Song Dog [Import]

song dog [import]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
As singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter with the Rankin Family, Jimmy Rankin helped make the sibling quintet from Cape Breton Island a household name in Canada during the Celtic folk band's 10-year lifespan. Rankin's solo debut, Song Dog, recorded following the Rankins' 1999 breakup, is a solid effort that makes up for the lack of family charm and unity with gritty music and smart lyrics. The mix of piano and Wurlitzer, ballads and midtempo rockers, echo everyone from Springsteen to John Prine, but the influence of other Canadian purveyors of high-lonesome roots music loom largest--"Wasted" could have come off any one of Blue Rodeo's records, while the punchy opener "Followed Her Around" features guest vocals from Rodeo boy Greg Keelor. Only "We'll Carry On" recalls the Celtic influence of the Rankins, though sister Cookie drops by to add her mellifluous vocal stylings to the tragic "Tripper" and the '60s dropout "Captain Harmony." While a preponderance of songs about drinking ("Wasted" and "Drunk & Crucified") might make Pogues fans feel at home, Rankin invests tunes like "Lighthouse Heart" and "This Is the Hour" with enough heartache and yearning to bring a tear to all but the most hardened country and folk fan. After a decade of writing songs for his family, Rankin has earned the title Song Dog. --Shawn Conner

Product Description
First solo album for one of the primary songwriters behind Canada's much-loved folk juggernaut The Rankins (who disbanded in 1999). Rankin has turned to a rougher, decidedly more hard-edged direction, not exactly hard rock, but juxtaposed against the calming, ethereal sound of his old outfit, Song Dog is distinctively more alt-country. 2001.

Song Dog,Jimmy Rankin,Magad,Folk-Rock,Pop,Rock/Pop

Song Dog [Import]

Average customer rating:

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

Grease - Deluxe Edition
Olivia Newton-John , John Travolta , and Stockard Channing
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Grease (Rockin' Rydell Edition)
Grease: A New 50's Rock 'N Roll Musical - The Original Broadway Cast Album
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ASIN: B0000C16OQ
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

Grease - Fankie Valli
Summer Nights - Olivia Newton-John
Hopelessly Devoted To You - Olivia Newton-John
You're The One That I Want - Olivia Newton-John
Sandy - John Travolta
Beauty School Drop-Out - Frankie Avalon
Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee - Stockard Channing
Greased Lightnin' - John Travolta
It's Raining On Prom Night - Cindy Bullens
Alone At The Drive-In Movie (Instrumental) - Jim Jacobs
Blue Moon - Sha-Na-Na
Rock N' Roll Is Here To Stay - Sha-Na-Na
Those Magic Changes - Sha-Na-Na
Hound Dog - Sha-Na-Na
Born To Hand-Jive - Sha-Na-Na
Tears On My Pillow - Sha-Na-Na
Mooning - Cindy Bullens
Freddy, My Love - Cindy Bullens
Rock N' Roll Party Queen - Louis St. Louis
There Are Worse Things I Could - Stockard Channing
Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise) - Olivia Newton-John
We Go Together - Olivia Newton-John
Love Is A Many Splendored Thing (Instrumental) - Sammy Fain
Grease (Reprise) - Frankie Valli

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

Well here we are with a great piece of history.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Muffled
Somewhat disappointing.
Gershwin At His Best in Hearts!
The best America has to offer!!

George Gershwin: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002A1T
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Strike Up The Band
Rhapsody In Blue
Prelude No. 1
Piano Concerto In F
An American In Paris
Prelude No. 3
Medley From Porgy And Bess
Fascinating Rhythm
Lullaby
Promenade (Walking the Dog)
Cuban Overture

Customer Reviews:

Muffled.......2006-11-03

This is a decent enough recording, but it's not anywhere near the best that I have heard. The Andre Previn/LSO recording is much better mixed; at times it seems like there's a muffle on the mikes, or that you're hearing it from a distance.

If I wanted good, dynamic background music, I'd do this. If I wanted to really listen to the music, I'd pick another version.

Somewhat disappointing........2003-09-10

I bought this for the full-length rendition of Rhapsody in Blue. I found the brass too tinny sounding, and the rhythm off in a few places. I like the snippet of this song on the "Best of the Milleneum" CD much better.

Gershwin At His Best in Hearts!.......2003-03-19

To someone who came along as a teenage boy in the mid-1940's, this CD has the elements of authenticity, even surprise, musical history, highly intense performances, and ways evoking memories of emotional highlights of my Youth. When mediocre orchestra 1st tackled Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" at Smoky Mtn Music Camp we were preparing for Sunday's outdoor Concert. Pianos were played by two friends who've presided Music Dept at Carson-Newman College in East Tennessee. In the Trombone section was a skinny kid with too much hair and too big an ego! When our esteemed conductor began the opening bars the Clarinet Soloist, my close friend Danny Boy slide-up the chromatic scale with fleurish. He later became a NC Doctor! He likely plays clarinet for his own amazement in someone's Dixieland Band!

On this wondrous CD there are historic names like Bernstein, Kostelanez, John Williams and Michael Tilson Thomas, Conductors. Andre Previn, Yo-Yo Ma and Sarah Vaughan as Soloists. I would have a hard time choosing which may be called my favorite! It would depend on the day they are playing in my car... traveling to Columbia Seminary classes or GA Diagnostic Prison for lunch with Chaplain friends! I often sing along with the Rhapsody as I did in 1949 when Oscar Levant soloed with Chattanooga Orch. My very young wife was playing in the first violin section! Still today I am totally wiped out when anyone as intensely romantic as Sarah Vaughan sings "Summertime" or "I Loves You, Porgy!"

