The Music of China

1. Through the Years

2. Beautiful Morning

3. Rose of China

4. Song for the Dancers

5. Old Time Memories

6. Ancient Mountain Song

7. Village of Flowers

8. Oriental Dreamtime

9. Dragon Dance

10. Dance of the Children

The Music of China,Various Artists,Premium Music Coll.,China,Int'l & World Music,Pop

Average customer rating: The best Tomahawk album yet! extraordinary maybe i should give it 5 stars Good music for people who love good music nice concept

Anonymous Tomahawk Manufacturer: Ipecac Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music China | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music China | Far East | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Era Vulgaris Path of Most Resistance In Glorious Times Mit Gas Tomahawk ASIN: B000PMGAKC Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. War Song
2. Mescal Rite 1
3. Ghost Dance
4. Red Fox
5. Cradle Song
6. Antelope Ceremony
7. Song Of Victory
8. Omaha Dance
9. Sun Dance
10. Mescal Rite 2
11. Totem
12. Crow Dance
13. Long,Long Weary Day

Album Description

A thirteen-track album that reverentially explores and reinterprets the darker, more recessed ancestral music created by North America's indigenous people, the title reflects the countless individuals who contributed to these songs but went un-credited throughout history.

Customer Reviews:

The best Tomahawk album yet!.......2007-07-14

First listen I was left with a bad tasted in my mouth that this was going to be another hard concept album. I wrote it off as one of those albums that I'll only listen to on occasion to freak out my mainstream friends, but then something called me back to give it another go.. I'm so glad I did or I would have missed out on one of the best albums that has came out in the past five years.
I have listen to nothing but this album for the past two weeks and it's not even beginning to get stale.

Cudo's to Dwayne for dredging up a beautiful and forgotten sound from a people whom we owe so much.

extraordinary.......2007-07-13

Interested in Native American musical tradition, and disappointed with the culture's contemporary bands, guitarist Duane Denison decided to research the people's history. Eventually, he found a number of relevant books that were published in the early 20th century. In these, Denison found what he was looking for; song transcriptions of traditional Native American music that was dark and challenging.

The album's title, Anonymous, stems from all of the unnamed people who have contributed to these songs through their history. The names of these individuals go undiscovered. The core trio that make up the band, however, are anything but unknown. Each member brings a solid recording history to the project. Mike Patton has fronted Mr. Bungle, Fantômas, Peeping Tom, and a number of other critically acclaimed acts. Duane Denison handled guitar for The Jesus Lizzard and currently plays with Ministry's Paul Barker in U.S.S. A. John Stainer was the drummer in Helmet's first incarnation and is now earning applause with Battles.

Each of these artists' unique talents are combined to make this album the success that it is. Patton is the perfect vocalist for this project. His signature voice work is all here; screams, scats, growls, raps, and croons spill out over the release. Lyrically, very little of this album is in English. Most of the songs consist of Patton chanting rhythmically in what are, presumably, different tribal dialects. Denison, in addition to driving the record's concept, adds a guitar that amplifies its sound. He shows off his versatility as he moves from a sludgy crawl to a melodic hook effortlessly. Meanwhile, Stainer's well-executed tribal beats pound, clap, and roll their way through. In addition, a number of other instruments slip in and out of the fold. The result is an album that moves from segments that are sinisterly hollow to segments that are densely layered.

Fans of Tomahawks first two albums may be caught off guard. Tomahawk has moved a long way from their previous efforts to release an album that is considerably more difficult and experimental. For the most part, straightforward guitar riffs and catchy vocals of old have been replaced by a far less common song style. Denison's vision underlines every moment of Anonymous. While there are a few brief moments where the idea sounds drained, the group keeps things fresh, overall, by continually introducing new subtleties. Every second of this album was thought-out and prepared.

One of the most impressive parts of this entire outing was how Tomahawk made this music without ever encroaching on Native American culture. Throughout the release, the band is respectful to their sources without abandoning their own aesthetic. This is not a New Age influenced Putumayo Records compilation. It is dark, loud, aggressive, and still surprisingly authentic. It is a skilled fusion of cultures.

Simply put, I was unprepared for how extraordinary this album would be.

maybe i should give it 5 stars.......2007-07-06

whatever everything, this is a very pretty, well produced album. i like it. everybody else wrote everything else.

Good music for people who love good music.......2007-07-04

This is a good collection of good music. Despite whatever anyone might say about the members of the group performing the songs, they are performed increadibly well. Forget your expectations, forget about pop music, and forget about all that other stupid crap you're thinking about. Just listen and enjoy. For fruck's sake.

