On the Beach [Enhanced] [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Sparse, underproduced, and at times downright dour, On the Beach was Neil Young's first studio album after Harvest had transformed him into a mainstream superstar two years before. It was a career move akin to "pissin' in the wind," as the artist himself describes life on one of the album's most famous lines. Young had already recorded the harrowing Tonight's the Night, his indictment of '60s drug culture and the damage done, but his label rejected it as too abrasive. So the artist gave them this instead. Less mournful but still haunting, the album is basically Young's rejection of rock stardom and what had become of the counterculture, covering a range of subjects, including Richard Nixon and Patty Hearst (the epic "Ambulance Blues"), his affair with actress Carrie Snodgrass ("Motion Pictures"), and, most famously, years before it became "chic" to do so, Charles Manson (the rocking "Revolution Blues"). "Vampire Blues," meanwhile, seemed to be about all those topics, as well as Young himself. Full of despair and little hope, On the Beach would nevertheless eventually come to be reappraised as a rock culture masterpiece. --Bill Holdship

Album Description
2003 remastered reissue of 1974 album. This dark yet triumphant album, with guests Graham Nash, David Crosby & The Band's Rick Danko & Levon Helm, initially peaked at #16 & achieved gold status. Eight tracks. Reprise.

Tracks:

Ladies In Lavender
Olga
Teaching Andrea
Fantasy For Violin And Orchestra
Meditation From Thais
Our Secret
On The Beach
Introduction And Tarantella Op. 43
The Letter
Zabawa Weselna (Polish Dance)
Stirrings
Potatoes
The Girl With The Flaxen Hair
A Broken Heart
Two Sisters
The Carnival Of Venice

Amazon.com

The screenwriting/directing debut of veteran British stage and screen actor Charles Dance tells of a pair of Cornish spinsters (Judi Dench and Maggie Smith) who discover a charismatic young Polish violin virtuoso castaway (Daniel Bruhl) on the beach below their home. The tale leads inexorably to tender romantic conflicts and a warm concert house finale. Composer Nigel Hess masterfully utilizes his background as Music Director and House Composer for the Royal Shakespeare Company to conjure a score that evokes its quiet, emotional dignity via neo-classical orchestral arrangements that feature real life young virtuoso Joshua Bell on solo violin. Hess' intimate original compositions form a virtually seamless tapestry with the story's requisite classical repertory choices, which range from Massenet and Debussy to Bell's delightful variations on Paganini's "The Carnival of Venice." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Ladies in Lavender Soundtrack.......2007-05-13

I love this CD. The music carries you away and it is wonderful to go to sleep by. It was such a great movie and the music is delicious.

Ladies in Lavendar - Movie Soundtrack.......2007-03-29

The violin music is wonderful! I knew I wanted a copy of this soundrack when I saw the movie on DVD. Joshua Bell in a wonderful artist.

Ladies In Lavender CD.......2007-03-19

The film "Ladies In Lavender" is touching and a tear jerker, but, so well done. Having the film on DVD was not enough, I needed to have the CD to play when I am driving. The violin virtuosity of Joshua Bell is magnificient and so pleasing to hear when relaxation is desired.

LADIES in LAVENDER.......2007-02-19

This is the most amazing and beautiful CD I've heard in a long time. Joshua Bell excells on his violin with this touching and haunting music. I listen to it often.
Sarah

Loved the Movie and Love the Soundtrack.......2007-02-16

Saw the movie recently and loved it. Loved the music even more. That's why I bought the CD and am just thrilled with it.

Average customer rating:

One of Neil's Best Works...
Never Looses its Unique and Darkly Profound Feel
Here's everything you need to know about Neil Young...
Neil Young's Finest Accomplishment
Beyond Great

On the Beach
Neil Young
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00009P1O0
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Tracks:

Walk On
See The Sky About To Rain
Revolution Blues
For The Turnstiles
Vampire Blues
On The Beach
Motion Pictures
Ambulance Blues

Amazon.com

Sparse, underproduced, and at times downright dour, On the Beach was Neil Young's first studio album after Harvest had transformed him into a mainstream superstar two years before. It was a career move akin to "pissin' in the wind," as the artist himself describes life on one of the album's most famous lines. Young had already recorded the harrowing Tonight's the Night, his indictment of '60s drug culture and the damage done, but his label rejected it as too abrasive. So the artist gave them this instead. Less mournful but still haunting, the album is basically Young's rejection of rock stardom and what had become of the counterculture, covering a range of subjects, including Richard Nixon and Patty Hearst (the epic "Ambulance Blues"), his affair with actress Carrie Snodgrass ("Motion Pictures"), and, most famously, years before it became "chic" to do so, Charles Manson (the rocking "Revolution Blues"). "Vampire Blues," meanwhile, seemed to be about all those topics, as well as Young himself. Full of despair and little hope, On the Beach would nevertheless eventually come to be reappraised as a rock culture masterpiece. --Bill Holdship

Album Description

2003 remastered reissue of 1974 album. This dark yet triumphant album, with guests Graham Nash, David Crosby & The Band's Rick Danko & Levon Helm, initially peaked at #16 & achieved gold status. Eight tracks. Reprise.

