Absent Lovers [Import]

absent lovers [import]

Track Listings

1. Entry Of The Crims

2. Lark's Tongues In Aspic ( Part Ii)

3. Thela Hun Ginjeet

4. Red

5. Matte Kudasai

6. Industry

7. Dig Me

8. Three Of A Perfect Pair

9. Indiscipline

10. Sartori In Tangier

11. Frame By Frame

12. Man With An Open Heart

13. Waiting Man

14. Sleepless

15. Lark's Tongues In Aspic ( Part Ii)

16. Discipline

17. Heartbeat

18. Elephant Talk

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Subtitled - Live In Montreal 1984. Japanese reissue of 1998 album packaged in a miniature LP gatefold sleeve, features 18 tracks. Discline/Universal. 2004.

Absent Lovers,King Crimson,Universal,Rock,Rock/Pop

Absent Lovers [Import]

Average customer rating:

At Her Best
Heart-full sound
Christmas in July
It's always Christmas morning with Sarah
What a great artist

Wintersong
Sarah McLachlan
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

James Taylor at Christmas
Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration
Cool Yule
Duets: An American Classic
An Ancient Muse

ASIN: B000HBKCDC
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Tracks:

Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)
River
Wintersong
I'll Be Home For Christmas
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
The First Noel/Mary Mary
Silent Night
Song For A Winter's Night
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
In A Bleak Mid-Winter
Christmas Time Is Here

Amazon.com

An album like this could cement Sarah McLachlan as a middle-of-the-road crooner ready for the Andy Williams Christmas Show, but there's more beneath the surface of Wintersong than just Christmas chestnuts, over-roasting on an open fire. Longtime McLachlan producer Pierre Marchand blurs the borders with ambient sound effects, distorted guitars, and subtle echoes. He adds a Mark Isham-esque muted trumpet solo emerging out of reverse echoes on "I'll Be Home for Christmas" as if viewing the song through a distorted mirror. Violins that sound like they're being blown through a Leslie speaker combine unpredictably with a banjo on "O Little Town of Bethlehem." And on the seventh song, McLachlan finally kicks the album into another gear, turning "The First Noël" into a storming entreaty backed by tribal drums and surging low strings. Her voice is like the serene angel amidst the raging storm. I wish McLachlan had taken more chances like this, instead of the subtle framing she employs around melodies that remain true to form. Surprisingly, the more contemporary songs by John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, and Gordon Lightfoot are the least inventive. Her reading of Mitchell's incandescently wistful "River" is overly faithful to the original, and Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" sounds like karaoke, right down to the Spector-esque production and children's choir. But given that Lennon's prayer for peace still remains unanswered, that fidelity could be intentional. Regardless, this is familiar Christmas fare delivered in an intimate and ethereal fashion that will satisfy those who believe in the nostalgic spirit of the season. --John Diliberto

More from Sarah McLachlan

Mirrorball: The Complete Concert

Surfacing

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy

Afterglow

VH1 Storytellers: Sarah McLachlan (DVD)

Solace

Customer Reviews:

At Her Best.......2007-07-06

Sarah McLachlan has the voice of an Angel. And this cd proves it. I fell in love with every song. And listened to it so much, I thought I was going to wear it out. She brings to her music, the wonderful feeling of the Christmas Season, as well as some of the greats from the past like Bing Crosby. Her voice is haunting and peaceful at the same time. She draws you into every song and leaves you wanting more. This cd will be a favorite of mine for many many years to come. When I think of Christmas, I'll think of Sarah.

Heart-full sound.......2007-07-05

This music is soulful year round. Even in the summer I listen to the beautiful soul sound of this CD. It's melody at its highest!

Christmas in July.......2007-06-26

Usually about this time every year I'm wishing it was Christmas, and listening to some Christmas music or watching some silly Christmas movie. This year I have Sarah's Wintersong to listen to during my "Christmas blues".

After several listens, I'd have to say that this isn't just another Christmas album. The album has many stand out tracks and is a mix of the traditional and the more modern. My favorites are River (which is Joni Mitchell's song) and Wintersong (a new song Sarah wrote herself).

A worthwhile album and one any fan of Sarah's should add to their collection.

It's always Christmas morning with Sarah.......2007-06-12

I was wondering when Sarah McLachlan was gonna come out with a Christmas album. I was waiting and waiting for it and now here it is and it is everything that all Sarah fans enjoy about her.
Touching and tender and superb in its vocal and sound arrangements. It evokes a Christmas from some other time. Especially haunting is track # 9: Song for a Winter's Night. It's full of pining and it reads like a poem.
Wrapping it all up is a gift fit for Christmas: Diana Krall. Although she doesn't sing, she plays the piano, and you can tell.
Definitely one for those who love XMAS music and for those who love Sarah. You can't go wrong.

What a great artist.......2007-05-16

Sarah McLachlan has really hit the mark with this CD. Her voice is always like a angel and this christmas compilation is no exception. Turn on the christmas lights and crank this up. Peace on Earth!

Average customer rating:

FINALLY, KEER AND NIXON BOTH SING
The King and I--a distinguished, beautiful score laced with tenderness and sorrow
A fine King and I soundtrack reissue
great album
a classic

The King and I (1956 Film Soundtrack)
Deborah Kerr , Yul Brynner , Marni Nixon , Rita Moreno , and Alfred Newman
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack)
South Pacific (1958 Film Soundtrack)
Carousel (1956 Film Soundtrack)
My Fair Lady (1964 Film Soundtrack)
The Music Man (1962 Film Soundtrack)

ASIN: B00005A7XC
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

Main Title - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
I Whistle A Happy Tune - Marni Nixon/Rex Thompson
My Lord And Master - Rita Moreno
The March Of The Siamese Children - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
Anna And The Royal Wives - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
Hello, Young Lovers - Marni Nixon
A Puzzlement - Yul Brynner
Getting To Know You - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon
Garden Rendezvous - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
We Kiss In A Shadow - Leona Gordon/Reuben Fuentes
I Have Dreamed - Leona Gordon/Reuben Fuentes
Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You? - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon
Something Wonderful - Terry Saunders
Prayer To Buddha - Yul Brynner
Waltz Of Anna And Sir Edward - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
The Small House Of Uncle Thomas - Rita Moreno
Song Of The King - Yul Brynner/Marni Nixon
Shall We Dance? - Deborah Kerr/Marni Nixon/Yul Brynner
The Letter - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman
Something Wonderful (Finale) - Chorus/Alfred Newman
Overture (LP Version) - 20th Century-Fox Orchestra/Alfred Newman