nice concept.......2007-06-28

Duane Denison is my favorite guitar player. his tonality, style, and talent continue to impress me. this album is about as experimental as i've heard him, which is very cool.
Mike Patton is my favorite vocalist/musician. i'm constantly having my mind tore open by his works. i like about 90% of his projects. following his career so long kind of molds you into an avid listener. his projects are a sort of timeline in the way that each release makes sense in the overall scope of his career. huh?! ok, what i'm getting at is that this is different. different and surprising. unexpected. not that i claim to forsee anything but when a new disc comes out, you're like "oh, okay. the next step". this one's kinda out of order or something, even with the concept's back story.
where's the review? i like this disc a lot. just like about every other cd some songs jump out at you and others grow on you. the premise is way cooler than i could've imagined, but i'm glad we all had a heads up on it. on some tracks, i kinda wish the blips and bloops were eliminated, it sometime distracts from the "authenticity" (not that i'm an authority on the whole native american thing).
John Stanier. why no one ever mentions him, i don't understand. on the other Tomahawk releases i feel he was mixed too low. this one's quite a bit better and he sounds like he's having a blast! i think he sounds more inspired than anyone else (which says a lot). Mike Patton does and always sing(s) with tons of conviction, which with the chanting stuff is pretty impressive, not being a native. and Duane Denison came up with the plan so of course he's feeling it, but John Stanier really pulls the tribal thing off! i'm used to his crazy tight snare stuff from Helmet, but this really shows his versatility.
bottom line, listen with an open mind. there's a lot more good on this album than weird (and most of the weird is good,too). it's funny that if you try and grow with musicians, you're a slobbering worshipper. if you cling to past albums, you have a closed mind. yes faith no more was cool. mr. bungle. the jesus lizard. helmet. now these folks are putting themselves on the line. i don't think they just throw anything out there knowing it will sell. major to indie. stadiums to bars. indie bands play to eat. buy the cd. see them live. if you like the music - buy it, if you don't - sell it and buy something else. everybody wins.
how can anyone review anything? i think this would work better if people asked questions and everyone answered them. does Patton sing? how long is the disc? is it boring?, etc.

Average customer rating: Where is it? Excellent Chinese Orchestrial Music Great Music for T'ai Chi Grand and beautiful Inspiring!

Phases Of The Moon: Traditional Chinese Music Various Artists Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music China | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music China | Far East | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Far East | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Classical Chinese Folk Music Masterpieces of Chinese Traditional Music Eleven Centuries of Traditional Music of China Chinese Bamboo Flute Music Spirit on Two Strings ASIN: B0000025JB Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. The Moon Mirrored In The Pool
2. The Moon On High
3. Days Of Emancipation
4. Dance Of The Yao People
5. Peking Opera Melody: Flowing Water - Trad. Inst. Orch. Of The Central Conservatory
6. Tashwayi - Orch. Of The Shanghai Phil.Society/Peking Opera Society Of Shanghai
7. Spring In The Pamir Plateau - Li Tatong
8. Purple Bamboo Melody - Orch. Of The Shanghai Phil.Society/Peking Opera Society Of Shanghai
9. Dancing In The Moonlight
10. Song Of The Herdsmen - Trad. Inst. Orch. Of The Central Conservatory
11. Spring on A Moonlit River

Customer Reviews:

Where is it?.......2007-04-02

I bet I'd enjoy this CD, but one month after ordering it, I am still awaiting delivery.

Excellent Chinese Orchestrial Music.......2007-02-14

If you're only going to get one album of Chinese music, this is the one for you. Most all of the pieces on this album are winners.
After a while this music all blends together in that one piece sounds like an extension of another, but I love this album.

Great Music for T'ai Chi.......2006-08-27

I was looking for appropriate background music for practising T'ai Chi and this album was pretty good. The best cut for my purposes was "The Moon Mirrored in the Pool". It is smooth and slow, just right for T'ai Chi.

Grand and beautiful.......2005-09-20

This is a selection of orchestral music, including some beautiful, grand and moving pieces, from all across China. It is played by a (communist) Chinese orchestra using traditional instruments, organised along modern (European) lines, and the resulting synthesis is one of enchanted magnificence and awe which truly reaches within the soul. It also conveys the mystery and potential of Chinese creativity and its powerful yet delicate beauty.

Inspiring!.......2003-09-08

I bought this cd blindly, just wanting to expose myself and my child to world music. I am so impressed! The music is absolutely breath-taking! I feel moved each time I listen to it. I highly recommend this cd!

Average customer rating: I cannot put it down.....! excellent solo project from pink floyd keyboardist. 2+2=4 Best of his two albums A superb effort from Pink Floyd's Rick Wright

Broken China Richard Wright Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: On An Island Amused to Death The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking Ça Ira Radio K.A.O.S. ASIN: B000002UHG Release Date: 1996-10-14

Tracks:

1. Breaking Water
2. Night Of A Thousand Furry Toys
3. Hidden Fear
4. Runaway
5. Unfair Ground
6. Satellite
7. Interlude
8. Woman Of Custom
9. Black Cloud
10. Far From The Harbour Wall
11. Drowning
12. Reaching For The Rail
13. Blue Room In Venice
14. Sweet July
15. Along The Shoreline
16. Breakthough

Album Description

Brand new solo album by the Pink Floyd keyboardist, with Sinead O'Connor appearing as guest lead vocalist on the tracks 'Reaching For The Rail' and 'Breakthrough'. The album has a Floyd sound and look throughout, thanks to their designer Storm Thorgerson.

Album Details

1996 Release of the Second Solo Album from the Pink Floyd Keyboardist. It's a Musical Exploration of the Four Phases One Might Experience in a Clinincal Depression. The Sound of the Album is Very Much Like his Group's Albums, but a Bit More on the New Age/Ambient Side.

