The Sirens

the sirens

Track Listings
1. I Didn't Know I Loved You (Till I Saw You Rock And Roll)
2. I've Got To Use My Imagination
3. Chez Maximes
4. I'm Leaving You
5. Diversion
6. Glycerine Queen
7. Destroy That Boy
8. Gudbuy T' Jane
9. Don't Slander Me
10. Ain't Gonna Cry No More
11. Push
12. I'm Blue

Editorial Reviews
Brian Smith & Mike Murphy, Metro Times, 5/5/2004
The comely Sirens are piquant personalities — part trailer-court queens, part Max's Kansas City trollops. . .

Product Description
The bulk of this debut was recorded in a 48 hour frenzy at Tarbox Studios by Michael Ivins of the Flaming Lips. Taking his cue from a description of their sound as some where between the Shangrilas and Black Sabbath, Ivins perfectly captures the lethal combination of loud fuzz guitars and serious singing that sets these girls apart from the usual "Detroit Garage Sound". Of course, a rock record from Detroit wouldn't be complete without Ghetto Recorders. This record is truly graced by 3 glam-basted, Jim Diamond produced tracks, including a cover courtesy of the little known in the states, pre NY Dolls British rock kings (queens?), The Hollywood Brats.

Speaking of covers- The Sirens unapologetically mine the endless supply of nuggets that inspire them- The offerings on this record run the full gamut of their flawless taste from Roky Erickson to Suzi Quatro, the Equals to Timi Yuro. While firmly rooted in '70s Glam, the girls defiantly place no restrictions on their musical horizons.

The Sirens,The Sirens,Get Hip Records,Garage Rock Revival,Indie Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

The Sirens
Sirens Of The Ditch
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A great debut CD, with the best song of the year so far
  • Amazing Album!
  • One of Rock 'n Rolls Brightest today...
  • Listen to this!
  • Excellent CD!
 Sirens Of The Ditch
Jason Isbell
Manufacturer: New West Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000QUU2UW
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

  1. Brand New Kind Of Actress (5:31)
  2. Down In A Hole (4:18)
  3. Try (4:48)
  4. Chicago Promenade (3:19)
  5. Dress Blues (4:07)
  6. Grown (3:42)
  7. Hurricanes and Hand Grenades (5:07)
  8. In A Razor Town (3:15)
  9. Shotgun Wedding (3:45)
  10. The Magician (4:16)
  11. The Devil Is My Running Mate (3:45)

Amazon.com

Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Isbell was a driving force in the rousing postmodern Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers. Sirens of the Ditch is his solo debut. A resident of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Isbell clearly has Catholic taste in his roots rock. His backing band throws together a pleasant mélange of pedal steel, organ, strummed acoustic guitar, and heartfelt Americana vocals. At first, it sounds like something you've heard before a thousand times, by Ryan Adams or was that Bryan Adams. However, on closer inspection, there's a lot more going on. After rhyming "bitch" with "ditch" in the song "Ditch," Isbell throws in a line about "dancing to 'Purple Rain'" and you're drawn in, to a clearly delineated but poetic storyline and gorgeous melodies. Isbell's best songs will remind you of Richard Buckner, Raymond Carver, and Neil Young. "Dress Blues" might be the most sympathetic and awesome song about the Iraq war yet written. Huzzah. --Mike McGonigal

Product Description

Accomplished guitarist and songwriter Jason Isbell, formerly of Drive By Truckers (DBT), releases his debut solo album Sirens Of The Ditch.

The album rocks with 11 tracks all written by Isbell kicking off with "Brand New Kind Of Actress", followed by the rocker "Down In A Hole", a swampy number featuring Muscle Shoals natives Spooner Oldham and David Hood. Isbell s songwriting skills shine especially on "Dress Blues" a pensive ballad about a high-school classmate who lost his life fighting in Iraq and "Chicago Promenade" a tribute to his late Grandfather.

Listeners caught glimpses of Isbell s skills on Drive-By Truckers records with tracks like "Danko/Manuel" and "Outfit".

Sirens Of The Ditch's mystical quality can be partially attributed to the FAME recording studio (Aretha Franklin, Duane Allman, Otis Redding) in Isbell s hometown of Muscle Shoals, AL where the album was recorded. A lot of old soul musicians came through here in the late 60s and 70s and helped define the Muscle Shoals sound, the lifelong Alabamian explains, so that influence was always in my environment, but on this record I really tried to capture that.

Co-produced by Isbell and Patterson Hood (DBT), Sirens Of The Ditch features Isbell singing lead vocals and playing guitar throughout, joined by Shonna Tucker (DBT) on Bass and Brad Morgan (DBT) on drums. Several musicians pop in for cameos including Spooner Oldham and David Hood (Patterson s father) on "Down In A Hole", John Neff (DBT) on "Dress Blues" and Patterson himself guests on "Shotgun Wedding".

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A great debut CD, with the best song of the year so far.......2007-07-15

If you were lucky enough to see DBT during the Isbell years, then you probably understand why he left the band: here was a talented, driven dude who had mastered his voice, his guitar, and songwriting -- and was restrained by playing third fiddle to Hood and Cooley, both fine musicians and songwriters in thier own right. It was easy even then to envision Jason heading out on his own for a legendary solo career. He's done so, and lived up to the promise of such great songs as "G'dammned Lonely Love," "Decoration Day," and the unforgettable "Outfit."

