Sailor

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Budget price compilation for the most commercially successful female singer in British chart history. 15 tracks including, 'Sailor', 'Romeo', 'My Friend The Sea', 'I'm Counting On You' and 'I Will Follow Him'. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Tracks:

Son Of A Sailor
Fool Button
The Last Line
Livingston Saturday Night
Cheeseburger In Paradise
Coast Of Marseilles
Cowboy In The Jungle
Manana
African Friend

Amazon.com essential recording

Buffett caught a major wave on his commercial breakthrough, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes, and he rode it straight through the follow-up, Son of a Son of a Sailor. Buffett posits himself as a lovable rogue in the semiautobiographical title track, recounts a party out of bounds on "Fool Button" and delineates the perfect meal on "Cheeseburger in Paradise." Other songs find him checking in from a variety of ports of call, including Aruba ("African Friend"), Paraguay ("Cowboy in the Jungle"), somewhere in the Caribbean ("Mañana") and even Montana ("Livingston Saturday Night"). Think of Son of a Son as something of a Parrothead operations manual. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

His Commercial Peak.......2006-11-08

By the time "Son of a Son" is released Buffett has become a huge star, headlining big arenas across the country and cultivating his legion of "parrot head" fans. His last album "Changes In Latitudes" was a lot to live up to, and although "Sailor" is not quite as good it does come very close. Buffett managed two more huge hits from this album, the title track and the novelty song "Cheeseburger In Paradise". The album charted in the top 10. Buffett writes every tune on this one and the results for the most part are very good. "Livingston Saturday Night" is an aggressive rocker that was also in the "Rancho Deluxe" and "FM" soundtracks. "Coast Of Marseilles" is a nice lost love song. "Cowboy In The Jungle" ranks right up there with Buffett's best with its parrothead philosophical chorus of "roll with the punches". "Fool Button" is a cool rocker. "Manana" is one of my all time favorite Buffett tracks and the album closer "African Friend" is another winner. The only song that really does not work for me is "The Last Line" which is a bit of a throwaway track. This album would find Jimmy at his commercial peak and things would start going downhill sales wise from here on out until his more recent big country comeback. "Son Of A Son" remains essential Buffett.

"from a bronco ride to a ten foot tide...".......2005-12-23

I like to refer to myself as the son of a son of a car dealer and see how many folks get the connection. It's sad to say, but not many do. The Coast of Marseilles is about as fine a lament for lost love that you will ever find. Cowboy in the Jungle is also great stuff. Can you really get shrimp skin boots? When he sings about being "alone on a midnight passage" he paints the picture perfectly. This is pre "neon Jimmy". Highly advised.

This is where you should start your collection..........2005-12-10

"Coast of Marseilles" is the best Jimmy song ever, I mean ever. He absolutely makes this Keith Sykes tune his own. I was a big "parrothead", but off fallen off the boat in recent years. When you play this CD, you know what "it" was all about when the mania was in the infant stages.

You have probably have already added "Songs You Know by Heart" and "Changes in ..." to your collection, now you should buy this one. Many great tunes followed this disc, but no one disc, song for song, hit grand slam after grand slam.

Before the restaurants and stores, this was really what the party was all about!

Buy this, and a 12 pack, and enjoy the tunes. It is a great place to begin or expand your Jimmy collection.

Not a Buffet fan, but love this CD.......2002-05-25

Although Jimmy Buffett is not one of my favorite musicians in general, I rank this CD as one the the best CD's EVER by any artist. Every track is is an emotional good time. Whether the emotion is upbeat (Cheeseburger In Paradise) or solemn and wise (Cowboy in the Jungle), this collection of music is a must have for anyone.

CLASSIC BUFFETT.......2002-03-27

This is one of JB's albums that is a definite must own!!! Especially for the newer phans that have only phlocked among us recently. I feel that listening to JB's older music will help you realize the scope that he has as a musician, and it will give you more of a perspective on his work as a whole. This is one of the greatest of all his albums to date.

