this for what must be two years now, since she heard the title track on the Matt Drudge Show. I bought it as a slightly late birthday present, and she has listened to it at least three times. Wonderful stuff.

what is this junk?.......2006-11-10

I'll give you the bottom line up front. Sharon den Adel, the lead vocalist, while very talented is not not suited for this type of work. She is blatantly flat or sharp at varying aspects of Within Temptation's songs including "Mother Earth." They do not even have very catchy riffs. Don't buy their album. If you like metal buy metal. If you like emo...kill yourself. If you want to be rocked, either make your own music or find something that does not suck on the surface as well as below it.

Average customer rating:

LIGHT MUSIC FOR US
Reiki: Hands of Light Album
A BEAUTIFUL DREAMY STATE OF MIND
Excellent CD
Reiki: Hands of Light

Reiki: Hands of Light
Deuter
Manufacturer: New Earth Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Reiki: The Light Touch

ASIN: B0000253PH
Release Date: 2002-03-05

Tracks:

Loving Touch
Healing Circle
Waves Of Light
Illumination Of The Heart
Mystic Voyage
Shamanic Healing

Album Description

This bestselling CD, loved by therapists and healers around the world, is excellent music for any kind of deep work: Reiki, meditation, massage, or relaxation. Long sonorous tones and a rhythmic underlying pulse create a gently supportive, ambient soundscape. An essential addition to any healing collection.

Reviews "...an exquisite creation of sounds to promote deep states of relaxation." --New Age Retailer magazine

Finalist: Best Meditation/Healing --New Age Voice Music Award

Customer Reviews:

LIGHT MUSIC FOR US.......2007-06-27

I enjoyed all the CD's I've received so far. I used this one a couple times giving Reiki to someone and it is very appropriate and the timing is almost exact, from the time a treatment starts to the finish. Only one person mentioned that the stops between tracks were a little long. She wanted continuous sound, but thought it fit in with her treatment.

Reiki: Hands of Light Album.......2007-05-16

I just want to say that this is a great healing and relaxing CD. The music is absolutely beautiful to me and I enjoy this CD.

A BEAUTIFUL DREAMY STATE OF MIND.......2007-04-08

Absolutely beautiful music with tremendous healing qualities and calming effects. Makes me fall asleep every time.

Excellent CD.......2007-03-09

I am very pleased with this CD. It is used for relaxation and works very well.

Reiki: Hands of Light.......2007-01-11

was listening to my Soundscapes channel on Cable...one of the songs from this CD came on and it was so peaceful, had to buy the CD....is wonderful!!! play when having dinner parties or ladies getting together or just sitting to read a book or meditate....is so relaxing......everyone comments on how peaceful and calming the music is....would be great for the ride home from work in the car!

The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music

Average customer rating:

Very disappointing, considering what it could have been
Always a pleaser
JOHN WILLIAMS 40 Years of Film Music
Movie Music Magic & Memorabilia
John Williams: 40 Years of Outstanding Film Music

The Music of John Williams: 40 Years of Film Music

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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Summon the Heroes

ASIN: B0000C6K09
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

The Sugarland Express-Main Theme
Jaws-Main Theme
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind-Suite
Raiders Of The Lost Ark-March
Raiders Of The Lost Arc-The Map Room:Dawn
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrail-Adventures On Earth
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom-Mine Car Chase
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom-End Credits
Empire Of The Sun-Exsultate Justi
Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade-Indy's First Adventure

Tracks:

Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade-End Credits
Always-Follow Me/Dorinda's Solo Flight
Hook-Main Themes
Jurassic Park-Main Themes
Schindler's List-Main Theme
Amistad-Dry Your Tears, Afrika
Saving Private Ryan-Hymn To The Fallen
A.I. Artificial Intelligence-Where Dreams Are Made
Minority Report
Catch Me If You Can

Tracks:

The Rare Breed-Suite (Universal Emblem/Hilary's Plight/Scottish Romeo/The Hunt)
Jane Eyre-Suite: The Jane Eyre Theme
Jane Eyre-Suite: To Thornfield
Jane Eyre-Suite: Restoration
The Cowboys-Overture
The Poseidon Adventure-Prelude
The Towering Inferno-Main Titles
Family Plot-End Titles
The Fury-Main Titles
Superman-Main Theme
Dracula-Main Titles & Storm
The River-Main Theme & Love Theme
The Witches Of Eastwick- Dance Of The Witches

Tracks:

Born On The Fourth Of July-End Credits
Presumed Innocent-End Titles
JFK-Arlington/End Titles
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone-Hedwig's Theme
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets-Fawkes The Phoenix
Star Wars: A New Hope- Main Theme
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back-Hans Solo And The Princess
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back-The Imperial March
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace- Anakin's Theme
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace-The Flag Parade
Star Wars: Attack Of The Clones-Across The Stars
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace-Duel Of The Fates

Customer Reviews:

Very disappointing, considering what it could have been.......2007-04-20

Take a look at the running times:

Disc 1: 60 minutes
Disc 2: 50 minutes
Disc 3: 61 minutes
Disc 4: 58 minutes

What gives Silva? There is *MUCH* more John Williams in the silva screen back catalogue by the Prague Philharmonic than what is in this set, and thats not including their entire discs devoted to Star Wars Films, Indiana Jones Trilogy etc. Why isn't Hook "When You're Alone" included on Disc 2? There's room. Why isn't 1941 on Disc 1? There's room. Why isn't Earthquake on Disc 3? There's room. Why isn't Far and Away on disc 4? There's room. Where's the other ten minutes of the Rare Breed suite on disc 3? Why isn't Midway on disc 1? Where are the Land of the Giants, Time Tunnel and Lots In Space tv themes? Etc. Etc. Etc.

C'mon Silva, most of these 4 disc mega boxes released in the past few years are packed to the brim, but not this one, and with new recordings made after this was released (the terminal, munich, geisha, war of the worlds, star wars ep 3, harry potter 3), it only makes sense for a "re-do" in the next couple of years.

Further, with Silva releasing the 100 Greatest Film Themes on six discs in a couple of months, it's only a matter of time before we see the ultimate six disc john williams set.

This isn't a BAD set to own, but it could have been much better and when compared to the Jerry Goldsmith and John Barry sets in this same series, this one is a major letdown.

Always a pleaser.......2007-03-31

I listen to music all day with patients in my dental chair. This one is a winner with everyone. Patients always comment on how they recognize a song. Who doesn't love John Williams? His music transcends time.

JOHN WILLIAMS 40 Years of Film Music.......2007-01-10

This 4 cd pack is an anthology of all John Williams works. From his earlier works "The Poseidon Adventure" and "Jaws" right through "Indiana Jones" and the most recent"Star Wars" prequel movies are included. Williams work in thriller and horror are also included. If you are into soundtracks and love movie music this is an essential buy. The quality of the music is excellent. With ten or more tracks on each cd it's well worth the money.

Movie Music Magic & Memorabilia.......2006-12-13

This four CD set expands on the previously released John Williams Greatest Hits. It's a grand collection of nearly four hours of famous music scores from over forty years. There are many songs never before available in any collection. The short liner notes tell a great tale of musical movie history and include all of his numerous award nominations and wins. Each song (oddly enough) mentions the actors and the director, so fond are John Williams's memories of his work with these people. All of the conductors are mentioned along with specific orchestras, choirs, arrangement and orchestration specialists and even the publishers (contractual, I am sure). The only things missing are his early television scores, such as those for "Lost In Space" (by Johnny Williams back then). But with four discs, one has nothing to complain about and everything to enjoy!

John Williams: 40 Years of Outstanding Film Music.......2006-11-28

I have been a huge fan of John Williams and I have known about his music for years. However, I never actually bought any of his music on CD. I was rather skeptical about purchasing this CD but when it arrived I knew I had made the right choice. The sound quality of the compilation is outstanding. The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra do a great job under the direction of Paul Bateman. The original London Symphony Orchestra CDs of John Williams' Star Wars Trilogy CDs are marginally better but this is still a great CD compilation. If you love ET, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter, you will love this compilation soundtrack. Buy it, listen to these CDs in the car and enjoy every minute of the collection!!!