The whole album is great, but if there's a better song than "Dress Blues" released this year, I'll be monumentally surprised. If John Prine had grown up in Muscle Shoals and was beginning his career during Gulf War II, this is what his songs would have sounded like.

Great Job, Jason. Can't wait to see you and the band play in Cincinnati on July 26th!

5 out of 5 stars Amazing Album!.......2007-07-13

I've been a fan of DBT and specifically of Jason's for a few years now, and am so happy this much anticipated album is finally out. Jason Isbell is an unbelievably talented song writer and musician, and this album reflects that talent. I've been listening to it non-stop since I picked it up July 10th. This album is a must have, and if you get a chance, go see Jason live. He puts on a rockin' show- you will not be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars One of Rock 'n Rolls Brightest today..........2007-07-11

I had the privilege to hear Jason with his band the 400 Unit debut this new material in Memphis a few weeks ago along with his DBT songs. I truly believe he's one of the brightest young singer/songwriters out there today and only seems to get better. This is a stew pot of influences, in particular, Neil Young,Dylan,the Stones,Springsteen,Ryan Adams,Jay Farrar stirred in with Booker T. & the MG's, Muscle Shoals rhythm and Haggard. "Dress Blues" is just one of the best songs I've ever heard period, but they're all excellent. I still love DBT but that's just too much songwriting talent for one band. If you get the chance go check out Jason and his stellar band. Rock on Jason and DBT.

5 out of 5 stars Listen to this!.......2007-07-11

Jason Isbell is on the cusp of "majordom" A fine singer/ guitarist, quality songwriter, this is a great 1st cd, or any cd, if you love music, real music, buy this, and tell other people to buy it too!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent CD!.......2007-07-10

I only recently discovered Jason Isbell, and I loved the songs he wrote with DBT (while not much liking DBT). This CD is everything I had hoped for. Beautiful ballads, a few rocking tunes, a diverse mix of styles, and all tied together by Jason's funny, smart and wise lyrics. Anyone who loves real music needs to hear Jason Isbell.
Jane Eyre, the Musical (Original 2000 Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Buy!
  • Perfect Match
  • Probably the most beautiful musical of all time
  • Beautiful!
  • A good musical
 Jane Eyre, the Musical (Original 2000 Broadway Cast)
John Caird
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000051Y31
Release Date: 2000-11-21

Tracks:

  1. The Orphan
  2. Children of God
  3. Forgiveness
  4. The Graveyard
  5. Sweet Liberty
  6. Secrets of the House
  7. Act One: Perfectly Nice
  8. Act One: As Good As You
  9. Secret Soul
  10. Finer Things
  11. The Pledge
  12. Sirens
  13. Things Beyond This Earth
  14. Painting Her Portrait
  15. In the Light of the Virgin Morning
  16. The Gypsy
  17. The Proposal
  18. Slip of a Girl
  19. Sirens (Reprise)
  20. Farewell, Good Angel
  21. My Maker
  22. Rain
  23. The Voice Across the Moors
  24. Poor Sister
  25. Brave Enough for Love

Amazon.com

Here's another to join the parade of page-to-stage musicals inspired by 19th-century fiction. This ambitious adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's haunting classic Jane Eyre for the musical theater seems to be part of a trend represented most famously by Les Misérables. It also reflects the increasing pressure to schedule an original cast recording release as close as possible to a new show's Broadway opening: in this case, in fact, the CD was both recorded and released prior to the show's opening in December 2000 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. But what's most significant for the artistic character of Jane Eyre: The Musical is found in yet another pattern: like a number of his colleagues, composer-lyricist Paul Gordon comes to the project from a pop music industry background (best known for his hit "Friends and Lovers"). And quite a few of the show's numbers benefit from Gordon's catchy craftwork, weaving melodies that are clearly destined to be whistled long past curtain. Yet the effect is sometimes too facile, not diving as deep as we would like into the emotional predicaments of Brontë's characters. You begin to crave a more deftly defined and imagined variety of sound worlds (especially for the darker aspects of Thornfield Hall) than what is hinted at. Gordon doesn't forge any new paths, but his melodic fluency does have its moments of payoff--especially in the moving final duet "Brave Enough for Love," which is also strong enough to stand on its own.

Gordon's predilections as a would-be son of Sondheim are nevertheless clear, and he's telescoped the story into mostly effective lyrics, with some thoughtful juxtapositions of material. Most importantly, he understands that this is more than a Gothic romance, foregrounding the central message of forgiveness that Jane learns as a girl. He attempts to explore the injured sense of self shared by both Jane and Rochester and sets them on a painful, mutual voyage of discovery.

The creative team also includes the veteran duo John Caird (book and direction) and John Napier (scenic design), who have collaborated on such epics as Les Mis and Nicholas Nickleby (not to mention the Las Vegas Siegfried and Roy extravaganza). And the show's creators seem to share a vision geared toward the more operatic end of the spectrum (it was opera composers, after all, who early on claimed 19th-century Gothic fiction for the stage, as in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor), with an actual parody of coloratura in one showstopper ("The Finer Things") given to Blanche Ingram. Fortunately, the two principals have large, richly expressive voices to encompass the large, complicated emotions of these characters. Marla Schaffel singswith unusual beauty and brings dimension to her Jane, while James Barbour (whose resumé includes Beauty and the Beast) is never really threatening as Rochester, but rather a tortured soul who is sweet-voiced even at his most cynical. Mary Stout is a stitch as the blustery Mrs. Fairfax. While the show has already undergone a lengthy evolution from its very first workshops, the viability of its final, fully staged realization has yet to be determined. But this cast recording conveys an authentic sense of the musical's atmosphere and emotional scope. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great Buy!.......2007-06-08

Not only was this CD super cheap, it also arrived at my house 3 days later!