Is it not amazingly wondrous that someone could create so much enjoyable music in his short lifetime of 39 years? I never wish to part with this all-time favorite 10-Star Recording!
Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

The best America has to offer!!.......1999-03-09

This is the best collection of his songs i have ever heard. That's probably because it features conductors like John Williams and Micheal Tilson Thomas. My personal favorite is the allegro agitato from the Concerto in F. I have other recordings of this song, but none of them can even come close to matching the excitement of this one.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic!
Loved the movie, love the score
4.5 Stars for The Greatest Game Ever Played
One of Brian Tyler's best

The Greatest Game Ever Played
Brian Tyler
Manufacturer: Hollywood Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000ASDGHQ
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Main Title Overture
Immigrant's Theme
Determination
The Amateur
Broken Dreams
A Call To Arms
The Greatest Game Ever Played
Dog Leg
Angel
Invitation
Broken Dreams Reprise
Ouimet Trails By One
Ride The High Country
Indecision
Heads Turn
The Game Is Afoot
An Unlikely Outcome
A Chance Encounter
And Then There Were Three
Ride The High Country Reprise
True Valor
A Quiet Dignity
Duel
Showdown
Sunset
Angel - Dawn Upshaw
The Band Played On - Amick Byram
Hello Hello Who's Your Lady Friend? - Joe Jackson
End Title Overture

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2007-01-09

As a movie soundtrack fan, I was immediately drawn to 'The Greatest Game Ever Played,' and when I got it just a few weeks ago, I wasn't dissapointed.
At first it sounds much like James Horner's 'Legends of the Fall,' but it is by no means a repeat of it. It is a beautifull soundtrack on it's own, with many different themes that keep it exciting. The music has the same early 1900's feel as the movie while stil maintaining a variety of music styles; from soaring strings to intense violin pieces to period vocals like "And the Band Played On." Like the movie, it has a very inspirational feel, and I would definately recommend it to anyone, whether fans of the movie or soundtrack lovers.

Loved the movie, love the score.......2006-03-17

I saw The Greatest Game Ever Played in the theater and became enchanted with this film, based on the true story of Francis Ouimet, a low-class amateur golfer who emerges from complete obscurity to win the U.S. Open. By the end of the movie, I realized how much I was enjoying the music and decided that I just had to buy the soundtrack.

As I have listened to this soundtrack again and again, I've been captivated by this music. The beauty and power of Brian Tyler's composition is most impressive. As an intent listener, I've been deeply moved by the expansive musical landscape that is covered in this soundtrack. The central motif, a majestic and magnanimous melody which forms the essence of the main title, is woven into tracks throughout the disc, tying everything together as part of a musical (and theatrical) storyline. Indeed, it seems like an incomplete experience if I don't listen to the entire soundtrack, start to finish, in sequential order. If you take the time to do that, you'll find it's a very rewarding listen.

4.5 Stars for The Greatest Game Ever Played.......2006-03-11

This was an excellent 10 dollar purchase from iTunes, to put it mildly. As much as I loved Tyler's The Final Cut, Darkness Falls, Timeline and Constantine scores, this tops them all. It's a loving tribute to the main character of the film and good ol' fashioned film scoring in general. I haven't seen the movie and therefore cannot comment on wether or not it works in the context of the film. I can, however, say with great pleasure what a joy it is to listen to as a solo album.
The album picks up with the main title track, and what a great track it is. Some people will say it is Horner reminiscent, and while many themes on this CD do remind me of James Horner's best work, I actually think the closer resemblance is John Debney. I'm serious - this score is in many ways similar to The Passion of the Christ. It has pounding drums and wonderful percussion and isn't afraid to go all out with the string and brass section. It's a thrilling, heroic, melodramatic and operatic score that I've enjoyed listening to repeatedly. A highly recommended score for anyone who enjoys breathtaking and moving and powerful and heroic sometimes lighthearted and always thrilling music.
cheers
KZ

One of Brian Tyler's best.......2005-10-01

Brain Tyler says of this score that "the orchestral music was influenced by the popular music of the end of the 19th Century and the start of the 20th Century - Debussy, Sibelius, Strauss, and Mahler. To me, the sound we know as 'American' was a combination of the styles of so many of these great European composers." As far as I'm concerned, this score was a lot more influenced by James Horner -- certain bits sound strikingly similar to Legends of the Fall. But don't let that put you off, because the rest of the bits don't. This score is beautiful, lively, energetic, exciting and ebullient Americana throughout -- an odd contrast to Tyler's last score, the dark beast that was Constantine. Despite the occasional "nods" to Horner, though, Greatest Game Ever Played is one of Tyler's best and most thoroughly enjoyable scores, well orchestrated and well recorded also. If it's not quite Children of Dune, it's certainly better than his best since, such as Timeline and The Final Cut, on par with his other score for Bill Paxton, Frailty, though obviously in a very different genre and with a very different sound. So if you're a fan of Brian Tyler or good, uplifting, exciting film music in general, definitely check out this score.

Average customer rating:

The Last Wild Place Anthology
Lacy J. Dalton
Manufacturer: Song Dog Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

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Chains on the Wind
Lacy J. Dalton - Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000H5U81O
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

Listen To The Wind
Heart of Hearts
The Wanderers
Old Dog Blue
The Alaska Song
Standin' Knee Deep
Slip Away
Little Boy Blue
The Last Wild Place
Sanctuary
She Could Run
Boundless Skies
Black Coffee
16th Avenue
Crazy Blue Eyes
Takin' It Easy
Everybody Makes Mistakes

Product Description

"The Last Wild Place" is country diva Lacy J. Dalton's first move back to her singer-songwriter roots since leaving Nashville, and showcases Lacys remarkable voice and writing talents at their finest. This heartfelt music is acoustic-based Folk/Americana and ranges from the quiet introspective to the rollicking good time.

Album Description

She's one of the most instantly recognizable voices in music - the woman People Magazine called "Country's Bonnie Raitt." From the first time Lacy J. Dalton caught the public's ear, that soulful delivery, full of texture and grit, was a mainstay of country music. Lacy's early influences were the folk and rock sounds of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. This disc includes all of Last Wild Place, Lacy's first move back into her singer/songwriter roots since leaving Nashville, in addition to several of her biggest hit songs, including '16th Avenue' and 'Takin' It Easy'. The music is heartfelt, acoustic-based, Americana/Folk and ranges from quiet to rollicking fun!

