Two [Import] [Limited Edition]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track

Two, Music, Bob James, Crossover Jazz, Jazz, Jazz-Pop, Pop, Smooth Jazz
Led Zeppelin II
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • one of zep's best
  • Great Vibes, Inspiring, Effective
  • As hard-rocking as it gets. Led Zeppelin's best album.
  • All hail the riff king!
  • That's the One!
 Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Led Zeppelin 1
  2. Led Zeppelin IV (aka ZOSO)
  3. Led Zeppelin III
  4. Houses Of The Holy
  5. Physical Graffiti

ASIN: B000002J03
Release Date: 1994-06-21

Tracks:

  1. Whole Lotta Love
  2. What Is And What Should Never Be
  3. The Lemon Song
  4. Thank You
  5. Heartbreaker
  6. Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)
  7. Ramble On
  8. Moby Dick
  9. Bring It On Home

Amazon.com essential recording

Riff rock had been what Jimmy Page's former band, the Yardbirds, were all about, and on Led Zeppelin's second album, released, like its predecessor, in 1969, the inventive guitarist demonstrated that he'd indeed learned his lessons well. Witness "Whole Lotta Love," a woozy epic based on one simple, head-banging-friendly guitar riff. Or the mock-dramatic "Heartbreaker," propelled by far more intricate but similarly effective note squashing. Between Page's sonic wizardry, John Bonham beating his drums into submission ("Moby Dick"), and the juice running down Robert Plant's leg ("The Lemon Song"), Led Zeppelin here just about succeeded in raising rock & roll excess to an art form. --Billy Altman

Amazon.com

Led Zeppelin II is an album of Jimmy Page riffs so huge, and John Paul Jones/John Bonham rhythms so deep, that the heavy metal genre this classic helped create has tried for decades to catch up, mostly without success. And no wonder: since II catches the band before they'd headed too far into their ridiculous medieval fancies, this might be as good as Zep would ever be. Regardless, the thunderous "Whole Lotta Love," a Top 5 hit, and "Bring It on Home" are very nearly as fierce and twisted as British white blues would ever get. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars one of zep's best.......2007-06-07

Zep II finds the band still tapping the primordial riff mine that page opened up in their debut. this is still super tight bluesy hard rock focused on sex and relationships, preceding the more eclectic and experiment zep 3 & physical graffiti.

from whole lotta love to bring it on home, there's not a weak song in the group. page's irresistable riffs -- the dna for countless future metal and hard rock bands -- plant's howling wolf cum celtic hippy wail, backed by the rock-solid rhythm section of bonham/jones, makes this one of their best. just when you think they are slipping in the slow start to the album's final track, page, bonham and jones kick in with a thundering sound that reminds you what is great about rock n roll.

5 out of 5 stars Great Vibes, Inspiring, Effective.......2007-05-30

Another CD filled with GENIUS ! OH, and...LUST ! These two are so passionate,.

These songs REALLY COMMUNICATE !!!!!

I painted one room's mural to this CD.

Truly effective music.

5 out of 5 stars As hard-rocking as it gets. Led Zeppelin's best album........2007-05-28

Led Zeppelin's second album is sure to please all music fans of any genre. Led Zeppelin II, released in the same year as the first album in 1969, is as hard-rocking as it gets when it comes to Zeppelin. All nine tracks are Led Zeppelin at their best, whether it's world-renowned blues rock ("Whole Lotta Love"), racing guitar play ("Heartbreaker"), or awesome, creative drum solos ("Moby Dick"). This album is a representative of late-60s rock, and I find it quite similar to Axis Bold As Love, by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The album starts to amaze you with the recognizable blues-rocker "Whole Lotta Love," which has a creative interlude consisting of distorted radio waves; after said song, Zeppelin attempts to cool you down a bit with the bluesy ballad "What is and What Should Never Be," which, like "The Rain Song" from the Houses Of The Holy album, is where you'll find Robert Plant's vocals at their peak. This is followed by "The Lemon Song," which actually sounds like something Jimi Hendrix would play. "Thank You" is also a very nice Led Zeppelin song and is a very easy listen. The album's turning point is at track five, which happens to be the instant rocker "Heartbreaker". It's definately one of the band's greatest songs, and Jimmy Page is at his best in it. The hard-rocking Sabbath-like main riff is a great combination with John Bonham's rapid drumming, and the solo is easily one of the best of all time, as it is not only awesome and awestriking, but it was improvised; that proves Page can ad-lib his way through solos and STILL make it sound good. "Living Loving Maid (She's Just a Woman)" is also a very easy listen, and quite catchy at that. "Ramble On," yet another acoustic song, also contains great vocals and guitar playing. "Moby Dick" is probably where drummer John Bonham is putting forth his best effort, as the song starts out with a guitar and drum combination and then drops into a complete drum solo where at first, Bonham plays with his hands, and about two and a half minutes into the song he picks up the sticks and delivers a heavy rain of thunderous drumming. The outro of the song is when Jimmy Page comes in again and finishes it off with John, making the song a very powerful instrumental. The last song, "Bring it on Home," is very convenient for the album, as it first leaves you with a blues impression, but later picks up in a hard rock style, just as Zeppelin would do. Overall, Led Zeppelin's second album is what I think is the crown jewel in their albumography. Whenever you get the chance, buy it--you'll be pleasently surprised.

5 out of 5 stars All hail the riff king!.......2007-05-14

Led Zeppelin II (1969) Led Zeppelin's second studio album.

Led Zeppelin had already shocked audiences with their controversial cover art and amazing blues-rock earlier in 1969, and later that same year they would churn out another classic album. "Led Zeppelin II" is one of the finer in their catalog, being the epitome of what Jimmy Page does best; sick and sexy blues riff-rock.

