Region of Excellence [Import]

1. Ned To Know (Eeine Meenie Miny Moe)

2. Lose It All

3. Me Myself & I

4. Real Life

5. What's Up

6. Never Say Never

7. Her Or Me

8. I Believe It When I See It

9. Kiss-A-Licious

10. Mama's Boy

11. Female Intuition

12. Need To Know (M12 Remix)

Region of Excellence,Excellence,Bonni,World Music

Average customer rating: annoying at first but then she grows on you Regina has a Beautiful Voice, Insteresting Songs, and Instrumental Talents too Some good, some bad... Absolutely mesmerizing Regina

Begin to Hope Regina Spektor Manufacturer: Sire ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Soviet Kitsch The Crane Wife Not Too Late The Reminder Corinne Bailey Rae ASIN: B000FFJ80I Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

1. Fidelity
2. Better
3. Samson
4. On The Radio
5. Field Below
6. Hotel Song
7. Apres Moi
8. 20 Years Of Snow
9. That Time
10. Edit
11. Lady
12. Summer In The City

Amazon.com

The style known as "anti-folk," as realized by practitioners like Ani DiFranco and Billy Bragg, is derived from a punk aesthetic, and thus tends to be spare and confrontational. But while Regina Spektor's music is anti-folk in the way it subverts the traditional coffeehouse vibe, it's less interested in rebellion and more concerned with the joy of eccentricity, melody and surprise. Begin To Hope is full of surprises, and like her promising major label debut Soviet Kitsch, it displays an easy facility with song structure that enables her to go in different--sometimes wildly off-the-wall--directions without sounding scattered. Classically trained on the piano, she's been compared to Tori Amos, but her music isn't as delicate or precious. Fiona Apple comes up as well, but just because neither fits in the usual female singer/songwriter cookie cutter mold doesn't mean they sound the same. Her voice is actually the primary attraction, cracking and loopy on would-be lullabies like "On The Radio" and "Field Below," then punchy and cute on "Hotel Room." But the music, if understated in the mix next to her vocals, makes an impression as well, breaking in with twisty piano arpeggios ("20 Years of Snow") and occasional touches of electronica. It's a consistently intelligent and daring record, yet remains enormously listenable--a neat trick for anti-folk, or any other genre of music for that matter. -Matthew Cooke

Album Description

Regina Spektor's last album, 2004's Soviet Kitsch, garnered praise from Time, Rolling Stone, Spin, Vanity Fair, The New York Times and many others. But this Russian-born, Bronx-bred singer-songwriter-pianist, who emerged from the NYC café circuit, continues to expand her vision. On Begin To Hope, produced by David Kahne (The Strokes, Sublime, Sugar Ray), she broadens here palette with electric guitar, drum machines and seductive electronic loops, finding new canvases for her provocative vocal style. Hope for pop has arrived with Regina Spektor.

Customer Reviews:

annoying at first but then she grows on you.......2007-06-30

Regina Spector recieved radio play at the station I listen to as well as having a short article in Newsweek. I purchased her CD based on these things . The first few listens of her CD annoyed me. There were too many "clever hooks" that she does with her voice. But, after about 10 listens, her music started to grow on me. Like alot of young artists, she brings a fresh perspective on perpetual themes but also has themes that are unusual. She plays the piano very well and her voice is clear and strong. I don't know if I will want to listen to her CD 5 years from now when it's lost the novelty but it's a good start for a young artist.

Regina has a Beautiful Voice, Insteresting Songs, and Instrumental Talents too.......2007-06-26

By chance, I clicked on one video on Youtube that played a very pretty song. After googling a few words from the song, I came up with the name Regina Spektor. Amazon was where I discovered Regina's album, Begin to Hope. Her songs are quirky and her voice is very sweet and unique. She really has a wide range of sounds that she can make with her vocal cords. Her voice is very lovely. She can play the piano, write songs, and make harmonious sounds with her vocal cords or instruments. I don't know the exact meaning of her song "Fidelity," but Spektor's voice vibrates with energy, beauty, and youth. Some songs are like an addictive drug. Fidelity" is one such song; I can listen to this song many times without getting bored. Spektor has such a refreshing sound compared to the more popular pop singers. This is a wonderful album that I purchased from Amazon after learning about Regina Spektor.

Some good, some bad..........2007-06-24

This cd has a few AWESOME songs on it. It also has a few AWFUL songs on it. First and foremost, I HATE any kind of drug reference, and had I known there would be some on this cd, I would have passed on it. So, with that said, I enjoyed the first 4 songs or so, and didn't like the rest. Very unique voice, great talent, but I think she needs someone to take her under their wing and help get her going with some good stuff that doesn't involve any drugs. We just don't need it. Call Mutt Lange. Maybe he can give you a clean boost to get those few great song hooks into the charts. Can I get my money back and just buy the first two songs?

Absolutely mesmerizing.......2007-06-12

I listen to this CD over and over again in the car and never tire of it. It's so unlike anything else out there, but in the best way possible. Regina and her piano are a match made in heaven. Buy and listen, often.