Customer Reviews:

I cannot put it down.....!.......2007-06-19

When I first purchased this album in Sept.2006, I haven't been able to put it down since.
It took a few "listens" until I really appreciated this great piece of work by Rick. It appears to give me something a little different each time I listen to it. I had thought that there was nothing better than Water's "Amused To Death" but boy was I wrong. What a rich and profound album this is! You get a little bit of everything FLOYD here and it just all comes together perfectly. The begining (underwater sequence) is unbeleivable in Q sound right up until "A Thousand Furry Toys" where the story now begins. You will think that YOU are in a coma but you are quickly brought out of it and now realize that being a child, as in this case, an abused one, is being tossed about by it's parents into a bizzar world of obscurity and demise. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel for this poor child and in the end reaches for the sun just like a "banner unfurled and gently blown, and then before your wondering eyes a self you've never known".
Thanks Mr. Richard Wright ! Let's do it again........soon.

excellent solo project from pink floyd keyboardist........2007-04-01

like fellow floyd member, david gilmour, rick wright does not stray far from the pink floyd formula, and that's fine. lots of lush sounding and spacious instumental passages adorn these songs. silence is ofter lurking there at the edge of things. very listener friendly. lots of excellent percussion provided by drummer manu katche, and some fine guitar work from tim renwick and dominic miller. sinead o'connor provides outstanding vocals on two of the songs here, and mr wright himself has a pleasing soft lilt to his voice, which is effective throughout. highly recommended for those who love that pink floyd sound.

2+2=4.......2007-03-14

FIRST OFF IT'S AMAZING THAT TOGATHER THEY WERE PINK FLOYD AN AWESOME TALENTED MUSICANS WHO TRULY WERE PIONEERS INCLUDING SYD AND BOB KLOSE BUT EVEN INDEPENDELY THEY ARE ALL TRULY GERAT MUSICANS WHO ARE VERY GIFTED NOW I WISH THAT THEY WOULD GET BACK TOGATHER BUT OH WELL I GUESS IT WON'T HAPPEN BUT JUST THINK THAT THEY ARE ALL TALENTED

NOW AS FAR AS THE ALBUM GOES IT'S A GOOD ALBUM THE MUSIC IS AWESOME BECAUSE OF THE CONCEPT AND THE WHOLE IDEA IS GOOD GOOD JOB I ALWAYS KNEW FROM THE SONG SEE-SAW ON SAUCERFUL OF SECERTS THAT HE WAS TALENTED AS A MUSICAN AND A LYCRISET GOOD JOB ROCK ON

Best of his two albums.......2007-03-11

Not a bad effort. Certainly an improvement on "Wet Dream". Worth the purchase for the music alone.

A superb effort from Pink Floyd's Rick Wright.......2007-01-26

Many bands have members who eventually put out solo material. In regards to one of the biggest acts of the 20th century, Pink Floyd's keyboardist Rick Wright gives us Broken China. After years of solo material celebrated from other members such as Syd Barrett, David Gilmour and Roger Waters it's nice to see Rick put together this collection.

The thing of it is, its one of the most refreshing musical endeavors you could ask for. Floyd fans old and new could enjoy the sound and artistic vision of this album. Anyone with an appreciation of something different, magical and creative could find something good here, if not great. This ambient, soulful and somewhat dreamy CD also has its share of powerful and driving songs that like so much of Rick's contribution as Floyd's keyboardist, gets sweeter with age and retains a timeless feel to it. Recorded in 1996, Broken China is somewhat of a concept album that is based on Rick's wife's battle with depression. Sinéad O'Connor is the lead vocalist on the tracks "Reaching for the Rail" and "Breakthrough". The album cover art is also done by Storm Thurgeson, who is famous for his artwork on most of Pink Floyd's studio albums.

Broken China features 16 tracks that still retain some Floyd sound, although for me I feel it stems more from "Momentary lapse of Reason" than one of their earlier studio albums that featured Roger Waters at the helm.
I won't go over every track, just highlight some of my favorites. Track 6 is "Satellite" and does not feature any vocals but has a groovy beat with some jazz feel to it. Don't let that fool you, this is still a far-reaching solo with a lot of great percussion, and includes a signature guitar piece that changes things up a bit throughout the song. Track 8 is customary as "Interlude" and though it only clocks in at 1:16 is a beautiful piano piece that also features some deep bass line as well. Track 9 is one of my favorites and is called "Black Cloud". A powerful display of sonic sound, it starts out with ambient tones before launching into a crescendo of emotional spears that never quite break into anything, but slowly fade out into a soft medley of an ending. The CD ends with Track 16 in "Breakthrough" and as mentioned, has vocals by Sinéad O'Connor. The song is beautiful in melody and no nonsense in its lyrical approach. Even if you don't think of yourself as a Floyd fan, that is okay. Don't let my references to the band scare you away, for this is still Rick Wright and features some of the most amazing sounds and tones that I think anyone can find appealing in one way or another. It's not just a "keyboard" album, as if features a high dose of various instruments that all sound marvelously executed.

The world of music today needs more "Broken China".

Average customer rating: Overlooked By Many Buffett Fans Grows On You! Gotten better with age. Great Undiscovered Classic Amazing ballads

Somewhere Over China Jimmy Buffett Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Oldies | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | 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: Riddles in the Sand Last Mango in Paris Volcano Hot Water Floridays ASIN: B000002PCV Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Where's The Party
2. It's Midnight And I'm Not Famous Yet
3. I Heard I Was In Town
4. Somewhere Over China
5. When Salome Plays The Drum
6. Lip Service
7. If I Could Just Get It On Paper
8. Steamer
9. On A Slow Boat To China

Customer Reviews:

Overlooked By Many Buffett Fans.......2006-11-09

Sales of new Buffett albums continued to slip with "Somewhere Over China" as nothing on this disc got much if any airplay and the album tanked at the cash register. It remains one those albums that many Buffett fans do not own. It is a pretty average album for Jimmy, but there are a few gems to be found on it. Al of the songs were written by Buffett except for the final two tracks "Steamer" and "Slow Boat To China". Of the originals highlights include ""Where's The Party" whose lyrics suggest that the party life may not be all its cracked up to be. "Its Midnight And I'm Not Famous Yet" may be one of the best songs about Las Vegas ever written, and rocks harder than Buffett normally does. The title track "Somewhere Over China" is another good one telling the story of a world weary traveler. "I Heard I Was In Town" is a great little country tune with clever lyrics. This album has a melancholy feel to a lot of it especially compared to the good time party tunes of many of Buffett's other works. It is one of Buffett's most overlooked albums, but worth owning if you are a fan.

