Kaleidoscope [Import]

The full-bodied brass ensemble in "You On My Mind" kind of makes it the opening theme song to so many movies in the 1960's, or something that Dusty Springfield would do. Backing vocalists are introduced here too. Whoever thought not getting over someone could be so cheerful?

"Where In The World" is more lush, but with the same pronounced brass sections, with some pop-like sections when the backing vocalists come in.

The slow-dancing and dreamy "Forever Blue" is one of two songs using a full orchestra. Despite its dreamy tone, the words tell a different nature, urging a girlfriend that hopeless wishing won't restore her guy. The other song is "Precious Words," something that could've doubled for a mid-paced 70's disco song. The title is all that's left in another song yielding an empty world: "Loneliness says so much more/than a thousand words ever said/conversations pass me by/I'm left with silence instead." Instrumental versions of both are included.

When Corrine sings in a slightly lower register in "Heart For Hire," similarities to Sade can be detected, although Corrine's voice is smoky but higher in pitch. Another mid-paced Dusty-like song. The title refers to what the protagonist will be when the lying louse leaves her.

"Waiting Game" has a tempered Stock-Aitken-Waterman sound, with string and brass arrangements flirting with 70's-style disco. Put it another way, Dusty and the Pet Shop Boys would want to do this and put it on Dusty's Reputation album.

"Masquerade" is a moody piece where similarities to Sade can be heard when Corrine's voice is long and drawn out. This song too has an instrumental version included.

"Between Strangers" could've belonged on their previous album, what with the bass keys that can be heard.

"The Kaleidoscope Affair" is not the theme to a 60's spy movie, but this instrumental, with Corrine merely vocalizing, might as well be for such a hypothetical movie. "Coney Island Man" is another instrumental, upbeat with more vocalizing by Corrine, and sounding a lot like Basia.

Tracks:

Praeludium and Allegro (in the style of Pugnani)
Habanera, Op. 21, No. 2
Cantabile
Kaleidoscope: Orientale, Op. 50, No. 9
Oberek, No. 2
Salut d'Amour
Miniature Viennese March
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 10 - Moderator non tropp
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 15 - Allegretto
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 16 - Andantino
24 Preludes, Op. 34: No. 24 - Allegretto
Chanson de matin, Op. 15, No. 2
Introduction et Tarentelle
Slavonic Dance in E minor, Op. 46, No. 2 (B 170)
The Love For Three Oranges: March
Souvenir d'un lieu cher: Melodie, Op. 42, No. 3
Mythes, Op. 30: La FOntaine d'Arethuse
Syncopation
Orfeo ed Euridice: Melodie ('Dance Of The Blessed Spirits')
Berceuse, Op. 16
Etude in Thirds, Op. 8, No. 10
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Dance With Sticks - Allegro moderato
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Waistband Dance - Allegro
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Stamping Dance - Andante
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Hornpipe Dance - Molto moderato
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Romanian Polka - Allegro
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz 56: Quick Dance - Allegro
Reve d'enfant, Op. 14

Customer Reviews:

A+.......2007-05-10

To say that I love this disc would be an understatement. I have probably listened to it 500 times. To comment on just a few of the tracks...
The "Praeludium and Allegro" is definitely the best recording anyone (except maybe Kreisler!) has ever done. The praeludium, which is almost all quarter notes, is often just blindly sawed out. Midori treats each note individually. The allegro is also nice - not rushed at all. The staggeringly difficult Skryabin-Szigeti "Etude in Thirds" tossed off with impeccable technique and spotless intonation. Sarasate's "Habanera" sparkles with a decisive 'Spanish' flavor. Elgar's "Chanson de Matin" is just plain beautiful. Also nice are inclusions of some numbers not heard hardly ever, including Bacewicz's "Oberek #2" mazurka and the Shostakovich preludes. Robert McDonald, definitely one of the best, is the able pianist for all the numbers.

Even for a trained jazz musician who thinks classical artists are overhyped, this stands out as one of the best albums........2007-04-11

Let's be honest--any kid with a violin who ever set foot in a conservatory thinks (s)he's a prodigy, the next Mehta or Yo Yo Ma, while they play the same old tired music everyone else plays, exactly as the greats play it, with hardly a shred of originality that doesn't arise out of an inability to replicate the 'masters' as well as their CD players (and that goes for jazz musicians too, but they don't get as snobby about it). The musicians who are truly great don't have any sort of attitude about their playing or their music--they just play, and they play anything, and it's great.

Midori has been one such great artist from early on. She simply had the knack. You would still want to listen to her if she was half as skilled. Every decent musician practices assiduously, seeks out the best people to learn from, makes sacrifices in life just for the chance to play for a living (even weddings and strip clubs if need be), but few have 'the knack.'

I don't know if Midori has a similar story, nor does it really matter in terms of actually making music. I know her parents moved from Osaka to the States with her when she was about ten just so she could pursue her potential--as all great students have great parents. I'm sure she didn't just pop out of the womb playing violin. But, like I wrote above, she's got the knack that you can't get through practice or training. She's just plain great.

Yes, I'm bored by classical music in general. I like 'good' music regardless of style though, and this album is so far beyond good that it belongs in whatever collection of immortal artist you may have--say: Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Shaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and--even if you have no other classical music in your collection--Midori.

Fantastic.......2006-08-11

Midori produces some amazing sounds out of her violin!
You cant go wrong with Encore! Shes brilliant.

Enjoyable listening.......2005-09-24

I enjoyed this cd especially the first three pieces. Midori played Sarasate and Paganini pretty well.

very interesting.......2005-09-13

I as watching (and listening!) her play live in Dubrovnik this summer. In this record she is equally brilliant as she is when playing live!

Average customer rating:

Before there was MUTEMATH
this is not rock
Very nice mix
A Refreshing Difference from Boring Tradition
CHRISTIAN ROCK AIN'T WHAT IS USED TO BE

Kaleidoscope Superior
Earthsuit
Manufacturer: Sparrow
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Amazon.com

Can you mix industrial, rap, reggae, pop, and jazz into an intelligible combination? Earthsuit has, and they have done it admirably. The title of their debut project, Kaleidoscope Superior, is undoubtedly linked with the sound they have achieved. Produced by David Leonard (Indigo Girls, John Mellancamp, Toto, Oingo Boingo, Prince), the lavish spread of drums, electronics, and guitars is like an ornate tapestry. This music moves between aggressive and atmospheric moods with a seamless flow. Another thread that gives this project its identity is the otherworldly quality inherent in both music and lyric. The messages that Earthsuit presents are not typical Christian subject matter. Taking a mythical and philosophical approach to faith, they challenge the listener to ponder as well as listen. Even if you don't plug into the transcendent journey that Earthsuit takes, the music pulls its own weight. There is enough talent here to land Earthsuit in the company of mainstream musicians who are known for their superior artistry. --Israel Button

Customer Reviews:

Before there was MUTEMATH.......2007-01-26

Earthsuit is like a early collegiate version of MUTEMATH with a hint of a hip-hop edge akin to 311. Again a unique sound coming from a great group of guys.

this is not rock.......2005-03-13

Don't let all those other reviews fool you. The music on this cd is NOT rock; rather it is more in the vien of adult contemporary hits. So if you like John Mellancamp, Prince, and crap like that then you will probably like this cd. If you are looking for a rock cd then keep looking.

Very nice mix.......2004-09-18

This is the most unique album I've ever heard in this genre. It mostly has a progressive sound. Like Saga meets Linkin Park. The lyrics have a great message. Its great to listen to while relaxing.

A Refreshing Difference from Boring Tradition.......2004-06-16

Earthsuit breaks barriers that most bands falsely boast of breaking. Everything about the requires a second look: the lyrics, the music, their message; it is an interestingly refreshing refuge from the mundane contemporary christian music that is coming out now.

CHRISTIAN ROCK AIN'T WHAT IS USED TO BE.......2004-02-19

I'd heard Christian rock in the 70's....Christian Rock in the 80's. It was like,... well, no disrespect... but it was like the Carpenters.... That's not ROCK. The 90's, was a bit better. But now, here in the 2000's thank GOD! Christian Rock finally rocks. And this band EARTHSUIT is one of the most underated, unheard of bands in Rockdom. They merge, as most in this genre do, as a blend of Pop Rock, Punk, Rap, and Newage... This album is so excellent I don't see how they could do it one better. Every song is great on this cd, but my favorites are the 'hit' - "One Time", "Against the Grain"(best), "Do you Enjoy the Distortion?". Other Christian bands that I like are P.O.D., Jars of Clay, and Audio Adrenaline. And these guys are better than all of the above.Awesome.

Average customer rating:

defining the psychedelic era
Genius.