Customer Reviews:

One of Neil's Best Works..........2007-03-20

I have always thought that this was one of his strongest albums. The songwriting is thoughtful, interesting, and clever. The music is equally solid. Even his take on familiar genres--blues, ballads--are fresh and strong. His singing is as good as it ever gets, which may be an acquired taste for some, but he is at his peak here. Along with "After the Gold Rush", "Everybody Knows This is Nowhere", and "Harvest", I think this work completes the Holy Quadrangle of early Neil Young.

Never Looses its Unique and Darkly Profound Feel.......2007-03-05

The last album in Neil's "ditch trilogy" provides a remarkable insight into Neil's music and his personal life and it is one of Neil's best albums.

"Walk On" is that real catchy country/rock pop tune with riffs and hooks, a style Young seldom showcased. "See The Sky About to Rain" had been around for a number of years and is a tender ballad with some nice steel pedal guitar and organ work. "Revolution Blues" is Neil at the top of his game. The banjo comes out on "For the Turnstiles" along with Neil singing in a real high pitched voice, it has a real rough charm to it, as does most of Neil's stuff. "Vampire Blues" is a little bluesy rock number. The title track is a moving and atmospheric delight, close your eyes and immerse yourself for 7 minutes. Some great lines in that song. "Motion Pictures" is a raw acoustic ballad with some nice guitar fills, some honest lyrics and a nice melody. The closing track would be one of his finest compositions, a near 9 minute acoustic narrative song, more organic, earthy and moving than any of Bob Dylan's tunes of similar length.

This album is best listened to at night.

Here's everything you need to know about Neil Young..........2007-02-03

First, while there are Neil Young "fans" who think "Harvest" is his "best" album, they aren't the real fans, and they're not the ones who paid the mortgage on the Redwood City ranch. They're Top 40 people, and "Harvest" was a Top 40 album. On the liner notes to "Decade," Young acknowledged that album as the "middle of the road" and welcomed his return to "the ditch." Second, while it's highly inaccurate to say that Neil "loves" his fans, the truth is that "holds them in contempt" is a better description (read the book "Shakey" for starters, specifically the reminiscences of the "Tonight's The Night" tour. He laughed at the fact that he showed up for these shows drunk and stoned and by doing so ripped off his audience. Whatta guy. Neil cares about Neil...and his family...and anyone else is simply a "consumer). Third, while Neil had a big laugh over his "lost decade" at Geffen and the lawsuit that followed, David Geffen was probably justified in sending a lawsuit his way, because Young ripped off Geffen and everyone who bought a copy of "Kinda Fonda Wanda" (from the album "Neil & The Shocking Pinks.") But the Reprise years...especially this album, an overlooked classic...that's why the faithful hang in there. From the feel-good Charles Manson ditty "Revolution Blues" ("Well I hear that Laurel Canyon is full of famous stars, but I hate them worse than lepers, and I'll kill them in their cars") to concert stand-bys ("See The Sky About To Rain"), this is Weird and Moody Neil at 11 on a 10 scale...in short, pure freakin' art without a single nod toward "commercialism." Any Neil Young album is a roll of the dice, but this one comes up a winner on all counts.

Neil Young's Finest Accomplishment.......2007-01-30

I would give this album 6 stars. Harvest is great, yes. After the Gold Rush, Tonights the Night, the list of epic Neil Young albums could go on for days, but nothing is as complete as On the Beach. I can't say enough about this album. If I ever have children, this will be the first thing they hear. And maybe the only thing. There is no better album. If you fancy yourself a Neil Young fan, you don't need to think twice about purchasing this album. It will make your day again and again.

Beyond Great.......2006-12-27

I never even knew 'On The Beach' existed until I saw the re-issued cd on the shelves about a year ago. What a surprise. This is Neil at his best. He hits on some of his greatest lyrics and music over the course of this album.

Other reviews have done a great song by song run down so there's no reason for me to take up your time covering the same ground.