Regina.......2007-06-09

Regina Spektor is incredibly talented! This CD is full of original songs that never fail to amaze.

Average customer rating: The girl can sing!! Respekt Her Essential Regina. Good one but not the best i heart regina

Soviet Kitsch Regina Spektor Manufacturer: Sire ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Begin to Hope Begin to Hope Us Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers and Other Short Stories (CD & Region 2 DVD) On the Radio ASIN: B0002XEDXU Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

1. Ode to Divorce
2. Poor Little Rich Boy
3. Carbon Monoxide
4. Flowers
5. Us
6. Sailor Song
7. ***
8. Your Honor
9. Ghost of Corporate Future
10. Chemo Limo
11. Somedays

Customer Reviews:

The girl can sing!!.......2007-07-05

This is, as far as I know, her first recordings, and the songs deal with many not so pleasant topics, but she has a way of pulling the matter together which is unique and surprising interesting to listen to and not depressing in the least. Also she is not your typical singer songwriter in that the tempo and phrasing of her songs change in ways that could be very distressing but she is able to make it work.

Respekt Her.......2007-07-02

I love Regina Spektor. Her more popular album is the more recent Begin to Hope, but Soviet Kitsch is equal in quality, however I believe it is a little more abstract and random with less synthesized beats. Regina is uniquely her own. It would be lazy to compare her to Tori Amos or Bjork. Okay so Tori and Regina both have pianos and are female. Regina's songs are uncomplicated musically and have a wry humor or wit in songs such as Ghost of a Corporate Future. Her lyrics are out there, but not so filled with metaphor and hidden meanings like Tori. She writes humorous, fun, witty and wisdom filled songs.

Essential Regina........2007-06-18

If you're a fan of Regina Spektor, obviously this CD should be in your collection. Most reviewers on here obviously saw the video for "Fidelity" on VH1, loved it, went out and bought "Begin to Hope", loved it, wanted more Regina, and then went out and bought "Soviet Kitsch" expecting it to sound exactly like "Begin to Hope" and then were disappointed. That's okay...actually, not really. If you were really a Spektor fan, then you would know not to compare any of her albums, seeing as none of them sound alike. That's what I love about Regina. She comes out with a new album which sounds completely different from the one which came before...which is a lesson many musicians could learn.

Soviet Kitsch is by far one of my favorite albums ever. It's a nice little sampler of the wonder which is Regina Spektor.
Standouts on this album are...every damn song.
Only Regina Spektor can take influences from classical, and mix it up with her rock and roll influences, making songs like "Us" and "The Flowers" a genre of their own. But as you listen to every song, you'll realize it's hard to identify her with just one genre, seeing as she doesn't have one.
And anyone who doesn't love "Poor Little Rich Boy" is just stupid. Only Regina can play the piano with her left hand, while banging a chair with a drumstick with her right hand, and still sound more punk rock than the bullshit being called "punk rock" nowadays.

I don't know how much sense my review made, but basically I just love this album because it's unlike anything I've ever heard before. It's eccentric, all over the place, and effing amazing. a masterpiece.

Regina's a genius. And if you don't like this album, listen again.

Good one but not the best.......2007-05-11

We all know how great Regina is. However this is not my favorite cd. Her style has always been weird but the songs are not that great... my personal opinion, not like Aprés moi, on the radio, Samson, and all others included in that cd, those are really really great. Anyway it's a most for anyone regarding himself as a fan, so I'm keeping it.

i heart regina.......2007-04-27

while i will admit that regina spektor isn't for every one, i don't see how any one can deny her talent. this is quite simply one of the best albums i've ever purchased.

Average customer rating: Spunky Good but mainstream Magnifique. I don't like most women singer songwriters, but.... Love It!

Begin to Hope Regina Spektor Manufacturer: Sire ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Soviet Kitsch Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers and Other Short Stories (CD & Region 2 DVD) Soviet Kitsch Live At Bull Moose Begin to Hope ASIN: B000FFJ80S Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

1. Fidelity
2. Better
3. Samson
4. On The Radio
5. Field Below
6. Hotel Song
7. AprMoi
8. 20 Years Of Snow
9. That Time
10. Edit
11. Lady
12. Summer In The City

Tracks:

1. Another Town
2. Uh-merica
3. Baobabs
4. Dusseldorf
5. Music Box

Album Description

Regina Spektor's last album, 2004's Soviet Kitsch, garnered praise from Time, Rolling Stone, Spin, Vanity Fair, The New York Times and many others. But this Russian-born, Bronx-bred singer-songwriter-pianist, who emerged from the NYC café circuit, continues to expand her vision. On Begin To Hope, produced by David Kahne (The Strokes, Sublime, Sugar Ray), she broadens here palette with electric guitar, drum machines and seductive electronic loops, finding new canvases for her provocative vocal style. Hope for pop has arrived with Regina Spektor.

