Illinois [Import]

illinois [import]

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Japanese pressing of his 2005 album features the same tracks as the US edition but includes the withdrawn artwork (with Superman on cover). Subtitled Come On Feel The..., Sufjan Stevens & The Michigan Militia have moved to Illinois (dubbing themselves the Illinoisemakers) but this new album is the same Sufjan we know and love. Fingerpicked ballads of delicate twang, tasteful orchestration, and titles that are murder on the ID3 tags. While this album unmistakably owes its inspiration to the sound of Michigan, Sufjan has managed to take his orchestra-like folk template and expand on it, tapping into unexpected genres and bringing unexpected instruments like strings and woodwinds to the forefront, all while relating tales of the state's history as well as possibly fictional stories about its residents. To sweeten the deal, Sufjan's vocals have also improved some: he's managed to make his thin, meek vocal presence a little more noticeable, and while that doesn't stop him from using members of the quirky Danielson Famile as his own personal choir, it's nice to hear him sound more assured on some of this album's mellower moments. P-Vine. 2005.

Illinois,Sufjan Stevens,Rock/Pop

Illinois [Import]

Average customer rating:

How does he do it?
What music has been missing
Sweet and Honest Music-Making
Is Sufjan Stevens a Genius?
Like Michigan, only more polished!

Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Manufacturer: Asthmatic Kitty
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Z
Plans
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Takk...

ASIN: B0009R1T7M
Release Date: 2005-07-05

Tracks:

Concerning The UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois
The Black Hawk War, Or, How To Demolish An Entire Civilization And Still Feel Good About Yourself In The Morning, Or, We Apologize For The Inconvenience But You're Gonna Have To Leave Now, Or, 'I Have Fought The Big Knives And Will Continue To Fight...
Come On! Feel The Illinoise!: Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition/Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream
John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
Jacksonville
A Short Reprise For Mary Todd, Who Went Insane, But For Very Good Reasons
Decatur, Or, Round Of Applause For Your Stepmother!
One Last 'Whoo-Hoo!' For The Pullman
Chicago
Casimir Pulaski Day
To The Workers Of The Rock River Valley Region, I Have An Idea Concerning Your Predicament
The Man Of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts
Prairie Fire That Wanders About
A Conjunction Of Drones Simulating The Way In Which Sufjan Stevens Has An Existential Crisis In The Great Godfrey Maze
The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!
They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From The Dead!! Ahhhh!
Let's Hear That String Part Again, Because I Don't Think They Heard It All The Way Out In Bushnell
In This Temple As In The Hearts Of Man For Whom He Saved The Earth
The Seer's Tower
The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders: Part I: The Great Frontier/Part II: Come To Me Only With Playthings Now
Riffs And Variations On A Single Note For Jelly Roll, Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Baby Dodds, And The King Of Swing, To Name A Few
Out Of Egypt, Into The Great Laugh Of Mankind, And I Shake The Dirt From My Sandals As I Run

Amazon.com

Illinois sounds like The Sea and Cake collaborating with the high-school band from a Wes Anderson film on banjo-driven, pulsing meditations on Vince Guaraldi's music for Peanuts. Sufjan Stevens, the singer-songwriter behind the endeavor, is an earnest and whimsical young man who aims to record an album based on every state in the union, though this is just his second attempt since 2003's Michigan. Lavish praise has been heaped upon this precocious twenty-something, who weaves personal recollections, historical narratives, and strange facts together to create lush portraits of Midwestern life. It's not maudlin stuff, and the atypical instrumentation (strings, choirs, trumpets, vibes) is beyond gimmick. Halfway through "John Wayne Gacy, Jr.," when Stevens has you feeling true empathy for a serial killer, it's clear that he really is an artist of the highest order. These are weird and lovely middlebrow ditties; we eagerly await the Broadway adaptation. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews:

How does he do it?.......2007-07-07

It seems like an impossible feat. That one person could produce work of such consistent genius. Surfjan seems to have a supernatural songwriting gift. When I first listened to this album I sat in shock as the John Wayne Gasey Jr. track started playing (I hadn't looked at the track listing). Here is a song about a serial killer that, far from leaving the listener wallowing in hatred or revulsion leaves us with a new and completely astounding insight. I won't give it away. If the album consisted of just that one song I would recommend it. But, of course, it has many songs, and it is a wonderful achievement. Some of the material seems to take an odd direction, but it works into the whole. I also have a suspicion that there are many musical references that I'm not catching.

Highly recommended. (If you have a record player, get the vinyl. It's stunning.)

What music has been missing.......2007-06-12

Although Sufjan Stevens has been around for several albums, his musical influence has not been felt as deeply as it should have been. He breathes fresh air into music and makes albums that defy classification.

Many of the tracks on 'Illinoise' have a way of reaching inside and staying with you in a manner that is difficult to find in music. Many evoke emotions that are difficult, if not impossible, to commit to paper. 'John Wayne Gacy Jr.' is a particular haunting track. It is testament to Sufjan Stevens' talent that he manages to make a song about a serial killer sound moving and seemingly sympathetic.

With lyrics that occasionally meander through U.S. history and beats to match, 'Illinoise' can sometimes feel like a throwback to the music of bygone decades. Perhaps the track 'The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts' is most typical of Stevens' eclecticism. Here he switches back and forth between his own harmonious sound and that of a church choir as well as a drum backing that sounds like something from a White Stripes album.