If you like Neil at all then this should be in your collection. I'd even recommend this one to a non-Neil fan!

Average customer rating:

It's great!
Honestly, this CD sucks
What an awesome CD!!!
rocket ship beach review
we all love it

Rocket Ship Beach
Dan Zanes + Friends
Manufacturer: Festival Five Rec.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dan Zanes & Friends - All Around the Kitchen! Crazy Videos & Concert Songs!

ASIN: B000051ZNR
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Tracks:

Polly Wolly Doodle (with Sheryl Crow)
King Kong Kitchie (with the Wonderland String Band)
Bushel and a Peck (with Donald Saaf and the Rocket Ship Singers)
Go Down Emmanuel Road (with the Sandy Girls)
Goodbye Old Paint
Father Goose (with Rankin' Don and the Rocket Ship
Keep on the Sunny Side (with the Wonderland String Band)
Erie Canal (with Suzanne Vega)
Buckeye Jim
Brown Girl in the Ring (with the Wonderland String Band and G.E. Smith)
Hello (with Barbara Brousal)
All My Friends Live in the Woods (with Simon Kirke)
Weather Report (Sophie and Emma)
Mole in the Ground
On the Sunny Side of the Street (with Rankin' Don and Donald Saaf)
Sidewalks of New York (with a cast of thousands)
Over the Rainbow (with Donald Saaf)

Amazon.com

Dan Zanes, lead singer of the 1980s roots-rock band the Del Fuegos, didn't need to enlist the high-profile help of pals Sheryl Crow and Suzanne Vega to produce a crowd-pleasing kids' record, but he got it anyway. On Rocket Ship Beach, where traditional tunes such as "Polly Wolly Doodle" (with Crow) and "Erie Canal" (with Vega) mingle in loosey-goosey, just-for-the-fun-of-it fashion with originals such as the plucky "All My Friends Live in the Woods" (written by Bad Company buddy Simon Kirke), Zanes exhibits the same plugged-in exuberance that gave his former band its unpredictable zing. Besides the no-amateurs instrumentation, which includes Zanes on guitar, lap steel, banjo-mandolin, and studiophone, and G.E. Smith on banjo-mandolin and guitar as part of a kickin' string band that performs the classic "King Kong Kitchie," plus a cluster of others, what stands out most about this 17-track funfest is its draw-you-in friendliness. Pitching in with the pros (who also include dancehall rapper Rankin' Don--he delivers the gruff stuff on "Father Goose" and "Sunny Side of the Street") are family friends such as the gang of West Indian babysitters turned vocal group the Sandy Girls, who give it up to impressive, get-you-boogying effect on "Emmanuel Road," and a kindergarten class that contributes, adorably, to "Sidewalks of New York." All told, this is way hipper than most kids' records and it also razzle-dazzles with its packaging--Rocket Ship Beach arrives in a chunky, colorful board-book illustrated with sweet, fantasy-fueled beachside scenes by banjo player and Zanes's brother-in-law, Donald Saaf. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

music is in the air. it's alive and it's here for everyone. if you can play an old song, you can write a new song. make it a family parade, all around the kitchen cock-a-doodle-doodle-doo. or how about a family band? on the front steps, in the back yard, in the park, on the sidewalk, in the basement. if you can brush your teeth, you can play tamborine. if you can tell a joke, you can sing.

festival five records is the sound of a neighborhood band on the front stoop playing tunes after dinner for a family dance. festival five records is the sound of a group of 9 and 10 year olds singing a sixty year old broadway song in the basement of a 150 year old row house. it's the sound of a 40-year-old dad on a blue porch singing a 400 year old story song about a frog that marries a mouse. when you feel that music in the air, try to catch as much as possible.

Customer Reviews:

It's great!.......2007-01-27

I'm a first-time Mom who was looking for a CD both my daughter and I could enjoy. We rec'd this CD at Christmas along with "Buzz Buzz" by Laurie Berkner. This one is my personal favorite. I think I enjoy it as much, if not more than my daughter (who is 1). The songs are addicting and I, like a previous reviewer, find myself singing/humming them even when my daughter is not around. Polly Wolly Doodle and King Kong Kitchie are fabulous! I highly recommend giving this CD a spin. I'm sure my daughter will love it even more when she gets a little older.

Honestly, this CD sucks.......2007-01-18

I was excited to receive this CD because of its great reviews. Once I received it however, I found it barely listenable. My toddler daughter looked and me and said "Off!Off!" and we took it off the CD player after only 10 minutes.

People can make of Raffi all they want, but at least his music is tolerable!