Customer Reviews:

Spunky.......2007-06-04

I'm someone with an eclectic taste when it comes to music, loving everything from Bach to Pink Floyd. This album, I must say, extremely pleased me. It brought the laid back style you'd think of when dealing with the blues or artists like Dido or Nora Jones. Yet, there was something different. The stylings were not what I had expected, being mostly familiar with Fidelity, they left me wanting the other albums to hear what attitudes Spektor reveals. The lyrics are inspiring, the attitude spunky and everchanging, and everything else goes to compliment and support Spektor's unique voice.

Good but mainstream.......2007-05-17

I will first state that that I am a big fan of Regina Spektor, I just went to her show in Chicago on may 13th and her borders in-store on may 14th. Having had been to the show I must say the begin to hope is good but a bit of a disappointment when compared to previous college released efforts, live only songs, and her debut studio full length soviet kitsch. The tracks on begin to hope do still reflect Regina's unmistakable unique style but are a bit toned down from her usual songs and are a bit over produced. This album seems to have been made to attract more mainstream listeners. But I have to admit to being a bit bias because I'm not big fan of mainstream acts because when MOST acts become mainstream they lose a bit of them selves. I like most of the songs on this effort because I'm a big Regina Spektor fan but there are better songs on previous efforts. The only song I find complete unlistenable is 20 years of snow.
The attacted ep disc is good as well. The stand out the ep is Dusseldoft and Music box. But I have to pose the question why make a regular album then a special edition. If you're a fan why would you not want the extra songs.

Magnifique........2007-05-12

I'm a french guy who discovered Regina 3 month ago and I fell in love with her music. Her voice is very impressive, the arrangements are excellent and every song is a rare pearl. I'd like to see her quickly in France. "Magnifique" as we say here.

I don't like most women singer songwriters, but...........2007-04-27

I can't stand singer songwriters who spill their emotions musically with a predictable, dull, and uninspired chords over piano (a.k.a. Lillith fair style). There's a new sheriff in town ladies, so eat humble pie. I saw Regina on Letterman and became an immediate fan. Her originality, musicianship, and original vocal style, hooks, and accompanyment makes me about as excited as I was when the Beatles put out Sgt. Pepper. It's that good! It's brilliant, It's fun, and her voice is one of the best pop vocalists I've heard since Dusty Springfield. I'm hooked on her videos too. I have to listen to "On the Radio" at least twice a day. It makes me very happy! aaa aaa a la a oh!

Love It!.......2007-03-09

I didn't get into Regina until I heard "Fidelity" for the first time on VH1. Now I find myself with all four of her CDs along with her two EPs and both of the Limited Edition versions of both this CD (Begin To Hope) and the one for Soviet Kitsch.

This 2 Disc Limited Edition version is definelty worth it! Music Box and Uh-Merica have been two over my favorite song - quirky and fun and unbelievably addicting!

Average customer rating: A Classic, But... Magnificient Genius! Elis & Tom. They live! Still Fabulous!

Elis & Tom Antonio Carlos Jobim & Elis Regina Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Bossa Nova | Latin Music | Styles | Music Brazilian Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wave Aquarela Do Brasil Getz/Gilberto Antonio Carlos Jobim's Finest Hour Jazz Samba Encore! ASIN: B000001FCB Release Date: 1990-01-05

Tracks:

1. Aguas De Marco (Waters Of March)
2. Poise E (So It Is)
3. So Tinha De Ser Com Voce (It Had To Be With You)
4. Modinha
5. Triste (Sad)
6. Corcovado
7. O Que Tinha De Ser (What Had To Be)
8. Retrato Em Branco E Preto (Picture In Black And White) (AKA Zingaro)
9. Brigas, Nuncas Mais (Fights Never More)
10. Por Toda Minha Vida (For All My Life)
11. Fotografia (Photograph)
12. Soneto De Separacao (Song Of Separation)
13. Chovendo Na Roseira (Raining On The Rosebush) (AKA Double Rainbow)
14. Inutil Paisagem (Useless Landscape)

Customer Reviews:

A Classic, But..........2007-05-16

At the risk of being accused of massive heresy, I'd like to point out a few things that the potential buyer should be aware of: 1) if you're of a certain generation(younger than say, 40)and aren't accustomed to hearing sacharrine-like string arrangements then there will be about 4 or 5 slow orchestra + singer tracks(non-bossa) on this album that will drive you nuts and distract from Elis's amazing voice. For example, if you get the chance, listen to the version of "Modinha" on this CD vs. the version with just Elis and Cesar on piano in the Elis DVD. I always skipped this song on the CD and now I'm realizing how sad it is that it was orchestrated...Good heavens just get out of the lady's way and let her sing. This song sounds so much better 'unplugged'! I bet the same would happen with the other tracks. It sounds a bit pretentious since the strings are not needed to make Elis 'better', due to the inherent greatness of the songs...thus, sublime songwriting by Jobim...but he should've nixed the 'ambitious' arrangements! Btw, I also dislike the version of Corcovado here...and I'm not so sure it's the definitive vocal version...I think that honor should go to Joao Gilberto...and once again, I bet if Elis has/had an unplugged version, it probably would be the among the best. Anyhow, just a controversial opinion of mine. I'm sure many disagree!
2)Many are calling this a quintessential bossa album...but nearly half the tracks are not bossa nova but modinhas...slow-tempo dramatic songs that may sound a bit 'over-the-top' to modern ears.
3)This is not my favorite singing by Elis...for my taste she is too polished and restrained on a few of the songs here(with some very notable exceptions such as Aguas de Marco)...although her singing is indeed flawless and unmatched. Call me crazy, I'd much rather hear the relaxed, soulful, or fun Elis in "Como Os Nossos Pais", "Upa Neguinho", or "Sou Caipira Pira Pora Nossa"(not sure about the title), or "Alo, Alo Marciano". At any rate, Elis was soooo much more than a bossa nova or jazz singer. She was and could be anything!
Now, as for the priceless songs...these are the ones that I pick as my faves on this CD:
1) Aguas de Marco (btw, the end part, in which Elis starts laughing is I think due to the fact that, based on my limited understanding of Portuguese, Elis and Tom start chopping off the first letter of each word starting the refrain phrases...it's onderful!)
2) Triste: So sexy...tua beleza e' um aviao, Elis!
3) Retrato em Branco e Preto- Just amazing! The strings aren't as obnoxious here, either.
4) Fotografia: brilliant!
5) Chovendo na Roseira: One of my favorite songs ever!
6) Inutil Paisagem: Great song for when you're feeling depressed...very cathartic!

Magnificient.......2007-01-10

Wonderful stuff....both of these folks were masters.

I am so glad that I have discovered Elis, and feel
sorry that I was not familiar with her long ago.

She passed away at age 36 in 1982, and brought
enlightening moments to so many.

Their collaboration gave birth to a rich and magical thing!

Genius!.......2006-11-22

This record is a true jewel, a century-recording. It's like you enter a place with stagnant energy in which, suddenly, a beautiful woman who dropped from nowhere lights a cigarette, and not voluntarily, but because you let yourself go, you inhale the smoke, and thereby inhale the woman's perfume and all her being ...

It has the incredible presence of touch, of life, of emotions that only analog recordings have and the digital era has buried in 'clean' sound anaestetics. The talent of the musicians is nothing less than genius, not to talk about Jobim's music which is not of century, but of millennary genius. The inner harmony and synergy between Jobim and Regina is not to put in words. It's one of those rare encounters between artists that are truly blessed by heaven.

This unique music has transformed me an evening of utter depression into one of wonder and inner peace. This music is truly religious, in a non-religious sense.

What Brazilians teach us is that musical genius, when you encounter it incarnated in a human being seems to be simplicity. This simplicity is the outer shell of high inner complexity. Brazilians are all gifted for music, as they have it in their blood. This is because they are one of the most emotionally intelligent cultures on earth, together with Cubans and Italians.

One last word: there is today lots of Samba and Bossa Nova around. Don't let yourself fool by all these copy productions. This CD has the originals!! And you may be surprised at the romantic slowness of some of the pieces that you heard played like clockworks and with digital robotic perfection. And also you may be surprised about the natural pathos of the Brazilian soul. What most people confuse with 'bar music' truly is a religious expression. It's people presenting themselves without a shell, without an emotional armor, and with a totally open heart. And the Brazilian language, that has almost totally transcendented Portuguese is next to Indonesian and Italian one of the most beautiful languages for chant.

To play this music like nightclub candies, which is (unfortunately) the understanding most Westerners have of Brazilian music, is based on a cultural misunderstanding. For Brazilians their music is sacred, no less than that. And perhaps, this CD will convince you of this truth!

This CD merits 50 stars, not just 5.

Elis & Tom. They live!.......2006-11-10

This the epitome of awesome music! Two giants of Brazilian and international music paired in one of the best ever Bossa Nova records. The music they make together has an inherent energy and romanticism that feels utterly free and endless.

Still Fabulous!.......2006-09-10

A treasured classic!

After the justly famous Getz/Gilberto album, this is the most essential Jobim session. Recorded at MGM Studios, Los Angeles, California between February 22 and March 9, 1974 this recording pairs the brilliant Brazilian vocalist Elis Regina and the father of bossa nova, Antonio Carlos Jobim. This album is magic!

Regina, who many feel was the finest female Brazilian jazz singer ever, adroitly taps into the melancholy, existential sadness at the heart of so many Jobim recordings. ELIS AND TOM features a full orchestra. Moreover, Jobim wisely tailors his arrangements to suit the strengths of Elis who works best in a sparse environment.

Portuguese lyrics enrapture me. The sublime song cycle of material, reminiscent to my ear of Lani Hall, Herb Alpert's wife (lead Brazil '66) solo material, creates an emotionally complex mood of melancholy that suddenly bursts free with the exhilarating, wondrous Aguas De Marco (Waters Of March). The lyrics sung in Portuguese add a fresh dimension of mystery and tension to the recording.

