Good News

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Any musician who hunkers down with the collected works of Bill Monroe, Hank Williams, and the Carter Family will soon realize that gospel hymns are as important to that music as homesick ballads and giddy love songs. The Shenandoah Valley's Robin and Linda Williams, who have straddled the boundary between country and folk music for more than 20 years, know their hillbilly history as well as anyone, and they have finally released their first all-gospel album, Good News. For their latest project, the team has drawn religious songs not only from the expected sources of bluegrass, country and African-American gospel but also from the unexpected source of singer-songwriter folkies. In this category are Steve Young's weary lament, "Many Rivers"; Townes Van Zandt's infectious clap-along number, "Two Hands," and two of the Williamses' own compositions. These troubadour songs bring a very personal, idiosyncratic sensibility to an old, staid tradition, and the Williamses' vocals apply the same quality to all 15 songs in this collection. The mostly acoustic arrangements (the singers' guitars backed by Dobro, mandolin, and bass) are restrained, but the vocals take lots of chances, stretching some syllables with a bluesy twist and yelping out others impatiently. When Robin sings, "He'll turn your stumbling block into a stepping stone," he does so with the agitated bounce of someone trying to upset the status quo rather than preserve it. And when Linda tackles Dorothy Love Coates' "He's Right on Time," she gives it a slight swing feel as if inviting the listener to get caught up in the spirit. --Geoffrey Himes

Tracks:

Horn Intro
The World At Large
Float On
Ocean Breathes Salty
Dig Your Grave
Bury Me With It
Dance Hall
Bukowski
This Devil's Workday
The View
Satin In A Coffin
Interlude (Milo)
Blame It On The Tetons
Black Cadillacs
One Chance
The Good Times Are Killing Me

Amazon.com

It's hard to pinpoint the exact moment Modest Mouse started sounding like a real band. For the longest time, singer-songwriter Isaac Brock seemed to exist solely to defy the established rules, forging forward on sheer momentum and ingenuity. Even Pavement looked relatively ordinary in comparison to the band's early releases like 1996's This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About and 1997's The Lonesome Crowded West. But on Good News for People Who Love Bad News, the frontman sounds like he's finally touching the earth, and the band--minus founding member and drummer Jeremiah Green--follows suit. A relaxed mood prevails, not so much in volume but in attitude. On the follow-up to the group's 2000 major label debut, The Moon & Antarctica, big sloppy melodies battle it out with brass on punky epics like "Float On" and "The Ocean Breathes Salty." The lyrics are simpler, the arrangements tamer, but the vitality remains. The prevailing mood is that Modest Mouse has pulled off something extraordinary here: a well-rounded, lovable record that doesn't sound anything like David Gray. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

One hit song does not a sell-out album/band make.......2007-06-20

Yes, "Float On" was a smash hit. Yes, it's pretty poppy. But what about "3rd Planet" and "Gravity Rides Everything" from "The Moon and Antarctica"? To a (possibly much) lesser extent, what about "Heart Cooks Brain" from "TLCW" or "Dramamine" from "This is a Long Drive"? You see, MM have generally had more "mainstream-palatable" songs on their album, and just because this one was a hit, does not mean they sold out.
OK, you've heard that rant before, but not in such an *ahem* eloquent fashion. Now onto the review.
As usual, the hit is by no means the best song on the album. Other songs like "The World At Large", "Ocean Breathes Salty", "Bury Me With It", "Bukowski", "The View", and (ESPECIALLY) "The Good Times are Killing Me" (which, by the way, if you did not know, was remixed and tampered with by one of the best bands of all time, the Flaming Lips) not only give "Float On" a run for its money, they take the money and use it to buy cigars.
I mean, the fact that supposedly hardcore fans are nitpicking this great album because it has freakin' "Float On" on it more points out their own stupidity and narrow-mindedness than it does the band being sell outs.
So, in conclusion, if you want to keep your rather dubious "indie cred", do not buy this album. If you enjoy Modest Mouse as much as anyone should, however, than do.

"You wasted life, why wouldn't you waste death?".......2007-04-19

I am becoming more and more of a fan of this kind of off-beat, different music. I guess I can't help myself. I liked the single "Float On" when I heard it a few years ago, but again, I didn't pursue the album until later. Good News is interesting because of its contrasting moods. The plucky guitars and catchy harmonies conflict with the cynical lyrics that attack religion and certain kinds of people. The vocals range from pleasant sounds in the background to aggressive, near shouting tirades. The singer isn't all that great at singing, but he's great at using his voice to convey any mood he wants.

"The World At Large" starts off the album about as happy as it gets, with flutes and meaningless vocals in the background. "Bury Me With It" is about as angry as the band gets musically, though not lyrically. That would be "Bukowski", which is completely pleasant musically. "The View" sounds like kind of like dance music. "Satin In a Coffin" uses prominent drums and older sounding instruments to create a very interesting sound. "The Good Times Are Killing Me" finishes off the album while perfectly illustrating the conflict of sound and message, and it's produced by The Flaming Lips, which is cool. Modest Mouse is a unique band, and a good one at that.

I can't believe I heard this on the radio........2007-03-27

The first time "Float On" came across the radio I almost $#!? my pants. I fell in love with Modest Mouse after I heard "Dramamine". Not immediately, but after listening to the "Long Drive" record repeatedly, the band grew on me. And grew. And grew. Now 8 or 9 CD's later they're still growing on me. I'm glad they've found radio success and hope they are able to keep producing new music.

My highlights for this record include Bukowski, Black Cadillacs, and Satin In A Coffin. If you truly love the band and aren't just in it for the image, you'll love this record. The whole album is great. Yes, even Float On.

Even if you're an old school MM fan, listen to it with an open mind.......2007-03-12

This album is the worst Modest Mouse album, in my opinion, but it's still really great. That's the beauty of Modest Mouse.

What I love about Isaac Brock is that his music reveals a lot about who he is and what life has taught him. Good News for People Who Love Bad News is no exception.

The only track I don't like on this album is "Satin in a Coffin". After hearing a live recording, which I love, I can't stand to listen to the one on gnfpwlbn. It lacks passion and intensity.

Yet another masterpiece from Modest Mouse.......2007-01-21

These guys have released so many great albums that the expectations are always incredibly high for their next one. And every time they release one, I listen to it, and I'm a bit disappointed, and I say to myself, "it's good, but it's not as great as the last ones."

Then I listen to it more, and it begins to grow on me, and soon I can't stop listening to it and I'm raving, "This is their greatest album!".

That's what happened to me with this one. Didn't blow me away at first. Now? I am like an addict. As soon as a song ends I need to hear it again immediately. And I can't stop listening to the album, and I don't want to listen to anything else....

I give it huge props, even though they diss my beloved Charles Bukowski.

Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

Average customer rating:

They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!
One of the best cds I ever bought.
Never Sounded Better
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
"Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us"

Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Ultimate Broadway
Only Broadway CD You'll Ever Need
The Best Of Broadway (Cast Recording Anthology)
Greatest Hits: Broadway
That's Entertainment!: The Best Of The M-G-M Musicals - Motion Picture Soundtrack Anthology

ASIN: B000066RO5
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Singin In The Rain - Gene Kelly
Theres No Business Like Show Business - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern
'S Wonderful - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary
Thats Entertainment! - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant
Stranger In Paradise - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone
Easter Parade - Judy Garland & Fred Astaire
Lullaby Of Broadway - Winifred Shaw, Dick Powell & Chorus
Get Happy - Judy Garland
Night And Day - Fred Astaire
True Love - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly
Honeysuckle Rose - Lena Horne w/ Benny Carter & His Orchestra
They Cant Take That Away From Me - Fred Astaire
Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet - Nancy Walker & The M-G-M Studio Chorus w/ Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
Baby, Its Cold Outside - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban
For Me And My Gal - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
Puttin On The Ritz - Clark Gable & Co.
Hallelujah! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs & Co.
Bless Yore Beautiful Hide - Howard Keel
Taking A Chance On Love - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson
As Time Goes By - Dooley Wilson w/ Elliot Carpenter (Bonus Track)
Laras Theme (Main Title) - The M-G-M Studio Orchestra (Bonus Track)

Tracks:

Over The Rainbow - Judy Garland
Its A Most Unusual Day - Jane Powell
Wunderbar - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel
Cant Help Lovin Dat Man - Ava Gardner
Going Hollywood - Bing Crosby
The Trolley Song - Judy Garland, The M-G-M Studio Chorus
Gigi - Louis Jourdan
I Got Rhythm - Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney & Co.
Aba Daba Honeymoon - Debbie Reynolds, Carleton Carpenter & M-G-M Studio Chorus
The Lady Is A Tramp - Lena Horne
The Best Things In Life Are Free - June Allyson & Peter Lawford
Cheek To Cheek - Fred Astaire
A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Louis Armstrong
Put 'Em In A Box - Doris Day & The Page Cavanaugh Trio
If Swing Goes, I Go Too - Fred Astaire
Almost Like Being In Love - Gene Kelly
Lets Face The Music And Dance - Fred Astaire
Be A Clown - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland
Embraceable You - Connie Francis
On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe - Judy Garland & Co.
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Fred Astaire

Amazon.com

The "Golden Age" referred to here spans The Jazz Singer and the advent of the talkies to the death throes of the old studio system in the 1960s. So vast was the era's musical landscape that even this 42-track, double-disc anthology can't encompass all its peaks. Not surprisingly, the bulk of this collection originated with the Tiffany's of the screen musical, M-G-M, a body of work whose riches here encompass both pop-cultural bedrock ("Over the Rainbow," "Singin' in the Rain," "There's No Business Like Show Business," etc.) and some less familiar, if equally delightful star turns: Clark Gable gamely "Puttin' On the Ritz"; the sassy, 1948 original of "The Lady Is a Tramp" by Lena Horne; and a loopy duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by Esther Williams and Ricardo Montalban. Fred Astaire's elegant, epochal reign at RKO and M-G-M is represented by "Night and Day," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," and three others, while Metro mainstays Gene Kelly and Judy Garland share equal time and billing. It's not perfect--Cagney's "Yankee Doodle Boy" and/or some Sinatra seem more logical choices than the odd "bonus" duet of Casablanca's "As Time Goes By" and "Lara's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago that close out disc one--but it's a stunning, surprisingly comprehensive primer on the Hollywood film musical nonetheless. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

They were right--there is NO business like the show business they did way back when !!!.......2006-11-18

Everything that happens in life
Can happen in a show
You can make 'em laugh
You can make 'em cry
Anything
Anything can go....

The clown with his pants falling down
Or the dance that's a dream of romance
Or the scene where the villain is mean
That's entertainment!

The lights on the lady in tights
Or the bride with the guy on the side
Or the ball where she gives him her all
That's entertainment!

The plot and the hot simply teeming with $ex
A gay divorcee who is after her ex
It could be Oedipus Rex
Where a chap kills his father
And causes a lot of bother

The clerk who is thrown out of work
By the boss who is thrown for a loss
By the skirt who is doing him dirt

The world is a stage,
The stage is a world of entertainment!

This two CD set amply proves that the musical melodies and lyrics from the golden age of the Hollywood musical remain unsurpassed to this day. This generous two CD set offers 42 incredible songs from Hollywood classic musicals. Most of these fine numbers are indeed from MGM, as Amazon correctly notes; but there are some RKO numbers and even a little from Warner Brothers. Thank goodness, though, that most of these songs came from MGM movies; MGM was the only studio that could boast that it truly had "more stars than there are in the heavens."

I love so many songs on these two CDs. Of course, there's the unforgettable classic "Over The Rainbow" sung by Judy Garland; she also performs "Easter Parade" and "Get Happy" on this two CD set and she carries most of the tune for "I Got Rhythm" even though Mickey Rooney helps her a little. I love "Baby, It's Cold Outside" for its' romantic overtones; and Lena Horne's "The Lady Is A Tramp" is flawless! We also get a rare chance to hear Clark Gable sing in "Puttin' On The Ritz;" and Bing Crosby's "Going Hollywood" may be brief but it's a fun song anyway.

There are two "bonus" tracks on the first CD: "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca and "Lara's Theme" from Doctor Zhivago. "As Time Goes By" is a good choice; it is another unsurpassed classic song that brings back memories and touches even the hardest of hearts. "Lara's Theme," however, is from the mid 1960s and I don't consider this period to be part of the "golden age" of Hollywood musicals.

The liner notes are excellent and they offer wonderful photos of the stars as well. The cover art is well done and the reverse cover art tells which movie each song is from and who is performing each song. Moreover, the quality of the sound is excellent especially when you consider that these numbers were recorded quite a few decades ago.

In short, this superlative two CD highlights the glory of the Hollywood musical when a certain type of sophistication dominated professional movie production. I highly recommend this CD for fans of Hollywood musicals, classic pop vocals and fans of the artists and actors who perform on this two CD set.

One of the best cds I ever bought. .......2006-06-07

What an amazon collection of songs! This is bar none my favorite cd just because of the variety and the quality of songs on it. I love music from this era, and this cd is the perfect companion to my life. Love it! Buy it, you won't regret it for a moment!

Never Sounded Better.......2006-03-16

Apart from the great selection of soundtracks, what really makes this compilation top value is the quality of the sound processing. Executed with finesse, these tracks sound better than when first issued and many are unedited, fuller versions: like "Singing In The Rain", for example. Throw in the great price, and this double disc set is a "must have" for all lovers of classic movie music.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow.......2006-02-24

A Sensational CD with Lots of Showtunes that Keep You Happy and makes You Want To Sing Along With!!!

"Hollywood Musicals of the Golden Age are still among us".......2005-07-13

Rhino Records and Turner Classic Movies Music present - "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW: THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD MUSICALS", some of the long ago musicals and stars that will never be forgotten...a 2-CD-Set covering several decades from 1935-1965 with many of the show stoppers of that time...some rare moments from entertainers that you haven't heard or thought of in sometime.

The lineup is fantastic and gives the listener a variety of what musicals were all about in the "Golden Age of the Hollywood Musicals"
June Allyson, Kay Armen, Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire, Ann Blyth, Jack Buchanan, Louis Calhern, Bing Crosby, Vic Damone, Doris Day, Nanette Fabray, Connie Francis, Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Kathyrn Grayson, Georges Guetary, Lena Horne, Betty Hutton, Louis Jourdan, Howard Keel, Gene Kelly, Grace Kelly, Peter Lawford, Oscar Levant, Ann Miller, Ricardo Montalban, Page Cavanaugh Trio, Debbie Reynolds, Winifred Shaw, Nancy Walker, Ethel Waters, Esther Williams, Dooley Williams and Keenan Wynn.

On Disc One 21 Classic Songs from great musicals with songs in alphabetical order:
AS TIME GOES BY - Dooley Wilson with Elliot Carpenter, pianist (1942)
BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - Esther Williams & Ricardo Montalban (1949)
BLESS, YORE BEAUTIFUL HIDE - Howard Keel (1954)
EASTER PARADE - Fred Astaire & Judy Garland (1948)
FOR ME AND MY GAL - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland (1942)
GET HAPPY - Judy Garland (1950)
HALLELUJAH! - Tony Martin, Vic Damone, Kay Armen, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Clark Burroughs (for Russ Tamblyn) (1955)
HONEYSUCKLE ROSE - Lena Horne with Benny Carter & His Orchestra (1943)
LARA'S THEME (MAIN TITLE) - M-G-M Studio Orchestra (1965)
LULLABY OF BROADWAY - Winifred Shaw & Dick Powell (1935)
MILKMAN, KEEP THOSE BOTTLES QUIET - Nancy Walker with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra (1944)
NIGHT AND DAY - Fred Astaire (1934)
PUTTIN' ON THE RITZ - Clark Gable & Company (1939)
'S WONDERFUL - Gene Kelly & Georges Guetary (1951)
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - Gene Kelly (1951)
STRANGER IN PARADISE - Ann Blyth & Vic Damone (1955)
TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE - Ethel Waters & Eddie "Rochester" Anderson (1943)
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - Fred Astaire, Jack Buchanan, Nanette Fabray & Oscar Levant (1953)
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS - Betty Hutton, Howard Keel, Keenan Wynn & Louis Calhern (1950)
THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME - Fred Astaire (1949)
TRUE LOVE - Bing Crosby & Grace Kelly (1956)

On Disc Two more memorable performances from the Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals:
A KISS TO BUILD A DREAM ON - Louis Armstrong (1951)
ABA DABA HONEYMOON - Debbie Reynolds & Carleton Carpenter (1950)
ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE - Gene Kelly (1954)
BE A CLOWN - Judy Garland & Gene Kelly (1948)
BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE - June Allyson & Peter Lawford (1947)
CAN'T HELP LOVIN' DAT MAN - Ava Gardner (beautiful woman, who my youngest grandaughter is named after...Avalon) (1951)
CHEEK TO CHEEK - Fred Astaire (1935)
EMBRACEABLE YOU - Connie Francis (1965)
GIGI - Louis Jourdan (1958)
GOING HOLLYWOOD - Bing Crosby (1933)
I GOT RHYTHM - Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney (1943)
IF SWING GOES, I GO TOO - Fred Astaire (1946)
IT'S A MOST UNUSUAL DAY - Jane Powell (1948)
LADY IS A TRAMP - Lena Horne (1948)
LET'S FACE THE MUSIC AND DANCE - Fred Astaire (1936)
ON THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND THE SANTA FE - Judy Garland & Company (1946)
ONE FOR MY BABY (AND ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD) - Fred Astaire (1943)
OVER THE RAINBOW - Judy Garland (became her theme song for the rest of her life) (1939)
PUT 'EM IN A BOX - Doris Day & the Page Cavanaugh Trio (1948)
THE TROLLEY SONG - Judy Garland & MGM Studio Chorus (1944)
WUNDERBAR - Kathryn Grayson & Howard Keel (two of MGM's favorite singing duos) (1953)

It was once said by the songwriters of that era - "There are two artists you want perform your songs on the big screen, they are Fred Astaire and Judy Garland they sing it just the way we wrote it, for which you will have a guaranteed hit on your hands"...well, this collections certainly has some merit to that statement...because with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire performing seven songs each, there must be something to it.

This collection of musicals still has the magic that we remember from those bygone years...but as long as we have the labels and networks who play and show these wonderful films of yesteryear, they will never be forgotten...hats off to Rhino Records, George Feltenstein (producer) and Doug Schwartz (engineer) and Turner Classic Movies for sharing those 42 selections from 42 films...celebrating decades of the tunes and artists that gave it their all...from what it commonly called "The Hollywood Dream Factory"...The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals is still among us...gotta love it!

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Rhino Records 78323 ~ (6/02/2002)

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company

Average customer rating:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening
Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing.
Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so.
ONE OF MY FAVOURITES
Fans will be delighted!

Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company
John Dowland , Manuel de Falla , Charles Gounod , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Enrique Granados , Fini Henriques , Jaime Ovalle , Joaquim Antonio Barroso Neto , Franz Xaver Richter , Anonymous , William Levi Dawson , Robert MacGimsey , Kathleen Battle , and Christopher Parkening
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002RNM
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Music By John Dowland: Come Again! Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Music By John Dowland: Allemande (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: What If I Never Speed?
Music By John Dowland: Galliard (Guitar Solo)
Music By John Dowland: Fine Knacks For Ladies
Ave Maria
Bachianas Brasileiras No.5: Aria
Coleccion De Tonadillas: La Maja De Goya
Three Brazilian Songs: Boi-Bumba
Three Brazilian Songs: Azulao
Three Brazilian Songs: Para Ninar
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Cancion
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Nana
Three Spanish Folk Songs: Seguidillia Murciana
Six Spirituals: Ain't Got No Time To Die
Six Spirituals: I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray
Six Spirituals: Ain't That Good News!
Six Spirituals: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Six Spirituals: This Little Light Of Mine
Six Spirituals: Ride On King Jesus

Customer Reviews:

Enjoying The Pleasures of K. Battle & C. Parkening.......2007-05-06

Whether you are very familiar with these two artists or have never heard either one, you will delight in this musical collaboration. Only a guitarist of Christopher Parkening's stature could be the ideal accompaniment to the perfection of Kathleen Battle's voice. The music ranges from selections by John Dowland to American spirituals, Bach/Gounod, Villa-Lobos, Granados and some Spanish folk songs. The result is a coherent, soothing and utterly delightful listening experience. You will revisit this album often, and always be glad that you have it. For fans of Kathleen Battle and Christopher Parkening, I think it is a must.

Great blending of the talents of two top-notch artists in their respective fields. Parkening on the guitar and Battle singing........2006-01-31

We always enjoyed seeing and hearing Battle in concerts, usually on the television and Parkening has been a favorite guitarist. To listen to these two fine artists in concert is a real treat.

Superb technique, emotionally flat, but enjoyable even so........2005-05-25

I can't imagine these songs being performed with any greater technical brilliance than they are by Parkening and Battle on this CD. Both are virtuosos, him in the guitar, her the voice. Their skill is particularly apparent in the Dowland songs, the "Ave Maria", and the Bachianas brasileiras no. 5 (for me, the high point of the recording), which are all in a formal style well suited to the talents of the performers.

I compare the Brazilian songs to the version recorded by Salli Terri with Laurindo Almeida in the late '50's on "Duets with Spanish Guitar", which I have listened to repeatedly since I first heard it in 1959. Battle's phrasing, enunciation, and vocal skill are far superior to Terri's, but Terri brought a level of emotion to her singing that Battle seems to lack. Where Battle's perfection enhances her superb performances of the Dowland and Villa-Lobos pieces, it seems to detract from her performance of the Brazilian folk pieces.

I find this to be true again in the spirituals - vocal perfection and control detracting from the "soul" required to bring out the "spiritual" feeling. Imagine these same pieces sung by Mahalia Jackson or Aretha Franklin and you'll understand my point.

Parkening's performance has the same quality - technical virtuosity, especially noticeable in his lute-like technique in the Dowland solo - but lacking in emotional depth.

The classical selections are highly recommended, the folk pieces a bit disappointing, but overall an enjoyable recording.

ONE OF MY FAVOURITES.......2004-03-19

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BATTLE ALBUMS, HER SWEET VOICE IS ACCOMPAINED BY THE GUITAR VIRTUOSO CHRISTOPHER PARKENING, TOGETHER CREATE A TENDER, DELIGHTFUL & BEAUTIFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE. BACHIANAS BRASILEIRAS N- 5 HAS IT`S BEST PERFORMANCE IN THIS CD.

Fans will be delighted!.......2003-08-25

Fans, maybe, but I must say I'm not a huge fan of Kathleen Battle or opera or songs in different languages, either. My mom is, though. And through her I have heard Kathleen's best. And her very best (if you ask me) is one of the tracks ON THIS CD titled "Ain't that good news," even though it should be called "Ain'ta dat good news," since that is how its sung. It is a really good song (ask anybody) with a little surprise high-note at the end. If I were you I would (if not buy this CD right here and now) then go to [a book store] and see if their computers will let you hear "Ain't that good news" because that song is great.

Average customer rating:

SURE IS!
Some more Good News
Simply Classic...
Great but redundant

Ain't That Good News
Sam Cooke
Manufacturer: Abkco
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

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Sam Cooke at the Copa
Keep Movin on
Night Beat
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Complete Recordings of Sam Cooke with the Soul Stirrers

ASIN: B00009PJPA
Release Date: 2003-06-17

Tracks:

(Ain't That) Good News
Meet Me at Mary's Place
Good Times
Rome (Wasn't Built in a Day)
Another Saturday Night
Tennessee Waltz
Change Is Gonna Come
Falling in Love
Home (When Shadows Fall)
Sittin' in the Sun
There'll Be No Second Time
Riddle Song

Customer Reviews:

SURE IS!.......2006-11-11

Years ago by the score I heard the title number sung by this great star, and it made my hair stand on end, the way all great music does. From then (back in vinyl days)on, I checked out and sometimes bought new discs with his name attached. Once I even heard an original or early version by one of the older blues singers. Great, but only made me wish I could hear Sam again. I sickened my friends going on about Sam Cooke and Good News - until of course came the Net and cybermarketing. In seconds, of course, all the info was up on screen and in days the disc on my player.

Sam combined the eternal spirit of the blues (cf. Terry & McGhee)with the clean-cut high-school junior prom image purveyed by countless movies of the fifties - in 'Cupid, draw back your bow' for example. Apart from the nostalgia, though, 'Good News' still does it for me. The spare-room-studio sound, the pure, innocent, earthy, tender, animal joy of the whole thing.

So - thanks

Chris

Some more Good News.......2004-06-13

I cannot speak enough about this album.

I am a suburban, white teenager, who listens to alternative music. Two weeks ago, I had no idea who Sam Cooke even was. But I picked this album up on a recommendation, and I was blown away. The sound quality is beautiful, much better than most of the mp3s out. The songs themselves are beautiful--nearly indescribable.

If you are casual listener (as I was) trying to see what Sam Cooke was all about, by all means pick up this album. Its price, coupled with the selection of Cooke's best songs (as my friend, the self proclaimed "expert in soul" claims) makes it a steal. If you know a bit more about Cooke, and able to throw down more money, I would definitely go for the box sets. Either way, this album will not disappoint.

Actually, I erred. While I wholeheartedly recommend this album, I'd check out the Keep Movin' On soundtrack as someone has mentioned. Equal in quality, just more songs for the buck. If your mom bought you this though, dont despair, this album is masterful.

Simply Classic..........2004-03-17

Sam Cooke had one of the most incredible voices in music. His style has influenced everyone from Rod Stewart to the amazing Gavin DeGraw. Lucky for us, we are still able to enjoy Sam's voice and songs today. For the casual fan this is a nice little introduction to his music. For those who want to dig a bit deeper into his catalog the box set The Man Who Invented Soul is wonderful and my personal favorite-Sam Cooke-The Man And His Music is simply excellent.
The track list on Ain't That Good News includes:
1. (Ain't That) Good News
2. Meet Me At Mary's Place
3. Good Times
4. Rome (Wasn't Built In A Day)
5. Another Saturday Night
6. Tennessee Waltz
7. A Change Is Gonna Come
8. Falling In Love
9. Home (When Shadows Fall)
10. Sittin' In The Sun
11. There'll Be No Second Time
12. The Riddle Song

Great but redundant.......2003-06-24

Make no mistake this is a five star album in terms of musical quality. However, most of the music has been issued with better packaging and equal sound on another compilation.

In its time, "Ain't That Good News" (1964) was probably Cooke's best studio album. It's more diverse and exciting than "Night Beat" his other indisputable masterwork. The songs here feature an artist exploding as a performer and composer. Every track here breaks down some sort of musical barrier. It's like Cooke is taking the whole of popular music as his own. The title track is a kind of nod to the folk boom of the early 60s with a pop twist. "Tennessee Waltz" mines the same territory but with a Copa type swing. "Another Saturday Night" is pure rock and roll. While "A Change is Gonna Come" is a folk protest song (it was written as an answer to "Blowing in the Wind"), a gospel record and the ultimate soul record all at once.

This song is considered by most to be the height of Cooke's artistry with his soaring tenor stretching over some notes and caressing others all the while buoyed by Rene Hall's beautiful orchestration. The remake of the folk song "The Riddle Song" is almost as good though with Cooke giving the hoary ballad a new and personal meaning with his melismatic and tempered reading. If Cooke hadn't been murdered in December 1964, this record indicates he would have given the Beatles a run for their money as the future of pop music. Like them this music is work that could appeal to teenagers as well as adults. But unlike the Beatles, Cooke's work resonated strongly with African-Americans.

The sound here lives up to this monumental music. Even on a standard CD player you can pick up instruments you had never before in the arrangements. It's a cliche', but they sound like new songs.

All that said, you can pick up almost everything on here on the "Keep Movin' On" compilation. The only two tracks that appear here that don't appear there are "Home (When Shadows Fall)" and "Sittin in the Sun"; They're fine tracks. However, that album has 13 songs that don't appear here including the hits "Shake" and Sugar Dumpling", the brilliant unreleased track "Keep Movin' On" and best of all "That's Where It's At" arguably Cooke's greatest recording along with "Change".

The other collection also has this one beat in packaging as well as content. Since it was also released in the remastered hybrid format, the sound is just as impeccable there. Further, that CD contains several photos and excellent liner notes by Peter Guralnick. Here the only photos are on the covers and the only notes are musician credits. The packaging and the greater number of songs make that the much better buy.

Tracks:

Serse: Frondi tenere - Ombra mai fu
Giulio Cesare In Egitto: E pur cosi - Piangero la sorte mia
Als Luise die Briefe ihres ungetreuen Liebhabers verbrannte
Ridente la calma
S'il est un charmant gazon
Comment, disaient-ils
Enfant, si j'etais roi
Oh! Quand je dors
Amor
An die Nacht
Vocalise
Zdes' Choroso
V molcan'i noci tajnoj
Ne poj, krasavica
Porgy And Bess: Summertime
Good News
Louise: Depuis le jour
Die Fledermaus: Mein Herr marquis
Over My Head I Hear Music
He's Got The Whole World In His Hand
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Customer Reviews:

Ms. Battle does it again.......2006-03-29

Ms. Battle covers musical styles from baroque all the way to spirituals on this CD, and excels at each song she sings. My personal fav's are "Frondi tenere...ombra mai fu" "Mein herr marquis" "Vocalise" "Swing Low" "Piangero la sorte mia". One impression I get when I hear this CD, is that Ms. Battle had fun with each one of these songs. She sounds like she is enjoying singing them and is totally relaxed with full confidence in her voice. So many singers you hear sound tense, but not here. It's hard to explain really, but generally, when a singer is struggling and fighting to sustain a good sound or sing artistically, you can sense it. This CD is would make a wonderful sampler for someone new to Ms. Battle's voice. It is a shame, though, that she is such a "diva". Nevertheless, this is a delightful recording and I would strongly recommend it.

A charming, lightweight song recital.......2005-09-18

This recital is a pale shadow of the great one Battle gave with Levine from Salzburg, so I wasn't satisfied with one track after another of pretty, charming singing without deep musicality or committment. battle is capable of much beter. Her fans will be pleased, and that's about all.

Kathleen Battle Takes On Carnegie Hall.......2005-04-04

Every big artist wants to perform at Carnegie Hall, its' a sign of a true career. For Kathleen Battle, this must have been quite a night. This album captures that great night, solely built around her, in which she sang aria after aria in a spectacular showcase. Handel was a specialty of hers, and the lyric texture and coloratura heights are nearly dizzying. She makes it all seem so effortless. Furthermore, Miss Battle was a magnificent French singer- most coloratura sopranos excell in the French repertoire- as Beverly Sills did and as did Madie Mesple. However, Battle always makes me feel mixed emotions. One the one hand, she does have a classic, lyric-coloratura voice that nearly became extinct after the reign of Beverly Sills and even earlier with the likes of Lily Pons and Amellita-Galli-Curci. Battle has a bright, golden voice, capable of sweetness and refinement without hysterical declamation or any unpleasant sounds. It's such a shame she did not behave proffessionally. The stories were true. She behaved like a diva holding a whip! She was ungrateful and selfish and couldn't work well with her colleagues and co-artists. She was always late to rehearsals, left early, refused to socialize or ride in the same car with her other artists and went far beyond perfectionism- she behaved like she was the greatest thing since sliced bread. But for all these shortcomings, we love her voice. Her fans, and yes she has fans, continue to buy her albums even though she has long disappeared from the world of opera that once tolerated her but said enough is enough........

I'd give this CD 20 stars if I could! Sheer perfection!.......2003-12-07

God made the nightingale, and somewhere down the line, he touched a little girl named Kathleen Battle with what he originally gave to that bird from the beginning of creation. I cannot, for the life of me, believe that a voice could be so beautiful. I hear it, I marvel, but sometimes the sheer incredible beauty of this woman's vocal artistry is mind altering and surreal. Even the nightingale must suffer a moment of jealousy when a Kathy Battle tune is played!(This is bordering on blasphemous I know, and I beg forgiveness!) But Kathy Battle is simply amazing! This CD captures her at her best.
I'm not an opera buff by any means, but I love the human voice and great singing. There is not a bad song in the bunch. Like one reviewer, I too, am not a big fan of the spirituals segment, but I have a higher tolerance for it than she..I can still enjoy them for what they're worth.

Just BUY this CD...buy more than one if you can. One for home and one for your car. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.

P.S. Can someone tell me if this Carnegie Hall recital was also filmed and where I can get a copy of it? I cannot find many filmed recitals of Kathleen Battle anywhere. There used to be many at the Metropolitan Library in NYC, but all they seem to have now are her appearances in operas. I remember seeing a Met recital of her in a red gown on the cover of the vhs box, but they must have retired it. Any Kathy Battle fans out there who can help me get a video collection going, I would be most appreciated! (ryanmarcus1@juno.com)

Lovely.......2003-07-22

Kathleen has a beautiful voice, and it's wonderful to have a CD that includes both traditional opera pieces as well as fun gospel songs. I recommend this!

Average customer rating:

great album - great production!
these other reviews seem generous
really really good, but not a perfect album
Good news for fans of sonic rock
Powerful album

Good News For Modern Man
Grant Hart
Manufacturer: Pachyderm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Intolerance
Nova Mob
Low to the Ground
Bait & Switch
The Last Days of Pompeii

ASIN: B000035X45
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Tracks:

Think It Over Now
Nobody Rides For Free
Run Run Run To The Centre Pompidou
You Don't Have To Tell Me Now
Teeny's Hair
A Letter From Anne Marie
In A Cold House
Seka Knows
Remains To Be Seen
Let Rosemary Rock Him, Laura-Louise
Little Nemo

Amazon.com

As one-half of the creative brain trust of Hüsker Dü, Grant Hart brought warmth and a sense of compassion to that legendary band's precise sonic assault. Hart's post-Hüsker output, both solo and with Nova Mob, has been sporadic yet solid. Good News for Modern Man, released over five years since the last studio album, finds no dust on Grant's grooves. Soulful, melodic, and richly textured, Hart's ambitious undertaking overflows with creativity, from the Dick Dale-meets-Beach Boys chorus of "Run Run Run to the Centre Pompidou," to the brutal honesty of "You Don't Have To Tell Me Now," to the orchestral bombast that closes "Nobody Rides for Free." As a veteran of one of the most influential bands of the 1980s, Grant Hart ends the century on a high note. Good News for Modern Man is just that. --Kevin Cole

Customer Reviews:

great album - great production!.......2005-04-08

This album really is a joy to listen to. I've always been a fan of Grant's work on all the Husker albums, since he was the melodic "McCartney" to the more abrasive "Lennon" of Bob Mould (think "It's Not Funny Anymore" vs. "First Of The Last Calls" on 'Metal Circus' or "Somewhere" vs. "Indecision Time" on 'Zen Arcade'). Grant's songs could be more light hearted and goofy and still rock hard ("Books About UFOs"), and there is plenty of that on "Modern Man." Songs like "A Letter From Anne Marie" and "Seka Knows" really sound amazing in your headphones. There are a lot of tape loops and multitracking that he also used on 'Intolerance.' There are plenty of melodies and great pop songs for any devoted Husker fan to enjoy. I don't know if Grant will come out with any more albums, but I definitely recommend this one!

these other reviews seem generous.......2003-09-21

Just Bought this CD and it seems OK. Far cry from Intollerance and especially Grant's AMAZING Husker DU days. This record is pretty boring, the vocals are pretty drowned out and im not getting the feeling that his older material had. I would expect some better better drumming on this record too. It dosent say who did it but I dont think it was grant from the sound of it. I actually give this an extra star just for old times sake.

really really good, but not a perfect album.......2003-07-28

This album is really good, but as an Husker Du fan, I expected something more hard from Grant Hart. But, well, I'm not just a Husker Du fan! I like the Beach Boys, surf-music, and more. This album will not make your heart explode, like husker du landspeed record, or living end. This album will make you float, like the girl who floated away*.

(*I am making reference to this song: husker du - she floated away. This song would perfectly fit in this album.)

Good news for fans of sonic rock.......2001-08-05

It's interesting that this record came out in 1999. It's a perfect fin-de-siecle piece of music. The main thing to know about this beautiful record is that it's a 'grower' in an old school kind of way. Grant's approach with Good News is unfettered pop melodies, but they all float above very dense, churning kinds of backing arrangements. There are layers and layers of sound: banks of backing vocals, 3D organs, and amazing percussion. Time was obviously taken to make sure that the sounds were warm and full if not necessarily flat-eq perfect and ultra hi-fi. Which brings me to the main reason why I love this record: it's so nice to hear a record come out around 2000 which you can listen to over and over and over again. And the reason why you can is because of the mix of the record, specifically the way the instrumentation is framed . There is an unmistakeable tonality to record, and the mystique of the songs was not stripped away by overbearing production....Grant continues to write familiar yet uncanny songs: the opening track "think it over now" may not blow you away the first listen, but the undeniable melody and timeless guitars will catch up with you. "little teeny" has a nice avant slant to it, and "run, run, run to the centre pompidou", a wry tune about seeing paris, shows why grant matters as a vocalist. The real power on the record is, however, the last track "little nemo". I would theorize this one's about bob mould. It has to be. But anyway, the lyrics have to be read. And the song, a deceptively simple carol which launches into an epic chorus, is one of the best things grant's ever done, including husker's work. The only weak track seems to be 'in a cold house'. but that's nitpicking: check out something which marries master-class pop songwriting with sonic sweetness - get 'good news for modern man'.

Powerful album.......2001-01-27

This is one of the best rock albums I have heard in a long time. I've always enjoyed the later music of Husker Du, which Hart formed with Bob Mould in the 1980's, when they began to expand their pop sensibilities behind the wall of heavy feedback, while still maintaining that edge. Their music was loud and catchy at the same time and they bridged the gap between punk and pop. "Good News For The Modern Man" will certainly get your speakers shaking, but there are some exquisite melodies here - "You Don't Have to Tell Me Now", "A Letter from Anne Marie", "Remains to be Seen" - very lovely songs with hit potential that are most certainly ignored by radio programmers because they are... could it be... a little different than what's on the radio today? More than enough reason to give this disc a listen.

Hart also has some good heavy rockers here, "Think It Over Now", "In a Cold House" and "Run Run Run to the Centre Pompidou" which has kind of a surf-rock sound to it... very cool.

Tracks:

Good News, The Chariot's Coming
Steal Away
Sit Down
I's Me, O Lord, Standin' in the Need of Prayer
Go Down, Moses
Tone de Bell
I'se Been 'Buked
Gwina Lay Down My Life
Mary, Don't You Weep
I Ain't A-Gonna Grieve
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Joshua Fit de Battle ob Jericho
Deep River
Git on Board, Li'l Children
Spiritual Medley: I Got a Robe - Steal Away - Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spi
Down to de Rivah
Spiritual Medley: I Will Pray - I Want to Be a Christian - Gwine Ride U
I'm Gonna Shout All Over God's Heab'n
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Lord, I Can't Stay Away
Dere's No Hiding Place Down Dere
Were You There?
Ev'ry Time I Feel de Spirit
De Blind Man Stood on the Road and Cried
Story of Job
Rock My Soul
Crucifixion (He Never Said a Mumberlin' Word)
Plenty Good Room
Recessional ('Roun' 'Bout de Mountain)
Blow, Gabriel, Blow
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen

Album Details

The Good News is that all the Musical Riches of the Negro Spiritual have Now Been Uniquely Summed Up in a Single, Inspirational Sequence on Living Era's New CD. Here Are all the Most Famous Songs, Rendered by their Greatest Interpreters from the 20s to the 40s. There Are Five Each from Robeson (Deep River . . .), Anderson (Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child . . .) And Hayes (Steal Away . . .), Backed Up by Eight from Other Fine, If Less Well-known, Singers as Well, Like the Delightful Edna Thomas, Aimee Semple Mcpherson And, Notably, John Payne. In Addition There Are Eight Tracks from Such Groups as the Great Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet (Rock My Soul . . .).

Customer Reviews:

Great Recollections!.......2007-05-24

All the spiritual songs and music you heard a long time ago. So good to hear them again.

Average customer rating:

Fabulous!
Great!
Wow! Magnificient Talent!!!
Children with a gift

Volume 1
Von Trapp Children
Manufacturer: Rattlesby Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Von Trapp Children, Vol. 2
Christmas With the Von Trapp Children
Christmas With the Trapp Family Singers
At Home with the Trapp Family Singers
The Original Trapp Family Singers

ASIN: B00007MB2E
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Wayfaring Stranger
Father`s Eyes
Cuckoo
Dona Nobis
O Wie Wohl
All the Pretty Little Horses
Ching-a-ring-chaw
Edelweiss
Lonely Goatherd
Come Thou Fount
Scarborough Fair
Children`s Prayer
Amazing Grace
Danny Boy
Blue Cheese
Good News About the Chariot
Homeward bound

Album Description

Meet the von Trapp children: Melanie, Sofia, Justin and Amanda. They are the descendants of the famous singing family whose story captivated the world in "The Sound of Music." As the great grand children of Captain von Trapp they have inherited the family`s unique musical gift. Their beautifully blended voices bring a fresh, pure sound to a diverse variety of music in this debut recording.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous!.......2004-12-28

The von Trapp Children are terrific singers! Their voices blend together just great. I can't wait to get the other two cds they have out!

Great!.......2004-11-27

These children are really fantastic! I loved every second of them singing. There voices are so clear and they blend together so perfectly. They are such a joy to hear and have added on to their family legacy! Buy this CD, you won't be sorry!

Wow! Magnificient Talent!!!.......2003-02-01

I am currently listening to this remarkable CD with that blissful madrigal talent passed down to these children.

My cat came and sat next to the speakers, which he has never done before, when the lovely voices sang so eloqenntly
and wonderously high.

I am so thankful this is available through Amazon!!!

Val Lee of Meridian, Idaho

Children with a gift.......2002-03-07

The Von Trapp Children Vol I is a great listening experience. Every time I hear it, I am swept away to a world of beauty and innocence. It conjures memories from the past and dreams of the future. I highly recommend this to any listener!

Average customer rating:

Kathy at her best.
Thank you, Kathy.
Good News is outstanding!
Kathy Mattea's "Good News" is great.
A SWEET AROMA ON THE ALTAR OF OUR KING!

Good News
Kathy Mattea
Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Joy for Christmas Day
The Gift
A Collection of Hits
Right Out of Nowhere
The Definitive Collection

ASIN: B000001E1A
Release Date: 2000-12-07

Tracks:

What A Wonderful Beginning
There's A New Kid In Town
Brightest And Best
Mary, Did You Know?
The Star
Emmanuel
Somebody Talkin' About Jesus
Nothing But A Child
Christ Child's Lullabye
Good News

Amazon.com

Kathy Mattea's lovely, strong vocals, coupled with uplifting arrangements, make Good News an especially rich and deep spiritual testament. "There's a New Kid in Town" is the highpoint of this 1993 outing, but "Christ Child's Lullaby" and the title track really showcase the soulful and smart Mattea. In time, this might prove to be a seasonal country classic. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Kathy at her best........2007-01-16

We moved last year and all of our Christmas music was lost or left behind. The album that I missed the most was Kathy Mattea. I was very pleased to find it available at Amazon.com. So good to hear it again, like old times. Very pleasing sound and great choice of songs. It was the first time we had ever heard "Mary, did you know?" and I did not want to lose that particular album. Good listening for any age.

Thank you, Kathy........2007-01-10

This is one of three of my favorite Christmas music collections,probably the most favorite. We don't pack it away with the Christmas stuff--we listen to it all year. I have had it for several years--this one was bought as a gift. There is a DVD with many of these songs on it, which is also excellent. And don't miss Kathy's Christmas concert if you ever get a chance to go.

