Growing Up

Track Listings

1. Instrument of Praise

2. Growing Up

3. Shabach

4. He's God

5. Allelujah, Praise Jehovah

6. I Love You

7. Whatever You Need

8. Give It to God

9. How Excellent

10. Shabach [Instrumental Reprise]

Tracks:

Beautiful Head
Cold Girl Fever
The Perfect Song
American Mary
Son
Pay For Me
Bitters & Absolut
Johns Star
Watching You Well
Theory of the Crows
29 Years
Anna Freud

Amazon.com

The National make sturdy American music, the sort of stuff that's built out of solid songs, radio-ready hooks, and tasteful, efficient arrangements. The CD's earnest, straight-ahead material is often country-flavored, but it can also evoke '80's rock anthems. Matt Berninger sings of the heart's travails in a sensitive, manly way that recalls fellow romantics like Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen. He's equally adept at packing a slew of words into a single vocal phrase or milking a single word for dramatic effect. The guitar-bass-drums lineup is nicely abetted by the occasional piano line or synth flourish. There isn't room for surprise or eccentricity on this album; everything here is completely worked out and professionally crafted. But that's one reason this disc will appeal to people with a taste for well-made rock. --Fred Cisterna

Customer Reviews:

Not their best, still really good.......2007-07-08

I already have Alligator, Boxer, and Sad Songs, And this is yet another great addition. I haven't had it very long yet, so some songs are still growing on me, typical of The National. Anyways, Beautiful Head and American Mary are the best songs on here. 29 Years is really good too, Berringer reprised it at the end of "Slow Show" on Boxer. Aside from that, the other songs are good, but not their best. This is a good debut album, and Beautiful Head and American Mary are in my top "The National" Songs. As I've said in other reviews, if you're new to The National, get Alligator, and let it grow on you.

An Honorable Lineage.......2005-06-28

Though they've grown exponentially over the last two releases, The National arrived fully-born on this debut. Vocalist/lyricist Matt Berninger has only honed his sharp and honest voice, but that commitment to detail is all over these 12 tunes. They plumb the Amerindie sound without redefining it; instead, they join an honorable lineage that includes Warren Zevon, Matthew Sweet, R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers, and, especially, Afghan Whigs. There's a bit more gentility here than on Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers or Alligitor; with luck, they will just get rougher and rougher. The mire becomes them.

I love this CD........2002-10-02

For various work-related reasons, people are always giving me their CDs to listen to. A coworker bugged me for months to listen to this CD, but it wasn't until I put it in my car's rotation that I had time to listen to it. That was last week, and I've been listening to it almost constantly ever since. I love the resonance of his voice, the lyrics are fresh and intelligent, the songs are all listenable and just fantastic. I can't say enough good about it.

If you are between the age of 18 and 38, buy this album........2002-04-19

I could listen to this album every day. It's that good. This is coming from a guy who had to fill his 400 CD random player to keep things interesting.

I won't analyze The National's album. I wouldn't want to taint your perception.

It's a keeper.......2002-02-12

On the strength of one song, "Son", I bought this CD. Since then, I've replayed that one along with "John's Stars" and "Pay for Me" a hundred times. Overall, the songs are polished but still show enough scratches and dents to have an interesting finish, moody but not morose. I did sometimes wish Matt Berninger would have ripped a Tom Waits howls now and then...some of the songs just begged for it. In the end, though, I'd recommend this CD to my favorite friends.

Superman - The Movie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

Original 1978 Recording?
AWESOME! John Williams shows again why he's the master of movie scores
Is John Williams Superman???
Excellent!
Hector, about the liner notes...

Superman - The Movie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Superman Returns
Batman: Original Motion Picture Score
Look, Up in the Sky - The Amazing Story of Superman
Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition (Superman - The Movie/ Superman II/ Superman II - The Richard Donner Cut/ Superman III/ Superman IV - The Quest for Peace/ Superman Returns)
Superman: The Movie - Original Sound Track

ASIN: B000046PVN
Release Date: 2000-02-15

Tracks:

Prelude and Main Title March
Planet Krypton, The
Destruction of Krypton
Star Ship Escapes
Trip to Earth, The
Growing Up
Death of Jonathan Kent
Leaving Home
Fortress of Solitude, The
Welcome to Metropolis
Lex Luthor's Lair
Big Rescue, The
Super Crime Fighter
Super Rescues
Luther's Luau
Planet Krypton (Alternate), The
Main Title March (Alternate)