Amazon.com essential recording

Compared with the Broadway cast recording, the 1956 soundtrack to the film version of The King and I wins hands down. Yul Brynner is the king (literally and figuratively) in both formats (how could anyone else own such a role?), but the movie's score has better sonics, Brynner's voice is stronger, and the tunes are more memorable (thanks to Alfred Newman's conducting and Ken Darby's scoring) than on any of the various cast recordings. Marni Nixon sings the role of Anna (played onscreen by Deborah Kerr), Brynner delivers his hallmark performance, and the best-loved tunes--"Hello, Young Lovers," "Getting to Know You," and "I Whistle a Happy Tune" are the versions we'll always remember. A classic. --James Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

FINALLY, KEER AND NIXON BOTH SING.......2007-05-26

WHAT A COMPLETE JOY TO HEAR MARNI NIXON AND
DEBORAH KERR BOTH SING. TRULY A COLLECTORS
ITEM WITH ALL THE NOSTALGIA, OUTSHINES ALL
OTHER ATTEMPTS TO RE-MASTER THIS MAGNIFICANT
MUSIC.

The King and I--a distinguished, beautiful score laced with tenderness and sorrow.......2007-04-08

The King And I soundtrack is presented magnificently on this excellent 76 minute CD. This CD offers us much music and vocals that were cut from the film as well as material that never made it to the record album release of the soundtrack back in 1956. We get stunning performances by giants including Yul Brynner, Terry Saunders and Marni Nixon. This CD is so complete and generous with it's treatment of the soundtrack that it must be considered as the definitive soundtrack edition of the music from The King And I.

The CD starts off with the music for the "main title" of the film; and this also serves as an appetizer to whet out appetites for what's to come. "I Whistle A Happy Tune" gives us Marni Nixon singing the vocals for Deborah Kerr; the melody is infectiously catchy; this song is one of the highlights of the CD. "My Lord And Master," performed by Leona Gordon who sang the vocals for Rita Moreno, is another masterpiece with a softness to it that belies the pain Rita's character Tuptim feels because she is separated from her one true love. "The March Of The Siamese Children" is performed by the 20th Century Fox Orchestra to perfection without a single superfluous note; the melody infuses this number with an Asian flavor as well.

Other gems on this CD--and that would, quite honestly, include every single track--include "Hello, Young Lovers" sung by Marni Nixon as Deborah Kerr's character Anna Leonowens laments a love gone awry back in England; the touching and heartrending "We Kiss In A Shadow;" Terry Saunders as Lady Thiang performing "Something Wonderful" with exceptional sensitivity and "Shall We Dance?" which is performed by Deborah Kerr, Marni Nixon and Yul Brynner. As you listen to numbers like "Shall We Dance?" that calls for Anna, played by Deborah Kerr, to speak and then sing, you will have a hard time discerning where Deborah Kerr leaves off speaking and Marni Nixon starts singing. It's THAT good.

As long as I include the words "Something Wonderful" when writing this review I must add that the extras you get are stupendous. As I stated above, the CD boasts much that the record album soundtrack never included. Indeed, we get music that didn't even make it to the final cut of the movie! I loved the beautiful and sensitive rendition of "The Small House Of Uncle Thomas" which was previously unreleased and "Shall I Tell You What I Think Of You" is a marvelous song--cut from the final edited edition of the film--that highlights Anna's contempt for the King's backward ways.

The CD package offers more still. Along with the CD comes a generous 32 page booklet with an extensive essay by Charles L. Granata that tells the history of both the stage play and the making of the stage play into a major motion picture at Fox. In addition, you get the song credits and there are rarely seen photographs as well.

The quality of the sound shines like solid gold. These performances reflect great sensitivity to the emotions each character felt. It is a special treat to listen to Yul Brynner's songs; he infuses each song and even every word with just the right emotions so that the listener experiences exactly what his character feels at every turn.

This CD is one of the very few that truly remind me of the old MGM logo which boasted of having "more stars than there are in the heavens." Indeed, five stars are nowhere near enough for this treasure. I highly recommend this CD for people who truly loved and appreciated The King And I both in its several onstage productions as well as on the big screen; and fans of show tunes will delight in this CD soundtrack with its' diamonds scattered broadly in all directions.

A fine King and I soundtrack reissue.......2007-02-10

Of the three recent EMI-Angel R&H film soundtrack reissues, I find that this reissue of the King & I soundtrack is the best-executed. The King and I shows a new maturing of the R&H element and this superb 1956 film adaptation more than certainly does it justice. The superb soundtrack presented here includes the complete score, along with some of Alfred Newman's underscoring, and boasts splendid performances by Marni Nixon and Yul Brynner. And of course the orchestra is sumptuous and properly lush, enveloping us in sweltering renditions of some of Rodgers' most heartfelt melodies.

I won't reiterate the critic-proof performances here. Other reviewers have covered them elsewhere. Nixon as a voice-dubber is in her element as Anna, and portrays her characterfully. Brynner is in his element as the King, as firm, commanding and authoritative as we've always known him to be. This performance shows him at his best, ripe, fresh and mature. Leona Gordon and Reuben Fuentes shine as the star-crossed lovers Tuptim and Lun Tha, bringing a melancholic quality to their brief numbers. It's really a treat to hear their renditions of the omitted songs My Lord and Master and I Have Dreamed. Rita Moreno as the real Tuptim acquits herself well when narrating the Uncle Tom's Cabin ballet sequence, presented for the first time on an official soundtrack recording. It's good to also hear Terry Saunders as Lady Thiang, in a heartfelt, humane and imploring rendition of Something Wonderful, and she is the icing on the cake of this superb soundtrack recording.