4 out of 5 stars Perfect Match.......2007-03-16

The music in this album really gave me the feeling of reading the book. I think the songs were well chosen and well written, except of course for the songs sung by Mrs. Fairfax... I could have done without those. Jane and Mr. Rochester's songs carry the story well and they sound lovely. For any musical lover, or romance fan I definitely recommend this album.

5 out of 5 stars Probably the most beautiful musical of all time.......2007-02-16

This is a hidden gem and if you buy it and listen to it, I don't see how you can not love it. I have bought many, many Broadway cast albums but I still am a popster at heart. With all that said, this is a cast album that soars above the crowd.

I bought this several years ago and have listened to it repeatedly since I got it. Why do I love it so much? First of all, the lyrics are full of heart and emotion and tell the story ably. But it is the music and the performances that are truly remarkable here. The melodies are memorable and absolutely exquisite. The orchestration is lush but not sappy. The performances by the two leads are nothing less than stunning.

I never get bored with this wonderful cast album and it is very, very highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful!.......2007-01-28

I listen to this soundtrack all the time and I never get tired of the songs. If Charlotte Bronte story was written as a musical, then this would definitely be it.

4 out of 5 stars A good musical.......2006-07-20

if you like old-fashioned romantic stuff, this one's for you. Some songs are very inspired, the music is,for the most part, quite beautiful, and the story line keeps the essence of the Bronte novel. I heard this right after "Wuthering Heights: the musical", which is quite good, yet this is superior. Give it a try and you might be nicely surprised. I would highly recommend it to the ones who know the novel and to English Literature students: it offers a different and interesting approach to the novel.
Between the Heart and the Synapse
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Best CD Ever
  • pinnacle of everything that is modern "emo"
  • Stands out and above the emo label bestowed upon it...
  • For fans of Jimmy Eat World
  • What a debut!
 Between the Heart and the Synapse
The Receiving End of Sirens
Manufacturer: Triple Crown
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007YMVE2
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

  1. Prologue
  2. Planning A Prison Break
  3. The Rival Cycle
  4. The Evidence
  5. The War Of All Against All
  6. ...Then I Defy You, Stars
  7. Intermission
  8. This Armistice
  9. Broadcast Quality
  10. Flee The Factory
  11. Dead Men Tell No Tales
  12. Venona
  13. Epilogue

Album Description

Electronically enhanced hard rockin' in the vein of Hot Rod Circuit meets The Refused. Their unique sound, sharpened by producer Matt Squire (Northstar, Thrice), recreates the boundaries of the genre. They have a hearty appetite for touring and a face-melting live show.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Best CD Ever.......2006-10-18

They are unlike any other band. Don't even worry about what 'genre' they fall into. The Receiving End of Sirens rocks.

5 out of 5 stars pinnacle of everything that is modern "emo".......2006-09-27

the pinnacle of everything that is modern "emo", although i know that tag is misleading and incorrect (see: coheed, funeral for a friend, probably a dozen bands on mtv2, etc). soaring, strong melodies over top of slick drumming (with occassional aid of electronics) and sweet guitar licks. the band is clearly influenced by radiohead and genesis as much as they are fugazi and quicksand. very unique outing that serves both as a milestone of whatever scene some might lump them in and as the album that would make people shake the predominant view that all "emo" is uninspired, boring, and melodramatic.

5 out of 5 stars Stands out and above the emo label bestowed upon it..........2006-09-18

These days, being emo is what's in but knowing emo is unfound. There are different styles of music that could all be associated with the emo label, and it could be said that emo's best days are behind them as bands try to emulate a sound that has grown tired and lacking fresh ideas.

The Receiving End of Sirens is a band that is thrown into today's mix, but they have the most diverse, powerful, and emotional sound out there. They combine elements of progressive, hardcore, punk, and metal to create something so involving and compelling that it's unlike anything considered emo nowadays. To rate this album song by song will be a disservice to the progression the listener experiences. This is not an album with filler or no direction. It is clear yet complex, optimistic while tormented, and imagined despite the reality.

It's quite amazing how a band who quietly opened a show for Saves the Day in Philadelphia would turn out to be the most inventive band we've seen from the genre in years. I don't know how they'll follow up this album but I'll be intrigued to find out. If you haven't already listened to them, you are definitely missing out on the most sensational debut I heard in 2005. Pick up Between the Heart and the Synapse and you will definitely not regret it.

3 out of 5 stars For fans of Jimmy Eat World.......2006-08-11

Call it what you will... Emo/Alt/Indie Rock with heavy guitar? I don't know what the kids are calling it these days, but whatever it is, it's good. However, I do have that nagging feeling at the back of my head that makes me feel like TREOS are just copying what Jimmy Eat World successfully accomplished with "Clarity" and "Static Prevails" before they sold their souls to the Pop-Machine on "Bleed American" and then made their unimpressive effort "Futures" (what I call "The Lullabye" album). This is a good replacement for Jimmy Eat World... but nothing new or innovative. Excuse me while I go listen to "Robot Factory"...!