Don't waste your money on this lemon of a CD.

What an awesome CD!!!.......2006-12-20

My 2 year old and 1 year old think this CD ROCKS! My son will point to the CD player and cry and whine until I turn it on. From song one they both wiggle, giggle and dance all over. The songs are very folksy, upbeat, and easy to groove too. Get this CD and watch your kids get jiggy wit' it!

rocket ship beach review.......2006-11-10

Rocket Ship Beach was my introduction to Dan Zanes. I have a new son and I was searching for some music we could both enjoy. I found this and thought I would give it a shot. The cd is wonderful. The music is addicting and I find myself driving down the road singing to myself....without my son in the car! Polly Wolly Doodle, the first track, is one of my favorites (and not because I am a Sheryl Crow fan). Another beautiful song is "Hello". This cd is upbeat, fun and yet different from some more typical childrens music. My son really enjoys the different sounds and rhythms on the cd. The cd has a few little introductions where you can hear children, a phone ringing, ect. This cd is sure to put you in a good mood. I highly recommend it! I am actually waiting for another Dan Zanes cd to arrive I liked it so much.

we all love it.......2006-08-05

The whole family can enjoy this music, unlike many of the other kid's music that is so lame.

The Producers (2001 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Just what I wanted
I Want to be a producer
Spring Time for "The Producers"
Mel Brooks = Brilliant
it won 11 (if im correct) TONY awards for a reason!

The Producers (2001 Original Broadway Cast)
Mel Brooks , Matthew Broderick , Nathan Lane , Roger Bart , Gary Beach , Cady Huffman , Jesse Levy , and Grace Paradise, Jennifer Smith Tony Kadleck
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005AY6I
Release Date: 2001-04-17

Tracks:

Overture
Opening Night
The King of Broadway
We Can Do It
Unhappy
I Wanna Be a Producer
In Old Bavaria
Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop
Keep It Gay
When You Got It, Flaunt It
Along Came Bialy
That Face
Have You Ever Heard the German Band?
It's Bad Luck to Say Good Luck on Op'ning Night
Springtime for hitler
Where Did We Go Right?
Betrayed
'Til Him
Prisoners Of Love (Leo & Max)
Goodbye!

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The Producers was the vehicle that first proclaimed Mel Brooks's decidedly singular comic vision as a film director in 1968. At the time, the world may not have been entirely ready for the depth charges of hilarity he unleashed; but more than three decades later, it seemed almost foreordained that the film's retooling as a full-fledged musical--directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman--would become the smash hit of the 2000-2001 Broadway season (even before opening at the St. James Theatre in April). Brooks is, of course, no stranger to the Broadway musical genre or to songwriting, but skeptics might find themselves taken by surprise at just how outrageously well all the threads come together for the new show.

The film's absurd core vignette--the infamous "Springtime for Hitler"--if anything gains a few notches in hilarity when framed by a character-rich musical that comes off as both parody and valentine in its mimicry of Broadway's "golden age." Brooks (with the help of idiomatically expert arrangements by Glen Kelly) has cooked up a variety of numbers constituting a virtual primer of old-fashioned American musical comedy styles (there's even a toying with Cabaret-style decadence), but they're always coated with an extra layer of zaniness. In fact, the whole show becomes a Chinese box of parodies within parodies. But what really gets the whole mix working is a surefire cast headed by Nathan Lane playing Max Bialystock and Matthew Broderick doing a delightfully nebbish turn with delusions of misplaced glory as his sidekick, Leo Bloom.

From his first big number (musically winking at Fiddler on the Roof), Lane hungrily lays claim to the role, undaunted by his formidable predecessor, Zero Mostel. Even on disc, you can visualize his over-the-top mugging as a dethroned "king of Broadway" who was "the first producer ever to do summer stock in the winter." Comedy, as they say, is all about timing, and that's exactly what Lane gets right. His interactions with Bloom, Franz Liebkind (Brad Oscar), and Roger de Bris (Gary Beach) are priceless, even when only in sound. As for the tunes, Brooks crafts a number of truly memorable ones--don't be surprised to find yourself horrified as you hum along with "Der Guten Tag Hop-Clop" and, of course, "Springtime for Hitler." --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Just what I wanted.......2006-11-06

I saw the making of the CD on TV. The cast does a great job. I have the CD in my car stereo and listen to it often.

I Want to be a producer.......2006-03-06

This recording is great! I saw the play in november and loved the music. I bought the CD a little later and i am still listing to it. The cast are all great singers and did a great job. The songs are witty and catchy and never get old. You should listin to this.(Warning:See the movie or the play before you listin to this, you might hate it if you've have not.)