Grows On You! .......2006-06-02

Of late I have been adding many of the lesser known Buffett discs, such as this one, to the collection. My goal one day is to have them all. Most of the critics want to put the stamp of mediocrity on this one. Don't let them! Okay, there was no big hit, but there are so many incredible songs here: "I Heard I Was in Town," "Steamer," the title track, and "Salome." "Where's the Party," "If I Could Get It On Paper," and "Slow Boat" are great tracks. This is money well spent. The sincerity of Buffett's lyrics and the storytelling really blow me away--I feel like I know these people!

Gotten better with age........2006-03-28

I purchased this album back in 1982. In fact, it was the first Jimmy Buffett album I ever purchased. I had been riding my bike to the library and constantly checking out his albums but this was to be my first purchase with my first ever paycheck when I was 15 years old. I brought it home and sadly I was disappointed. I have now through the years purchased everything in Jimmy Buffett's catalog of classics and have managed to catch his live shows 22+ times. I recently pulled out my old copy of "Somewhere over China" and realized that this is an album that has gotten much better with age. Its a reminder of a Jimmy Buffett that recorded music for himself and a select group of what I would refer to as "The truly hip". Today I feel that he lost that connection with his audience, although he is still a great performer, I would really like to see him put out another album that that has a sound that "Somewhere over China" captured.
This is a good album stock full of ballads, has a very relaxed atmosphere and truly deserves a title like "License to Chill"!

Great Undiscovered Classic.......2005-08-29

This collection deserves more acclaim. I agree with the rater about "Steamer." I believe it was written by a guy who used to play around Nashville with the best-named band ever, Wolves in Sheep's Clothing. There are songs anybody who is ambitious or interested in writing can identify, but the rest of us can enjoy, too. I also love the version of the standard, "Stars Fell on Alabama."

Amazing ballads.......2005-08-19

I love this album. Steamer is one of the most powerful ballads I've ever heard.

Average customer rating: A Wonderful CD Chinese Bamboo Flute Music : review Very good sometimes, too electronic at others. Good choice of traditional music. You have to LIKE Chinese flute music...

Chinese Bamboo Flute Music Various Artists Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD China | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music China | Far East | Compilations | International | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Phases Of The Moon: Traditional Chinese Music Eleven Centuries of Traditional Music of China Masterpieces of Chinese Traditional Music Classical Chinese Folk Music Tortoise: Chinese Feng Shui Music ASIN: B000001V41 Release Date: 1993-07-20

Tracks:

1. Capriccio For Chinese Flute
2. The Flower Of Hsin-Jang
3. A Tayal Folk Song
4. The Imperial Officer On Horseback Galloping By
5. Go Dating With My Love
6. The Maidens Of The Tea Mountain
7. Chatting With An Old Friend By The Window
8. The Song Of The Four Seasons
9. The Crab And The Egret

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful CD.......2007-05-12

This CD is amazing. It has many unique aspects and I really enjoy listening to it.

Chinese Bamboo Flute Music : review.......2006-08-16

Great cd! It is so relaxing to listen to.

Very good sometimes, too electronic at others........2005-10-01

I was, overall, disappointed by this CD. There are many good reviews here, but they generally overpraise. Tracks 4 through 8 have too much synthesizer for my ears. A major highlight is track 9, The Crab and the Egret, but interestingly, the flute is accompaniment to the wondrous Chinese percussion. Disappointingly, the CD is only 40 minutes long and left me wanting more tunes without synthesizer accompaniment.

Good choice of traditional music........2005-09-13

Interesting combination of musical selection with excellant high orchestral standards. The differing flute melodies seemed well integrated in each selection. I thoroughly enjoy listening to the CD again and again; repetition isn't a problem.

You have to LIKE Chinese flute music..........2005-07-09

You get Chinese flute music. I am fond very of some of the more (Westernized? New-agey?) Chinese offerings but this just did not turn out to be what I expected. I will give it the benefit of the doubt and assume it is just a bit 'authentic' for my taste.