The oh so popular hits by Buffett are here.
Such as "Son of a son of a Sailor(album title)", what an awesome song that just sets the tone for the entire record. It is a
one of his greatest hits of all time, and in so many ways reflects the man himself. "Livingston Saturday Night", which was performed in both films, "FM", and "Rancho Deluxe", by JB himself. The sing a long "Cheeseburger in Paradise" is also here. This is one of my all time favorite songs by Jimmy, probably more of an obvious choice, but a very fun and danceable tune that always gets me going. And always seems to make me hungry for that big hunk of meat.
This is a necessary album for any Buffett phans collection! You won't be disappointed!

Sailor
Average customer rating:

Great Old Steve Miller Band!

Better than first album

Children of the Future ....continued

excellent remasteringit is

Still holds up

Sailor
Steve Miller Band
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Children of the Future

Brave New World

Number 5

The Joker

Book of Dreams

ASIN: B00000DRBJ
Release Date: 1991-04-09

Tracks:

Song For Our Ancestors
Dear Mary
My Friend
Living In The U.S.A.
Quicksilver Girl
Lucky Man
Gangster Of Love
You're So Fine
Overdrive
Dime-a-dance Romance

Customer Reviews:

Great Old Steve Miller Band!.......2007-07-01

Always thought Steve and band were cool, and the farther back in the catalog I listened the cooler he/they got. Solid music!

Sorry no details, not smart enuf to have 'em... just dig the vibe. Oh yeah, try listening on headphones and it just gets better! Detailed production and excellent musicianship... but you can also just listen to on a cruddy scratchy one speaker system and it's still nice which is the sign of some pretty good stuff!

Better than first album.......2007-03-12

There's a reason you don't know much about his earlier career. If you want to listen to a sucky indulgent late 60's California band, get QuickSilver Messenger Service first album. At least Sailor had a minor hit (Living in the USA). I would be more lenient if this was the first album. Seeds of potential can be heard on some of the tracks, but he's got a long way to go. He must have been connected, I would not have let him record another album after the first. But, good thing they did because he was much better in the 70's.

Children of the Future ....continued.......2007-02-01

This record reads like the second half of Children of the Future, Steve's first record and thats a compliment in the highest order. Boz Scaggs leaves after this record and leaves 2 great songs Overdrive & Dime a Dance Romance.

excellent remasteringit is .......2007-01-23

it"s a pleasure to hear this great music again in a crystal clear version.

Still holds up.......2006-11-11

My favorite Steve Miller album. As good as I rememberd it. You may not like it as much if you are a big fan of his more popular, later, material.

Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection

Average customer rating:

Wonderful collection and price!
Awesome collection!
Helicopters? Marines?
A great addition to my music collection
Quintessential Wagner

Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Wagner: Overture & Preludes
The Best Of Wagner
Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words
Wagner without Words
25 Thunderous Classics

ASIN: B000009ON7
Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

The Valkyries: Ride Of The Valkyries
Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Funeral March
Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III
The Flying Dutchman: Overture
The Flying Dutchman: Sailors' Chorus
The Rheingold: Journey Down To Nibelheim
The Mastersingers Of Nuremberg: Overture
Tannhauser: Overture
Tannhauser: Entry Of The Guests
Tannhauser: Tannhauser's Pilgrimage
Siegfried: Act III Orchestral Interlude
Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
Twilight Of The Gods: Finale
The Rheingold: Entry Of The Gods Into Valhalla

Tracks:

Lohengrin: Prelude To Act I
Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
Parsifal: Prelude to Act I
Parsifal: Good Friday Music
Parsifal: Transformation Scene
Tannhauser: Venusberg Music
Tannhauser: Pilgrims Chorus
The Mastersingers Of Nuremburg: Prelude To Act III
The Rheingold: Vision Of Valhalla (Scene II Introduction)
Siegfried Idyll
Siegfried: Brunnhildes Awakening
Tristan And Isolde: Prelude To Act III
Tristan And Isolde: Death Of Isolde