The first track is one of their most (in)famous songs, "Whole Lotta Love". A very slow-driving head-banging tune with a riff partly lifted from Willie Dixon. Page and the crew also drop crazy riffs on "Living Loving Maid", "Ramble On", and "Heartbreaker". Plant's vocals soar wildly on "What is and What Should Never Be" and "The Lemon Song" as Bonham blasts his beloved bass drum on each and every cut. What makes this album better than their debut is that it fully developed their sound. "I" had done a fairly good job of that, but "II" cut the pure blues-based pieces and instead gave it a more definitive rock edge.

As on all of the remasters, the sound quality is excellent. "II" is about on par with the original vinyl, and to untrained ears will sound just as good. This is an excellent place to start with Led Zeppelin, if not for the opening track alone. However, I would recommend to start with "Led Zeppelin IV" before coming to this gem. "II" is a cut that every classic/hard/blues/whatever rock fan should own.

4 out of 5 stars That's the One!.......2007-05-12

I had been hearing Train's rendention of "Ramble On" on the Howard Stern Show, and I loved it. So I decided to get the original version from Led Zeppelin. I'm not disappointed. As fabulous as Train's, but more authentic with Robert Plant singing it. The CD also has great hits like "Whole lotta Love", "What is and what should never Be", & "Living Loving Maid (she's just a woman)". Worth the price.
Two Lights
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Freedom Never Cries !!!
  • Unexpected
  • As good as in concert
  • Outstanding!
  • Best album in years!
 Two Lights
Five for Fighting
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. The Battle For Everything
  2. America Town
  3. Continuum
  4. How To Save A Life
  5. Let Love In

ASIN: B000G6BLFG
Release Date: 2006-08-01

Tracks:

  1. Freedom Never Cries
  2. World
  3. California Justice
  4. The Riddle
  5. Two Lights
  6. 65 Mustang
  7. I Just Love You
  8. Policeman's Xmas Party
  9. Road To Heaven
  10. Johnny America

Amazon.com

On his third disc, the one-man musical marvel known as Five for Fighting proves yet again that all that's standing between him and peace of mind--not the fleeting kind, but full-on, to-the-bone, heart-and soul-cleansing peace of mind--is a song. Two Lights picks up where America Town left off, diving smack-dab into the national consciousness and hitting, predictably, a sorrowful spot. First track "Freedom Never Cries" is a self-skewering lament that calls out to complacent countrymen by way of confession and an artful, piano-enhanced weighing of consequence. It's followed by "World," which reminds unpreachily, and not unpleasantly, that "history starts now." Where Two Lights better resembles 2004's hugely successful The Battle for Everything is in its more inward-looking tracks, the tender first single "The Riddle" among them. There, and on the near criminally pretty "I Just Love You," the mush-hearted may find themselves fighting the urge to hug the closest stranger. But despite his now-dependable dips into mopiness, John Ondrasik--Five for Fighting to you and the rest of the world--doesn't deny himself the opportunity to rock when he wants to. If anything makes this guy happy, it's the state of California: on "California Justice," he kicks off his shoes and works on his tan like a latter-day Beach Boy from the dark side, and "'65 Mustang" rambles down the coast with the kind of carefree vibe that, outside of a song, only a convertible can deliver. --Tammy La Gorce

More from Five for Fighting


Message for Albert


America Town


The Battle for Everything

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Freedom Never Cries !!!.......2007-07-16

I love this cd!!! Freedom never cries has so much patriotism in it for america!! Is it me or does he like mustangs? He refers to cars in his music almost as much as Bruce Springsteen does.

3 out of 5 stars Unexpected.......2007-07-07

I finally bought this CD after hearing The Riddle a long time ago on the radio. I loved that song and so I was really excited when I finally got around to buying the CD. I went home and put it on my ipod right away, but I ended up being dissapointed by a lot of the songs. Some of the songs were good like The World, but none of them were really like The Riddle, so I suggest that if you are considering buying the CD for that one song, DONT! Just go and download it online (leagally please^_^) because most likely, (if you're like me at least) you wont like the rest of the CD as much as the one song.

5 out of 5 stars As good as in concert.......2007-05-30

The whole cd was awesome!! The songs that were sung at his concert from the cd, were just as good live as they were on the cd. One of the few performers who don't lose anything from cd to concert. I have friends that have listened to the cd and love it as well. They have now gone out and bought their own copies for Five for Fighting.

5 out of 5 stars Outstanding!.......2007-05-12

Great cd! Just saw Five for Fighting in concert three nights ago. Excellent.

5 out of 5 stars Best album in years!.......2007-05-12

Since I began seriously listening to music back in the 60's, it seems that only rarely would an album come out where virtually every song was a winner. A few such albums come quickly to mind, including the Beatles, CS&N, and James Taylor. Five for Fighting's "Two Lights" is unquestionably such an album. In fact, I can't even remember an album that grew on me so quickly as did this one. It rivals, if not surpasses, anything JT, for example, ever put out, and I may be JT's #1 fan. This CD is nothing short of spectacular, a true collector's item.
Buzz Buzz
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful Young Child's Music
  • The buzz on Buzz Buzz
  • Buzzing with Laurie Berkner
  • Great for interacting with kids!
  • save your money
 Buzz Buzz
Laurie Berkner
Manufacturer: Two Tomatoes
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004S36S
Release Date: 2001-01-01

Tracks:

  1. I Really Love To Dance
  2. The Pretzel Store
  3. Pig On Her Head
  4. I've Been Working On The Railroad
  5. Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)
  6. Telephone
  7. There's A Little Wheel A-Turnin' In My Heart
  8. Monster Boogie
  9. In The Clouds
  10. The Cookie Bakers Of The Night
  11. The More We Get Together
  12. I'm A Mess
  13. Ice Cream Cone
  14. Clean It Up
  15. Little Red Caboose
  16. Rum Sum Sum
  17. Magic Box
  18. The Valley Of Vegetables
  19. Popcorn Calling Me
  20. Lots Of Little Pigs
  21. The Erie Canal
  22. I Had A Friend

Amazon.com

Anybody who's gotten a boogie-inducing earful of Buzz Buzz will back the claim that Laurie Berkner sailed right past the sophomore slump. On this, her 1998 release, the Ani DiFranco of kids' music, as she's been tagged, inspires still more hands-in-the-air at-home hoe-downs among the 6-and-under set with her evenhanded blend of zany, zingy original songs and well-chosen traditional numbers. Crying out for special mention in the former category are "The Pretzel Store," on which a gang of "twisty, curly, hole-y, and straight" salty characters escape from the clutches of eager snackers in a variety of inventive ways; "Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)," a surefire vehicle for revving up round-the-living-room arm-flappers; "Ice Cream Cone," a handy directive for Ben and Jerry's beginners ("You can eat it from the side / You can eat it from the top / You can lick it round and round / Like you're never gonna stop"); and "The Cookie Bakers of the Night,"which is bound to get a brood of wannabe cookie monsters mixing pretend batter and waving wooden spoons in the air. Traditionals, especially the rocking rendition of "The More We Get Together," the voices-only "Rum Sum Sum" with its souped-up lyrics, and the bass- and alto-sax enhanced "Erie Canal," roundly impress. Berkner's much-lauded flair for firing up little ones' imaginations aside, what's perhaps best about her is her sharpshooting when it comes to crowd pleasers. Her smooth singing and can't-be-denied guitar chops keep Barney-bombarded grownups from wanting to climb out the car window. With the right sort of luck, the buzz on this record will transcend its title and win Berkner an extended band of intergenerational admirers. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Young Child's Music.......2007-07-05

Catchy tunes, educational, wonderful improvisation. I play it for the children on my school bus, the teens, the children and the in-between.

5 out of 5 stars The buzz on Buzz Buzz.......2007-06-28

Based on warm reviews on Amazon I bought the CD Buzz Buzz to play when our grandkids come over. 7-year-old Rachel and 5-year-old Josh really enjoyed it. Therefore I recommend it.

5 out of 5 stars Buzzing with Laurie Berkner.......2007-05-13

My daughter loves this cd. Her music is so in tune with preschoolers.

5 out of 5 stars Great for interacting with kids!.......2007-05-12

I heard this yrs ago and finally found it again! I'm a nanny and have heard dif cds for kids and this is my fav! Lots of harmony, dif instruments, easy to catch on to, but not flimsy written songs. I enjoy it when I'm kid free, too!

2 out of 5 stars save your money.......2007-04-10

My 2 year old son loves to dance and listen to music. However, he is not that interested in this CD. Many of the songs are a little slow for his taste. He does enjoy watching Laurie Berkner's videos, but doesn't care for this. Neither do my husband or I! Take your money and buy a Backyardiagan's CD instead!!
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Complete Recordings
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Awesome.
  • Amazing!
  • Excellent recording and two formats
  • The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Complete Recordings
  • A bit pricey but well worth the coin!
 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Complete Recordings
Howard Shore and The London Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  3. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Theatrical and Extended Limited Edition)
  4. Pan's Labyrinth
  5. Casino Royale

ASIN: B000IZJZIK
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

  1. Glamdring
  2. Elven Rope
  3. Lost in Emyn Muil
  4. My Precious
  5. Ugluk's Warriors
  6. Three Hunters
  7. Banishment of mer
  8. Night Camp
  9. Plains of Rohan
  10. Fangorn
  11. Dead Marshes
  12. "Wraiths on Wings"
  13. Gandalf the White
  14. Dreams of Trees
  15. Heir of Numenor
  16. Ent-Draught

Tracks:

  1. Edoras
  2. Court of Meduseld
  3. Theoden King
  4. King's Decision
  5. Exodus from Edoras
  6. Forests of Ithilian
  7. One of the Dunedain
  8. Wolves of Isengard
  9. Refuge at Helm's Deep
  10. Voice of Saruman
  11. Arwen's Fate
  12. Story Foretold
  13. Sons of the Steward
  14. Rock and Pool
  15. Faramir's Good Council

Tracks:

  1. Aragorn's Return
  2. War Is Upon Us
  3. "Where Is the Horse and the Rider?"
  4. Host of the Eldar
  5. Battle of the Hornburg
  6. Breach of the Deeping Wall
  7. Entmoot Decides
  8. Retreat
  9. Master Peregrin's Plan
  10. Last March of the Ents
  11. Nazgtack
  12. Thon Rides Forth
  13. Tales That Really Matter
  14. "Long Ways to Go Yet"

Tracks:

  1. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers [Complete Score][Multimedia Track]

Album Description

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers film's entire score composed, orchestrated, conducted, and produced by Howard Shore. The set encompasses three CDs plus a DVD-audio disc featuring the score in four superior sound configurations.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Awesome........2007-07-12

I love Lord Of The Ring soundtracks and this one is as good as the others. If you like the soundtracks you'll love the complete recordings. Thank you mister Shore for such a great time listening to this music.
Now waiting for The Return Of The King's Complete Recordings.