Average customer rating: The way Chinese ensemble should be played Frequency and Dynamic Range Not one of the best... Brought me back to my childhood Best of Genre

Masterpieces of Chinese Traditional Music Chinese Instrumental Ensemble Manufacturer: Wind Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD China | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music China | Far East | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Phases Of The Moon: Traditional Chinese Music Classical Chinese Folk Music Eleven Centuries of Traditional Music of China Chinese Bamboo Flute Music Tortoise: Chinese Feng Shui Music ASIN: B000005ARL Release Date: 1995-09-30

Tracks:

1. Dancing Song Of The Yao Tribe
2. The Moon Over Wall Gate In Frontier
3. The Moon Is High In The Heavens
4. Parting At Yang Guan
5. Spring Rivers And Flowers Under The Moonlight
6. Melodys From The Night Fisherman
7. A Legendary Couple: Scholar Liang And Lady Chou

Customer Reviews:

The way Chinese ensemble should be played.......2006-06-05

Except for the insertion of the cello which is obviously not a chinese trad instrument, the ensemble plays all pieces masterfully. Even with the cello the emotion of these chinese masterpieces are most beautifully performed on this cd. The sound quality is superb. I feel nauseated when listen to mixmatched traditional instruments with modern big sound westernized electrically special effected symphonized performance. There's places for improvisation and places for masterpieces. For oriental musics, art is a (only) way to express mood and emotion (culturally those people don't express their feelings in any other way). When listen to these musics I would suggest the listener let their feeling go with the music. Better yet if the story behind the music is understood. This is another aspect of the beauty of this cd, you could even feel the whole ensemble move as one unified sound from serene to excitement to lamentation to joy to sorrow to nostalgic to strength. Yet, true to its oriental tradition, each individual instrument clearly expresses its own beauty in each piece. It is not lounge music. It is not symphonic music. It is traditional chinese masterpiece.

ps. imagine people in asia would say the same thing about western symphonic music: that they are for elevator, oh no, elevator is not that popular in those poor third world countries so, they are for sleepy time :)

Frequency and Dynamic Range.......2004-05-12

If you prefer easy listening music or music with a minimum of high and low pitches and a minimum of loud and soft passages, much like music played in lounges, this album should please you. If you like Beethoven symphonies or Mingus jazz you would probably be happier with these albums: "Phases of the Moon"(full orchestra), "Classical Chinese Folk Music" or even "Music from the People's Republic".

Not one of the best..........2002-03-27

I dissapointed in quality of album, songs too modern, not tradition enough. For real fan of chinese classical, sound not enough Chinese!!! Much song too westernized. You should like to try album of the title "Rain Dropping On The Banana Tree". It has the old songs actually record in old time, not much western influence, is more traditional opera and chamber music. Earliest date for song recorded on that album is 1903!!!!

...

Brought me back to my childhood.......2001-04-10

Those songs reminded me of my young schooling days sitting next to a musical hall, where beautiful trad Chinese music was practiced non-stop. Little did I know that those days influenced me well into my adulthood, was I lucky to have day dreamed away in my math class, being carried away with those fabulous musical pieces. Thank heavens.

Best of Genre.......2000-08-21

This CD is everything you could hope to find in an example of traditional Chinese music. It soothes, exites, and stirs the imagination. Buy this one first.

Average customer rating: Japanese Taiko Interesting New Drum Sounds Amazing Japanese drumming...! One of the best Taiko collections I've heard

Japanese Taiko Manufacturer: Arc Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Drums of Tokyo Japanese Drums Big Bang Kodo - One Earth Tour Special (Bonus CD) Tataku: The Best of Kodo, Vol. 2 (1994-1999) ASIN: B0002IQCDO Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

1. Harvest
2. Pageant
3. Haru - Ichiban
4. Musashi Mai Uchi
5. Hokkai II
6. Chido-Setsu
7. Suisei - Hanabi (Comet - Fire Works - Shooting Star)
8. Heart Beat
9. Yuki Jizoh (An Old Tale)

Customer Reviews:

Japanese Taiko.......2007-01-11

I was first introduced to this throught a PBS program about taiko in America. Taiko is nothing but pure hardcore drumming. These aren't a bunch of guys sitting on their --- tapping out rhythms. They're beating the crap out of these drums. I'm sure there are youtube videos out there, it's a must if you've never seen how they play them.

This is my first taiko cd. As the other reviews said, the first song is the best, it is absolutly intense. The whole cd is great though. If you work out, this is a perfect cd to listen to while doing so. If you can sit still while listening to this, I'd be very surprised. Buy it, you won't regret it!

Interesting New Drum Sounds.......2006-05-15

I play an African Djembe, and am always looking to find new styles of drumming to incorporate into my playing. I'd been wanting to buy a Taiko CD, and picked this one at random. The first song is absolutely amazingly rockin'. I've listened to the CD twice, and while the first song leaps out and grabs you, I didn't find the rest of the CD to have that same crazy energy. Don't get me wrong - the rest of the CD is enjoyable, but the first song just blows the rest of the disc away.

Edited to add: So I've been listening to this CD for a while. I'm really not very crazy about it. The first time I heard the first song I really liked it, but it got old really fast. The selection of percussive instruments on this CD just bores me. There's just not enough variety for me - but then again, I'm used to listening to a lot of African music where you have djuns, sangbans, djembes, bells - all with a wide variety of different ways to play them. All in all, I suppose that this is still a good cd, but it's just not for me.

Amazing Japanese drumming...!.......2004-09-27

Another fine album by one of the major stars of the modern taiko drumming scene... Hirota's innovative compositions are audacious and ambitious; the skill and precision with which his ensemble perform them is nothing short of amazing. There are modernizations and meter shifts that may be questionable -- depending on your personal tastes or inclinations -- but for taiko fans, even those who prefer a more traditional style, this disc is a must. This is the music being played at its highest and most challenging level... Recommended!

One of the best Taiko collections I've heard.......2004-09-04

This is without a doubt one of the BEST taiko CD's ever. We put this on (to test a new subwoofer) and the sound of the drums was clear, the contrasting sticks and bells came through sharp and defined. The rhythms are surprisingly jazzy and modern.