Spring Time for "The Producers".......2005-12-13

While I'll abmit that Nazi regemes and Hitler are probably some of the least funny thing in the world...i have to admit that the words to Springtime for Hitler are hilarious, just like the rest of the songs on this cast recording.

While "The Producers" Is not as musically complex or mature as other "Best Musical" scores of recent years (Spamalot, Avenue Q, Hairspray,) It is funnier than all of those put together. Nathan lane And Matthew Broderick Are perfectly cast in their roles and Caddy Hoffman is great, and when Ulla belt, she Belts!
the rest of the cast is amazing.

As for the song I can't think of one that I don't like, They are all great!

I would hope that the fact that the show makes light of Hitler doesn't turn you off, because you would be missing somthing great.

Mel Brooks = Brilliant.......2005-12-12

My theatre group went to New York two years ago, adn we did a marathon 4 shows in 3 days. Each show got progressively better, finally culminating in seeing Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick's final performance of "The Producers." I have been a fan of Brooks' since I saw "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" 5 years ago. Naturally, I was beyond excited to see the show he made of his most brilliant film.

I was not disappointed. It was funny, racy, and downright fabulous. I bought the soundtrack at intermission and have been listening to it ever since. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves musicals. Lane and Broderick play off each other perfectly, Cady Huffman has one of the best belting voices I've heard in ages, and the songs are actually FUNNY.

Aside from raving about one of my favorite shows, I would like to address the comments made about the show downplaying Hitler and being racist towards Germans. In no way does this show downplay Hitler's terrible deeds. Bialystock and Bloom make several comments about how disgusted they are about the play- the fact that it is so insulting to our sensibilities is the reason why it was chosen in the first place. I am Jewish and have studied the Holocaust and WWII for years. I was not offended in the least, nor did I feel the Brooks was promoting or trivializing Hitler's war crimes. Brooks himself is Jewish for god's sake.

Second, I see nothing in the show that is racist towards Germans. Yes there is a Nazi in it who is German. How is that racist? The Nazis went all over the world after WWII- it is possible that several ended up in New York City. And no one will argue that some Nazi's were German. You might as well say that the show is discriminatory towards Swedes, or gay directors, or producers, or the countless number of things made fun of in the show.

it won 11 (if im correct) TONY awards for a reason!.......2005-12-08

This is by far the funniest thing I have ever seen. I got the chance to see it on broadway with Lane (unfortunatly not Broderick) and most of the original cast. For some reason, certain people seem to think this play is racist. First off, the whole thing is pure 100% SATIRE. I'm 15 and I can realize that. Also, are you aware that Mel Brooks is jewish? Yeah, so lighten up. I realize what Hitler did, and it will never be forgotten. But my God, get a sense of humor. In case you never saw the play, the Bavarian guy breaks his leg (making "It's bad luck to say good luck on opening night funny) and is replaced by the gay director for the song "Springtime for Hitler". ITS HILARIOUS! BROOKS MADE HITLER A GAY GUY! And why do you think he did that? Geeze... just lighten up!

So about the CD...awesome. I love these songs, and I am very much looking forward to seeing the movie version of the musical coming out in late December! GO SEE IT!

Sousa: Marches; Band of HR Royal Marines; Lt. Col. G.A.C. Hoskins

Average customer rating:

Sousa By the Royal Marines
Still Among the Best
How Sousa Should Sound

Sousa: Marches; Band of HR Royal Marines; Lt. Col. G.A.C. Hoskins
John Phillip Sousa , Lt. Col. G. A. C. Hoskins , and Band of HR Royal Marines
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000CE7FX
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

King Cotton
The Gladiator
Semper Fidelis
The Belle Of Chicago
The Invincible Eagle
Manhattan Beach
The Liberty Bell
El Capitan
The Washington Post
The Crusader
The Black Horse Troop
The Fairest Of The Fair
The High School Cadets
The Stars And Stripes Forever
The Pride Of The Wolverines
Hail To The Spirit Of Liberty
From Maine To Oregon
The Diplomat
Powhatan's Daughter
Kansas Wildcats
Sound Off
The Thunderer

Tracks:

Hands Across The Sea
The Royal Welch Fusiliers
The Legionnaires
Daughters Of Texas
The Gallant Seventh
Golden Jubilee
Solid Men To The Front
Marquette University
The Beau Ideal
The Rifle Regiment
The Northern Pines
Nobles Of The Mystic Shrine
New York Hippodrome
The Gridiron Club
The Charlatan
The Lambs
The National Game
On The Campus
La Flor De Sevilla
Jack Tar
The Glory Of The Yankee Navy

Customer Reviews:

Sousa By the Royal Marines.......2007-03-31

This is a great CD re-issue of the Band of the Royal Marines School of Music under Graham Hoskins. This band did a three LP series on Sousa marches some years ago that was better than most on this very well covered topic. Sousa march recordings will always come and go, but some like this stand out more than others. For one, there is nothing like the panache of a Royal Marines band. Their sound is a time honored development that gets passed from one generation to the next. Even as the number of RM bands continues to change and downsize, there are now about four bands left in the service, their sound quality continues to be superb.