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

This is a must have for any Lord of the Rings fan or even any fan of music in general. I fell in love with the score to this beautiful trilogy and this complete set is perfect. I can't wait for the third installment!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent recording and two formats.......2007-06-12

As of recent, I have starting collecting again film music and the Lord of the Rings complete recordings was a natural.

The sound quality is very good and the packaging would make any collector of Lord of the Rings memorabilia quite happy. (I am not a collector but still appreciate the packaging.)

Contained in the package are cds with the tracks which I aptly moved to my computer in lossless format and also a DVD. The DVD turns out to be the entire collection of the CDS presented in DVD format with a menu. - Nice touch.

While I can't tell the difference of quality between the CDs and the DVD, I like the DVD set up when I want music in the background while I am working away.

Overall, a terrific collection and some my be disuaded by the price but I found this to be a particularly good set of recordings and well worth the cost.

Both "Two Towers" and "the Fellowship" are available and I'll wait for the 3rd to become available later (hopefully).

Let's be clear here - quality recordings, two formats provided, nice packaging for those that need it and a little costly. I can live with the latter and enjoy the music as anticipated.

4 out of 5 stars The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - The Complete Recordings.......2007-05-09

onl for collector..

5 out of 5 stars A bit pricey but well worth the coin!.......2007-04-26

Before viewing The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, I didn't think that anyone with great skill was composing music in the classical, romantic period style, anymore. I stand corrected! Howard Shore's music for the three LOTRs movies just blew me away. I rarely buy movie soundtracks because the soundtracks, divorced from the movie, don't stand up as well crafted pieces of music, on their own. If you have decent speakers, in your home theater set up, and a player that decodes 5.1 DVD-Audio soundtracks (I have a player that decodes both high end audio formats: SACD and DVD-A.) The sountrack on the DVD-A disk (5.1 channel, 3D sound!!), is phenominal! The use of the human voice as both a musical instrument and in songs to convey a message is something that I especially like in classical music and is iceing on the cake in Howard Shore's compositions. That he wrote music to take advantage of the vocal skills, of each individual vocalist, is one example of many where Howard Shore went the extra mile in composing his musical masterpieces for each movie.
Whaddaya Think of That?
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • family favorite
  • A MUST-HAVE for Toddlers
  • Kids LOVE it!!
  • More than 5 stars!!!!
  • Best kids cd ever!
 Whaddaya Think of That?
Laurie Berkner
Manufacturer: Two Tomatoes
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Sing-A-LongsSing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music
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  3. Victor Vito
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ASIN: B00004SR1J
Release Date: 2001-01-01

Tracks:

  1. We Are The Dinosaurs
  2. Doodlebugs
  3. Down Down Baby
  4. She'll Be Comin' Round The Mountain
  5. Bring Your Clothes
  6. I'm A Little Snowflake
  7. The Animal Fair
  8. What Falls In The Fall?
  9. These Are My Glasses
  10. ABCD Medley
  11. I Know A Chicken
  12. Wimoweh (The Lion Sleeps Tonight)
  13. I Love My Rooster
  14. The Cat Came Back
  15. Can You Imagine?
  16. (I'm Gonna Eat) On Thanksgiving Day
  17. All The Pretty Little Horses
  18. The Airplane Song
  19. 123
  20. Last Night I Had A Dream
  21. The Great Big Dog

Amazon.com

Laurie Berkner serves up a heaping helping of whacked-out, slaphappy lyrics and get-you-moving acoustic guitar licks. The littlest listeners (Berkner's fan base barely skims the surface of the six-and-up crowd) will want to slip on their dancing shoes for such originals as the opening track, "We Are the Dinosaurs," on which a pack of prehistorics prance around, stopping only to eat their food when they're in the mood and take a rest over in their nest. The blues-soaked "I Know a Chicken" teeters on frenzied, shaky eggs and an over-the-top tempo, and the sweet, musically simple "123" tickles sentimental sides with its "koochie-koochie coo / I love you" refrain. Besides her surefootedness with her own songs, Berkner also nails a number of traditional tunes here, most notably "She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain," "ABCD Medley," on which she artfully melds the ABC song with "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and "Wimoweh (The Lion Sleeps Tonight)," a gloriously kiddified rendition of the already infectious original. Overall, this record reflects Berkner's knack for stacking on the fun. Best of all, because of its standout instrumentation, parents are apt to groove along ungrudgingly, thereby setting the stage for a squabble-free shared musical experience. Whaddaya think of that? --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars family favorite.......2007-07-06

Both my [...] love this CD. Hard to find something to please everyone. It's silly but fun and the songs definitely get stuck in your head. This is our first CD and we will be buying more.
Laurie Berkner is brilliant.

5 out of 5 stars A MUST-HAVE for Toddlers.......2007-07-04

This is the first CD purchased for my son that I have not grown tired of listening to. We recognized a few tunes from a baby music class, tunes like "We Are the Dinosaurs", "Animal Fair", and "These Are My Glasses", all of which my son really enjoys. I love this music because so many songs lend themselves to movement, sign language, and the use of toddler-friendly musical instruments (e.g., drums, shakers). She uses a variety of styles and sprinkles in a few classics, like "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain" and a fabulous "ABCD Medley". If you buy one CD for your toddler, buy this one. You'll find yourself singing the songs even when the CD isn't playing!

5 out of 5 stars Kids LOVE it!!.......2007-06-29

And we love it. It's not annoying when your driving in the car. She has great music!