There are nine cuts on this CD: the first seems VERY long but it's actually shy of 8 minutes--some are longer, 9:31 and 10:46 . The first cut Harvest is by far the best, though I like the almost 11 minute Heart Beat a lot as well.

The thundering big drums have traditional rhythms, but merge into melodic "songs" of a more modern nature. The drums are of varying sizes and tuned to different tones, and there is auxiliary percussion (sticks on the drum frame and some other percussion as well) but the Taiko dominate.


I find Taiko very energizing and I play this CD to lift my mood, especially if doing household tasks. If you like percussion, this is absolutely a must-have cd. We were VERY impressed.

Average customer rating: Successful crossing over from East to West One of the best solo guitar albums I have ever heard Virtuoso playing and an unusual repetoire

Si ji (Four Seasons) Manufacturer: Gsp Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Romance de Amor Paul Galbraith: French Impressions Mel Bay presents Ana Vidovic: Guitar Virtuoso A Jug of Wine and Thou John Williams - The Seville Concert / John Williams, Paco Pena, Andres Segovia ASIN: B000AXWHEY Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Wang Huiran: Yi Dance
2. He Luting: Shepherd Boy with Flute
3. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Intonation
4. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Long Out-stretched Pier with its Shadows
5. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Wind on The Hill
6. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Waiting for Guests
7. Dietmar Ungerrank: Intonation & 4 Sound-and-Image Compositions - Land Circus
8. Traditional - Heavenly Bird
9. Tradional - Lantern Song
10. Traditional - Mayila
11. Evan Hirschelman: Meditation No.2
12. Evan Hirshelman: Meditation No.1
13. Stephen Goss: The Blue Kite
14. Stephen Goss: Yellow Earth
15. Stephen Goss: Farewell My Concubine
16. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 1 T'ai
17. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 3 Lin
18. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 4 T'ung len
19. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 5 Huan
20. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 6 K'uei
21. Carlo Domeniconi: I Ching - 7 Chieh
22. Stephen Funk Pearson: South China Sea Peace
23. Thierry Rougier: Four Seasons - Spring
24. Thierry Rougier: Four Seasons - Summer
25. Thierry Rougier: Four Seasons - Autumn
26. Thierry Rougier: Four Seasons - Winter

Customer Reviews:

Successful crossing over from East to West.......2007-07-06

Nowadays many classical musicians move to 'cross-overs' between Western classics to exotic works, and Chinese musicians and composers pioneer in cross-overs from Chinese music to Western.
Alas, not all attempts are successful. Either there has not been enough nurturing in the Chinese repertoire, or the western playing style has not yet been fully developed.
Ms. Yang is a young classical guitarist. Gathering from what she said in her own introduction to this disc, she is a musician with a great ambition. It is true that the classical guitar may not have a substantial repertoire as other western instruments like the violin and piano. Hence drawing materials from other culture in a guitarist's repertoire is both a necessity and an endeavour.
A guitarist from Beijing, Ms. Yang is familiar with classical Chinese instruments like the gu qin, the zheng and the pipa. These ancient Chinese instruments are like the guitar- all are played by plucking strings set on wooden surfaces. So as Ms Yang herself noted - the guitar originated from the Middle East, a 'cross-over' area of Eastern and Western culture.
In many of the modern works recorded in this disc, Ms Yang played the guitar to the effect of those ancient Chinese instruments, and this is quite stunning. Her familiarity with the Eastern musical style is fully demonstrated, adding the requisite flavour of authenticity to her interpretation. There are a number of great compositions of the gu qing, the zheng as well as the pipa, and I truly look forward to Ms Yang's transcriptions of those to the guitar in due course.
A highly recommended recording for guitar players, guitar lovers and Chinese music fans alike.

One of the best solo guitar albums I have ever heard.......2006-10-06

One of the most original CDs I've ever heard. This CD is full of incredible music. Yang XueFei plays with sensitivity, creativity and passion.
When I played this CD for my guitar teacher, he commented that it was rare for him not to have heard at least one piece on any particular classical guitar CD, yet all these pieces were new to him. Carlo Domeniconi (who wrote the masterpiece "Koyunbaba") has composed an outstanding suite based on the I Ching. The 3 pieces by Stephen Goss, which are based on Asian films, are themselves cinematic: "The Blue Kite" is a work of minimalist beauty. There are many other talented composers lending their gifts to this CD. Most of the selections are either composed for Yang Xuefei or are arrangements by her. All are inspired by Chinese culture and music. My favorite piece is "Long Outstretched Pier with its Shadow" (by Dietmar Ungerrank); it is elegantly written and the execution is sensual and rich.
Yang XueFei's technical agility, especially the right hand, (as in "Yi Dance") goes beyond that of her contemporaries. As impressive as this is, the passion she imbues into each work is what connects her to the songs and ultimately to the audience. Technique is there to help her express what is inside of her. It is as if the guitar is her lover. This just isn't a great guitar album; it is a great album period. Its emotional complexity deepens with each listening. Buy it!
I've also purchased "Romance de Amor" which is extremely good as well (listen to her version of "Requerdos de la Alhambra" as compared to one of her heroes, John Williams on "The Guitarist"), but "Si Ji" is totally unique. Don't miss it.
As an aside, If you do end up buying and enjoying this CD, you might listen to Lily Afshar. The influence of her Persian heritage is similar in effect to "Si Ji" by Yang XueFei. Both artists have breathed life into the modern repertoire of guitar music.