5 out of 5 stars What a debut!.......2006-08-01

I'll go ahead and say this right away. This is a really, really good album.

For a debut, BTHATS is nothing short of amazing. Every song is crafted so pefectly. Some standout tracks for me are:

Planning a Prison Break
...Then I Defy You, Stars
This Armistice
Broadcast Quality
The Rival Cycle
Epilogue

Even "Intermission" is a great song. The CD's awesome from beginning to end. Recommended to everyone with ears.

5/5
Waiting for the Sirens' Call (U.S. Bonus Track)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Smashing
  • Greatest Album since Beatles White Album
  • SUMNER
  • The Comeback Continues...
  • Grows On You...
 Waiting for the Sirens' Call (U.S. Bonus Track)
New Order
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0007WFYD4
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

  1. Who's Joe?
  2. Hey Now What You Doing
  3. Waiting for the Sirens Call
  4. Krafty
  5. I Told You So
  6. Morning Night & Day
  7. Dracula's Castle
  8. Jetstream
  9. Guilt Is A Useless Emotion
  10. Turn
  11. Working Overtime
  12. Guilt Is A Useless Emotion - U.S. Bonus Track

Amazon.com

The Killers. Interpol. Franz Ferdinand. Without New Order's influence they could have all ended up making albums of country & western ballads. Since the demise of Joy Division in 1980, the British synth-pop quartet has been diligently changing the course of popular music, lobbing unlikely but inventive hits like "Blue Monday" and "True Faith" into the charts. Twenty-five years on, New Order remains shockingly vital. Its eighth proper album overflows with shimmering melodies, anchored by Peter Hook's spine-tingling bass lines and Bernard Sumner's thin but emotive voice in thrilling new songs like "Krafty" and "Dracula's Castle." -- Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Smashing.......2007-02-08

I'd drifted away from New Order in the past decade or so. Even the inclusion of Billy Corgan wasn't enough to pique my interest, 'cause the music didn't seem to be as good as their old stuff. I finally got around to checking out this album a couple of months ago, and was blown away. It's a terrific collection of songs that on any other album would be highlights. Catchy, clever, compulsive, and classic - and that's just the compliments beginning with 'C'. Great stuff.

5 out of 5 stars Greatest Album since Beatles White Album.......2006-11-14

It is now November 2006 and I still can't take it out of my deck. I also have it in my MP3 player. I went to the Concert in May 2005 and believe the band keeps getting better and better. I await their next album. Buy this one though.

5 out of 5 stars SUMNER.......2006-11-03

what a great band. I have been a fan of this band since republic came out and now i have everything by them i am a fanatic when it comes to them. this is a great album with great catchy songs. great music from manchester england. this is classic music , not the crap you hear in america the top forty crap. great music from manchester, when i think of now order i always think of england. bernard sumner has one of the greatest voices ever and peter hook is a classic. my favorite songs on this album are KRAFTY, WAITING FOR THE SIRENS CALL , WHO"S JOE and so many others great songs. can't wait for the new album.

5 out of 5 stars The Comeback Continues..........2006-10-31

Great album - more synth-heavy and musically diverse than 2001's GET READY, but not as cohesive or moving. Possibly not the best choice to start with for new fans, tho. Try LOW-LIFE instead. Here's a quick breakdown:

Who's Joe (8/10): Excellent opener saved from mediocrity by spectacular bass riffs during the chorus.

Hey Now (7/10): Unfortunately, Hooky didn't save this bland rocker (oxymoron?) from relative mediocrity. Sounds more like Electronic (Barney's side project with former Smith's guitarist Johnny Marr) than NO. Not that Electronic's so bad...

Krafty (10/10): Possibly their greatest single ever (and this is really saying something!). Absolute New Order heaven. Reminds me of their criminally unknown track, Such A Good Thing.

Waiting For The Siren's Call (10/10): Another all-time classic - better than virtually anything since 93's Regret. One of Hook's most distinctive and addictive licks ever, and a masterful performance by the entire group. It's flabbergasting they're this good 25 years on!

I Told You So (8/10): An abrupt switch to pure techno, which would not have worked if the song wasn't so good. Like many NO tunes, this one's a grower. Dark, swaggering, sophisticated, & sexual.

Morning Night And Day (7/10): Here's where the album starts sagging. Nothing awful, but the next few don't even compare to tracks 3 and 4. Still, pretty good ear candy.

Dracula's Castle (7/10): Run of the mill. Too synth- heavy and melodically meandering. Should have been a b-side for Krafty.

Jetstream (8/10): Not bad - this one was a minor hit - but something about it leaves me cold. This dancy, druggy collaboration with Ana Matronic didn't really need to be a single.

Guilt Is A Useless Emotion (9/10): Great title, great song. Pure, stomping techno, the likes of which we haven't heard from NO since 89's TECHNIQUE. Unlike some of the previous numbers, this time the electronica really works for them. The first in a trilogy of whoppers that close out SIREN'S CALL.

Turn (9/10): Cited by many online fans as the best track, this one's a driving and emotional pop gem - elegiac, catchy, and more rock-oriented like the first four tracks.