When these recordings were made RM bands were still at their height in the British service and their quality was amazing. Most bands numbered over 60 in this period, and that is why many Americans may be surprsed at the volume of music produced here. This is not one of your small, though excellent regimental bands! Americans tend to think that British military band instrumentation is on the thin side. Not so here! Of course Sousa always sounds best with either the Allentown band or the US Marine band.

This CD is evidence of how popular Sousa has always been in the UK, and with RM bands in particular. The selection here on two CDs covers most of the standard Sousa fair, with a few different selections here and there. Unfortunatley there are none of Sousa's fine transcriptions for classical music, or selections from his operettas. This music is always wonderful to have in combination with the marches as it shows how much variety he was capable of in his compositions. For that kind of concert the reader is referred to the very fine collection of Sousa music being done under the Naxos label by the Band of the Royal Artillery.

Here you will find a solid collection of Sousa's great marches. Roughly a third of those 136 compositions are contained here. The Royal Marines give a sharpe and clear sound to these works which should certainly inspire. You will also get a very nice idea how RM bands sounded back in the 1980s. Graham Hoskins was a fine director of music, typical of the inhouse genius of the Royal Marines Band Service at that time. He took this band on a USA tour in 1985 with the Arygll & Sutherland Highlanders. Devotees of Sousa should enjoy these spirited versions of the march king's music as performed across the pond.

Still Among the Best.......2006-06-01

I bought two audio casettes with these marches back in the 1980's and wore them out. These performances are hard to beat for virtuosity, enthusiasm, and sparkle. The sound quality is outstanding. And there are some marches that are rarely, if at all, available.

How Sousa Should Sound.......2006-03-07

Great value 2 cd disc set cut in the early 1980's & remastered the sound of the Royal Marines Band is nothing short of terrific. Judging by the sound would not be surprised for this to be a combined double RM band. These 1st chair players give Sousa's great marches that extra kick that takes the "March Kings" music to that higher level. By the center quick march!!!!

Average customer rating:

honestly..mathsux...3 * max...
Another step down in quality
JIMMY 'S BEACH HOUSE
I wanna live on the Moon!
What Happened?

Beach House On The Moon [ENHANCED CD]
Jimmy Buffett
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Far Side of the World
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Barometer Soup
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ASIN: B00000J2QZ
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Beach House On The Moon
Permanent Reminder Of A Temporary Feeling
Waiting For The Next Explosion
Pacing The Cage
You Call It Jogging
Flesh And Bone
I Will Play For Gumbo
Math Suks
Spending Money
Semi-True Story
Lucky Stars
I Don't Know And I Don't Care
Oysters And Pearls

Amazon.com

Jimmy Buffett's music has always had an easy-in-the-islands feel to it, and if his songs seem like postcards sent from exotic locations or notes hastily scribbled on a bar napkin, that's more or less what they are. On Buffett's 31st album, the singer/songwriter, bestselling author, pilot, and son of a son of a sailor offers alternately wry and sentimental observations on everything from our impending doom ("Waiting for the Next Explosion") and the appeal of Cajun food ("I Will Play for Gumbo") to the ultimate vacation getaway ("Beach House on the Moon") and life's sweet mysteries ("Oysters & Pearls"). Buffett also tries on a couple of intriguing covers, including Bruce Cockburn's pensive "Pacing the Cage," Mose Allison's sly "You Call It Jogging," and Fred Neil's laid-back "Lucky Stars." Thanks to the return of a few long-lost members of his Coral Reefer Band, Beach House on the Moon often recalls Buffett's early albums--cause enough for Parrotheads everywhere to fire up the blender, string up the hammock, and give this one a spin. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

honestly..mathsux...3 * max..........2006-12-08

Math sux made me almost waver...to remind myself why I like him, I immediately resort to his old catalog...math sux, seriously...probably worst song he's ever let be known

Another step down in quality.......2005-09-07

Just as Jimmy's albums took a general downturn from the 70's to 80's, and from the 80's to the 90's, this album again shows another step down in quality; further distancing himself farther from the classic music he once wrote in the 70's.