Virtuoso playing and an unusual repetoire.......2005-10-26

I am a classical guitar student, and an over-the-top consumer. So I have a lot (many dozens) of classical guitar CDs. They are for the most part quite good, but they tend to blend. I might be able to distinguish Tennant's Rodrigo or Barrueco's Scarlatti, but too many guitarists play an awful lot of the same repetoire, and they play it quite similarly.

This CD is quite different. The pieces are all Asian in flavor and by composers I had never heard of. And they are quite beautiful. Ms. Yang appears to be quite young, so this could be the start of a long and interesting career. But at least one of the pieces was written for her, so she has already apparently developed a solid reputation.

Average customer rating: Not so fast ROCK ON!!!!! Koto Music Of Japan CD reissue of a good LP

Koto Music of Japan Various Artists Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Japan | Far East | Compilations | International | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi The Art of Japanese Bamboo Flute & Koto Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan) Shakuhachi - The Japanese Flute Dinner Classics: The Japanese Album ASIN: B000001V42 Release Date: 1993-07-20

Tracks:

1. Rokudan
2. Midare
3. Godan-Kinuta
4. Chidori
5. Haru-No-Kyoku

Customer Reviews:

Not so fast.......2006-07-05

This album was also re-released on the legacy label and is reviewed here at under the same album name - [...]

Assuming this CD lacks the problems described by a reviewer for the other release, then I agree with the other reviewers for this CD. The quality of performance is not quite as high as some other offerings, but the pieces aren't difficult or complex. The album is very enjoyable, despite whatever flaws, real or imagined.

ROCK ON!!!!!.......2005-03-21

These guy shred with the best! Honestly- this music has a certain effect on me and will on you as well.

Koto Music Of Japan.......2000-06-08

A great primer for traditional Japanese music. Very relaxing.

CD reissue of a good LP.......1999-11-12

Budget labels like Laserlight can be a real mixed bag, sometimes the worst touristy garbage, but sometimes high quality music originally issued by smaller independent labels. This album was originally issued as Everest 3206 - "Classical Japanese Koto Music", probably 30+ years ago. This is one of Laserlight's bargains.

Average customer rating: Great Movies have Great Soundtracks! Only Disc 1 Is Worth Anything More of a propaganda CD Great selection of Film Hits! Older recordings, main themes only

Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores Various Artists Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Star Trek | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Varese Sarabande 25th Anniversary Celebration Simply the Best Movie Themes Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection The Incredible Film Music Box ASIN: B000068TN9 Release Date: 2002-07-02

Tracks:

1. Saving Private Ryan 'Hymn To The Fallen' - John Williams
2. Double Indemnity 'Prelude' - Miklos Rozsa
3. The Lost Weekend 'Finale' - Miklos Rozsa
4. The Heiress 'Departure/Morris Suggests Love/The Proposal/Finale' - Aaron Copland
5. Sunset Boulevard 'Prelude' - Franz Waxman
6. The Ten Commandments 'Prelude' - Elmer Bernstein
7. Breakfast At Tiffany's 'Moon River' - Henry Mancini
8. Hatari! 'Baby Elephant Walk' - Henry Mancini
9. Rosemary's Baby 'Main Title (Vocal)' - Christopher Komeda
10. Romeo & Juliet 'Love Theme From Romeo & Juliet' - Nino Rota
11. Once Upon A Time In The West 'Once Upon A Time In The West' - Ennio Morricone
12. Love Story 'Theme From Love Story' - Francis Lai
13. The Godfather 'Main Title (The Godfather Waltz)' - Nino Rota
14. The Godfather 'Love Theme From The Godfather' - Nino Rota
15. Chinatown 'Love Theme From Chinatown (Main Title) - Jerry Goldsmith
16. The Godfather - Part II 'End Title' - Nino Rota
17. Star Trek: The Motion Picture 'End Title' - Jerry Goldsmith
18. Raiders Of The Lost Ark 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' - John Williams
19. Terms Of Endearment 'Theme From Terms Of Endearment' - Michael Gore
20. Flashdance 'Love Theme From Flashdance' - Giorgio Moroder
21. Beverly Hills Cop 'Axel F' - Harold Faltermeyer

Tracks:

1. Witness 'Building The Barn' - Maurice Jarre
2. Children Of A Lesser God 'Main Title' - Michael Convertino
3. The Untouchables 'The Strength Of The Righteous (Main Title)' - Ennio Morricone
4. Fatal Attraction 'Fatal Attraction' - Maurice Jarre
5. The Addams Family 'Main Title' - Marc Shaiman
6. Dead Again 'Winter 1948' - Patrick Doyle
7. Indecent Proposal 'Flashback & Photos' - John Barry
8. The Firm 'How Could You Lose Me?-End Title' - Dave Grusin
9. Clear And Present Danger 'Main Title/A Clear And Present Danger' - James Horner
10. Braveheart 'For The Love Of A Princess' - James Horner
11. Primal Fear 'Courtroom Montage' - James Newton Howard
12. Mission: Impossible 'Zoom B' - Danny Elfman
13. Star Trek: First Contact 'End Credits' - Jerry Goldsmith
14. Titanic 'Hard To Starboard' - James Horner
15. The Rugrats Movie 'Baby Shower Happenings' - Mark Mothersbaugh
16. The Talented Mr. Ripley 'Italia' - Gabriel Yared
17. Rules Of Engagement 'Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)' - Mark Isham
18. Mission: Impossible 2 'The Bait' - Hans Zimmer
19. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider 'Main Titles' - Graeme Revell
20. Vanilla Sky 'To The Roof' - Nancy Wilson
21. The Sum Of All Fears 'The Mission' - Jerry Goldsmith
22. Forest Gump 'I'm Forrest...Forrest Gump' - Alan Silvestri