Average customer rating: efficaciously relaxing very calming Beautiful Same Question As Before Same Quation As Before

Chant II Gregorian Chant , Ismael Fernandez de la Cuesta , and Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Chant Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1 Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's Salve Regina: Gregorian Chant ASIN: B000002SLS Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

1. Da Pacem, Domine: Introit
2. Haec Dies Quam Fecit Dominus: Gradual
3. Victimae Paschali Laudes: Sequence
4. Alleluia. Vir Dei Benedictus: Alleluia
5. Kyrie, Fons Bonitatis: Trope
6. Quam Magnificata Sunt Opera Tua Domine: Responsory
7. Ut Queant Laxis Resonare Fibris: Hymn
8. Cibavit Eos Ex Adipe Furmenti: Introit
9. Oculi Omnium In Te Sperant: Gradual
10. Spirtus Domini Replevit Orbem Terrarum: Introit
11. Alleluia. Veni Sancte Spiritus: Alleluia
12. Os Justi Meditabitur Sapientiam: Gradual
13. Kyrie 'Lux Et Origo'
14. Gloria In Excelsis Deo
15. Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth
16. Agnus Dei, Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
17. Ave Mundi Spes Maria: Sequence
18. Media Vita In Morte Sumus: Responsory
19. Salve, Regina, Mater Misericordiae: Antiphon

Customer Reviews:

efficaciously relaxing.......2007-06-27

This is exactly what I was looking for. I now have some music to play at work that is soothing and keeps me focused. It also keeps me grounded as to what is really important in life. Highly recommend it!!

very calming.......2007-01-19

these gregorian chants are very calming . If your riding in your car, walking , or just sitting . it makes for excellent listening.

Beautiful.......2005-08-28

Beautiful. Just like the first Chant. This is my "mellow out", puts me to sleep music. I didn't care for the applause at the end, but it's still a beautiful CD.

Same Question As Before.......2003-04-24

The music is flawless. Haunting, spiritual, engrossing, and above all gorgeous. This disc is nothing short of amazing. Yet I gotta ask. Why is it that a recording of BENEDICTINE monks has a cover photo of men in FRANCISCAN robes?

Same Quation As Before.......2003-04-24

The music is flawless. Haunting, spiritual, engrossing, and above all gorgeous. This disc is nothing short of amazing. Yet I gotta ask. Why is it that a recording of BENEDICTINE monks has a cover photo of men in FRANCISCAN robes?

Average customer rating: Her songs great cd Mature, yet so Innocent

Songs Regina Spektor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Soviet Kitsch Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers and Other Short Stories (CD & Region 2 DVD) Live At Bull Moose Begin to Hope Begin to Hope ASIN: B000L6COZW

Product Description

1. Samson 2. Oedipus 3. Prisoners 4. Reading Time With Pickle 5. Consequence of Sounds 6. Daniel Cowman 7. Bon Idee 8. Aching to Pupate 9. Lounge 10. Lacrimosa 11. Lulliby 12. Ne Me Quitter Pas

Customer Reviews:

Her songs.......2007-06-25

Though you would never know it, Regina Spektor's recent hit album was actually her fourth, not her second.

One of those two "lost" albums was "Songs," an appropriate name for a collection of raw, beautifully simple little antifolk songs. The singer-songwriter spins out her little tunes around quirky vocals and exquisitely elusive, exuberant songwriting -- a truly astounding little album.

"You are my sweetest downfall/I loved you first, I loved you first/Beneath the sheets of paper lies my truth..." The first song opens with a gentle piano melody, as Spektor sings of a deep, simple love that no one remembers ("And history books forgot about us and the Bible didnt mention us"), but which is no less striking for its anonymity.

Well, enough love. Then it's off into the taut bizarrity of "Oedipus," about a young prince trying to make himself stand out. And the songs that follow are no less unique: rambling a capella, dark piano songs about wintry flowers, trippling piano pop with staccato vocals, and gentle ballads about death row prisoners.

It ends with "Ne Me Quitte Pas," a quirky pop ode to various cities and districts, including New York ("And if you are the ghost of New York City/then won't you stick around"), Paris ("I love Paris in the rain...") and Paris. Where the first song looked back fondly on a love affair, the last song frolicks in the present.

Well, it really says something about Regina Spektor that she can write a song about pickle love... and it not only works, but it's charming and cute. "Songs" is full of such songs -- songs about ordinary things, but they're seen through a lens that reveals the beauty, sorrow and weirdness of them.

The only real instrument here is Spektor's trusty piano, which would sound kind of bare bones for most singers. But she can make it do whatever she likes -- it trips, hiccups, ripples in waves, growls, and clumps in little dense pockets. "Samson" is the closest to a "normal" melody: a gentle, full-bodied melody that unfolds smoothly, but still hiccups occasionally.