This EMI-Angel R&H soundtrack offers an extra benefit in addition to the extra musical sequences. Unlike the companion CDs of Oklahoma and Carousel, it presents the extra material from the original unmixed studio vault masters, except for the Prayer to Buddha and the Uncle Tom's Cabin ballet. This means that this reissue is blessedly free of the extraneous sound effects that plague the Oklahoma and Carousel CDs. I know that the sound effects and little snippets of dialogue drown out the music, but at least these reissues are a start in presenting comprehensive R&H soundtracks worthy of their films. What a pity that none of these R&H soundtrack reissues aren't 2-CD sets, otherwise we would have been able to hear the underscore.

In short, this is a superb presentation of a fine R&H film soundtrack.

great album.......2006-07-15

Great songs for kids to learn to sing along, instead of bubble gum fluff.

a classic.......2006-06-05

A true musical theater classic. Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Other classics not to forget about are:
Mary Poppins
My Fair Lady
The Wizard of Oz
Chitty Chitty Bang Band
The first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Sound of Music
Oliver
West Side Story
Fiddler on the Roof
Singing in the Rain
The Wiz
Little Mermaid
Aladdin
Beauty and the Beast
Grease
The King and I
Oklahoma
The Music Man
South Pacific

My Voice Students are always asking me for recommendations so I though I'd post it for all! We can't forget about these great musicals!

Average customer rating:

Good Stuff
Lovers Rock, Welcome Back to Cocktail Time!
Sade
A Good Forgiveness Gift :)
Touch of easy

Lovers Rock
Sade
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

$8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

$8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of Sade
Love Deluxe
Stronger Than Pride
Diamond Life
Promise

ASIN: B000051VWW
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

By Your Side
Flow
King Of Sorrow
Somebody Already Broke My Heart
All About Our Love
Slave Song
The Sweetest Gift
Every Word
Immigrant
Lovers Rock
It's Only Love That Gets You Through

Amazon.com

Sade's brand of elegant pop/R&B owned the charts in the '80s, making the Nigerian/British chanteuse one of those artists whose very name becomes the adjective to describe their sound. After an eight-year layoff, Sade and her core band (and longtime producer Mike Pela) are back with a CD that is both a stunning reaffirmation of her artistry and a solid soulful collection. Perhaps the best thing that can be said about Lovers Rock is that it picks up where Sade left off, which means you will hear no cool beats or hot hired hands or hip-hop cameos. This is Sade music, and on the first single, "By Your Side," she glides back into the spotlight on gentle, countryish, sparse wings--singing, once again, about love's power to redeem. Of course, Sade knows that love can stink: listen to the dub-riddim-tinged "Every Word" and cry tears of recognition. Decidedly female but utterly universal, grown up yet not hardened, Lovers Rock ranks as one of the best of the year, and marks the return of a true original. --Amy Linden

Customer Reviews:

Good Stuff.......2007-05-20

Four stars because only four tracks stand out for me, By Your Side, Somebody Already Broke My Hart, All About Our Love and Lovers Rock, plus all about our love is to short(2.40). But, she is more than five stars as an artist.

Lovers Rock, Welcome Back to Cocktail Time!.......2007-05-14

I have enjoyed Sade's music since the early 1980's and have enjoyed it ever since! Every song takes me down memory lane and echoes of those long forgotten lounge singer's of the 1940's-50's. If asked which is my favorite I can highly recommend BY YOUR SIDE. A powerfully moving title of the greatest sense of TRUE LOVE that today's music is sorely missing.

Sade.......2007-01-30

This cd is great to sit and relax and maybe do some light reading. It also sets the mood when you and your significant other want to heat things up! Very Enjoyable!

A Good Forgiveness Gift :).......2007-01-11

I borrowed 'Lover Rock' from my father years ago and played it over and over again till it got scratched up! He would always ask for me to return it and I always promised I would. Then last Christmas Eve of 2006, after buying toys for my niece's kids I decided as I walked into 'Virgin Records' to buy 'Lovers Rock' & 'Love Deluxe' as a gift to both my parents as a way to say I'm sorry and I love you. . .unfortunately my Dad was in Florida on Christmas Day (a Monday) but when he returned that weekend I made him open the gift over the phone - he was so surprise!!! Everytime I see "By Your Side" the music video and catch the part of elderly couple dancing togerther with Sade in the snow - I think of my parents:)

Touch of easy.......2006-11-23

Everything can be wrong wrong wrong, Sade makes it all better better best.
Lovers Rock is a bandaid for the soul, a soft touch on Sunday morning and easy listening on Friday afternoon.
Buy it! If you enjoy bittersweet lyrics, melodies with a beat, swing with a hint of jazz you will be satisfied.

Average customer rating:

Quite Possibly the Greatest Sinatra Album of All Time--And One of the Greatest Albums of All Time
One of the Greatest Albums of all times
Too marvelous for words
Awful mastering muddies up a truly great album
A Must

Songs for Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

A Swingin' Affair!
In the Wee Small Hours
Come Dance with Me!
Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely
Come Fly with Me

ASIN: B00000AEVA
Release Date: 1998-09-08

Tracks:

You Make Me Feel So Young
It Happened In Monterey
You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me
You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me
Too Marvelous For Words
Old Devil Moon
Pennies From Heaven
Love Is Here to Stay
I've Got You Under My Skin
I Thought About You
We'll Be Together Again
Makin' Whoopee
Swingin' Down The Lane
Anything Goes
How About You?