It remains to be seen whether Stevens will follow through on his promise to make an album in each of the 50 states of the U.S. However if he does it will be to the massive benefit of the listening public.

Sweet and Honest Music-Making.......2007-06-09

It's really hard to put Sufjan's music into a category. I suppose folk music is close - but it has a unique cadence which is hard to really define. This is perhaps why I love this music so much. Sufjan's voice is incredibly sweet and clear, and the music is gentle without ever once being insipid or dull. The blend of instruments at times creates an almost magical feel - banjo, oboe, strings, horn. The chorus of voices on some of the tracks is also clear and cool, as in "They are the Night Zombies."
This album is dedicated to the state of Illinois, and there has also been one of Michigan. I guess it was probably too ambitious to do one for each state, and I think he has abandoned that idea - but the concept works well on this one. It has a city feel and there is a twinge of nostalgia in some of the songs. Mostly, however, the lyrics are unsentimental but thoughtful.
This is the kind of music to listen to late at night, or early in the morning when you get up and are fixing a cup of coffee. It goes with the chirping of crickets, or the early morning twitter of birds. Relax and enjoy it - it is therapeutic. I found it inspiring and would highly recommend it.

Is Sufjan Stevens a Genius?.......2007-05-18

No matter how dark his subject matter (serial killers, assassinated presidents, etc.), Sufjan Stevens' bouyant melodies and soundscapes carry the listener happily along. I have my issues with the album (hence the 4 stars): he seems to take himself too seriously, the choruses can sound a little too much like Polyphonic Spree, and so many musical interludes begin to feel like filler. However, the whimsical tone does not undermine his literate lyrics and the tunes are so catchy and memorable that my 6 year-old daughter can often be heard singing "Chicago".

Like Michigan, only more polished!.......2007-05-13

Less of a rainy-day feel to this album than to the Michigan album. As always, Sufjan's song titles crack me up. And then his music delights me and makes me laugh. Sheesh, that sounds cheesy. It's a good CD.

The Avalanche: Outtakes & Extras from the Illinois Album

Average customer rating:

When's the last time "outtake" and "extra" led to "wow"
Great songwriting, but it's a bit overwhelming. Kinda like an avalanche....
just buy it
Hardly "Outtakes & Extras"!
Surprisingly excellent

The Avalanche: Outtakes & Extras from the Illinois Album
Sufjan Stevens
Manufacturer: Asthmatic Kitty
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Crane Wife
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ASIN: B000FMGWKU
Release Date: 2006-07-11

Tracks:

The Avalanche
Dear Mr. Supercomputer
Adlai Stevenson
The Vivian Girls Are Visited In the Night by Saint Dararius and his Squadron of Benevolent Butterflies
Chicago (Acoustic Version)
The Henney Buggy Band
Soul Bellow
Carlyle Lake
Springfield, or Bobby Got a Shadfly Caught in his Hair
The Mistress Witch from McClure (or, The Mind That Knows Itself)
Kaskadia River
Chicago (adult contemporary easy listening version)
Inaugural Pop Music for Jane Margaret Byrne
No Man's Land
The Palm Sunday Tornado Hits Crystal Lake
The Pick-up
The Perpetual Self, or "What Would Saul Alinsky Do?"
For Clyde Tombaugh
Chicago (Multiple Personality Disorder version)
Pittsfield
The Undivided Self (for Eppie and Popo)

Album Description

These are tracks not used on the "Illinois" album; some songs were finished, others weren't, requiring substantial editing, arrangements and/or vocals. The centerpiece of course, is the title track, "The Avalanche", a song intended for the leading role on "Illinois", but eventually cut and placed as a bonus track on the vinyl release. Almost every song on "Illinois" has a counterpart on this outtakes release. "In his own modest way, Stevens has quietly become the master of micro over six years and five albums; his ornately detailed compositions hold a magnifying glass to the dusty ephemera in his curious scope - and, intermittently, the center creases of his US atlas" - Entertainment Weekly.

Customer Reviews:

When's the last time "outtake" and "extra" led to "wow".......2007-06-19

Being a huge fan of Sufjan's Illinoise release, I expected to find a gem or 2 on this out-take cd. I am completely surprised, as it is not just a collection of material that "didn't" make it - Hearing this cd explains exactly why the first version had 22 tracks. There is just not enough space on one cd for the creativity inside this musician. This is not a lone cd for the obsessed fan, but truly another example of his amazing work.

Great songwriting, but it's a bit overwhelming. Kinda like an avalanche...........2007-03-06

I look at it this way. If you still haven't heard of Sufjan Stevens, you've probably spent the past 18 months or so hiding under some musical rock somewhere. And that can be understandable to some extent - everyone does have their own musical tastes, preferences, likes, and dislikes, all of which can confine the average music listener to only being exposed to quite a narrow slice of the musical spectrum. However, I would like to assume that most of the people who would potentially be reading my written/typed words have heard of Mr. Stevens and his multi-state recording project, not to mention his traveling folk orchestra (the Illinois-makers). Thus, I will proceed henceforth under the impression that you have some inkling of this man and his offbeat, yet defined musical style.

Wow... Simply wow. This album represents quite an ambitious musical undertaking, one that few artists would ever dream of undertaking, and I'm not even talking about the 50 States Project. In its most rudimentary form, many people have released CD's full of B-sides, out-takes, rejected tracks, and other assorted songs that didn't quite fit on any other released album. Thus, in and of itself, Avalanche isn't really that revolutionary - many groups throughout music history (whether they themselves or greedy record executives) have created something of this nature and they're usually released to mixed reviews (i.e. Led Zeppelin's Coda). Big deal, right? Aren't most of albums of this nature just a vain attempt by bands to milk their loyal fan bases for extra money (i.e. Pearl Jam's series of live concert releases from their US and European tours a few years back)?