Amazon.com

Granddaddy of the Hollywood studios, Paramount Pictures is rightfully proud of its century of contributions to both American cinema and the art of film scoring. But the first disc of this 43-track double-CD anthology merely hints at the studio's musical peaks, blithely skipping through its first seven decades in just 17 tracks. Indeed, the package as a whole seems more interested in marketing its post-'70s catalog of hits and blockbusters than it does in paying real homage to history and roots. Even rarities like Double Indemnity and The Lost Weekend are served up via modern budget-line rerecordings, as is Ennio Morricone's epochal Once upon a Time in the West). Contemporary recordings of Aaron Copland's rare score to The Heiress and Franz Waxman's great Sunset Blvd. fare better, but soundtrack fans may miss the originals. The studio's rich pop-crossover successes in the '60s are documented via Breakfast at Tiffany's "Moon River" and excerpts from Romeo and Juliet and Love Story, while successful franchises like Star Trek and Raiders also get their due. Too often the '90s-focused second disc only underscores some uncomfortable trends in contemporary scoring--orchestral nervous tics punctuated by booming crescendos, treacly piano Muzak--and makes one wonder if the music of The Rugrats Movie and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider are really film music milestones. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Great Movies have Great Soundtracks!.......2007-05-10

If you love movies and movie music, you can't go wrong with this two cd Paramount Anniversary set.

Only Disc 1 Is Worth Anything.......2006-07-19

Normally I have a lot to say in my reviews, but not this time. The main problem with this collection is that all the most memorable film scores are just on one disc, with the second used mostly to play out stuff from the last ten years that, really, musically isn't very memorable and only includes three pieces anyone will recognize just because, like the movies they come from, they're based on old TV shows - The Addams Family, Star Trek, and Mission: Impossible.

And that brings up another problem. With all due respect to the late Jerry Goldsmith, who has provided some truly great classic movie scores, was it REALLY necessary to include TWO versions of the SAME Star Trek march in this collection? This seems evocative of the milk-it-for-all-its-worth attitude Paramount has had lately toward its now-tarnished crown-jewel franchise. Where's James Horner's theme music from Star Trek II and III? If they're gonna put Star Trek on here twice, they should have provided a little diversity. It wouldn't have taken much, I'm sure.

I'm sure that Paramount's had other films with far more memorable music (even Harold Faltermeyer's Top Gun Anthem could have helped on Disc 2). This just seems like a lazy attempt at something that really could have been great.

More of a propaganda CD.......2002-10-30

There are some really great songs on this 2 CD set. However, those really great songs seem to be lightly interspersed amongst a large number of forgettable songs whose main purpose seems to be to remind you of those movies you enjoy(ed) so much.

It seems a little odd to me that out of 90 years of film making the most memorable scores have been largely released within the last few years. I was pleased to find themes from the Godfather, Indiana Jones and Witness. I was perplexed with the inclusion of songs from Rugrats, both Mission Impossible movies (one would have been more than enough) and Tomb Raider (memorable???).

This is my own personal bias, but I do prefer movie soundtracks that evoke a feeling of excitement. With this collection I just couldn't get excited. I kept finding myself being let down by songs that didn't in some way complement the preceeding song.

There are certainly some great tracks here, but overall I was disappointed. My advise would be to look elsewhere.

Great selection of Film Hits!.......2002-09-25

This one was a pleasant surprise! I thought- how could any CD that had "Baby Elephant Walk" be all that good? This one is. Lots of great scores- classics and a few hidden treasures. After hearing the beautiful title score for "Children of a Lesser God", I had to buy the entire soundtrack - very soothing. There are a few that may seem too overplayed ("Love Story", "Raiders of the Lost Ark",), but most are a welcome addition to any compilation. Try NOT loving "Building the Barn" from "Witness" or the "Hymn to the Fallen" from "Saving Private Ryan". Hours of great listening.

Older recordings, main themes only.......2002-08-27

This is a great album concept, but I really wish Paramount had re-recorded these scores as they deserve to be heard. The tracks range from 1944 to the present, and the older recordings sound just like the cleaned-up older recordings that they are.

I would also personally have enjoyed more "secondary" music themes (otherwise it becomes like reading book summaries that always only quote the opening paragraph), and I could easily have done without the "pop" tunes (like Baby Elephant Walk and the Rugrats theme). In fact, it would have been very nice to listen to an album comprised of tracks chosen for their strong musical value rather than apparently for their box office and/or hit song popularity. But, to be fair, that may be precisely what draws some people to this CD set.

Film score music constitutes the single most significant body of classical music of our time. I hope some of these tracks will entice listeners to buy entire soundtracks and listen to some of these works as a whole.

International Music:

1. The Music of Mali [Import]
2. The Pride of Italy
3. The Spirit of Brazil
4. Tributo a Leandro [Import]
5. Turkish Ottoman Tanbur Music
6. Vecchi Ricordi, Vol. 1
7. Village Music from Romania C
8. Vintage Cantorials for the High Holy Days
9. Yerevan Women's Choir of Armenia
10. 13

International Music

International Music