5 out of 5 stars More than 5 stars!!!!.......2007-06-28

I'd rate this CD even higher if I could. Laurie Berkner is seriously the best children's music singer I've heard. She sings in a way that kids just love, and the parents don't get sick of it!!!! I've found myself listening to the CD in the car and singing along with all the songs while running many errands....not once realizing I was listening to kids music with no kids in the car, LOL. The lyrics are easy to remember, they're funny, and some of them even teach something. I buy this CD for every new parent as a baby shower or just plain baby gift :)

5 out of 5 stars Best kids cd ever!.......2007-06-24

The kids and I enjoy this even more than Greg and Steve which is saying ALOT!! Great songs, get kids moving and listening and thinking! Catchy tunes I find myself singing when kids aren't even around! Best Ever!! Buzz Buss and Victor Vito are other top favs of my kids!
Appassionato
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Pure Listening Pleasure
  • Appassionato
  • Deep, Serious and diverse
  • Yo-Yo Ma's Appassionato
  • A soulful compilation
 Appassionato

Manufacturer: Sony Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. The Essential Yo-Yo Ma
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  5. Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone

ASIN: B000KWZ7DS
Release Date: 2007-01-09

Tracks:

  1. Going To School featuring John Williams
  2. IV. Allegretto poco mosso from Sonata in A Major for Violin and Piano
  3. II. Andante con moto e poco rubato from Three Preludes
  4. II. Largo from "Winter", Op. 8, No. 4, RV 297 from the Four Seasons
  5. Doce de coco
  6. II. Largo from Concerto No. 1 in G minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 49
  7. Cinema Paradiso: Nostalgia from Giuseppe Tornatore Suite
  8. The Swan from Carnival of the Animals (Chamber Version)
  9. Yanzi (Swallow Song)
  10. II. Andante from Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra in A minor,
  11. Soledad
  12. No. 4 Mikin Pekko from Five Finnish Folk Songs
  13. First Impressions featuring Edgar Meyer; Mark O'Connor
  14. Song Without Words, Op. 109
  15. Gabriel's Oboe from The Mission featuring Ennio Morricone

Amazon.com

Any new compilation CD starring Yo-Yo Ma is certain to please. This master of the cello takes the listener through so many types of music that the ear and mind never tire. The present selection is billed as a sort of "musical autobiography," and, indeed, it gives us a tour of Ma's musical life. The Silk Road Project is represented by Zhao's "Swallow Song," with its eerie, fascinating soundscape (specially re-recorded for this CD). We also accompany Ma on his excursions into the world of the baroque cello with Vivaldi or of the Finnish folk song (by Mamiya, a first recording). There are Gershwin's languid Second Prelude, with its intimations of the song "Summertime," and an all-new recording of a nine-minute heart-breaker by Astor Piazzolla ("Soledad"). Ma also gives us more familiar Brahms, Franck, and Saint-Saens. The compilation's mellow 65 minutes offer relaxing, beautiful music, all exquisitely played. Ma is joined by the best: Emanuel Ax, Kathryn Stott, John Williams (who plays piano on his own "Going to School" from Memoirs of a Geisha), Isaac Stern, and Claudio Abbado. This is a veritable Who's Who of superb musicians. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Pure Listening Pleasure.......2007-05-18

There is no pretension in this collection - just the pure, simple pleasure in Ma's performance and in our enjoyment.

5 out of 5 stars Appassionato.......2007-05-18

With a little help of some of his friends Yo Yo Ma offered us another of his masterpieces. No other title could define better the tracks selection, pleasant and inspired.

5 out of 5 stars Deep, Serious and diverse.......2007-04-26

Yo Yo Ma is simply fantastic, and has arrived as such a height of recognition that any production he is invovled in will be top of the line, as this is.

This is a darker collection than I expected. And like a serious, reserved friend, it can take a little longer to appreciate than the bubbly outgoing ones. I now find I like it very much, but it is serious "conversation."

There is great variety here as well, and I gave it to a friend's teenager who is considering whether she wants to learn the cello. Her response was much the same as mine. Initially not so sure, but over time, has really come to like it, too. This collection has great depth.

5 out of 5 stars Yo-Yo Ma's Appassionato.......2007-04-13

For those who share Yo-Yo Ma's passion for music, and especially his passion for diversity in music, and for connecting with the spirit of global humanity, this recording has a prominant place in your library.

5 out of 5 stars A soulful compilation.......2007-04-13

I love this album for the diversity of music and the great programming. I especially love the collaboration with Isaac Stern, no longer with us in body, but always in music. Thanks YoYo.
Two Sevens Clash: 30th Anniversary Edition (Dlx)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Two Sevens Clash: 30th Anniversary Edition (Dlx)
    Culture
    Manufacturer: Shanachie
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    JamaicaJamaica | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000QTD0AC
    Release Date: 2007-07-17

    Tracks:

    1. I'm Alone in the Wilderness
    2. Pirate Days
    3. Two Sevens Clash
    4. Calling Rastafari
    5. I'm Not Ashamed
    6. Get Ready to Ride the Lion to Zion
    7. Black Starliner Must Come
    8. Jah Pretty Face
    9. See Them a Come
    10. Natty Dread Taking Over
    11. See dem a Come [12" Mix] - Culture,
    12. See dem Dub
    13. Natty Dread Taking Over [! 2" Mix] - Culture, I-Roy
    14. I'm Not Ashamed [12" Mix] - Culture, I-Roy
    15. Not Ashamed Dub
    Bach: Violin Concertos
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Perlman's Bach
    • Great interpretation
    • Enjoyable CD at great price
    • The premier rendition of these classics
    • Sounds drunken
    		 Bach: Violin Concertos

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    5. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture

    ASIN: B00005NPIX
    Release Date: 2002-08-13

    Tracks:

    1. Vn Con in E, BWV 1042: I. Allegro
    2. Vn Con in E, BWV 1042: II. Adagio
    3. Vn Con in E, BWV 1042: III. Allegro Assai
    4. Vn Con in g, BWV 1056: I. (Allegro)
    5. Vn Con in g, BWV 1056: II. Largo
    6. Vn Con in g, BWV 1056: III. Presto
    7. Vn Con in a, BWV 1041: I. (Allegro)
    8. Vn Con in a, BWV 1041: II. Andante
    9. Vn Con in a, BWV 1041: III. Allegro Assai
    10. Con in d, BWV 1043: I. Vivace - Pinchas Zukerman
    11. Con in d, BWV 1043: II. Largo Ma Non Tanto - Pinchas Zukerman
    12. Con in d, BWV 1043: III. Allegro - Pinchas Zukerman

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Perlman's Bach.......2007-07-04

    These are good-to-excellent performances on a bargain disc. Probably the best single disc set of these concertos at any price.

    5 out of 5 stars Great interpretation.......2007-05-30

    I was looking for a recording of Bach's Concerto No. 1 in A minor so that I could hear how to better play the accompaniment (on piano) and my daughter could hear a master play the piece on violin. We listened to 3 different recordings, and this was our favorite by far. The concerto was played at a great tempo with just the right amount of vibrato.

    4 out of 5 stars Enjoyable CD at great price.......2007-02-08

    Bought this CD to round out a larger order and was happily surprised with both the quality of this CD, the beauty of the music, and the great price. Very nice buy!

    5 out of 5 stars The premier rendition of these classics.......2007-02-06

    If you love Bach, you must buy this album. The quality of the performance and the recording is superb, and the price is certainly right.

    2 out of 5 stars Sounds drunken.......2006-12-16

    I know that this recording is very beloved in classical music circles, but I do not like it at all. It is slow, meandering, and sounds drunk. I feel sad to say this, because I know that Perlman is prodigiously talented.
    The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Gollum's Song - Haunting and Brilliant
    • Amazing!
    • Wow. This is some powerful music indeed...
    • Wonderfully beautiful moving
    • Beauties which burn like cold iron
    		 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
    Howard Shore , and Isabel Bayrakdarian (soprano)
    Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

    ASIN: B00007BH5C
    Release Date: 2002-12-10

    Tracks:

    1. Foundations Of Stone
    2. The Taming Of Smeagol
    3. The Riders Of Rohan
    4. The Passage Of The Marshes
    5. The Uruk-hai
    6. The King Of The Golden Hall
    7. The Black Gate Is Closed
    8. Evenstar - featuring Isabel Bayrakdarian
    9. The White Rider
    10. Treebeard
    11. The Leave Taking
    12. Helm's Deep
    13. The Forbidden Pool
    14. Breath Of Life - featuring Sheila Chandra
    15. The Hornburg
    16. Forth Eorlingas - featuring Ben Del Maestro
    17. Isengard Unleashed - featuring Elizabeth Fraser & Ben Del Maestro
    18. Samwise The Brave
    19. Gollum's Song - performed by Emiliana Torrini

    Amazon.com

    Howard Shore's music for the massively successful first film chapter of Tolkien's Ring saga won him the Oscar ® for Best Original Score, something of a surprise given the music's ambitious scale and determinedly dark overtones, factors that handily blurred the line between typical film fantasy music and accomplished concert work. Its sequel takes the same, often Wagnerian-scaled dramatic tack, following the film's story line into even more brooding and ominous dark corners. The previous film's Hobbit-inspired pastoralism is supplanted here by rich ethnic textures that expand the musical scope of Middle-earth and the World of Men; the Hardanger, a Norwegian fiddle, represents the Rohan and the North African rhaita colors the Mordor theme, while log drums, dilruba, wood xylophone, and cimbalon add intriguing textures elsewhere. The score's looming orchestral clouds are brightened by Shore's masterful choral writing, which infuses ancient liturgical influences with various solo turns by Isabel Bayrakdarian, indie-pop star Sheila Chandra, Ben Del Maestro, and Elizabeth Fraser. "Gollum's Song," the composer's concluding collaboration with lyricist Fran Walsh, is delivered with Björkish, postmodern angst by Emiliana Torrini, and helps punctuate the story's modern sense of allegory. --Jerry McCulley

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Gollum's Song - Haunting and Brilliant.......2007-07-06

    Yes, this review is five years late, but frankly there's so much depth to the Lord of the Rings movies, that I consider them to be a prime source of entertainment, even now. I have always loved movie soundtracks, and recently acquired all three LOTR theatrical soundtrack CDs, which brings me to "Gollum's Song", the last track on the Two Towers CD.

    I never paid much attention to the movies ending credit music until I got the Two Towers CD, which allowed me to really hear Gollum's Song for the first time. What a unique and haunting piece of music. It perfectly sums up Gollum's tragic history and future, but even more, is a metaphor for all who make terrible unreversable choices in their lives.

    Fran Walsh wrote the bleak yet Tolkienesque lyrics, which were then scored in another sublime Howard Shore LOTR theme. But no words can aptly describe Emiliana Torinni's vocals. Her fearless interpretation of Gollum's descent into despair blows away the other two LOTR movie-ending songs. If Emiliana never finds material this good again, she can always be proud of this one searing performance, and we can be grateful for the world-class talents that came together in its creation.