Amazon.com

If you like your Wagner served up in bleeding chunks or if you're simply in a hurry to hear the tunes, then this compilation is for you. The performances, drawn from the Polygram (mainly Deutsche Grammophon) back catalog, are for the most part authoritative. They feature the likes of Herbert von Karajan, with the Berlin Philharmonic, and Karl Böhm, with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra (and chorus), in extracts from recordings of complete operas, and conductors Giuseppe Sinopoli, Otto Gerdes, and Antal Doráti in some of the more familiar overtures and preludes. Singing, without which it is impossible to get the full flavor of Wagner's work, is skirted whenever possible: this is an unapologetic tribute to Wagner the orchestral genius. At times the salesmanship is a little overblown--the glitzy packaging includes a cover shot of the helicopters from Apocalypse Now--and the sound, some of it from very good originals, seems to have been juiced with a little added digital reverb, resulting in an overall glassiness. The gaps between tracks are minimized, disco style, so there's no dead air, and the whole thing has an Entertainment Tonight feel to it. Were he around, Wagner would have screamed bloody murder, then happily taken his cut of the action. For today's on-the-go listener, this may well be the most practical way to enjoy Wagner's music, but we won't be happy until it motivates at least one newcomer to seek out a recording of a complete opera. Anyone who does that will find out what "apocalypse" really means. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Awesome collection!.......2007-01-10

This is a great collection of some of Wagner's most memorable songs for those of you who do not want to buy the whole opera's for some of his works.

Helicopters? Marines?.......2006-12-05

Do those infotainment marketing mavens ever get it right? Talk about Hollywood disconnect! Not only are the helicopters irrelevant, but to quote from the gushy drivel on the jacket, "The gripping power of Richard Wagner's music was demonstrated with spectacular effect in...Apocalpse Now, when the "Ride of the Valkyries' became synonymous with the chilling journey of Marine 'Huey' helicopters into battle..."

Marine? Marine? Them Hueys in the movie was ARMY Air Cav, slick! "First of the ninth--air mobile." If you're going to dally down that primrose path, at least get it right.

Better yet, drop the choppers. Most people who listen to Wagner probably realize that quality of an artistic work has a mystically inverse relationship to the number of helicopters contained in it.

As for the music, it is good, but the operatic equivalent of sound bites, which may be just right for people who are new to Wagner or just can't take very much of him. Hmm...perfect for a helicopter ride, perhaps?

A great addition to my music collection.......2006-07-20

This CD takes the place of all my other Wagner music. VERY well done. Somehow I didn't realize that there were two cds in the package--what a pleasant surprise! Of the two cds, I like the first one best, but they are both good. I listen to this cd daily on my way to work. Stirring! I am so glad that I purchased this. Some purists might have a problem with the fact that some of the selections are not there in their entirety. I have no problem with that though. I recommend this to anyone who loves Wagner.

Quintessential Wagner.......2006-05-15

Okay, so I like Wagner. I LOVE "Ride Of The Valkyries". Do I want to go out and buy every single stinkin thing Wagner did? No. If you are a die-hard Wagner fan you probably will not think much of this collection.

But if you like Wagner and appreciate "Ride Of The Valkyries", and maybe require it in just a little more substance than what is included in "Apocolypse Now Redux", then this is what you want. The extra tracks are bonuses and are quite good. Meets my needs, presentation great, performance excellent. I recommend it for anyone that needs a Wagner fix.

Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers

Average customer rating:

Top of the line
The King's Singers in their element
Pure Artistry
Absolutely beautiful!
Wonderful

Annie Laurie ~ Folksongs of the British Isles / Barrueco · The King's Singers
English Traditional , Scottish Traditional , Irish Traditional , Welsh Traditional , Sir Henry Rowley Bishop , Hugh Robertson , Manuel Barrueco , The King's Singers , and Nancy Hadden
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Watching the White Wheat: Folk Songs of the British Isles; King's Singers
The King's Singers Original Debut Recording
The Kings Singers - New Day
All At Once Well Met: English Madrigals; The King's Singers
The King"s Singers: English Renaissance

ASIN: B000002RTQ
Release Date: 1993-11-16

Tracks:

Scarborough Fair
Skye Boat Song
What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor?
Annie Laurie
Greensleeves
Danny Boy
The Lincolnshire Poacher
Loch Lomond
The Lass Of Richmond Hill
Sally Gardens
The Ash Grove
Aiken Drum
Golden Slumbers
Ar Hyd Y Nos (All Through The Night)
Going To Towyn
Home Sweet Home
Eriskay Love Lilt
Mairi's Wedding

Customer Reviews:

Top of the line.......2003-06-17

This CD, along with Watching the White Wheat, is consistently a top seller on the group's US tours. Solid musicianship, great passion and emotion brought into the singing. There is some instrumental work done on this disc, but it doesn't overpower the singers.