However, where this album stands up and makes people take notice is that Mr. Stevens went back into his journals and pages of scribbling from the recording sessions for Illinois, found all of these songs, finished writing them, cleaned up whatever rough studio version might have exited, and compiled yet another CD (nearly 80 minutes worth) for his listeners. The aspiring, wannabe, wish-I-could-be songwriter living inside of me is excited to listen to these songs, as many of them are truly works in progress. Here is a writer/artist/sings who's willing to open up to his listening audience and declare, "Hey! Here are some broken fragments of songs, some not-so-good songs, and some could-have-been songs! I'm not afraid to release a CD that's not picture-perfect!" When I first heard of the release of this album I was quite excited, because the makeup of these songs and how they were collected was really compelling to me.

But then, the more I listened to the album and gained a decent glimpse into the content of this album and what it represented, my cynical side began to expose itself. I fight my cynicism rather often, as it can be difficult to repress, but it comes to the fore when I think about this album. I enjoy it; in fact, I really enjoy it, but this album screams out, "Over-Indulgence!" And I don't like thinking of artists of various descriptions, whose work I regularly enjoy, as crassly commercial beings, out to make a quick buck with their creativity. But, if you've ever heard any of the programming on any radio station owned by Clear Channel (or other large media conglomerate), you'd know that people sell out and do so often and regularly.

Please don't misunderstand me here - I am not accusing Sufjan of exploiting the ears and wallets of hipsters across the nation by cashing in on the well-deserved acclaim of Illinois. Far from it actually - I think that there are many portions of The Avalanche that are excellent. To be honest (and a fawning fan), I could listen to every single variation (both studio, live, or otherwise) of "Chicago" that Sufjan could ever release. When traveling and performing, he takes pains to recreate and reformulate "Chicago" on a regular basis; he is simply not content to let the song stay as it is, and such an idealistic approach to making music makes me really happy. And just like on Illinois, the "Name" songs on The Avalanche (as in, the songs referring to specifically to people, whether real or fictional) are standout tracks, filled with quality lyrics and his best compositions. I mean, who else would actually write songs entitled "Adlai Stevenson" and "Saul Bellow"? I am in no way denying this guy's talent - Mr. Stevens is a great songwriter, one of the most talented that any genre or subgenre has heard in years.

But, in the long run, I think my problem with this album is that Sufjan is running the risk of watering himself down. A songwriter can simply release too many albums, too many tracks, too many concepts, and too many ideas, and, in the process of doing so, can potentially diminish his or her impact upon music history. Accordingly, there's just too much here, as in, I feel overwhelmed by the sheer length, depth, and breadth of this album, and it's only a collection of B-sides. Sufjan would have done well to engage in a bit of the same self-editing he employed when casting these songs off Illinois in the first place.

I wholeheartedly concur with the idea a great friend of mine had when he reflected upon the entirety of the record - I would have preferred to purchase this album as a succession of 3 or so EP's. Yes, that means I probably would have spent more money, but I would have found much more enjoyment from the collective purchase. Each EP would have included one or two different versions of "Chicago" and, from there, the songs would be collected thematically - "Name" songs, "Place" songs, and then other assorted bits and pieces of things. I would have been really excited about that. I would have been able to decide which version I wanted to enjoy and not feel bad about skipping across songs that I really don't want to hear, because I don't like skipping around - I'm a fan of listening to an album in its entirety, the way that the artist made it to be.

So, if ever I get into a conversation with Mr. Stevens, I think what I'd tell him would go something like this - "Hey! Sufjan! Great work on The Avalanche! Next time though, do a better job with track selection. I want to hear your best work, and not just your `Eh, this is OK' kinda stuff. I'd appreciate it."

just buy it.......2007-01-16

I'm a little unhip to the zeitgeist, being a mostly stay-at-home mom, infrequent (lapsed) family physician, and perpetual community nuisance. Until today, I was blissfully unaware of the critical acclaim for "Illinoise." However, I listened to it incessantly after my husband brought it home, and wound up with a copy of "The Avalanche" for Christmas.

That being said, I put on the title track of "The Avalanche," on Christmas Day, and was blown away by the beauty and complexity of its opening. This album has entered the pantheon of those I listened to daily for weeks or even months after their discovery, which puts it in the league of Emmylou Harris's "Angel Band," the first "Trio" album (featuring Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Dolly Parton), the Dixie Chicks' "Home," Billy Bragg's and Wilco's "Mermaid Avenue," Bob Dylan's "Good As I Been to You," and the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack, which is pretty serious company.

Moreover, I cannot say enough about "Springfield, or Bobby Got a Shadfly Caught in His Hair." This tune, with its rich harmonies, stands up against the greatest CSNY songs.

I enjoy the three alternate takes of "Chicago;" as a jazz fan, I'm accustomed to hearing different versions of the same song back-to-back on archival recordings. But I'm aware that the casual listener may find this sort of thing perplexing.

I take exception to the notion that Sufjan Stevens revels in the sameness of his sound: I think that criticism could be directed against Lennon and McCartney, Brian Eno, k.d. lang, Lyle Lovett, Elvis (Costello or Presley), Ray Charles, or any of the above mentioned artists. I would not have it any other way.