Spektor's quirky, high voice is as versatile as her piano -- she croons, trills, soars, rambles, groans, and goes "brrrrrrrrr!". Her lyrics are elusive and hard to decipher at times, drawing as much from Greek mythology as from NYC life -- in one song she's meditating that "love is the answer to a question that I/have forgotten," and the next she's fantasizing about how, "I will open up my trenchcoat/they will see the butterflies/dangling like fake rolexes."

"Songs" is exactly what it says it is -- songs. But Regina Spektor fills these simple little tunes with quirky stylings and brilliant lyrics. A treasure.

great cd.......2007-01-17

What an awesome cd to have if you are a Regina fan,I cannot figure out why she would not want this gem out in the first place.Glad someone convinced her to put it out for the fans

Mature, yet so Innocent.......2007-01-05

This is the one of the most beautiful albums. So much imagery flows through one's mind as one pictures Regina alone with her piano delivering every note, every word.. it's so gorgeous. And humorous. And smooth yet quirky and intelligent yet child-like. All done in one take, without any commercial compromises.

1. Samson - I prefer this version over the redone one in Begin to Hope. It a bit slower, a little more honest, passionate and melodic.

2. Oedipus - Based on a historical character (like Samsom) starts off melodic and speeds up around the chorus then slows and ups once again. The tempo and style changes constantly.

3. Prisoners - Has a wonderful ending, vocal surprises, and that cleverly played piano. Quite edgy.

4. Reading Time With Pickle - Breathtakingly quirky. Haunting. Powerful vocals.

5 Consequence of Sounds - I love the simple instrumentation and her voice demands your attention. The vocal delivery carries this song all the way to the top. It's very hip-hop, very lyrically smart. This song has such an invigorating style.

6. Daniel Cowman - Very eccentric. Done in a narrative manner, her vocal and music style changes constantly. It's remarkable, unlike any other song.

7. Bon Idee - Beautiful song, I love the truth in the lyrics.

8. Aching to Pupate - The most refreshing and charming song I've heard in ages. It's all acapella.

9. Lounge - Jazzier than the rest. Her car impression is awesome. Broo-Broo-Brooommm!

10. Lacrimosa - Edgy. Has a jaunty, jumpy piano and sounds somewhat classical. Very original.

11. Lulliby - Dark and gorgeous. My least favorite, but it's indeed beautiful. Very intimate.

12. Ne Me Quitter Pas - Fun and entertaining. Cheery even, the perfect ending to a wonderfully executed album.

I did not rate the tracks as they're all so different beyond categorization, it felt unfair somehow. Each song is it's own genre and they hold your attention, either by Regina's voice or the only featured instrument - the piano. Magical album. Artsy. Catchy.

Average customer rating: nice to remember It is amazing!!! The best Latin music I've heard 60's and the Latin Mass Latinlover

Catholic Latin Classics Manufacturer: Gia Publications ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cherubini, Luigi | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Franck, César | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Michael Haydn | Haydn, Michael | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Rheinberger, Joseph | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Latin High Mass for Nostalgic Catholics Salve Regina: Gregorian Chant Treasured Hymns of the Church/ Catholic Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1 Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's ASIN: B00004YRAW Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria
2. O Salutaris Hostia
3. Panis Angelicus - John Eskola
4. Tantum Ergo
5. Ave Maria - Lorelei McDermott
6. O Sanctissima
7. O Bone Jesu
8. Ave Verum Corpus
9. Jubilate Deo
10. Confirma Hoc Deus
11. Adoro Te, O Panis
12. O Esca Viatorum
13. Veni, Jesu, Amor Mi
14. Emitte Spiritum Tuum
15. Adoremus In Aeternum - William Combs
16. Ave Maris Stella
17. Regina Caeli Laetare
18. Adoramus Te, Christe - The Cathedral Singers/Richard Proulx T
19. Tantum Ergo
20. Ecce Sacerdos Magnus

Customer Reviews:

nice to remember.......2007-01-04

Takes my husband & I back to the 60s........not a bad memory......

It is amazing!!!.......2006-11-10

I am very happy with my purchase. This item is better than what I was expecting. It was amazing how fast I received my order, I highly recommend it and hope that more people order it.

The best Latin music I've heard.......2006-04-18

The music in this CD is done beautifully! If features "Panis Angelicus", which if you like Charlotte Church singing it, you will like this- with a man's voice! There is no goofy revisions and modernization done to the music that I can tell. (I only say that in case some smart 15th century music history scholar comes around and disagrees!) It is very peaceful and will help anyone to calm down and give thanks to God. I think because the music is in Latin you will not grow tired of it as easily, and not to mention the fact that this music will continue to inspire you and put you in the presence of Christ better. OHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! How I wish we were singing this sort of Latin music instead of "All our Welcome" and "Sing a new Church"! Let's keep the same Church Christ established thank you! And let's keep the Latin!!!!!!!