Amazon.com essential recording

Sinatra already had one youthful career behind him by the time he made Songs for Swingin' Lovers! His were no longer the lustrous pipes of the kid crooner from Hoboken--the voice that made bobbysoxers swoon--but from the first notes of the opening track ("You Make Me Feel So Young") he seems to have discovered a musical fountain of youth that fully justifies the exclamation point in the album title. There's a buoyant new spring in his step, accented by Nelson Riddle's lighter-than-air arrangements, that makes the Columbia records of Sinatra's younger days sound stiff and stodgy in comparison. Even chestnuts like "Old Devil Moon," "Pennies from Heaven," "Makin' Whoopee," and "Anything Goes" are rejuvenated by his vibrant touch. Put this alongside his previous Capitol album, In the Wee Small Hours, and you have the definitive statements by both sides of Sinatra's mature musical personality: the lonely "saloon singer" and the swaggering, sophisticated swinger. Sinatra's carefree confidence achieves its supreme expression in "I've Got You Under My Skin," a performance that builds steadily to an ecstatic climax. Cole Porter may have hated his lyrical embellishments, but by the time the singer jauntily breaks the "fourth wall" on "Anything Goes" ("...may I say before this records spins to a close..."), you can't deny he's taken the title to heart. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

Quite Possibly the Greatest Sinatra Album of All Time--And One of the Greatest Albums of All Time.......2007-06-19

For sheer joy and energy, this is Sinatra at his apex. Every song is excellent, with crystal-clear sound, brassy horns, top-notch Nelson Riddle arranging, and Sinatra at his vocal best. This album is often listed as one of the top 100 albums in any genre ever made, in often eclectic lists including everything from the Beatles to Nirvana to Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and the Beach Boys. And though it's hard to narrow it down to one album, this is in my opinion Sinatra's best. The songs are upbeat, and there is no way one can listen to this album without feeling better about life.

I have this on both CD and vinyl. The sound quality on the CD is clear and sharp.

One of the Greatest Albums of all times.......2007-06-10

This is one of the greatest albums ever.
If you want some upbeat romantic songs, this is it.
If you want a great 2nd marriage song for your 1st dance , new kinda love is or you.
enjoy

Too marvelous for words.......2007-02-28

Frank Sinatra polished and perfected his style and expertise to incredible heights by the 1950s. Songs For Swingin' Lovers demonstrates how Frank Sinatra could deliver a song beautifully and masterfully. The liner notes correctly state that by this point in his career Frank had "learned to tease and twist a vocal line without violating its integrity." Moreover, Nelson Riddle ably assists Sinatra by providing sublime musical arrangements for all the songs on this CD. Frank and Nelson make each song so beautiful that you would swear you were hearing these songs for the very first time! There is a freshness to each number that stuns you. Excellent!

The CD opens with the Frank Sinatra signature song "You Make Me Feel So Young." Frank's voice has matured into a strong, masculine and potent force that could caress a song or belt it out depending on how Sinatra thought it should be performed. The big band arrangement by Riddle shines, too. This track alone is worth the entire cost of the CD!

"It Happened In Monterey" follows; this song has a beautiful intro by the musicians and Sinatra sings this number with all the panache of the most consummate professional ever! "It Happened In Monterey" explores a romantic affair that may well have been Frank's one true love even if he was already committed to another woman.

Other great classic numbers on this CD include the playful "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me;" "Too Marvelous For Words" which deals with the joy Frank experiences with his new lover; "Pennies From Heaven" with its great orchestration and the amusing song entitled "Makin' Whoopee" by Donaldson and Kahn.

"Our Love Is Here To Stay" gets the super-duper romantic treatment from The Chairman Of The Board; Riddle's arrangement helps to make this number an instant Frank Sinatra classic. "Anything Goes" again demonstrates the magic Sinatra and Riddle infuse into a song to make it so very special.

The CD ends with "How About You?" written by Lane and Freed. Sinatra asks his new love if she likes all the same pleasures in life that he values so much. "How About You?" also draws you in so that you experience the irresistible temptation to listen to the entire CD all over again!

The liner notes boast great cover art and the song credits are provided, too. Pete Welding contributes an essay about the work that Sinatra and Riddle did together.

Sinatra fans should consider this CD to be a "must-have" for their collection; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will treasure this album, too. If you enjoy this CD I highly recommend other Sinatra CDs. Diehard Sinatra fans will also want to get Frank Sinatra: Vegas which features four CDs and a DVD as well.

Thank you, Frank and Nelson!!!!

Awful mastering muddies up a truly great album.......2007-02-23

You'll see other postings here that discuss the details of what Capitol's engineer did on this 1998 release to reduce hiss, etc. Believe it. Compared to the 1991 version of the disc or the better Mobile Fidelity gold disc (1990) this version is awful. It's like a bucket of mud was dumped over his vocals. There are a bunch of threads on this topic on the forums of Steve Hoffman, one of the best sound engineers in the business. But the bottom line is most people who care about this music would like to see Capitol go back to the original master tapes and treat Frank right. The mastering issues apply to a lot of the 1998 Sinatra discs labeled "Entertainer of the Century" on the side.

A Must.......2007-02-14

This is the album to have for any Frank Sinatra fan.
I think this is the best representation of Frank's finest vocal years.
Every track on the album is good.

Average customer rating:

one of my Top 3
bought Sad Songs...after to listening to "alligator" 1,000 times.
absolutely amazing
Masterminds
A great discovery

Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers
The National
Manufacturer: Brassland Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

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

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Reminder
We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Shut Up I Am Dreaming
Yellow House
Armchair Apocrypha

ASIN: B0000C8AOY
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Tracks:

Cardinal Song
Slipping Husband
90-Mile Water Wall
It Never Happened
Murder Me Rachael
Thirsty
Available
Sugar Wife
Trophy Wife
Fashion Coat
Patterns of Fairytales
Lucky You

Album Description

For a band that's been compared to Joy Division, Leonard Cohen, Wilco, and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, the National sure sounds a lot more like the Czars or Uncle Tupelo on this sophomore album Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers. The band focuses on slow atmospheric songs, it's when it kicks out the jams that the music is the most compelling.. With so many influences rearing their heads and ample musical chops in the bag, the National might not be masters of any one genre, but it creates a fine amalgam nonetheless. Brassland. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

one of my Top 3.......2007-05-03

The first song is low...talks about personal weakness and how to hide your feelings from another. Mentions strangers ("you're just another one of them"), death and unknown men.

The second is completely different, in tone, in tempo. Full of energy & screams. Talks about being lonely ("she's lonely, man"), ghosts, haunted ("by an important life you could have led").. OK, same doleful content, but a lot more upbeat and forms a beautiful contrast to the first song.