Hardly "Outtakes & Extras"!.......2006-11-03

This guy is a freak of nature! Different but in the same vein as Illinoise. I loved it..No fillers to speak of. If you liked some of the more laid back songs on Illinoise!, you'll LOVE this album. Its great regardless.
Highlights are:
Avalanche
Adlai Stevenson
Saul Bellow
The Mistress Witch From McClure
Springfiel, Or Bobby Got A Shadfly Caught In His Hair
No Man's Land
The Perpetual Self, Or "What Would Saul Alinsky Do?

SN

Surprisingly excellent.......2006-09-07

I probably shouldn't say "surpringly" excellent we are after all talking about Sufjan, but when this was released I was hesitant to buy it because I thought of a B-sides and outtakes album as not up to par with regular releases. I thought that if this didn't make the album then it must not be as good, that's pretty much the case with most other artists. Artists other than Sufjan. This album is really amazing and is absolutely level with his other releases. It should be looked at as an album and not a collection of outtakes . I highly recommend this to all Sufjan fans especially those who love "Illinoise"

Average customer rating:

only 7 songs wtf?
awesome
Apparently They know quite a bit
ILLINOIS MAKES A STATEMENT WITH, "WHAT THE HELL DO I KNOW."
What the hell does Illinois know? Apparently quite a bit about writing music...

What the Hell Do I Know?
Illinois
Manufacturer: Ace Fu Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Armchair Apocrypha
Costello Music
The Good, the Bad & the Queen
Sky Blue Sky

ASIN: B000N2G3U6
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

Alone Again
Nosebleed
What Can I Do For You
One On One
Screen Door
Headphones
Bad Day

Album Description

"The lyrical depth of the Kinks sauteed with the musical overtones of the Flaming Lips and John Spencer Blues Explosion reduction" gushed one critic. Regardless of your leanings, and whether you're happy, mellow, drunk or confused, Illinois plays beautiful music that makes old loves new and the green grass grow.

Customer Reviews:

only 7 songs wtf? .......2007-06-27

It is a decent CD but they are much more interesting live. I saw them open for the kooks in SF and they killed it but the cd is a little boring and emo. And 7 tracks on a cd?

awesome.......2007-06-24

this ep is so good! they music is very fun and catchy and the lyrics are great. illinois is even better live, they put on an awesome awesome show, very energetic and fun, i saw them open for the kooks in may. "screendoor" is my favorite track off the album, but "bad day" was my favorite from their live performance. definately get this album, you won't be disappointed!!

Apparently They know quite a bit.......2007-03-23

For an EP this CD has quite a bit. 6 Songs that range from upbeat to reflectiven and very well might I add, some bands can't get that on a full album. It's a great album to listen to at any time. Have a listen and enjoy. I expect great things from these guys, they definitely have it in them!

ILLINOIS MAKES A STATEMENT WITH, "WHAT THE HELL DO I KNOW.".......2007-03-22

this album is definitely worth your money. why? well, first of all, this band is a sincere band. they are in it for the music, 100 percent. they love their fans too. i was able to meet the band after one of their live shows (which by the way, was OUTSTANDING,) and it was so nice to be greeted with such warm smiles. it added more of a motivation for me to get their name out and make it known: THAT THIS BAND HAS A UNIQUE, ORIGINAL SOUND, GREAT LYRICS, CAN PERFORM EXCELLENTLY LIVE, ANDDDD GIVES A CRAP ABOUT THEIR FANS.

that doesnt happen too often.

dont think about it-- buy the album.

What the hell does Illinois know? Apparently quite a bit about writing music..........2007-03-07

Stated quite simply, this album is a very solid release from a very solid band. I've seen Illinois live many times, and they always put on fun and energetic show. While it's next to impossible to channel the feeling of a live performance into a studio album, "What the Hell Do I Know?" does a commendable job of keeping the energy flowing from song to song.
The combination of lively drum beats and melodic banjo riffs with the complementary guitar and bass lines gives Illinois a very unique sound that is difficult to describe and even more difficult to categorize. There's a very obvious indie-folk element along with some bright pop-rock sound, but the overall result is something one must hear firsthand.
Don't expect lyrics in the powerfully delicate vein of Lennon/McCartney or of the pensive and brooding style of Elliott Smith. Similarly, the musical abilities of the group may leave something to be desired, particularly once the free drinks start flowing during a live show. Instead, listen to and enjoy a progression of songs that are fun and cheerful, as it is immediately obvious that you're listening to a group of guys that truly enjoy playing music with each other.
I gave this EP four stars, as it's very good, but the band does have room to grow and mature. I believe their next albums will reflect this development, and may very well be deserving of a five star rating. Until then, don't hesitate to buy this album!

Average customer rating:

Flashy, Fun, and Flamboyant
stunning musical review
Nice and lively!
Sounds even better than when I first heard it
A staple

Screamers (Circus Marches)

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000057L1
Release Date: 1991-02-08

Tracks:

In Storm And Sunshine
Whip And Spur
Invictus
The Big Cage
Bones Trombone
Them Basses
The Circus Bee
The Screamer
Thunder And Blazes
Robinson's Grand Entree
Circus Days
Bombasto
The Squealer
Rolling Thunder
Bennett's Triumphal
Bravura
Bugles And Drum
Illinois March
Children's March
The Interlochen Bowl
Onward-Upward
Boy Scouts Of America
Americans We
Officer Of The Day
March
Second Regiment, Connecticut National Guard March
The Mad Major
Guadalcanal March From

Customer Reviews:

Flashy, Fun, and Flamboyant.......2007-05-31

The Circus March is unfortunately a style of music that is often ignored, yet can be one of the most difficult things to play. Musicians almost have to have a feel for it to achieve the desired effect. Each march contained herein captures both excitement, showmanship, and even a certain degree of comedy that is associated with this style. Listening to these brings back a by-gone era of bearded ladies, roller coasters, and kettle corn. If you play this regularly, you may even begin to smell the peanuts roasting....

stunning musical review.......2005-09-27

This is music I have not heard, or played, for years. Most impressive musicianship. And the tempos are unbelievable! For this size group, it is amazing--and nothing less would be expected.