Working Overtime (9/10): Adrenalized punk-pop, Green Day-style. It all comes together on this fantastically alive rocker that leaves you grinning as the disk stops. NO have a long history of closing their albums in grand style, and this is one of their best. Along the same lines as Rock The Shack, but distinctly better.

Overall grade: 9/10. Heed the call.

4 out of 5 stars Grows On You..........2006-10-28

I've had this album for quite some time now, and after initially being disappointed,the album has steadily grown on me. The songs are incredibly catchy and seem to linger...and somehow the album returns to the CD player.

**** out of 5.



Sirens of Song: Classic Torch Singers
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • My favorite CD for jazz standards
  • Blankets of Nostalgic Bliss
  • Soft . . . Soulful . . . Sighing . . . or Sad .
  • So So Sirens
  • Listen once and you're hooked
 Sirens of Song: Classic Torch Singers
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000033V0
Release Date: 1997-04-01

Tracks:

  1. Cry Me A River - Julie London
  2. Black Coffee - Sarah Vaughan
  3. Stormy Blues - Billie Holiday
  4. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You - Ella Fitzgerald
  5. But Not For Me - Judy Garland
  6. Stormy Weather - Lena Horne
  7. Come Rain Or Come Shine - Marlene Dietrich
  8. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - Eartha Kitt
  9. La Vie En Rose (Sung In English) - Edith Piaf
  10. At Last - Etta James
  11. Since I Fell For You - Nina Simone
  12. What A Difference A Day Makes - Dinah Washington
  13. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good - Carmen McRae
  14. Soul On Fire - LaVern Baker
  15. I'll Wait For You - Ruth Brown

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars My favorite CD for jazz standards.......2006-05-19

I absolutely love this CD. I've had it for years and never get bored of it. Not only are they terrific songs, they are wonderful performances by the great vocalists of that time. I really enjoy buying jazz cds with various artists because I can sample new artists. After buying this CD I went on to buy music by Julie London, Eartha Kitt, and the list goes on. Great standards and great performance - the way these songs should be sung! Cry Me a River and Black Coffee - my favorites!

By the way, there's one review that describes this cd as man-bashing. I don't get that feeling when I listen to the CD. To me, it's fantastic love songs - and sometimes love is sad or unfair, or really great - and that's all there is to it.

5 out of 5 stars Blankets of Nostalgic Bliss.......2005-10-22

Can you hear the soothing rawness of the needle landing on the vinyl? Can you smell the rich ruby lip rouge seducing the sound stage? Can you see the swaying sirens blessed with longing lungs and forelorn hearts? Here you have Edith Piaf and Etta James, the songs Cry Me a River and Smoke Gets In Your Eyes. This collection sealed my arrival to true womanhood and music lover land. Listening to these ladies, true Torch Singers, I felt transported back to the hallways of my parents' high schools and my grandparents' parlour rooms. The biographical writings contained in the CD jacket makes for good reading as a luxe bonus. I've had this tremendous collections for years now but all that currently remains is the gorgeous CD cover, so I'm putting a freshly sealed copy in my shopping cart, as should you. Bought during a strange Eartha Kitt fixation, this CD offers a wealth of long satisfying listening pleasures. Run a bath on a rainy day or take a stroll through a fresh snowfall. Whatever ambient escape you desire, this auric interlude will warm you with blankets of nostalgic bliss.

5 out of 5 stars Soft . . . Soulful . . . Sighing . . . or Sad ........2004-02-21

This review relates to the musical CD, "Sirens of Song:
Classic Torch Singers." Rhino: R2 72514. 1997.
The atmosphere, locale, and tone of these songs
and presentations is close, soft, intimate, jazzy blue,
and easily accessible.
The songs and singers are: "Cry Me A River", Julie
London; "Black Coffee", Sarah Vaughan; "Stormy
Blues", Billie Holiday; "I'm Getting Sentimental Over
You", Ella Fitzgerald; "But Not For Me", Judy Garland;
"Stormy Weather", Lena Horne; "Come Rain or Come Shine",
Marlene Dietrich; "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", Eartha Kitt;
"La Vie En Rose" (in English), Edith Piaf; "At Last";
Etta James; "Since I Fell For You", Nina Simone; "What A
Difference A Day Makes", Dinah Washington; "I Got It Bad
And That Ain't Good", Carmen McRae; "Soul On Fire",
LaVern Baker; "I'll Wait For You", Ruth Brown.
What really fascinates and pleases on this disc are
the distinctive tonalities, stylings, and intimate
involvement with the songs which each of these ladies
presents. As each voice comes on with its own song
of love-lorn experience and "wisdom" gained, it is
instantly recognizable as belonging to the particular
lady who sings it. There is pathos in these songs,
but scarely any pitiful whining. And, strangely,
although the subject matter is about sadness and
loss, the presentations are soft and soulful, very
restful and in a way, comforting. That's the way
of the world -- it happens to us all -- life is
not just laughter and blase glitz, it's also
cold experience and pain, but at some point there
has to be soulful, restful assessment and release.
For me, the slight irritation in some of the orchestrations,
is the "intrusion" of the jazzy, muted trumpets as if
inserting a bit of razzing worldly smart-aleck
comment. The other possible irritation for some
may be the inclusion of Marlene Dietrich among these
stylish ladies of song -- hers seems more like a
"campy" inclusion, with even a talking portion in
the song.
The personal standouts for me are Billie Holiday,
Ella Fitzgerald (stylish sophistication personified),
Eartha Kitt, Edith Piaf, Etta James, Dinah Washington
(what a special sound her voice has!), Carmen McRae
(another special sound).
The booklet included has excellent photographs of
Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald,
Judy Garland, Julie London, Eartha Kitt, Marlene
Dietrich, Etta James, and LaVern Baker.
The purpose is: "The lives of the women who pour their
hearts out on -Sirens of Song: Classic Torch Singers-
read like a litany of heartache, hardship, seesaws of
rejection and adoration, and deaths that came too soon.
Emotion and upheaval make for 'good torch.' Technically,
a torch song is about unrequited love. Here we have
broadened the definition to include all aspects of
love -- good, bad, and uncontrollable -- for that
special, or ultimately not-so-special someone." --
Norma Campbell Edwards. "Happy" listening.
-----------------------------
-- Robert Kilgore.