I mean, I'm a big Parrothead, and I REALLY want to like this album, but he makes it so very difficult with the weak material included. In fact, with repeated listens, it's actually getting harder to enjoy it.

Jimmy just seems to be coasting most of the time on this disc (coasting in a bad way), going through the motions, on autopilot. He really needed/needs a reality check of his music, away from his current trend, and back to something of substance. I doubt that this album will hold up to the test of time as his 70's-80's albums have.

Sorry

JIMMY 'S BEACH HOUSE .......2005-05-28

Jimmy Buffett makes a very good attempt to capture the population which may not know his tried and true "Margaritaville" Music. Some of the "Coral Reefers" background musicians showed up on this session which adds a lot to this CD. The songs are funky and playful and sometimes even moody. The lyrics and tunes are good enough to make you want to lean back in your summer chair and sing along, with a tall drink in hand and nowhere to go. Jimmy Buffett never takes himself or his music too seriously. I like the second cut very much, "Permanent Reminder of a Temporary Feeling". It is the perfect anthem for this or any other Buffett CD. Buffett has a breezy way of takiing us all on journeys of the imagination where everyone lives the beach bum life and is better for it. It's the "what me worry?" attitude where money, clothes, jobs, and success don't matter much. Of course to say that Buffett hasn't earned a fine living through "merchandizing" through his many restaurants and web-pages is beside the point. There are enough parrotheads who would like to believe the next "beach house is on the moon" and it is accessible to each of us. So lay back and enjoy this CD.

I wanna live on the Moon!.......2002-10-12

I recently began to re-visit Jimmy Buffett's body of work.

Yes, I am a Parrothead...long before they named us that.

But, more than that, I love the music. And even more than that, I love a good story put to music.

Buffett has done himself proud on this CD. The stories he tells about tattoos (PERMANENT REMINDER OF A TEMPORARY FEELING), failed love affairs (YOU CALL IT JOGGING), being a caveman in the era of the world wide web (FLESH AND BONE), being a true son of the south (I WILL PLAY FOR GUMBO), and the advice he gives to misery husbands (SPENDING MONEY) are top notch. Not only are they musically pleasing, they're very well written.

I'd like to ask Buffett what comes phirst -- the music or the words.

However, this year on the first anniversary of 9/11, I was really struck by the words to PACING THE CAGE. It was if I was hearing it for the first time. Made me weep.

Get this CD and enjoy songwriting and the joy of performing at its best.

Go, Jimmy!

What Happened?.......2002-02-13

Alright ive been a parrothead since i was 7. I always look for Jimmy to start my summer and end my summer. I start with Barometer Soup and end it with Mexico. I was about 13 when this cd came out, but i never really got a chance to listen to since i still loved Buffetts old stuff. Well when i got a chance listen to it and i was extremely disapointed, I mean what happened to him? Is trying to hit Pop and get on the radio? Barely any songs on this cd have any caribbean-boat-music feel to em there just simple folk songs. Math suks...first second i heard this song i didnt loose through the whole thing, this song is by far the worse buffett song ever written, terrible just terrible. Now Beach House aint that bad its got its high points such as Beach House On The Moon, I Don't Know I Don't Care, I Will Play For Gumbo, and of course the tear-jerker Pacing the Cage.(Which if you ever stumble upon live version of Pacing The Cage from when Buffett kicked off the summer on the Today Show summer of 99 I think, listen to it, it is spectacular) Well it really doesnt matter how this cd comes out buffett rarely plays his new stuff on his tour. Basically this cd is worth burnin if somebody u know has it, but dont buy it this cd gets thrown in buffetts dispointing cd along with Somewhere Over China.

Sousa Original / United States Marine Band

Average customer rating:

Enjoyed very much despite muted scratchy sound on last track
Great Band and Greater Music
A Moderate Sampling of Sousa
Start of a great series for Sousa admirers
Sousa Played as only the Marines can do

Sousa Original / United States Marine Band

Manufacturer: Altissimo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Sousa Original II / United States Marine Band
Sousa 3
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Stars & Stripes Forever and the Greatest Marches

ASIN: B00000IK8P
Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

Semper Fidelis
Presidential Polonaise
Mahattan Beach March
Comrades Of The Legion March
Saber And Spurs March
Gridiron Club March, The
King Cotton March
Easter Monday On The White House Lawn
Who's Who In The Navy Blue March
Invincible Eagle March, The
Excerpts From Mars And Venus March
Washington Post March (1890), The
Washington Post March (1988), The

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyed very much despite muted scratchy sound on last track.......2007-02-07

I gave this to my father. He was thrilled by the collection of songs. He said the last track was a little scratchy and lower volume but that the sound quality of all of the other tracks was great.