I am a retired music teacher, and this brought me back to the times when I played in large marching bands, or smaller groups for the local rodeo, as a college student. Great excitement in listening, and being swept away to a time when I had less to worry about.

The music itself has a great affect on me, besides the impressive way in which it is delivered. Great sound. Great precision. Great music that just isn't played or used much anymore. How fun to relive those moments--especially the ones featuring the trombone.

Nice and lively!.......2004-04-28

I was specifically looking for music of the circus and this recording just blew me away. It is clean and well done -- technically speaking. The Eastman Wind Ensemble is spectacular! If you are looking for something that sounds like a circus band, this is NOT it. This is a very professional, high quality recording of some of the best march music ever composed.

Sounds even better than when I first heard it.......2004-03-01

When I first heard the last eleven marches on this recording; I heard them on tape, and I really enjoyed them, this was back in 1988 when I was in the seventh grade. When I moved in the winter of 1988, I lost that tape. I was very sad when I did, and it was not until the summer of 2002 that I saw this recording at amazon; 14 years later still great, and sounds even better on CD than it did on tape. This time was even better, because it has even more marches, in the old tape, it had what on this recording are tracks 17-28. Tracks 1-16 are equally good, this recording is of a great sentimental value for me...I hope you enjoy as much as I have 14 years later....

A staple.......2003-06-14

A great collection of marches not by Sousa conducting by none other than Fennell. You can't go wrong having this in your band CD collection.

Average customer rating:

Still very acceptable
sound: B-, content: A+
Illinois Speed Press/Remastered
Response to the Critics
Loved these albums for 35 years, but this CD has flaws...

Illinois Speed Press/Duet
Illinois Speed Press
Manufacturer: Futuredge Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Rhinoceros
Crabby Appleton
Windmills/She Is a Song
The Last Roundup
Pickin' Up the Pieces

ASIN: B00015EKIW
Release Date: 2003-11-25

Tracks:

Get in the Wind
Hard Luck Story
Here Today
Pay the Price
P.N.S.- When You Come Around
Be A Woman
Sky Song
Beauty
Free Ride
Right on Time
Night People
G.I.T.W (Instrumental version)
Duet
Country Dumplin'
Sadly Out Of Place
The One Who Knows
Dearly, ii. Bittersweet, iii. Random Roads (And His Big Band), iv. Dearly Theme Reprise
Morning Blues
Bad Weather
The Life
The Visit
Seventeen Days

Album Description

This is a limited edition remaster of Illinois Speed Press' two releases: "Illinois Speed Press" released in 1969, and "Duet" released in 1970. Bonus tracks, including singles, have been added to the first disc. Flash files providing band information, reviews, timelines, liner notes, have been added to the second disc. The remaster captures the music as the band meant for it to be heard. NOTE TO PURCHASERS: the original source tapes were close to unusable. As result, Futuredge was faced with the dilemma as to whether to cut out certain horrible sections or clean them as best as it could to preserve the integrity of the original music. Futuredge opted for the latter. You may hear in one or two songs a short digital glitch. There is nothing wrong with your CD player. Futuredge is continuing to use additional technologies to see if we can restore those few seconds to a more perfect quality.Also note that there were no source materials available for the bonus tracks. As a result, while Futuredge has made every attempt to "clean" these tracks, some noise will be heard.

Customer Reviews:

Still very acceptable.......2007-05-09

I read the other reviews and though I can certainly hear a few pops and scuffs here and there, I am just glad to get this on disc since the vinyl LP is lost and I'll probably never find it. There are a couple tracks on the first disc, near the end that sound pretty rough, but to be honest, Its kind of different and reminds me of days when recordings on LP records, eight track or cassette tape just weren't perfect. I like this album and it's easy to see where Poco came from after you listen to disc 2. Don't be scared off by a few glitches here and there, if you are thinking of picking this up.

sound: B-, content: A+.......2006-03-18

Overall, a great CD, but am I the only one who:
- can't find the "Overture" track in the flash files
- wonders why several scratches were left in that could
have easily been edited out.
- wishes Mr. Thaler had done the remastering with an eye
on being more true to a live performance rather than
the original recording. Some of the tracks scream for
a little reverb. Why be true to something that sounds
like it was recorded in an anechoic chamber?

Still, the music is the important thing & I have to second
the opinion of Mr. Abraytis; this is the real thing. There's
some great stuff for Poco fans, but the real treats for me
are "Morning Blues" & Kal David's blues oriented tracks.

Illinois Speed Press/Remastered.......2005-06-19

Columbia Records should be ashamed for not putting this cd out, as it was on their imprint originally, and a great album of music. Future Edge should be applauded for having the good taste to take the time to do the remastering and put the cd out. I am sure they are not making a fortune on this. Although I love the music, I was leery about buying the cd because of all the negative reviews of the sound quality, but I bought it despite the negativity, and let me say, you're all nuts. No, this cd is not audiophile quality, nor is it good by today's standards, but it sounds great given the condition of the master tapes(again, Columbia Records should be ashamed) and the other sources that were available to Mr. Thaler. While the music does comes first, I should mention that I am very fussy about the sound that comes out of my system. I am what my friends call " a pain in the ass audiophile" I have the typical high end system that does a great job of resolving the music and lets me hear everything (warts, big and small) and I can say 100% that I was not put off by the sound in any way, shape, or form. If you remember loving this album when it came out in late '69, if you like songs that actually have melodic content, good voices out in front, and some great guitar playing then go out and buy this disc and enjoy.

Response to the Critics.......2005-06-01

In response to the comments made regarding ISP, the decision to remove the first track from the debut self-titled album was not ours; it came from the artists who hated it and did not want it on the record let alone on the compilation. In actuality, it IS there--- you have to search for it as we embedded it in the flash files. That way it was not left out but was not prominent either.

As to the remaster, the original source materials were horrid at best and barely usable. We looked for any source material and did our best. Ultimately, the choice was to complete the project with the issues or abandon it altogether. After discussions with a number of hardcore fans, we decided to press forward. The flash files and extra bonus material, I believe, make the package worthwhile. Please contact us with any further questions.

---John Thaler

Loved these albums for 35 years, but this CD has flaws... .......2005-02-22

I am happy to see these releases in print again and on cd for the first time. I have enjoyed my vinyl copies for some 35 years. However, as some have said, there are some nasty flaws with this CD release - #1: They decided to leave off the first song of the first album called "Overture". Yes, it may be a bunch of tape snipets taken from the album and spliced together with no apparent structure, but for the producer John Thaler to be so insensitive as to arbitarily cut anything from the original work, that is completely unacceptable. Shame on you John, who do you think you are hacking off a part of ISP's debut release! #2: As recognized by others, there is a nasty digital glitch in "PNS..." which I find hard to excuse. I have never heard a digital glitch like this one in any other professional cd release, regardless of the recordings age. It sounds more like an incompetent mistake than a planned compromise to my ears. #3: The first bonus cut "Right On Time" starts before the last album cut "Free Ride" has completed, abruptly cutting off the last feedback-drenched chord. Another insensitive, sloppy and unforgivable mistake. Shame on producer John Thaler's sloppiness and insensitivity toward this historic debut recording. Fortunately, the 2nd album Duet is included in it's entirety. Hey John, why didn't you arbitrarily cut something from it?

Average customer rating:

The Illinois Jacquet Story
Illinois Jacquet
Manufacturer: Proper UK Boxed Sets
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Big Ben
The Bebop Years
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The Lester Young Story

ASIN: B00006OYM5
Release Date: 2002-11-04

Tracks:

Lester Leaps In
Blues
Body And Soul
I've Found A New Baby
Flying Home (Pt.1)
Flying Home (Pt.2)
Uptown Boogie
Throw It Out Of Your Mind Baby
Jacquet Mood
Wondering And Thinking Of You
Memories Of You
Bottom's Up
Merle's Mood

Tracks:

What's This
(I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance
Ladies Lullaby
Illinois Stomp
Don't Blame Me
Jumpin' Jacquet
Blue Mood
Jacquet In The Box
Savoy Blip (AKA Jacquet And No Vest)
Doggin' With Doggett
Minor Romp (AKA Jacquet And Coat)
Berry's Blues (AKA Illinois' Blues)
Jumpin' At Apollo
Jacquet Bounce
She's Funny That Way
12 Minutes To Go
For Europeans Only
Big Dog
You Left Me All Alone
Jivin' With Jack The Bellboy
Blow, Illinois Blow
Illinois Blows The Blues
South Street Special

Tracks:

Diggin' The Count
Robbins' Nest
Music Hall Beat
Jumpin' At The Woodside
Goofin' Off
Riffin' With Jacquet
Sahara Heat
It's Wild
Destination Moon
For Truly
I Surrender Dear
Jet Propulsion
King Jacquet
Try Me One More Time
Embryo
Riffin' At 24th Street
Mutton Leg
Symphony In Sid
A Jacquet For Jack The Bellboy
Big Foot
Black Velvet

Tracks:

B-Yot
Adams' Alley
Blue Satin
Stay Away
My Old Gal
Slow Down Baby
Hot Rod
You Gotta Change
Hippity Hop
Later For The Happenin'
Moe
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
Speedliner
Pastel
All Of Me
Just A-Sittin' And A-Rockin'
Mean To Me
One Nighter Boogie
Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
Cottontail
Weary Blues
Groovin'

Album Description

Jacquet was the tenor saxophonist who informed the world that something new in tenor sax stylings had been forged with his famous solo on Lionel Hampton's 'Flying Home' in 1942. The master of the Texas tenor style proves his versatility & command of the horn in this four CD set that ranges from stomping swingers to romantic ballads & hown-home blues performances. Among the supporting cast on this essential 79 track set are, Charles Mingus, Sir Charles Thompson, Johnny Otis, Shadow Wilson, Bill Doggett & Art Blakey. Includes 40 page illustrated booklet. Four standard jewel cases housed in a slip-box. Proper. 2002.

Album Details

Illinois Jacquet was the Tenor Saxophonist who Informed the World that Something New in Tenor Saxophone Stylings Had Be Forged with his Famous Solo on Lionel Hampton's "Flaying Home" in 1942. The Master of the Texas Tenor Style Proves his Versatility and Command of the Horn in this Four CD Set that Ranges from Stomping Swingers to Romantic Ballads and Down-home Blues Performances.

Live Phish Vol. 7: 8/14/93, World Music Theatre, Tinley Park, Illinois

Average customer rating:

Great setlist, Antelope jams
totally solid show, worth the buy
What a great show
I expected more from this killer setlist....(3.5 stars)
Killer Antelope on the loose !!!

Live Phish Vol. 7: 8/14/93, World Music Theatre, Tinley Park, Illinois
Phish
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Live Phish Vol. 11: 11/17/97, McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, Colorado
Live Phish Vol. 6: 11/27/98, The Centrum, Worcester, Massachusetts
Live Phish Vol. 18: 5/7/94, The Bomb Factory, Dallas, Texas
Live Phish Vol. 8: 7/10/99, E Centre, Camden, New Jersey
Live Phish Vol. 10: 6/22/94, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, Ohio

ASIN: B00006369C
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Tracks:

Chalk Dust Torture
Guelah Papyrus
The Divided Sky
The Horse
Silent in the Morning
It's Ice
Sparkle
Split Open and Melt
Esther
Poor Heart
Cavern

Tracks:

2001
Run Like an Antelope
Sparks
Walk Away
Tinley Park Jam
Run Like an Antelope
Have Mercy
Run Like an Antelope
Mound
The Squirming Coil
Daniel (Saw the Stone)

Tracks:

You Enjoy Myself
Purple Rain/Hold Your Head Up
Golgi Apparatus
La Grange
Mike's Song
The Great Gig in the Sky
Weekapaug Groove

Customer Reviews:

Great setlist, Antelope jams.......2007-04-12

This is one of the all-time great setlists, and the second set features segues into and out of Antelope throughout. The show is most evocative of the great 11/27/98 show or the 5/7/94 show in the way the band fixate on a great song and build around it. The jamming is exceptional, particularly for a 93 show, which is about a year before the band really hit their stride. High energy sets, and great filler too.

The sound is good. Doesn't feel as live as some of the others in the series, with very little crowd even between songs. Nice stereo mix, with clear keyboards and drums. Mike's bass could stand to be a little higher up in the mix, but it's not something you're going to notice on most sound systems, I suspect. All around, a great release of an absolutely great show. The definitive shows from the live Phish series are 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 18. Add to that New Year's Eve 1995 and you have a great representation of the best of the band's live work.

totally solid show, worth the buy.......2006-04-26

this was the first of the live phish series i bought, and it surely did not disapoint, the you enjoy myself is out of controll, the vocals on it sound very crisp and get you into it alot, all the songs are just solid, great jams, the tinsley park jam is great, i wouldent hesitate to buy this show, it will not let you down

What a great show.......2005-09-26

Alright just to start off phish is my favorite band, and i have listened to quite a lot of there shows. But just because there my favorite band i dont think automatically anything they do is gold, on the contrary i have become more critical of phish. alright now on to the show.

this show has a lovely setlist. Basically all of the first set is comprized (i dont know if thats a word) are good songs ranging from classics (chalkdust, Split open and melt) to raritities (esther), except sparkle, and cavern (personally i have heard these songs enough, especially sparkle). To tell you the truth i dont really listen to the first set very often. Its a very good first set and a pretty good introduction to phish, but the second set...

This second set is magic. Starts of with a wonderful opener, 2001 which goes into run like an antelope. Antelope is one of my all time favorite phish songs, and this one of my favorite antelopes. the first bit of the jam in this song is not the most pleasing antelope to your ears (kind of sloppy at points, but i mean come on your gonna get some sloppiness from phish in 93), but it is a really interesting and unique jam to me, and i have grown to love it. but why is this antelope so great? i'll tell you why. a little before the 9 minutes mark its starts to build up, and oh my god, it just goes into some of the sickest stuff i have heard. everyone is playing on fire and perfectly with eachother. trey is playing a catchy riff while page adds on to it perfectly, fishman is REALLY getting into it, and mike... does mike every have a bad day? i mean this song is absolutely RAGING. page takes over the reins at one point and does a fanatastic job. this is some energetic piano playing, even though he screws up a bit at one point, he picks it back up with the organ. this jam gives me the bumps almost everytime i listen to it. it finally slows down a little... just to go into sparks (by the who)! what an awesome song. sparks segues into walk away (dont care too much for this song), that goes into a wacky jam that starts to pickup intensity toward the end of the which goes back into antelope (which is still raging). the mellow reggae tune have mercy comes up next. i really like this song and it is the perfect breather. have mercy winds down to a nice ambient point which goes into the ending of antelope perfectly. another thing to point out about this whole shibang is that all of the segues are pretty fluent. the rest of the set is pretty good too with a bunch of great songs, most notably the squirming coil, and YEM.

sorry that i didnt get into the specifics of the other parts of this show besides the first half of the second set, but that would of taken a really long time.

all that with a mike's groove filler(even if it is only so-so) and youve got yourself, one of the better live phish volumes.

I expected more from this killer setlist....(3.5 stars).......2003-07-30

This was am amazing set list and I was all set to rock once I put this into my CD player for the first time. What I got was some excellent music by other standards but not the best Phish in the sea. It seems like this was a low energy night. The jams are there but they aren't up to regular Phish standards. The Walk Away in the middle of the Run Like An Antelope medley is the highlight and the dispicable/embarrassing Purple Rain is the lowlight.