3 out of 5 stars So So Sirens.......2004-02-15

I appreciate good jazz vocals; but, these are just ok jazz vocals, with big name singers. I guess I had expected the songs to be cleaned up a bit - you know digitally perfect. While there are a lot of wonderful songs here, by most of the original performers, that does not make them the best versions of the songs. Unfortunately the feel of the songs gradually goes from lounge jazz (good) to early Doo-whop (just ok). Still, if you're in the mood for some historic / nostalgic performances by the first first ladies of music, there is a place in your collection for this disk. I personally enjoyed Judy Garland's: But Not For Me.

The one other thing about the CD I didn't care for was the marketing technique used. It is an honorable thing to support shelters for battered women; however, it is not necessary to employ subtle, emotional male-bashing in the liner notes. Our two genders will never achieve equality, if they can't treat each other with respect and consideration.

5 out of 5 stars Listen once and you're hooked.......2004-01-23

I used to work part-time at Tower Records. Every day when you work at Tower, you get to play a CD sometime during the course of your shift. Whenever I played this CD, customers would flock up to the front counter wanting to know what it was and where in the store they could find it (the first time the copy I was playing was the only copy in the store -- the first customer who asked me for it got to buy it right off the CD player and I had to special-order it for a bunch of other people). It got so popular in the store that the manager ordered a bunch and put the CD on one of the preview-play stations.
Sirens and Condolences
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Pretty good overall but softer than I expected
  • AMAZING
  • Not to shabby
  • Yes they do sound just like alkaline trio!
  • excellent excellent
 Sirens and Condolences
Bayside
Manufacturer: Victory Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Bayside
  2. Acoustic
  3. The Walking Wounded
  4. When Broken Is Easily Fixed
  5. Discovering the Waterfront

ASIN: B00018U8P8
Release Date: 2004-01-27

Tracks:

  1. Masterpiece
  2. Poison In My Veins
  3. Phone Call From Poland
  4. Talking Of Michelangelo
  5. Alcohol And Altar Boys
  6. A Synonym For Acquiesce
  7. How To Fix Everything
  8. Kellum
  9. If You're Bored
  10. Just Enough To Love You
  11. Guardrail

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Pretty good overall but softer than I expected.......2006-06-26

First of all I'll clear up the confusion about the resemblance of this band with Alkaline Trio, the guy's voice sounds very similar but the music is nothing like it. This album starts off very strongly with the hit "Masterpiece" which bears its name in honour because it really is a masterpiece. The album is not very challenging musically however, this band makes an effort to try to sound more interesting than the other bands like them because this band includes quite a lot of guitar solos, and even though they may not be metal 200 kmh tapping, they blend in very nicely with the songs and give Bayside some originality, basically, this band can play their instruments well and have nice ideas but none of them are real geniuses with their instruments. Most of this album is quite soft, and I expected it to have a heavier and more punk edge, but in reality it is very emo, and they do have some similarities with Alkaline Trio. Basically if you like Alkaline Trio, or if you are looking for a less punk version of Lost City Angels this album should be a good buy for you.

5 out of 5 stars AMAZING.......2006-03-25

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT CD BUY IT
LISTEN TWICE AND U ARE HOOKED I PROMISE OR I'LL GIVE YOUR MONEY BACK THATS HOW SURE I AM OF THIS N=BAND AND THERE SOUND
~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 out of 5 stars Not to shabby.......2006-01-03

I bought this CD after hearing "Masterpiece" on the Victory sampler, just like the rest of the world. All though the band doesn't seem to bring much to the table, I find myself listening to this CD all the time. While "Masterpiece" is a great song, tracks 6, 7, and 9, I think are the best on the album. Also there is no screaming like the rest of the Victory bands, so its smoother listening for the more melodic fans. It also is a more rock sound, not a whiney emo sound like the rest of the bands out there. A definite buy, unlike Hawthorne from the sampler.