Average customer rating:

Most of the best, but where's the early stuff?
Best of EWF
Most Of Their Best Songs Are Here!!!
Fitting Music For Festive Occasion
Good sampler of EWF; not the best single CD collection

The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol.1
Wind & Fire Earth
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2
Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits
That's the Way of the World
All 'N All
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Commodores

ASIN: B00000JQFI
Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

Got To Get You Into My Life
Fantasy
Can't Hide Love
Love Music
Getaway
That's The Way Of The World
September
Shining Star
Reasons
Singasong
Megamix 2000
Megamix (Radio Edit)

Amazon.com

Like a lot of second-wave funk bands, Earth, Wind & Fire were adept at balancing slickness and rawness. While their albums were occasionally spotty, the outfit achieved truly miraculous moments like the rocking "Shining Star" and the gloriously syncopated "September." (Come to think of it, the screaming guitar of the former was also nicely set off by its rhythmic flow.) In a have-you-never-been-mellow decade, their positivity seemed mostly realistic. With something like their powerhouse transformation of "Got to Get You into My Life"--pulling one of the great Beatles covers out of the awful Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band movie--they could make even the most churlish listener believe anything was possible. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Most of the best, but where's the early stuff?.......2007-03-29

This is a rough guess, but I'd say there are about a trillion EWF comps on the market, mostly either generic hit collections or tacky theme roundups. This is actually one of their better comps, as it contains MOST of their best songs up until 1978. Not all, though. I won't even get into the sorely missed deep cuts, because some obvious ones were skipped: Head to the Sky, Devotion (especially that great live version off of Gratitude), Kalimba Story, Serpintine Fire, Mighty Mighty, I'll Write a Song for You and It's All About Love are just radio staples, why aren't they included? (I would've complained about lacking After the Love is Gone, but it turns out that came out a year after this comp was released, so I can't really). Yes, I understand vinyl was restrictive at the time, but in these days of CD those songs could've been tacked on as bonus tracks (one of the few instances I'd support the use of bonus tracks), but instead they tack on these stupid, useless Megamix things... yeah. Fact is, you can't sum up the career of a band at the height of their powers in ten tracks, no matter how good nine of those ten are. I could've done without Love Music - it's certainly not BAD, and they could've picked far worse. But I don't see what it has over It's All About Love, Head to the Sky, Devotion, Serpintine Fire, Mighty Mighty or Kalimba Story.
But hey... this has September! September's a classic, man! And this was the first time it was put on a studio album, for whatever that's worth. Same with their great cover of The Beatles' Got to Get You Into My Life - I'm a Beatle freak, but I must say, this cover beats even their original. And there's plenty of fine funk stuff: Shining Star, the aforementioned September and Got to Get You Into My Life, Singasong and Getaway, as well as some wonderfully amazing ballads like Reasons, Fantasy, Can't Hide Love and That's the Way of the World, so this makes for a fitting intro for the group. But don't make the mistake I did in thinking this is all you need - it was about three years after buying this before I finally picked up an EWF studio album, and of course I had waited about three years too long. Don't stop here - I recommend That's the Way of the World, Gratitude, All in All, Open Our Eyes and Spirit as well - but this is good.

Best of EWF.......2006-08-01

Does it get any better than this? Check the songs before you buy another CD, some of these songs are duplicated on another CD. Still, great sounds.

Most Of Their Best Songs Are Here!!!.......2006-01-03

I really hadn't been a fan of EWF up to a few years ago. But, once listening to them...I can really appreciate the funk/jazz/disco/fusion sound that they have. The top songs on this one are Got To Get You Into My Life, Getaway, That's The Way Of The World, and September. Though people try to remake their songs...I believe that most of their best songs are here! And that EWF play them better than anyone else.

Fitting Music For Festive Occasion.......2005-01-04

Remastered Earth Wind and Fire collection with the nice addition of Mega Mix ones (In Japan megamix became huge hit a few years back) is a must-have if you love great music and melodic high toned chorus. They created zenith of rhythm and blues music with melodies and it influenced rock music a lot.
After around huge hit of SEPTEMBER they got on the bandwagon of disco frenzy but LOVE MUSIC, THAT'S THE WAY OF THE WORLD, CAN'T HIDE LOVE are the song of pure ethreal rhythm and blues somewhat like Stylistics. FANTASY is one of the most favorites among Japanese yogaku(western music) fans. MEGA MIX tracks are the reasons why you must buy this particular one. It's so fantastic. Well compressing what they are truly great.

Recommended for wide variety of music fans.

Good sampler of EWF; not the best single CD collection .......2004-12-03

This CD offers a lot of their famous hits and is a good sampler. However, it is not complete enough (hence Vol. 1) because it does not contain great songs/hits like "Saturday Nite" (1976), "Boogie Wonderland" (1979), and "Let's Groove" (1981). All of these songs are included in the single CD collection Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits, which is a much more complete collection on 1 CD (plus, it has remastered sound). I would highly recommend that collection over this one, especially for casual fans like myself.

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