Tracks:

Superman March (Alternate)
March of the Villains, The
Terrace, The
Flying Sequence, The
Lois and Clark
Crime of the Century
Sonic Greeting
Misguided Missiles and Kryptonite
Chasing Rockets
Supefeates
Super Dam and Finding Lois
Turning Back the World
Finale and End Title March
Love Theme from Superman
Can You Read My MInd (Alternate performed by Margot Kidder)
Flying Sequence/Can You Read My Mind, The
Can You Read My Mind (Alternate Instrumental)
Theme from Superman (Concert Version)

Amazon.com

Released during the era of leisure suits and pet rocks, the film Superman: The Movie has aged about as well. But the often-clumsy charms of Richard Donner's cartoonish, hit-and-miss take on the Man of Steel was blessed with at least one superlative artistic effort: John Williams's epic score. The composer's Oscar-nominated music (coming on the heels of Star Wars and Close Encounters) was a wall-to-wall heroic symphony, rife with memorable melodies and ominous arrangements. Almost every original cut on this soundtrack appears in an expanded version, supplemented by nearly a dozen previously unreleased cues and alternate takes. Featuring a deluxe slipcase and extensive, new liner notes, this is the definitive release of one of Maestro Williams's greatest scores. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Original 1978 Recording?.......2007-04-04

FIVE STAR FOR MUSIC. 1 STAR FOR AUDIO. Ok I've wanted this recording for almost 4 years. Now I got it. I am a discerning listener. This soundtrack is not the best quality. Tape hiss is very pronounced. You can tell it's taken directly from a cassette recording. I have other digital recordings of this music. They are miles ahead of this cd. Soundtrack is on the Rhino label. What? Rhino is not known for high fidelity. So it is very deceiving for one to buy a cd thinking it's John Williams conducting on a new recording in 1998 or whenever. It's the actual 1978 recording. Now let me unleash my rage. This thing sounds as if it's recorded with a single microphone in a bathroom, at a truck stop. Yes the music is phenomenal. My favorite track is #2 Krypton. I was hoping to discover some new hidden melodies that I've never heard in previous recording (original 1978). Nope. This IS the 1978 recording. So I will be getting the Debney recording just so I can hear what I'm missing. Love the music. Just can't hear it. ALL OF IT! But cool booklet. I can't listen to a booklet. But I got it. Whoopee.

AWESOME! John Williams shows again why he's the master of movie scores.......2006-08-31

After over a year of trying to find a seller of this fine soundtrack, I finally found it! It is high time that the full score was released on CD.
The original soundtrack release from 1978, while still an excellent collection, was sadly lacking in several of the best cues from the film. Most important of these was Track 12 (Disc 1) in which the helicopter crashes on the Daily Planet's roof and dangles precariously above the street. Williams builds on it, introducing Superman's theme into it as Clark Kent runs across the street, then rips open his shirt to reveal the 'S' - the symbol of the House of El - then enters the revolving door & exits as Superman. At the end of this is one of my favorite cues; the Superman theme is played as the Man of Steel appears above Metropolis, flying over the city on the hunt for criminals. 'Crime of the Century' (Track 6, Disc 2) was one of my favorite cues; this one portrayed the missile convoy as it made its way along the freeway, where Luthor staged the accident to get his cronies close enough to sabotage the missiles. There are too many new tracks to list here that should have been included the first time around, just a lack of space precluded this from happening.

Is John Williams Superman???.......2006-08-20

After listening to the CD, John Williams must be Superman. By far, the greatest movie score ever written.

Excellent!.......2006-08-10

Other than the over kill of "Can you read my mind", an excellent collection.

Hector, about the liner notes..........2006-07-14

I have the previous edition, and the notes that came with it were nestled next to the CD in a thick booklet (with a cover of Reeve in front of an American flag) that was large enough for the slipcase cover, but too big to fit into the CD case front. Otherwise, the one-sheet cover that came with your soundtrack is identical to the slipcase version.

Average customer rating:

Where Do I Begin?