To correct Mr. Beamer's statement in his review, the KS have indeed been doing pop and all genres of music since their founding in 1968. In fact, it was the inappropriateness of singing pop and light music with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, that led a small group to branch off and sing all genres of music, including pop, on their own time ... this leading to the founding of the King's Singers.

The King's Singers in their element.......2001-09-28

The King's Singers got started a few decades ago doing exclusively classical material, and most of that was pre-1700. Now, many years on, (and after several changes in the group's membership) they have long since branched out into pop and other genres.

This CD (along with another similar one, "Watching the White Wheat") really show off their UK roots, with English, Scottish, and Irish folksongs. The arrangements are mostly quite good, and all the performances are excellent. Deserving of special mention are: (on the slow, poignant side) "Annie Laurie", and "The Ash Grove". [Note: the arrangement of "Annie Laurie" heard here is different from, and I think inferior to, the arrangement they did on an old out-of-print LP called "Atlantic Bridge", where they did both Britsh and American folksongs -- that LP is Highly Recommended (if you can find it -- good luck!)]

Anyway, back to the review: on the up-tempo side, two very fun tunes are "Going to Towyn" and "Mairi's Wedding". For you singers out there, the score for the latter is available in a 3-part arrangement, and is rather easy to learn.

Pure Artistry.......2000-12-09

I bought this CD after seeing the King's Singers in concert. Everytime I listen to it, it takes me back to a magical evening, and a magical place- the British Isles. These songs are beautifully arranged and sung. I never get tired of listening to these timeless folk songs that have been weaved into the cultural fabric of America and others around the world.

Absolutely beautiful!.......2000-08-25

The cracked, maimed, and scuffed CD case that I am looking at right now is in itself testement to the addictive qualities of this recording. I have had this CD for almost a year and it has wandered the country with me (we just got back from No. Cal. ;) I listen to it almost every night before I go to sleep. The beautifully blended harmonies on this CD are gorgeous and I have fallen completly in love with the countertenor voices. All of the tacks are wonderful but my favorites are (#2)The Skye Boat Song (listen to this while reading Diana Gabaldon!) (#4) Annie Laurie (#6) Danny Boy and (#17) Eriskay Love Lilt. *Whew* that was hard, I can't pick my favorites easily. Buy this CD for it's gorgeous cover and fall in love with the music!

Wonderful.......2000-05-18

I love this CD, the arrangements for these folk songs are superb. The songs picked are fun and beatiful representatives of English Folk songs. One of my favorite CD's.

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection

Average customer rating:

Well worth the price
Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection...
Where's the chicks?!?!
Not quite the ultimate....
Great Music - Questionable Selection

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Topsy-Turvy
The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

ASIN: B000007OU0
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.

Roast Beef of Old England (Traditional Sailor Songs)

Average customer rating:

Set Sail With These Great Songs
Jack Aubrey would have loved it...
Good traditional stuff
Continuing Enjoyment
Great CD!