60's and the Latin Mass.......2006-03-15

I am one of those 60s people. We did not throw out the Latin mass. Why would we? We liked it. I served most of the high masses of the holidays. It was a small cabal of newly ordained priests and bishops in the Vatican II committees who threw it out. They wanted to be more like their Protestant bretheren; have the congregation face them instead of God. Read the book MISSING MARY while you are listening to this CD. They threw her out at the same time; no women in high places - their answer to the feminists of the 60s.

Latinlover.......2005-12-18

As a devoted lover of Catholic Latin hymns, I was disappointed at the enemic presentation of these beautiful hymns to God. I believe that the singers had the best of intentions but I would suggest to look for other versions of these wonderful songs to heaven.

Average customer rating: Clerveaux Monks Hauntingly Beautiful Meditate as you listen........ What a Magnificat! Soothing

Salve Regina: Gregorian Chant Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1 Gregorian Chants: The Best of the Benedictine Monks of St. Michael's Catholic Latin Classics Chant II ASIN: B0000040ZC Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Gregorian Chant: Magnificat - Tu es pastor ovium
2. Gregorian Chant: Stabat Mater
3. Gregorian Chant: Lauda Sion
4. Gregorian Chant: Te deum (tonus monasticus)
5. Gregorian Chant: Adoro te
6. Gregorian Chant: O sacrum convivium (tonus monasticus)
7. Gregorian Chant: Ave, verum Corpus
8. Gregorian Chant: Tantum ergo
9. Gregorian Chant: O salutaris Hostia (tonus monasticus)
10. Gregorian Chant: Salve Regina (tonus monasticus)
11. Gregorian Chant: Ave Maria
12. Gregorian Chant: Sub tuum praesidium (tonus monasticus)
13. Gregorian Chant: Alma Redemptoris Mater (tonus monasticus)
14. Gregorian Chant: Inviolata
15. Gregorian Chant: Regina caeli (tonus monasticus)
16. Gregorian Chant: Victimae paschali laudes
17. Gregorian Chant: Veni, Creator Spiritus (tonus monasticus)

Customer Reviews:

Clerveaux Monks.......2007-07-11

It was quite wonderful to find this as the monks had none for sale at the Abbey.

Hauntingly Beautiful.......2007-01-19

This is an excellent cd. The emotion present in the monks' voices, espcially in the "Salve Regina" is deeply moving and beautiful. Highly recommended for anyone who is a fan of Gregorian chant, and a great first buy for someone who just wants to know what Gregorian chant sounds like.

Meditate as you listen...............2007-01-04

This lifts your heart to God as you listen. Beautifully done.

What a Magnificat!.......2006-09-01

I have listened to this recording since it was on a cassette tape and I always come back to it. What a gentle and sincere recording. The Magnificat is especially beautiful.

Soothing.......2006-02-21

I bought this disk while feeling depressed and not being able to focus. The chanting soothed me and gave me some piece of mind. Why then not 5 stars, you ask? Because the sound lacks a bit of clarity despite the remastering and the performance is good, but not exceptional.

Average customer rating: A VERY SPECIAL EVENING AT THE MET

Metropolitan Opera Gala Honoring Sir Rudolf Bing [Highlights] Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: La Nilsson: My Life in Opera Wolfgang Windgassen singt Wagner Rossini - L'Italiana in Algeri Verdi: Un Ballo in Maschera Eileen Farrell in New Orleans ASIN: B000M05VNY Release Date: 2007-03-13

Customer Reviews:

A VERY SPECIAL EVENING AT THE MET.......2007-04-06

The 1972 Gala that honored the retirement of the late Sir Rudolf Bing was one of the first big international opera galas of note. I was a mere high schooler when highlights of the gala were aired on television, hosted by Rise Stevens. An LP of highlights was released (a slew of copies were produced domestically with a defect on the second side that had to be recalled). Shortly after this DGG announced a SECOND LP of highlights that would include additional items, including Dorothy Kirsten, Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti and others from the same gala. It never materialized.

When DGG announced the CD version, I was ever hopeful those unreleased items would finally see the light of day. Sadly, that's not the case. What we have left is a mixed bag. Arroyo expressive but unsteady, a young Domingo with Caballe sounding undermiked, Nilsson ripping the roof off, Price skipping the recitative and not in best voice, Tucker and Merrill trying to outshout each other, Resnik hamming it up, Zylis-Gara and Corelli's only evidence of Otello on record with the fans ruining the beautiful orchestral ending of the duet. Despite all my negatives, this CD is evidence of a very special evening in New York when the operatic lights shone a lot brighter than they do now, the likes of which will never be seen or heard again. It would get five stars if the missing items had been included.