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Awesome!!!
Why did I wait so long?
delightfully dotty dada stuff
Buyer Beware: contents may baffle the uninitiated
A Remarkable Journey

Cornology [3CD Set]
The Bonzo Dog Band
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000006TDV
Release Date: 1993-09-30

Tracks:

Cool Britannia
The Equestrian Statue
Jollity Farm
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Look Out, There's A Monster Coming
Jazz, Delicious Hot, Disgusting Cold
Death Cab For Cutie
Narcissus
The Intro And The Outro
Mickey's Son And Daughter
Big Shot
Music For The Head Ballet
Piggy Bank Love
I'm Bored
The Sound Of Music
We Are Normal
Postcard
Beautiful Zelda
Can Blue Men Sing The Whites
Hello Mabel
Kama Sutra
Humanoid Boogie
Trouser Press
My Pink Half Of The Drainpipe
Rockaliser Baby
Rhinocratic Oaths
II Mustachioed Daughters

Tracks:

Hunting Tigers Out In 'Indiah'
Shirt
Tubas In The Moonlight
Dr. Jazz
Monster Mash
I'm The Urban Spaceman
Ali Baba's Camel
Laughing Blues
By A Waterfall
Mr. Apollo
Canyons Of Your Mind
You Done My Brain In
Keynsham
Quiet Talks And Summer Walks
Tent
We Were Wrong
Joke Shop Man
The Bride Stripped Bare By 'Bachelors'
Look At Me I'm Wonderful
What Do You Do?
Mr. Slaters' Parrot
Sport (The Odd Boy)
I Want To Be With You
Noises For The Leg
Busted

Tracks:

My Brother Makes The Noises For The Talkies
I'm Going To Bring A Watermelon To My Girl Tonight
Alley Oop
Button Up Your Overcoat
Mr. Apollo (Single Version) (German Version)
Ready Mades
The Strain
Turkeys
King Of Scurf
Waiting For The Wardrobe
Straight From My Heart
Rusty (Champion Thrust)
Rawlinson End
Don't Get Me Wrong
Fresh Wound
Bad Blood
Slush
Labio-Dental Fricative - Vivian Stanshall Sean Head Showband
Re-Cycled Vinyl Blues - Neil Innes
Trouser Freak - Roger Ruskin Spear & His Giant Orchestral Wardrobe

Album Description

Import exclusive compilation for the British psychedelic act that combined elements of rock & comedy to great success. The Intro comprises the groups first two albums, Gorilla and The Doughnut In Granny's Greenhouse and recounts their history up to 1968. The Outro combines Tadpoles and Keynsham and continues the story to 1970, when the band was dissolved. Dog Ends features their reunion album, Let's Make Up And Be Friendly, as well as several non-album releases, some solo material and a text which brings their adventure up to date. Three standard jewel cases housed in a slipcase.

Album Details

Mammoth Triple Disc Box Set of Recordings from the Hilarious Comedy Rock Band that Featured Members Neil Innes, the Late Viv Stanshall, Roger Ruskin Spear, Rodney Slater, Dennis Cowan and "Legs" Larry Smith.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Awesome!!!.......2006-03-17

As a 13 year old in 1982, I had by chance tuned in to a local radio show that spotlighted an hour of music by the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. I was in awe about their musical delivery, style, and humor. I learned a brief history of the band, and discovered that among the members was one Neil Innes, mastermind behind the music of the Rutles. I looked in vein for their studio albums, only to find 2 decent compilations that gave me different song line-ups of their "most popular" tracks. Although they were great to have, I always felt that there was more to the band than "Urban Spaceman" and "The Intro and the Outro." Cornology includes everything I had on those compilations, plus everything else from their studio albums. 24 years later, I have a more complete picture of the wonderful zaniness that was the Bonzos. The first 4 albums were a revelation in the songwriting skills of Innes and Bonzo madman Viv Stanshall. The two writers balanced each other very nicely. Innes provided twisted contemporary pop while Stanshall kept the band in its original roots of music hall tunes plus bizarre English humor. What a great combination. Their early singles (i.e. "My Brother Makes The Noises for the Talkies") and the first CD (Gorilla) are great examples of their original style, while "Doughnut At Granny's Green House," "Tadpoles," and "Keynsham" are excellent at showcasing the Innes/Stanshall balance. Although their last "band" effort is not as balanced, "Let's Make Up . . ." is worth more than a few listens.

Overall, this compilations bests all others, primarily because it fills in the musical blanks, and paints a more complete picture of this wonderful group of musicians. The most surpising aspect was definitely the sound. After years of scratchy vinyl, it's great to hear every nuance of their brilliance without the "rice krispie" effect. For those people new to the Bonzos, I would suggest "HIstory of the Bonzos," which is how I started so many years ago. But then, why go into the "kiddie" pool if you want to swim the ocean? Go for it! Get Cornology, and get slightly demented!!!!

Why did I wait so long?.......2005-12-24

I can't believe that I waited this long (2005) to make an effort to listen to the music and comedy stylings of the Bonzo Dog Band. I've been a fan of Monty Python since the early 1970s. Neil Innes' musical and acting contributions to Monty Python have always been apparent. I loved the Rutles when the TV movie and LP came out. So here I am just now listening to this fine three CD set! Actually, what got me to purchase this CD set was the fact that the Bonzo Dog Band are a constant onscreen presence on the DVD release of the British TV show "Do Not Adjust You Set", which I purchased in order to see four of the six members of Monty Python. Thus, I had the extra bonus of seeing and hearing lots of the Bonzo Dog Band. At that point I felt it was finally time to hear their recordings on CD.

This group demonstrates a major developement in British group humor in that the previous noteworthy British comedy group, Beyond the Fringe, which had broken up just two years prior to Bonzo releasing its first record, was around just too early to have a psychedelic vibe whereas the Bonzo Dog Band is awash in it.