    5 out of 5 stars Amazing!.......2006-10-02

    What can I say that hasn't already been said about Howard Shore's magnificent score for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy? A soundtrack can define the whole atmosphere of a film, and this fully orchestrated work certainly does that with sweep, splendor and wonder, alternately humanizing (hobbit-izing?) the characters, imbuing the landscape with magic and capturing the world-shaking impact of events of mythic proportions. And this was no easy task considering the iconoclastic status of the story and the superb quality of Peter Jackson's filmmaking. This is a truly a soundtrack for the ages--a fitting accompaniment to a film for the ages! Every aspect of life, from the extreme to the mundane, is captured in this music. Listening to it can make every remembered moment of the movie come alive again in your mind, from the most horrific battle to the smallest moment of humor or kindness. In "The Two Towers," all the familiar themes from the first sound track return, reinvented as need be to tie the films together while adapting to new developments in the action and the story. In this album, I particularly like the hardanger fiddle-infused theme for the Rohirrim, the Viking-like horse-riders of the steppes, and the ponderous, quirky music for Treebeard, the walking, talking tree. I would have enjoyed a bit more of these distinctive elements, which lend levity and diversity to a sometimes depressing and overwhelmingly intense body of work. Here, they make all-too-brief appearances, at least from a listener's point of view. But soundtracks are ultimately slaves to the script, and in conjunction with the film itself, the timing and phrasing of Shore's music is impeccable. Mysterious, menacing, folksy or heroic, the total effect is utterly convincing and utterly transporting. Peter Jackson chose well when he picked Shore as his score writer. Very, very well! Be sure to get the scores from the other two movies in the trilogy as well - "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "Return of the King." They seem to be available in no end of different packagings, including ones with bonus DVDs about the creation of the score. Also, make sure to get the extended edition DVDs of the movie itself, with hours and hours of fascinating commentaries and behind-the-scenes documentaries about the making of the films. Truly a bargain at any price! And for a more comprehensive taste of hardanger fiddle music from Scandinavia, try the work of Annbjorg Lien or many of the varied releases from the NorthSide label.

    5 out of 5 stars Wow. This is some powerful music indeed..........2006-09-22

    Many of the other reviews here sum up how I feel about this music, so I'll be brief:

    If you are a fan of these films but have never heard the music by itself, you're really missing out. After watching all 3 films probably 50 times now, I find that I enjoy the music from TTT the most so I finally bought the soundtrack. I knew it was great music but never really realized how powerful, emotional, and DARK it was until hearing this CD.

    This is incredible music and I could kick myself for not buying the soundtracks sooner.

    5 out of 5 stars Wonderfully beautiful moving.......2006-04-30

    This is beautiful music. But you should be able to listen to it as it's meant to be listened to. Unfortunately, I work in a small cubicle area and share an office with hip-hop, country, and christian music fans. They are great people and we respect each other's spaces by playing our personal music preferences so as not to disturb each other. I live less than 3 miles from where I work, so I don't get to listen much in the car either. I would love to take a long road trip and play the CD's in my car. In the meantime, I play them at home and find myself recalling the movie scenes in which the music played.

    5 out of 5 stars Beauties which burn like cold iron.......2006-01-21

    In his review of the original publication of "The Two Towers", the great C.S. Lewis wrote: "Here are beauties which pierce like swords or burn like cold iron; here is a book that will break your heart."

    Now Tolkien was a friend of his - so Lewis's objectivity is open to question. [And truth be told: for me, the books have never fully lived up to their reputation. Which meant that part of what made living through the release of the films so exciting was seeing how spectacularly this Tolkien geek (fat and bearded - like a good Tolkien geek should be) had managed to articulate the nobility and the beauty that the other Tolkien geeks had always seen in the books.] But to whatever extent those words are true of the novel, they are the best possible description of the music that Howard Shore wrote for its film adaptation.

    In fact, I will claim that the scores are the single most important factor in the films being as great as they are. Consider the shot that introduces Shadowfax - a minor event in the narrative. [If you saw the movie, I am certain you have not forgotten it.] On paper, it would have verged on cheesy.

    117. EXT - DAY

    A majestic white horse gallops up to Gandalf.

    LEGOLAS

    That is one of the Mearas. Unless my
    eyes are cheated by some spell.

    As filmed by Jackson, with a subtle use of slow motion and an anamorphic lens, it is a striking visual - conveying more artfully than the expository dialogue that this is no run-of-the-mill inn pony. Still, if you view the shot without sound, it is not much more than picturesque. It is left to Shore to do the impossible - to create a sound as epic yet exquisite as Tolkien's description of this legendary animal: "And there was one among them that may have been foaled in the morning of the world."

    And this is just the horse, folks. Can you imagine having to create sounds worthy of evoking such immortal events as the fall of Gandalf from the Bridge of Barad'dur? The lonely sadness of the Shieldmaiden of Rohan? The hopeless stand of Theodin King at Helm's Deep? Not merely to find emotions that great within yourself, mind you - but to articulate them in practice through the workday medium of 100 union musicians and a 48-track recording studio? And to *actually accomplish it*?

    If I ever meet Mr. Shore, I will be hard pressed not to fall to my knees and chant "We're not worthy!" This seems to me the surest proof that one has achieved the summit of one's art - to elicit not mere enjoyment, but gratitude.
    Two Shoes
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • fun brass sounds
    • Refreshing and fun
    • Protons, Neutrons, and electrifying sounds!
    • Love the originality
    • An amazing mix of many influences
    		 Two Shoes
    The Cat Empire
    Manufacturer: Velour Recordings
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000LPS4F2
    Release Date: 2007-02-06

    Tracks:

    1. Sly
    2. In My Pocket
    3. Lullaby
    4. The Car Song
    5. Two Shoes
    6. The Chariot
    7. Sol Y Sombra
    8. Party Started
    9. Protons, Neutrons, Electrons
    10. Saltwater
    11. The Night That Never End