Roast Beef of Old England (Traditional Sailor Songs)
Jerry Bryant , and Starboard Mess
Manufacturer: Essay
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Shanties & Songs of the Sea
Musical Evenings With The Captain
Sailors' Songs & Sea Shanties
Musical Evenings With The Captain, Vol. 2
Blow the Man Down

ASIN: B00004UDET
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

Spanish Ladies
A Jolly Sailor's True Description Of A Man-Of-War
Adieu, Sweet Lovely Nancy
St. Patrick's Day
Warlike Seamen
The First Of June
Drops Of Brandy
Roast Beef Of Old England
Heart Of Oak
Nancy Dawson
Ben Backstay
Sailors' Hornpipe/Rickett's Hornpipe
Bay Of Biscay-o
The Battle Of The Nile
Nelson's Victory/Hull's Victory
The Banks Of The Nile/Sailor's Cravat
A New Sea Song (Sweethearts And Wives)
Pleasant And Delightful
Captain Barton's Distress On The Lichfield
Chevy Chase
The Shannon And The Chesapeake
Distressed Men-Of-War
Sailor's Jacket
Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate

Amazon.com

If Roast Beef of Old England isn't enough to spawn a dose of contact scurvy, many other of these two dozen salty tunes will set the boat a-rocking. Treasures such as "A Jolly Sailor's True Description of a Man-of-War" and "Drops of Brandy" detail life among British seamen of the early 1800s without dredging up too much of the usual pirates, shipwrecks, or mutiny. It's an historical document of the regular life at sea, inspired by the British Navy novels of Patrick O'Brian, with intentions to anchor the writing in the ordinary sounds and stories of those fictionalized seafaring times. Glad fiddle, fife, and Jerry Bryant's humble six-man choral crew Starboard Mess spill the beans in suitable fashion without a sailor's colorful vocabulary. They supply the "yo ho ho" and annotations, you bring the rum and black powder. --Ian Christe

Customer Reviews:

Set Sail With These Great Songs.......2007-01-28

Jerry Bryant and his Starboard Mess offer up to the listener some wonderful performances of traditional British sailor tunes. They are all performed acapella, and despite other reviewers saying that these songs lack spirit, I find that there's plenty in store. Pennywhistle and fiddle songs are also thrown in and do nothing but add to the enjoyment of this album. Read your favorite Jack Aubrey novel or other seafaring tales such as "Treasure Island" while listening to this album to truly enhance your literary experience. My personal favorites include "Spanish Ladies" and "Bay of Biscay-o."

You should see the looks I get from the little wannabe thugs in their tricked out Hondas listening to hip-hop when I pull up next to them in my conservative white Toyota Camry and I'm belting out lines like "We'll rant and we'll roar like true British sailors...." Jay-Z can't even hold a candle to these wonderful old tunes.

Highly recommended.

Jack Aubrey would have loved it..........2007-01-09

This is the real thing! It takes some time to get into these songs...but then I started to join in. For someone reading O'Brian its a MUST.

Good traditional stuff.......2007-01-05

Just what I was looking for, some traditional British songs from the age of sail. I recomend this for anyone with an interest in British maritime and naval history.

Continuing Enjoyment.......2006-05-05

I've owned this CD for a few years now, and it hasn't become stale yet.

Being a 'younger' person with generally 'younger' preferences in music, and yet still a person thoroughly devoted to Patrick O'Brian and all his works, on first listening I was doubtful.

Another two or three spins around the CD player, though, and I was hooked. Crisp, clear and obviously as historically accurate as they can be, these songs give delight even now.

Best use? Volume dialled up to eleven for the morning drive to work, bellowing along at the top of my voice - and often the bottom of my range! Heart of Oak, Roast Beef of Old England, The Shannon and the Chesapeake - uproarious. Sailor's Jacket is the foot-tappingest instrumental; it still sets my toes a-jumping. And the sweeter songs? Give them plenty of wellie .. Adieu Sweet Lovely Nancy is fabulous.

Other big numbers: A Jolly Sailor's True Description of a Man-of-War, A New Sea Song (Sweethearts & Wives) - which has some fabulously 'historically accurate' narrative within (POB readers will know whereof I speak! ;-} - and Distressed Men-of-War - another song referred to within the POB Canon.

Heartily recommended.