The British accents and references are so strong I get the impression that this group aimed at a domestic audience and may not have set sites on international acclaim. Dunno. Just an idea.

delightfully dotty dada stuff.......2004-09-27

This set has almost everything you'll need by the Bonzos, an anarchic, daft, dotty, and hugely enjoyable set of art students who made a handful of albums and some memorable live performances in the late 1960s and early 1970s before they split and went their separate ways. This set has all their five albums, although the remixing is sometimes a bit odd (Tadpoles notoriously mixes Monster Mash into Urban Spaceman, and ditches the 'sequins' version of Canyons for a different one). You'll find 'Gorilla', 'The Doughnut in Granny's Greenhouse', 'Tadpoles', 'Keynsham', and 'Let's Make Up and Be Friendly', as well as the A and B sides of their first two singles from 1966 and some post-Bonzo solo work from Vivian, Neil, and Roger.

This is seriously good stuff, whether the jaunty pop stuff Neil Innes was so keen on (particularly coming to the fore on 'Keynsham'), or the slightly more edgy stuff which tipped from the increasingly unhinged mind of the multi-talented Viv Stanshall - together they were a fabulous combination to front a memorable band.

Buyer Beware: contents may baffle the uninitiated.......2004-04-17

A basic problem with reviews found here is that they are clearly not a sample from a cross section of "objective" listeners. Nostalgia reigns where "vintage" recordings are concerned. I could see myself waxing equally poetic over any number of personal favorites, but here I will be a voice of dissent. Twenty five years ago at my alma mater's FM broadcast station I was briefly exposed to the Bonzos. "The Intro and the Outro" was one of the funniest pieces of whacked out musical humor I had heard (then, or since). Upon seeing the rave Amazonian reviews for this BOX set (of late, the only CD collection available) I couldn't resist. But I should have. I've listened to the entire set three times now and must conclude that "I just don't get it." I'm a sincere fan of British humor (Python, Fawlty, Good Neighbors, Butterflies, The Young Ones, Red Dwarf, The Rutles ... I.E. - pretty wide ranging stuff) but the Bonzo boys leave me truly baffled. Be particularly careful of assuming that if you love Monty Python you will feel the same about BDB. While a few Bonzo bits are as accessible as, say, "The Lumberjack Song", Python was a comedy troupe, anchored in absurdist humor, which occasionally expressed itself musically. BDB are a strange mix of musical miscreants (I mean that in a nice way) who seem to yearn for a simpler time (the era of vaudevillian entertainment parlors) but the targets for their satiric skewers seem oddly mundane. Python's hit & miss humor was generally executed with sledge hammers - the Bonzo's lampoons seem to be of a far more subtle (?) nature. Also keep in mind that BDB precedes Python by almost a decade. There are some pure music tracks here, stuff that was anacronistic then, and now, and this set is ripe for sampling if you do a radio show, produce commercials or just have a "thing" for oddities. If you're a fan, then by all means buy the box. While not exhaustive, the supporting materials seem to adequately document the history of BDB, and the overall quality of the sound and packaging is very good. But, for the novice, think twice before diving in. If I ever figure out what they were on about, perhaps I'll rebut myself.

A Remarkable Journey.......2004-02-22

Well, the only song I remember hearing contemporary to its release was Mr. Apollo. This was not similar to anything on American radio at that time. I suppose this was the peak for the Bonzos, but this chronology shows that they made an incredible musical journey.

The early stuff is built around English music hall performance. So, it's partly songs but the songs are really part of a show. Obviously, you won't get that just from the songs, but it's worth noting. The 'group' were all fairly disciplined and trained artists. The most talented member, Stanshall, wanted to be a painter. The 'da da' name reflects a painting style brought to music, and it is the only way to understand this group.

Take the song the Beatles put in Magical Mystery Tour, "Death Cab for Cutie". It's kind of an Elvis send-up, but it's also a film noir style from the 30's. This group did style, but mostly they played with style in the early days, like songs from the early 20th century. There is a link to later British comedy like Python or 'The Rutles' but the Bonzos were never just about being funny. With Bonzo you never know.

The later albums reflect more of a rock band style, but they really stretch the limits of music. There are lighthearted pieces like "I Want to Be with You" and "I'm the Urban Spaceman". Then, there are brilliant little dramas set as music like "Sport, the Odd Boy". The problem with this group is that they always reached for the limit of music, which took them way away from music. But, no one has ever done more.

One of the more interesting songs is called "King of Scurf" It's about a boy with acne and bad dandruff (scurf). It is rather poignant. How many artists could write a song that lasts 6 minutes about a boy with dandruff. It's comedy, basically, but it's not a bad view of adolescence, either.

The last bits are very close to the edge, songs like Fresh Wound. It's sort of a song about a relationship, but not any relationship that would normally be examined in a song. It starts out asking how love can be expressed, but then asks about truth. There's a narrative on top of the music, but the narrative is sort of out of synch, asking:

"Truth is just a word and words are just
Words are words but truth is what we trust
How can we know if words fill our brains?
How can we show if blood fills our veins?
Truth in words is like our blood congealed
Words like turds escape but truth is sealed
Analysis

Transplant has gone wrong
Paralysis
Now you don't belong

This is an interesting song, to say the least. It has a power that most music does not possess. Or, perhaps, should not possess. Is this what we want from music? There are somewhat less extreme examples, like "Bad Blood". "Don't Get Me Wrong is perhaps a bit more extreme.

So, it was an interesting journey. They knew how to craft words and their musical ability got progressively better. Innes is still around, writing music. Stanshall is dead, but had some interesting projects after Bonzo.

Tracks:

Rhapsody In Blue
An American In Paris
Swanee
Walkin' The Dog
Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
Somebody Loves Me
Our Love Is Here To Stay
S'Wonderful
Embraceable You
Oh, Lady Be Good

Customer Reviews:

Let the Buyer Beware.......2007-01-12

I do not disagree on any level with the other reviewers of this CD. However, the content is recorded from piano rolls rather than directly from the artist. This fact is not explicitly presented on the web page. Yes, if one clicks on the CD cover photo to get an enlarged image, one can read "First recording 1924 from rare piano rolls" at the bottom in small type. Not everyone will do this however. For this reason alone I only rate this product 3 stars.