    Amazon.com

    For six guys from Melbourne, Australia, to travel half the world to record their second record indicates titanic success for their first. And that's what led the jazzed-up, funked-out popsters Cat Empire to a studio in Havana, Cuba, to follow up that million-selling debut. Here, the band takes its Latin leanings a step farther, creating room for what is billed as the Empire Horns--trombone, trumpet, and sax--in its driving, thriving beat. Lead vocalist Felix Riebl's witty intellect and dripping Aussie twang are the Cat's most distinguishing merits (see the Bob Marley love-fest of a title track and the first line of the offbeat "Sly": "If frizzy hair was a metaphor for festival time/Then this woman is a goddess of that festival shrine"). Yet compatriot Harry James Angus demands equal billing here, with contributions like the ska rave "Saltwater," the punkish memoir "The Car Song," and "Protons, Neutrons, Electrons"--an uproarious showtune of a song complete with delightful piano break and "zip-a-dee-doo" chorus. Still, co-stars aside, this is a complementary sextet that's seemingly comfortable with nearly any style of music--and willing to circle the globe to prove it. --Scott Holter

    Album Description

    The Cat Empire's Two Shoes -- their second consecutive double platinum LP in their native Australia -- brings Australia's most dynamic musical export to the the US. Live music fans (and anyone at Bonnaroo this year) may already have had the opportunity to catch one of the band's legendary shows -- but until now recorded material was as hard to find as Vegemite. Looking for inspiration beyond the beaches of Melbourne, TCE journeyed to Havana, Cuba to record Two Shoes with producer/engineer Jerry Boys (R.E.M., Rolling Stones) in the studio where the Ry Cooder's Buena Vista Social Club LP was recorded. The result was a record that captures all the energy of a live band at its peak, but also sacrifices nothing in the way of songcraft. Compared to everything from Cake to Madness to Sublime, The Cat Empire's genre-bending is a trademark of the music scene in Melbourne. The band was founded in 1999 by vocalist/percussionist Felix Riebl and bassist Ryan Monro and quickly built up a massive following down under with its incendiary live shows, leading within two years to two double platinum releases on Virgin/EMI. Fueled by the internet word-of-mouth, the band has already sold out venues from Irving Plaza to the Troubadour. The band will headline an 11 date US tour in support of this LP at 500 -1000 cap venues.

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars fun brass sounds.......2007-06-27

    I enjoy the CD, but not as much as I thought I might based on the first song from it (the only one that got radio airplay around here). That one is very funky and a lot of fun. I often get tired of the Cd and switch to another style of music half-way through the recording. But it is fun, and provides some interesting combinations of styles.

    5 out of 5 stars Refreshing and fun.......2007-06-04

    I got hooked on The Cat Empire several years ago while in Australia. They're something different than what you would usually hear here in America. Their music is fun and exciting and you'll find yourself dancing and singing along in no time! I'm going to see them in concert at The Roxy in Atlanta in June and can't wait!

    5 out of 5 stars Protons, Neutrons, and electrifying sounds!.......2007-06-04

    Only 18 reviews, are you kidding me? This band is the best new thing I've heard in a long time, and that's saying something.

    I bought the Two Shoes album right here on Amazon a couple of months ago in search of some new and exciting sounds. Actually it was in the recommendations pile. After one sample of it I knew it was something I had to have. These guys are just so damn good and nobody knows about them. How can this be? A huge hit in their native Australia, they appeared on The David Letterman Show some time ago and have since toured in the U.S. I would love to hear these guys in concert, but until then I'll just listen to Two Shoes for the 35th time.

    Where do I begin? The album explodes with the first track "Sly" as sung by co-lead singer Felix Rheble. A good beginning, but its followed up by "In My Pocket" which is better. Rheble shares lead vocal duties with the flamboyant voice of Harry James Angus, who can do no wrong when it comes to music. I can't definitely say which songs are better than others because this whole thing is a hit, but along with track 2, my other favorites are "The Car Song", "Two Shoes", and "Protons, Neutrons and Electrons" which is sure to bring a smile to your face. "The Car Song" stands out in particular as probably the most fun track I've ever heard. You just have to hear it. Listen to it at the beach, or turn it up loud on your stereo and let the good times roll.

    What makes this album so unique is the Australian accents paired with pure Havana Flare and back up brass. These guys obviously belong in the big time, and yet they still retain that blind eagerness and confidence of a high school garage band. If you've ever heard anything like it please tell me because I can't get enough of it. As for their next album I have no idea but I'm sure it will be excellent like this. Keep me posted. In the mean time, party in Havana style!

    5 out of 5 stars Love the originality.......2007-05-28

    I seen The Cat Empire on David Letterman. I liked the song they sang, Sly, so I bought the CD.
    Their style is original, you can actually dance to it. It's a little jazzy, and a little big band era, some comedy, and much more.
    They have one other CD and I will be getting that one.

    5 out of 5 stars An amazing mix of many influences.......2007-05-15

    This is an amazing album that mixes the best of ska, latin, jazz and rock for an album that you can't help but dance to. I'm in a bit of a unique position because I have small children but music tastes that are often inappropriate for them, this is an album that, for the most part, is fun for the whole family. A perfect album for summer fun and windows down drives in the car.

    Music:

    1. Ultimate Manilow [Import]
    2. What a Diff'rence a Day Makes! [Gold CD]
    3. With All My Heart [CD-single] [Limited Edition]
    4. 12 [Import]
    5. 40 Great Songs
    6. A Song for You [Import]
    7. All Around the Town [Import]
    8. All I Got [Import]
    9. All Time Greats [Import]
    10. At the Renaissance [Import] [Limited Edition] [Live] [Original recording remastered]

    Music

    Music