Making Music [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
The brand new album from Hi-5 is finally here. Packaged in a CD 'kiddy safe' amaray case, includes lyrics & a fold-out poster. Sony. 2005.

Tracks:

Tunnel Of Love
Romeo & Juliet
Skateaway
Expresso Love
Hand in Hand
Solid Rock
Les Boys

Amazon.com essential recording

Making Movies is Dire Straits's third album and includes several epic numbers that remain among Mark Knopfler's finest work. "Tunnel of Love, " "Romeo And Juliet" (covered by the Indigo Girls), and "Solid Rock" all work with the same distinctive galloping rhythm underneath Knopfler's country-blues staccato guitar. The addition of Springsteen's E Street Band pianist Roy Bittan hardly seems less a coincidence considering the Springsteen-esque tone of the material. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

Another all-time classic.......2007-06-08

This is another all-time classic, another all-time favorite of mine, still as fascinating as it was 25 years ago when I first heard it. Make sure you get the remastered edition, though, it sounds much better than the non-remastered one. Extremely sensitive love-inspired tracks.

The foundation of the classic Dire Straits sound.......2007-05-10

In the late 1970s, Dire Straits was a band that built a strong following. Much of Dire Straits was the result of the awesome guitar work of Mark Knopfler, but there was also some great instrumentation from other band members such as drummer Pick Withers and bassist John Illsley.. In many circles, Knopfler is considered as good as they come. For Dire Straits, they would do things much differently than many of the other bands during the time of the "British Invasion". In an era where Punk and New Wave were taking center stage, Dire Straits were doing things the old-fashioned way - a combination of Classic Rock, Blues, Folk, and even some Country. Knopfler also proven himself to be a top-notch lyricist - writing both humorous and serious songs. The combination of outstanding instrumentation, great lyrics and a mix of old-fashioned Rock genres is really what made Dire Straits such a great band. . The achieved success with their debut album - the self-titled Dire Straits. Although, their follow-up album "Communiqué" followed up, many consider that album not as strong as "Dire Straits". For the band's third album, "Making Movies", some changes would take place - and as a result it would become what many consider to be one of the strongest albums in the Dire Straits portfolio.

On the first two albums, many feel that Dire Straits had a more stripped down basic classic Rock sound. For "Making Movies", things changed. It would be on this album where we would see Dire Straits move toward more-complex arrangements. This trend would actually continue on the album that would follow "Making Movies" - 1982's "Love Over Gold". "Making Movies" would make a major personnel change in that Mark Knopfler's brother, David would depart the band. At the same time, the band would bring in the E Street Band's Roy Bittan to play keyboards. Bittan has one of the most distinctive keyboard sounds in the music business and it often is easy to identify his work. It is Bittan's unique style combined with the outstanding guitar work and music arrangements of the band that helped "Making Movies"s easily emerge as the band's signature sound to date.

There are seven tracks that make up the "Making Movies" album. Here is a track by track review:

"Tunnel of Love": This is the opening track of the collection and has easily become one of the band's classic tracks. The song opens with an arrangement of a melody from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel". As the song progresses into the "Rock portion", you will first hear Bittan's trademark keyboards followed by Mark Knopfler's trademark guitar. This song presents a great narrative as Knopfler reminisces about his younger days at an amusement park. Overall, this song just seems to capture the signature style that Dire Straits has really garnered a reputation for. I saw one review say that this song this song is "everything that was great about these guys condensed in 8 minutes" - I couldn't agree more.

"Romeo and Juliet": As the title says, this is basically a song about Romeo and Juliet. Here we get Knopfler's unique take and spin on this classic William Shakespeare work. Knopfler displays humor when he says, "Juliet says 'hey it's Romeo you nearly gave me a heart attack'". At the same time Knopfler gives his perspective on the whole story when he says (from Romeo's point of view), "Juliet the dice were loaded from the start". More great instrumentation - especially from Bittan and Knopfler help complete the picture of this story.

"Skateaway": This is a sometimes overlooked song, but nonetheless still a Dire Straits classic. This song might seem simple, yet it demonstrates some of the terrific arrangements by the band. The song paints a picture of a girl at a roller skating rink. Yet the part that really is interesting is how Knopfler tells the story of the girl listening to music on a portable music player (probably a Walkman). The lyrics "she gets rock n roll a rock n roll station; and a rock n roll dream; she's making movies on location" tell the story perfectly. Listen to how Knopfler creates a sound that gives you a feel of the roller rink. At the same time, listen to how the music "changes up" throughout the song. Bittan's keyboards shine as well - you will definitely pick out his classic sound.

"Expresso Love": This is another classic Dire Straits song. It also starts out with some great keyboards by Bittan and like "Tunnel of Love", this progresses into a classic Dire Straits song. Knopfler's guitar chords will have you jamming them over and over again.

"Hand in Hand": This song takes a softer sound when compared to most of the other tracks on this collection. In some ways this reminded me a bit of Dan Fogelberg. In this song, there is a slight country-like sound - and this is something that would become an influence on Knopfler's influence later in his musical career.

"Solid Rock": This is the shortest track on the album, but that doesn't impact anything. This song has a Southern-Rock feel and in some ways, Knopfler's vocals reminded me of Tom Petty. Knopfler's guitar will be the primary star of this song. In this song Knopfler sings about living a safe and conservative kind of life as he sings "Well i'm sick of potential; I'm sick of vanity now". This is another terrific song.

"Les Boys": This song was a most unorthodox song. It basically pokes fun at the female impersonators in the cabaret. The lyrics "Les boys got leather straps....get dressed up get a little risque" tell the whole story. This song does a great job at creating that cabaret feel to it.

The liner notes include all of the lyrics. Overall, this song exemplifies the classic Dire Straits sound. If one has any interest in Dire Straits at all, this would be the album I recommend getting.

Making Movies.......2007-05-07

This is probably one of the fifty best albums I had heard when it first came out. This remaster of that album is fantastic. I have both the original and the remaster and I now only play the remaster. Highly recommended for Dire Straits fans or anybody else with an ear for good music.

Tied with Rumors for best album of all time.......2007-05-06

This is perhaps the best album ever made. Buy this album. Play and leave on repeat. End of story.

a simpler time..........2007-04-28

1980 I was in Denver, CO before MTV. There was a half-hour program on late at night called FMTV. Videos!!! The regular rotation included; Start Me Up - Stones, Controversy - Prince, Whip it - Devo and a couple pieces by a group I wasn't that familiar with...Romeo and Juliet and Tunnel of Love - Dire Straits. They had me hook, line...you know. To this day, along with Sultans of Swing and Brothers in Arms, I'm convinced that Mark Knofler is a rare bird, a true trubador. He tells stories so damn well(not to mention he strokes axe mighty nice)that I never tire of his expressions.

T of L reminds me of a girl I met when I was 18 at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, MO by the name of JoSylvia Malone. We rode the 'Zambini Zinger' roller coaster together one time, I never saw her again, but this song describes that type of youthful passion perfectly...

Stop Making Sense: Special New Edition (1984 Film)

Average customer rating:

Probably the best concert ever preserved
good Talking Heads record
Bigger is not always better
One of the greatest live albums ever.
Great Improvement Over The Original Version

Stop Making Sense: Special New Edition (1984 Film)
Talking Heads
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Name of This Band is Talking Heads
Stop Making Sense
Little Creatures
Speaking in Tongues
Remain in Light

ASIN: B00000K3G8
Release Date: 1999-09-07

Tracks:

Psycho Killer
Heaven
Thank You for Sending Me an Angel
Found a Job
Slippery People
Burning Down the House
Life During Wartime
Making Flippy Floppy
Swamp
What a Day That Was
This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)
Once in a Lifetime
Genius of Love
Girlfriend Is Better
Take Me to the River
Crosseyed and Painless

Amazon.com

The soundtrack to the Jonathan Demme documentary, Stop Making Sense captures the Talking Heads live in 1984 on what would turn out to be their last major tour. This collection, and the film, is a true gift to the band's fans, a testament to the Heads' extraordinary talent, both in the studio and especially onstage. Frontman David Byrne infuses each song with a jolt of energy and drama that could only have come from a late-'70s art-school student. Now-classic tracks such as "Psycho Killer," "Girlfriend is Better," "Once in a Lifetime," "Take Me to the River," and "Burning Down the House" have never sounded better. This expanded 1999 reissue includes all nine of the original tracks, plus seven previously unheard cuts, including "Heaven," "Found a Job," and "Crosseyed and Painless." --Lorry Fleming

Customer Reviews:

Probably the best concert ever preserved.......2007-02-19

Simply the single best set by any band in the history of rock and roll. I know there will be people out there who will point to some Dead concert that's only available on a third generation cassette, but this set is as hot as the Heads ever were. The expanded edition is a great gift to the world.

good Talking Heads record.......2006-02-20

i own this on vinyl and it's just good talking head songs live,although i have to say the original version of some songs are better but if you have the money i guess go for it but i recommend buying non live recordings.

Bigger is not always better.......2004-10-26

The original LP version of this was a mere 9 songs, and was absolutely brilliant. I remember playing it constantly, wearing it out much like my two album "The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads" double live album. I also got to see the concert film at some midnight show and was enthralled...a concert movie for people who liked music! I loved it so much that I eventually got David Byrne to sign the book that came with the album.

So I was really hyped to hear that the entire concert soundtrack was about to be reissued on CD. Seven extra songs! Warm with nostalgia, I finally bought the disc. Boy, was I let down. First, it isn't the whole concert. "I Zimbra" is particularly missed. Then, of all the crappy songs to include over that one, we have the Tom Tom Club and their SERIOUSLY dated "Genius Of Love."

One of the brilliant things about Talking Heads is that they may have been trend setters, but they were never trend mongers. The music sounds just as fresh today as it did when I slit the shrink wrap on the 1984 Album. But the Tom Tom Club was a lightweight side project that scored one novelty hit, and it sticks out like crayon smears on a DaVinci. I reach for the skip button just about everytime its lame, cliched, and oh so 80's stage patter starts to invade what used to be a flawless CD.

It takes what used to be a 5 star CD and knocks it down by one. It also provides continual proof that that not all unreleased tracks are really a "bonus." Since it has finally come out on a double disc, I strongly recommend the remastered and reissued "The Name Of This Band is Talking Heads" over this. At least the expanded tracks aren't an emarrassment.

One of the greatest live albums ever........2004-10-23

Jonathon Demme's 1984 concert film of the Talking Heads was an incredible experience. Sadly, when the original soundtrack was released, it contained only nine of the songs performed. Not only that, but they were entirely out of sequence, completely destroying the original purpose behind David Byrne's conception of the concert. Thank God they released this anniversary edition of the soundtrack, as this really does the film justice. Every song is here, and in its proper place, the way it was meant to be heard.

So, what is the big deal, you ask? Well, picture this. The soundtrack begins with "Psycho Killer," one of the first really big hits for the group. Instead of the entire band being onstage, David Byrne walks out with an acoustic guitar and a boom box. He presses PLAY on the box, which cues a drum program to begin playing. So the first song is just David Byrne singing and strumming his guitar, accompanied by pre-recorded percussion. For the next song, "Heaven," Byrne is joined onstage by bassist Tina Weymouth. Then Chris Frantz's drumset is wheeled out, and the three of them go into "Thank You For Sending Me an Angel." We finally hear some real drumming, not the predictable, computerized beats in "Psycho Killer." The album really begins to come alive. Then they go into "Found a Job," and things get more interesting. Byrne swaps his acoustic guitar for an electric, and lead guitarist Jerry Harrison comes out, meaning we now have two guitars. By the time the fifth track, "Slippery People," is underway, the entire band (including the extra musicians and backup singers) are on the stage, and now things are cooking. What happens over the remaining twelve tracks can only be described as an overload of the senses.

The purpose behind the concert was to provide a unique experience for the concert-goer, to create visual as well as aural art. Some of that sense is lost on the CD listener, but some of it remains. The songs were translated to disk beautifully, so that they still retain just about everything that made them a pleasure to listen to while watching the film. One can almost picture David Byrne running laps around the stage, dancing with the lamp, or wearing the big suit.

The concert resulting in the film and this album was performed shortly after the band released their 1983 album "Speaking in Tongues." So, needless to say, many of the songs you will hear are from that album. And I have to say that for each of them, I prefer the live version to the studio version. Each one of them sounds more vibrant, more full of life when performed on the stage. The improvisation on "Burning Down the House" is as good as it gets. Ditto "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)," which is one of the most beautiful things I've heard, and I don't even like love songs. The studio versions lack that extra energy. Their pulse is just too slow. This is never more true for "Life During Wartime," which is actually a song from 1979's "Fear of Music." But anyway, this song displays Byrne's tendency to perfectly mismatch music and lyrics. The pulsating beat of club rock flows beneath what I interpret to be a humourously disturbing tale of a country under martial law. The song should not work as well as it does, and yet somehow, they pull it off. Anyway, after hearing the live version of it, I can no longer listen to the studio version. Also noteworthy is the improvisation on "Crosseyed and Painless." The intro and the extended guitar solos are just the icing on the cake for that one!

If there is a bad song on this album, it would have to be the interlude by the Tom Tom Club (a solo project of Heads drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth). "Genius of Love" could have been a great song. The instrumentation is very good. Sadly, it's ruined by Frantz's raucous babbling. He's attempting to be random like David Byrne, but tragically, he's not good at it. Other than that, this album is solid gold. It demonstrates the full potential of live music, and sounds amazing while doing it. Whether you're a fan of the Talking Heads or not, this album belongs in your collection.

Great Improvement Over The Original Version.......2004-10-17

It's true, to really appreciate this album, you have to see the film. And that's no chore. Stop Making Sense is probably the best concert film ever made. It's hard to imagine just listening to the album without thinking of Byrne's amazing stage presence (in or out of the big suit).

The Special Edition is the entire film soundtrack (minus some stage banter and the cut performances of "Cities" and "I Zimbra"). Their imagination made Talking Heads one of the greatest live bands of all time. The songs are mostly from SPEAKING IN TONGUES, but they also include interesting and in some cases superior versions of songs from all of their albums prior to 1983 with the help of the Tom Tom Club.

In addition to STOP MAKING SENSE, I recommend the newly released CD version of THE NAME OF THIS BAND IS TALKING HEADS. Listening to both would map eight years of live performances and barely short of 4 hours of live material.

The Sermon On Exposition Blvd. [Deluxe Limited Edition --- includes 5.1 SACD version and 40 minute DVD of making the record]

Average customer rating:

One of the greatest albums of all time
interesting idea falls short
Spectacular
spellbinding
Donkey Ride

The Sermon On Exposition Blvd. [Deluxe Limited Edition --- includes 5.1 SACD version and 40 minute DVD of making the record]
Rickie Lee Jones
Manufacturer: New West Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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West
Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD)
My Name Is Buddy
Twelve
A Tribute To Joni Mitchell

ASIN: B000L211NW
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

Nobody Knows My Name
Gethsemane
Falling Up
Lamp Of My Body
It Hurts
Where I Like It Best
Tried To Be A Man
Circle In The Sand
Donkey Ride
7th Day
Elvis Cadillac
Road To Emmaus
I Was There

Tracks:

How It All Began
Turn It Down
Late Night Song
Threat Of The Bomb
Tried To Be A Man
The Mystery Box
It Hurts
I Have Another Day
Caught Me In It's Ray
Haven't Had Anything To Eat Today
I Was There
CreditsBonus MP3s for download to MP3 player

Amazon.com

Fans of Rickie Lee Jones and Jesus Christ can decide whether this devotional music is rapturously spiritual or deliriously strange. It sounds like nothing Jones has previously released, or anything characterizable as contemporary Christian. Instead, her voice soars and wobbles through repetitive, stream-of-consciousness incantations over rhythmic throbs and pulses. On "Where I Like It Best," Jones testifies to the power of private prayer (while seeming to cast churchgoers as hypocrites). The feral distortions of "Tried to Be a Man" recall some of the textures (if not the themes) of her former boyfriend Tom Waits, while the acoustic setting of "Donkey Ride" features guitar tunings that might make Sonic Youth wince and "Elvis Cadillac" conjures a singular vision of heaven. At close to eight and a half minutes, the closing "I Was There" seems to follow Van Morrison into the mystic. Some of this music is oddly affecting; much of it is merely odd. --Don McLeese

Album Description

THE SERMON ON EXPOSITION BOULEVARD, the new album by Rickie Lee Jones and her first for New West Records, is a beauty--soul-satisfying and sonically unique. RICKIE LEE sounds completely tapped in, alive and vital, heading down some mighty interesting roads and discovering new magical essences. Lots of creative sparks here--plenty of them. She sounds like she's going through a transformation throughout the album in a way that's reminiscent of Van Morrison's performances on his classic album Astral Weeks.

This is the Special Edition of Rickie Lee Jones' new CD, Sermon On Exposition Boulevard. It contains an SACD version of the CD, with both a High Resolution Stereo and 5.1 Surround Mix. It includes a bonus DVD with 40 minutes of behind the scenes footage. Also included in this Special Edition are High Resolution MP3s of the entire CD to download to your favorite MP3 player, as well as an expanded booklet with extra photos, artwork and liner notes.

Customer Reviews:

One of the greatest albums of all time.......2007-07-06

This is one of the greatest albums of all time. With the wide range of feel, there should be a starting point for everyone. Then listen to the whole thing. Amazing!

interesting idea falls short.......2007-06-27

I felt the "Sermon" was a great idea.. the Gospel according to Rickie Lee. The lyrics are compelling and filled with that wonderful poignant, poetic Rickie Lee touch, but the music seemed like an afterthought. It just didn't interest me very much, and did not stay with me. the DVD was so boring, I couldn't get through the whole thing.
Maybe that was her idea, to just set a story to music, but I much prefer her other albums with songs that are memorable and singable.

Spectacular.......2007-06-24

I have been listening to this album since January and I must say I am as entranced by it now as I was on the first listen. This album is raw, passionate, thought-provoking and inspiring- like great music should be.
I am not religious or spiritual but this album speaks to me like no other release this year.
Rickie Lee Jones fans should love it and I only hope that people not previously exposed to this extraordinary musician will take a chance on this CD. You will not be disappointed.

spellbinding.......2007-05-23

If the number of plays on my iPod is a sign, this is my favorite RLJ CD in many years. I've bought and liked everything she's put out, but this one...well, it's not the type of CD you can immediately and easily figure out. It's musically and lyrically different than anything she's done in the past. But it's the type of CD that compels you to play it often to investigate the mystery. It draws you in. I keep going back to it. It reminds me of David Bowie's Low or Neil Young or Lou Reed, a complex work done out of the comfort zone, not done with great commercial expectations that turns out to be a mighty work of art. I really can't explain much about it lyrically and don't know exactly what she's aiming for, but I am thrilled and moved trying to figure it out. Also, the computer sound files are of great quality that puts iTunes to shame.

Donkey Ride.......2007-05-19

When this CD was released, I ran out & bought it as soon as it hit the store shelves in our town. I read a glowing review that told me Rickie Lee was exploring spiritual themes on a very different disc. I opted for the DVD 2-disc version. First, I watched the DVD. I think this DVD would be good for musicians looking to see how a seasoned veteran works in the studio. We see Rickie in very informal attire looking like a working musician. It's not particularly entertaining, however. Perhaps watching her in concert performing this set would have had more polish. It is neat to see Rickie in her home office where she obviously works, but the song takes are not entrancing. The material on the disc has grown on me. I think I would describe the material more as "religious" rather than "spiritual." There isn't a lot here about values or lessons. This is more like a Jesus biography. On one of the more accessible tracks, "Elvis Cadillac," Rickie Lee free associates with her strumming putting a smile on your face, "Standing in the doorway, I'm happy living here. Everyone tries so hard to sing a song no one can hear." "Circle in the Sand" is probably the best song that stands alone on its own with its driving beat and Rickie's expressive vocals, "When an angel picked me up, she called my name; There is charity, but says power, money & fame." Much of the rest of the disc is enjoyable, but rather formless. "It Hurts" & "Donkey Ride" do hurt to listen to. While I enjoy Rickie Lee's thematic exploration, the music just doesn't work very well. Rickie Lee is a terrific singer. I'm glad to have this chapter of her work, but it won't be the one that goes into the changer frequently. The DVD may never be seen again. Taxi.

White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s - The Joe Boyd Story

Average customer rating:

A companion piece

White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s - The Joe Boyd Story
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Fledg'ling UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sweet Warrior

ASIN: B000FILWRM
Release Date: 2006-06-05

Tracks:

Crossroads - Eric Clapton & The Powerhouse
Way Back In The 1960s - The Incredible String Band
Because It Wouldn't Pay - Johnny Handle
Spanish Ladies Medley - Dave Swarbrick, Martin Carthy & Diz Disley
Arnold Layne - Pink Floyd
Granny Takes A Trip - The Purple Gang
She's Gone - Soft Machine
If I Had A Ribbon Bow - Fairport Convention
Seven Yellow Gypsies - Shirley Collins
Chinese White - The Incredible String Band
Autopsy - Fairport Convention
The Deserter - Fairport Convention
Poor Boy - Nick Drake
The Sea- Fotheringay
Flowers Of The Forest - Mike Heron
Come Wind Come Rain - Vashti Bunyan
Primrose Hill - John & Beverley Martyn
I Don't Mind - The New Nadir (Previously Unreleased)
Church Mouse - Dudu Pukwana & Spear (Previously Unreleased)
Andromeda - Chris Mcgregor's Brotherhood Of Breath
Afraid - Nico
Way To Blue - Nick Drake
Brazil - Geoff & Maria Muldaur

Album Details

Boyd Produced and was Instrumental in Creating Some of the Most Important Recordings of the 1960s (As Well as the '70s and '80s). He is Best Known for his Work with English Folk Musicians, Having Shaped the Early Sounds of Fairport Convention, Incredible String Band, Fotheringay, John Martyn and Nick Drake. But He also Provided the Base of the Early Sounds of Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Soft Machine, Nico, Geoff and Maria Muldaur and Shirley Collins. This Collection Brings You Some of Boyd's Exemplary Pieces from the 1960's by the Aforementioned Artists and Many More. Also Featured Are Two Previously Unreleased Tracks from Boyd's Archive by the New Nadir and Dudu Pukwana and Spear. Discover the Modern Glory Days of Making Records in a Period When Musicians Could Share their Musical Abilities with a Master Sound Auteur, Resulting in Recordings that Remain Fresh and Transcend Time.

Customer Reviews:

A companion piece.......2007-05-08

This CD is basically a companion piece to Joe Boyd's book of the same name containing key selections of the bands he produced / managed. Joe Boyd was an American who helped shape the careers of Fairport Convention, Sandy Denny, Nick Drake, The Incredible String Band, Pink Floyd and others by being a great producer and even greater manger with enough understanding about the music biz and the musicians under his Witchseason Productions company. I could go on but if your interested into what was happening in swinging London during the mid to late 60's than get this along with Boyd's book and you can have fun with a "six-degrees-of-separation" involving key players in the music business of the 1960's.

Average customer rating:

A treasure of the musical world.
A classic above all classics
Funny and scathingly true
Hilarious - move over Victor Borge & Beatrice Lily

Encore?

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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The Anna Russell Album
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ASIN: B0000062DW
Release Date: 1998-03-24

Tracks:

Poetry In The Cellar: My Ear - The Rubens Woman
Backwards With The Folk Song: A Lily Maid Sat Making Moan - Old Mother Slipper Slopper - Ricky Ticky - I'm Sittin' In The Bar All Alone - Jolly Old Sigmund Freud
The French Horn: Instruments Of The Orchestra
How To Enjoy Your Bagpipe: Wind Instruments I Have Known
Hamelleto, Or Prosciuttino

Customer Reviews:

A treasure of the musical world........2007-04-14

I was first introduced to Miss Russell in 1980 by fellow musicians in Rochester NY. We spent late nights after rehearsals secretly listening and laughing ourselves sick. She had the ability to put us and our conductor in our places and made us like it! Miss Russell clearly understood opera, live concert events, touring and all aspects of the music of the world. Parts of this album were recorded in New York City USA and parts in Johannesburg South Africa. It makes no difference where the audience is, the language and experience is universal and we all laugh together. Undressed bagpipes, ears turning into gardenias, the lament for the fat ladies, and "Jolly Old Sigmund Freud" presented in the singular voice of a "ruined opera singer" are irresistible.

The best comment about this album came from my seventeen year old son. Just last year (2006) I finally got a CD copy of this priceless work of art and shared it with him. He listened totally enthralled. The selection "Hamletto, or Prosciuttino (sung in simultaneous Italian and English0" caused him to comment, "Well, now I know what Hamlet is about." He since asked me to get the others and has loved them as well. "Backwards With the Folk Song" brought back memories of Voice Lessons and dreary concerts that now can be enjoyed safely from a distance. Today's indie and emo musicians could do well to listen and learn.

I would recommend Miss Russell's work for any teenaged class, they seem to adore her sly wit. Besides, all the French Horn players in the High School band need a little teasing from time to time.

A classic above all classics.......2000-03-17

From the velvet-voiced music reviewer herself, Anna Russell has laid many a sour note. This in itself, is what makes her so funny. She takes greater pains to sound bad as most other singers do to sound good. And the best thing about this, and all of her recordings in general is that you will never tire of them, no matter how much you play them... From those before her or after her in the musica funnia farma (P.D.Q. Bach, Victor Borge, Florence Foster Jenkins, etc.), it is in this venue of music appreciation (or as some say, depreciation), that will bring newer fans to the classical arena...

Funny and scathingly true.......1999-10-29

Highly recomended listening for the serious classical music enthusiast who enjoys a good laugh!

Hilarious - move over Victor Borge & Beatrice Lily.......1999-03-15

Anyone who loves classical music, Victor Borge, Flanders & Swann , Beatrice Lily, or PDQ Bach will love this album, play it over and over, and quote her to friends.

I Oughtta Give You a Shot in the Head for Making Me Live in This Dump

Average customer rating:

I am on a string and you can lead me anywhere
Goodnight Moon
Shivaree throws one heck of a party!
It's all Good
Alice in Dr. Seus-land

I Oughtta Give You a Shot in the Head for Making Me Live in This Dump
Shivaree
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Zenkyokusyu

ASIN: B00001ZSTB
Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

Cannibal King
Bossa Nova
Daring Lousy Guy
Arlington Girl
Oh, No
Lunch
Goodnight Moon
I Don't Care
Pimp
Idiot Waltz
Ash Wednesday
Arrivederci

Customer Reviews:

I am on a string and you can lead me anywhere.......2007-06-28

Shivaree is what more pop should sound like -- an embittered torch singer who secretly dreams of experimental electrofolk. This odd trio debuted with "I Oughtta Give You a Shot in the Head for Making Me Live in This Dump," whose title gives you a hint about what their eerie fusion ballads and alt-rock sound like.

It opens on a deliciously sick note with "Cannibal King," which is basically some wobbling keyboard, and Ambrosia Parsley singing, "The cannibal king with the big nose ring/Fell in love with a sweet young maid/And every night by the pale moonlight/This is what you'll hear him say..." Well, that's not very sick, but Ambrosia makes a loud yummy sound at the end.

The actual music starts with "Bossa Nova," a little alt-countryish song peppered with samples and clashes of synth. And, of course, a girl's incisive breakup with her guy ("I'm never talking to you again/I'll go join the marines/And then I will peacefully sail away with some safe magazines!"). Then we get the deliciously jagged electropop of "Daring Lousy Guy."

From there on, Shivaree experiments with variations of the fusion music: the electronica-riddled piano songs, jazzy little ballads, mournful alt-rocky laments, funky tunes about "a back stabbing Hollywood pimp," and the exquisitely soulful "Goodnight Moon." But things mellow out somewhat in the last trio of songs, which include a cynically romantic ballad, a wistful acoustic melody, and finally the "Arrivederci."

Shivaree have grown and changed over the years, but their debut album is still a pretty solid listen -- they take your basic folky-rocky-countryish melodies, and weave in some electropop and jazz. And they've got some truly wicked, incisive songwriting, as if the title didn't tip you off.

The band manages soft and poppy songs with equal alacrity: solid riffs, great drumming, and some gentle interweaving of piano melodies and acoustic guitar. And of course, lots and lots of synth -- blippy, funky, and shimmering soft canopies of shivering sound. Danny McGough isn't quite perfect, though -- Shivaree has a tendency to cram synthy tangles into any quieter spots between vocals.

But Parsley takes center stage, with the voice and attitude of a world-weary torch singer -- throaty and hostile, with a jaded view of romance and the world. She sings of free spirits, abusive boyfriends ("Your throat is going to be exploded/and I'm still being shy!"), fear of the dark, and nasty entertainment bosses. "Something's under the bed/Now it's out in the hedge/There's a big black crow sitting on my window ledge/And I hear something scratching through the wall..."

Shivaree started off remarkably strong in their debut album "I Oughtta Give You a Shot in the Head for Making Me Live in This Dump," which lives up to its name -- bitter, beautiful, and wickedly funny.

Goodnight Moon.......2006-05-14

Love Ambrosia Parsley's singing voice. Haunting in some ways, smooth, soothing... It seems, though, about the only winner is tune #7, Goodnight Moon, on this CD. This won't stop me from buying something else by this group, or by Ambrosia, should she venture out on her own.

Was it worth buying this CD? For me, yes. Absolutely. Can't get enough of Goodnight Moon; also, this seems to be the type of album one has to play a few times to truly appreciate the music.

Shivaree throws one heck of a party!.......2006-01-29

I liked this CD - it's out of the rut. These aren't people playing to whatever the fickleness of commercialism dictates for the minute, these are folks playing what they want. Hence the music is a bit quirky with the opening an old standard. Overall, I found the CD quite haunting- lots of shivers running up and down my spine. It's also well done- you won't be disappointed if you give it a more serious listen.

On the downside- well, I found some tracks stronger than others- I'd characterize this CD as a bit uneven. But that's a small price to pay for something that you're not going to hear on commercial radio.

Sam B.
Stamford, CT

It's all Good.......2005-10-19

If you loved "Goodnight Moon" you'll like the rest of the album. Although the hit single is the shining light on the CD, the remainder of the songs are just as cool and stay true to the Shivaree style.

Alice in Dr. Seus-land.......2005-09-02

I Oughtta starts off with the extreamly short Cannibal King, a 46 second ditty that highlights pretty much everything important about Shivaree: a macabre subject, a comic undertone, unexpected music and outstanding vocals. Once past the short intro piece, I Oughtta dives full on into the band's eccentric goodness.
Goodnight Moon may be the band's only really famous song, and it's the only thing on the CD that comes close to being 'pop'-y. The rest range from millitary-style exit marches (Arlington Girl) to obessive-compulsive love ballads (Oh No). Of special note are the excellent Bossa Nova and the altogether much too short Arrivederci and Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday in particular is an increadibly tranquil bit remnicent of campfire circles.
Ambrosia Pierce is worthy of the praise sung to her name, her breathy, husky-sweet vocals are clear and well matched to the music, carrying a wide range of emotion and nuance. While not the most dynamic or talented singer on the market, she carries herself well and plays to her strengths, making for music as smart as it is beautiful.
Overall, I Oughtta a strange and wonderful cross between fantasy and nightmare, elegant and poised, with a beautiful edge of maddness. Excellent.

Average customer rating:

One of the Top Five Live Albums of All Time
I like the liner notes better than the music.
Big
necessary to check out
New version really makes sense

Stop Making Sense
Talking Heads
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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True Stories
Little Creatures
Speaking in Tongues
Naked
Remain in Light

ASIN: B000002L71
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Psycho Killer
Swamp
Slippery People
Burning Down the House
Girlfriend Is Better
Once in a Lifetime
What A Day That Was
Life During Wartime
Take Me To The River

Amazon.com

The soundtrack to the Jonathan Demme documentary, Stop Making Sense captures the Talking Heads live in 1984 on what would turn out to be their last major tour. This collection, and the film, is a true gift to the band's fans, a testament to their extraordinary talent, both in the studio and especially onstage. Frontman David Byrne infuses each song with a jolt of energy and drama that could only have come from a late-'70s New York art-school student. Now-classic tracks such as "Psycho Killer," "Girlfriend Is Better," "Once in a Lifetime," "Take Me to the River," and "Burning Down the House" have never sounded better. --Lorry Fleming

Customer Reviews:

One of the Top Five Live Albums of All Time.......2006-03-14

If you can only have one Talking Heads album, then get this one. Frenetic energy, fabulous changes, perfect pacing, it captures the entire Talking Heads legacy. "Life During Wartime" and "Take Me to the River" are unbelievable to end the set. I wish The Clash had something like this for posterity. This compares to The Band's "Last Waltz" for best rock performance in a live setting. Daniel

I like the liner notes better than the music........2005-11-01

I love Talking Heads. I do. But I love them in the way that someone who knows them mainly through hearing his older siblings constantly playing them as he grew up loves them. I don't own many of their albums, and I've never even see the film "Stop Making Sense," though I've watched David Byrne's "True Stories" dozens of times. I picked this CD up out of a bargain bin a couple of years ago, and though I like it, I just don't feel it's Talking Heads at their best.
It's got a great version of "Psycho Killer," played the way David Byrne would play it back in art school--with recorded music played on a boombox kicking off the song--some okay tracks by the Tom Tom Club, and some genuinely clever liner notes ("In the future women will have breasts all over").
But, almost all the songs here aren't as good as their album counterparts, and overall the CD feels erratic and irregular. If you love Talking Heads, you should own this. You probably already do. But if you're just looking to get into them, this probably isn't the album to start with. Check out their "Popular Favorites" compilation instead, or either of their first two albums. Those are much better.

Big.......2005-08-29

When he came out in that big suit and started with the funky chicken type stuff. Man, I'm still laughing. Great music too.

necessary to check out.......2005-02-24

This is essential because it draws from their very best material, and the songs have never sounded this good. "once in a lifetime" is particularly improved, giving it a harder edge compared to the studio version, but you will find all of the songs are very well arranged live. It doesn't really sound like a live album, its so good. If you are new to the band get this and the newly released The Name of the Band is Talking Heads, another great live album. Or you could opt for the Best Of disc instead. I am having a hard time deciding between the two, actually. But I have no doubt that this is a necessary musical document of the greatest band of the 80's.

New version really makes sense.......2003-12-25

the new extended version of this album is really worth extra money as one of previous reviewers said.i grew listening ti this version but new one has many songs more that are important too.
Talking heads mixed funky pop with quirky social commentary and some psychedelic atmosphere to create their own distinctive sound."Burning down the house" or "Once in a lifetime" are the best examples.
of course "Stop making sense" (album was recorded live.the self-titled movie was about the same live concert as on cd) is essential for any respectable music fan but the new longer mix is more good for the added tracks and improvement in sound.get new "Stop making sense" along with "True stories" or "Fear of music".they deserve to be listened

Average customer rating:

Over all great score.
Completely surprising
Best animated film music ever!
I'm so glad to have it!
didn't get enough time???

Shrek: Original Motion Picture Score

Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Shrek 2
Shrek - Music from the Original Motion Picture
Shrek 2
Shrek The Third (Original Motion Picture Score)
Shrek The Third

ASIN: B00005RZTY
Release Date: 2001-12-04

Tracks:

Fairytale
Ogre Hunters / Fairytale Deathcamp
Donkey Meets Shrek
Eating Alone
Uninvited Guests
March of Farquuad
The Perfect King
Welcome to Duloc
Tournament Speech
What Kind of Quest
Dragon! / Fiona Awakens
One of A Kind Knight
Saving Donkey's Ass
Escape from the Dragon
Helmet Hair
Delivery Boy Shrek / Making Camp
Friends Journey to Duloc
Starry Night
Singing Princess
Better Out Than In / Sunflower / I'll Tell Him
Merry Men
Fiona Kicks Ass
Fiona's Secret
Why Wait To Be Wed / You Thought Wrong
Ride the Dragon
I Object
Transformation / The End

Customer Reviews:

Over all great score........2006-10-23

I've been a fan of Harry Gregson-Williams for quite some time (and to a lesser extent, John Powell). Gregson-Williams is known for working with Hans Zimmer (they worked together on the soundtrack for The Rock) and he is also known in the video gaming community for his work on the Metal Gear Solid franchise (his take on the theme, not originally composed by him, is absolutely breathtaking in both the second and third games).

So it was no shock to me that I absolutely adore his work on the Shrek franchise. I can't say much here that hasn't been said by other reviewers, but I will say that the strongest work on the soundtrack involves the more serious, epic pieces (of which there are far too few).

Stand out tracks, for me, are "Fairytale", "Escape the Dragon", "Ride the Dragon", "I Object", and "Transformation/End".

The action theme of the film is used perfectly throughout the film, but it shows up far too rarely on the disc. I'm not sure if it's actually present less, or if it was a less-is-more kind of thing when it did play in the film. Regardless, it's a beautiful composition (though it does remind me of the "hero" theme from Deep Blue Sea).

You can feel Gregson-Williams' influence on "Escape the Dragon", as there are similar pulsing electric beats that are reminiscent, to me, of his arrangement of the Metal Gear Solid 2 main theme (which to this day remains one of my favorite pieces of soundtrack music ever - it's exciting, it's patriotic, it's epic. What more does one need?)

There's also some beautiful solo guitar work on this score that's a bit reminiscent of Trevor Rabin, but excellent regardless. My only gripe is that the disc feels a bit short in running length, but I think that's because a portion of the soundtrack was dedicated to pop and rock tracks, which show up on the second album.

If you're a fan of Gregson-Williams, Powell, or just film music in general, I strongly recommend picking this disc up. It'll make you sad and it'll get your blood racing.

Completely surprising.......2006-05-24

Harry Gregson-Williams is a fairly new composer, but despite that, he is beyond comparison. (Except for John Williams and Howard Shore and Hans Zimmer). This is supposed to be an animated film, where music doesn't matter AS much. But this composer goes beyond all expectations, putting forth all his best efforts, bringing out the best in Shrek. You can hear some links from this CD to the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Harry's later work. Even by listening to the samples you can tell this music is hard to beat. I don't think Shrek would have won Best Animated Film if Gregson-Williams had not composed the music. BUY THIS CD!!!

Best animated film music ever!.......2004-03-19

Although the other reviewers are right in that there isnt a lot of music on this disc, a little over 40 minutes, it's worth the price just for the first and 25th tracks. There are so many awe inspiring tracks on this cd it's impossible to pass up. The disc opens up with a very serious and magical theme on the strings and oboe. This theme is the same one that the princess sings in her fatal duet with the bird, that track is on here too. Also, there's the memorable Welcome to Duloc theme with the child choir. Also, the fight with Robin Hood theme with some riverdance in it is on this disc. The best theme on the disc is first introduced in the escape from the dragon track, with a funky beat behind it. It's presented in it's full orchestra and choral glory in the Ride the Dragon track which is guaranteed to give you goose bumps. All in all this is a very wide ranging score with some of the most light-hearted/goofy music ever along with some of the most inspired and passionate heroic music. I can't recommend this soundtrack enough. The music of Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell added so much to Shrek, making it the best animated film I've ever seen.

I'm so glad to have it!.......2003-01-12

I'm so glad I got this score. Such a humorous film like Shrek doesn't sound like it would have so much beautiful music, but this score proves it does. The music is absolutely stunning, sometimes powerful, sometimes scary, sometimes sad and sometimes just beautiful. There are a few recurring themes, but they are great themes and sound nice in every song. Although most of the soundtrack is pretty serious, there are a few funny songs placed in, which only add to it's greatness. If, while watching Shrek, you happened to notice some of the nice themes like I did, then I suggest getting this score. It really is a great CD and I'm happy to have this part of my collection.

didn't get enough time???.......2002-12-21

This is the third score that Harry Gregson Williams and John Powell composed together and after buying "Antz" and "Chicken Run" I had high expectations. Unfortunately this score is by far not as good as their previous ones. Still good though, but especially less comfortable to listen to. Most songs are just too short. By the time the theme had captured you the song is over. Strongest part of this album is the humor Powell and Williams have used. Some endings of songs are quite "unusual", like "farquaad's speech" and "merry men", which can crack me up if I'm in a funny mood. Strongest tracks on the album are "escape from the dragon" and "fairytale". The rest of the album kinda sounds as if the composers didn't get enough time to compose the music, so they just put the pieces they already had behind each other. Too bad, because this is a duo that has a lot to offer and hopefully they will soon again, with less, but much longer tracks.

Average customer rating:

A Poetic Journey...
Nice!
Fabulous!
Fabulous
Makes you want to listen and dance at the same time

Mystic Journey

Manufacturer: Autumn Light Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Miles Beyond
Music For Harp
Music For Harp, Flute and Cello
Awake Inside A Dream
Sanctus

ASIN: B000040JKR
Release Date: 1999-12-14

Tracks:

Topanga Dreams
Katyia's Dance
China Lily
Fertile Crescent
Lhasa Love
Aduman
Darjeeling Sunrise
Clouds across the Darkness
Silver Lake
Lotus

Album Description

About this CD (notes from the artist )

Topanga Dreams
Since 1988, I've lived in Topanga, California. This small mountain town has taught me the true meaning of community. By being there for each other, we can make dreams come true. May all your dreams come true...

Katyia's Dance
This song has evolved from being a solo dance performance piece in our Mystic Journey shows into a passionate tango...for two. So grab someone you love and enjoy the dance!

China Lily
This flute was a gift from my Dize (rhymes with pizza) teacher and is one of my favorites. Whenever I play it, I am transported to a place of inner peace and stillness.

Lhasa Love
I found this melody in a book of traditional Chinese folk songs, It was called Tibetan Dance before we transformed it into a lively multicultural boogie!

Aduman
Although there are many dialects spoken in the West African region of Guinea and Mali, the universal word for "sweet" amongst all the tribes is aduman.

Darjeeling Sunrise
Inspired by an Indian sunrise raga, this song reflects the experience that I had when I was on top of Tiger Hill in Darjeeling, India, witnessing a magical sunrise illuminating the awesome Himalayan mountains.

Customer Reviews:

A Poetic Journey..........2004-05-05

I fell in love with the music of The Angels of Venice years ago, and thus when I learned that Suzanne Teng (a former "Angel") had produced a solo work, I was very excited. But the music on this CD easily surpasses anything Teng had done with the Angels of Venice. Lyrical melodies, accompanied by enthnic rhythms on traditional percussion instruments, overlaid with Teng's own haunting performances on Asian flute, transport the listener to another time and another place -- both in this world, and in the "otherworld" created by Teng's mystical music edge. Tibetan singing bowls, Middle-Eastern bells, Celtic strings and a vast assortment of drums and wind instruments create a musical whirlwind that will leave the listener breathlessly awaiting Teng's next musical offering.

Nice!.......2004-01-01

Suzanne Teng, the original flutist with the group "Angels of Venice", breaks out on her own in this playful and exotic 1999 release. Teng shows herself a master of flutistry, not only the playing the standard western "C" flute, but also piccolo, alto and bass flutes, dize (Chinese bamboo flute), ney (Turkish flute) and panpipes. Her tone is rich and liquid, and her improvisations range from jazzy to sinuous to ephemeral depending on the style of the piece. Many of the selections have a strong Near- or Far Eastern flavor, but the mood remains gentle and cheerful throughout the album, without any of the dark intensity that characterizes some of the "Angels'" work. Teng is not alone in "Mystic Journey" either; many guest artists lend their well-established talents to the mix to create ever-varied layers of texture. Gilbert Levy provides intricate world percussion accompaniments, while cellist Martin Tillman, Prince Diabate, Hans Christiansen of Rasa and Greg Ellis of Vas (among others) also pop in to lend a hand, making for a richly orchestrated album that is full of apt and interesting surprises. Occasionally the flute melodies seem a little trite and meandering, qualities that are at odds with the earthy, percussive background, but overall this album is appealing. Teng's simultaneously light and down-to-earth compositions find ways to be relaxing without being boring--a common pitfall for many New Age artists. The music of "Mystic Journey" would be great for warm-ups and slow-dancing for belly dancers, as well as just pleasant listening after a mundane and stressful day at work. Other recordings featuring Suzanne Teng's flute-playing include "Awake Inside a Dream" and "Music for Flute, Harp and Cello" by the Angels of Venice. For more bamboo and metal flute improvisations, in this case without accompaniment, check out also Richard Warner's "Quiet Heart / Spirit Wind".

Fabulous!.......2002-07-05

I ordered this CD after only hearing two songs which I "accidentally" heard while flipping the channels of the television. There was a performance done on Public Access and I was surprised to see that a CD was available. I ordered one for myself and a friend who is a yoga instructor. I love this CD! It is perfect for yoga or meditation or even just in the background while working. The music is heartfelt and joyous and everyone who hears it immediately loves it. I would definitly recommend it, especially if you are looking to expand your collection of instrumental music. Personally, I love flute pieces, so this was a perfect choice for me.

Fabulous.......2001-06-28

I caught Suzanne Teng & Mystic Journey on vacation at this year's Topanga Days festival, but didn't buy the CD. I thought about their music the whole rest of the trip and ordered the CD as soon as I got home. It's truly magnificent and beautiful music, and I could listen to the CD over and over. Perfect background for anything - reading, meditating, special dinners, yoga, whatever. I find myself getting up just to move to the music. They're all very talented and the CD is a real stress-melter.

Makes you want to listen and dance at the same time.......2000-08-31

This is really an excellent independently-produced CD. Some of the tunes are fairly straight-forward, rhythmic wonders with Ms. Teng's incredible flute playing polishing them off. Others are more "world" sounding incorporating thraot singing and chanting. There is not a bad cut on the CD. Listen to Katiya's Waltz, and try to concentrate on the beautiful music while your feet waltz across the floor.

Average customer rating:

Lyricist, Novelist, Poet
A good Al Stewart album...
Al Stewart's Best Album Ever.
This one calls for 6, maybe 7 stars
Pass this one up......sorry Al

A Beach Full of Shells
Al Stewart
Manufacturer: Appleseed Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Down in the Cellar
Last Days of the Century
Time Passages
Past, Present And Future
To Whom It May Concern, 1966-1970

ASIN: B0009K8L8O
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

The Immelman Turn
Mr. Lear
Royal Courtship
Rain Barrel
Somewhere in England 1915
Katherine of Oregon
Mona Lisa Talking
Class of '58
Out in the Snow
My Egyptian Couch
Gina in the Kings Road
Beacon Street
Anniversary

Album Description

For a singer and songwriter whose work is suffused with history and detail, Al Stewart follows no creative timetable. It's been 10 years since his last US CD of new material and almost 30 years since his "Year of the Cat" single and album became unforgettable international hits.

"A Beach Full of Shells," Al's Appleseed debut and first new US release since 1995's "Between the Wars," finds Stewart in timeless form, presenting 13 new songs that span centuries and continents, autobiography and fiction. As he nears the 20-album mark, Stewart remains a distinctively literate and vivid storyteller, time-traveling and teleporting from World War I battlefields to Sixties bedrooms, from ships to airplanes to ice floes, from the specific to the mysterious.

Musical settings that encompass electric folk-rock and acoustic ballads, colorful dabs of classical and Eastern music, and even a touch of Little Richard-style piano pounding, are as varied and imaginative as Al's subject matters. The CD's producer, Laurence Juber has enhanced Al's elegant Scottish drawl, nimble acoustic guitar-work and keyboards with his own Grammy-winning guitar playing, string arrangements and percussion and a flexible rhythm section.

"The Immelman Turn" kicks off the CD in a style reminiscent of Fairport Convention, with spirited violin and barbed electric guitar sweeping us into the tale of a doomed pilot's last flight. Then we fall down the genteel rabbit hole of "Mr. Lear," a tribute to the 19th Century nonsense poet, before landing in the veiled intrigue of "Royal Courtship." Elsewhere and elsewhen, we are taken "Somewhere in England 1915"; into the freezing bleakness of "Out in the Snow"; to visit party girl "Gina in the Kings Road"; to the frenzied rock 'n' roll past of "Class of '58" and a peaceful, nostalgia-filled old age in "Katherine of Oregon." And that's just part of the tour on "A Beach Full of Shells."

Customer Reviews:

Lyricist, Novelist, Poet.......2007-06-10

I write novels for a living and so does Al Stewart. The difference is that he sets his to music. Lyrically and melodically beautiful, full of evocative imagery and significant allegory, "A Beach Full of Shells" is one of Al's best efforts to date, an amazing accomplishment given his already impressive body of work. If you're a fan of Al already, rejoice in this dazzling achievement and the stunning realization that the man's talents haven't dissipated even one iota over his long and brilliant career. If you're not a fan, give a listen and discover what you've been missing. You won't be disappointed.Devil's Brew

A good Al Stewart album..........2007-02-13

...if not quite up to the standards of his classic albums from the late '60s and early '70s. One of the things that impressed me most is that Al's voice has really not changed or, significantly, diminished over the years; the same cannot be said of all singer/songwriters or lead vocalists in one band or another. He has the same pleasant, smooth timbre he's had since his first album, 1967's Bedsitter Images.

That said, the songs are good, if not the most remarkable of his career. Unlike an earlier reviewer, I quite liked "The Immelman Turn"--after all, how many songwriters do you know can put together a decent song about barnstorming and its dangers? "Katherine of Oregon" has the nice lyrical twists that Al Stewart does so well with his customary dry humour. I'll agree about "Class of '58"--it's not bad, but not terribly memorable, and the change from a ballad to a '50s style rocker midway through doesn't really work. On the whole, however, it's a nice Al Stewart album, and when it was released in '05, it was the first he'd released over here in a decade (2000's Down in the Cellar was not given a Stateside release, probably because few American listeners really wanted to hear a concept album about wine [one of Al's favourite subjects], beer-drinking nation that we are), so it was welcome for at least that reason.

Lastly, if you get a chance next time he's on tour here, go and see Al live. I witnessed his performance at the Flye Point Festival in Maine last summer, and while he does tend to spend a lot of time between songs on stories, they are certainly no less than entertaining--plus he performed such classics as "Soho (Needless to Say)," "In Brooklyn" and, of course, "Year of the Cat"...solo acoustic, yet.

Al Stewart's Best Album Ever........2006-08-14

Yes, it is better than his landmark albums Year of the Cat and Time Passages. Who would have thought that someone could put out his best work nearly 30 years after falling out of the industry's consciousness? 1992's Famous Last Words was a masterpiece, proving that Al Stewart was still a great songwriter and performer, just as good even if not as popular as he was in the late '70s. But now he has topped everything else he has ever done. If you like ANYTHING by Al Stewart, you have got to get this album. It is sheer genius.

This one calls for 6, maybe 7 stars.......2006-07-22

Ever wake up in the middle of the night, delighted, or agitated, by a song going around in your head? Here's a dozen of them for you. Ever have a hard time cozying up to a new CD, only to wind up loving it, wall-to-wall, by the 5th or 10th listening? Ever roll down the windows and cranked up the volume like some kid? Well, here you go.

Ever wonder why rockers don't write 'em like that anymore? Turns out, they do... at least, Stewart does. Is this a rock album? Not predominantly, but if you foot-shuffle or neck-roll to Wilson Pickett, Duane Eddy, James Brown, Jerry Lee... I can think of several dozen reasons, any one of which would cause you to laugh off any 2-star reviews for this masterpiece you might come across, but it's already been said, below. Here's what I will say, though: go do yourself a big favor: buy this CD.

Oh, and one other thing... if you have young children, play
"Mr. Lear" for them. It'll work magic on both of you.

Pass this one up......sorry Al.......2006-04-21

With all due respect to all the Al Stewart fans out there, this CD is simply awful. As of Al's loyal fans since 1973, I can say with all due respect that this one is well below what he has done in the past.

I found the music largely unremarkable and the lyrics to most of the songs uninspired.Take a listen to the "Immelman Turn" and "Class of 58" and you can't wait for them to end. The lyrics are repetive and the music just boring and very simple. I did enjoy "Katherine of Oregon" but to me this was simply the best of the worst. To my ears, these songs sound like someone is just trying to pay the bills.

By all means sample some of the cuts before you buy. Better yet, pick up his "Between the wars",or "Russians and Americans". Almost any of his works are far better than this. What a disappointment.

Music:

Music

Music