Good News is outstanding!.......2006-05-29

I just got the cd a couple of days ago; I haven't listened to the whole thing yet. But I absolutely adore Mary Did You Know---I've listened to it over and over. It has special significance to me because when I was undergoing cancer treatment 18 months ago, the chaplain at the facility played her guitar at chapel services one Sunday morning and sang this song.I had heard it before and loved it, but that morning it was so moving it nearly brought tears to my eyes. The chaplain's voice was very similar to Kathy Mattea's, too, which just makes it that much neater. Jesus took on human form for US! What a loving God we have! Julie Claussen, Nebraska

Kathy Mattea's "Good News" is great........2006-03-15

I slapped it in the changer and forgot to review the great service. Sorry

A SWEET AROMA ON THE ALTAR OF OUR KING!.......2005-12-19

This CD is simply the best I have heard in years,I bought it in 1995 after hearing Mary did you know? Every Christmas I break it out and worship the King and remember what we should be celebrating.This CD is for everone but especially for the beliver if you catch my drift.It was made by believers who were worshing God and you can feel the annointing!
MARANATHA

Average customer rating:

Solid from start to finish
A worthy effort
Good News: Great Album
Minds Keep 'Em Coming
A must have CD

Good News from the Next World
Simple Minds
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Street Fighting Years
Real Life
Cry
Once Upon a Time
Black and White 050505

ASIN: B000000W6Y
Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

She's A River
Night Music
Hypnotized
Great Leap Forward
7 Deadly Sins
And The Band Played On
My Life
Criminal World
This Time

Customer Reviews:

Solid from start to finish.......2005-11-01

After the release of the much underrated "Real Life" and the subsequent tour, longtime drummer Mel Gaynor had departed the band for "a spell" and singer/songwriter Jim Kerr and multi-instrumental musician Charlie Burchill faced the fact that their band had dwindled from 5 to 2 members over the last 8 years and they were a voice and a guitar now so what did they do? They penned one hell of a rock record with great musicianship, singing, songwriting and production.

There is not one song I skip through on this disc and that does say something since I am picky and impatient when it comes to music. For any Simple Minds fan who may have fell away from the band as they struggled to recover from the major drop off in exposure in the states following "Street Fighting Years" to listen to this one they are in for quite a surprise. The majesty and vision of the words and music are still there but with quite a different influence in the music.

Grunge was in full swing at the time as well as some of the more guitar driven music coming out of England and it really found its way into this record. Much more steady and polished percussion with major fills as well as plenty of layered guitar on this one. There is that great Burchill guitar heard throughout this one, the same that was heard in Street Fighting Years but this time with a much harder edge.

Like I said there are no weak tracks here but my favs on this one are Great Leap Forward, Seven Deadly Sins, And the Band Played On, Its My Life, Criminal World and Hypnotised. I can listen to tracks 3-9 without ever tiring There are some great lyrics here as well...one of my favorites "a coward dies a thousand times but the brave they die just once" exemplifies a clarity that runs right along with the much more straightforward playing.

This is a fun and powerful record for any fan of the more thoughtful side of rock and is another testiment to the resiliency of the core of my favorite band.

A worthy effort.......2005-01-02

Okay, so maybe it's not Sparkle In The Rain. But at least it's not Street Fighting Years or Real Life, either. Overall, it's a CD worth having.

Good News: Great Album.......2005-01-02

After 1989's flawed "Street Fighting Years," and 1991's decidely mediocre "Real Life," Simple Minds bounces back with a terrific, empassioned album. The band has had many different phases, and this album will appeal most to fans of the anthem rock of "Once Upon a Time" and "Sparkle in the Rain."

After losing yet another key member (the incredible drummer Mel Gaynor), the remaining two band members - Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill - unleash a great album of passionate anthems, driven by big guitars and awesome lyrics.

The highlights are the monster riffs of "She's a River," and the live-life-with-a-passion anthem of "The Band Played On," which includes some of Kerr's best and most inspiring lyrics ever.

There are some low points - "Night Music" is certainly one of Simple Minds' more disposable songs. But the album overall is fantastic. Like the piano-based closer "This Time," this album is driven by refreshingly optimistic lyrics - you feel like life will only become more rewarding and successful with each listen.

Minds Keep 'Em Coming.......2004-08-30

"Good News From the Next World" is another great album from Simple Minds. The Mind's continue to grow with the release of this album, while the minds of the band are Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill. This album seems to have a lot more edge to it than to previous releases. Kerr and Burchill pen nine songs that continue in the style of the Mind's from the past while taking them to new heights of sound.

The album opens with a crescendo of sounds, drums and guitar before Kerr's voice cuts through the mix with "She's a River". The song is a powerful wall of sound with Kerr's voice sounding rich and full. Kerr has always had a great voice, but it has aged to near perfection, and this single becomes a playground for his vocal acrobatics. This fist cut makes the album worthwhile in it's self. "Night Music" sounds a little more like Mind's past material, yet with an edge to it giving it separation from that 80's sound. Burchill's guitar work is prominent, taking a few short riffs to add color to the song. He opens "Great Leap Forward" with another great riff. The song sounds like vintage Mind's. The growl in Kerr's voice for "And the Band Played On" makes the song.

I've always been a big fan of the Mind's, and like to see bands experiment with new sounds and material without leaving their fan base behind scratching their heads. Mind's does exactly that. "Good News" is new, yet has enough of the stuff that made us enjoy the Mind's of old. An excellent album for any Mind's fan, or anyone who enjoys good rockin' music.

A must have CD.......2004-07-12

I am an all around fan of Simple Minds, and have been for almost 20 years now. I have loved their progression through the years as the band have expanded, explored, and grown as human beings. 'Good News from the Next World' is one of the BEST albums of their career in my opinion. Jim Kerr really explores the depths of his voice on this CD, and the lyrics are haunting, hopeful, and soul searching. It grabs you by the ears from the first bars of 'She's a River' and doesn't let you go. My absolute favorite song on the album however is '7 Deadly Sins'...it's really a wonderful showcase for the full spectrum of Jim's voice, and just a good, pure, fun rock romp. 'Criminal World' really got to me as well, espcially the line:

"Is it my fascination, or does love come inspired."

I know that this album has been a sore spot for the dividing line of Minds fans over the years, but as a long standing fan I have to say hats off to Jim, Charlie, and the boys...you will not be dissapointed.

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