Great CD!.......2005-10-28

I am very impressed with the quality of this CD. The sound is clear and the tones perfect. It was a surprise just how familiar all the song is! They are very vivid and worldly. I bought this CD with out knowing what was on it; I was truly surprised and happy with it. My 6th graders will enjoy learning to this CD, and as well as singing the songs to complement our reading of Treasure Island.
Lisa

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury

Average customer rating:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan
Pure delight
Delicious G&S samplings abound here.
Fine Intro to G&S

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Nicholas Folwell , Arthur Sullivan , Marie McLaughlin , Rebecca Evans , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , John Mark Ainsley , Alwyn Mellor , Anne Howells , Barry Banks , Eric Garrett , Felicity Palmer , Gareth Rhys Davies , Janice Watson , Julie Gossage , Neill Archer , Pamela Helen Stephen , Peter Savidge , Richard Stuart , Richard Suart , Richard Van Allan , Sir Thomas Allen [baritone] , Sir Charles Mackerras , and Welsh National Opera
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan
The Gilbert and Sullivan Overtures
The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan

ASIN: B000003D1Y
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

A Wandering Minstrel I
Behold The Lord High Executioner!
Three Little Maids From School Are We
Braid The Raven Hair
The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-tit Sang, 'Willow, Tit-willow'
For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
We Sail The Ocean Blue
I'm Called Little Buttercup
My Gallant Crew
When I Was A Lad
Things Are Seldom What They Seem
Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
Poor Wand'ring One
How Beautifully Blue The Sky
I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
When The Foeman Bares His Steel
Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
With Cat-Like Tread
Is Life A Boon?
I Have A Song To Sing, O!
Were I Thy Bride
Oh, A Private Buffoon Is A Light-Hearted Loon
When A Wooer Goes A-Wooing
When I, Good Friends, Was Called To The Bar
A Nice Dilemma We Have Here
Oh, Joy Unbounded

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan.......2004-03-15

At the end of the 19th century (1870's, 80's and 90's) the compatible duo of librettist and composer Gilbert and Sullivan popularized the pre-Broadway entertainment of Savoy opera. These were light operas or operettas whose content was satire and comedy, full of bouncy melodies and beautiful singing, highly entertaining theatrical works staged at London's Savoy theatre. Gilbert and Sullivan did not always get along and in fact there was a time when they ended their professional relationship because personal conflicts surfaced. But they managed to create the world's most beloved light operas, over 40 of them. Their most famous are what I call the Big Three- The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado. Other works include their first hit Trial By Jury, The Yeomen Of The Guard, Princess Ida, The Gondoliers, Patience and several others. A standard signature of Gilbert and Sullivan was in the colorful cast- a comic actor with a special kind of baritone voice, a canary-like and sweet-voiced coloratura or lyric diva, a mezzo soprano with strong chest register and a lyric tenor as the romantic hero. On this album, English conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, a popular figure in the classical music scene and opera, guides the Chorus and Orchestra Of the Welsh National Opera in generally well-delivered performances of excerpts from the operas The Mikado, The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance, Yeomen Of The Guard and Trial By Jury. Although I feel that the recordings made by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, with Isodore Godfrey conducting and starring the best cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire- the singers of the 60's and 70's- tenor Phillip Potter, soprano Valerie Masterson, baritone John Reed, Donald Adams and mezzo soprano Christine Palmer. Their version of the Pirates Of Penzance and the Mikado far outshine the Welsh National Opera in technical mastery and vibrant tone color.

But these are fine excerpts. Especially appealing is the famous and cheerful "Three Little Maids From School Are We", a trio that imitates Japanese style melody. Most of the Mikado does this, for it was inspired by Japanisme or the new fashion in Victorian England- everything Japanese, from prints to paintings to poetry. Gilbert and Sullivan simply "Japanized" their English operettas. The Finale "For He's Gone To Marry Yum Yum" is an ebullient and pleasant finale. Not featured here is the domineering and powerful Katisha, a figure who stands out in the Mikado.