Great Band and Greater Music.......2006-03-18

Having taught music for 41 years, I do appreciate the quality of a good band, good music and a good recording. This series is all three! My only complaint is that the CD's are not long enough. I would like to have them last much longer. Enjoyed them very much!

A Moderate Sampling of Sousa.......2003-12-04

Actually one of the better CDs of the limited Altissimo! line of products. At least we have the Marine band playing Sousa, as it should be, but many of the selections are what we have heard already on countless CDs of Sousa. A few of the selections here are different and worthwhile. The problems we encounter are a mixture of recording styles taken from different internal tracks from the Marine Band Library. These recordings were never intended for commercial use. Hence the un-even sound at times. Also the brief durration of the CD indicates as well that it was never intended for public use. Finally, lack of any worthwhile liner notes tops off a rather un-professional job overall.

Start of a great series for Sousa admirers.......2002-09-07

The President's Own play these like no other ensemble. I don't know what the current occupant of the White House thinks about them, but this wind ensemble is a national treasure in my book. This whole series is highly recommended. They play with more energy than the fine musicians of the Detroit Concert Band who sound a little bored on the complete Walking Frog set. They are a much finer ensemble, playing with greater precision and balance than Kieth Brion's British players on Naxos. The only weakness is in the documentation. There is none. We are not even told who the excellent conductor is. But that doesn't prevent one from enjoying the inspiring performances. Highly recommended!

Sousa Played as only the Marines can do.......2001-11-01

This release by Altissimo! is a great collection of Sousa Recordings played by the band that Sousa made great. There are tons of Sousa recordings out there, but none feature the US Marine band. Sousa marches don't sound the same until you have heard them played by the Marines. Sousa wrote many of these marches while bandmaster of the Marines, thus the reason why the renditions of these works are so excellent here. The band playes with a real drive and energy, the likes of which few can compare. While not a large selection of marches, this CD is only volume one of a four volume set of Sousa's music featuring the US Marine band. (...) Now more than ever, with our nation in crisis, we need the inspired music of our great service bands.

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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Hawaii | Pacific Islands | International | Styles | Music
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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:

relax time
Doesn't get any better...
Great New Start, Great Finish
"Bare______on the beach"
barefoot on the beech

Barefoot on the Beach
Michael Franks
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000J7A9
Release Date: 1999-06-01

Tracks:

Barefoot On The Beach
Heart Like An Open Book
Now Love Has No End
The Fountain Of Youth
When You Smiled At Me
Double Talk
Every Time She Whispers
Why Spring Ain't Here
A Walk In The Rain
Mr. Smooth
Like Moon Behind A Cloud

Customer Reviews:

relax time.......2006-02-21

This CD is a relax in a tub of bubbles or on a good feeling memory trip. There are a couple of suprise artist with in duets with Michael that will blow your mind. You can invision yourself walking on the beach with the warm breeze touching your body. Enjoy!

Doesn't get any better..........2005-05-06

than Michael Franks. I heard this in a friend's car, and was spellbound - I had no idea who Michael Franks was at the time. Needless to say, I went a-searching, and fell in love with his utterly different, unique style.
Fantastic album, particularly 'Now Love Has No End' and ' Mr. Smooth'.

Great New Start, Great Finish.......2002-11-08

"Barefoot On The Beach" has the distinction of being both debut and swan song for Michael on Windham Jazz. Currently Michael is without a label but is touring stateside. "Barefoot" has Michael playing with contemporary Jazz, all these songs have hooks suitable for Jazz radio airplay. "Now Love Has No End" is an optimistic duet featuing Valerie Simpson, her voice beautifully compliments Michael's. There are really no surprises here, Michael still has his conversational singing style as he does all his other releases, he just played with the soundscape a little. The scatting employed in "Mr Smooth" is a bit of a departure, as is the blanking of the "F" word in the fade out. Hey, we are having an adult conversation after all.

"Bare______on the beach".......2002-07-21

sunset on the beach, or candle light in your home with your loved one. if you listen to this whole album, you will be more than barefoot by the last song. enjoy.

barefoot on the beech.......2001-07-28

One of the best I've heard ever. the band has so much heart and precision, it is a must have

Average customer rating:

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

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

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

ASIN: B0009K8L8O
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

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

Album Description

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

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

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

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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