I highly recommend this band because it's not typical Alt Country. No. Beautiful violins--it's more like a combination of continental classical mixed in with heartfelt American art-nouveau. Allez-y et achetez-le.

bought Sad Songs...after to listening to "alligator" 1,000 times........2006-11-12

If you have listened to "Sad songs..." once it may not click, but it'll whet your music curiousity. I have to say it, although cliche, it is The National's "The Wall". Pieced toghether song by song with a purpose. One of my best listening experiences ever was playing "sad songs..." and "Cherry Tree" at high volume in my living room with a nice glass of Sapphire and ice.
I laughed, I cried, and caught a good buzz...
You should buy this album if you like true musical talent and thoughtful, intellegent lyrics. This album reverberates on another level.
Buy this album, or Cherry Tree, or Alligator, love it, then go see them live.

absolutely amazing.......2005-11-27

Songs 2 through 9 are some of the best stuff The National has done. Slipping Husband lodges in your head and refuses to leave. I kind of wish it had been the first track on the record. Cardinal, Track 1, has 3 am feel that seems misplaced as the first song but who cares this CD has Husband, Murder Me Rachel, 90 mile water wall (best title ever) etc...

Masterminds.......2005-10-28

Excellent band. Saw them live somewhere in europe a couple years ago and wasn't impressed. Man have they evolved. Buy it, become a better person.

A great discovery.......2004-12-13

The title of this album is misleading. It could be called Funny Songs for Angry Lovers ....or Dirty Songs for Sad Lovers....lyrically, the songs explore different sides of relationships and there is a lot of levity..... song titles like Trophy Wife and Sugar Wife make me think the album title may be intended as a joke. Though who can say. Whatever the case, this is an interesting, intense album.

There are quiet acoustic and electronic ballads like the frst song Cardinal Song and one of the last, Patterns of Fairytales ....but also totally blistering, raging rock songs like Murder Me Rachael and Available. I am partial to the latter....but I think they wouldn't be as effective without the quiet, beautiful moments. As far as influences, there are some hints of americana in the Wilco sense in spots (like 90 Mile Water Wall) but also Joy Division in other songs like Available. I was turned onto the National by a friend who is also a fellow Nick Cave fanatic, but I can't really compare them to any specific Cave era or album. I am more reminded at times of Leonard Cohen and even Silver Jewsand Wilco.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful score
A gorgeous film score
GREAT MUSIC.
Never Gets Boring
Great !!

House of Flying Daggers
Shigeru Umebayashi
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Hero
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000 Film)
House of Flying Daggers
Memoirs of a Geisha
Bitter Love

ASIN: B0006HC0R8
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

Opening title
Beauty Song (Jia Ren Qu)
The Echo Game
The Peonyhouse
Battle in the Forest
Taking her hand
Leo's Eyes
Lovers - Flower Garden
No way out
Lovers
Farewell No. 1
Bamboo Forest
Ambush in 10 directions (Shi Mian Mai Fu)
Leo's Theme
Mei and Leo
The House of Flying Daggers
Lovers (Mei and Jin)
Farewell No. 2
Until the end
Lovers (Title Song)

Amazon.com

The films of director Zhang Yimou have a panoramic sweep to them that deftly creates a fantastical vision of ancient Chinese culture for the screen. Yimou's eye for color and sense of drama demands a score that conveys the emotion, tradition and action of his movies. Here Shigeru Umebayashi tells each part of the story with a mix of traditional flute, drums, string instruments and, to a lesser degree, orchestra and moody-sounding synthesizers. The lilting melody of "Lovers" is particularly effective, simmering with a passion that leaves no doubt about the tone of the scene; it comes back to dramatic effect at other times in the film as well--the soundtrack closes with a soaring version of it by soprano Kathleen Battle. Similar to but not as heavy as Tan Dun's occasionally overbearing work on Yimou's film Hero, Umebayashi leans toward the subtle for this love story, and the film is better for it. - Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful score.......2006-11-13

I truly enjoy this CD. The music is enchanting, emotion-evoking, and powerful. I love to listen to it in order to relax before going to bed. I recommend this CD to anyone.

A gorgeous film score.......2006-09-24

"House of Flying Daggers" is one of my favorite Asian films from the past five years. One of the main reasons I love the film is the sumptuous classical film score by Shigeru Umebayashi. The classical score reminded me a great deal of the score for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". The operatic ballad by Kathleen Battle is stunning. I don't normally like most opera music but I definitely enjoyed listening to Kathleen Battle. This is a lovely cd to relax to with a hot cup of tea and a good book.

GREAT MUSIC........2006-05-18

Not only was House of Flying Daggers a wonderful movie, but the music was breathtaking. If for no other reason purchase the CD and enjoy Kathleen Battle's rendition of Lovers.

Never Gets Boring.......2005-12-25

This album has everything good music needs. It's driving, subtle, powerful and soft. It is a truly amazing work of art. It gets the emotions of the characters and the events of the story out perfectly. A ballet could be performed to this score.

Great !!.......2005-07-19

The music is wonderful, the two songs are one of the best I've heard...

Average customer rating:

A Lingering Love
Great Music
You just might be tempted to waltz the night away...
Happy times!
Used this for our First Dance at our Wedding

The Lovers' Waltz
Jay Ungar , and Molly Mason
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Harvest Home
Civil War Classics
Waltzing With You
Relax Your Mind
Song of Home

ASIN: B000002SLZ
Release Date: 1997-01-28

Tracks:

The Lover's Waltz (Duet)
The Misty Dawn (Misty Molly/Foxy Mary/My Darling Asleep)
The Mountain House
Contradance Medley (The Road We Traveled/The Wizard's Walk)
Legends Of The Fall
The Lover's Lament
Prarie Love Song
Louisana Wedding Bells
The Montague Processional
Give Me Your Hand
There's Hone On The Moon Tonight
Metsakukkia
Chosen Challe Mazeltov
Tiptoe Alley
It's All In Your Mind
The Lovers' Waltz

Amazon.com

There are faster and flashier fiddlers than Jay Ungar, but he is almost without peer as a composer of fiddle tunes. Blessed with that rare knack for making his melodies move in ways that stir the listener's longings, he is best known for penning and performing "Ashokan Farewell," the evocative theme from "The Civil War" TV series. Ungar's 1997 album with his wife Molly Mason, The Lover's Waltz, takes its name from another striking fiddle theme, a slow-moving melody that seems to trace the rise of romantic desire and its satisfaction in each 32-bar section.

Mason accompanies her husband on piano, guitar, and bass, and she sings on four of the album's 16 tracks in an ingratiating alto. For the most part, though, the lead voice is Ungar's violin, which seems to sing in a note-bending, heart-tugging tenor. His melodies can be elegiac ("The Mountain House"), picturesque ("Prairie Love Song"), or spirited ("Tiptoe Alley"), but they are always memorable. The duo is joined by Balfa Toujours for a lively Cajun song, by John Sebastian for a cowboy tune, and by Swingology for several jazz and klezmer tunes. The liner notes try to give the compositions the narrative shape of a badly-written romance novel, but these tunes don't need any help. They can enchant the listener with the sheer power of melody. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

A Lingering Love.......2006-11-06

The Lover`s Waltz is a beautiful CD of Americana music that difinately lingers on your mind. It is gentle,sweet,yet full of imagery that invokes strong memories of first love,dancing,and lingering love. The jaunty tune, There`s Honey on the Moon Tonight,adds that bit of backpourch fun that all ages will enjoy.Anyone from Louisiana will certainly believe Louisiana Wedding Bells was written for them.This is not all wedding music though. It is more about the belief of love,weddings,and sometimes lost loves.Jay Unger And Molly Mason are to be commended for the lovely memories the beautiful colaboration has produced.

Great Music.......2006-06-28

I bought this CD for one song, The Lover's Waltz duet, and love to listen to the whole CD. It is very calming but not elevator music. Jay and Molly are definately masters of their music!

You just might be tempted to waltz the night away..........2006-03-16

My wife and I love listening to Jay Ungar's Lovers Waltz. It seems that whenever we find ourselves on a long road trip we always take this CD along. We both love the simple and beautiful fiddle and acoustic guitar music Jay and Molly play. We have actually waltzed on our rear deck to "The Mountain House" and other beautiful songs from this CD. This is as I stated in another Jay Ungar Review, "Honest Music".

You just might be tempted to go to the fabric store and buy your wife some Calico Cloth and dig out your grandpa's corduroy jeans and suspenders before you waltz the night away with your special lady.

Also as previously stated it would be a safe assumption that if Jay Ungar and Molly Mason (Jay's lovely wife) are involved in the music in any way... buy it...

The Lover's Waltz includes:

The Lover's Waltz (Duet)
The Misty Dawn (Misty Molly/Foxy Mary/My Darling Asleep)
The Mountain House
Contradance Medley (The Road We Traveled/The Wizard's Walk)
Legends Of The Fall
The Lover's Lament
Prairie Love Song
Louisiana Wedding Bells
Give Me Your Hand
There's Hone On The Moon Tonight
Metsakukkia)
Chosen Challe Mazeltov
Tiptoe Alley
It's All In Your Mind
The Lovers' Waltz

Happy times!.......2006-02-25

This recording brings some of the best of Jay Ungar and Molly Mason who together make great American music. I loved listening to it.

Used this for our First Dance at our Wedding.......2005-06-12

We found this album online while looking for music for our first dance. We chose Mountain House because it was just the perfect little waltz to dance to. We took some waltz dance lessons and choreographed dance moves to it. It was lovely. And, best of all, we shocked all our guests beacuse they didn't know we were taking dance lessons!

Music for Lovers Only/Music to Make You Misty

Average customer rating:

favorite music
Memories of Jackie
Irresistible mood!
SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Watch Out For Mono Tracks

Music for Lovers Only/Music to Make You Misty
Jackie Gleason
Manufacturer: Collector's Choice
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Easy Listening | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Tawny/Music, Martinis and Memories
The Romantic Moods Of Jackie Gleason
The Best of Jackie Gleason
How Sweet It Is! The Jackie Gleason Velvet Brass Collection
Music to Remember Her

ASIN: B00000I9FK
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

Alone Together
My Funny Valentine
But Not For Me
Love (Your Spell Is Everywhere)
I'm In The Mood For Love
Our Love Is Here To Stay
I Only Have Eyes For You
Body And Soul
It All Depends On You
The Man I Love
I Hadn't Anyone Till You
When Your Lover Has Gone
I'm Thru With Love
Dark Is The Night (C'Est Fini)
Say It Isn't So
I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan
You Were Meant For Me
Prelude To A Kiss
Jealous
Thinking Of You

Product Description

1. Alone Together
2. My Funny Valentine
3. But Not For Me
4. Love (Your Spell Is Everywhere)
5. I'm In The Mood For Love
6. Our Love Is Here To Stay
7. I Only Have Eyes For You
8. Body And Soul
9. It All Depends On You
10. Man I Love, The
11. I Hadn't Anyone Till You
12. When Your Lover Has Gone
13. I'm Thru With Love
14. Dark Is The Night (C'est Finis)
15. Say It Isn't So
16. I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan
17. You Were Meant For Me
18. Prelude To A Kiss
19. Jealous
20. Thinking Of You

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

favorite music.......2007-01-10

Excellent CD--brought back memories of my childhood as my Dad played it all the time.

Memories of Jackie.......2006-07-17

I remember this album Music For Lovers Only. But the version my parents had was the two 45-RPM records in the mini double jacket. Easy listening music expanded through the 1960s like 101 Strings and other orchestras plus more and more FM radio stations played the music in stereo through the 1970s. They were slowly replaced with rock and roll stations in stereo. Its sad to see things change but people will keep up with the times regardless. Some of this music may be found on AM radio stations today where rock and roll was once before. At least I'm happy to know that such music is being released on CD.

Irresistible mood!.......2005-09-11

Jackie Gleason was more than simple name to become a status reference. Somehow this ensemble was the American response in the 60's to Frank Pourcel, and Paul Mauriat in France, Norrie Paramor and Acker Bilk in U.K or Bert Kaempfert from Germany.
The musical legacy of this fabulous ensemble will be a milestone in the music. The magnificent arrangements and the exquisite good taste will endure as long there is passion for the light music in some corner of the planet.

SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT.......2003-11-05

AS I WAS READING SOME OF THE REVIEWS FOR THIS WONDERFUL JACKIE GLEASON ALBUM, I WAS APPALLED AT SOME REVIEWERS TOTAL LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE RECORDINGS OF THIS PERIOD. I WILL TRY TO OFFSET THAT CONFUSION.

FIRST OF ALL, ALL POPULAR ALBUMS PRIOR TO 1955 WERE OF THE 10 INCH VARIETY....SO THE MOST ANY ALBUM COULD HAVE WERE 8 TUNES.

THE JAZZ ALBUMS OF THE TIME, HAD EVEN LESS BECAUSE OF THE LENGHT OF THE TRACKS. ONLY THE CLASSICAL ALBUMS WERE OF THE 12 INCH VARIETY, AND THAT WAS BECAUSE OF THE OBVIOUS EXTENDED LENGHT OF THE COMPOSITIONS. I WILL EXPAND MORE ON THIS LATER AS FAR AS THIS CD IS CONCERNED.

NO 2, I AM SICK AND TIRED OF LISTENERS WHO BY ALBUMS OF THIS PERIOD OR EARLIER AND COMMENT THEY WERE DISSAPOINTED IT WAS IN MONORAUL AND NOT STEREO.
WELL, STEREO WAS NOT PUT IN POP ALBUMS UNTIL 1956 AT THE EARLIEST AND THEY WERE MOSTLY EXPERIMENTAL(SOME OF THE EARLY STAN KENTON TRACKS OF THE MID 50'S WERE IN STEREO BUT NEVER RELEASED UNTIL ONLY A FEW YEARS AGO). STEREO WAS NOT REALLY UNLEASHED TO THE MASSES UNTIL 1958. SO PLEASE DON'T TAKE STARS OFF BECAUSE YOUR EARS CAN NOT TAKE MONO. DEAL WITH THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE TIME PEOPLE.

THE FIRST LP "MUSIC FOR LOVERS ONLY" WAS THE 10 INCH LP. WITH 8 SONGS ONLY. THE LADY FROM GA WHO SAYS SHE HAS THE FULL 16 SONGS ON HER ALBUM, HAS A CAPITOL RE-ISSUE. IT'S NOT THE ALBUM AS ORIGINALLY CONCEIVED. SO WHEN YOU GET THIS LP , YOU WILL GET THE EXACT 10 INCH VERSION. THE REMAINDER OF THE CD IS THE "MUSIC TO MAKE YOU MISTY" AND THAT IS THE ORIGINAL 12 INCH RECORDING. NOW THAT LP MAY HAVE HAD 16 SONGS ON IT. IF SO, CC SHOULD HAVE ADDED THE EXTRA 4 TRACKS, HOWEVER, BEING THAT THE LP WAS ORIGINALLY RELEASED IN 1959, I AM PRETTY SURE THAT THE LP HAD ONLY 12 SONGS ON IT(WHICH WAS THE STANDARD BY THAT TIME). SO , IF INDEED THAT WAS THE CASE,CC WAS FAITHFUL TO BOTH ORIGINAL LPS.

THE MUSIC OF COURSE IS TOP NOTCH, IT IS NOT MUSZAC OF ELEVATOR MUSIC. UNFORTUNATELY, NO ONE UNDER 40 WOULD EVEN KNOW ALBUMS LIKE THESE EXIST ...IT'S TO THEIR DETRIMENT AND OF COURSE, I BLAME THE RADIO PROGRAMERS....BUT THAT'S ANOTHER STORY.

Watch Out For Mono Tracks.......2003-11-04

Unless you're especially enamoured of the 1952 monaural edition of Music For Lovers Only, you'll find the first album disappointing. Neither Amazon, Collectors' Choice, nor EMI Music make it clear that Music For Lovers Only (the more desirable of the two album set) is completely monaural, in spite of the fact that Capitol actually released the same album in stereo in 1959.

Average customer rating:

Only for the bold.......
the best
We Need More Like Ya!
Even better live
Good

For Lovers, Dreamers & Me
Alice Smith
Manufacturer: Bbe / Beat Gen
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Back to Black
Balls
Choklate
Every Waking Moment
Citizen Cope

ASIN: B000FUIV3I
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

Dream
Woodstock
Gary Song
New Religion
Do I
Fake Is The New Real
Desert Song
Know That I...
Secrets
Love Endeavor

Album Description

Alice Smith is an uncategorizable and rare artist whose commanding 4-octave voice lets her skip across genres effortlessly and transport you along with it.

Customer Reviews:

Only for the bold..............2007-06-02

who dares not to listen to the crappy songs on the radio. This child has a voice that needs appraisal. Her artform is pure creative. This album is a must have.

the best.......2007-05-13

This album so rocks. best thing i've bought in ages.
Alice Smith is off the corner, singing her guts out,
talk about beautiful!

We Need More Like Ya!.......2007-04-26

Every once in a while, someone steps onto the musical scene and delivers something fresh, hot, and worthy of praise. Alice Smith's "For Lovers, Dreamers, & Me" is not D'Giorno-- it's that delivery.

Honestly, the album's first track made me not want to give it a chance. It seemed so generic. That was the only stumbling block on an otherwise smooth jog to musical pleasantry. Even the album's cover art is refreshing. Bottom line-- finding good, new music is rare. Don't let this one pass you by.

Even better live.......2007-04-14

I happened to be at a Citizen Cope show and Alice Smith was opening. I had never heard of her, but was completely blown away. She was better than the main act. By the 2nd song my friend and I had both purchased this CD from the little booth at 9:30 club. I gotta be honest the CD is great but it pales in comparison to seeing her live. She is absolutely incredible, go see her if you have a chance.

Good.......2007-03-04

This album would be more of a revelation if I hadn't had years of Imani Coppola's music. Imani and Alice Smith are friends, and Imani previously recorded two tracks used on this album, "Woodstock" and "Fake Is The New Real".