2 out of 5 stars Yes they do sound just like alkaline trio!.......2005-12-29

Im gonna have to agree with the reviewer who compared Bayside to alkaline trio... and disagree with the one who said they didnt. and if you want to hear something that sounds just like alkaline trio you might as well buy alkaline trio.

not a big fan of em but fav track on here is kellum

5 out of 5 stars excellent excellent.......2005-11-21

i really really enjoy this album. As far as favorite tracks, most people list my favorites, but I would have to add track 9, "If You're Bored" as a favorite. I suppose being later in the CD makes it less noticable. Really, all the tracks on this album are good.
Waldteufel: Famous Waltzes
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES AT BUDGET PRICE
 Waldteufel: Famous Waltzes

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | Waltzes | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
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$6.99 and Under$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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  1. Lehár: Waltzes
  2. Skaters Waltz: Les Patineurs
  3. The Best of Operetta, Vol. 2
  4. The Best of Operetta, Vol. 1
  5. The Best of Operetta, Vol. 3

ASIN: B0000014FR
Release Date: 1997-03-18

Tracks:

  1. Les Patineurs, Op. 183 (The Skaters)
  2. Trjolie, Op. 159 (Very Pretty)
  3. Estudiantina, Op. 191
  4. Pomone, Op. 155 (Pomona)
  5. EspaOp. 236
  6. Solitude, Op. 174
  7. Les Sirs, Op. 154 (The Sirens)
  8. Pluie de diamants, Op. 160 (Golden Rain)
  9. Mon r, Op. 151 (My Dream)

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES AT BUDGET PRICE.......2000-07-19

Until now, Waldteufel's music has been largely understated, probably because it is not considered serious music and also that there's no one to keep alive the tradition of performing his music (which is probably also due to the first reason) as the Vienna Philharmonic have been doing with Johann Strauss' waltzes. This recording by the Slovak State Philharmonic (Kosice), with Alfred Walter conducting, brings together some of the most popular of Waldteufel's compositions, the most famous being the "Skater's Waltz"; the tempo, on the whole, is well paced, however I prefer Anton Paulik's rendition with the Vienna State Opera Orchestra on the Vanguard label. Two other well know pieces are on here, Estudiantina and the Espana Waltz (after Chabrier). For a relatively, young orchestra, the Kosice play extremely well. And Alfred Walter has the appropriate skills to bring out the right rhythm. What's more exciting (a little mysterious, even) about this recording is that every track on this CD is directly transferred from Marco Polo's Waldteufel series. But this CD costs half as much as the ones under the name, Marco Polo; I know that Naxos and Marco Polo are affiliated, but that still doesn't help me explain the price difference. Hence, this should be an extra incentive for you to go and get this CD!
Sirens
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Silver Anniversary Edition
 Sirens
Savatage
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Dungeons Are Calling
  2. Power of the Night
  3. Hall of the Mountain King
  4. Fight for the Rock
  5. Streets: A Rock Opera

ASIN: B0000645KY
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Silver Anniversary Edition.......2006-04-21

So what sets the Silver Anniversary Edition of Savatage's 1983 classic Sirens apart from the earlier Metal Blade release? Both versions had remastered sound as well as bonus material. The earlier Metal Blade disc featured two tracks - Lady in Disguise and the Message. The 2002 Silver Anniversary Edition features three bonus tracks: Target, Living on the Edge of Time, and an untitled track. The untitled track is a laid back acoustic guitar piece, but the others are vintage Savatage, and totally fit the mood of the rest of the album.
Unfortunately the Silver Anniversary Edition does not contain the two bonus tracks from the earlier version, so Savatage completists (like me) need to have each version in their collection.
As an added bonus, the Silver Anniversary Edition features extensive liner notes on the band's early years written by original drummer Steve "Dr. Killdrums" Wacholz. To get the full story you'll have to get the Silver Edition of Dungeons are Calling as well, but I figure die-hard Savatage fans would plan on buying that one anyway.

The track listing is as follows:
1. Sirens
2. Holocaust
3. I Believe
4. Rage
5. On the Run
6. Twisted Little Sister
7. Living for the Night
8. Scream Murder
9. Out on the Streets
10. Target
11. Living on the Edge of Time
12-98: blank tracks
99. Untitled Track
Hallelujah Sirens
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • nice
  • Addictive Melodious Guitars
  • A Mediocre Effort Plagued by Subpar Vocals and Boring Ballads
 Hallelujah Sirens
Dirty on Purpose
Manufacturer: North Street Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000FS9NAA
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

  1. No Radio
  2. Your Summer Dress
  3. Lake Effect
  4. Light Pollution
  5. Car No Driver
  6. Always Looking
  7. Always Looking
  8. Marfa Lights
  9. Monument
  10. Kill Our City
  11. Fake Lakes

Album Description

Following the buzz of their "Sleep Late For a Better Tomorrow" EP, Dirty on Purpose will release their much anticipated debut full length, "Hallelujah Sirens" in June 2006. Often described as ethereal and emotional space-rock, Dirty on Purpose, a four-piece from Brooklyn, NY, beautifully combine sonic washes of noise with delicate, pretty harmonies. "Hallelujah Sirens" features 10 brand new, rich and diverse songs that span from upbeat tracks like "No Radio" and "Monument" to songs that build up slowly and explode with intensity like "Your Summer Dress" and "Fake Lakes." Gatefold Digipak.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars nice.......2006-09-25

Dirty On Purpose are this cool band from Brooklyn. I saw the lead singer walking around my old neighborhood of Williamsburg. They came out with an EP a few years ago. It was promising. But now we have the full album. They are this New York rock band that is sometimes psychedelic and sometimes into shoegazer stuff. "No Radio" reminds me of Belle & Sebastian. "Always Looking" is one of the best songs here. Sometimes they get spaced out like Mogwai on a few songs. Dirty On Purpose are an original band, and this is their strongest record yet. I look forward to their live show.

4 out of 5 stars Addictive Melodious Guitars.......2006-08-11

I really enjoy listening to this entire album because it has fantastic guitar work. Every song is melodious and fairly mellow, but with a hint of a hard edge. If you're undecided about buying this album, I strongly suggest listening to the free clips that Amazon offers. They'll give you a good feel for whether you'll like this album, which is consistent throughout.

2 out of 5 stars A Mediocre Effort Plagued by Subpar Vocals and Boring Ballads.......2006-08-02

I was really excited about this debut from the NYC band Dirty on Purpose when I first downloaded a couple of tracks from their website. I decided not to listen to the remaining songs and ordered the CD right away. To my great regret this album turned out to be a disappointment. More than half of the material sounds like it's filler, especially the lacklustre ballads which pointlessly ruin the uplifting pace set from the start. Even the better songs are lacking in originality. We've heard it all before, shoegazing drones, post-rock rhythms and sounds. All of the band members' takes on vocals sound somewhat unconvincing and bland. Even though the band managed to deliver some good sounds and tunes, the album still sounds like a compilation of songs that were not meant to be released together. I wish they released an EP instead of this, keeping only the best songs and arranging them in the best possible order. What we've got here is merely palatable but by no means tasty.
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius; Parry: Blest Pair of Sirens; I was glad
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A deeply involving performance of Elgar's masterpiece.
 Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius; Parry: Blest Pair of Sirens; I was glad

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by ElgarAll Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Elgar: The Kingdom
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  3. Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
  4. Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius
  5. Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius - The Music Makers / Gedda, Watts, Lloyd, Baker; Boult

ASIN: B000000AHU
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

  1. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Prelude
  2. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Jesu, Maria - I Am Near To Death (Gerontius)
  3. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Kyrie eleison
  4. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Rouse Thee, My Fainting Soul (Gerontius)
  5. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Be Merciful, Be Gracious
  6. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Sanctus fortis, Sanctus Deus (Gerontius)
  7. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: I Can No More; For Now It Comes Again (Gerontius)
  8. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Rescue Him, O Lord
  9. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Novissima hora est (Gerontius)
  10. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Proficiscere, anima Christiana (The Priest)
  11. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part One: Go, In The Name Of Angels
  12. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Introduction: I Went To Sleep
  13. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: My Work Is Done (The Angel)
  14. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: All Hail, My Child (The Angel)
  15. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Low-Born Clods Of Brute Earth
  16. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: It Is The Restless Panting Of Their Being (The Angel)
  17. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: The Mind Bold And Independent
  18. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: I See Not Those False Spirits (The Angel)
  19. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Praise To The Holiest
  20. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: The Sound Is Like The Rushing Of The Wind
  21. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Glory To Him
  22. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: They Sing Of Thy Approaching Agony (The Angel)
  23. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: But Hark! A Grand Mysterious Harmony
  24. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: And Now The Threshold (The Angel)
  25. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Praise To The Holiest

Tracks:

  1. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Thy Judgment Now Is Near (The Angel)
  2. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Jesu! By That Shuddering Dread (The Angel)
  3. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Be Merciful, Be Gracious
  4. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Praise To His Name! (The Angel)
  5. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Take Me Away (Take Me Away)
  6. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge
  7. The Dream Of Gerontius, Op. 38: Part Two: Softly And Gently
  8. Blest Pair Of Sirens
  9. I Was Glad

Amazon.com

British music critics become positively lachrymose when reminiscing about their favorite recordings of this piece, but for many people its appeal really is a purely local phenomenon. The story is simple: Gerontius dies and goes before God to be judged, at which point he gets sent to work off his time in purgatory. This takes about an hour and a half, and the text is stiff and stilted beyond belief. Nonetheless, the piece contains some of the most magnificent music that Elgar ever wrote, and unlike so much religious music of his peers, his emotional expression is completely uninhibited. The same thing can be said of Richard Hickox's conducting. If you can get past the words, you'll find this blazing performance a deeply satisfying expression of Elgar's most personal musical thoughts. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A deeply involving performance of Elgar's masterpiece........2000-01-20

David Hurvitz is right about British music critics being enthusiastic about Gerontius, but they aren't the only ones: Gerontius is performed more frequently in the UK than any other choral work, except for The Messiah.

Newman's libretto may be stilted in places, but it rises to an eloquence greater than that of many operas, and a number of composers, including Dvorak, considered setting it to music. Often the words are stunningly right. When Gerontius dies and finds himself in another world, he describes his condition like this: "I hear no more the busy beat of time ... Nor does one moment differ from the next." This may not be the way someone today would say it, but it is graceful and memorable English, and Newman's words inspired Elgar to create his finest work.

Gerontius combines superb writing for solo voices and chorus with orchestration of great power and delicacy. In this recording, Richard Hickox conducts a glowing performance by the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, whose association with Elgar's music goes back to their earliest years. The soloists are excellent, with Davies and Palmer both convincing in the leading roles. Barbirolli's legendary performance on EMI--due for re-release in January 2000--is still the benchmark by which others are measured, but, with clear, vivid sound from Chandos, this recording is a leading choice, too.

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  1. The Ultimate Collected Spoken Words: 1967-1970 [Import]
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