I Don't Remember Ever Growing Up
Andy Williams
Manufacturer: Demon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Queen

ASIN: B000QGE7TI
Release Date: 2007-06-25

Tracks:

Lady in Red
Desperado
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
Have I Told You Lately
She's the One
I Don't Remember Ever Growing Up
I Don't Want to Talk About It
I'll Never Break Your Heart
Shadow of Your Smile - Chris Botti, , Andy Williams
Just to See Her
One Sweet Day
Every Breath You Take
Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman

Album Description

2007 album from the crooner who has continued to tour and record since he released his first record five decades ago. 13 new recordings including 'The Shadow Of Your Smile' (with Chris Botti), 'Desperado', 'She's The One', 'One Sweet Day' and many more. DMG.

Album Details

2006 Release from the Last of the Great Crooners from the 1960's. Even at 80, He is Still Strong as Ever and Time Has Only Enhanced his Very Special Way of Delivering a Song. This Album was Self-produced and features a Version of "The Shadow of Your Smile" featuring Chris Botti!

Customer Reviews:

Where Do I Begin?.......2007-07-15

This is his first CD of newly recorded music (I believe) since 1991's "Nashville", although he did "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" with Denise Van Outen in 2002. The rhythm musicians include Leland Sklar, John Robinson (from Rufus!), Tim May and the CD was engineered by the legendary Bruce Botnick (the Doors, Love, etc.)! This is also the first time Andy produced an entire album! It was recorded at the legendary Capitol Records Studios, the 40 piece orchestra was recorded in Slovakia(!) and his vocals recorded at his theatre in Branson, Missouri. The background vocals were arranged by brother, Dick Williams.
The primary arranger is the magical, most wonderful Artie Butler (who arranged most of Andy's "Love Story" album in 1971) and in the liner notes Andy states that he first called Mr. Butler, "...you go to the best." Nick Hazard arranged "The Shadow of Your Smile" (the lone remake) and 3 songs were arranged by British arranger Ken Thorne.

Now for the song selections: Karl Wallinger (World Party!), for the Robbie Williams (no relation) hit, "She's the One", 2 songs both recorded by Rod Stewart: Van Morrison's "Have I told You Lately" and Danny Whitten's "I Don't Want To Talk About It", the Eagles' "Desperado", Mariah Carey's(!) "One Sweet Day", the Police "Every Breath You Take", the aforementioned "The Shadow of Your Smile" with Chris Botti, Neil Sedaka's "Breaking Up is Hard to Do", Chris De Burgh's "Lady in Red", Bryan Adams' "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman" (from the 1995 film "Don Juan DeMarco"(with mariachi horns, no less), the lone original written by Artie Butler, the title song, the beautiful "I Don't Ever Remember Growing Up", Smokey Robinson's "Just to See Her" and The Backstreet Boys'(!) "I'll Never Break Your Heart". Well, not since 1973's "Solitare" with producer Richard Perry has Andy Williams done SUCH a contemporary album. He states in the liner notes that "I picked 13 of my favorites and set out to make a new record." His voice is different, it doesn't seem to have the "huskiness" and the high notes are a little harder to reach but just for the mere fact that this is his first CD of newly recorded material is just cause to celebrate, not to mention that he collaborated with the best arranger in town, Artie Butler. If you are a fan, this is an essential CD to add to your collection. I wonder how it will sell?

Average customer rating:

What can I say?
Felt Like Puppy Love
The Best Album I've Ever Heard
A precious and wonderful album!
Mahalo, Keali`i!

Ke'Alaokamaile
Keali'i Reichel
Manufacturer: Punahele Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Maui
In Dis Life
Alone in IZ World
Facing Future
E Ala E

ASIN: B00007138U
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Tracks:

Ka Mo'oku'auhau O Kamaile Puhi Kane
He Lei No Kamaile (Chant)
Ka Nohona Pili Kai
Fields Of gold
Pupu A'o 'Ewa
Mele 'Ohana
For The First Time
Na 'Ono O Ka 'Aina
E Pili Mai
Kaiona
Lahainaluna
You Were There
Lei Hana I Ka Makani Ualau'awa
Ka Nohona Pili Kai (Re-Mix)
Goodbye My Friend

Amazon.com

Whether it's ukulele music, the island exotica of Martin Denny, the lounge crooning of Don Ho, or the slack key acoustic guitar tradition, many styles of music have emerged from the jeweled necklace in the Pacific known as Hawaii. Over the course of five albums, popular singer Keali'i Reichel (pronounced kay-ah-LEE-ee rye-SHELL) touches on both commercial adult contemporary songcraft and traditional ukulele and hula dance accompaniment--he was a noted hula dance instructor and cultural historian before becoming a professional musician. The Grammy-nominated Ke' Alaokamaile is the singer's tribute to his family, singing about his ancestors and his own life so far. While there a gloss on many of these contemporary songs (even when sung Hawaiian) that no doubt gives them a broad pop appeal--Reichel also does a sentimental but somewhat empty version of Sting's "Fields Of Gold"--the traditional songs are strong enough to prove Reichel's versatility. Purists will likely have problems with some of Ke'alaokamaile, but Reichel's legions of fans will swallow it whole. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

What can I say?.......2005-08-30

Everyone else who reviewed this album has basically said it all. I have all five of Keali'i's CD's and can hardly wait for a sixth to come. You don't have to know the Hawaiian language to enjoy his music; even I only know a few phrases. His voice is beautiful and very soothing, especially if you're stressed, unhappy, or you can't get to sleep. My two favorite songs on this CD are "Ka Nohona Pili Kai" and "Mele 'Ohana," which is sung in both Hawaiian and English. I also love his rendition of Sting's "Fields of Gold." Keali'i is a great chanter as well. This is shown in "He Lei No Kamaile" and "Lei Hana I Ka Makani Ualau Awa." A recommended CD for all!

Felt Like Puppy Love.......2005-05-04

I'm so sorry to say but I really did NOT like this CD. The tunes were pretty similar and felt like puppy love songs. There were very few of the Hawaiian style songs that I like and look forward to from Keali'i Reichel but not enough to make me like the whole CD. I am donating mine to the library...

The Best Album I've Ever Heard.......2005-04-15

I own and enjoy all of Keali`i Reichel's albums but Ke`alaokamaile is the best. Everything about it is wonderful; from the booklet that comes with it to the final song. I always enjoy his chants and this CD has two excelent ones. My favorite song on this album is "Ka Nohana Pili Kai". All his songs are simply beautiful.

My family and I plan to fly from Arkansas to attend his September 11, 2005 concert at the Hollywood Bowl. I would only do that for an exceptional artist. I'm looking forward to his next album. This one will be hard to top.

A precious and wonderful album!.......2004-06-17

Mahalo e Keali`i for sharing your aloha with us. This album is a wonderful tribute to his tutu, and his family, as well as everyone's family. The music is pure, in true Keali`i fashion that his fans love. I had tears in my eyes the first time I listened to "Ka Nohona Pili Kai". The entire album is filled with great music, in English and Hawaiian.

Mahalo, Keali`i!.......2004-06-04

Wow. Another fine album from this fine artist. His voice caresses the Hawaiian language, already one of the most beautiful languages on earth. His Hawaiian sounds like the Hawaiian that the kupuna speak. Combine that with the masterful poetry of the amazing Puakea Nogelmeier, and you've got music that is timeless. Whenever I listen to Keali`i singing, it makes me soooo homesick for Hawai`i. If that weren't enough, Keali`i is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet -- and so is Puakea. They both still live in Hawai`i and they don't have the big head because they are famous. Buy this album, buy all of his albums. You won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Acappella Platinum

Manufacturer: Word Incorporated
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000CAGW9Q
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Average customer rating:

Growing Up
Get Ready To Shabach The Lord!!!
Children love to praise the Lord
Marvelous!
These children are instruments of praise! They are blessed.

Growing Up
Walt Whitman and the Soul Children Of Chicago
Manufacturer: Platinum Ent.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Generation X Celebration
Promise
The Nu Nation Project

ASIN: B00000482Q
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Instrument Of Praise
Growing Up
Shabach
He's God
Allelujah, Praise Jehova
I Love You
Whatever You Need
Give It To God
How Excellent
Shabach (Instrumental Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

Growing Up.......2006-10-08

This is one of the most extradinary CD's on the market and have been for many years. This Cd is anointed and blessed beyond measure. This Cd covers a variety of songs that covers our daily lives and shows the "Power of God" moving in each song. The words are powerful and will not only touch your mind but will also touch your "Spirit" in more then one way. These kids sang each song with love and power. WOW!!!

Blessings and thanks to the Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago for such a wonderful CD that stands out among the rest!!!

Audrey

Get Ready To Shabach The Lord!!!.......2002-05-10

First off, the correct track titles are as followed:

1. Instrument of Praise
2. Growing Up
3. Shabach
4. He's God
5. Allelujah, Praise Jehovah
6. I Love You
7. Whatever You Need
8. Give It To God
9. How Excellent
10. Shabach (Instrumental)

This album is one Walt Whitman and The Soul Children's best efforts ever. The album opens up with "Instrument Of Praise", in which the choir tells the Lord to make them an instrument of praise to serve Him even more. "Shabach" means to shout, to address in a loud tone, to command, to triumph. That's exactly what the choir does in the song. You'll not only want to Shabach the Lord, but dance all night long. Walt Whitman does his own renditions of some gospel oldies, Walter Hawkins' "He's God", "I Love You", and Calvin B. Rhone's "Allejuah Praise Jehovah". The song that will really minister to you is "Give It To God". The song says if you have a problem and you're looking for an answer, give it to God because He's the one that can solve it. If you haven't heard of Walt Whitman and The Soul Children Of Chicago, or if you're a fan, get "Growing Up", you won't be disappointed, but deeply annointed.

If you like this artist, you should check out: GMWA Youth Mass Choir, TM (Truth Ministry) Mass Youth Choir, Mississippi Children's Choir, Youth For Christ, Tyscot Gospel Kids, Shout Praises! Kids Gospel, and Canton Gospel Soul Children.

Children love to praise the Lord.......2000-09-19

I began assisting with my church's children's choir one month ago and the children love singing the songs from this album.

They practice often and when asked to sing any of these songs they sing to the honor and glory of God. I like the songs myself. They are a great inspiration.

Marvelous!.......2000-07-29

I use this CD for the children's choir that I direct at my church. The songs are a big hit with the children and the membership as well. If you love to hear children sing glory to God (or if you just love good music), get this CD!

These children are instruments of praise! They are blessed........1999-08-25

This album is very inspirational. These young children are doing the Lord's work. If you like praising the Lord, you'll like this CD. It's a must have.

Average customer rating:

More Classic Acappella Music

Growing Up in the Lord
Acappella
Manufacturer: Word -- Word --
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000312S
Release Date: 1994-01-21

Customer Reviews:

More Classic Acappella Music.......2004-03-14

Acappella burst on the mainstream Christian music scene with three releases in 1990. Of those three, this is the weakest.

The problem with this disc comes exactly in the middle. "LaSong" is a poor track with only two real lines in the song, the rest being "La's." "Piper Song," while for a good cause, is probably the weakest song I've heard about a sick kid. Especially since they really repeat the same verse twice.

Have said that, I love the rest of the tracks. The CD opens with the fun "Livin' Inside," which is about the spirit of God living in us.

"He Leadeth Me" actually really made me listen to the words to this great hymn for the first time. As a result, I've really come to love it.

"Growin' Up in the Lord" deals with the joys and struggles of growing as a Christian.

"Do You Love the Lord?" is a convicting song that relates our actions as a Christian to how much we really love the Lord. This song also introduces a kids chorus that comes back for "Water from the Well," a song inspired by Jesus' quote in John 4 about being living water.

"I Can Walk" also takes its cure from Jesus' earthly ministry. This song talks about his miracles.

"Don't be Talkin' 'Bout Friends" is a rather harsh critic on gossip. More people should really listen to it and heed it's warnings.

The CD closes with "Now to Him." This wonderful benediction from Ephesians 3 always runs through my head whenever I read that passage.

Choosing to style their music with background vocals and not a barbershop four part harmony, Acappella had a sound all their own. While I criticized two of the songs, I just love the rest of the CD. It's worth tracking down for the encouraging and challenging lyrics on the rest of the tracks.

Merrily We Roll Along (1993 Leicester Cast)
Average customer rating:

How does the revised MERRILY compare with the original?

The most comprehensive recording

This is the recording of MERRILY to purchase!

The Definitive "Merrily"

Best interpretation of the show and score

Merrily We Roll Along (1993 Leicester Cast)

Manufacturer: Jay Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Sondheim, Stephen | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Merrily We Roll Along (1981 Original Broadway Cast)

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Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000005BGV
Release Date: 1997-03-11

Tracks:

Overture
The Hills of Tomorrow Merrily
Merrily (1979-75) Old Friends Like It Was
Merrily (1974-73) Franklin Shepard, Inc.
Old Friends
Not A Day Goes By
Now You Know
It's A Hit!
Merrily (1964-62) Good Thing Going
Merrily (1961-60); Bobby and Jackie and Jack
Not A Day Goes By
Opening Doors
Our Time
The Hills

Customer Reviews:

How does the revised MERRILY compare with the original?.......2005-04-10

The original 1981 production played 6 weeks of previews before opening to crushingly bad reviews. Two weeks later it closed. The day after the final performance the cast assembled at RCA's New York studios to record the cast album. In 1985 a revised production directed by James Lapine opened at the LaJolla playhouse and received encouraging reviews. More revisions lead to other productions and 1992 it was given a production at the Haymarket Theatre in Leicester and that production was given a lavish 2 CD recording by John Yap and issued on TER in England and later on JAY in the U.S. This was followed in May 1994 -just a few weeks after PASSION opened on Broadway - by an off-off-Broadway York Theatre Company revival that received generally better reviews than the original received. It was recorded by Varese-Sarabande. Both the Leicester cast and York casts use the revised version with an altered tune stack.

1. OVERTURE - In 1981 the Overture was a complete piece. In the revised version it cuts off midpoint and segues into the title song.

2. MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG - The original production began with Frank coming back to his former high school to mark 25 years since his graduation. His speech - a caution to the students to be prepared for compromise and frustration was challenged by the students who launched into the title song. As noted above, the revised version begins with the cast singing the song but without any context.

3. THAT FRANK/RICH AND HAPPY - The party scene. In the original Frank's new movie was terrible though none of the guests would tell him to his face. In the revised version the movie is a success. In THAT FRANK the party guests, Mary excepted, sing of Frank's seemingly endless talents. RICH AND HAPPY drew the conclusion that since Frank was rich and successful he must therefore be happy as well. Both songs use the same accompaniment.

4. OLD FRIENDS/LIKE IT WAS - originally in a separate scene in 1975 at a restaurant where Mary hopes to encourage reconciliation between Charley and Frank. In the revised version this number was placed as a lead in to the 3rd scene, tightening the narrative.

5. FRANKLIN SHEPARD, INC. - this song remains virtually unchanged. In the original Frank walked off the stage of the TV talk show at the end of the song ending his and Charley's partnership. In the revised version, borrowing some dialogue from the deleted restaurant scene, Frank makes it very clear that he is furious with Charley and that their friendship is finished.

6. OLD FRIENDS - though the dialogue scene leading into this song was changed for the revised version, the song remains the same.

7. GROWING UP - added to the revised version. The OLD FRIENDS scene continues after everyone leaves Frank alone in his new apartment and he muses on his friendship with Mary and Charley. Later Gussie arrives having left her husband - Frank and Charley's producer - and intent on moving in with Frank.

8. NOT A DAY GOES BY - this song changed hands a lot. Originally - in previews - Frank's soon-to-be ex-wife Beth sang it on the steps outside the courthouse. The actress playing Beth could not sing it so they re-assigned the song to Frank with a modified lyric. In the revised version it was restored to Beth and the original lyric is used.

9. NOW YOU KNOW - some lyric changes but essentially the same song. The original Broadway production incorporated a dance section that recapped the first act score (in forward sequence) using NOW YOU KNOW, OLD FRIENDS, FRANKLIN SHEPARD INC and RICH AND HAPPY. The dance segment was not recorded and was dropped from the revised version.

10. ENTR'ACTE/ACT TWO OPENING - in the revised version Act Two opens with Gussie onstage performing GOOD THING GOING. The original began Act Two with the scene outside the theatre as the friends listened to the audience reaction.

11. IT'S A HIT! - Essentially the same but loses a clever short section about selling out (Charley: Even if (the show) is a smash, doesn't that mean we sell out? Producer: Well, I hope we sell out! Charley: What I mean is sell out. Well you know...")

12. THE BLOB/GOOD THING GOING - THE BLOB was cut in previews and not included on the OCR. It was restored for the revised version. Note the main melody is the same tune used for GROWING UP. GOOD THING GOING is essentially the same.

13. BOBBY AND JACKIE AND JACK - the revised version slightly trims the number.

14. NOT A DAY GOES BY - Originally a trio for Mary, Frank and Beth at the wedding of the latter two. When Beth lost the song in Act One she was cut out of the Act Two version as well. Frank sang it to Beth as his wedding vow while Mary quietly, sadly duetted from the sidelines. The trio version is restored to the revised version.

15. OPENING DOORS

16. OUR TIME

These two remain essentially the same.

17. THE HILLS OF TOMORROW - The revised version ends with OUR TIME. The original version had a short final scene in 1955 as Frank finishes his valedictory speech to the class. They then sing a song he and his friend Charley have written. The classmates smile, there is a flash as their class picture is taken and the curtain slowly falls on these smiling faces. It was a fine ending to the show and I wish this (and the opening graduation scene) would be restored. Otherwise the revised script is in every way superior.

Sound-wise the newer recordings have a crisp, clean sound though the orchestra is roughly half the size of the original. The first cast is pretty hard to beat. If you are doing the show only the revised script is available, so you will want one of the new recordings. Jay's 2 CD set is most complete and includes some of the dialogue. V/S has the wonderful Malcolm Gets as Franklin.

The most comprehensive recording.......2002-09-19

I've never seen the show, which has had a mixed history (initially a flop, recently much more successful), so I can only rate the music, which is just fabulous. The score features everything from sophiticated ballads -- Not A Day Goes By -- to lovely pop tunes such as Our Time. Sondheim's trademark lyrical cleverness is ever present. At one point he has the characters perform a political comedy song in 1960, so Sondheim had to write a piece using sophisticated 1960 political humor. I doubt anyone at the time did it half as well.

Note that this is a double CD, and I think it is the only one available. In many cases this means that the recording has two versions of certain songs if they are sung twice in the show. I thought this a big plus because the songs are sung at different times in the show and given different interpretations. Indeed, because the show it told chronologically backwards, you see how Sondheim gives you what is really a reprise before the song is initially sung. On the other recordings of this show they have only one version and you miss this whole layer of Sondheim.

The cast is great. The orchestra is great. All in all, just great Sondheim.

This is the recording of MERRILY to purchase!.......2002-06-08

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG was one of Sondheim's biggest flops when it first opened on Broadway in 1981. It suffered from a variety of problems, probably the biggest being that the fascinating concept of the show - relating a story in reverse chronological order - led to a host of difficulties that required more time to solve than the tryout period allowed. Over the next dozen years, Sondheim and book-writer George Furth (along with assistance from a new director, James Lapine), modified the show. The show is drastically improved by the revisions.

While Sondheim and Furth have made a few minor revisions since the Leicester Haymarket production (mostly in shortening a few rhythms in the transitions, changing some introductory dialogue, and axing some dialogue in "It's a Hit!"), the Leicester recording is far superior to the recording of the final version of the show produced by Varese Sarabande.

CHANGES FROM THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY PRODUCTION:
Some neat concepts from the original production have been left by the wayside to improve the overall structure. Gone is the opening scene at the 1980 Lake Forest Academy graduation ceremony and the accompanying "The Hills of Tomorrow." The title song is now presented as a prologue so that the audience can concentrate on the lyrics' message. The music of the 1979 (now 1976) scene has been heavily revised (including a new melody called "That Frank") to integrate more plot into the lyrics. The 1975 scene has been eliminated, although Mary's music survives intact as the first part of an expanded 1973 scene. A great new song, "Growing Up," Frank's rationalizations for changing his goals and values, has been added to the 1968 scene. Beth now sings "Not a Day Goes By" in the 1966 (now 1967) scene instead of Frank. Lyrics have been revised in "Now You Know" to be about encouraging Frank to take a vacation, not to go back to work.

Act II has required less modifications. Gussie opens the act by singing a brassy rendition of the beginning of "Good Thing Going" as her eleven-o'clock number in Frank and Charley's 1964 show. "It's a Hit!" has been shortened a bit, but Beth is now included in the backstage celebration. The 1962 scene includes a song about the New York elite, "The Blob," which had been cut from the original production, plus a reprise of "Growing Up." The scenes from 1960-1957 remain relatively unchanged, although Beth sings lead in the reprise of "Not a Day Goes By." The show now ends with "Our Time," since the 1955 graduation scene has been eliminated.

THE RECORDING:
Of the three recordings I know of this show, this is by far the best. Michael Cantwell (who I truly thought I would hate after hearing him in STARTING HERE, STARTING NOW) is a great Frank, both as a successful Hollywood executive and as an idealistic music student. Maria Friedman is almost perfect as Mary, with gravelly singing as an alcoholic in Act I and a youthful exuberance in the "Our Time" dialogue. Evan Pappas has the dramatic range to play Charley, and his enunciation in the difficult "Franklin Shepard, Inc." is admirable. Louise Gold brings the proper degrees of brassiness and insincerity to Gussie, one of musical theater's greatest "dragon lady" roles. (Jason Alexander in the original 1981 cast recording is the best Joe, and Anne Bobby in the 1994 Varese Sarabande recording is the best Beth.) The actors are young enough to convey the youthful ideals of the second act (and hit the high notes) but old enough to convincingly portray 30- and 40-somethings in the first act. The inclusion of key dialogue helps the listener put the songs into their proper context.

The Definitive "Merrily".......2001-11-20

Having listened extensively to all recordings of "Merrily We Roll Along," I say with confidence that this is by far the best, most complete recording.

The performances are all wonderful. I enjoy Maria Friedman's work on here most of all. I can clearly hear her transformation from a depressed drunkard back to a hopeful youth through the recording. Her expressive voice and striking acting choices always make her a joy to even listen to.

This CD has the best orchestrations I have heard. The underscore to "Franklin Shepherd Inc" has finally been cleaned up to the point where it sounds like an actual song, and the overall feel of the show has a real edge.

The tempos are up and the performers sound like they don't have guns being held to their heads in the recording studio. The performances a lucid and dynamic. The overall feel of the show, for the first time, has a smooth and consistent feel just from listening to the recording.

This may not be my favorite piece of Sondheim, but it is his brassiest score. This quality, lost in the off-broadway recording, is really restored here.

This CD is personal treasure and a must for Sondheim fanatics. However, this recording is by far the most accesible recording of this most difficult show.

Best interpretation of the show and score.......2000-07-21

This recording only helps to prove that Maria Friedman is the no. 1 British interpreter (if not the no. 1 international interpreter of all-time) of the music of Stephen Sondheim. Her comic timing is immpeccible, and she is larger than life in her singing (especially in "Now You Know"). Louise Gold has an Ethel Merman-y quality to her voice, and this is a great new reading of the character of Guessie (she is, after all, a Broadway head-liner), as opposed to the purring sex-kitten of all of the other Guessies out there. And her rage in the dialgoue excerpt on the first disc is clear. This woman is one heavy-duty actress. We see that Guessie isn't really the only one out of the main characters to become bitter and disilliusioned, as many people make the mistake of believing. Jacqueline Dankworth does not just sing the heart-wrenching "Not a Day Goes By," she acts it. And she acts and sings the hell out of it. She has definately inherited her mother's talent (but is decidedly different in her performance style). As you can see, all of the women on this recording are effervescent, and the men rise up to the challenge (particularly the Joe Josephson of Gareth Snook and the Charlie of Evan Pappas). And there is Frank, menacing as always. This CD is the best out there, with a large amount of dialogue, and all of the score. Here is the definitive, no-questions-asked, no-holds-barred version of MERILLY WE ROLL ALONG on CD. Buy it today!

Average customer rating:

Growing up in Hollywood Town
Amanda McBroom , and Lincoln Mayorga
Manufacturer: Lim
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B00011D15E
Release Date: 2004-01-20

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Straight & to the point

The Phoenix
William Ash
Manufacturer: Smalls Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Customer Reviews:

Straight & to the point.......2005-01-24

Nothing fancy about this album: Ash is a guitarist who's upfront about his dedication to the Wes Montgomery sound, & it's front & centre in this stripped-down guitar/bass/drums trio disc (with bassist Dwayne Burno & drummer Mark Taylor). Ash writes good, unfussy tunes, usually just a riff over straight-arrow chord changes; he has a veiled, unsentimental guitar sound; & though he's got plenty of chops (just listen to the uncompromisingly fast reading of the Charlie Parker tune "Constellation") he doesn't usually blitz the listener, just winds round the chords like ivy. The dark, moody, live-in-the-studio sound is old-fashioned--producer Luke Kaven says he wanted something that sounded like "the warm sound of a Rock-Old jukebox playing your favorite 45s". Without the artificial separation there's occasionally a slight buzz on the drums picked up from the guitar, but it's never displeasing. If you're a big fan of Wes or Grant Green or other less-is-more jazz guitarists, then give this one a try: it's a small album, but built to last.

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1. Instrument of Praise
2. Growing Up
3. Shabach
4. He's God
5. Allelujah, Praise Jehovah
6. I Love You
7. Whatever You Need
8. Give It to God
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10. Shabach [Instrumental Reprise]