Average customer rating: Superb relaxation What a recording FANTASTIC!! Please ignore the other review on this product! It sounds like all the other chant cd's out there

Chant: The Anniversary Edition Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Chant II Chant Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants, Vol. 1 Lost in Meditation: Meditative Gregorian Chants The Mystery Of Santo Domingo De Silos Gregorian Chant From Spain ASIN: B0001XAP1A Release Date: 2004-05-04

Tracks:

1. Alleluia Beatus Vir Qui Suffert (Modo I)
2. Mandatum Novum Do Vobis
3. Media Vita In Morte Sumus
4. Laetatus Sum
5. Veni Creator Spiritus
6. Genuit Puerpera Regem
7. Kyrie Fons Bonitatis
8. Nos Autem
9. Super Flumina
10. Qui Manducat
11. Salve Regina
12. Salve, Festa Dies
13. Rorate Saeli De Super
14. Jacta Cogitatum Tuum
15. Jucundare
16. Veni Sancte Spiritus
17. Respice, Domine
18. Alleluia, Oportebat

Tracks:

1. Christus Factus Est Pro Nobis
2. Puer Natus Est Nobis
3. Ave Mundi Specs Maria
4. Spiritus Domini
5. Os Iusti
6. A Solis Ortus Cardine
7. Oculi Omnium
8. Alleluia, Dies Santificatus
9. Viderunt Omnes
10. Puer Natus In Bethlehem
11. Verbum Caro
12. Tui Sunt
13. Pueri Herbraeorum Portantes
14. Improperium
15. Tristis Est
16. Una Hora
17. Traditor Autem-Benedictus
18. Ubi Caritas

Amazon.com

This set contains the two CDs that, it must be acknowledged, just about started the Chant craze in 1994. The music was actually recorded in the 1970s and 1980s (this new set has been remastered and sounds better than the 1994-95 releases did) and was on sale in Spain and offered at the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos for some time before it became "hot." Since then, hundreds of CDs of chant and similar music have appeared, many more polished then these, but perhaps these were so special because they weren't performances: they caught actual Monks in the act of praying, and the meditative quality is undeniably real. Whatever the case, this is music for reflection, calming down, re-fueling and getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life--which may be even more needed now than they were 10 years ago. Texts are not supplied and you won't need them; it's all about reverence and mood. Doing nothing but listening to this in 25-minute chunks will allow your breathing to slow and re-energize you. Each 55-minute CD will probably put you to sleep--and this isn't meant as a criticism. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Superb relaxation.......2007-04-01

This is a wonderful compilation. I greatly enjoy listening to it when I'm working on painting or another activity where lower blood pressure is a must. Having two albums in one makes the deal even sweeter. If you alreaddy own Chant I and II, then there's no real value added, but with mine lost in a move, it was a great return of music I enjoy.

What a recording.......2006-12-01

Mystic,eternal, and meditative is how I would
describe these chants, a most perfect gift
for Christmas. This reissue sounds even better
than the ones released in the mid 90's.
I would highly recommend this recording to anyone.
The only rule is sit down, or lay back and enjoy.

FANTASTIC!!.......2006-01-25

BUYERS BE WARNED - this set should not purchased in lieu of the two original Chant CDs but rather as a supplement to them. Because although both the Amazon.com editorial review and one of the two reviews available for the Anniversary Edition both indicate it is nothing more than a remastered version of the original two Chant releases from 1994, a thorough check of the track listings at Amazon.com (and at angelrecords.com) demonstrates that this is not the case. The sequence of tracks is completely different and there are numerous tracks that appear on one of the original Chant CDs but not on the Anniversary Edition and vice versa. The most complete is the first of the two original discs as all but two of its nineteen tracks appear on the Anniversary Edition. Chant II has less than half a dozen of its tracks appearing on the Anniversary Edition.

However, this complaint aside, I love the Anniversary Edition. Although the track sequence is different from the original Chant CD and I find myself expecting certain chants to follow others, I will in time get used to the differences.

Moving on, this is not complicated material. There is no polyphonic, raucous, symphonic accompaniment. There are no rowdy, raging guitar riffs from the likes of Pepper Keenan or Jeff Loomis. There are no ultra-funky looped drum beats, booming bass, or rapped socio-political venom from the likes of the Ice Cube or Public Enemy. There is neither a Cecilia Bartoli nor a BB King to sustain things by sheer virtuosity. There are only the exquisitely simple, melodic sounds of monks singing/chanting in Latin in a great, grand hall with nary a trace of echo to be heard. This is gorgeous, sublime, invigorating music to soothe the sores of the soul and heal the hardened heart. The raw honesty and utter conviction of the `performers' on these two discs drive these pieces home with a power that more practiced and polished performers dare not dream of. Even with no transcription or translation of the chants inside the booklet, this is music to be enjoyed by everyone.

My recommendation is to procure Chant: The Anniversary Edition immediately and be thankful that such simple and supremely powerful music exists to bring some light into our seemingly ever-darkening world.

Thanks for reading.

Please ignore the other review on this product!.......2005-07-21

The other reviewer obviously does not realize that this is a re-release of both Chant I and Chant II. They have also been remastered. I highly recommend purchasing this 2-CD set because the quality is better than the originals, and the price is usually better than buying the first two separately. I wouldn't be without this in my music collection. Please do no let the ignorance of others keep you from experiencing this beautiful, ethereal music.

It sounds like all the other chant cd's out there.......2005-03-16

There is nothing special about this CD - buy Chant 1, save 5 bucks, and call it good

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