Pulsating Dream
Kaleidoscope
Manufacturer: Acadia Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Why Try [Single Version]

Album Description

2004 compilation features the entire output from one of the most eclectic bands of the psychedelic era while signed to Epic Records from 1967 to 1970. It contains the albums, 'Side Trips' (1967), 'Beacon From Mars' (1968), 'Incredible Kaleidoscope' (1969), & 'Bernice' (1970), singles & B-sides. Features David Lindley on guitar & a host of exotic stringed instruments. Described by Jimmy Page as 'My favorite band of all time'. Standard double-sized jewlcase. Acadia.

Album Details

Triple CD Set, Complete Output by the Us Kaleidoscope While Signed to Epic Records from 1967 to 1970. Includes all Four of their Albums plus Bonus Tracks.

Customer Reviews:

defining the psychedelic era.......2007-04-16

This is one of the few groups of the psychedelic era whose musicianship was equal to their ambition. They delve into all sorts of musical genres and invent a couple of their own. If you like the '60s psychedelic sound as well as the quirkiness of lesser known groups like the Incredible String Band or Jim Kweskin these guys deserve a listen. Good headphones are the order of the day!

Genius........2004-05-01

Is it possible for a band to be too good? Is it possible for a band to be too ahead of its time, too talented, too ecclectic, too innovative, too brilliant? Sadly, the answer is yes.
I have been swimming through the beautiful depths of 60's music for years. My all-time favorite band is of course LOVE. I adore the famous bands like the Byrds, Doors, Kinks, Beatles, Country Joe, Donovan, etc. as well as the lesser knowns like The Moon, the Brigade, Pearls Before Swine, Terry Reid, etc.. -- but until I found this 3-disc set of Kaleidescope (USA), I honestly didn't think there were anymore TRULY great bands from the 60's that I didn't know.
These guys were incredible. One minute sounding like the Seeds, the next like the Byrds, and then all of a sudden -- sounding totally unique and un-classifiable. Some songs are dreamy folk-psych ("Keep Your Mind Open") and the next you're listening to Middle-Eastern journeys, and then back to solid '60s pop, and then suddenly into rag-time country music. All over the map. All over the place. Vocals are outstanding. Lyrics incredible. And the musical innovations just don't stop. How is it possible that this band has been so over-looked for so long? Too genius...?

Average customer rating:

decieving
How Amazon screwed me this time
Put it on and hit the repeat button
Very surprised it didn't win an Oscar
Awesome Sound Quality

Beautiful Mind (Score) (Sl)
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Customer Reviews:

decieving.......2006-07-08

I did not know I had to buy a special Cd player for this 16 dollar cd. They range from 300-500 dollers.

My bad. I guess I had to read the FINE PRINT.

bad description, especially when this cd format is not widely known.

How Amazon screwed me this time.......2005-10-04

Amazon sent me some kind of funky CD "enhanced" version that did not play in a normal CD player. When I wrote about it some person made it very clear the it was my error -- I guess I should know that I am not very knowledgable. Of course they say that they will return it but they charged me for shipping. I know they will print this becuase they don't read anything that I send them. rob k in St. Thoams USVI

Put it on and hit the repeat button.......2004-01-01

This soundtrack is like LOTR in that you can put it on in the background and play it over and over.
Highly recommended!

Very surprised it didn't win an Oscar.......2003-09-26

This soundtrack is one of the most powerful soundtracks I've ever listen to. I believe Howard Shore won an Oscar for his soundtrack to Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring the same year that A Beautiful Mind came out... unfortunately, Horner was robbed that year, although I also too love Shore's score.

Horner opens with "A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics." It comepletely draws the listener, or watcher (if viewing the movie), in. The music literally sounds like a Kaleidoscope, as if one could litterally HEAR the different colors ... and yet not randomly, but in a cohesive mathimatical way. And then, approximately one and a half minutes into the piece, a sobering, more pensive movement, yet colored again with the interesting flurishes abundant in the first minute and a half.

I've never reviewed music before, but have been an avid listener to scores and soundtracks for years. This, along with the single piece from Castaway by Alan Silvestri, and both the scores from Empire of the Sun and Hook by John Williams, TOPS the list of all time favorites. Check 'em out!

Awesome Sound Quality.......2003-06-02

I saw this movie and was very impressed with it. Russel Crowe and Jennifer Connelly put on wonderful performances. Although one of the best parts of this movie is the haunting soundtrack. There is a bit of mathematical precision to the music and because of the multichannel aspect of the SACD, the room is filled with music. One of the things I like about this format is the fuzzyness of the music. You can hear the reverberations and things and they aren't cleaned out by the clipping. Given all the interplay on this soundtrack, this is probably the best format to hear it on.