Bottom Line: A great setlist and an important concert for die hard fans to have. Not the best place to start for beginners. Being the Phish fanatic that I am, I thin this is better than most CD's that I own but I gave it 3.5 because it is my least favorite of the Live Series.

Killer Antelope on the loose !!!.......2003-06-01

This is one of the best concerts I have ever heard. "The Horse" into "Silent in the Morning" was great, the "Chalk Dust Torture" was awesome, the "Divided Sky" was lovely and the "Cavern" was fierce. The highlight would have to be "2001" into a racing "Run Like an Antelope" into "Sparks" (by the Who!!!!)and then a jam that interwieves into other songs (a fun "Walk Away", a mellow "Have Mercy") before finally getting back to Antelope. Talk about setting the gear shift to the high gear of my soul!! That amazing jam goes into an up-beat, fun "Mound", and I loved how Trey gave the football up-date during a crazy "Daniel Saw the Stone". The multi-tease "You Enjoy Myself" into a hysterical "Purple Rain" was nice, and the "Golgi Apparatus" to end was great. The ZZ Top cover was sweet. The Mike's Groove filler was interesting. A good "Mike's Song" and an experimental "Weekapaug Groove", but the "Great Gig in the Sky" (by Pink Floyd off the greatest album ever made) made me pee my pants. Up until this point, I've just downloaded concerts off of livephish.com (check the site out if you want all the newest Phish stuff), but I'm gonna start buying the cd realeases! Go Phish!!!!

Average customer rating:

Legacy of John Barnes Chance

Legacy of John Barnes Chance

Manufacturer: Albany Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Symphonies 3 4 & 7
Chilling Winds
Alfred Reed Live, Vol. 2: Russian Christmas Music
Vincent Persichetti
Giannini: Symphony No. 3; Praeludium and Allegro; Variations and Fugue

ASIN: B0009Y26C2
Release Date: 2005-07-01

Tracks:

Incantation and Dance
Introduction and Capriccio
Symhony No. 2
Blue Lake Overture
Elegy
Variations on a Korean Folk Song

Product Description

Albany Records is proud to release what is a long-overdue memorial to one of the finest American composers of wind ensemble music. Chance was a gifted composer, teacher and administrator who died a tragic death by accidental electrocution at the age of 39. He studied theory and composition with Kent Kennan, Clifton Williams and Paul Pisk. If you are familiar with the old school of band music, Chance is as fine a representative as any. His music is brash, exciting, and highly energetic in the way you remember from those works you heard on those great old Mercury recordings with the late Frederick Fennell. Ironically, though such works as the Blue Lake Overture and Variations on a Korean Folk-Song have been in the active band repertory for years, this is the first major commercial release entirely devoted to his music, a greatest hits package in fact. Standing out in particular is the Symphony No. 2, perhaps the best work of its kind since the Persichetti Symphony (No. 6) for Band. Based on a four-note motif of C#-D-F-E, the music whips up a remarkable amount of tension and excitement, especially in the last movement. The authoritative performances are under Stephen K. Steele, who began directing the Band Department at Illinois State University in 1987. Under his direction, the Wind Symphony has performed for state and national conventions, including the 1990 American Bandmasters Association and the 1993 and 2001 College Band Directors National Association. Steele and the Wind Symphony can also be heard on two previous releases, TROY500 (music of Persichetti, Syler, Zaninelli and Maslanka) and TROY600 (music of Maslanka and Hagen). Albany has had great success with our catalog of wind music, and we feel this new release, honoring John Barnes Chance, is one of finest.

Customer Reviews:

Legacy of John Barnes Chance.......2006-02-25

A great collection of music that captures a snap shot of a gifted composer. A great addition to any library of band music.

Jazz At The Philharmonic: The First Concert

Average customer rating:

Jazz At The Philharmonic: The First Concert
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Verve
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B000K61ASA

Average customer rating:

The soul of a Texas tenor !

The Blues: That's Me!
Illinois Jacquet
Manufacturer: Ojc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Moodsville, Volume 1

ASIN: B000000YSO
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

The Blues; That's Me!
Still King
'Round Midnight
The Galloping Latin
For Once In My Life
Everyday I Have The Blues

Customer Reviews:

The soul of a Texas tenor !.......2003-10-31

I'm quite partial to the sound of the Texas tenors and this disc lives up to my every expectation. Illinois Jacquet has always been one of my favorites when it comes to deep toned tenor and on "The Blues, That's Me!" Illinois serves up heap's of it! To make matters even tastier, the inclusion of legendary four string guitarist Tiny Grimes add's that one extra ingredient which makes this platter a pleasing and worthy addition to any jazz/blues collection. This session is filled with soulful swinging blues, hence the c.d.'s title and opening track. Along the way we're treated to a wonderful brooding rendition of "'Round Midnight" where Illinois lies down his tenor in favor of bassoon, adding even more temperment to Monk's moody classic. Pianist Wynton Kelly along with the rhythm section of Buster Williams {bass} and Oliver Jackson {drums} certainly deserve praise as they Swing to their soul's content on the the irresistible romp "The Galloping Latin", proving that good jazz doesn't always have to be so damn serious. After a reworking of the Stevie Wonder hit "For Once In My Life", It's only fitting that this disc end where it all began, with a final dose of the blues, as Illinois and company treat us to a rollicking version of Memphis Slim's "everyday I Have The Blues". The folks at Prestige have again released a winner!!

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