Much

Track Listings
1. Meet With Me    
2. Ocean    
3. Sweet Embrace    
4. Healer    
5. Unashamed Love    
6. Much    
7. Peace With You    
8. Come Away    
9. House of Memories    
10. Great    

Much, Music, Ten Shekel Skirt, Alternative CCM, CCM, Contemporary Christian Music, Pop, Religious / Contemp. Christian
So Much Better
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Trying to work it's majic!
  • So much better? Better than what?
  • Do not by even if its free
  • Welcome Back Carl
  • It's a shame His first album was the best r&b baby maker ever
 So Much Better
Carl Thomas
Manufacturer: Bungalo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000Q364BK
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

  1. If I Could (Intro)
  2. Another You
  3. 2 Pieces
  4. Thought You Should Know
  5. Somthin' Bout You
  6. If That Ain't Love
  7. Late Night Rendezvous
  8. Get You Back (Interlude)
  9. So Much Better
  10. Oh No You Can't Be Serious
  11. Can't Get Over
  12. How Can We
  13. If You Ever
  14. Say I Do
  15. I Miss You (Interlude)
  16. Home
  17. Late Night Rendezvous
  18. Oh No You Cant Be Serious

Amazon.com

As easy as Carl Thomas' So Much Better is to love--the lyrics poke at the heart, and the singing swerves from soft to determined in a way that satisfies consistently--its admirers will fall into a couple of camps. Under one tent you'll find mainstream R&B fanatics, the kind who never heard a skillful handclap and ooh-baby combo they weren't willing to vibe along with, and hanging out under the other will be old-schoolers who never stopped mourning Donny Hathaway. Thomas's knack for delivering both groups the soul-stirring, love-centric songs that thrill them is no small thing--his ability to dig beneath a song's shiny surface and pull out pure emotion would do his iconic predecessors proud. Plus, he makes it all seem easy: midtempo tracks like the reggae-fied "On No (You Can't Be Serious)," on which his voice takes on tinges of John Legend, send out bursts of genuine joy, while straight-up love laments like "2 Pieces" land on the ears with a believability so real it almost burns. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Trying to work it's majic!.......2007-07-13

I love Carl Thomas! After waiting three years for a new CD from him, this CD did not capture me out the gates like the first two CD's. I am slowly but surely letting this one work its majic on me.

3 out of 5 stars So much better? Better than what?.......2007-07-09

It starts off really well. The intro "If I Could (Interlude)" promises so much and I so desperately wish he could've stretched it out into a full song. But he didn't. "Another You (Steppers Mix)" is okay but nothing new. If I wanted this kind of stuff I'd buy Ne-Yo's new CD, I found myself thinking. "2 Pieces" is also instantly forgettable, as far as I'm concerned. "Thought You Should Know" featuring Lalah Hathaway is interesting but only in the sense that Hathaway only seems to be doing backing vocals (alongside Troy Taylor, Claude Kelly & Gordon Chambers). In fact, I wouldn't have known she was on the song at all if it wasn't mentioned on the CD cover and I've been a fan of hers since day one. It gives a new and inventive meaning to the word 'featuring', if you ask me. Here's what I'm trying to say: Hathway has a distinctive voice; one of those that is instantly recognisable and consummately memorable. Check out the song "Earth" on Meshell Ndegeocello's brilliant Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape for a real example of what the woman can do as a backing vocalist. It doesn't even say 'featuring Lalah Hathaway' on the title but you know she's on the song as soon as you hear it.

Things are better with "Somethin Bout You" featuring Brandy but only slightly. She's also someone who's vocals I usually recognise immediately and I can hear her clearly here but whatever the woman does on the song, she does not duet with Thomas on lead.

"If That Ain't Love" is another yawn inducer and by this time it's starting to dawn on me that I've probably made a mistake buying this CD. Things finally get cooking with "Late Night Rendezvous" and this is more like the kind of thing I was hoping for on this album, at least musically. Lyrically, well, that's another issue. He sings on the chorus for instance: "Mama, I'm leaving the club/ I was wondering if you were up/ For a late night rendezvous..." I mean, please.

"Get You Back (Interlude)" is what it is and the title track is okay, I guess but again, nothing special. That being said, it is one of the tracks on here that could grow on me in time. "Oh No (You Can't Be Serious)" is another interesting one. Reggae influenced. Good vocals by Thomas and for the first time, I actually believe that he feels what he's singing. It reminds me of the raw emotion he displayed on "I Wish" back in the day. I also give him credit for venturing outside his comfort zone. I also like "Can't Get Over" featuring Dave Hollister. Great lead and background vocal performances and this is the only really soulful song on this CD.

The rest of the CD (apart from maybe "If You Ever", which is a pretty decent ballad and "I Miss You (Interlude)", which again, would've been so great as a full blown song) is just a waste of time, including the alternative versions of earlier mentioned songs, one featuring E40 and another that features Baby Cham. Neither is an improvement on the original, in my view. The sentiment behind "Home" is sweet but the delivery just falls flat.

So there it is. "If I Could (Interlude)" is a definite yes, "Late Night Rendezvous" is another yes but only musically. The lyrics left a lot to be desired. And then there's "So Much Better", which is a maybe, "I Can't Get Over You", which is another definite yes and "If You Ever", another maybe and finally, "I Miss You (Interlude)", another definite yes.

Overall, while there are some good moments, it's just not particularly rewarding. I very rarely post negative reviews but I was expecting so much from this CD and got so little, I just couldn't go without registering my disappointment. 14 out of the 18 tracks here (including the interludes) are written by and produced by Mike City and I feel that's probably been part of the problem. I was ready to blame the executive producer(s) but Thomas himself executive produced the project, alongside Mike City and Jheryl Busby, so ultimately I have no one to blame but the artiste himself. He calls this album "So Much Better" and my question is, so much better than what? 2000's Emotional was a phenomenal album but I was just too busy to check out his 2004 follow up. If it's true that this album is better than that one (as a number of reviewers are suggesting) then I'm now doubly glad I missed it. It must've been jaw-droppingly awful.

I've always loved Thomas's voice and have always put him up there as one of my main r&b singers of choice. I still feel he's an awesome talent. It's just that I also believe he can do much better than this. So much better, in fact.

1 out of 5 stars Do not by even if its free.......2007-07-05

I am a huge carl Thomas fan but yet when i found that he had a new album and it wasnt advertised i thought it to be weird. Either way i bought the album because Carl always comes out wit a good album but this was just horrible.... All the songs sounded as if he was talking and the beats he used are not good at all. It should have been known that he is no longer with bad boy records. The label he is with now is just no good and made his album very bad....I wish that i would have not bought it even if it was 10 dollars.

5 out of 5 stars Welcome Back Carl.......2007-07-05

As a true Carl Thomas fan, I must say that this a great CD. It does not top Emotional, but a gret work indeed. I appauld Carl for sticking to his guns and not making music to fit in today's model. His music is so smooth and just makes you feel like he has put his heart in things. Great job. Can't wait for the next CD.

My favorite cuts: Home, Say I do, So Much Better and Can't Get Over. Those are my favorites, but you will enjoy the whole album.

4 out of 5 stars It's a shame His first album was the best r&b baby maker ever.......2007-07-04

This album will definatly derliver what you are looking for. carl's soulful sound is hypmotizing. If you are looking for somthing better than emotional(thomas's 1st album) you will be disaponted. buy the album a take it for face value.
So Much More
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Looking forward to the next cd
  • Awesome and will develop skills
  • Great voice
  • Excellent
  • Ain't No Reason
 So Much More
Brett Dennen
Manufacturer: Dualtone Music Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000GY72WY
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

  1. Ain't No Reason
  2. There Is So Much More
  3. Darlin' Do Not Fear
  4. Because You Are A Woman
  5. She's Mine
  6. The One Who Loves You The Most
  7. I Asked When
  8. When You Feel It
  9. So Long Sweet Misery
  10. Someday

Album Description

The Oakdale, Ca native continues to grow his fan base with a live show consisting of the honest songwriting of a Jack Johnson, the guitar work of Paul Simon and the attention grabbing energy of a Ben Harper leaving all in his wake of yearning for more.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Looking forward to the next cd.......2007-07-15

There are artists that it's a given............when their cd hits the shelves, I'll buy it. Brett Dennen is one of those artists. He's made quite an impression because I've only just heard of him, in fact, just last night he opened for Ben Folds, who opened for John Mayer in Hartford CT.

Met him briefly after his set, while Ben Folds was playing. Didn't miss much there.

I'm sure there's lots more good stuff to come from this guy.

4 out of 5 stars Awesome and will develop skills.......2007-07-05

It's easy to see which musicians have influenced Brett Dennen - everyone is in agreement (see below for the timeless names). Nonetheless, I think most people also agree that he has his own style that differentiates him from those who influenced him. His sound is undeniably refreshing. Like many who posted, I believe there is much room for him to grow in light of his young modern talent, and he undoubtedly will. He is still young and it will be interesting to see his style develop over time. 4 stars to "So Much More" in the hopes that Brett will come out with a new album that confirms my belief and merits 5.

3 out of 5 stars Great voice.......2007-06-14

I heard "Ain't No Reason" used in the TV show HOUSE and knew I had to buy the cd. His voice is fantastically soothing - definitely akin to Tracy Chapman. While "Ain't No Reason" is in continuous play on my ipod, the other songs haven't really gripped me yet. I think it's a good cd, but perhaps one that will take me a while to really get into.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent .......2007-06-07

This is terrific, low key, beautiful tunes. He sounds so much like Xavier Rudd (and maybe a bit like Paul Simon). In fact, I think that if you made a mix of Dennen and Rudd, people would think it was the same artist. If you like this, check out Rudd.

4 out of 5 stars Ain't No Reason.......2007-06-03

I can't really comment on the whole c.d., as I've only heard one song. I heard it on House, the television show, on an episode entitled "Family". It of course was "Ain't No Reason". I had to look up the lyrics again, just to make sure I heard them right, but I had. It evoked instant emotion in me, bringing tears to my eyes. It tied in beautifully with what the episode was about, and brought to my mind some issues that had been going on in my life. I found it haunting, sad, yet tinged with hope. I came here to see what others thought, and after reading the mixed reviews I still am not certain whether to purchase it or not. But I had to say that I did love that one song, and I have rated it with 4 stars. I love good lyrics, and it had them.
You Could Have It So Much Better
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Not quite as good as their first
  • virtuous among us, walk among us.....
  • So much better!
  • So much better
  • Extraordinary
 You Could Have It So Much Better
Franz Ferdinand
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000B0WODA
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

  1. The Fallen
  2. Do You Want To
  3. This Boy
  4. Walk Away
  5. Evil And A Heathen
  6. You're The Reason I'm Leaving
  7. Eleanor Put Your Boots On
  8. Well That Was Easy
  9. What You Meant
  10. I'm Your Villian
  11. You Could Have It So Much Better
  12. Fade Together
  13. Outsiders

Amazon.com

After more than a year spent on the road behind their breakthrough self-titled debut--just how many times can Alex Kapranos sing "Take Me Out" without getting his skinny tie into a knot, anyway?--you might expect the members of Franz Ferdinand to feel a little frayed around the edges. But if You Could Have It So Much Better was supposed to be a bloated sophomore album focusing on bad airline meals and cold hotel swimming pools, somebody forgot to tell the Mercury Music Prize winning Scottish quartet. Instead, the Franzies return with a disc packed with thrilling punk-pop treatises like the single "Do You Want To," political rabble-rousers such as opener "The Fallen," and lovely psychedelic ballads that explore the common ground between the Beatles and Bowie, like "Eleanor Put You Boots On" (about Eleanor Freidberger of the Fiery Furnaces, no less). It's a stunning, confident piece of work that suggests the band is merely getting started. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Not quite as good as their first.......2007-06-27

Franz Ferdinand went downhill a bit with their sophomore album, but "Outsiders" is one of the best songs they've ever released so this album is still worthy of purchase.

5 out of 5 stars virtuous among us, walk among us............2006-09-23

I have to admit, I REALLY like this album. I don't own the first album yet, but I can't imagine how it can be much better than this. It took me three tries to get fully embroiled in this album. Once that happened I have been playing it non-stop. There is definitely a punk base to all their songs, but there's something about the pace of their music (ever changing, pulsatile and jagged, then smooth...) that keeps you imbalanced yet wanting more. I can't wait to try the first album.

5 out of 5 stars So much better!.......2006-08-05

Although I'll admit I like the eponymous album a little better, I find this album a breath of fresh air to my somewhat-jaded soul. I've seen FF on SNL and Austin City Limits; the lyrics blend very well with the music, and there's enough of the unexpected to keep me entertained. I look forward to hearing a lot more from these guys!

5 out of 5 stars So much better.......2006-07-16

This album is amazing. The first 7 tracks are all good, and then there is a mix amongst the last half. To think of the career of Franz Ferdinand reminds me now of the path the Cure took with Boys Don't Cry. There is a great amount of structure to each song, and nothing beats the 3-4 hits such as This Boy and Walk Away.

5 out of 5 stars Extraordinary.......2006-06-08

An extraordinary second album, it's even better than the homonymous.
Songs filled of intelligent lyrics about a group of people living in an industrial and decadent city. The stories are from Glasgow but, like all local stories, the identification is global.
Urinetown (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • An Amazing Find
  • Urinetown the Musical
  • Not for Everyone
  • "DON'T BE THE BUNNY!"
  • Now my favorite CD, EVER!
 Urinetown (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
John Cullum , Mark Hollmann , Danny Marcus , and Hunter Foster
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005LZR8
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. Too Much Exposition
  3. Urinetown
  4. It's A Privilege To Pee
  5. Mr. Cladwell
  6. Cop Song
  7. Follow Your Heart
  8. Look At The Sky
  9. Don't Be The Bunny
  10. Act One Finale
  11. What Is Urinetown?
  12. Snuff That Girl
  13. Run, Freedom, Run!
  14. Why Did I Listen To That Man?
  15. Tell Her I Love Her
  16. We're Not Sorry
  17. We're Not Sorry (reprise)
  18. I See A River

Amazon.com

"How about a bad title?" wonders Spencer Kayden's Little Sally in "Too Much Exposition." "That could kill a show pretty good." It's a tribute to the skill deployed by the Urinetown creative team (Mark Hollman, music and lyrics; Greg Kotis, book and lyrics) that its title doesn't kill the show. Set in a near-future in which water depletion has led to a ban on private toilets, this may be the only musical in history in which one of the leads makes a fortune on pee. But the show (which originated Off-Broadway before graduating to the big league) limits its subversive intent to subject matter and is refreshingly classic in approach and structure--think Weill-meets-Lewis Carroll. Backed by a small ensemble, the cast (with John Cullum in a turn nothing short of brilliant as the evil urinal magnate) has a field day with Kotis and Hollman's frequently hilarious score. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An Amazing Find.......2007-04-03

I just recently discovered this gem of a musical. It's a stand out show with a unique touch. If heard a few outside musicals (The Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch...) but this one stands out from them. The music is amazing, the lyrics are creative, and the humor is ripe.

With a chamber music-esque overture, the tone is set. 'Too Much Exposition' is a great introduction to Urinetown (the musical). Officer Lockstock addresses the audience about what they should expect from the show. Little Sally wants to let the audience in on the water shortage but Lockstock stops her. ("You're too young to understand it now, but nothing can kill a show like too much exposition." "How 'bout bad subject matter? Or a bad title, even? That could kill a show pretty good.")

I've read what others have written: you don't get the whole humor of the show unless you've seen it. I haven't seen it, but this recording is enough to get me see it. (That is, if a production nearby, even a high school production, is put on.)

The songs that I find myself listening to over and over are:

Too Much Exposition (not really a song, but still...)
Urinetown
It's A Privilage to Pee
Mr. Cladwell (a wonderfully sweet villain song)
Cop Song (a wonderfully fun villain song)
Follow Your Heart
Don't Be the Bunny
Act 1 Finale
What Is Urinetown?
Run, Freedome, Run!
Why Did I Listen to That Man?
We're Not Sorry (a great 20's sound, reminds me of 'Chicago')
I See A River (I really love this song... the feeling gotten across, before Lockstock comes out to comment, is 'Oh, everything is going to be okay', but Lockstock informs us that all is NOT well)

With a cry of "Hail Mathus!" the show ends. I just have to listen again, after making a trip to the bathroom.

5 out of 5 stars Urinetown the Musical.......2007-03-10

This CD has all the songs from the show. The show is great and this rendition is about the best.

3 out of 5 stars Not for Everyone.......2006-12-28

This musical is a great piece for the 21st century no doubt, that being said it takes some getting used to. The musical cannot be taken at face value, there are lots of things happening under the surface and it takes some bites at things musical theater doesn't usually take, like itself. On the surface it is strange, and not really something people would listen to over and over. However, once you figure it out, it's fun to listen to it again to find all the things that are really going on. It is very funny, and says some good things about the current state of the world. For musical theater fans this is questionable, if you just like the toe-tapping happy go lucky feel, this isn't it. But if you like the social commentary that goes along with that toe tapping, this is a must. NOT FOR FIRST TIME BROADWAY LISTNERS. Favorite Song: "Look at the Sky"

5 out of 5 stars "DON'T BE THE BUNNY!".......2006-12-04

My son, a high school senior, told me his first show of this year's theatrical season was going to be "Urinetown". My response was something like ... No, really, what shows are you doing this year? Then he brought home a recording of it, and I was hooked right away by the lyrics. Over the years my son has been involved in many performances, but he and the rest of the cast had a real blast preparing for, and performing, this show! He wanted Lockstock, but was cast as Cladwell ... Owned it ... Loved it!
I am no Broadway expert by any stretch of the definition, but this show is wonderfully entertaining! You will see (and hear) snippets from other shows, you will pick up on some of even the more subtle stabs at musicals as a whole, you will groan, you will laugh and you will enjoy ... But only if you try not to take it too seriously.
Get past the title (in this case I certainly think it did not "...kill a show pretty good"), relax, and be entertained. And for goodness sake, if you have a chance to see it performed live, do so! A musical that pokes fun at itself? Yes, a refreshing departure from the norm, and worth the price of admission.

5 out of 5 stars Now my favorite CD, EVER!.......2006-10-03

After reading Urinetown (never having seen it), I wondered what on earth it sounded like. Most of the book is just lyrics, and I had no idea what they sounded like. When I finally listened to the music, I found an incredibly complex, catchy, and moving CD.

The music isn't so much complex as it is creative and works with the lyrics. Keep in mind this is a comedy, but this comedy does have soaring melodies and very great simulataneous singing moments (I can't remember what that is specifically called, but think of "Tonight Reprise" from West Side Story). These songs not only entertained me, it moved the story along.

My favorite song is "Why Did I Listen to that Man?" as it is the song where everything comes together and reaches the climax (both in story-line and musically). However, I have a soft spot for every Cladwell song (and I haven't found a person yet who doesn't love "Don't Be the Bunny) as well as every song. What's best about this musical is the range of genres (but not so much as one would find in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat).

The cast is truly talented and can perform these songs. It's a very strong recording for what I feel (after finally getting to see it) is the best contemporary musical to date. Not only will your sides split, but you'll learn something too. Best of all, it's a musical for everyone. Unlike other equally hilarious comedies (*cough*The Producers*cough*), Urinetown never relies on "unappropriate" and "adult" material to deliver laughs, although you will have to get over the "really awful title."
An Introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ring introduction critique
  • FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE
  • Welcome back to a classic analysis
  • Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle
  • Very Functional
 An Introduction to Der Ring des Nibelungen
Deryck Cooke , Georg Solti , Wiener Philharmoniker , Anita Valkki , Berit Lindholm , Birgit Nilsson , Brigitte Fassbaender , Christa Ludwig , Claire Watson , Claudia Hellmann , Dame Gwyneth Jones , Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau , Eberhard Wächter , George London , Gerhard Stolze , Gottlob Frick , Grace Hoffmann , Gustav Neidlinger , Hans Hotter , Helen Watts , Helga Dernesch , Hetty Plumacher , Ira Malaniuk , James King , Jean Madeira , Joan Sutherland , Kirsten Flagstad , Kurt Böhme , Lucia Popp , Marga Höffgen , Marilyn Tyler , Maureen Guy , Oda Balsborg , Paul Kuen , Régine Crespin , Set Svanholm , Vera Little , Vera Schlosser , Waldemar Kmentt , Walter Kreppel , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000424H
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

  1. Of All Great Musical Compositions... (Examples 1-4)
  2. The Fundamental Symbol... (Examples 5-11)
  3. Returning Now To The Nature Motive... (Examples 6, 12-16)
  4. A Number Of Further Motives... (Examples 5, 17-21)
  5. A Second, Much Smaller Family... (Examples 22-25)
  6. So Much For Nature. (Examples 26-38)
  7. The Cause Of The Deterioration... (Examples 39-44)
  8. The Other Transformation... (Examples 45-48)
  9. Several Other Motives... (Examples 49-52)
  10. Two Further Motives... (Examples 41, 53-61)
  11. The Basic Motive Associated With The Spear... (Examples 62-68)
  12. Along Another, More Complex Line... (Examples 69-72)
  13. In Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 69, 73-75)
  14. Returning Now To Act Two Of Walkure... (Examples 76-79)
  15. Love Is Another Of The Central Symbols... (Examples 80-83)
  16. Later In The Same Scene... (Examples 84-87)
  17. Freia's Motive Has Two Independent Segments... (Examples 88-91)
  18. The Label 'Flight'... (Example 92)
  19. When Fasolt, In Scene Two Of Rhinegold... (Examples 93-98)
  20. A Little Later In The Interlude... (Examples 99-103)

Tracks:

  1. The Other New Motive... (Examples 104-109)
  2. There Are Several Independent Love-Motives... (Examples 110-114)
  3. The Characters In Whose Lives... (Examples 115-120)
  4. One Further Motive Belongs... (Example 121)
  5. The Sword Motive Recurs... (Examples 122-130)
  6. Ironically, This Phrase... (Examples 131-135)
  7. Closely Associated With Gutrune's Motive... (Examples 136-140)
  8. Here We Come To The End... (Examples 141-146)
  9. Complemtary To This Symbol... (Examples 147-149)
  10. One Last Central Symbol... (Examples 150-157)
  11. One Further Motive Connected... (Examples 158-161)
  12. There Are One Or Two Motives... (Examples 162-168)
  13. These Motives Of Alberich And Mime... (Examples 169-171)
  14. Quite A Number Of The Subsidiary Motives... (Examples 172-176)
  15. Besides This Family Of Motives... (Examples 177-180)
  16. Our Final Example... (Examples 10, 181, 182)
  17. In The Final Scene Of Gotterdammerung... (Examples 181-183)
  18. Even More Masterly... (Examples 184-188)
  19. Now If We Return... (Examples 189-191)
  20. This Masterly Way... (Examples 192, 193)

Amazon.com

When Wagner set the Ring to music, he intended the orchestra to act in the fashion of a chorus from a classic Greek tragedy--setting the mood and commenting on the action. In order to allow a nonverbal musical line to reflect on the plot, Wagner developed a psychologically and musically complex symbology to communicate his thoughts to the listener. From the beginning the Ring has spawned numerous written commentaries on the relationships of the motif structure, but by using examples from the Decca Ring recording, Deryck Cooke's thoughtful spoken commentary is by far the most accessible guide for either the fledgling Ring enthusiast or the seasoned veteran. --Christian C. Rix

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Ring introduction critique.......2006-11-04

This is very worthwhile, at the same time it requires time, patience and attention, but it does provide some keys to better enjoyment of a sensational piece of music.

5 out of 5 stars FASCINATING STUDY FOR NOVICES AND AFFICIONADOS ALIKE.......2006-08-16

This may look an intimidating, daunting and dull prospect - a 2+ hour lecture on the motifs in the Ring. Don't be put off. Whether you're a relative novice to the Ring and want to find out what it's all about, more experienced with a desire to understand the composer's methods better or an afficionado who thinks he knows it all inside out, there is great pleasure as well as elucidation to be had from this set. Originally made to accompany the Decca Solti Ring, it contains a multitude of musical illustrations taken from those recordings as well as some specially recorded by Solti just for this Introduction.

It wasn't the first time this has been tried. The famous HMV sets from the late 20's also included recorded examples of over 100 motifs. (These, by the way, are available as part of the Pearl reissue of those wonderful HMV recordings). What that set lacked was the wonderful insights as well as the approachability of the talk by Deryck Cooke. Cooke was a great and much missed musicologist - a Mahler expert responsible for the performing edition of the Tenth Symphony still most played today, a fascinating explorer into the nature of music's basic building-blocks in his excellent book, The Language of Music, and an inspiring and elucidating critic of Wagner's work as shown by the fascinating book he left unfinished at his death, I Saw the World End.

On these CDs he does much more than list the leitmotifs and identify them as calling-cards. He shows the amazingly integrated and organic growth of the musical material that Wagner uses throughout his vast work. He demonstrates how motifs can change their sense and meaning as they evolve through the drama. And he shows how the complex combinations of motifs can radically advance both the musical and the dramatic narrative of the piece. There are even places where he corrects the misinterpretation of some of the motifs that had become ingrained from early commentators' false labels.

This set should engage and enlighten anyone with an interest in Wagner's huge and inexhaustible tetralogy. Do give it a try - no matter how far down the road to Wagnerianism you are.

4 out of 5 stars Welcome back to a classic analysis.......2006-05-28

Deryck Cooke's lecture series upon THE RING is almost as much a classic by now as the Solti RING cycle, with which it was originally issued on LP, and from which it derives its musical examples. The difference is that whereas the Solti RING has been continuously in print ever since it was completed, and was among the first opera sets to benefit from the CD revolution, the Cooke analysis was for long almost totally unobtainable. Now we have it back. It should be welcomed: it is a classic. Cooke's mellow, deep voice with the hint of a Celtic burr - which made him ideal on BBC radio - patiently explains Wagner's melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic metamorphoses to such good effect that if you own this recording, you really require no other RING analysis. (A pity about the abrupt beginnings and endings of too many vocal and orchestral illustrations, though.) Musicology lost a fine, sensitive thinker with Cooke's premature death in 1976.

If all you want is dilettantish baby food, there are plenty of dumbed-down Wagner commentaries on the market, stretching from Anna Russell's famous monologue (which doesn't pretend to be anything other than a parody aimed at morons) to the latest standard-issue "Wagner-was-a-Nazi-boo-hiss" feuilleton (which, unfortunately, does). Without reasonable score-reading skill you will find Cooke useless, however diligently you have ploughed through Marx, Jung, Freud, or other gurus purportedly relevant to THE RING. Cooke expects you to use your brains and your musical sense. Quelle horreur. At today's BBC his "elitism" would render him unemployable.

5 out of 5 stars Essential for Understanding Wagner's Ring Cycle.......2006-05-15

I originally bought this set on vinyl in the early 70s when I discovered the Ring in college. I studied the records and booklet assiduously, and after about three run-throughs I finally started getting it. Wow! Thirty-five years later, I still remember Mr. Cooke's analyses of various motive families, and I don't know how I could have mastered and loved the Ring without him. I now own this set on CD and listen again on the rare occasion of attending a Ring performance. My wife calls me a "Ring nut," but of course I'm nuts about many other things as well.

Bottom line, buy this set and study it if the Ring has captivated you as it has countless others. The presentation is dry, but sticking with it brings measureless and longlasting rewards.

4 out of 5 stars Very Functional.......2006-03-19

This CD set is excellent for what it sets out to do: present the leitmotives of the Ring according to their relationship to one another and their role in developing both characters and plotlines. Deryck Cooke's lectures on each motive are very insightful, very helpful at cueing the listener into the semantic aspect of Wagner's orchestral writing. The one drawback is that the musical examples are a bit jarring. Without fade-ins or -outs, the engineering is quite barbaric. And though the orchestra was, I believe, conducted by Solti, and is beautifully done, the vocal performances can be quite unpleasant. Point being: this is not background music, but in accomplishing what it sets out to do, it is very successful, and I don't know of anything else like it.
Too Much Too Soon
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • HOW TO DO COMPARE THIS GREATNESS TO ANYTHING?
 Too Much Too Soon
New York Dolls
Manufacturer: Hip-O Select
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000BQW88K
Release Date: 2006-08-01

Tracks:

  1. Babylon
  2. Stranded in the Jungle
  3. Who Are the Mystery Girls?
  4. (There's Gonna Be A) Showdown
  5. It's Too Late
  6. Puss 'N' Boots
  7. Chatterbox
  8. Bad Detective
  9. Don't Start Me Talkin'
  10. Human Being

Product Description

The New York Dolls didnt look punk. And when they were busy inventing the American version of what would eventually get called punk, it really didnt have a name. Despite being championed by critics from coast to coast, the Dolls had more of a critical than commercial impact. Too Much Too Soon is the bands second album, produced by Shadow Morton, who had the distinction of having worked with both the Shangri-Las and Vanilla Fudge. In some ways, it could be said that this album splits the difference between those two bands, plenty heavy, but with a melodic undercurrent. The Dolls were not only talented writers, they were skilled musical interpreters, covering not only the Cadets 1956 hit Stranded In The Jungle, but Gamble & Huffs more contemporary (Theres Gonna Be A) Showdown, which had been a hit for Archie Bell& The Drells in 1968. At thirty years remove, the album sounds a lot less radical than it did in 1974, but with the thigh-high boots and platform heels, the lipstick, the poodle-on-steroids hair, the snarling vocals, and the slashing guitars, they didnt just push the envelope; the Dolls threw the envelope in a wood chipper and peed on the shreds. This album has just plain been out of print too long. Happy to fax that up for you. Incidentally, a reformed version of the band (only 40% of the lineup on Too Much Too Soon is alive today, and neither of them are original Dolls) is out on tour and is planning a new album, so you may get to hear David Johansen (a/k/a Buster Pointdexter) perform some of these songs live in the not-too-distant future.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars HOW TO DO COMPARE THIS GREATNESS TO ANYTHING?.......2007-03-03

Wow, reviewing the Dolls is much like reviewing the Stooges or MC5. Maybe even the Clash. My experience w/the Dolls started as a stoned out trip while in college to the local KMART (Kame a Part). I always cruised to the bargin bin (LPs to be sure)to check on what treasures some unwitting idiot of a clerk would mark down. And I found it there too. Blue Cheer, Black Sabbath (Live, Bootleg, no less), and even a rare copy of T2's classic, It Will All Work Out in Boomland. Anywho, one such journey yielded the 2nd Dolls classic, Too Much Too Soon. Talk about an chilling name for the future of this band. Mind you, this was less than a year after it's release! Back to dorm land to spin and drink. Now I can look back and see the blueprint for what was to come only 3-4 years later...Punk Rawk! Guitarist Johnny Thunders has been copied hundreds of times for his raw Chuck Berry influenced playing. Has there really been a drummer w/the force of Nolan for pure RnR? Right up there w/Exile on Main Street as far as classics. Showdown has to be one of the most exciting dancable tunes ever penned. Image, chops, and balls...yep the Dolls had it all. It you need any intro to this band, skip the crap w/reissues and bad live stuff. Get this CD and the 1st. You'll love it, baby...
So Much for the Afterglow
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • It was their best
  • You ever heard that stranded on an island scenario?
  • These guys rock!
  • Dare I say essential...I think I just did...
  • The best Everclear album so far.
 So Much for the Afterglow
Everclear
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Sparkle and Fade
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  5. Eve 6

ASIN: B000002U2Q
Release Date: 1997-10-07

Tracks:

  1. So Much For The Afterglow
  2. Everything To Everyone
  3. Ataraxia
  4. Normal Like You
  5. I Will Buy You A New Life
  6. Father Of Mine
  7. One Hit Wonder
  8. El Distorto De Melodica
  9. Amphetamine
  10. White Men In Black Suits
  11. Sunflowers
  12. Why I Don't Believe In God
  13. Like A California King

Amazon.com

"This is a song about Susan" is the first line of Everclear's follow-up to the deservedly platinum Sparkle and Fade. That personalization is one of Art Alexakis's greatest gifts to postgrunge rock; rather than float generalized rage over the ever-growing roar of his power trio, he tells you his stories, those of the people around him, some he makes up--and makes them all yours in the end. The development in the music here, from the Beach Boys-style chorale at the top of the title cut to the new wavey jerkiness of "Everything to Everyone" and "Normal Like You," boasts of not only the band's surefootedness but Alexakis's own generosity. The latter is best reflected in "Father of Mine," one of the saddest, most brutal songs about family ever. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars It was their best.......2007-05-20

This was an outstanding CD. Almost every song on it could have been a single, and if memory serves me right, almost everyone one of them was. Its just a classic CD, anyone who enjoys music should have this CD, its deep, meaningful, and almost everyone knows one song from it. So why not pick it up.

5 out of 5 stars You ever heard that stranded on an island scenario?.......2007-05-10

Well, if I could have only one CD on that deserted island, this would be it. Incredible from start to finish, not one piece of filler. I think Everclear did set the bar too high with this one, because no band could ever surpass this recording, Everclear included. Anybody giving anything other than five stars on this is crazy.

5 out of 5 stars These guys rock!.......2007-03-14

Art saved my life. I totally relate to everything he sings and he's one of the most honest singers ever. He's also got a fantastic turn of phrase. Lyrics are completely unconventional. My favorite line of the CD is from a song called "Normal Like You" it's "Just because you are Neurotic and Depressed doesn't mean that you're sad." It's very true. No one understands that unless you have gone through it. Have a bad break up? Listen to Everclear. Have a crappy childhood but don't want to whine about it? Listen to Everclear. Just pissed off and had a bad day? Listen to 'em.

4 out of 5 stars Dare I say essential...I think I just did..........2006-09-27

`So Much for the Afterglow' is one of those `essential' albums, an album that truly capitalizes on everything that's good and sound about the post-grunge rock scene and delivers one brilliantly paced and almost effortlessly meaningful album, exceptional track after exceptional track. Art Alexakis speaks from experience about drugs, abuse, loss and tragic family life on the tracks provided here and he does so poetically. Songs like the much loved `Father of Mine' give us a heartbreakingly real look into a broken home, and Art's words feel so real you are brought to a place you may have never been but feel you've always known. Every track rings through with Art's personal touch and offers a unique and memorable music experience. Standout tracks include the title track, `Everything to Everyone', `Normal Like You' and `White Men in Black Suits' (my personal favorite) as well as the two singles, the aforementioned `Father of Mine' and `I Will Buy you a New Life' which tackles with class the after effects of a break up, one where kids are involved and feelings still live on.

4 out of 5 stars The best Everclear album so far........2006-08-19

Everclear has a sound.
Whenever you hear a song on the radio, if it's an Everclear song you know it immediately.
Even if you don't know THAT song.
For example, the songs "Everything for Everyone", "I Will Buy You A New Life" and "Father of Mine" are all variations of a theme.
The tempos are all similar: a loping, head-bobbing midtempo cruise.
The guitar chord/bass lines are nearly identical: dum-dum-dum-da-da-dumdum.
The lyrics, however, are the kicker, and they are what elevate Alexakis and company above the usual radio fodder. They're open, insightful, sometimes raw and often funny.
This is the album where the Everclear sound finally defines itself, and the extraordinary number of strong songs makes it a must-purchase.
"So Much For The Afterglow" and "Sunflowers" are killer tunes...melodic, driving modern rock. The rest of the album is filled out with interesting if not spectacular ideas.
This is the one to get, and then pick up their greatest hits.
Much Afraid
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Much Afraid is "a departure, but more of the same" -JOC
  • This album made me a Jars fan.
  • an excellent album, even for non-christians like me
  • Much Afraid...Timeless
  • best gospel album ever
 Much Afraid
Jars of Clay
Manufacturer: Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000550
Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

  1. Overjoyed
  2. Fade To Grey
  3. Tea And Sympathy
  4. Crazy Times
  5. Frail
  6. Five Candles (You Were There)
  7. Weighed Down
  8. Portrait of An Apology
  9. Truce
  10. Much Afraid
  11. Hymn

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Much Afraid is "a departure, but more of the same" -JOC.......2007-03-26

Much Afraid, the title of the sophomore release of Jars of Clay, was based on a book by Hannah Hurnard entitled "Hind's Feet on High Places" which is an allegory of the every individuals journey being closer to God.

Dan Haseltine, the group's lead singer described the album as "a departure (from their first production, but fans can expect) more of the same." Upon hearing this album, I immediately fell in love with their new sound in hits such as Weighed Down, Overjoyed, Portrait of an Apology, and Team and Sympathy.

Much Afraid contains 10 new tracks (Overjoyed, Fade to Grey, Tea and Sympathy, Crazy Times, Five Candles (You Were There), Weighed Down, Portrait of an Apology, Truce, Much Afraid, and Hymn) as well as the title track from their Frail Demo CD entitled "Frail."

In my opinion, this album is the perfect follow-up to their self-titled album as this is one CD which you can just pop into your player and sit back and relax. It's worth every dollar! Get your copy today!

4 out of 5 stars This album made me a Jars fan. .......2006-11-16

I had heard of Jars of Clay in 1995-1996 and even had their debut album, but it wasn't until I saw Jars of Clay live in 1997 that I realized what a truly great band they were. They were promoting their new album, "Much Afraid", when I saw them in concert. I didn't own "Much Afraid" at the time so I wasn't familiar with the newer material, but a song that Jars of Clay sang that night stuck with me. I bought "Much Afraid" after the concert and when track #3 started playing, I quickly realized this was the song that struck a chord with me that night - Tea and Sympathy. It quickly became my favorite Jars of Clay song, and it remains my favorite to this day.

I have seen Jars of Clay two more times since then and have bought all of their records, including their newest masterpiece, "Good Monsters." Jars of Clay's music has always been new, exciting, and relevant. They know how to reinvent themselves musically yet be true and fresh lyrically with each album that they put out.

"Much Afraid" will always hold a special place in my heart because this album is truly what made me a fan of the band. I don't regard this album as their personal best overall, but I do think that Tea and Sympathy is one of the best songs they have ever put on any album. That song makes this album shine. Other favorites of mine from this album are Fade To Grey, Crazy Times, and Portrait of an Apology.

5 out of 5 stars an excellent album, even for non-christians like me.......2006-11-15

Most of these reviews are written by Christians. First of all, I hate the song Flood. I hear a song on the muzak at work and it really catches me. One day, I'm flipping channels and I come across the song and video. Until the end, I didn't realize it was Jars of Clay. About this time, I signed up for a CD club and put this album down (this was really pre-pirate downloads) so that I could get this song. I had also heard that this was more of a non-Christian album. So I gave it a try. No, I didn't convert. I found this album had a lot of catchy songs, that were well written and musically complex (Portrait of an Apology has duple rhythms against triples in compound time). If you are a Christian you will find Christian meaning in this album. If you are not a Christian, you will find music where the writer has a lot of questions, a lot of doubts and vulnerabilities. The lyrics tend to be vague enough to allow the listener their own interpretation of the lyrics (except for the last track Hymn).

5 out of 5 stars Much Afraid...Timeless.......2006-07-19

Much Afraid has to be one of Jars of Clay's best albums to date. Each song has so much expression. Much Afraid is timeless, In 2007, the album will be ten years old and the songs will never become outdated. Jars of Clay are a genius group, I know each track had to be ahead of Its time. I think It may have been overwhelming for some, but Much Afraid is a very deep album. From the start when I first heard Crazy times, Fade to Gray, Frail and Truce, I was hooked. These are the songs that become timeless. I think Jars of Clay has broken the barriers of conventional music and ingenious composition.

4 out of 5 stars best gospel album ever.......2006-07-13

This is still my favourite gospel (rock) album ever. Although I also like Adrian Snell's The passion. What sets this apart from other releases are the catchy melodies, the heartfelt lyrics and pure emotion. I'm a music fan and this is just a good catchy record. Don't let the 'gospel' genre scare you there's a lot of good music in this genre, rock and rap.
Much Ado About Nothing: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Hauntingly beautiful music...
  • Un Uplifting Experience
  • Very Romantic!!
  • One of his best...
  • Doyle's greatest accomplishment
 Much Ado About Nothing: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Patrick Doyle
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002974
Release Date: 1993-05-04

Tracks:

  1. The Picnic
  2. Overture
  3. The Sweetest Lady
  4. The Conspirators
  5. The Masked Ball
  6. The Prince Woos Hero
  7. A Star Danced
  8. Rich She Shall Be
  9. Sigh No More Ladies
  10. The Gulling Of Benedick
  11. It Must Be Requited
  12. The Gulling Of Beatrice
  13. Contempt Farewell
  14. The Lady Is Disloyal
  15. Hero's Wedding
  16. Take Her Back Again
  17. Die To Live
  18. You Have Killed A Sweet Lady
  19. Choose Your Revenge
  20. Pardon Goddess Of The Night
  21. Did I Not Tell You
  22. Hero Revealed
  23. Benedick The Married Man
  24. Strike Up Pipers

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Hauntingly beautiful music..........2006-03-15

If you've seen "Much Ado About Nothing" by Kenneth Branagh then you can reasonably agree that Patrick Doyle's score is an hauntingly beautiful addition to a masterful film. There is the grand opening, the soulful requiem, and the joyous celebration all wrapped into one delightful package. The orchestrations are moving and nicely arranged. I encourage anyone to listen to the music even if they haven't seen or read this wonderful story!

5 out of 5 stars Un Uplifting Experience.......2006-02-01

As a classically trained musician and former theater person, I have developed an ear for especially evocative and carefully crafted film scores. This one is absolutely top-notch. The film itself is excellent, but the music stands on its own. The overture is particularly exhilarating. This is a beautifully created, cheerful revel. The compositions, musicianship, and recording quality are all excellent.
For Shakespearean soundtracks, please also try Jocelyn Pook's music for The Merchant of Venice and Simon Rattle's soundtrack for Henry V. Their intensity is not as cheerful as Much Ado, but is equally rewarding. Also seek an out-of-print copy of the 2-CD set Shakespeare at the Movies. All of these stand on their own, and are well-worth listening to.

5 out of 5 stars Very Romantic!!.......2002-09-20

Wow! This C.D. is very emotional and relaxing for the Human Conscience. I Love The way each song seems to tell a story from beginning to end. I enjoy instrumental music very much and if you do also then this is a good choice. Patrick Doyle Not only composed such a GREAT Score, but I've heard he lends his voice as well. It holds so many emotions from the Scary Pluking of the Strings, the Sweet Joyfulness of Flutes, to the Banging of Drums that gets your heart racing. If you've never seen the movie I suggest renting it; it will only add to your visual enjoyment and bring out what this Score contains. If only Shakespeare were here to applaud. . . . . An All-A-Round GREAT Score!

5 out of 5 stars One of his best..........2002-08-07

"Sigh no more, ladies..." is how this soundtrack begins, and to this day, I still remember the thrill I felt sitting in the Guild 45th Theater here in Seattle as the film began. A room full of Shakespeare lovers, all excited about seeing Kenneth Branagh's latest adaptation--a stellar cast--and one of the most satisfying film scores of the 1990's.

Patrick Doyle's small role in the film (as a musician, of course)kept him on set during the filming of the movie, and many of the themes were composed on location in Tuscanny. There is a sense of fun, danger, loss, romance, and even passion that infuses every track of this cd--and it has easily stood the test of time.

From instrumentals like "You Have Killed a Sweet Lady" to the simple guitar and vocal arrangement of "Sigh No More," this is a film score that Shakespeare himself would be proud of. Themes are appropriate to the characters, melodies fit the lyrics of the classic songs, and overall there is a feeling that although this is "Much Ado About Nothing," this score is truly something.

Add it to your collection. Today!

5 out of 5 stars Doyle's greatest accomplishment.......2002-08-02

Patrick Doyle is a composer who gets little attention, but whose work stands out in the industry. "Much ado about Nothing" encompasses everything that is great about his talent. Doyle can be fun, romantic, serious, and soulful. All of these talents and more are on "Much Ado."
"Overture" is fun and heroic. "Sigh no more Ladies" is sung beautifully.
and "Hero Revealed" is sad and sturring which fits the most serious scene in the film. "Strike up pipers" with the cast singing ends the film and score on a perfect note. This score gets better with every track and listening. a masterpiece!!
Too Much Pressure
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • get up and dance; you can take your mind with you
  • That Missing Sound In Your Mind (you knew it was there!)
  • A lost classic - one of the best albums I own!
 Too Much Pressure
The Selecter
Manufacturer: Captain Oi!
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005KK45
Release Date: 2000-09-01

Tracks:

  1. Three Minute Hero
  2. Everyday
  3. They Make Me Mad
  4. Missing Words
  5. Danger
  6. Street Feeling
  7. My Collie (Not a Dog)
  8. Too Much Pressure
  9. Murder
  10. Out on the Streets
  11. Carry Go Bring Come
  12. Black and Blue
  13. James Bond
  14. Selector [*]
  15. On My Radio [*]
  16. Too Much Pressure [Single][*]

Album Description

First time on CD for this legendary ska album from 1980. Includes the singles 'On My Radio', 'Three Minute Hero' & 'Missing Words'. Deluxe booklet includes original album artwork & liner notes by ska expert George Marshall. 2001 release.

Album Details

First Time on CD for this Legendary Ska Album, Originally Issued by Two Tone Records in 1980 and which Reached No.5 In the UK National Charts. Features the Top 30 Singles ''on My Radio'', ''three Minute Hero'' and ''missing Words'' plus ''the Selecter'' which was the Double A-side to the Very First Two Tone Release, the Specials ''gangsters''. In-depth Deluxe Booklet Comes Complete with Liner Notes by Ska Authority George Marshall and Pictures of Loads of Rare Overseas Singles by the Band. A Must for Any Serious Ska Fan.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars get up and dance; you can take your mind with you.......2007-03-16

Maybe the greatest ska album ever: and you don't have to sacrifice your intellect. It's in turns fun, silly, irreverent, political, honest, raw, and the level of musicianship is very high (pun intended) with rich female vocals. A landmark. Get their next album: Celebrate the Bullet and also the other great Tutone band's releases Specials and More Specials

5 out of 5 stars That Missing Sound In Your Mind (you knew it was there!).......2007-03-14

W/o getting too technical, this is the shizzy natty nit.
I love Rock n' Roll. In all it's many incarnations!
That said...to me, ska was always associated with horrible twittering things like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones pudgey horn section or No Doubt or (god forbid) Sublime, where some dead suburban rednex goes in a faux Jamacain accent for drunk frat sing along meltdowns. It was always a inconsequencial wonder where Reggae could've gone so wrong in it's rock baby. -Until I stumbled across this revalation of place and time and rythm and scene. I never thought about it, because I never cared about that "style" of music, but it really makes perfect sense. Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytails, all that big Jamacain sounds folks love. Ramones/Sex Pistols, the growl of Patti Smith's "Redondo Beach" or some New York New Wave Blondie/Talking Heads badfun stuff. It's London, It's the late 70's, some black Jamacain Brit kids are making the music for the times and damn it's as good as sound can sound, believe that!!
If you like Wire, or Bad Brains...
Every Single Song on this album is easily brilliant. This is the kind of rock that is so rare that people should staple it to thier bodies and wear it instead of gold and diamonds. We live in a sick world where a guy like me who's damn near heard it all hadn't heard this until just recently. I'm not trying to deduct cool points from myself, I'm just trying to give you some- if you cant make up your mind wether to get a copy of this or not, you'd better just get it and jive out.

5 out of 5 stars A lost classic - one of the best albums I own!.......2003-04-20

The Selecter's "Too Much Pressure" is the single most overlooked album of the U.K. ska revival, and in my opinion, the most overlooked album of the late-70s/early-80s.

Fans of the short-lived U.K. ska revival are probably familiar with The Selecter, but unfortunately most don't own "Too Much Pressure". It was out of print until 2002, and then only released on a small indie label in the U.K.

The album was originally released in 1980, following a few key singles, on the then fledgling 2-Tone label. Those early singles - "The Selecter", "On My Radio" and "Too Much Pressure" - are included as bonus tracks on this reissue.

Like other 2-Tone bands, The Selecter is indebted to early Jamaican ska, specifically Duke Reid and Prince Buster productions, as well as late seventies U.K. punk. The Selecter is rooted in rock steady and reggae rhythms as well, which aligns them more closely with The English Beat than The Specials or Madness (all label-mates.)

What makes The Selecter completely unique is lead vocalist Pauline Black. Black was born to belt out infectious, punk-inspired ska tunes. Without her, The Selecter would sound too much like The English Beat - not a bad thing, just that Black really makes the band something special. She can back a social statement like "Danger" with fierce intensity and then bounce along playfully to some of the most infectious songs in existence. (Is "On My Radio" pure bliss or what?)

This is truly one of the best albums that I own, and I highly recommend it to fans of this type of music. Even if you already own a Selecter compilation, you shouldn't hesitate to pick this up. Seriously, no slapdash compilation can ever replace the original album, especially when every track is a killer.

Music Review:

  1. My Best to You
  2. My Soul Got Another Dip [Live]
  3. New Life
  4. Night Song
  5. No Tears in Glory
  6. Oh My Lord
  7. Phillips, Craig & Dean
  8. Play a Lil' Song for Me
  9. Please Don't Leave Me [Live]
  10. Power

Music Review

Music Review