Historical and Pristine.......2006-12-22

This compilation of Gershwin selections taken from the piano rolls of the composer offer a perfect introduction to the music of Gershwin, offering a balance between his serious symphonic pieces and his accessible popular songs. Beginning with two of his concert works, "The Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris," the CD just hints at what the composer accomplished in the concert hall and the world of serious music. To my understanding, the "Rhapsody in Blue" was originally performed at a concert titled 'An Experiment in Modern Music' in 1924 at Aeolian Hall in New York. The piece was performed by an orchestra with Paul Whiteman as director, and with the composer at the piano as part of a concert experiment in jazz. The version on this CD is a piano adaptation created by the composer based off of the original symphonic work.

"An American in Paris" is also a concert work that did not achieve the widespread adoration that the Rhapsody has garnered. It was intended by the composer to capture the emotions of a tourist visiting Paris, and was purportedly auto-biographical. It was performed in 1928 at New York's Carnegie Hall with Walter Damrosch conducting the New York Philharmonic. It received mixed reviews at the time but remains a favorite of Gershwin's classical works. Like the "Rhapsody," the version included here is a piano adaptation of the original orchestral work.

The remaining works on the CD are those of a popular composer, the flipside of Gershwin's career. No other American composer (or any for that matter) has strattled these two different fields of music with the success with which George Gershwin did. And the popular songs, among them, "Embraceable You," "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," and "Love is Here to Stay" have achieved enormous pop culture penetration and secure Gershwin's place in history as a master of popular song composition. Notably missing from this CD, however, are Ira Gershwin's contributions, i.e. the words, which add an element important to these songs' true place in history. Along with Ira's contributions come the countless Gershwin vocal interpreters who helped to realize these songs' true significance and their dispersion throughout the American popular music idiom.

On these versions, it is simply Gershwin playing his works (albeit the recordings are taken from his piano rolls, not an actual live recording). In these arrangements, the melodies are incorporated into lush and often convoluted harmonic accompaniment, in which the melody often becomes lost (i.e., the bridge or B section of "Oh, Lady Be Good!"). However, the opportunity to hear the composer express the harmonic possibilities of these disguisingly "simple" American tunes is truly a valuable one. The particular bouncing style with which Gershwin jumps from chord to chord to accompany his melodies is clearly apparent on many of these tunes, and that is an aspect borrowed from Ragtime that contributes to Gershwin being labeled as a uniquely "American" styled composer. The idiosyncracy of his composition and playing are tied together and come to life on this CD. The harmonic statements are sophisticated and evasive to the common ear, and the rhythmic precision and prolificity are legendary. Together with the melody, these elements of the musical composition on which Gershwin demonstrates mastery come together to produce a truly quintessential and essential Gershwin compilation.

"Rhapsody In Blue".......2006-07-12

"This piece (Rhapsody In Blue) seemed to sweep through my mind. It was the heart of America, the feverishness of life, the musical welter of races, of peoples, their joys and their passions, their dissipations and their exaltations." ~ George Gershwin (September 26, 1898 - July 11, 1937) ~

Today, July 11, 2006, marks the 69th death anniversary of one of America's most versatile songwriters, George Gershwin. The birth of one of my favorite jazz-infused-classical pieces, "Rhapsody In Blue" in 1924 made Mr. Gershwin an overnight and sensational star and had gained him a worldwide recognition. He had been my late parents' (and mine, too) favorite composer along with Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and Cole Porter. His harmonious collaboration with his brother, Ira Gershwin, had produced the most beautiful songs of all-time. They were the most prolific team of songwriters and their compositions have been recorded countless times by famous interpreters of Great American Songbook such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Tony Bennett, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Joe Pass, Michael Feinstein, Natalie Cole, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, Steve Tyrell, Diana Krall, John Pizzarelli, Michael Bublé and Chris Botti, among many others.

This CD is a musical treasure and one that I would strongly recommend not only to any Gershwin enthusiast but also to any new fan for this includes the original recording of "Rhapsody In Blue" from rare Piano Rolls. The sound quality is just terrific. It highlights two of his major works - "Rhapsody In Blue" (1924) and "An American In Paris" (1928). It also features some of his well-known popular songs and favorites of mine, my parents' theme songs "Our Love Is Here To Stay" and "Embraceable You." It has been said that Mr. Gershwin functioned best and had written his very best compositions at 3 o'clock in the morning and when he finish eight bars that he likes, he can finish a chorus in a few minutes, like the songs "`S Wonderful" and "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off." This recording also includes "Swanee," "Walkin' The Dog," "Somebody Loves Me," and "Oh, Lady Be Good."

It's so amazing that he composed frequently and never run out of inspirations for writing melodic tunes that are so pleasing to the ears. He can write three to five songs in a single afternoon. When he completed the melody of a song, he gives it to Ira to write words to it. He was such a genius and played the piano by ear after a fashion, tapping out the tunes with a finger.

Not known to many, Mr. Gershwin had tried his hand at painting. I've seen a portrait of himself that he painted a year before his death from brain cancer, and I would say, it's a beautiful work of art, almost like a work of a professional painter. He could have been a great painter.

George Gershwin will always be remembered as one of the greatest 20th Century composers and his music will always linger in the hearts of music lovers like me who truly appreciate and enjoy fine music.

Average customer rating:

music with a sense of humor...life is but a joke...
Hello... and how did you find yourself this morning?
Sublime, Hilarious, Absolutely Brilliant
interesting 2 disc introduction
The Musical Bridge Between The Goons and Monty Python

The History of the Bonzos
The Bonzo Dog Band
Manufacturer: Bgo - Beat Goes on
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Archaeology

ASIN: B0000011PI
Release Date: 1999-10-08

Tracks:

The Intro & The Outro
Rockaliser Baby
Sport (The Odd Boy)
Noises For The Leg
King Of Scurf
Labio Dental Fricative
Hello Mabel
Canyons Of your Mind
Jollity Farm
You Done My Brain In
My Pink Half Of The Drainpipe
Mr. Apollo
Hunting Tigers Out In Indiah
Hunting Tigers Out In Indiah
Laughing Blues
Narcissus

Tracks:

I'm The Urban Spaceman
Bad Blood
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
Tent
Can Blue Men Sing The Whites?
9-5 Pollution Blues
Big Shot
Release Me
We Are Normal
The Sound Of Music
Kamu-Sutra
Rhinocratic Oaths
Shirt
Mickey's Son & Daughter
Blind Date
Trouser Press
Slush

Album Description

1997 BGO release, a two disc reissue of their 1974 anthologyfeaturing 'Intro And Outro', 'Canyons Of Your Mind', 'Mr. Apollo' and 'Urban Spaceman'. 35 tracks total. Double slimline jewel case. Originally released on Liberty/ Capitol Records.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Disc that Incorporates the Original Double Album on a Single Compact Disc. The Bonzo Dog Band were the Foremost Comedy Rock Group of England, Giving the World the Likes the Viv Stanshall (Who also Introduced the Instruments on the Original "Tubular Bells" by Mike Oldfield), Neil Innes (Who was Part of the Rutles) and Roger Ruskin Spear. This Collection Has Long Been Praised as a Definitive Collection of the Best of the Group, Assembled Shortly after their Final Agreement to Part Ways Forever.

Customer Reviews:

music with a sense of humor...life is but a joke..........2006-08-30

60's innovative stalwarts...drawing upon English Musical Hall and Spike Jones...very Brittish...very funny...and great music...only the 1960's could have spawened such a wonderful concoction.

Hello... and how did you find yourself this morning?.......2005-11-22

Bonzo Dog fans may argue over whether this really is "the best" but for the rest of us it's as good an introduction to their erratically and often brilliantly bizarre world as anything else that's on offer - you want the genuinely funny tracks they're here... you want the tuneful tracks they're here as well... you want the darker, out on the edge tracks, well more money's required in the slot.

Careering through the late 60's like an uncontrollable pinball between the inspired, the endearingly quaint, the weirdly avant-garde and the manically deranged the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band were a completely "English" one off. Totally left-field but underpinned by superb comic perception and (thanks to Neil Innes & Viv Stanshall in particular) excellent song-writing skills they were disarmingly "nuts" and seriously "cool" at the same time. But, like all such things, best not to analyse it too much... suffice to say that this excellent compilation contains around 10 tracks that are timelessly funny, another 10 or so that will raise a smile, and around 10 that will leave you totally bemused. Which ones will depend, of course, on your particular predilections, but unless you've had some form of comic bypass operation enough will hit the mark to make the cost worthwhile. You just roll back the sheets and there you are... as they say.

Sublime, Hilarious, Absolutely Brilliant .......2005-11-16

Granted there is something English about the humor. Granted you actually must listen and (gasp) think. Granted the obscure references fly faster than any three episodes of MST3000. But forge ahead, it's worth it. Rock satire has never been funnier, Zappa is a distant second.

Don't let the humor distract you from the musical excellence, either. These guys don't care what style of music they play. Who else would feature the entire Count Basie orchestra playing a triangle? Best of all, for all the absurdist inspired insanity so unapologetically profiled here, there is something gentle and sweet about their way of lampooning society, a quality completely lacking in most satire. Did I forget Eric Clapton on ukulele? Once you go Bonzo you never go back.

interesting 2 disc introduction.......2004-11-02

This 1974 compilation has been eclipsed in more recent years by more in-depth CDs such as 'Cornology', so why would you want this? Because it is (I'm pretty sure) the only CD which has Vivian's singles 'Suspicion' (excellent send-up of the Elvis classic) and 'Blind Date' (in which two odd 'people' meet at Waterloo Station ...), alongside a different mix of 'Labio Dental Fractive' than you get on Cornology *and* the original version of 'Canyons of Your Mind' (with the sequins! hooray!). You also get another Neil single uncollected elsewhere and Roger Spear's version of 'Release Me'. Otherwise it is more of the same although I'll never quibble with a CD which includes 'Hunting Tigers', 'My Pink Half of the Drainpipe', 'Tent', 'Jollity Farm' and (if you must) 'Urban Spaceman'. I do miss 'Death Can for Cutie' but you can't have everything.

The Musical Bridge Between The Goons and Monty Python.......2004-01-10

With a taste for both ancient radio music and classic British music hall pastiche bent to an absurdist contemporary pop sensibility, this troupe of music satirists soundtracked the bridge between Peter Sellers' legendary Goon Squad routines and the freewheeling, hydradimensional Monty Python (in more ways than one; co-founding pianist/guitarist Neil Innes would be a Python adjunct/support player for most of that troupe's prime existence). Unlike most pop and rock satirists, however, the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band (they shortened it to the Bonzo Dog Band after their first two albums) were sensible enough to know the limits of both topical humour and private in-joking (Frank Zappa, with and without the Mothers of Invention, never did quite get it, which explains why most of the Mothers' music post 1967 seemed dated within a week of its issue). And the fact that they were unashamed to let show their genuine affection for the sources of their zany attack somehow makes the Bonzos accessible in ways their actual and would-be contemporaries (as few as there were) could never have been. (Which may explain why, when Geoff Stephens and John Carter - the brains behind the New Vaudeville Band's surprise 1966 hit, "Winchester Cathederal" - needed a touring band fast to ride the wave of that shocker, having cut the song with studio regulars only, the pair first approached the Bonzos to be that band; the Bonzos as a band turned them down, but original sax/trombonist Bob Kerr threw in with the New Vaudeville Band for its brief touring life.)

This 1974 anthology is still the best way to introduce yourself to this troupe of the cheerfully insane, led as always by the sensitive Vivian Stanshall and his nucleus - saxophonists Rodney Slater and Roger Ruskin Spear (who also became renowned for his sound and visual devices, especially his exploding devices and his cartoon speech balloons); drummer Legs Larry Smith; bassist Vernon Dudley Bohay; Innes (vocals, guitar and keyboards). The odd hits (they had a few, mostly in England, especially "I'm The Urban Spaceman") and cult favourites (the clever "The Intro and the Outro," the charming pop of "King of Scurf," the Cream-parodying "9 to 5 Pollution Blues," the needling of British blues in "Can The Blue Men Sing The Whites," among others) blend neatly into a package that, contrary to others' alarm, actually doesn't drive you out of your mind to hear it through in a single sitting.

Tracks:

Adelaide Op.46
Der Tod Und Das Madchen D531
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen D774
Nacht Und Traume D827
Adelaide D95
Selve Amiche, Ombrose Piante
O Del Mio Dolce Ardor
Intorno All'idol Mio
Pur Dicesti, O Bocca Bella
L'Absent
Ou Voulez-Vous Aller?
Absence
Ser
Orpheus With His Lute
Linden Lea
Hands, Eyes And Heart
C'est Ainsi Que Tu Es FP 121 (Metamorphoses No.2)
Priez Pour Paix FP 95
La Belle Jeunesse FP 42 (Chansons Gaillardes No.7)
Sweeter Than Roses
I'll Sail Upon The Dog Star
Evening Hymn

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

It's a truism by now that countertenors have made a notable comeback in our time, but David Daniels--Amazon.com's Opera & Vocal Artist of 2000--isn't about to rest on his laurels. As if his recent successes weren't enough to set him apart, on this recital album Daniels forays beyond the countertenor's stereotypical domain of the baroque to interpret lieder of Beethoven and Schubert, as well as French mélodies and Vaughan Williams. A stunningly beautiful disc. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-05-30

The German and French art-song developed in parallel,but although they shared the same creative process based on the two key elements of words and music, they are distinct one from the other in their aim. Beethoven was one of the first to usher in the 'Leid'. Between 1795 and 1796 he drew inspiration from Friedich von Matthisson for his cantata 'Adelaide'. In 1814 Schubert set the same poem for his own 'Adelaide'. More than three-quarters of Schubert's songs are nature pictures as is 'Auf dem Wasser zu singen' on this disc. Other composers included on this recording are:Caldara-Gluck-Cesti-Lotte-Gounod-VaughanWilliams-Poulenc and Purcell.This disc absolutely delighted me. I can think of only one other countertenor who could have "pulled off" the variety of songs Daniels performs on this album. Most of them are quite well-known at least to singers and actually could be considered trite but not the way David Daniels sings them. He is so skillful with strong tone production when needed and always perfect diction. I marvel at the way he can implement the highly dramatic Italian aria and then sing the light "wispy" French songs. My personal favorites are "Adelaide" by Schubert. "Ou voulez-vous aller?" by Gounod and "I'll Sail Upon the DogStar by Purcell. In fact, if you are a Daniel's fan you MUST hear the Dog Star!!!!!

Outstandingly beautiful- a great legend in our time.......2005-06-22

This is a truly unique voice. David Daniels has an opulent timbre which he uses here to achieve sheer excellence. As much as I hate for his career to be upstaged by anything, knowing that he was tutored by Marilyn Horne seems to establish her vocal qualities as a suitable metaphor. It's that rich, opulent tone and secure vibrato that you don't get with some mezzos, let alone countertenors. No thin-ness here; no `hoot' and nothing shrill. He still has control though, and produces clean, even tones where appropriate. Think of the dramatic requirements of `Der Tod und das Madchen' and the celestial purity of `Absence' or `Ser'- he more than merely achieves the standards, he surpassed them and has set his own seal of distinction.

The choice of songs/arias is itself brilliant and Mr. Daniels' technique needs high praise. As a very minor observation, his diction, though good, doesn't come across as completely idiomatic. This is a VERY minor issue though. The pianist, Martin Katz is very responsive to the style of singing. Mr. Daniels' ability to sustain a phrase with grace and beauty is matched by Mr. Katz's sensitive touch and timing.

In parting, I recommend the ethereal experience of `Orpheus with his lute' (my favourite). The words, a Shakespearean sonnet, are of a straightforward beauty and the melody is from another realm but the singing? Mr. Daniels vocal control and phrasing are exquisite and his tone is sublime. Close your eyes and listen to this one quiet evening. "In sweet music is such art, killing care and grief of heart. Fall asleep, or hearing die." A lute and a song- a simple combination; yet profoundly moving beyond the raging elements. Thank you David.

Follow the Leider...For He Is David Daniels.......2004-08-18

Countertenor David Daniels takes a breather from his beloved Handel arias this time around for a recording of sheer beauty and most often tranquility, all the more surprising given the wide variety of tempos and international breadth of the program spanning five centuries. German leider from Beethoven and Schubert sits alongside Italian baroque songs followed by alternating French and English art songs. The 22 selections, once again reflecting his consummate musical taste, require him to sing in four different languages, and this South Carolina-born and -bred singer handles the daunting task with complete ease.

The result is a seamless recital, and the disc flows like an unfolding dream starting with Beethoven's enchanting "Adelaide". Schubert's "Naucht and Traume" highlights the purity of his tone and is as perfectly performed as any of his most moving opera arias. The Gounod pieces, especially "L'Absent" and the title track, have a sonorous quality that feel very much like lullabies, the sole exception being the lively "Ou voulez-vous aller?". Poulenc's "La belle Jeunesse" continues along this vein, a whirling dervish of a number referred in the accompanying booklet as an "invitation to debauchery". But these tracks are more the exception as Daniels achieves a lovely sense of vocal beatitude throughout.

The standout tracks have to be the three beautiful and somewhat more contemporary-sounding Vaughan Williams songs capped off by "Hands, eyes and heart", short and poignant, it is my favorite moment on this recording. The Renaissance-era Purcell selections provide the appropriate ending though, in particular, "Evening Hymn" sparked by the growing melismas on the hallelujahs. Whether he exhibits an astounding vibrato or the purest of tones, the man knows how to use his incredibly flexible voice and apply it intelligently to each song. Martin Katz accompanies with great precision and completely recognizes the individual style each song requires. It makes for a perfect pairing between singer and piano. This is a recording to treasure.

Countertenors: They're not just for Baroque Anymore!.......2004-03-23

OK, so it's a bad pun. Shoot me.

But get this wonderful disc! Daniels talent is well-served by this varied program.. he goes beyond Handel to sing Beethoven, Gounoud, Vaughan-Williams.

Don't just buy this for the novelty of countertenor singing: the singing would be 5 star had any mezzo (Bartoli, van Otter) sung with this sensitivity. It's superb in every regard.

Beyond Gimmick.......2002-08-01

At first it seems odd...countertenors are supposed to stay within certain boundaries. We let them have Baroque music, and even Gluck, and of course we let them have 20th century things written specifically for them, especially Britten. But to hear a countertenor singing Schubert, Beethoven or French melodies goes against our expectations. So we think, this must be a gimmick. But then Daniels voice takes over and such questions disappear.

Daniels sings this music as if it was inteneded for the countertenor. His sensitivity to the intimate marriage of text and music is phenomenal and his tone is always light and lyrical. I prefer this to many overblown sopranos that I've heard. Daniels weaves a spell that few singers of any voice type can match.

The Gounod is particularly beautiful. I had not been familiar with Gounod's art song before, and I've been missing something. L'Absent brought tears to my eyes just as the best Melodie of Duparc or Faure. And he sings Schubert as if he was born to it.

Tracks:

George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Swanee
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Nobody But You
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Do It Again
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Fascinating Rhythm
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Oh, Lady Be Good
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Somebody Loves Me
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Sweet And Low Down
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): That Certain Feeling
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): The Man I Love
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Clap Yo' Hands
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Do Do Do
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): My One And Only
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): 'S Wonderful
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Strike Up The Band
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Liza
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): I Got Rhythm
George Gershwin's Song Book (1932): Who Cares?
Other Piano Pieces: Rialto Ripples
Other Piano Pieces: Three Preludes-Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
Other Piano Pieces: Three Preludes - Andante con moto e poco rubato
Other Piano Pieces: Three Preludes - Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
Other Piano Pieces: Impromptu In Two Keys
Other Piano Pieces: Three-Quarter Blues
Other Piano Pieces: Merry Andrew
Other Piano Pieces: Piano Playin' Jazzbo Brown (Jasbo Brown Blues)
Other Piano Pieces: Promenade
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: I'll Build A Stairway To Paradise
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: How Long Has This Been Going On?
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: By Strauss
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: Someone to Watch over Me
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: Nice Work If You Can Get It
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: The Man I Love
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: Just Another Rhumba
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: Isn't It A Pity?
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: They All Laughed
Songs By George And Ira Gershwin: Love Is Here To Stay

Amazon.com

William Bolcom is my kind of musician. He writes music that is sometimes adventurous but always based in a recognizable American idiom. And he's a terrific ragtime pianist, the best Joplin player I've heard. With these credentials, of course he's a wonderful Gershwin player. These are the best piano performances of Gershwin I know. After you hear those, Bolcom joins his wife Joan Morris for very flavorful versions of 10 George and Ira Gershwin songs. The whole disc is a delight, and the original analog recordings still sound fine. Highly recommended to all Gershwin lovers. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Peculiar.......2005-01-26

I can see how someone might enjoy this album. William Bolcom is a top-flight pianist and the idea of playing the tunes as George Gershwin played them at parties is intriguing.

Because my ear is used to it, I guess, I would like to have heard longer performances of fewer songs. Each one sounded to me like a snippet -- over too soon. Because of that, plus the fact that I'm not a fan of Joan Morris' showy voice, I give the album one thumb up.

Gershwin Never Sounded Better!.......2002-06-25

This is a fantastic CD! Back in the 70's, pianist William Bolcom and his singer wife Joan Morris made a delightful series of albums on the Nonesuch label of old songs from the first half of the twentieth century - just glorious voice backed by brilliant piano. As Ira Gershwin might say - who could ask for anything more? The music is not only beautifully performed, you can hear the joy of the performance in every note. And Bolcom and Morris were never better than when doing Gershwin.

A combination of two albums, the first part of this CD is all piano. The Gershwin Songbook consists of brief (some under a minute) versions of some of his more popular songs in the way that Gershwin himself famously played them at parties. They demonstrate that Gershwin was as gifted a pianist as he was a composer. The other instrumental tracks are some of Gershwin's solo piano pieces, including the wonderful Rialto Ripples, a rag written when he was just seventeen. For me, the pinnacle of both Gershwin's and William Bolcom's artistry is reached on the second of the three preludes - a classic study of a bluesy mood.

Just when you think things can't get any better, Joan Morris arrives. She effortlessly sings and swings her way through ten of Gershwin's best songs from the cheeky comedy of By Strauss to the smoky moodiness of Someone To Watch Over Me. Maybe I'm just an incurable old romantic, but the ballads are the best of all.

Tracks:

Rhapsody In Blue - William Tritt
Second Rhapsody For Piano And Orchestra - Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
I. Allegro - William Tritt
II. Adagio/Andante Con Moto - William Tritt
III. Allegro Agitato - William Tritt
Variations On 'I Got Rhythm' - William Tritt
Rialto Ripples Rag - William Tritt

Tracks:

An American In Paris - Erich Kunzel
Cuban Overture - Erich Kunzel
Lullaby - Erich Kunzel
Walking The Dog - Erich Kunzel
Mexican Dance - Erich Kunzel
I. Catfish Row - Erich Kunzel
II. Porgy Sings - Erich Kunzel
III. Fugue - Erich Kunzel
IV. Hurricane - Erich Kunzel
V. Good Morning, Sistuh - Erich Kunzel
O Land Of Mine, America - Erich Kunzel

Customer Reviews:

Low recording volume spoils an otherwise good CD.......2006-06-29

This CD has been recorded at a very low level. If you want to hear that opening clarinet glissando in Rhapsody in Blue, be prepared to turn the volume WAAAAAY up. Great collection, but disappointing quality. Wish I'd bought something else.

A Wonderful Collection.......2000-12-29

Erich Kunzel conducts a wonderful recording of all the orchestral Gershwin one needs. There is a great performance of Rhapsody in Blue, and An American in Paris. They are conducted and played the way Gershwin would have liked. The three preludes are played fantastically, especially Walking the Dog played brilliantly by the clarinetist. I highly recommend this to any Gershwin fan who wants a complete and wonderful recording of this fine American music.

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