That being said, I do find myself pretty much loving this album. Alice's voice is amazing in ways Imani just can't match, and she gracefully tackles each style of music presented on this disc. I think her most impressive performance is "Dream", and for fun value, "Woodstock" tops the lot. You cannot go wrong with this album though. There is something for everyone! Quite good, and recommended for any fan of genre fusion or funky sassy female vocalists.

Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading

Average customer rating:

Just what the title promises.
Real Relaxation
The gentle side of Beethoven
Relaxing and soothing
a great way to appreciate beethoven's music

Beethoven for Book Lovers: An Intimate Companion for Reading

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Brahms for Book Lovers: A Cozy Companion for Reading
Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
Mozart for Meditation
Bach for Breakfast
Mozart for Morning Coffee: Freshly Brewed to Perk Up Your Day

ASIN: B0000041FA
Release Date: 1996-06-11

Tracks:

Sonata No.5 In F (Spring): Adagio molto espessivo
Sonata #10 In G: Adagio espressivo
Sonata #2 In A: Andante piu tosto allegretto
String Quartet No.16 In F: Lentp assai, cantante e tranquillo
Sonata #7 In C Minor: Adagio cantabile
Sonata #8 In G: Tempo di minuetto
Sonata #3 In E- Flat: Adagio con molt' espressione
String Quartet No 6 In B-Flat: Adagio ma non troppo
'Archduke' Trio In B-Flat: Andante cantabile, ma pero con moto

Customer Reviews:

Just what the title promises........2007-03-29

Just received this CD today, and it's definitely wonderful background for reading; however, don't limit it to that. If you just need some time to close your eyes and unwind, this is also the perfect companion. Love it!

Real Relaxation.......2007-02-19

If you're a fan of Philips's Set Your Life to Music series, you'll want to get this CD. It will be especially good for string and piano music lovers. I have several of the series, and it has quickly become my favorite. It's perfect for reading, studying, or just "kicking back." If you know of someone who needs to relax and would like this type of CD, get it for him/her. You'll get major points for it.

The gentle side of Beethoven.......2005-08-10

If you know anything about the composer Beethoven, what often comes to mind is music that is highly dramatic and often loud, whether it be his hard-driving piano music banging on the keyboard or a full-blown orchestra (like Beethoven's Fifth Symphony with its famous, ominous opening, "dunt-dunt-dunt-da.") The point is that typically most of Beethoven's music demands to be heard, contemplated and emotionally processed.

But this is not the case for the Beethoven music on this CD. There was another side of this fiery composer - one that revealed a tender-hearted composer capable of very calm, lovely and song-like instrumental music. And it is this side of Beethoven that is captured in the nine very serene and lyrical selections on this CD. What is great about this compliation of Beethoven music is that many of Beethoven's most sentimental and beautiful slower movements have been "cherry picked" and grouped into one CD that is MUCH more condusive for leisurely listening (no loud banging on the piano or surges from the huge symphony). The music is pure Beethoven talent, but these selections do not demand to be heard and serve well to create a wonderful backdrop for relaxing, reading or late-night entertaining. Sometimes the music is so calm in one or two movements it seems to lack forward movement but - given its purpose for background music - this should not be objectionable.

The music on this CD features mostly piano and violin duets (termed violin sonatas) along with two inspiring string quartet selections and one famous piano/violin/cello song. By the way, this kind of music with a small number of instruments is called "chamber music." The violin/piano selections are very well chosen from the legendary recordings of violinist David Oistrakh and partner Orbinin - musicians known for their more relaxed playing of Beethoven and beautiful tone - all of which is perfect for such a "book reading" CD. (Other performers of the same music tend to put more "edge" and drama into these songs which can be more distracting for leisurely pursuits). All the music is touching and beautiful - with only a few of those typical loud Beethoven "surprizes" amist the quiet bliss - although there are some brief shifts to minor-key anguished tones at times that might disrupt some readers concentration.

Perhaps the highlight of the CD is one of the very last string quartets Beethoven wrote before his death - years into his total deafness and ill health (track 4). In this slow and sublime movement can be heard the most personal and spiritual aspects of this great composer. It is played by one of the greatest string quartets in history (Quartetto Italiano) with a deeply touching sentimentality. Listening to it, you can sense a man who has suffered much but who has come into a final rest and new depth of spiritual awareness at the end of his life. It was his final "swan song" and is surely one of the greatest and most poinant compositions he wrote. All-in-all, this CD is a very high-quality set of inspiring recordings that make not only for calm background music, but also for moments of introspection and growing musical appreciation. The non-techical music notes included give a helpful and interesting background on the music and composer. The sound quality is fine and not distracting in any way. A beautiful introduction to Beethoven's chamber music (for 2-5 instruments) and one you can listen to often and most any time.

Relaxing and soothing.......2001-11-29

When you can't recognize a Bach from Beethoven composition like me, this works perfectly. Once again Phillips as assembled a wonderful group of sonatas, trios and quartets to soothe the spirit. These songs are all slow and tranquil, perfect for those quiet moments when music is not to be intrusive but inclusive. Phillips has a whole line of classical music composers brought together with various themes such as this one. I've found them to be extremely convenient. Highly recommended for those that like their music softly at times, gently caressing the grey matter between ones ears. This music can tame even the most combustible moments. It recently was playing while discussing an issue that my teenage son and I were miles apart on. It seemed to help keep cool heads. I think I'll suggest a title like Tchaikovsky for Teen and Parents Issues since Phillips is open for themes for future discs!

a great way to appreciate beethoven's music.......2001-08-13

Some of Beethoven's most relaxing and tranquil music is included in this wonderful cd. Whether you're reading your favorite novel, doing homework or simply relaxing, this cd provides soothing background music, helping to enhance your concentration. There are no loud trumpets and such blasting, since it is basically peaceful music.

Rock Music:

Rock Music

rock music

Mirrorball: The Complete Concert	Surfacing	Fumbling Towards Ecstasy
Afterglow	VH1 Storytellers: Sarah McLachlan (DVD)	Solace