The H.M.S. Pinafore is Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular work. The sea chanty "We Sail The Ocean Blue" opens the opera with appropriate atmosphere and it seems to fit perfectly with the other scene in which the Captain greets his crew and they sing his praises "My Gallant Crew..I am the Captain Of The Pinafore". A beautiful melody that seems to come out of a romantic Offenbach tune is "I"m Called Little Buttercup". The finale, not featured here, is also very engaging "For He Is An Englishman" which can almost resemble a British national anthem. The Yeomen Of The Guard was Gilbert and Sullivan's "serious opera" eventhough it remains very Savoyard. The plot deals with Tudor England and takes place at the London Tower. "I have a song to sing" makes use of what can be taken for an English ballad of the Renaissance. Trial By Jury, about the eccentric and hilarious activity of a court trial, has a sextet that although different in composition, has the sextet "Che Mi Frena" from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor in mind. All in all, an excellent recording sure to delight young and old.

Pure delight.......2003-08-02

--Gilbert & Sullivan--
William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were a match made in heaven, yet on earth their pairing seems even with hindsight a most unlikely coupling. Both were destined for other things, Gilbert in fact for decidedly non-musical careers. Introduced by a mutual friend, Fred Clay, the fledgling lyricist Gilbert met the military-band-leader's son Sullivan and together continued to conspire to inspire the delights of audiences from high Victorian times down to the present, as their work in musical theatre comedy continues to provide merriment throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.

--The Music--
This collection includes highlights from five of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operettas: The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, and Trial by Jury. The arrangements and orchestrations are delightfully energetic and clear; the characterisation and vocal qualities of the leads are perfect for their roles. The haughty if misplaced Lord of the Admiralty has the perfect combination of insecurity and pompous officiousness. The Plaintiff and the Defendant in the Trial are perfectly cast. This is a collection of highlights - at least three but no more than seven songs each, but this gives a good flavour of the music. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Rebecca Evans, Felicity Palmer, John Mark Ainsley and Anne Howells lead the chorus with stunning vocals and clever characterisations of the parts they play. Many (such as Stuart and Evans) play the leading roles across several of the pieces of the disc.

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as synopses of the five pieces presented here. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers. It also does not include the lyrics to the songs. Were the quality of the CD not so great, this might cost it a star in rating.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.

Delicious G&S samplings abound here........2003-05-06

The first thing I should be saying is "What an infectuous G&S CD." Indeed this is, with this fine sampling of the peppy and bright Mackerras series. I know I have praised its "Mercedes-Benz quality" elsewhere on these pages, but that doesn't stop me from saying that everyone is in fine voice. This generously filled CD may only focus on five operas, but at least you can savour a reasonable choice sampling of delights from each one. Of particular interest is Richard Suart's patter-baritone parts and the soaring lyric soprano of Rebecca Evans. The selection on this disc is filled with a mixture of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems such as the female choruses in Mikado and Pirates. Mackerras is a true G&S conductor, but one who always springs rhythms crisply, and adopts peppy tempo for the fast bits. The one drawback is that this selection is far too infectuous that you'll want to shell out money to buy the full 5-CD Mackerras cycle - an incredible bargain with most of the operas fitted onto one disc each. But still, this is at least a decent G&S sampling for beginners, capped with Steven Ledbetter's copious liner notes. It will leave you wanting to say "dammit I'm going to play it again."

Fine Intro to G&S.......2000-12-30

This is the perfect CD for those who may not be familiar with G&S, or for the initiated who want a smattering but don't have the mother of all CD changers. The difficulty with any G&S Greatest Hits CD is determining which pieces to leave off; while one could easily point to any number equally good bits, it would be difficult to argue about the quality of the choices included. The only problem, such as it is, is that after listening to it I am usually induced to go back and listen to the whole opera anyway. The Mackerras recordings are uniformly excellent. I have read elsewhere the criticism that they are too 'operatic' for light opera. If by this it is meant that the singers are too good, then I leave it to the discretion of the listener when the singing becomes too good to be enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

Wicked Funny Music
Gift Idea
Octoberfest fun
A great CD!

Opera's Greatest Drinking Songs

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

German Drinking and Beer Garden Songs: 14 All-time Favorites
ZOUNDS!: A Browser's Dictionary of Interjections
German Beer Drinking & Merrymaking Songs: Featuring Music From The Octoberfest In Munich
Yiddish with Dick and Jane
A John Waters Christmas

ASIN: B000003FV4
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks: